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Disclaimer: Xena: Warrior Princess, Gabrielle, Argo and all other characters who have appeared in the syndicated series Xena: Warrior Princess, together with the names, titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fan fiction. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must include all disclaimers and copyright notices

Background: This is a Conqueror story. It follows the events of My Lord, My Lord: Solstice, My Lord: By the Fates and My Lord: Megara.

Acknowledgements: My gratitude to Cath for her edits and comments.

Comments: Comments always encouraged and appreciated.

Subtext: This story portrays a loving relationship between two women. If you are under 18 or if it is illegal for you to read this text please do not continue.

Xena of Amphipolis, Conqueror of Greece

The Conqueror's Family (ML)

Cyrene: Mother of Xena

Lyceus: Deceased brother of Xena

Solan: Son (Megara)

Toris: Disgraced brother

The Conqueror's Household (ML)

Ben: Servant – burned (Megara)

Darlius: The Healer

Danis: Lower servant – fire (Megara)

Lacia: Twelve-year old slave (Solstice)

Landis: Male servant

Leah: Slave / Gabrielle's roommate

Makia: Cook

Mansel: Male servant

Pathas: Male servant

Stephanie: Middle aged cook

Targon: The Administrator

Terrell: Old Servant began fire (Megara)

Gabrielle of Poteidaia

Lila: Sister

Hercuba: Mother

Herodotus: Father

Perdicas: Gabrielle's betrothed
(By the Fates)

Alem: Bull of a man (Megara)

Anton: Senior Guard took Gabrielle to kitchen after Xena killed Gaugan (ML)

Brogan: Escorted Gabrielle when she was taken into custody by Osric. Reward was new saddle. (ML)

Cantus: Gabrielle mentioned that she stitched a wound (ML)

Endres: Gabrielle stitched a cut (ML)

Geldpac: Seasoned warrior (ML)

Hamish: Escorted Gabrielle when she was taken into custody by Osric. Reward leave to see girl. (ML)

Mason: Young Guardsman (Megara)

Samuel: A Queen's Guardsman (Solstice)

Sentas (Lieut): Brash seasoned officer (ML)

Stephen: Royal Guardsman (ML)

Talas: Traitor, killed by Xena (ML)

Tavis (Lieut): Seasoned officer (ML)

Trevor: Royal Guardsman assigned Gabrielle's security. (ML)

Xanthus: Guard palace gates (ML)

Curan: Tried to rape Gabrielle. She killed him. (ML)

Blacos: Suggested for promotion (Megara)

Frome: Suggested for promotion (Megara)

Giles: Insults the Conqueror (By the Fates)

Hiero: Witness to Giles actions (By the Fates)

Inis: Gabrielle's lover during Gabrielle's estrangement from Xena (ML)

Lieut. Osric: Took Gabrielle into custody for killing a soldier. Later killed. Killer assumed to be Inis. (ML)

Persi: Repair the Conqueror's armor. (ML)

Sonas: Suggested for promotion (Megara)

Thad: Witness to Giles actions (By the Fates)

Acade: Ambassador from Persia (Megara)

Bevan: Xena conqueror him to win Corinth & Greece (ML)

Caesar - Rome (ML)

Lao Ma - Chin (ML)

Okal - Persia (ML)

Callisto: Cirra (By the Fates)

Draco: Warlord - took Gabrielle into slavery (ML)

Halan: Leader of Eastern raiders (ML)

Leyan: Corrupt leader of the Persian Army (ML) Montavous: Greek accomplice of Halan (ML)

Jabari: Ethiopian messenger (By the Fates)

Franco: Pensioner warned Stephen of Thanos (Megara)

Ayssel: Eastern Lands (By the Fates)

Castan: Mentioned as meeting with other Lords at beginning of My Lord.

Haldis: Challenges Gabrielle (By the Fates)

Stasis: Mentioned as meeting with other Lords at beginning of My Lord.

Vacaou: Sent assassins to kill Xena after she defeated Caesar. Xena killed him to reclaim her throne. (ML)

House of Gaugan (My Lord)

Gaugan

Ridel: Gaugan's son

House of Judais (By the Fates)

Judais: Northern Lands

Stavros: Nephew of Judais

Tassos: Brother of Judais

Tracate: Nephew of Judais

Thanos (By the Fates)

Bavavos (Megara)

Cofeus: Bavavos' chief guard (Megara)

Brijan: Guard (Megara)

Etan: Bavavos’ Guard (Megara)

Katrina: Servant of Bavavos (Megara)

Kover: Guard (Megara)

Podios: Administrator (Megara)

Broan: Story requestor (Solstice)

Calph: Peacemaker at inn (Solstice)

Damian: Negative villager (By the Fates)

Kiral: Referred to by Damian - slave connections

Notios: Requested story from Gabrielle (Megara)

Sastro: Wood carver (Solstice)

Tertius: Villager positive toward Conqueror (By the Fates)

Tess: Barmaid (Megara)

Zeki: Merchant loyal to Gabrielle (By the Fates)

Clotho (maiden): spun wool when person born

Lachesis (mature women - mother): Measure out the length of their lives on a string

Atropos (crone): Cut the string, determining when their lives end.

Megara: Xena & Gabrielle’s retreat (By the Fates)

Scupi: Where Xena retired to (By the Fates)

Patras: Where Xena would have been taken for transport to Rome (Megara)

Messene: Location of Thanos’ fortress (Megara)

I

Gabrielle and Samuel walked side-by-side through the palace halls leading to the Royal suite. Gabrielle kept her eyes forward, inviting no word or gesture of comfort from her friend and personal guard. Samuel kept an unobtrusive watch over his Queen and little sis. He felt shackled by circumstances, despising his helplessness.

Reaching the suite Samuel opened the heavy entrance door. Gabrielle passed through, pausing for a moment to gratefully touch her companion’s arm with her hand. Samuel closed the door and stood his guard post. During the following half-candlemark of wait there was an atmosphere of restrained activity throughout the palace, enveloping the edifice in a human hush.

The sound of footsteps, quick in pace, echoed against Samuel’s sensitive ear. He felt a minor relief. The Conqueror turned the corner, coming into his sight. As the Conqueror reached a distance of no more than five paces, Samuel opened the suite door. The Conqueror slowed her progress walking the final two steps to the guard. She stood before him. She shared the concern reflected in his gentle eyes.

The Conqueror entered the suite. Samuel guided the door on its hinge to a close. Xena scanned the primary chamber. Empty, she walked to the bedroom. Under the threshold she spied Gabrielle lying in their bed.

Xena approached with a light step. Standing beside the bed she marked Gabrielle’s tear stained face. Xena went down to one knee. She kissed her partner on the cheek. She whispered, "Sleep love. The morning will be kinder to you."

Xena leaned back on her heels. How kind would the morning be? Not very. There would be a funeral pyre for young Lacia. The combined healing skills of Darlius, Gabrielle, and her own could not save the young girl. The girl’s illness came without warning. There was little to do but keep her comfortable and sit vigil as she slowly slipped into Death’s embrace.

The household staff stood witness. By fire Lacia’s soul was freed to Elysia. In a line, from left to right, stood Makia, the Queen, the Conqueror and Targon. The Conqueror turned to her administrator. "Targon, because of you Lacia enjoyed two, I dare say happy years in Corinth. Be proud of the harm you saved her from when you took it upon yourself to keep her from the bordellos."

The administrator was comforted by the Conqueror’s praise. "She was a fine child, Your Majesty."

"I will miss her." Xena felt Gabrielle’s movement. The Queen embraced her sorrowful cook. The Conqueror waited. Upon separating Gabrielle reached out to her Lord. Xena took Gabrielle’s hand. Together the Royals returned silently to their suite.

Upon entering the main chamber of their home, Gabrielle released Xena’s hand and quietly made her way to the bedroom. Xena acknowledged that Gabrielle’s need to grieve privately was no reflection upon her ability to console. She went to the bath to wash the lingering scent of ash off her skin. Afterwards, dressed in her white robe, she rested outside on the balcony, sitting on the stone parapet with a raised knee, her back lying against the palace wall. She found peace in the dark still night. Much of life was sleeping. A few of the living would not wake, taken by predators or because their tired souls chose to leave mortal existence. Lacia had wanted more time. The choice was not hers. Though the lesson itself was easy to understand, accepting the cycle of life was hard. She wondered if animals understood death, understood that it approached them, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly. She wondered why humanity was given the ability to contemplate their ending.

Gabrielle stepped onto the balcony. She sought out Xena’s embrace. Lost in her own thoughts, Xena did not sense Gabrielle until the younger woman’s touch was upon her. She encircled Gabrielle with her arms. Gabrielle held close.

After innumerable beats of her heart Gabrielle spoke in a whisper. "Xena, please love me tonight."

Xena had her answer. Humanity was given the knowledge of death so that the preciousness of life would never be forgotten.

II

Nearly a two-candlemark ride from Corinth, in a vast open valley, the Royal Guard and all but one company of the 1^st Army were mustered for field games.

Stephen stood beside the Conqueror. He spoke with a hint of concern. "My Liege, the Queen rides toward us in a gallop."

The Conqueror’s gaze swept over the horizon. Gabrielle rode Spirit with a sense of joy and anticipation. The Conqueror smiled. "So she does, Stephen."

The Conqueror’s casualness caused the Guardsman’s anxiety to ease.

The Conqueror waited as her Queen walked her white stallion through the camp.

Gabrielle greeted her Sovereign. "My Lord."

"Out for exercise, My Queen?"

"I thought it a good day for it."

The Conqueror looked to the heavens. "The sky promises fine weather for today’s field games." She walked to Spirit’s side. She noted a new addition to Gabrielle’s gear. "Your bow?"

"I hoped there would still be a place for me in the archery competition."

"A little sibling rivalry?"

"I consider the prospect more an opportunity to enjoy my brothers’ company."

"I’m certain they will welcome the chance to prove their skills before you."

"So, you approve?"

"Absolutely." Xena reached up her hands in welcome.

Gabrielle raised her leg over Spirit’s neck and slipped into her lover’s arms, keeping her hands on the warrior’s broad shoulders. She spoke intimately. "I’ve missed you."

Xena responded in kind. "I’m glad you came."

The day passed well. Gabrielle achieved fifth ranking in the archery competition winning accolades from her fellow competitors. The bow was a newly acquired skill that Gabrielle found herself unexpectedly comfortable with. Xena proved once again to be a master teacher, demonstrating the necessary patience and keen eye for nuance, guiding Gabrielle to minor adjustments in her technique that resulted in superb accuracy.

Gabrielle did not have to wait long after her arrival before Xena invited her to stay with the troops instead of returning to the palace. It was an invitation she happily accepted. The Queen sat with her brother Guardsmen during evening meal. As their bard and sister, she entertained them well. With the evening growing late she ended her storytelling, bidding them a good sleep. She went to her Lord who waited with a mug of mead in her hand and her finest Guardsmen in company. With a brief good-night to her men, Xena took her leave and accompanied Gabrielle to their quarters.

In the Royal tent Xena undressed while Gabrielle unpacked her saddlebag. Dressed in a comfortable sleep shirt, Xena lay in an array of furs, which formed their bed. Gabrielle changed her clothes. She stood observing her partner. Xena’s gaze held her with a tender regard.

Gabrielle admired her lover’s body. There were only a few faint scars upon it to remind them of Xena’s scourging in Messene. With reassuring vigor, Xena’s body had renewed in both strength and agility

Because of Messene, as improbable as it may have seemed to Gabrielle, the bond they shared had deepened, strengthened. Gabrielle cherished Xena’s professions of love during that time. She recalled the words Xena had spoken soon before the events of Messene unfolded. ‘It is not enough to say I love you.’ Gabrielle felt the truth of the sentiment. Upon speaking those words Xena embraced her and opened herself up in a sublime exchange where their souls met and became one. They had experienced those rare exchanges only by Xena’s will. Gabrielle wanted such a moment. She felt a desperate need to express her love in a manner that transcended the inadequacy of spoken language. Gabrielle wanted Xena to receive from her as she received from her partner.

Wordlessly, she joined Xena in their bed. She entered an embrace, resting her hand behind Xena’s head and holding her body still, cheek to cheek. She closed her eyes and concentrated, journeying deep within her mortal being until she touched the essence of who she was, of everything that bound her to her Lord’s love.

Xena received Gabrielle generously in her arms. She found Gabrielle’s still embrace uncommon. Somewhat concerned she reached out with her senses seeking a hint of Gabrielle’s emotions. What she felt was unbounded love, peace and gratitude. She too closed her eyes and focused, seeking Gabrielle’s spirit within the silence. Against her nature Xena allowed every protective defense to collapse. She stepped back further and further inside her inner fortress beckoning Gabrielle to travel inward to a sheltered truth, to a vulnerability shared with no one other than her partner.

Gabrielle did not hesitate to walk down an imposing shaft, following a dim light that with each step grew brighter. She saw a tendril of fire flick toward her. She took the last length of space in one stride and wove herself around the flames that granted warmth and protection.

Xena leaned her head back upon sensing the extraordinary embrace of her essence with Gabrielle’s. She surrendered. She gave nothing, received everything in a manner she had never allowed before. What she felt was not bliss. What she felt was beyond the mortal. The divine, a divine harbored within Gabrielle, touched her.

Xena awoke. Gabrielle continued to lie as she did during the evening’s end. Xena was once again surprised and humbled by the love they shared. Their union had formed gradually, cautiously. She would have vowed that she could not love more, and yet she too would swear that what Gabrielle gave her the night before took them both to a more profound union.

Gabrielle stirred. She slowly shifted onto her side. Her hand slid to rest over Xena’s heart. She struggled to find a word worthy of the moment. "Thank you."

"I’ve done nothing," Xena whispered.

"Promise me… promise me that you won’t leave me easily."

The promise was one long given; one Xena had no intention of breaking. "I will fight mortals and Gods alike to be with you. Gabrielle, as I promised you when you first came to me, whether I am with you or not is for you alone to decide. With you I have Megara. You are my Elysia."

III

Gabrielle had spent a second day in the valley before returning to Corinth in the company of four of her Royal Guard. Three days had passed since her departure. As scheduled, Xena, Jared and Stephen led the Royal Guard toward the palace. They were less than two candlemarks from Corinth,

Stephen stood up in his stirrups and twisted his body back and forth. "I’m going to hurt in the morning."

Xena smiled. "A massage with a strong liniment will help."

Jared quipped, "If you ask her nicely maybe Tess ‘ll do you the favor."

Stephen blushed, "We haven’t…"

Xena laughed, "You have to start somewhere."

"Fighting a war is easier than courting a woman."

"That is because you know what you are doing when you are in battle," Jared observed.

Wanting to be of service, Xena offered. "I can simply command your marriage, if that will help."

Jared goaded. "Come man! We are all waiting for the day. It promises to be grand celebration."

Stephen looked concerned. "What do you mean?"

"Don’t think you’ll elope and be welcomed back to Corinth."

"My Liege?" Stephen begged for relief.

Xena set aside her sympathy. "Don’t look at me, Stephen. Gabrielle and I had a public joining."

"A small gathering." Stephen reminded all.

"Which of your brothers are you willing to offend by not inviting them to toast you and Tess?" Jared asked.

Stephen insisted. "I have not proposed to Tess."

"You will. It is only a matter of time."

"I’ll petition Gabrielle. She will find an honorable solution."

Jared turned to the Sovereign. "I protest, Xena. How fair is it for Stephen to leverage the Queen’s favor?"

Xena smiled. "Sorry, Jared. You have lost this battle of wits. We both know Gabrielle will protect Tess from an unwanted marriage."

Stephen now laid his own protest. "Who said Tess would not want the marriage?"

"Who said she would?" Xena asked.

"She did."

"So, you have spoken of marriage."

"Not about us…" Stephen fumbled his words. "When we were in Megara we spoke of our dreams for the future."

"Am I to lose you to a different life?" Xena’s tone sobered. The jesting had lost some of its fun. Still, Xena would not withhold happiness from the Major. "We shall speak further, Stephen."

Stephen shifted his stallion closer to Argo. He spoke softly. "My Liege…"

"Oh no," Xena interrupted,. "We will speak, Major. Because if it is in my power to give, you shall have your dream." Xena turned to the General. "Right, Jared?"

"Aye, Xena." Jared heartily agreed. "It will be done."

"I am not ready to leave Corinth,." Stephen argued.

"Leave?" The prospect of losing Stephen was hard for Xena.

"To live away from the sword. To work the land," he explained.

Xena added in understanding. "To raise children from harm’s way?"

"Yes, if the Gods grant us a child."

"It is a fine dream, Stephen. When you are ready, tell me. You shall have the land and the means to till it, and anything else you may need. It will be a wedding present I’m sure your sister will be happy to bestow upon you and Tess."

Stephen did not know how to express his gratitude. He fell back to the simplest expression. "Thank you."

After a heartbeat, Jared chose to the squash the somewhat solemn mood by redirecting the subject away from Stephen’s future. "Speaking of my favorite lass, she’s coming along well with the bow."

Grateful for the shift in subject, Xena observed. "She’s comfortable with targets. I don’t think she’s ready to join a hunt. Though she has the skill, her heart causes her aim to tremble at the sight of a living creature."

"Did you think it would be otherwise?"

"No, and I’m glad for it." Xena felt a sudden jolt of sorrow. She reined Argo to a halt and concentrated. The sensation strengthened.

Jared and Stephen watched in silence having witnessed similar moments in both Royals.

Xena tentatively had Argo resume her walk.

Jared was not shy. "Is it the lass?"

Xena nodded. What she felt was neither fear nor panic. She was sure Gabrielle was not threatened. She wondered what difficulty caused Gabrielle to become so sad. She speculated that Gabrielle might be at the city hospice. As a healer, Gabrielle had never reconciled herself completely to the suffering she tried to alleviate or to the sudden unexpected deaths, such as Lacia’s, that she could not prevent. Xena reasoned. "Maybe someone in the hospice is not doing well."

"Should we pick up our pace?"

Xena did not answer. She did keep Argo at a walk, reaching out with her spirit, hoping she could grant Gabrielle comfort, transcending the distance that separated them. Less than a quarter-candlemark later Xena felt a change - the sharp severance of Gabrielle’s relentless sorrow - leaving nothing but an impenetrable void. The nothingness terrified Xena. Without warning she cried out and kicked Argo, driving the mare to a full gallop.

Startled, Jared ordered Stephen. "Go! I’ll be right behind you."

Without a word, Stephen and his mount bolted in pursuit, as Jared called his orders to the next in command. Soon the General had his stallion galloping side by side with Stephen’s.

IV

Gabrielle sat at the desk she shared with Xena. She missed her partner. She knew that as much as they missed one another, it was good for Xena to have time alone with her men. She smiled, knowing that their brief separations always ended with ardent reunions.

Gabrielle enjoyed her solitude, indulging herself in the pleasures of being a bard, with not only the ability to tell a tale, but also to write it.

Gabrielle closed her eyes as a bright flash of light engulfed the suite. Experience taught her that the source of the light was one of the Gods. She stood and waited. Her expectations were realized with the appearance of the Goddess of Love. She greeted her visitor. "Aphrodite, Hello"

Aphrodite responded warmly to the young Queen, "Gabrielle, how are you?"

"Good." Gabrielle smiled, "Very good."

"And Xena?"

"She’s well." Gabrielle was curious. "Aphrodite, what brings you here?"

"Most mortals would welcome a visit from a God."

"Depends on the God," Gabrielle said lightheartedly.

"Me?"

"Of course, you are always welcomed."

The Goddess’ mien altered as she spoke with uncharitable bluntness. "Gabrielle, I’ve come for your promise."

Gabrielle needed no explanation. She had given Aphrodite only one promise. Still she grappled with the magnitude of the Goddess’ claim. "My promise…"

"Your life in exchange for Xena’s."

Gabrielle sat down and looked at her hands focusing upon her joining ring, remembering the night Xena slowly bled from Aphrodite’s mortal wound. She raised her noble gaze to the Goddess. "Yes…"

"Will you come with me willingly?"

Gabrielle nodded.

Aphrodite reached out, "Take my hand."

Gabrielle’s gaze traveled across the room. Corinth had been her home for the past four years. Her sorrow intensified with each heartbeat. Her survey ended back upon the quill lying on the desk. "Aphrodite…" Gabrielle’s voice was arrested by her emotion. She tried to speak again. "Xena… May I leave her a note?"

"What will you write?"

"The truth."

"I don’t have much time."

Gabrielle reached for a clean sheet of parchment and took her quill in hand, dipping it in her inkpot. As she wrote, her tears fell from her cheek to the writing surface.

V

Samuel heard before he saw the Conqueror running down the corridor toward his station. He had not expected the Conqueror until nightfall. The sight of her gave him reason to be concerned. He reached out for the suite door handle while his eyes remained riveted upon the dark presence. Just as Xena neared, from afar he saw two more figures turned into the corridor. The larger form he took for Jared. The spryer Stephen or Trevor. His foreboding spiked. Whatever happened had to have been of an alarming nature. He knew better than to speak. His muscles tensed, his mind sharpened, ready to act upon command.

With the Conqueror two strides away he opened the door and kept it open.

"Gabrielle!" Xena shouted.

The heart-rending call of the Conqueror echoed from the meeting chamber out to the palace.

"Gabrielle!"

Having heard the Conqueror’s desperate cry a second time, Samuel waited no longer. He entered the suite. The Conqueror had moved from the bedroom to the bath chamber. The Queen was absent.

The Conqueror stopped her search and turned to Samuel. "Did you hear or see anyone come in or our of here?"

Samuel stammered, "No, My Liege. The Queen had no visitors."

"Did Gabrielle say anything about where she might go?"

"No. She was in bright spirits. She said she planned to take time to write."

Jared and Stephen had entered the chamber, hearing the last exchange between the occupants.

Stephen offered, "The sparring chamber. Maybe she wanted some exercise."

Samuel thought differently. "We go together. We always go together."

Jared moved closer to Xena. What he saw in Xena he had seen only once before. His memory brought forth the death of Lyceus.

Distraught, Xena declared. "Jared, she’s gone."

The General tried to console. "We’ll find her." He turned to Stephen. "Shut the gates to the palace and to the city. We’ll do a full sweep."

"No, it won’t do any good." Xena tried to make him understand. "Old man, I can’t feel her."

Jared mined his knowledge of the bond the two lovers shared. "She may be unconscious."

"No, I’m telling you… Jared, there is always a trace."

Stephen recalled how in the Messene dungeon Gabrielle was certain Xena had survived the scourging and how Gabrielle sensed that Xena lay in the back of the covered wagon in route to Patra in spite of Xena’s unconsciousness. He looked away from the two in thought. His gaze fell upon the Royal’s desk. He fixed upon two objects that rested on a blank piece of parchment. Wordlessly, he walked to the desk and reached out, taking in hand the familiar medallion and ring.

"My Liege." He turned and presented his open palm to those in the room.

Xena’s eyes went to Stephen’s hands. She retrieved Gabrielle’s jewelry, closing her fist upon them. Her mien turned from despair to rage. She turned and stalked Samuel with murderous vengeance in her eyes. "You must have heard something!"

Seeing Xena’s free hand go to her belt dagger, Samuel backed away. Jared stepped in between the two, taking Xena in a defensive embrace. "Sam would never fail Gabrielle or you."

Xena shifted her gaze to Jared. The two warriors fixed their knowing eyes upon the other. Xena saw the hateful truth in Jared. No one present could be blamed. No one present could give her the answers she sought. No one present could give her Gabrielle.

She began to sob. Her body heaved. She felt the tear of her self, of her soul. The muted gentle presence that was always Gabrielle had simply ceased; leaving an unbearable void that with each heartbeat grew in depth and span. With each heartbeat light was further engulfed in darkness. The finality, the lack of doubt clenched and pressed her until she felt as if the Gods themselves had placed the weight of the earth upon her chest. She could not tolerate another moment of her despair. "No!"

The Conqueror’s cry shattered the composure of the men present. The cry reverberated through the palace passageways and vents, causing all who heard it to stop in step and gesture. Voices silenced as the palace reached out to listen for some manner of explanation of what tragedy had struck the household.

Xena collapsed in Jared’s arms. He guided her down to the floor as her body was wracked with convulsions. He turned to the Major unwilling to lose hope, willfully ignoring the damning evidence. He spoke softly. "Search the city and then report to me. Take Sam with you."

Both the Major and Guardsman were feeling an intruding, paralyzing shock. Their training prevailed over their personal grief. The men left the chamber to fulfill their charge, closing the door behind them.

Jared held Xena close, rocking her gently like a child. He staked his life on Xena’s instincts and on the intangible connection she shared with Gabrielle. He, more than any other, had witnessed the forming connection between his ward and the warrior, until it became truer than any form he could hold in his hand. If Xena said the connection had been severed, he would not question it. As he did not question Gabrielle when she called him to her and quietly informed him that Xena was dead after being struck by an arrow and physically disappearing. He had held Gabrielle’s gaze demanding a retraction. She did not waiver. Her answer was guileless, "She’s gone from me, Jared." He then knew it was true. Now, as he held Xena, he knew Gabrielle was no longer on the mortal plane. His tears fell silently. He felt the rising grief of losing his young lass and he felt the companion grief that what had transpired would, in all likelihood, end with the loss of Xena. The Xena that had come to be in the presence of Gabrielle would be no more. The broken spirit could have once survived by returning to hatred. He knew better. Xena would not betray Gabrielle’s legacy. What he feared was Xena’s death either by the slow withering away of her life or by a quick self-inflicted stroke of the sword.

Jared closed his eyes. He could not face the inevitable wretched consequence of living in a world that had a reason beyond comprehension. If all was Zeus, he cursed the God. The destruction of Greece could not have been more swiftly or bitterly executed. All that held the empire together in peace and prosperity was crushed by an unexpected wind. In his heart his questions held firm. ‘Why? What hubris, what blasphemy, what sin of the past, brought this curse to Corinth? Had not the Gods’ design been realized for the greater good, or was the greater good of no consequence to the Gods?’

VI

After two days of searching, Jared entered the Royal chamber and went to Xena who sat by the dormant fireplace. Jared knelt beside her chair. He placed his hand on her arm. "There’s no sign of her." He held to an unreasonable thread of hope. "There has to be an explanation. She couldn’t just disappear from the face of the earth."

Xena’s voice was ominously void of emotion. "She wasn’t real. She was a specter that came to convince me that life was worth living, that love could conqueror hatred. She was nothing but a trick of the Gods. She reached in and captured my soul. To have her I ransomed every breath I took. All that I am was for her benefit, until there was not a part of me that existed without her. The siege complete she left, leaving nothing behind. I am nothing without her. Jared, I have no reason to continue in this pitiless world fashioned by the Gods."

"You’re wrong. Gabrielle was flesh and blood. She was beauty and compassion, but she was as mortal as you or I. Xena, honor her memory by not denying her."

"I do not deny her, Jared. Her open journal is on the desk. Her scrolls are in the cabinet. Her cloak hangs on the hook. The scent of her lingers in the rooms. No, for all the evidence that she was here, I do not deny her."

"You must live on. You owe her that."

"We made our promises. We had an understanding. I thought I understood Gabrielle’s grief. I thought I understood because Gabrielle and I had separated in the past. When I left her in Amphipolis, when I was taken to Mount Olympus, when I gave up the throne and took up residence in Scupi, each time I took Gabrielle with me. I had our memories. I had the part of her that is in me still, in my custody, safe, protected. No one, not even the Gods could wrench her from me. Now, she’s gone. She is a wraith I can reach out to but not touch. If she speaks it is to deaf ears. I cannot hear her. I do not feel her, Jared. She knew this once and swore never again to bear it. I thought I understood. I didn’t. Now I do and I am grateful that she forced me to speak to her of this day, to ready myself for it. I am free to do what I must without shame or guilt. Nothing will hold me back, old man. She waits for me and I shall not keep her waiting much longer."

"I can’t lose you, too." Jared begged. "Old men should die before the young."

"It’s too late. Death took the youngest of us all."

"Xena, will Hades guide you to Gabrielle?" Jared did not mean to be unkind with his question.

"Charon will not deny me crossing if you place a coin in my hand. A gold piece should bribe him well. On the other side of the Styx I will find my way to her."

"She will be in Elysia."

"And who is to say I will be given entrance?" Xena had never been sentimental about her afterlife. "I know my fate cannot be so gentle. If I am simply able to catch a glimpse of her across the way, whatever agony Tartarus renders, I will endure gratefully. By my honor, it will be a less painful existence than what I know now."

"Xena, think again. I beg you. Gabrielle did not leave Corinth by mortal means. You are giving the Gods a cheap triumph over you."

"I don’t care."

Reluctantly, Jared left Xena alone. He resigned himself to the fact that he could not watch her night and day. He also accepted the fact that he had no power or right to stand against her.

Night fell on the tenth day after Gabrielle’s disappearance. Xena walked up the turret stairs carrying her sheathed sword in hand. Standing at the threshold she remembered a day early in her life with Gabrielle.

It was Gabrielle’s faith in her, no matter how fine and fragile, that had become Xena’s greatest strength. It was Gabrielle’s faith that gave Xena reason to live. It now gave her reason to die.

Xena knelt and unsheathed her sword. She braced the hilt of the weapon against the stone wall, guiding the tip of the blade to her heart. The point of metal rested across Aphrodite’s wound. She closed her eyes and tried to seek Gabrielle’s essence within the void of darkness. The denial emboldened Xena’s resolve. Her hands slipped down to the center of the blade. She wrapped her fingers around the cold edges causing minor cuts upon her skin.

Furious, Ares appeared and kicked the blade from Xena’s hands. "Are you insane?"

Undeterred, Xena reached out for the blade.

Ares stomped his foot upon it. "Why must your love for the guttersnipe be an unholy madness?"

Xena, her eyes manic, looked up bitterly. "When haven’t I been on the brink?"

"I gave you your battle lust. War takes you to the extreme. Only war!"

"I don’t do anything halfway – kill or love."

"So now you’ll kill yourself for the sake of love. Don’t you find that ironic, especially since Gabrielle gave herself up for you? What gratitude are you showing her by making her sacrifice meaningless?"

If only for a moment, the revelation caused Xena to refocus upon life. "What are you talking about?"

"She chose your life over her own."

"Why?"

"Because you were dying. Or have your forgotten my sister’s wound in Megara?"

"That was over a year ago."

"My sister would say you should be grateful she didn’t take Gabrielle on the spot."

"I’ll find Gabrielle on the other side."

Ares spoke disdainfully. "You think Hades will let you see her?"

"I’ll find her."

"No you won’t." Ares offered more information than he would have liked. "She’s not among the dead."

Xena stood up. "Gabrielle is still alive?"

"Yes."

"Where is she?" Xena demanded.

A flash a light announced the presence of a second god. Aphrodite appeared. "Do tell, brother. Where have you hidden my Chosen?"

Frustrated by his sister’s intrusion, Ares struggled to regain his usual insincere geniality. "What are you doing here? And what do you mean, ‘your Chosen’?"

"You didn’t think Mnemosyne wouldn’t mention the favor she did for me? She was curious if I was pleased with the results. I can’t tell you how surprised she was to find out that I had no idea of what she was talking about. It didn’t take me long to figure out that you were involved."

"Mnemosyne has always favored you over me." Ares showed a measure of his sibling rivalry. "Can’t blame me for taking advantage of that."

"I don’t mess with your Chosen," Aphrodite said censoriously, "Don’t you go messing with mine."

"There you go again. Since when is Gabrielle your Chosen?"

"Megara. Remember, the promise she made to me. The promise you used against her."

Xena listened to the exchange with impatient interest. "Ares, bring Gabrielle back."

Ares shouted. "Don’t tell me what to do!"

Aphrodite was unimpressed. "Father is expecting you. He wants to speak to you about fair play."

"Fair play and the God of War don’t go together! What is Dad going to do to me? Send me to my temple without my sword?"

"Without a particular sword you wouldn’t be as good with the…"

"Shut up!"

Aphrodite insisted, "I want Gabrielle."

"You and Xena both. What are you going to do, draw straws?"

"Brother, I’m not going to ask you again."

The God crossed his arms with an air of self-satisfaction. "There’s one problem."

Xena threatened, "If you’ve hurt her…"

"I didn’t do anything she didn’t consent to."

"Ares…"

"Ask my sister. She knows. I asked Mnemosyne to make your Gabrielle feel better."

Xena turned to Aphrodite. "What did Mnemosyne do?"

The Goddess’ unabashed demeanor grew less assured in light of Xena’s intensity. "She took away Gabrielle’s memories so Gabrielle wouldn’t mourn your separation."

Ares boasted, "You can’t mourn what you don’t remember."

Xena was stunned. "Gabrielle consented to forget me?"

"I didn’t tell her how I was going to take the pain away."

"You bastard."

"Hey, that’s the gratitude I get for doing a good deed. Come on, Xena. Be honest. Haven’t you wanted Gabrielle to have a clean slate? No slavery. No rape. No memories of how you abandoned her in Amphipolis. Damn, I did you both a favor. You’ll thank me once you calm down and think about it."

Xena set aside the truth that resided in much of what Ares had said. "Where is she?"

"There’s an old woman that likes taking in stray cats. I left Gabrielle at her doorstep."

Xena surged toward the God of War. Aphrodite placed herself between the two. "Brother, if you don’t give us a straight answer I will let Xena beat you to a bloody pulp, as unloving as it might be, it will be what you deserve."

Offended, Ares shouted. "I am a God!"

"And she is Xena." Aphrodite remained steadfast. "Where is Gabrielle?"

Ares’ gaze shifted from his sister to the Conqueror. "Mark my words, Xena. You’re going to wish you listened to me."

Xena was unmoved. "Where is she, Ares?"

Ares shook his head with undisguised pity. "Ithome in Thessaly."

VII

Xena led the Queen’s Guard and Stephen beyond the village of Ithome to a modest homestead a short distance to the east. The Ithome innkeeper had freely offered information regarding a mysterious young woman who had appeared in the precinct, her memory lost to her. A well-respected elder had taken the woman into her care.

Reaching the homestead Xena dismounted and approached alone. An elderly woman exited the modest home and descended down the porch steps.

Xena spoke kindly. "Good day, are you Casta?"

"I am." The elder looked behind Xena to her escort. She noted the banners flown by two Guardsmen. At the moment of recognition she was struck with fear. She bowed, "Your Majesty, pardon me, I didn’t realize. An old woman does not see well."

Xena reached out and touched the woman’s arm. "It’s all right. Please."

The elder straightened her body and met the Conqueror’s gentle gaze.

Xena kept a patient demeanor. "I have been told you have taken in a young woman who has lost her memory."

"I have, Your Majesty."

"Is she well?"

"As well as she can be."

"Tell me how you found her."

"She found me. She stood in front of my house. She was unhurt. She had no memory of who she was. The village healer has not been able to help her."

"What name has she been given?"

"Metea"

"Gentle," Xena mused. "It is appropriate."

Casta stated hopefully. "You know who she is?"

"I do," Xena confirmed. "She is Gabrielle of Poteidaia, Queen of Greece."

Casta exclaimed in surprise. "By the Gods, how can that be?"

Gabrielle exited the house and stepped onto the porch. She was dressed in a simple tan peasant dress. Her golden hair fell freely. She swept a wisp to the side in an easy gesture. "Casta, is everything all right?"

Casta looked to the Conqueror, who nodded. "Yes, Child."

Xena stepped forward, reining her desire to take Gabrielle into her arms. She addressed her partner. "Good morning."

Wary, Gabrielle looked from Casta to the tall warrior woman before her. She noted the banners and assumed the warrior to be a member of the aristocracy. "Good day." Gabrielle noted the intense nature of Xena’s countenance. She looked beyond Xena to the soldiers; all kept a constant gaze upon her. "Is something wrong?"

Xena spoke softly, "No, nothing is wrong. I was speaking to your caretaker. Would you give us a further moment of privacy?"

Gabrielle looked over to Casta with uncertain eyes.

Casta assured, "Go on. This won’t take long."

Gabrielle reentered the homestead, taking one last look over her shoulder as she disappeared through the door.

Casta observed the obvious. "She did not recognize you."

"No, she did not." Xena masked her disappointment.

"I’m sorry."

Xena had given considerable thought during the trip to Ithome how best to approach Gabrielle. She set her plan in motion. "Would you do me a favor?"

"Of course, Your Majesty."

"I want to see if something familiar will help restore the Queen’s memory. I have two scrolls with her stories."

Casta confessed regrettably. "I cannot read or write."

Xena set the elder’s concern aside. "The Queen can. I want the scrolls transcribed. Take this case. It holds everything she will need to complete the task."

Casta took possession of Gabrielle’s scroll case. "What should I tell her?"

"The truth. Tell her the Conqueror requests that she transcribe the scrolls. I will be by tomorrow to see how well she is accomplishing her work."

"How am I to explain knowing that she can read and write?"

"She has not demonstrated the ability?"

"There has been no cause to."

"Call her. We will find out together."

"Very well." Casta raised her voice. "Metea! Child come out here."

Gabrielle appeared at the door.

"It’s all right." Casta waved her over. "Come here."

Gabrielle stepped to the elder’s side.

Casta handed her one of the scrolls. "Take it. Open it."

Gabrielle did as she was told. Upon seeing the script, her eyes moved from one line to another, following the beginning of the story.

Casta concluded, "You can read."

Gabrielle looked up, not thinking the skill anything less than natural. "Yes."

"Metea, this is Xena, Conqueror of Greece."

Gabrielle bowed respectfully, "Your Majesty."

Gabrielle’s failure to use her private endearment of ‘My Lord’ broke Xena’s heart.

Casta continued, "The Conqueror is traveling through and needs this and another scroll transcribed. Would you do it?"

Xena spoke up. "I would be grateful. You can name your price."

Gabrielle was at a disadvantage. "I would not know how much to ask."

Xena graciously proposed. "Then trust me to give you a fair amount of coin for the task."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

"Thank you. I will be by mid-day tomorrow to see your progress. Good day to you both."

Casta bid the Sovereign a sincere farewell. "Good day, Your Majesty."

Xena turned and walked to Argo. She mounted the mare and took one final look toward Gabrielle before returning to village.

VIII

The Conqueror took residence in the village inn. Space was at a premium. She arranged to let an adjacent common meetinghouse as barracks for her men. She hoped the necessity of the arrangement would be brief. Her desire to bring Gabrielle home to Corinth was tempered. Seeing Gabrielle healthy was reassuring. Bittersweet was the fact that Gabrielle’s memory included her years as a slave. There was no parceling the good from the horrid. The return of Gabrielle’s memories would be painful. Xena was determined to exercise her greatest patience. Gabrielle would have all the time she needed to reclaim her life.

The following day, the Conqueror and an escort of four arrived at Casta’s modest homestead as the sun traveled past its apex. Casta met the Sovereign outside. Xena dismounted Argo. She spoke respectfully to the elder, wasting no words. "May I speak to her?"

"She is in the back room, Your Majesty."

"Thank you."

Gabrielle’s room was small. The furnishings were limited to a chair positioned by the entrance, a bed, a tall cabinet for clothes, and a desk and second chair, the latter two placed at right angle to the window. The sun’s rays illuminated the space. Gabrielle sat at the desk, her back to Xena.

Xena announced herself. "Good day."

Gabrielle turned. Seeing the Conqueror, she stood. "Good day to you, Your Majesty."

Xena tried to keep formalities to a minimum. "Please sit down."

Gabrielle positioned her chair so it faced the Conqueror before taking her seat.

Xena asked. "How goes your work?"

"I have made fine progress in the transcription." Gabrielle was enthusiastic. "I am finding my work enjoyable. This is an engaging story."

"It was written by Gabrielle of Poteidaia."

"The Queen?"

Xena nodded. She took the nearby chair and placed it opposite Gabrielle before sitting down.

"Last night Casta spoke of the Queen." Gabrielle offered her own assessment. "She is indeed a gifted bard."

Xena marveled in hearing Gabrielle commend herself. Her partner was always too modest to completely embrace her talents without an accompanying hint of doubt or qualification. "She has a natural curiosity which serves her well. She wants to understand the world. You can understand her mind and her heart if you study her stories."

Gabrielle was curious. "What did the story of the Guardsman and the server tell you?"

"The story is true." Xena reported. "The Guardsman had once shown the Queen the same courtesy when she was a slave in my household. Though the story is meant to make us laugh at the Guardsman’s bold chivalry against a tavern of discontents, my Gabrielle celebrates his noble heart, above all else."

"At the end the Guardsman won the server’s affection. Is that true as well?"

"Yes." Xena was proud of her minor role in bringing Stephen and Tess together. "Theirs is a fine romance."

Gabrielle grew silent.

"What is it?" Xena asked.

Gabrielle spoke shyly. "I was thinking how grand it would be to have such a love."

Xena believed there could be no grander love than that which she shared with Gabrielle. "You may have known such love."

"I know nothing of my life. I have been alive for a fortnight."

"Only yesterday you realized that you could read and write. There is surely more of your self within you waiting to be rediscovered."

"I am a mystery to myself. Having no memory, meeting a stranger brings a moment of hope. I catch the other’s eye at a distance and wonder ‘what if’? What if she knows who I am? What will the past bring to the present? How will it change the future I now imagine for myself? The stranger comes closer and proves to be unable to tell me anything I do not already know. So, I keep waiting for the stranger who isn’t a stranger."

Xena edged toward the truth. "What if the stranger is afraid to tell you the truth?"

"Why would the stranger be fearful?" Gabrielle asked, feeling the dread fueled by a truth kept hidden under her garments.

"Maybe the past is painful. Maybe you would be happier not knowing."

Gabrielle believed that in all probability hers had been an unkind life. In order to have a chance of learning the truth, she chose to take a risk. She confessed. "My past is written on my body."

Knowing very well what Gabrielle alluded to, Xena pretended ignorance. "What do you mean?"

"I have scars on my back. Casta said they were made by a whip." Gabrielle placed herself at the Conqueror’s mercy. "Your Majesty, what will happen to me if I am found to be a runaway slave?"

"I doubt that is true." Xena attempted to ease Gabrielle’s obvious fear. "Were it, I would redeem you and set you free."

"Why?" Gabrielle asked; a part of her needing to believe the Conqueror spoke truthfully.

"My Queen does not suffer slavery. In that regard, as well as others, she has taught me compassion. The Fates have placed a great enough burden upon you."

"The greatest burden is not knowing the truth."

Xena placed her elbows on her thighs and leaned forward, clasping her hands before her. "So you would have the truth no matter how harsh?"

"It cannot be much harsher than my imagination."

Xena stood up and went to the desk. With her hand on Gabrielle’s back, she encouraged the younger woman to turn toward the desk. "Let me show you..." Gabrielle shifted as asked. Xena picked a recently transcribed section of the scroll and overlaid it upon the original. "Look closely to the writing. This you scribed. Compare the script with what is written in the Queen’s scroll. Do you find them alike?"

Gabrielle studied the scripts closely. She looked up bewildered. "Yes."

"As you said, the body remembers. My Queen disappeared a fortnight and a day ago. She was taken away from our home and stripped of her memory because Ares wanted to drive me back to my old ways of hatred and violence."

Gabrielle looked up to the Conqueror. "How do you know he did not kill her?"

"Because he stated as much. And, because my Queen is admired by Aphrodite and Ares would not risk his sister’s ire. When Aphrodite learned what Ares did, she petitioned Zeus to intervene."

Though Gabrielle understood what the Conqueror was intimating, a part of her continued to deny the truth of her identity. "What did Zeus do?"

"He prohibited any further interference in our lives. I was told where to find you and I have come to take you home."

Gabrielle’s gaze traveled from Xena to the scroll. She stood up and walked toward the window. She had been certain that her identity was a lowly one. She faced a far different truth, one that placed her within a world she could not begin to fathom. "I do not remember."

Xena’s tone was tender. "Gabrielle, you made a promise to Aphrodite. You offered your life for mine. Over a year ago I was dying by a wound only Aphrodite could heal. Ares came to you in the guise of his sister and claimed you based on that promise. An honorable woman, you went willingly. You grieved so deeply that Ares, again pretending to be Aphrodite, offered to take your pain away. You consented not realizing the consequences. Your consent was enough for him to ask Mnemosyne to wash away your memory. With time…"

She felt thrown at the mercy of the Conqueror in a manner that brought her no comfort. Gabrielle spoke abruptly. "What will you do with me?"

Xena was given reason to pause. She laid her plan before Gabrielle. "I want to take you home to Corinth. We can visit Megara. Familiar places and people -- friends might help you remember."

"As you wish."

Xena recognized Gabrielle’s acquiescence as far from voluntary. "Gabrielle, you have a choice. I will not compel you to come with me. Tell me what you want and I will do what I can to make it so."

"I do not know you." Gabrielle was sharp. "I do not love you."

The latter declaration cut across Xena’s heart. She placed a steadying hand upon the desk chair. She counseled, "Take time to think about what I have told you."

"How much time do I have?"

"I will come to you tomorrow morning. We will speak again."

Gabrielle had nothing more to say to the Conqueror.

Xena waited for a word of encouragement. None received she excused herself with a minor bow. She exited the homestead and called out. "Sam, you’re here." She mounted Argo and directed the mare back to the inn.

Trevor informed Samuel, "I’ll send Alem to relieve you after supper."

Gabrielle exited the homestead and silently watched the Conqueror ride away.

Samuel dismounted, tied his steed to a fencepost and walked to his young Queen. "Your Majesty."

"Please call me…." Gabrielle paused, torn between the two names she had been given - Casta’s Metea and the Xena’s Gabrielle.

Samuel gently affirmed, "Your name is Gabrielle."

Gabrielle’s gaze traveled back toward the now empty road. "It’s hard to believe."

"You will always have a Royal Guardsman assigned to you while you stay here."

"Why, Ithome is a peaceful place?"

"With your identity comes the danger of someone wanting to do you harm."

"Casta told me the Queen is well liked."

"You are." Samuel reassured. "But, the Conqueror has enemies from her past that might try to use you against her. I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen."

Gabrielle was rueful. "Must be dull for you. I’m sorry."

"Not at all." Samuel smiled. "I am your personal guard. I would not want another assignment."

"Why?"

"You are… special to the Royal Guard. You were our bard and healer before you became Queen. You are our sister."

"Your name is Sam?"

"It is."

Gabrielle tried to wrap her mind around her identity. "You protect me?"

Samuel chuckled, "As much as you let me."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because you can beat me up."

Gabrielle was incredulous. "I can’t!"

"Oh, little sis, you can."

Gabrielle was charmed by Samuel’s endearment. "You are not serious."

Samuel gentled. "By my honor, I’m telling you the truth."

"I use a sword?"

"You are capable with a short sword. You prefer the staff. You can out-spar the Conqueror."

"That’s impossible, she is said to be the greatest warrior in Greece."

"You have proven to many of us that the impossible is not necessarily so."

Gabrielle smiled. She felt an inexplicable affection for the man.

The Guardsman offered, "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"No, thank you." Gabrielle thought of the scrolls and decided to return to them. "I have some chores. I’ll be inside."

Samuel watched her as she departed. Gabrielle’s gestures, the intonation of her voice, all was familiar to him. He smiled to himself feeling optimistic that with time, all would be right again.

IX

Casta sat near the fireplace, her aged body soothed by the warmth of the hearth. Gabrielle brought the elder a mug of tea. Casta took the mug, pressing her arthritic fingers firmly around it. She smiled. Her voice was light, "I think I should be serving you."

Gabrielle found no humor in the comment. "I am not Queen here."

Casta gently impressed Gabrielle’s identity back upon the youth. "You are Queen no matter where in Greece you might find yourself."

Gabrielle stared into the flames. "The Gods are heartless playing with the lives of mortals without thought of what harm they cause us."

Casta sipped her tea while she considered the statement. "They are Gods. We can’t begin to understand their ways." She tugged on Gabrielle’s skirt. "Take care not to blame all the Gods. It was Ares’ mischief..."

Gabrielle turned to Casta. Her voice was as sharp as a dagger’s edge, "The other Gods turned their eyes away."

Casta was discomfited by any hint of blasphemy. "By what the Conqueror said, Mnemosyne acted in good faith and it was Aphrodite who helped find you."

The mention of Aphrodite gave Gabrielle reason to pause. "What does it mean to be Aphrodite’s Chosen?"

"You have earned her regard."

"I wonder if that is a good thing. Life would seem safer beyond the interest of the Gods."

"There are noble Gods."

"And ignoble…"

Gabrielle sat at Casta’s feet, leaning her head against the elder’s aged legs. The distance made it easier to speak openly. "What am I to make of the Conqueror?"

Casta placed a gentle hand upon Gabrielle’s head. "You feel nothing for her?"

"She is impressive, so tall and dark."

"She is as beautiful as I have been told. What I did not expect was her gentleness."

"She has a temper."

"Did she show it?"

"She tried not to."

"You turned her away. It could not be easy for her."

"She wants to take me back to Corinth."

"That is no surprise. Will you go?"

"I wonder if I truly have a choice."

"You have a choice," Casta offered, "Child, there is a place for you here with me for as long as you like."

Gabrielle shifted and looked up to her host. "What kind of life can I make for myself?"

"You were once a slave and are now Queen. I say you can make a good life for yourself."

"Even if I strike out on my own?"

Setting aside her desires, Casta encouraged, "Yes." The old woman had begun to hope that Gabrielle would stay at the homestead, if only for a season or two, while she decided her future. She knew better than to expect more. The younger woman had an indelible spirit that could not be harnessed without stifling its brilliance.

"I fear the Conqueror may try to convince me otherwise."

"You are strong enough to stand up to her."

"She could harm me in anger."

"I think not." Casta leaned forward and caressed Gabrielle’s chin with a trembling hand. "If she does, I’ll take my frying pan to her."

Gabrielle smiled and kissed Casta’s hand before easing back against the elder’s legs. She watched the fire as the wind rustled the closed window shutters. The world seemed very active even as she and Casta sat in stillness. After a while she breached the silence with a new question, one that had been dominating her thoughts. "Did the Queen love her?"

Casta knew Gabrielle meant the Conqueror. She also noted that Gabrielle continued to insist on referring to the Queen as a person other than herself. "That is the belief among the provinces."

"And the Conqueror loved the Queen?"

"Only the power of Aphrodite could have tamed the wildness of the Conqueror."

"What if Aphrodite used the Queen to go against Ares? Maybe Ares felt he had a right to reclaim the Conqueror. Why should… how can a mortal stand against him?"

Casta chose not to speculate. "The Conqueror’s life was not the only one changed. All of Greece has benefited from your compassion."

"Then what has happened hasn’t happened just to the Queen and the Conqueror." Gabrielle again looked up to her elder. "Do you think the Conqueror would go back to her old ways if I don’t return to Corinth with her?"

Casta regretted placing the needs of an anonymous nation above that of the vulnerable young woman before her. "Don’t you worry about that. You stick with what is best for you. Walk a straight line and Justice will befriend you."

Gabrielle remained unsettled. "They stay Necessity is stronger than Justice."

"Child, you seem to be trying to find a reason not to give the Conqueror a hearing. Why?"

Gabrielle paused trying to articulate what was driving her away from her name. She sighed, "I cannot imagine my life with her."

"You are a bard of great renown. If your mind’s eye cannot place you in the palace, consider how an unaffected, beautiful stranger might innocently walk into Corinth and earn the regard of the Conqueror. It is not so impossible, is it?"

Gabrielle left her answer unspoken. She was tempted to say she did not know if such a meeting of hearts could have occurred. The fact was that an even more improbable meeting had taken place between the Conqueror and a slave.

Gabrielle remembered how Casta had reacted when she first examined her for injuries and found the well-healed scars on her back. The elder’s fingers traced one scar on her shoulder for a hand-length before pausing at the border of her shift, not wanting to trespass further upon the modest young woman.

Gabrielle felt her shame. The scars were the only clue to her identity. She was a slave, the possibility of having been freed, remote. Casta promised to protect her. Gabrielle would need to be careful and not allow anyone to see her markings. And yet, given the warning, she had revealed the truth to the Conqueror upon their second meeting. Gabrielle was now left to wonder why she had taken so great a risk.

X

Xena lay in her bed. Thought modest, hers was the best room in the inn. What Xena yearned for and what the room granted was solitude. The day had brought a disappointment she could not have prepared for.

‘I do not know you. I do not love you.’ Gabrielle’s tormenting words left Xena to bitterly wonder what favor Ares could claim to have bestowed upon her? In turn, she conceded that Ares, by having Gabrielle’s memory taken from her, might have in fact graced the younger woman. Were it not for the scars on her back, Gabrielle would have no reason to suspect the horrific acts perpetuated against her.

Xena’s greatest burden rallied and demanded its due. It was Xena’s decision before the Fates that ultimately shaped Gabrielle’s destiny – to be enslaved by Draco. Through their bond, Xena had shared the terror and self-loathing that consumed Gabrielle in sleep as her psyche found itself free from conscious restraint. More times than she could count, Xena prayed for an end to those chilling nights marked by Gabrielle’s muted cries for an end to her torture. Seemingly not remembering her nightmares, Gabrielle never discussed them. Gabrielle had been constant in withholding her past from Xena and Xena would not share with Gabrielle that she, too, intimately experienced the torment. Xena would do nothing to cause Gabrielle further distress.

A decision made, Xena stood up. She called out loudly. "Aphrodite! I need to talk to you!" Her voice rose another octave. "Damn it, I know you can hear me! Aphrodite!"

The Goddess appeared in a flash of light. "Xena, calm down. I’m surprised the rafters haven’t fallen down."

Xena was resolute. She set aside all formalities and stated her demand. "Take away Gabrielle’s scars."

The Goddess was surprised by the request. "Xena, you can’t expect…"

"I can and I do. The Gods took away her memories. It’s only right that all trace evidence of what was done to her also be removed."

Aphrodite was not convinced. "If I ask Athena to heal her…"

"Do it!"

"Listen to me!" Aphrodite insisted. "If Athena heals Gabrielle and Gabrielle remembers, the scars will return."

"Why in the name of Zeus would Gabrielle ever choose to remember? She’s made it perfectly clear that the good in her life is nothing to her. If she has turned her back on the good what chance is there that she will seek out her nightmares?" Xena’s tone shifted. She pleaded. "Aphrodite, she shouldn’t carry the burden of having to explain herself for the rest of her life. If you remove the scars she will be safer. No one will mistake her for a runaway slave and her identity, as Queen, will be vouchsafed. Give her this bit of safety. She is your Chosen."

Aphrodite did not hide her disappointment. "Xena, are you giving up on Gabrielle so easily?"

"No." Xena was adamant. "But, neither will I stand in Gabrielle’s way. If Ares has given her a better life, who am I to argue."

"A life without your love?"

"I will never stop loving Gabrielle. She will always be under my protection."

"Knowing the truth of how your life and her own are interwoven, she chose to stand by you. She should be given a second chance to make the same decision."

"Without her memories, without her scars, she will be a different woman. A different choice may serve her better."

"I am not so sure."

"Right now she is neither my Gabrielle, nor her own woman. Aphrodite, I beg you finish what your brother began. Give her the chance I have wished for her since the day I came to love her."

"Your bond… Gabrielle may never know it again."

"She cannot miss what she does not remember."

"But, you do remember."

"And it is in knowing our bond as I do that leaves me no choice but to ask this of you."

"All right, Xena. I will talk to Athena and Mnemosyne. I make no promise."

Xena was sincere in her gratitude. "Thank you."

The Goddess disappeared. Xena sat down on the edge of her bed. She gathered her internal defenses, raising the walls of her emotional fortress, long fallen to Gabrielle. She was uncertain whether she would be able to endure the days to come.

XI

Aphrodite, Athena and Mnemosyne appeared at the foot of Gabrielle’s bed as the mortal slept.

Aphrodite acknowledged their target. "There she is."

Athena had her misgivings. "It won’t easy for her."

Aphrodite pledged. "I’ll keep an eye on her and make sure she’s all right."

"You do like this mortal."

"Oh, yes."

Mnemosyne warned. "She will need your protection from Ares."

"She has it." Aphrodite smiled. "I talked to my father. Zeus gave your obstinate nephew a good spanking for interfering."

"All the more reason to be careful." The Titan Goddess of Memory’s gaze fell compassionately upon Gabrielle. "She is beautiful. It is unfortunate she has so many ugly memories."

Aphrodite assured. "She needs all of them."

"Niece, for the safety of your Chosen’s soul, she will remember only by her heart’s desire. She must want her memories." Mnemosyne waved her hand with regret. "It’s done."

"Thank you, Aunt."

Athena hesitated. "Xena will not like this."

Aphrodite had Gabrielle’s best interest in mind. "Xena is moved by her guilt. She asked that the scars be removed and you will grant that wish. She will have no reason to complain."

"We both know better."

"Athena, the choice is not Xena’s to make. Gabrielle will remember only what she wishes to remember. That is as it should be."

Athena sighed. "Very well. It’s done."

Gabrielle woke to the morning stillness. She moved from a sleep devoid of dreams to the solitude of her room. She would stay the challenges that awaited her outside her door if only for a little while longer. She turned and lay on her back. The sensation of the soft mattress against her body felt odd. She stretched her body lifting her arms to rest across her shoulders. Once again she was struck with the sense of the foreign. She slipped a hand under her sleep shift and with her fingertips traced her skin, from her neck over to her shoulder. She felt only uninterrupted smoothness, no scars. She realized that the familiar tightness of her wounded flesh was absent.

XII

Xena and Samuel rode to the homestead, Samuel to relieve Alem at guard, Xena to deliver Spirit to Gabrielle. The stallion was saddled and carried Gabrielle’s usual traveling accouterments including saddlebag, water skin and weapons.

Casta sat on the porch sewing. Alem stood nearby. Casta observed the Conqueror and Samuel. The majestic white stallion impressed her. "Alem, is that the Queen’s horse?"

"It tis, ma’am."

The stallion pranced impatiently. "He seems a handful."

"He can be in the hands of anyone other than the Queen’s."

Casta got to her feet feeling the ache in her aged joints. She entered the homestead. Within a few moments she returned with Gabrielle.

Gabrielle greeted her guard, "Good morning, Alem."

Alem addressed his Queen with the informality she requested. "Good morning, Miss." He turned toward the Conqueror. He observed her dull eyes and concluded that she continued to get little sleep.

Xena spoke first. "Good morning."

As elder, it was for Casta to answer, "Good morning, Your Majesty."

At the sight of Gabrielle, Spirit became intolerant of his reins. He bobbed his head up and down seeking release.

Xena obliged him. "Go on, boy."

Spirit approached to where Gabrielle stood on the top stairs. The young steed’s beauty and power drew her to him. Cautiously, she stepped down. Having his mistress within reach, Spirit nudged his head against her. Gabrielle laughed lightly. Finding her courage she reached out and stroked Spirit’s cheek. His obvious approval led her to offer bolder affection. Gabrielle looked up to Xena. "What’s his name?"

"Spirit."

"He’s magnificent."

"He’s yours."

"I can’t accept…"

"Gabrielle, look at him. He has been miserable without you. You can deny me, but you cannot deny him."

Gabrielle turned to Casta. The old woman nodded in encouragement. Gabrielle returned her attention to the stallion. "I think we’re friends, boy."

Spirit marked his approval by stomping his front hoof.

Xena invited, "Will you ride with me?"

"Now?"

"It’s a beautiful morning."

Gabrielle’s eyes fell to her peasant dress. "I haven’t clothes to wear."

Xena dismounted and unclasped Gabrielle’s saddlebag. "I packed your riding clothes and boots." She handed the saddlebag to her partner. "I’ll wait for you."

For an unbeknownst reason, Xena’s words touch Gabrielle. After a moment’s hesitation she wrapped her arms around the saddlebag, "I won’t be long."

Gabrielle removed the clothes from the saddlebag onto her bed. She had a pair of tan pantaloons, a rust oversize tunic, a wide black leather belt and a black wool cape. She pressed the cloth of the latter between her fingers, feeling the thick, high quality fabric. She was struck by the simplicity and utility of the clothes.

She slipped off her dress and pulled the tunic over her head. The lower helm touched her mid-thigh. The arms fit perfectly to her wrists. She stepped into the pantaloons. They fit close, yet allowed for easy movement. Finally, she belted the tunic to her body.

The clothes felt comfortable, familiar. She opened the second side of the saddlebag and removed a pair of soft rust tanned leather boots. Turning the soles upward she noted that they showed signs of wear. Sitting on the bedside she removed her shoes and pulled a boot onto her left foot. It took no effort. She repeated the process with the right boot.

Standing up she walked around the room. Even without a glance in the mirror she knew how she looked. Gabrielle whispered, "These are mine." There was no doubt in her mind.

The front door of the homestead opened. Gabrielle stepped out. Xena’s gaze held her life partner. She spoke the young woman’s name with undisguised approval in her voice.

Gabrielle felt not only the Conqueror’s gaze, but so too Alem, Samuel and Casta’s. Given the confusion of the previous days, she felt touched by forces beyond her control. She did not like the sensation and refused to surrender to it. "Your Majesty."

Sensing Gabrielle’s reserve, Xena offered her Spirit’s reins without comment.

Gabrielle stepped down from the porch, taking the reins without meeting Xena’s eyes. She paused in front of Spirit, holding the stallion’s gaze. Spirit shifted his head seeking Gabrielle’s hand. Gabrielle indulged the animal, stroking his cheek. She thought, ‘You’re mine, too.’ Whatever doubts she harbored toward the prospect of riding the powerful stead settled to a healthy confidence. She stepped to the side, raised her foot to the well-measured stirrup and raised herself up into the saddle.

Xena mounted Argo. She addressed Casta, "We won’t be more than a candlemark."

The elder had been fascinated by the subtle change in Gabrielle. Clothes do not make a person, but they can enhance the effect of who one truly is. In the common riding clothes Gabrielle was far more present, one might say she commanded the space she occupied. And Casta observed, that like the Conqueror, Gabrielle seemed to be unaware of the impression she made. To Casta, never had there been a more unassailable sign of Gabrielle’s royalty. Casta acknowledged the Conqueror’s courtesy with a nod of the head and then turned to Gabrielle. "Be careful, Child."

Comfortably situated on the saddle, Gabrielle assured, "I will."

The two rode in silence for a half-candlemark. Xena kept close guard of Gabrielle, studying her posture and gestures. The consummate horsewoman, Gabrielle rode with nominal effort, keeping the proper tension in the reins, using her legs to signal her intent, occasionally rewarding Spirit with a pat, as was her habit.

They had cantered up a hill. Reaching the top Xena slowed Argo to a walk. Glancing toward Gabrielle Xena noted her partner’s face was flushed by the exercise. "You all right?"

"Yes." Gabrielle smiled. She walked her steed. "Spirit is milder than he first seemed."

"You two got along from the first day you met."

"Did you give him to me?"

"Yes, I did."

"For a special occasion?"

Xena thought back to their reunion in Scupi when, for a few days, she and Gabrielle shared their bittersweet love free from the external forces of Gods and politics. They had reconciled themselves to their separate destinies. Xena was not prepared to revisit Scupi with Gabrielle. Composing her answer, she chose the safety of brevity. "No, I just wanted you to have him."

Gabrielle changed the subject, seeking to augment what little information she knew about herself. "Casta said I was your slave."

That truth would never rest easily with Xena. "You served my household."

"How did we… Did you choose me?"

Xena sensed a troubling undercurrent in Gabrielle’s questions. "Targon, our administrator brought you into the palace to serve in the kitchens."

"After I was in your service…" Gabrielle paused. She chose her words judiciously. "You chose me to be with you."

"We didn’t come together like that." Xena struggled to find the words to explain their cautious, evolving union. "With time we grew close."

"I came to you willingly?"

The inference in the question caused Xena to wince. "Yes."

"Into your bed?"

"When you ready… Always by your choice."

"Did you grant me favors in return?" Gabrielle’s hand shifted to Spirit’s shoulder.

Xena suspected how the younger woman might come to characterize the terms of their relationship. As distasteful as the thoughts were Xena knew that when it became apparent that Gabrielle had earned the Conqueror’s favor many outside her inner circle had questioned the slave’s motives. History was repeating itself with an irony Xena did not welcome. The woman who had struggled so hard to convince others of her sincerity was, as a stranger to herself, questioning her own integrity. Knowing Gabrielle’s sense of honor, Xena assumed that the self-questioning could not be easy for her. "Gabrielle, you are not a woman of wiles. You asked nothing from me except kindness."

Gabrielle held Xena’s gaze with her own. "You have a reputation."

"Yes, and in all regards except one I am certain that my foul reputation reflects a just assessment of who I am. You are, you have always been the exception."

Gabrielle warred within herself. As remote the possibility seemed, a part of her believed the Conqueror. She returned to the fact that she had been a slave. Though she no longer bore the scars she had the memory of them. "You were not my first…"

Xena interrupted. "You were a slave for five years before coming to me. You were not treated well."

"But with you, I’ve been," Gabrielle spoke her last words deliberately, "well treated."

"I have made my share of mistakes. I swear I have had your best interest in heart as I made my choices."

Gabrielle returned to the intimate, trying to gauge what Xena would ask of her. "Your bed… that’s important to you."

"To both of us."

Gabrielle reined Spirit to a halt. "You want that back."

Xena held Argo in place. Her mien quieted, staunchly bent. Xena asked for what she was losing hope of ever having again. "I want my Queen complete."

"Heart, body and soul?"

"As I give mine in return."

"How can you still look to me for what I haven’t the power to give you. I’ve been touched by the Gods."

"You will find your way."

"You’re willing to wait, however long it may take?"

"Yes."

"Is that fair? Is that fair to either of us?"

"I can only speak for myself."

Gabrielle had never been more defiant. "What if I’m not willing to wait? What if I feel there is no reason to wait? What if I want to have my life here in Ithome and never return to Corinth with you?"

Xena spoke in a hush. "Because you do not remember?"

"Because your solicitude, though gracious, does not move me. I feel more akin to Sam than to you, and it is you I am said to love. How can that be?"

Once again, Xena recalled Ares’ words. He had given Gabrielle a new life. Xena once feared Gabrielle came to her because she was the young woman’s mistress. With time she ceased questioning the merit of their union. This second meeting was devoid of their original imbalance of power. Xena did not own Gabrielle. Gabrielle was a free woman.

Gabrielle found it difficult not to openly react to the Conqueror’s troubled demeanor. "Your Majesty, I do not wish to hurt you. Believe me when I tell you that I do not find any reason to hope that the day will come when the Fates will grant you the return of your Queen."

No matter how anticipated, Xena was crushed by the rejection. "You don’t seem to want to try. Am I so unbefitting a partner to you?"

Gabrielle held her encroaching sympathy at bay. "No, I am simply indifferent."

"The throne is yours. How can you be indifferent?"

"There is a price to be paid for the honor. I am a pauper who refuses to give up what little of myself I can call my own. Not to you. Not to anyone."

Xena steeled. Her hatred for Ares had never been greater. "Very well. We should ride back."

Gabrielle was not done. "There is a formality we must address."

"And what is that?"

"We have been joined, have we not?"

Xena voice trembled, "We are joined."

"What shall be done?"

Xena lost her composure. She responded in a sharp clip, "You tell me. By your request I shall dissolve our commitment."

For a moment Gabrielle caught a glimpse of the Conqueror both at her most dangerous and her most vulnerable. Gabrielle wondered if one went hand in hand with the other. Her resolve was tempered. "May I tell you tomorrow?"

"As you wish. Now, shall we ride back?"

Gabrielle nodded in silent acquiescence.

XII

Stephen observed Xena leave the inn. Discretely, he followed her out into the night. Xena took to the road that lead to Casta’s homestead, then paused and walked off the road into a field. She sat on a fallen tree trunk. Stephen kept vigil for a half-candlemark before choosing to join her.

Xena heard footsteps. She turned. Recognizing the Major, she had no reason to leave her station. "Stephen."

"Xena." Stephen used her given name; theirs would be a private conversation. He sat beside her. "I thought you might like some company."

"Gabrielle and I spent countless nights sharing the moon and the stars, seeing patterns and arguing about what we saw. Sometimes we would share our thoughts; more often we simply shared the silence. Loving her came so easily… Stephen, I don’t feel her. It doesn’t matter how close I get, she could be on the other side of the world."

"I know when you were hurt Gabrielle felt you slip away from her. Have there been other times?"

"Our bond slips away from us when we are angry with one another. It’s been a long time since... We can’t stand the break and quickly find our way back to each other."

Stephen said hopefully. "With the return of her memory…"

"She demonstrates a lack of warmth toward me… I don’t understand it. Even in her first days in Corinth Gabrielle granted me a gentler consideration."

"There is so much more for her to understand. She is Queen, with a history that would give any woman reason to pause."

"She thinks I coerced her into my bed. I am just one of the many rapists she cannot remember."

"Xena, that is not true…"

"Gabrielle lives, Stephen, but she is no longer the woman who grew to love me. I will live for her even if I cannot have her. I will keep Greece with no pleasure. The meaning of my rule will be to safeguard Gabrielle from afar. If the rest of Greece benefits, so be it. But, I will not pretend I do it for the greater good. Greece means nothing to me."

"You once thought differently."

"I am beyond that place and time."

Stephen anticipated a bleak prospect. "You will leave Gabrielle?"

"What choice have I? She no longer cleaves to me."

"When Tess turned me away, you were the one who understood that she was frightened, not knowing how loving a Major in the Royal Guard would change her life. Loving a Major does not compare to the Sovereign of Greece. How overwhelming must it be for Gabrielle who has no memory of who she is?" Xena remained silent. Stephen continued. "Xena, we closest to her know that our sister loved you, not the throne. The throne will not be what brings her back to Corinth."

"As I said, Stephen, she does not show any inclination of wanting me."

"You told me Gabrielle loved you in spite of the sword, not because of it. She had to see beyond the Conqueror to Xena of Amphipolis. I think right now she sees only the Conqueror. Give her time to see you for who you are completely."

"I have little time. Tomorrow Gabrielle will tell whether she wishes our formal joining to be severed."

"I did not expect her to act so decidedly."

"It is one way to set aside her doubt. Act and be done with everything that stands in her way of a new life."

"Is there anything I can do?"

"Be her brother and think of only what is best for her."

"And what about you? I gave my Queen a pledge to care for you first and foremost."

Xena smiled. She reached out and placed her hand on Stephen’s arm. "You do well, and I am grateful."

XIII

Gabrielle groomed Spirit as Samuel watched. The effort came easily to her. She seemed to know what the steed needed. "Sam, did I spend much time brushing Spirit?"

Having reestablished a bit of their enjoyable repartee, Samuel responded easily. "No, you usually leave the work for the stable hands."

"Why?" Gabrielle paused, her eyes momentarily fixed upon the brush. "I mean I enjoy caring for him, don’t I?"

"You do, but there is only so much time in a day. You oversee the care for the sick and hurt in the infirmary and the city hospice."

"Does the Conqueror groom her horse?"

"Argo? Oh yes, that she does."

"I would think she would be as equally occupied as the Queen."

"Working with horses is one of the few pleasures the Conqueror has always allowed herself."

Gabrielle was surprised by the solemn characterization. "You don’t think she takes pleasure in her life?"

"Until you came to Corinth, she had little. You have been the one to bring happiness to her."

Gabrielle continued to be uncomfortable with an identity that she believed placed her in the Conqueror’s shadow. She pointed to her gear. "In my tack… Are those my weapons?"

"They are."

"I shoot a bow?"

Samuel said with obvious admiration. "It is a new skill. You are good with it."

"An archer stays distant from who they kill. Is that why?"

"No, Gabrielle. You try not to kill, but you will if you must."

"Is that why I use the staff?"

"I say it is."

"Do you think if I tried the staff I would remember?"

"There is one way of finding out. We can spar."

Gabrielle hesitated to accept the offer. "I’m not sure I’m ready."

Samuel smiled. "Don’t worry little sis. I won’t hold a grudge when you prove your skill at my expense."

Outside the barn, Gabrielle and Samuel, each holding a staff, stood in ready stance. Samuel directed. "We’ll start slow."

Gabrielle nodded in assent.

Samuel took an overhead swing at half-speed. Gabrielle blocked the stroke with ease. Samuel repeated his offensive from the opposite angle. Again Gabrielle blocked. He continued for a dozen strokes before stepping back. "You all right little sis?"

"I’m good." Gabrielle had found the defensive routine easy.

"Fine then. Now it’s your turn to return the strokes. Go as hard and fast as you can."

Gabrielle completed a tentative offensive stroke against Samuel.

"Good. Again." The Guardsman encouraged.

Gabrielle repeated the effort. She swung a second time without a break. She felt a natural rhythm compelling her to continue. So she did.

Samuel smiled approvingly. "Ready for a counter stroke, little sis?"

"Do it Sam."

The Guardsman pushed out forcing Gabrielle back a step and swung with only slightly less force than he was accustomed to using against his opponent.

The speed of Samuel’s offensive took Gabrielle by surprise. She responded instinctively, ducking. She swung her staff low against the back of the Guardsman’s legs taking him down. She jumped tall and positioned the end of her staff against Samuel’s throat. Gabrielle froze. She breathed heavily. A stern determination etched on her face.

Samuel’s eyes were fearless. He trusted Gabrielle with his life. She would not hurt him. He chuckled. "You would think that after all this time I would learn to jump over your staff."

"Sam."

"Yes, little sis."

Gabrielle felt a surge of love. She would not speak it. She shifted her staff away and reached out. "Take my hand."

Trevor sat on the meetinghouse porch steps. He looked up to the midday sun. The Captain waited for the Conqueror to return to Casta’s homestead. Seeing no sign that she would soon do so he decided to exercise his prerogative and relieve Samuel of his guard duties, though he knew the Guardsman would be in no hurry to leave Gabrielle’s side. Trevor stood and called out to Alem. "If anyone asks, I’ve gone to relieve Sam."

Alem was more than a little perturbed in being replaced as guard to the Queen. He cursed the Captain under his breath. Stephen, Sentas and Tavis were nearby and heard the complete exchange.

Sentas turned to Stephen. "I say a Major trumps a Captain when it comes to visiting our sister."

Stephen smiled. "I agree. And I think for the sake of caution it would do good if the Major took another two men as escort. What say you?"

Tavis patted Sentas on the back. "I knew I liked you for a reason."

Sentas pouted in good humor. "Now I’m appreciated."

The three jogged to Trevor’s side. Trevor turned his head left, then right. His unsolicited companions kept their eyes directed forward. He smiled knowing that there was safety in numbers. The Conqueror would not kill all of them for returning to Casta’s.

The men turned the final bend before reaching the homestead. "Hold!" Tavis reached out his arm staying his brothers. "Do you hear that?" The men held their positions.

"Damn it to Tartarus!" Sentas exclaimed. "Those are swords crossing." Without further delay Sentas ran forward, unsheathing his sword. In unison his fellow Guardsmen did the same.

Samuel held off three raiders. Gabrielle stood aside watching the confrontation, fearful and uncertain, her hands firmly holding her staff. Samuel had knocked one man down and cut a second across his arm. The third was a formidable swordsman, matching the Guardsman stroke for stroke.

The fallen brigand got to his feet and tackled Samuel from behind. The swordsman took his advantage and thrust his blade forward, cutting Samuel through his side.

Gabrielle watched the turn of events in horror. Seeing the swordsman pull his blade out from Samuel and ready for a final deadly stroke she shouted, "No!" She ran forward and swung her staff high, making contact with the swordsman’s head. She felt the impact as the wood cracked above the man’s ear. She did not stop there. She turned against the second man and smashed her staff across his chest. The man was forced back. He saw his sword on the ground and lunged for it. He took the weapon in hand and stepped with menace toward his adversary.

Gabrielle heard footsteps. A familiar voice called out. "Gabrielle, I’ve got him!" Stephen slammed his body against the assailant, driving them both to the ground. The clash of bronze caused Gabrielle to turned to her left. There, Trevor and Sentas engage the second brigand while Tavis kept a sword on the wounded third. Gabrielle’s thoughts returned to Samuel. She fell to his side. With her hands she ripped away his shirt. She examined his terrible wound. "Oh, Sam."

"Not good." Samuel spoke with feigned calm. He felt Gabrielle place her hand over his pierced flesh in an able attempt to slow the flow of blood.

Gabrielle could hear the scuffle behind her. She did not care. She kept her focus on Samuel. The sounds quieted.

Stephen knelt by her side. He gauged the extent of Samuel’s wound. "Damn it!"

Gabrielle spoke with familiar certainty. "Help me get Sam inside. I’m going to need healer’s supplies to help him."

Stephen raised his gaze to Sentas. "Go man. Tell the Conqueror what happened and bring back our medical kit."

XIV

Xena rushed through the homestead’s front door with a medical kit under her arm.

Casta stood at Gabrielle’s bedroom door threshold. She called out, "He’s in here."

Samuel lay on Gabrielle’s bed. To his right, Gabrielle was in the process of cleaning his wound. Stephen stood behind her, ready to fulfill any request. To Samuel’s left sat Trevor, pressing down against his brother’s broad shoulders, holding the pain-wracked (wracked?) man still.

Stephen stepped aside giving Xena space to work. She opened the medical kit on a bedside table.

Without looking away from her work, Gabrielle described the wound. "The blade went through him. I may have to cut the entry wider so I can stitch him inside."

Xena had trouble seeing beyond the blood. "What kind of blade?"

Stephen answered her, "Equal to your sword."

"Let’s see the exit."

Trevor changed his hold on Samuel and rolled him to his side. Samuel howled in agony.

Xena removed a compress. "Could be worse." She reset the compress and helped guide Samuel onto his back.

Gabrielle calmly announced her intentions. "I’ll work with the entry wound first. The damage is greater here."

In concord, Xena turned to the medical kit. "I’ll thread a needle for you."

Gabrielle looked over to the kit. "What herbs do you have?"

"Disinfectant and something to help fight a fever. We can get more from the village healer."

The compact kit was incomplete. "I need a knife."

Xena directed. "Stephen, go to Spirit’s tack. It holds Gabrielle’s dagger."

Stephen ran out to the barn at full speed. Casta barely had time to stand aside.

Xena continued her effort to thread a needle for Gabrielle. She explained, "It was designed to fit your hand."

Gabrielle glanced over to Samuel. "Hey, how are you doing?"

In a weakened state, Samuel’s pain was lessening. He spoke in short breaths, "I have… the best healers in Greece… I’m a lucky man."

Gabrielle felt unworthy of the generous Guardsman’s goodwill. "Sam, I’m sorry."

"Why? You saved my life." Samuel caught Xena’s gaze. "My Liege… your Queen knocked the sense out of the brute that did this to me… You’d be proud."

Xena smiled. "Sam, how many times now has your little sis saved your sorry ass?"

Samuel returned the smile. "If she’s my sis does that make you my sister-in-law?"

Xena laughed. "Sam, you’re half out of your mind."

"Good excuse to claim my place in the family."

Trevor quipped, "Man, you’re overstepping your bounds."

Samuel was undeterred. "What’s the worst she can do to me now?"

Xena answered lightly, "Not give you a pinch to stop the pain when we cut you a little wider."

The Guardsman frowned, "Don’t seem right to cut… just to sew up again."

"Got to do it, Sam."

"Aye… My Liege… if I don’t get through this…"

Xena was firm. "Quiet now. You’ll be fine."

Samuel was not done. "Keep her safe."

Trevor would hear no more. "That’s your job."

Samuel’s eyelids grew heavy. "Here I’m dying and you can’t stop giving me orders."

The Captain snapped, "Shut up, Sam!"

Samuel turned to Xena and Gabrielle, his breaths growing shallower. "See there…"

Gabrielle looked back down to Samuel’s wound. She felt a rising fear that she would lose the man to death. The fear triggered an equal surge of anger. Focusing on her task she retrieved a packet of herbs, sniffed it, determined it was the disinfectant she needed and sprinkled it over Samuel’s slashed flesh. She muttered to herself, "Where’s Stephen?"

Xena turned to Casta who continued her steadfast watch. "We’ll need more hot water and cloth for bandages."

The scene mesmerized the elder. Gabrielle resided within the eye of the storm. While the others exchanged words, she efficiently kept control of the blood loss as she prepared the wound for treatment. The spell broken, Casta reported, "Water’s put to boil. I’ll get my good linen for him."

As she slipped away, Stephen reentered the room.

Xena commanded, "Put it over a flame."

The Major went to a candle, quickly striking a flint. He placed the blade over the flame in a steady, rhythmic motion."

Xena watched intently. "That’s enough."

Stephen carefully handed the dagger into Gabrielle’s waiting hand.

Gabrielle looked up to Xena, not sure what she was asking. "The pinch?"

Xena leaned over to Samuel. "Ready, Sam?"

The Guardsman nodded.

With a quick motion of her right hand, Xena hit pressure points on his neck and shoulder. She waited a couple of heartbeats before speaking. "Better Sam?"

Samuel drifted to unconsciousness.

Xena touched his brow. Satisfied, she stepped back. "He’s all yours."

Gabrielle did not have the time to question what she had just witnessed. She carefully cut Samuel’s incision wider, giving her the necessary space to insert her thin fingers to the deeper crevices of his wound. She presented the dagger to Xena. Xena took it and offered Gabrielle the prepared needle. After dabbing away the fresh blood of Samuel’s wound Gabrielle began to sew. Xena set the dagger down and took up a cloth. Silently, unobtrusively, she cleared Samuel’s seeping blood away so Gabrielle could better see. The two continued their work, attuned to one another. Their effort reflected a well-practiced healing partnership developed on the field of battle.

For nearly a candlemark Trevor and Stephen kept vigil waiting for further direction. They had often witnessed the Royals work in such silent synchronicity. After supplying the promised hot water and bandages, Casta took her place at the bedroom door. Alem stood beside her as the rest of Royal Guardsmen, having left the village upon learning of the assault, took strategic positions around the homestead.

Gabrielle completed the last stitch on Samuel’s back and cut the thread with her dagger. "Okay."

Trevor helped to settle the Guardsman.

Xena knelt beside the bed. She spoke with what was to Gabrielle remarkable tenderness. "Brace yourself, my friend." She released the pressure points.

Samuel’s body jerked as fierce pain reemerged from his severed nerves. A haunting moan escaped his throat.

Trevor renewed his hold of his brother until the spastic reaction eased. He looked to Xena for reassurance.

"We wait." Xena leaned back on her heels. "Good job, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle studied her bloodstained hands, dagger in one, bone needle in the other. ‘I am a healer.’ Her thoughts began to converge with her present reality. She felt a touch as Xena took possession of the implements from her hands. Gabrielle turned toward the Conqueror. She did not know what to say. Within Xena’s eyes she saw a landscape of qualities far more profound than she expected from the powerful tyrant. Gabrielle stood up and went to the washbasin. She soaped her hands, washing them clean. She looked down to her body. Her tunic was covered with blood. Not able to bear the crimson sight and metallic smell of the blood any longer, she walked to a cabinet and removed a change of clothes and then stepped out of the room, making her way to Casta’s bedroom.

All eyes followed Gabrielle’s movements. There was an austere aura to her every gesture. She did only as much as needed to be done. She looked to no one. She was alone while in their company.

For Xena, Gabrielle had changed right before her eyes. The bright scribe enchanted by the Queen’s stories walked out of the room covered in blood. She now knew what it was to fight for her life in battle; she knew how it felt to have others want to take away her freedom, if not her life, she knew the texture and smell of blood as it flowed