Disclaimer: The following story contains explicit sexual scenes involving two adult women who happen to be very much in love. There may also be some violent content as well as adult language. If these things bother you, then read no further.

 

What Price Redemption

Part 6

by Dr. Bob
jag1742@usl.edu

Chapter 6: Building Bridges

Xena looked at the pairs of eyes directed at her. "I'm telling you, I checked the bridge yesterday afternoon and it was fine!" She looked back across the river as she heard several mumbles. Although the supports and beams were still in place, all of the planks had been removed.

"Damnit!" Parmax cursed under his breath.

"How much time would we lose going around?" Ian asked him.

"I don't know, three or four days," he replied, followed by a loud sigh.

"Well, we have to cross here then."

"How?" Niereles asked.

"We're intelligent people. I'm sure we can come up with something," Ian said as he walked to the edge of the river. "C'mon, shout out some ideas. No matter how stupid," he added with a grin as he stared at one man in particular.

"What are you looking at me for?" Rexian asked as everyone laughed.

"Is the river too deep to cross?" Sammus asked.

"Yeah, and the current's too fast," Parmax answered.

"Do we have any axes or saws," Xena asked.

"One small axe, for chopping firewood, and the tools to fix the wagons. What did you have in mind?" Patreon queried.

"Well, I was going to suggest cutting down a few trees to make planks. It would take forever, though."

"How about we build a raft?" Dercleas suggested.

"Out of what?" Niereles and Parmax asked at the same time.

"Oh....yeah," the man replied softly.

Jerrus spoke up. "Why don't we go back to the last village we passed and get some materials. If they don't have the wood, we could still get saws, axes, or whatever else we'd need."

"That would be a day going and a day coming back. And that's BEFORE we'd even start working," Parmax said with another sigh. He watched as Ian walked back over to one of the wagons, looking first inside and then underneath. "I can see the smoke coming out of your ears, so obviously, you're thinking," he said with a grin as he walked closer.

"Actually, Xena gave me an idea," he said as he knocked on the inside of the wagon and then turned back to the others. "Alright, listen up. I want the horses disconnected and the wagons emptied." As everyone moved to comply, he smiled at the confused look on Parmax's face. "We have all the material we need right here," he said, tapping the side of the wagon. He looked up and took one of the amphoras from Jerrus.

As Patreon took another, he looked from the wagons back to the river. "I see what you have in mind. But even all three aren't gonna be enough to go all the way across."

"We don't need to. You'll see. Help me start taking these wheels off," he said as he began prying the locking pin off an axle.

As Parmax walked off to make sure the medicine was being unloaded carefully from the other wagons and Patreon began removing the pin from the front wheel, Xena walked closer to Ian. "Look, Ian....I wanted to talk to you about..."

"I'm sure they could use your help unloading the other wagons," he interrupted without turning around.

Patreon watched as she scowled and walked off. He turned and looked at Ian who was still fighting with the pin.

"Something on your mind, Patreon?" he asked, still focused on the wheel.

"Nope," the man replied, pulling off his pin and watching Ian do the same.

"Good," Ian said as he walked up to the center of the wagon. "Pull the wheels off," he said with a grunt as he lifted it from underneath.

After they'd dismantled the wagons, Ian wiped his brow and looked across the beams of the bridge. Rolling up his sleeves, he then looked down at the stack of boards taken from the wagons. "Okay, Niereles. You, Sammus, Andreas, and Xena walk across. Secure the other side and keep watch."

Xena, tired of the man's constant brush-offs since earlier that morning, walked up to stand before him. "What's the matter? You think just because I'm a woman, I can't handle some hard work?" she asked with a slight growl.

Ian turned and stared at her, standing on his toes a bit so that he could look her in the eye, causing some of the others to snicker. "No, I think you fight like four people. That makes three less I have to send to the other side. You have a problem with that?"

Xena just grunted and headed across one of the beams.

Ian turned and looked towards Patreon. "I realize this is probably a stupid time to bring this up, but we ARE going to be able to put the wagon back together, right?"

Patreon just shrugged and gave him a grin.

After they'd reached the other side and checked the area, Niereles gave them an all clear signal. Ian and the other men began laying out the boards across the two center beams. As they had expected, they reached just over half the width of the river.

Gabrielle and Cassandra, sitting on the river bank, watched as Patreon led one of the hooded draft horses across the planks. A few of the other men each carried an amphora of the medicine. As they reached the end, Ian and the others began picking up the first of the boards and placing them where the last ones left off, allowing Patreon and the rest to reach the opposite side. As they continued the time consuming process, Gabrielle smiled down at the blonde haired girl. "Hey, I had a long talk with Ian last night."

"I know. He told me this morning," she said softly as she watched Patreon lead another of the horses across.

Gabrielle, suddenly realizing something, placed a hand on her arm. "I didn't get you in trouble...for telling us about Ian's brother, did I?"

"No," she said as she looked over at Ian. "I just wish you wouldn't have. It hurts him to talk about it," she added.

"You really love him, don't you?"

"Just as if he really was my big brother," she said with a smile.

"Well, I hope WE can still be friends."

Cassandra turned and grinned up at her. "I think I'd like that."

Gabrielle returned the girl's smile. She looked up suddenly, directly across the river, thinking something had caught her eye. Not seeing anything suspicious, she shrugged it off and looked back towards the others, not noticing the pair of figures slinking off deeper into the bushes.

***

As they brought the last boards to the opposite side, Ian looked up at the sky as he walked over to Parmax and Saraya. "Why don't you start fixing lunch while we put the wagons back together," he suggested.

As the woman headed off to begin cooking, Parmax grunted. "We already lost half a day."

"You gotta have a positive outlook on life, Parmax," Ian said as he pat the man on the back. "The way I see it, we just saved a few days instead of having to go around. It's one of those....is the glass half empty or is it half full type of things."

Parmax smirked up at him. "What I usually ask is....who drank half my water?" He leaned closer. "Who do you think took those planks?"

Ian looked back over to the bridge. "I don't know. Someone who needed to build a barn," he said with a shrug.

"You don't think it was done deliberately?"

"Well I certainly don't think someone tore up all those boards accidentally," he replied as he gave the man an arched brow.

"That's not what I meant. I mean....someone might have done it to stop us. But who?"

"Good question. But I know it doesn't do us any good worrying about it now."

"I guess you're right."

"Exactly. We'll...just cross that bridge when we get to it."

Parmax frowned as he looked up at the wide grin on the man's face. "I'm not paying you by the crappy joke, you know?" He looked over towards the others. "Listen, about what's been going on between you and Xena..."

Ian placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry about it. It's all...water under the bridge."

Parmax groaned loudly and shook his head.

Ian smiled down at Cassandra as she came closer. "Hey, little one," he said as he watched Parmax walk over to the others.

"Hey," she said with a smile, holding up her arms.

"Awwwwww," he groaned as he bent to pick her up.

As she leaned closer to him, she pushed away and wrinkled her nose. "Phew! You stink," she said with a grimace.

"Well excuse me," he said with a smirk as he placed his hands on his hips. " Some of us have been working instead of sitting on our butts talking to certain red-haired bards."

"You don't want me to talk to her?" she asked, cocking her head slightly.

"I didn't say that," he replied as he walked over to the river, undoing the clip that held his hair back.

"Because....I think you should talk to Xena."

As he knelt next to the water's edge, he turned and looked back at her. "About what?"

"I don't know. Stuff."

"Stuff?" He shook his head as Cassandra only nodded and smiled. He turned and dunked his head into the cool water. Grinning, he straightened and whipped his head backwards, splashing the girl behind him.

"HEY!?" she hollered as she raised her hands in front of her.

Wringing some of the water from his hair as he rose, Ian looked down at her. "Oops. Sorry."

"You did that on purpose," she said accusingly, hands on her hips.

"Did not," he replied innocently as he refastened his hair into a ponytail.

Cassandra walked along side him as he made his way back over to the others. "I still think you should talk to her."

"To who?" He smiled as the girl smirked up at him.

"I think she's nice," she whispered as they drew closer to the others.

"Me too," he whispered back with a wink.

***

Xena ducked the sweep of the bandit's sword, bringing a fist into his gut. As he doubled over, she brought the hilt of her sword down onto the back of his head. As he dropped to the ground, she took a couple of seconds to scan the rest of the group. The attack had come quickly and without warning, about three hours after they'd left the river. She spotted Gabrielle fighting one of the bandits near Jerrus' wagon. She turned ahead again as another of the leather masked brigands ran towards her. Blocking the downward stroke of his blade, she pivoted sideways, kicking him across the jaw. She looked back towards the front, smiling as Gabrielle dropped the bandit in front of her. She edged closer to the last wagon as she looked around for more of the attackers. Most of them seemed to be flocking towards the front of the caravan, where Ian was.

Breathing heavily, Ian side-stepped a lunge, blocked a slash from another bandit, and kicked a third all in one motion. Parrying another thrust, he landed a spinning backfist to the one that had made it. Continuing the spin, he crouched down and kicked the legs out from another man. As he quickly rose to confront two more of the leather-clad robbers, he mused that a more paranoid person might think that the bandits were going after him specifically. Slashing one of the men across the thigh, he spared a quick glance towards the caravan, seeing Niereles and Rexian fighting their way towards him. Turning back to the bandits who were crowding closer, Ian blocked a stroke aimed at his head, punching the sword's owner in the face and sending him sprawling backwards. As he turned a rather clumsy slash from one of the bandits, knocking the sword from his hand, he noticed a peculiar wound on the man's other arm. Kicking him in the chest and knocking him back several feet, Ian's brow furrowed as he scanned the group of attackers, a disturbing thought running through his mind.

Hearing a shout from behind him, he spared another quick glance towards the wagons, watching as Rexian fell to the ground. Cursing, he blocked a downstroke of a bandit's blade as he pulled a shaken from a hidden fold near his waist. Gripping it firmly, he shoved it into the man's throat, just as quickly pulling it free and throwing it at the bandit standing over Rexian. He watched the bandit slump to the ground. He then turned back to the bandits before him, eyes narrowing. He dodged an attempted lunge and grabbed the man's wrist as he ran him through. Turning the blade slightly, he whipped it free, catching another of the bandits across the face, biting through leather mask, flesh and bone alike. Moving forward into the mass of bandits, he spun the razor-sharp blade in a deadly blur. Ducking under another swing aimed at his head, he gripped his own sword with both hands as he swung it at the man's leg, severing it just above the knee. Still crouching, he reached into his shirt and pulled out a pair of shaken. His hand flicked out twice, resulting in two more of the bandits falling to the ground, grabbing at their throats.

Xena watched as the bandit before her turned and ran back towards the trees. Looking around and realizing that all of the fighting was at the front of the wagon train, she told the nearest guard to watch the rear. She nodded to Gabrielle as she passed the woman, telling her to stay where she was. As she drew closer to the last of the fighting, she spotted Ian in the midst of it. If anything, the bandits seemed outmatched. She watched as another couple fell, one clutching at his stomach, trying to prevent his insides from spilling outward. What disturbed her the most, however, was Ian's face, completely passive, devoid of any expression at all. She looked over and spotted Parmax kneeling over one of the guards. Judging that Ian, Niereles, and the others could handle the few remaining bandits, she rushed over to the older man's side, looking down at the wound in Rexian's thigh. "Let me have a look."

Parmax moved aside, allowing Xena to crouch over the man. "Is he?"

"No, he's still alive. But he won't be for long if we don't stop this bleeding," She ripped a piece of his sleeve off, using it to press up against the wound. She then turned to Parmax. "We need to build a fire, small but hot."

Knowing what she had in mind, Parmax nodded and walked back towards the first wagon. Reaching under the seat, he pulled out a flask of oil and instructed Saraya to get one of the bundles of firewood from inside.

Xena looked ahead, noticing that the sounds of fighting had stopped. She watched as a few of the bandits disappeared into the forest. She looked up at Ian and the others as they came closer, doubting if any of the blood on the man was actually his.

"How is he?" Ian asked.

"He's lost a lot of blood. I'm going to cauterize the wound." She reached over and grabbed Rexian's sword, passing it to Niereles. "Take this to Parmax, tell him to heat it up."

"Wait Niereles," Ian said as he leaned down over the nearby bandit, pulling the dead man's sword from his grasp. "Use this one. It seems appropriate." As the others nodded in approval and Niereles walked off to where Parmax already had the fire going, Ian placed his foot on the base of the bandit's skull, pulling the shaken free. He looked up to Sammus who was standing nearby. "Make sure everyone else is alright. Tell them we're leaving as soon as we can." As the man nodded and walked off, Ian leaned down and pulled the leather mask off of the bandit, smirking at it as he turned it over.

Xena also smirked as she looked down at the blood soaked cloth under her fingers. "Somebody get me something to press...," she stopped as someone thrust a bundle of cloth in front of her. She smiled up at Gabrielle. "Thanks," she said as she threw aside the soaked rag and pressed the clean one into the deep gash in the man's leg. "Are you okay?" she asked her softly.

"I'm fine. How's Rexian?"

"He'd be a lot better if I could stop this bleeding."

"Ian?"

Everyone turned as Cassandra walked closer.

Ian, crouching near Rexian, started to get up until he noticed the blood covering his hands and arms. He smirked as he wondered what the rest of him must look like. "Uh....Cassandra, go back with Shinnara and the others."

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay," she said as she took a step closer.

"I'll take her back," Gabrielle whispered. She stood and walked over to the girl, picking her up and carrying her.

"Is everybody okay?" she asked, looking back over Gabrielle's shoulder.

"Uhm...Rexian's hurt. But Xena's gonna take care of it." She swallowed as Parmax and Niereles passed them with a sword, the end of which was glowing bright orange.

"What's that for?" Cassandra asked.

"Nothing. Let's go see what Temanon and the others are up to. Okay?" She smiled as the girl nodded and placed her arms around her neck.

Xena looked up as Niereles handed her the sword. "Alright, turn him over onto his side and hold him down in case he comes to." She looked from the sword up to Parmax. "How'd you heat it up so fast?"

"Old blacksmith's trick," he replied with a slight grin.

Ian looked up at her. "Okay, we got him."

Pulling back the cloth, Xena pressed the blade into the wound, not grimacing at the sound or smell of burning flesh. After she was sure the wound was properly stanched, she pulled the blade away, tossing the sword aside. Rexian hadn't stirred at all, which was both good and bad.

"Alright, let's get him into the wagon," Ian instructed. "Nice and easy."

"We'll get it, Ian," Dercleas said. "Why don't you get cleaned up? You look like Ares himself."

As she helped pick up Rexian, Xena didn't find the joke funny at all.

"Niereles and Parmax, hold up. I want to talk to you about something," Ian said as he walked over to his horse and removed a waterskin.

Xena led the others to the first wagon. "Sammus, you and Drax climb inside. We'll pass him to you." After they'd loaded him into the wagon, she looked up to Saraya. "Why don't you clean him up. Just be careful around the wound."

"I will. Here," the woman said as she passed Xena a wet cloth.

"Thanks," Xena replied. As she cleaned the blood off of her hands, she looked towards Ian, Niereles, and Parmax standing in the field, apparently arguing about something. As she walked towards them, she looked down at the bodies lying in the bloodied grass. A quick glance told her there were about fifteen. She smirked down at Ian who was crouched over one of them. "Was this really necessary?" she asked, pointing around the field.

Ian rose slowly, not looking at her. "Aw c'mon, Xena. I'm just a killer. You said so yourself."

"He thinks these are the same men who've been attacking us since we left Athens," Parmax said as he crossed his arms.

"I don't THINK it, I KNOW it you hard-headed old..." Ian grunted as he walked over to another of the bandits. "Look, you see this?"

Xena looked down at the wound on the man's arm. It looked a few days old. "Yeah. So?"

"I gave him that. Two days ago," Ian replied.

"How can you be so sure?" Parmax asked. "He could've gotten that anywhere. It's not even that bad a cut."

"No, he couldn't have gotten it anywhere. When I did this, I severed the muscles which allowed him to bend his fingers. It's NOT a random cut." He looked up at Xena, seeing that she understood. "We also found these on about half of them." He pulled up the man's other sleeve, exposing a small tattoo of a sword with a flaming blade.

"That doesn't prove anything. They just belong to some type of thieves' guild," Parmax interjected.

"Common thieves don't tattoo themselves because it's too risky. If they're caught, they can be linked to other crimes."

"Oh really," Xena asked with a grin as she tapped him on the shoulder.

Ian looked back at her. "I wouldn't exactly call the Shadow Dragons common thieves. But, there are other groups who tattoo themselves like this," he said with an arched brow.

"Mercenaries," Xena stated simply.

"It makes sense. Think about it. Nearly every time we were attacked, they were wearing some type of mask or hood. The way they fought seemed disciplined, like soldiers. I can't believe I didn't pick up on it sooner."

"But who would hire mercenaries to attack us?" Niereles asked.

"Tetramon," Parmax said as he shook his head. "He wants to make sure the medicine doesn't reach Illyris or his brother."

Niereles smirked as he looked down at the bodies. "Okay, but if all of them aren't mercenaries, who are the rest?"

Parmax leaned down and pulled the mask off of one of the bodies. "Probably some of Tetramon's men. Or mercenaries from a different company. They must've been the ones who took the planks off of the bridge. The question IS, what are we going to do about them?" he asked, looking towards Ian. As the man continued to stare down at the ground without answering, Parmax took a step closer. "Ian?"

After several seconds, he finally looked up with a slight smile. "Well, let's get going. We have a few hours of daylight left," he said as he headed back towards the road, humming softly.

Xena, Parmax, and Niereles briefly looked at each other before heading after him.

***

Xena took a deep breath as she gazed upon the younger woman, her hair shimmering as the late afternoon sunlight angling down through the trees bathed her in a deep orange glow. Still holding her breath, the warrior watched as the other leaned backward, allowing her hair to cascade down between her bare shoulders like a river of fire. She realized that Gabrielle could very easily pass as a goddess come down to earth. "You're so beautiful," she whispered.

Gabrielle, kneeling near the small stream, looked back towards the woman seated on a small log about a dozen feet away. "I'm sorry, did you say something?" She cocked her head slightly, seeing the mysterious expression on the woman's face. She stood and slowly walked over towards her. "Xena, are you okay?"

As she moved closer, the sun which was just beginning to set behind her, shrouded her in a soft golden halo. She felt her heart ache, knowing how much Gabrielle loved her. It was a hurt...a fear that the love would eventually end.

Gabrielle, seeing Xena's eyes water, became concerned. She walked up before her, wiping away a stray tear as she held one of Xena's hands. "What's wrong?" she asked softly.

Seeing the love and caring on Gabrielle's face only made the pain worse. She leaned forward and hugged her tightly, resting her head on the woman's shoulder. "Promise me you'll never leave me," she whispered. "Promise me...you won't stop loving me."

As she felt the warrior's tears run down her back, Gabrielle hugged Xena just as tightly, softly placing a hand on the back of the woman's head. "Of course I'll never leave you," she said soothingly. "What brought this on?"

Xena pulled back, wiping her eyes as she looked down at the ground. "Sometimes...I just get scared."

"Of what?" Gabrielle asked softly, placing a hand against Xena's cheek.

Xena sniffed as she looked up onto Gabrielle tender expression. "Of losing you," she whispered.

Gabrielle felt her own eyes watering as she saw the vulnerability on the warrior's face. "You won't ever lose me. Ever." She sniffled once and wiped her cheek. "See what you did? Now you got me started," she said with a smile. "And I thought I was the insecure one."

Xena laughed softly as she wiped a tear from Gabrielle's cheek and then softly kissed the still-damp skin. "I guess I'm not always as strong as I'd like to think I am." She held onto Gabrielle's hands. "It's just...that I realize I'm not as good with words as you are. I'm afraid that sometimes you don't know how much I love you. How much you mean to me."

Gabrielle fought back the tears threatening to fall again. "I know how much," she whispered. "I can see it in your eyes; see my own feelings mirrored there. I can see it in the way you smile at me. I can see the caring in your face when I wake to find you watching over me. I know. And Xena, my love, nothing could ever change the way I feel about you. You've become a part of me that I couldn't live without. You are the other half of my soul. You've taken my heart and I don't ever want you to let go of it."

Xena smiled as she turned away, wiping her eyes again. "That's what I mean about good with words."

Gabrielle placed her fingers under Xena's chin, turning her until she looked her in the eye again. "Tell me you love me," she said softly.

"I love you," the woman whispered.

Gabrielle pushed a stray lock of dark hair from Xena's eyes. "Those are the only words I ever need to hear," she whispered back. She leaned forward, closing her eyes as her lips brushed against Xena's. They continued the tender kiss for several moments, sharing breath as their fingers laced together. As she pulled back slowly, a gentle warmth flushed through her as she beheld the look of compassion on the warrior's face. As Xena started to speak, Gabrielle softly placed a few fingers against her lips, shaking her head slightly. "No more words," she whispered.

Xena rose and followed the younger woman as Gabrielle led her by the hand over to a patch of clover a few feet away. She watched as the woman eased down onto the soft grass, pulling her after her. As Gabrielle lay back, Xena settled up against her, bracing her self partially on her elbow as she ran a hand through the younger woman's lustrous hair. She lowered herself for another kiss as she felt their bodies pressing against one another. She issued a soft moan as her tongue slowly slid along Gabrielle's. She gently slid her fingers down over Gabrielle's neck, hearing and feeling her react as she reached her breast. She lightly traced her fingertips over the soft skin. Pulling back from the kiss, she smiled down tenderly at the woman under her as she rubbed her fingers over Gabrielle's nipple, feeling it grow harder under her touch. Sliding over a bit, she brought her right leg down between the bard's. As she felt the warm dampness against her upper thigh, she watched Gabrielle bite her lip. She looked into the younger woman's eyes as her leg pressed into that warmth.

Gabrielle held her breath as she felt the hard muscles of Xena's thigh push against her most sensitive area. She raised a hand behind the woman's head, pulling her closer for another gentle kiss. She gasped as Xena cupped her breast, pinching a nipple delicately. She let go of the warrior, allowing Xena to pull back and both of them to catch their breath. Gabrielle looked up into Xena's eyes, a little less than a foot from her own; the woman's dark hair falling down to either side of her face. As the slick friction from Xena's leg continued and her breathing grew quicker, she took her lover's hand in hers, turning it so that she could kiss the inside of the woman's wrist.

As the bard's tongue passed slowly against her skin, Xena's eyes narrowed. From the increased wetness and the rapid rise and fall of Gabrielle's chest, Xena judged that she wasn't far from release. She jerked suddenly as she felt Gabrielle's leg press up between her own. She looked down at the smile on the bard's face, knowing that Gabrielle felt how wet she was as well. As their bodies slowly slid against each other, she leaned down and kissed her lightly on the neck, gradually working her way up to the woman's lips. She giggled as she felt Gabrielle's arms around her, rolling her over onto her side. As their hips continued to rock together, she wrapped her arms around the younger woman, smiling as she felt Gabrielle's breath against her neck. Her head swam from her own arousal as their legs intertwined, pushing their bodies closer.

"Xeeeeena," Gabrielle panted heavily, closing her eyes as she neared release. She whimpered softly as she gripped Xena more tightly, feeling the warrior's leg pressing into her. As her body stiffened, she moaned Xena's name again.

Breathing heavily herself, Xena's eyes went wide as she felt Gabrielle bite down on her shoulder. As the younger woman shook slightly, Xena also climaxed, clutching her lover to her tightly. As the intense wave eventually subsided, they continued to lie there, seemingly sharing one quickened heartbeat.

After a few quiet moments, Gabrielle was the first to speak. "Xena, that was...." She pulled back a bit to smile at the woman. "You've never been that...gentle with me."

Xena grinned as Gabrielle settled back against her. "I could say the same about you. That is, until you started chewing on my shoulder."

Gabrielle pulled back again, her eyes going wide as she spotted the teeth marks on Xena's skin. "Xena, I'm so sorry. I didn't even reali...."

Xena placed a hand on the woman's arm. "It's okay, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle pouted slightly as she looked down at her shoulder. "I'm still sorry," she said softly. She leaned over and planted several gentle kisses over the small area.

Xena grinned as the woman looked up at her. "See? All better."

Gabrielle returned the grin as she lay back against her, kissing her softly on the neck. "You know what?"

"What?" Xena asked.

"After we reach Illyris and we get paid, I'm going to get us a nice room in a nice inn. With a nice bed. Definitely one with room service. A big marble bath. And we won't have to set foot out of the room for three days."

"Hmmm. Maybe I should start saving up my strength," Xena said as she kissed the woman on top of the head. She looked towards the western sky. The last of the day's sunlight had almost completely disappeared. "We should be heading back. We've been gone for a while."

"Ummmm, have you had a chance to talk to Ian?"

Xena growled softly. "I've been trying all day. He's....being an ass about it."

"I know. And after you've been so nice to him over the past couple of days." She grinned as Xena gave her a dirty look. "I'm joking. Why don't we swallow our pride and try and make nice with everybody?"

Xena smirked down at her. "I don't make `nice.' And I've never been good at swallowing my pride. Look, we only have a few days until we reach Illyris. I think it would be best to keep things like they are."

"Awww. For me, please?"

"No, Gabrielle. I've made up my mind," Xena replied.

"Pleeeease?" she asked softly.

"I said NO," Xena said decisively.

Gabrielle cocked her head as she pouted slightly.

***

"Mind if we join you?" Xena asked to no one in particular.

"You were always welcome," Saraya replied with a warm smile as she stirred the contents of a large pot not far away.

Gabrielle grinned as Cassandra, smiling up at her, slid over to make room for them. Although Ian didn't look up from sharpening his sword, she thought she could make out a slight grin on his face.

"Xena, I'm glad you're here," Parmax said as he walked closer. "Would you please tell Ian that we have to do something about those mercenaries. We're only a few days from Illyris and they'll probably be getting desperate to stop us."

Ian took a deep breath and then looked up at the man with a grin. "Look, I'm gonna say it one more time. Let ME worry about it. You worry about...keeping down your wife's cooking."

"Dinner's ready everyone," Saraya announced as she stared across at him with a smirk.

***

Cassandra looked down at Gabrielle's staff lying nearby. "What's that?" she asked, looking up at the red-haired woman.

"What's what?" Gabrielle couldn't help smiling whenever she looked upon the adorable little girl.

"This," she said, pointing to the small tuft of down-like feathers surrounding her staff near its end.

"That," Gabrielle stated proudly, represents the amazon tribe that I belong to. She grinned as the girl's eyes went wide and her mouth dropped open.

"You're an amazon?" she asked softly.

"Not only that," Xena spoke up as she leaned closer. "She's an amazon queen."

Cassandra's eyes somehow managed to grow wider. "Really?"

Gabrielle nodded, smiling as she turned around and spotted the look on Xena's face.

Ian walked over from the wagons. Crouching down to remove a waterskin from his saddle, he looked down curiously as Cassandra turned up to him excitedly.

"Guess what?" Gabrielle's an amazon queen," she said with a wide smile.

Ian looked down at the bard who in turn, smiled back up at him. "Great," he said with a smirk before taking a pull from the waterskin.

Gabrielle was taken aback by the man's reaction. "Do you have something against amazons?"

Ian took a deep breath and was about to say `no.' Instead he looked back down at the woman. "Yeah, as a matter of fact, I do."

"You mind telling me what it is?" she asked defensively.

Ian took another deep breath as he sat down near Gabrielle and Cassandra. "The problem I have with them has to do with their philosophy."

Gabrielle's brow furrowed as she looked at the man. "What's wrong with their philosophy? They believe in the power and strength of women, that they can be independent, They feel that it's a man's world only because women let..." She stopped as Ian held up a hand.

"Hey, I agree with all of that. Sisterhood. Equality between men and women. More power to them. What I can't agree with is their hatred and mistrust of men. They feel that all men are the same, beneath contempt. And what's worse, is that they pass that on to their children. Well, their female children. We know what happens to the males."

"What do you mean by that?" Gabrielle asked.

"Why don't we change the subject?" Xena interjected.

"No. I want to know what he's talking about," Gabrielle insisted.

"Well, you're not naive enough to believe that they only have girls, are you?"

"I...guess not. But they..."

"Cassandra, why don't you go and ask Saraya if she needs any help with the wash," Ian suggested.

"Okay," she agreed, smiling as she walked over to the far side of the fire.

Ian turned back to Gabrielle. "What the amazons do is abandon the male newborns in the forest. Some even kill the outright."

"That's just a lie spread about them, They don't really do that," she stated vehemently. She turned and looked back at Xena. "Right?" She felt her heart sink as the older woman wouldn't look at her, continuing to stare into the fire.

Ian continued. "They claim they want equality and respect, but they treat men with anything BUT equality. And their children grow up to feel the same way. And THEIR children. It's like a cycle."

Gabrielle watched as he looked over to Cassandra, drying the plates as Saraya passed them to her.

"Teaching hatred to a child is wrong," he said softly.

"My tribe isn't like that," Gabrielle said just as softly, staring into the fire.

Ian looked down at the somber expression on the woman's face. Suddenly, he didn't feel so righteous. He watched as Xena, looking at him with an unfriendly stare, placed a hand on Gabrielle's shoulder. He leaned closer. "Listen, Gabrielle. I'm...just going by what I've been told. I suppose, if I just assumed they were all alike, I'd be doing the same thing I was accusing them of." He grinned softly as she looked back up to him with the barest hint of a smile on her face. He took her hand in his. "I'm sure your tribe can't be all that bad. Not if you're a part of it; a queen no less." He was glad to see her smile broaden. Raising her hand a bit, he leaned over and kissed it lightly. "It's not often I get to meet royalty." He wasn't sure of what made him feel better, seeing Gabrielle blush or seeing Xena's look of mild disgust. He picked up her staff, turning it over as he studied the carvings near its end. "I do have to admit one thing; amazons are some of the toughest fighters I've ever seen."

Gabrielle watched as he ran his fingers over the threads at the top of the staff. "There's a headpiece that goes there. I don't leave it on because I'm afraid it would get messed up."

"May I?" he asked, standing and backing up several feet. Holding the staff near its center with both hands together, he looked around to make sure no one was in the way. He began twirling it before him, hand over hand at an easy pace. Without stopping the momentum of the staff, he shifted his grip so that it now spun to either side of him.

Gabrielle watched intently as her staff sped into a blur, the campsite growing quite except for the whirring sound of the weapon as it cleaved the air. She tried following his movements and the position of his hands as he whipped the staff diagonally across his back, around his waist, over and under his shoulders. After a few minutes of the impressive staff-work, he took a slight bow, grinning as some of the others applauded.

Xena only smirked. She hated to admit that he was actually good.

"Here ya go," Ian said, handing the staff back to Gabrielle as she stood. "I'm really not used to one that short."

"How do you do...that..over...the shoulder..." Gabrielle tried showing him the move she was talking about.

"Hold on," Ian said as he walked over and removed his staff from under a flap on his saddle.

Gabrielle watched as he screwed the pieces together. "What kind of wood is that? It almost looks black."

"It's from a zhrotok tree. It was given to me by the monk who taught me how to use it."

"I think my arms would get tired pretty fast trying to swing that big heavy thing."

Ian smirked as he handed it to her.

Gabrielle's eyes went wide as she lifted the staff which was nearly two feet taller than her. "It's..lighter than mine. Aren't you afraid it will break?" she asked as she handed it back to him.

Ian laughed. "In Ch'in, zhrotok means `iron wood.' It won't break. Follow me," he instructed, leading her a short distance away. "Okay, first thing is stance. You've pretty much got that down. Now, the move you were asking about. The reason you would do it, aside from showing off," he said with a wink, "is it allows you to whip the end of your staff up without having to turn your body sideways." He demonstrated the move slowly, waiting for Gabrielle to repeat it. "Then, once you've caught the staff again, like so, you can go right into a jab," he said as he lunged. "Just make sure you're leading with the correct leg before you start. Or instead of a jab, you can go into a sweep, knocking your opponent's feet out from under him. Or, you can even just repeat the same move. The trick, is working several moves into combinations. Let's try the vertical whip at slow speed a few times, then at fight speed." As they continued the lesson, he was surprised at how quick a study Gabrielle was. After showing her a few more moves, he began unscrewing his staff.

Gabrielle cocked her head slightly. "Are we finished?" she asked with a note of disappointment.

"No. I noticed earlier today that you seemed to be having trouble with one of the bandits. It looked like you kept trying to beat his sword out of his hands."

"I was. But he would just end up blocking my swing with his blade."

Ian tossed one of the halves onto the ground, holding the other like a sword. "Okay, there's a maneuver I can teach you. It's tricky, but I think you can manage it with some practice. You game?" He grinned as the bard nodded eagerly. "First, change your stance a bit; lead with your right foot. Now obviously, the best advantage of a staff versus a sword is reach. So, grab the staff near the base with your left hand...and grip it with your right wherever it's comfortable for you."

Xena smirked as she watched the two. She realized she was slightly jealous at Gabrielle looking to someone else to teach her about fighting. Although she'd never admit it to anyone, she liked the bard thinking of her as a warrior. She frowned as she suddenly spotted Gabrielle attempting a move she recognized. Standing, she walked over to them. "I don't want you trying that, Gabrielle. It's too risky. Just use the one I taught you."

"YOU'RE the one who taught her that? I guess it figures," Ian said with a grin that broadened into a smile as Xena gave him a slight scowl. "Look, she's good. I've watched her fight."

"I said no. It's too dangerous."

Ian sighed loudly. "Very well, Gabrielle. I guess you should do what your mother tells you."

Xena's eyes narrowed. "I'm not her mother," she said in a low voice.

"Well, at least I have faith in her abilities," he said as he bent over and retrieved the other piece of the staff, screwing them together.

Xena's scowl deepened, knowing what he was trying to do. Before she could say anything, however, she was surprised at how fast Gabrielle came to her defense. She grinned as the bard stepped in front of him, poking a finger into his chest.

"Hey, she has PLENTY of faith in my abilities. She just doesn't want to see me get hurt," Gabrielle declared, poking him a few more times.

"Alright, alright. I was just trying to help." As Gabrielle turned back to Xena, he looked over her, grinning at the warrior. "I didn't mean to upset mommie dearest."

"I am NOT her mother," Xena said slowly.

Gabrielle heard the warning in Xena's tone. She hoped Ian had heard it and had the sense to let it drop. She turned back as Ian asked to borrow her staff for a moment. After handing it to him, she watched him toss it back to Xena. "Apparently not," she thought.

"How about it, Xena. A friendly sparring match?" he asked.

Xena's scowl changed to a smirk. "I don't have time to play games with you," she said as she turned and started leading Gabrielle back to the fire.

"Why's that?" Ian called out after them. "Is it time for Gabrielle's feeding?"

Xena spun around with a growl and advanced towards him, staff poised.

"Well, that did it," he thought to himself as he back-peddled a few feet. He didn't set himself, choosing instead to let Xena make the first move. He easily raised his foot over the sweep Xena made and then blocked the downward stroke that he had expected her to follow with. Still smiling, he continued to either avoid or block Xena's attacks. Ducking under a crescent kick, he passed up an obvious opening and resigned himself to waiting for the woman's next move. He knew, by staying on the defensive, he could probably outlast her.

Gabrielle watched the two as the loud CRACKS of the staves hitting together echoed through the night. While she did have faith in Xena's prowess, she still found herself wondering if it would be enough.

"Get the water!!" Parmax hollered as he and several others came closer.

Ian laughed as he side-stepped a jab and placed a palm against Xena's mid-section, shoving the woman backwards several steps. "Take it easy, Parmax," he said with a smile. "We're just having some fun."

As he watched the woman advance on Ian again, Parmax didn't see anything `fun' about Xena's expression.

"Are you watching, Gabrielle?" Ian asked, not taking his eyes off the woman before him. "I guess we may...as well...continue...our lesson," he stated as he managed to avoid a series of blows. "Okay, the most important thing is to watch the....fingers." Pivoting the staff in the center, Ian flicked out both ends, one after the other, and struck Xena in the knuckles, not hard enough to cause damage, just to make her drop the staff. "Uhm...you dropped something, Xena," he said teasingly. He laughed as the woman growled and retrieved the staff. He could tell she was getting angrier, which was exactly what he wanted. He knew he wouldn't be doing as well if she were thinking clearly. "Anytime you're ready," he said with a snicker.

Growling once more, Xena advanced again. She knew there was nothing dishonorable in losing to a better opponent. But Ian seemed to be trying his best to make her look bad in front of Gabrielle, and THAT was making her mad. She went into a series of rapid blows, driving him backwards. Waiting until he'd just begun to shift his weight, she held her staff horizontally and surged forward, knocking him to the ground.

"Not bad," he said with a grunt as he quickly rose to a knee, trying to catch his breath.

Xena, sensing a quick victory, attempted a lunge with the end of the staff while he was still on one knee.

Ian, anticipating it, spun to the side. As he finished the turn, he shoved the off balance woman on the hip, causing her to stumble sideways a few feet. "I hope you're paying attention Gabrielle. Never over-extend yourself in an attack, it will leave you off balance." As Xena came at him again, he blocked several more heavy blows. As she attempted a high swipe at his head, instead of blocking it, Ian ducked underneath and lunged out to Xena's side. Grabbing his staff near its base, be brought the end around to connect with Xena's rear in a loud THWACK. Rising again, he grinned as he watched the woman lower a hand behind her, "Aww c'mon. That didn't hurt. You seem to have a good bit of cushion back there."

Xena's eyes went wide as she charged at him again, going into a whirling series of attacks.

As he blocked the hammering blows, Ian found himself wondering if he'd pushed the woman too far. Thinking it would be best to end the little exhibition, he began making a few swings of his own between blocks. "Let me show you my favorite move," he said with a grin. As he started to bring the end of his staff down towards Xena's head, making sure she would attempt to block it, he changed the grip of his right hand and spun in the opposite direction. Bringing the end down, he swept Xena's legs out from under her, depositing her unceremoniously onto her rear. As he watched her rise to her knees, he walked up behind her and extended his hand. "Here, let me help you..."

Looking back towards him, Xena grinned wickedly as she brought the end of the staff up towards his jaw.

Throwing himself backwards, he managed to avoid most of the force of the blow. As he straightened again, the taste of blood in his mouth, he glared across at Xena who was still grinning as she set herself.

"I'll get the water," Patreon said quietly.

Gabrielle considered stepping between the two, realizing things had gone WAY too far. She watched, however, as Ian's expression slowly relaxed.

Taking a deep breath, Ian held his staff horizontally before him and bowed. Straightening, he turned and headed back towards the wagons, raising a hand to the cut on his bottom lip.

As everyone else dispersed, Gabrielle walked up to Xena.

Xena looked down at the younger woman's unreadable expression as she handed her the staff. "Not one word," she said. "He was asking for it."

Gabrielle took her staff as she continued to stare up at Xena with a neutral expression. "Did I say anything?"

"No, but you were thinking something."

"Are you alright?" she asked as she began brushing some grass off of Xena's armor. "He didn't hurt anything, did he? Aside from your pride, I mean."

Xena smirked down at the bard. "I think we may as well turn in."

"Okay," Gabrielle said softly with a slight grin as she walked along side Xena. "Whatever you say........mommie." She let out a yelp as Xena slapped her playfully on the rear.

***

Xena smiled down at Gabrielle's sleeping form as she pulled the woman's blanket over her shoulder. Her smiled broadened as a soft grin spread over the bard's face. As she lightly brushed a few strands of reddish-blonde hair from her brow, she found herself wondering if she were gracing Gabrielle's dreams. Looking around the campsite, she saw that most of the others were asleep. Ian had wandered off about an hour earlier; they hadn't spoken since the fight. She turned and looked down as Gabrielle snored lightly. Leaning over, she kissed her softly on the cheek as she settled down next to her. She picked up her head again as she heard Patreon's voice from over near the horses. Looking over, she spotted him, Sammus, and Ian talking together. As Ian turned and began walking towards the fire, she lay back down, feigning sleep. As he came closer, she watched him kneel down and kiss Cassandra lightly on the forehead. Picking up his sword and a small backpack, he rose and walked over behind the wagons. Rising herself, Xena carefully crept after him. Moving with virtually no sound, she reached the corner of the wagon and peered around it. Spotting Ian, his back to her, her eyes narrowed as she watched him take off his shirt. Gabrielle had been right, he was rather muscular. As she spotted the dark tattoo behind his right shoulder, she felt the familiar anger setting in. Closing her eyes for a few seconds, she pushed the emotion aside. She watched as he pulled another shirt over his head; black like his trousers. She smirked as she wondered what Gabrielle would think of her spying on the man. Walking from around the wagon, she cleared her throat softly.

Ian spun around, slightly startled and slightly aggravated that the woman was capable of getting that close without him hearing her. "What's the matter?" he asked softly as she came closer. "Couldn't sleep, so you decided to come beat on me some more?"

"I guess I deserve that," she replied. "Listen, about what happened..."

Ian held up his hands. "It's okay. Mea culpa. I was pushing you."

"Still, I'm sorry....about a lot of things," she said with a friendly smile as she extended her hand.

Ian sighed softly as he smiled back and shook her hand. After a few awkward moments of silence, he leaned closer and whispered. "This doesn't mean...we're...married or anything, does it?"

Xena smirked as she pulled her hand back. "No, it just means we're gonna stop trying to kill each other."

Ian grinned as he arched his brow. "Hey, if I had wanted to kill you..."

"Be nice," Xena said teasingly. "By the way, how's the lip?"

Ian brought a finger up to the cut near the corner of his mouth. "I've had worse."

"I've given worse," Xena said with a smile.

Ian laughed as he bent over and began pulling off his boots, "I'm really glad we're chums again. Well, good night."

Xena watched as he pulled out a pair of black soft, split-toed boots out of the backpack and started to put one on. "Going somewhere?"

"Umm...Yeah, I thought I'd go for a walk," he stated as he slipped on the other boot. He grinned as he looked up at the skeptical expression on the woman's face. "Actually, I'm...going hunting."

"For....?" she asked as she watched him tuck his pant legs into the tops of his boots.

Ian smirked as he straightened, tying the flaps on the ends of his sleeves over the backs of his hands. "You're not going back to sleep, are you?"

"That depends. Are you going after those men?" she asked as she folded her arms.

Ian reached into his backpack, pulling out several shaken, a couple of dirks, and a few things Xena couldn't even guess as to what they were. As he began tucking them into the various hidden pockets in his nightsuit, he looked back at her. "Men? What men?"

"The mercenaries who attacked us."

Ian tied his sword across his back. "Ohhh, THOSE men."

"Yeah, THOSE men. I'm going with you."

"No you're not," he answered, his tone serious. "You're staying here."

"You can't go after them all by yourself. You'll need some help."

Ian was now the one to cross his arms. "Look at you. All that metal and bare skin. They're gonna see you coming a league away."

"No they won't," Xena stated simply. "And I AM going with you."

Ian growled softly. "Do you have a cloak?"

"Yeah."

"Bring it," he instructed, followed by a sigh. "Well, don't just stand there. Get your stuff. I want to check on Rexian once more before we leave."

With a slightly smug grin on her face, Xena turned and took a step back towards the wagon. Wondering if he'd want to bring some rope, she turned back and started to ask the question but stopped when she saw she was alone. "Damnit, damnit, damnit, damnit,..." She continued to grumble under her breath as she quickly returned to the fire, retrieving her sword and chakram. Smiling down briefly at Gabrielle, she then hurried off into the forest.

***

After several frustrating minutes of trying to pick up Ian's trail, Xena cursed again. Good as she was, she realized the odds of her picking up the trail of a Shadow Dragon, at night, were slim at best. Deciding the next best thing would be to find the mercenaries' camp itself, she set off deeper into the forest, heading back south. After about a mile, she stopped as she spotted a faint glow from up ahead. Creeping closer, she eventually heard the sounds of snoring drifting through the trees. She suddenly stopped once again as she felt something glance off the top of her head. Looking down at the acorn as it bounced off her foot, she then looked up into the large oak tree she was crouched behind, smirking as she spotted Ian sitting on a large branch, staring down at her. She watched as he leaned backwards off of the limb and landed nimbly on his feet, His head was now covered by a two-piece cowl; his deep emerald eyes visible where the pieces nearly came together. Holding up a finger for her to remain silent, he then motioned for her to follow him.

After he'd led her farther away from the encampment, he pulled down the bottom half of his cowl and turned back to her. "I don't suppose there's any way I can talk you into going back with the others?" he whispered.

Xena only smiled and shook her head slowly. "How many?" she then asked softly.

"I counted twenty-one asleep and three on sentry duty. There's also a tent. I figure whoever's in charge is in there." He folded his arms. "Well, as long as you ARE going to stick around, you can be of some help."

"What did you have in mind?" Xena asked with a frown, picturing images of Shadow Dragons slinking through Amphipolis and her army's camp.

Ian, seeing her expression, frowned himself. "Not what you think. We need some information. We'll take the sentries and bring them back here. You think you can handle that?"

"I'll try my best," she stated with a wry grin.

Ian readjusted his cowl. "Then let's go."

As they crept nearer, they saw that two of the sentries were seated on a large stump. The third was on the other end of camp, standing near one of the small fires. Ian pointed to the two men conversing quietly on the stump, returning Xena's nod as she signaled that she understood. Silently edging closer behind the two, Ian and Xena struck simultaneously. Ian jabbed two fingers into a nerve at the base of the man's neck as Xena struck the other unconscious as well. Her eyes went wide, however, as the unseen knife the man had been holding fell from his fingers to glance off of a stone with a soft clink.

"Vardas?" the other sentry called out as he started to turn their way.

Xena watched as a dirk suddenly appeared in Ian's hand. Before she could react, she watched him flip it over and let it fly. The sentry slumped soundlessly to the ground as the knife hilt struck him in the temple.

Ian was thankful the man hadn't fallen back into the fire. He held his breath as he scanned the expanse of the camp. No one else stirred. He turned back to Xena and pointed to her and then the sentry near the fire. He then pointed to himself and the two men unconscious before them.

Xena nodded and helped him load the two men onto his shoulders, surprised at how easily he carried them both. Moving over to the third sentry, she picked up Ian's dagger and then the unconscious man. She then followed Ian deeper into the forest. After they'd walked a safe distance away, they stopped to bind and gag the men. Xena watched as Ian pulled up the sleeves of one man and the another. "What are you looking for?" she whispered.

Ian turned the tallest man's arm, pointing to the tattoo of the flaming sword on the inside of his forearm. "That," he replied as he pulled down his cowl. They turned and watched as the mercenary started to come around. Ian took his dirk and held it to the man's throat as he blinked his eyes open. They soon went wide as he felt the blade pressed against his neck. Ian leaned closer. "You make a sound louder than a whisper, and you die. Behave yourself and you live. Understand?"

The man nodded slowly.

"Very good," Ian said. They watched as the man Xena had carried also started to come to. Ian did the same to him, although he seemed less frightened then the first. Ian also noticed he didn't have a tattoo. "Gentlemen, I wonder if you'd mind answering a few questions for us?"

The second man said something through his gag. Although they couldn't understand it, the look on his face made it clear that cooperation wasn't what he had in mind.

Ian turned to the first man. "How about you?" He smirked as the second turned to the first and muttered something while shaking his head.

"I think I can improve his attitude," Xena said with a feral grin as she held up her hands, index and middle fingers pointed together.

Ian held up a hand. "May I?" he asked. As Xena nodded, he handed her his dirk. "Keep an eye on the other one." Grinning as the shorter man glared up at him, he jabbed a finger just under each of his temples.

Both Xena and the other mercenary stared in shock as blood began to seep out from around the man's eyes and run down over his cheeks to be soaked up by the cloth gag.

Ian smirked as the man began struggling and moaning. "Be quiet." As the man's cries grew louder, Ian's hand darted out, connecting with his neck. As the man slumped over, unconscious, Ian looked back at Xena, noticing that the woman's expression was unreadable. He turned to the other man, tapping him on the leg. "You feel like answering those questions now?" He grinned as the mercenary nodded vigorously. He reached over and pulled down the gag. "First of all. Who hired you?"

The man cleared his throat slightly. "A man named Polybius. He's in the tent with our commander."

"Who's your commander?" Xena asked.

"Panteras."

"Are all of you in the same company?" Ian asked as he pointed to the other two men.

"No. Most of us are with Panteras. The rest are Polybius' men. He hired us in Athens. Said we would be harrying this merchant train on its way back to Illyris."

"Of those left, how many belong to Polybius?"

"About...ten. It was more. Before this morning."

"And whose fault is that?" Ian asked with a smirk. "Never mind. Have you been paid yet?"

"No. We were supposed to get paid once we'd reached Illyris," he said with a slight scowl.

"You don't seem too pleased with the arrangement," Xena noted.

"None of us are. The job has proven more...dangerous than we were led to believe. We couldn't understand why Polybius...," he stopped as he looked up at Ian with a smirk.

"Go ahead."

He took a deep breath. "We couldn't understand why he wouldn't let us finish off the caravan."

Ian smirked. He'd been wondering the same thing since that afternoon. An idea slowly began to take shape. "How are things between Polybius' men and the rest of you?"

The man chuckled once. "How do you think? Soldiers loyal to king and country don't think highly of mercenaries."

Xena nodded, knowing it to be true.

Ian turned to her. "Anything else?"

"Have you heard of the name Tetramon?" the woman asked the man.

"A few times. From some of Polybius' men."

As Xena turned and looked at him with a shrug, Ian reached over and replaced the man's gag. "Thanks for the help. Get some sleep," he added as he jabbed the man in the throat, causing him to slump forward.

As they rose, Xena noticed Ian's expression. "What are you thinking?"

"I think I may have a plan," he said as he began adjusting his cowl.

"You wanna tell me what it is?"

"Nope. Not really," he said playfully.

Even through the dark cloth, Xena could tell he was smiling. "What did you do to him?" she asked, pointing to the man in the center.

"Oh, that? Just a trick one of the monks taught me. It causes the muscles behind the eyes to momentarily spasm, pushing out some of the excess blood back there. It's completely harmless and painless, but it sure does scare the living crap out of them," he said with a chuckle.

She looked down skeptically at the blood drying on the man's face. "It sure didn't look painless."

"I assure you it is. I've done it to myself."

"WHY?" she asked.

"To win a bet," Ian replied with a slight shrug. "I want to get inside that tent and have a little chat with Panteras. I'd like to hurry before somebody wakes up to answer a nature call and realizes all the sentries are gone."

Xena nodded and the pair headed back to the camp.

***

Panteras' eyes popped open as he suddenly felt a hand clamp over his mouth and a blade press against his throat. His brow furrowed as he looked up into the dark green eyes of the man over him.

"You have a choice," Ian whispered. "You can be quiet or you can be dead." He removed the hand from over the man's mouth and pulled down the bottom half of his cowl.

Panteras' eyes went wide. "You?"

"Yes, Panteras. It's me." Ian smiled as the man looked up at him in surprise. "Yes. I know your name, too. Sit up."

Panteras complied, looking over to the woman who was tying up Polybius. The man looked dead, but he realized they wouldn't be binding him unless he were still alive. "Our sentries will..."

"Probably wake up in about an hour," Ian interrupted him as he pulled the dagger from the sheath in Panteras' belt, tossing it on the floor. He then reached over and slid a small stool closer to the man's cot. He leaned over and dimmed the light from the lantern. He doubted the light would penetrate the dark brown canvas, but he decided not to take any chances. "Let me get to the point, Panteras. I know you're working for Polybius and he works for Tetramon. What I don't know is why you've been attacking the caravan with kid gloves. I saw about seven or eight bows out there, but you've never fired an arrow at us. Why?"

Panteras looked from Ian to Xena, liking the expression on the woman's face even less. He let out a resigned sigh. "We weren't supposed to stop the shipment, just delay it. Polybius said that Tetramon was hoping the sickness would kill his brother. After the caravan came within a day of Illyris, we were to greet you and escort you back under Tetramon's protection. That was the plan, anyway."

"Well," Ian said. "As a wise man once told me....shit happens. I also know you haven't been paid yet. How much did Polybius promise you?"

"Three thousand dinars once we reached Tetramon's stronghold."

"I suppose you realize that's not going to happen. Now, I could just kill you and then tip-toe out there and kill all your men. Then again, I don't have anything against any of you. What I can't allow is for you to continue to endanger the lives of the people under my protection. We'll be taking Polybius and his men with us. If I agree to let you and your men leave, what will you do?"

Panteras took a deep breath as he stared at the ground. "I guess, we'd head to Vertova. The war's still going. We could probably find something there."

"Alright, what if I asked you to come and work for me?"

Panteras looked at Ian as if he'd just grown a second head. "You're kidding?"

"Not at all. Once the medicine is delivered, you and your men will still get the three thousand dinars. And I can pretty much guarantee no more of your men will be killed. I think THEY would find the idea to their liking." He looked up at Xena who was also staring at him with disbelief. "Watch him," he said as he rose and walked over to the tent flap. He looked outside and saw that all of the men were still asleep.

He turned and walked back to Panteras, seeing that the man was seriously considering the offer. "It's a fair deal, Panteras. A lot more considerate than the way Polybius here values the lives of your men. Vertova's an uncertainty; anything can happen between here and there. I'm offering you easy money. Prince Keleian might also consider hiring you after that. I can't promise anything on that front, but a good word from me and the man I'm working for couldn't hurt. Well, what do you say? One sellsword to another?"

Panteras smirked and nodded. "I agree. I know a good thing when it presents itself."

All three looked over as Polybius started to come around. Ian walked over, holding his dirk above the man. "Mornin' sunshine," he said with a grin. Pulling the small man up to his feet, he brought him over to Panteras' cot and sat him down next to the other man. "You even look at me funny and I'll kill you." From the man's reaction, it was obvious he wouldn't be any trouble.

Ian turned and walked over to the other side of the tent. Looking down at the food tray, he picked up one of the olives and popped it into his mouth. Although the man seemed trustworthy, he knew he still had to insure Panteras' loyalty. Looking down at the small jars of fancy spreads, he realized they must belong to Polybius. The man DID seem like a palace fop.

Xena smirked as she stared at Ian's back. Of all the times he could pick to be eating.

Ian turned and walked closer. "Well, I know you've agreed to it. But what about your men?"

"My men will follow my orders. I can't put it any simpler than that," Panteras said pridefully.

"Very well," Ian said as he extended his hand. He smiled as Panteras rose and grasped his hand in a warrior's handshake. "You seem like a man of honor, Panteras. And if it were just me, I would take you at your word."

Panteras sucked in a quick breath as he pulled his arm back, looking down at the thin cut on the back of his hand. "What in Zeus' name did you do that for? Some kind of blood oath?"

"No. Not really," Ian said as he held up his dirk into the lantern light.

Panteras' eyes went wide as he stared at the dark ichor coating the blade. "Y..," he started to shout but stopped as Ian's eyes narrowed in warning. "You poisoned me, you bastard!"

Xena's eyes also narrowed. Even at her worst, she'd always viewed poison as the weapon of a coward. She knew Shadow Dragons often used them, but she had hoped Ian would be different.

"Calm down, Panteras. The poison is....relatively slow acting. It's a rather unique plant toxin. Within the next two days, you'll begin to experience nausea, dizziness, blurred vision. By the third day, you'll start getting weaker as the poison begins to react with your own body's defenses. As you become weaker, it becomes stronger. By the fifth day, or sixth in your case, you seem to be in good health, your heart will become too weak to pump blood. As your own brain becomes starved from blood loss, you experience something like an agonizing headache that continues to get worse until you finally close your eyes, and die. Unless of course, you take your own life before then. Which....may be advisable. Those last few hours are...not pretty."

Panteras cursed again as he continued to wipe the back of his hand. "There's an antidote?"

"Yes. But I don't have any made. We'll reach Illyris in about three days. At which time, I'll prepare the antidote."

Panteras reached down and picked up his dagger as he continued to scowl at Ian. Growling softly, he slipped it into his sheath. "What happens if you get killed between here and Illyris; fall off a horse or something. Anything happens to you and I'm a dead man."

Ian shrugged. "Well, then I would make my well being your top concern. Now, how do you plan on taking Polybius' men captive?"

Panteras took a deep breath to calm himself. "I'll wake a couple of my men and bring them in here, explain the situation, and then we'll deal with his men."

"One more thing Panteras," Ian said as he wiped his dirk off with a rag. "Was there any particular reason most of your men seemed to be attacking me earlier today?"

Panteras grinned as he looked down at Polybius. "He offered fifty dinars to anyone who could take your head."

Ian scowled as he walked over and grabbed the frightened man by the neck, pulling him to his feet again. He leaned closer and stared the man in the eye. "Fifty? I'm insulted." He jabbed Polybius in the neck and watched as he slumped back down onto the cot.

Panteras shook his head as he turned and walked out of the tent.

Ian grinned slightly. "Well, I guess things..."

Xena grabbed him by the arm and spun him around to face her.

"What did you poison him with?" she asked, not bothering to hide the contempt in her tone or on her face.

Ian took a deep breath as he looked into her eyes and placed something in her hand. "With this," he said as he pulled his arm free and walked over to the tent flap.

Xena looked down at the small jar. A slow smile spreading as she read the label. `Grape Jelly.'

 

Continued - Part 7


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