.

Gabrielle was grateful that at least Argo knew where she was going. She clutched the horse's broad neck crying bitterly into the pale hair. She wasn't sure what had happened to Xena, but she had no memories of her and enjoyed inflicting pain. Gabrielle wept for the loss of her soulmate and the unrecognisable person who had taken her place. She wiped her eyes and took several shallow breaths to calm herself. Now was not the time to break down. She winced as the various bruises and cuts were beginning to ache. Thank the gods Hercules, Iolaus and Joxer were close by in Renwa. They could help. Argo kept a steady, gentle pace, seemingly aware of the discomfort Gabrielle was in. The thought of Xena out there for any longer than was necessary chilled her.

An hour later a prostrate Lindos was being kicked awake by an extremely annoyed Claudine. "Hey!" he yelled and rubbed his head and slowly started to get up. In an instant a sword was at his throat. "Tell me why I shouldn't kill you," said Xena in a hoarse whisper. Lindos paled, urinated involuntarily and opened and closed his mouth like a fish struggling for air. "Where's the girl?" She asked and moved her sword away from his throat and re-sheathed it. "I take it she bested you, you dolt." Lindos scrambled up, embarrassed of the wet patch on his trousers. Claudine walked to him and slapped him around the head as if she was scolding a child. "Brother this is no time to be feeding your libido. We've got Xena. Soon we'll have towns and cities bowing towards us."

"She's just one woman. Hardly going to get Corinth quaking in their boots, is she," Lindos retorted, angry at losing his prize and embarrassed by his sister. She was always bossing him around, nothing changed.

In a flash he was being held up several inches off the ground by strong hands around his neck. "Oh they will quake," said Xena coolly looking up at Lindos. "They will quake."

"Idiot!" said Claudine sharply. "They'll see Xena riding at the head of a large army. They'll have heard about our victories and they'll be bowing towards us." She nodded and Xena let Lindos drop to the floor with a crash.

"So what's next?" asked Lindos wiping his bloody nose with his sleeve.

"We need to get a few more. Xena cut our numbers. There are a few smaller villagers, sack them build an army and then we can start to think of larger towns, or maybe take over an army or two. Agreed Xena?"

"If it involves fighting, count me in." The warrior princess took a deep breath in and thought of the evolving darkness that was within her. You'll be fed, soon.

"I swear it was this big." Joxer held his hands two feet apart and then gradually moved them closer together.

"That's more like it," said Iolaus with a laugh as he held his thumb and forefinger a couple of inches apart.

"Hey," said Joxer indignantly and his two companions laughed as not watching where he was going he bumped into an extremely large street vendor. Hercules quickly moved in between them to smooth any ruffled feathers. "Sorry, he didn't mean it, he's just-"

"Joxer," said Iolaus with a sigh. The street vendor gave Joxer a cold stare and Joxer visibly shuddered. They walked quickly through the crowded streets. Although it was dusk the streets were packed with street vendors, entertainers and crowds of people enjoying the sights and sounds of the festival. Renwa was famous for its sea food and fish and every year they thanked Poseidon for the safe return of their fishermen as well as the bountiful catch they had throughout the year. Like most festivals it had grown and eager town officials were happy to foster its growth as it bought welcome revenue to the town's coffers. Iolaus being a keen fisherman had visited the festival many times before dragging Hercules along and they decided it would be the ideal place to meet the bard and warrior princess. They were strolling to the inn where they were staying and they had booked a room for the absent pair. Joxer had advised them of the delay caused by Gabrielle's sickness and having experienced Joxer's cooking Iolaus could sympathise.

"So are you going to try again tomorrow?" Hercules turned to Joxer, but the would-be –warrior had stopped in the middle of the road. He was staring in the distance, and the suddenly uttered, "Argo!" and started to run. Hercules and Iolaus followed the direction he had headed in with their eyes and once they had registered it was indeed Xena's horse they went running after Joxer.

"No, no, no," repeated Joxer as he neared the horse. He could see a bloodied, dirty and exhausted Gabrielle passed out but her arms circling Argo's neck. Hercules and Iolaus reached them and they exchanged a look of horror. Wordlessly Hercules gently eased the bard off Argo, who stood patiently waiting. Joxer gathered up several of the travel sacks, knowing that Xena kept a good supply of medicines and bandages. Iolaus lead Argo to the stables at the back of the inn.

The patrons watched with interest as the large man entered the inn and then sprinted up the steps unhindered by the small cargo in his arms. Joxer followed quietly holding a staff and a couple of bags.

Hercules pushed open the door to his room with his back and strode over to the bed. He gently laid Gabrielle on the bed. Joxer went to the bags and started to root around in it until he found the medicine sack. There was a knock on the door and Joxer walked over to it and opened it. Marius, the inn keeper, was standing there with a large pot of steaming water and behind him his wife had several sheets to be used as bandages. "Can we get you anything else?" the old man asked kindly. He was fond of Iolaus as he returned each year to his inn for the festival and he had grown to like Hercules and Joxer. He knew that they were expecting their friends and knew of the bard's reputation and hoped she would tell some of her famous stories. He was genuinely saddened by the apparently tragic turn of events.

"We should be fine. We have all done some healing in the past but if we do require assistance we will call you. Thank you Marius." Hercules spoke with an assurance he did not feel. Marius nodded and both he and Helena walked out of the room as Iolaus entered it. Joxer shut the door and joined Hercules by the bed. Iolaus started ripping up the sheets.

They gazed down at the unconscious bard. Her neck and chest had several scratch marks and one bite mark. There were bruises forming on both upper arms, and a sword wound that had been bleeding as well as several ugly purple looking bruises on her stomach was a small gash. She was covered in sheen of sweat and looked pale and haggard. Iolaus started to wash her face gently while Joxer held her hand. He didn't want to vocalise what they were thinking. To see Gabrielle in this state, arrive on Argo without Xena. Joxer inhaled deeply. It was too horrible to contemplate, and so tragic just as they had been reunited.

As Iolaus gently washed her face, Gabrielle's eyes fluttered opened. She looked around and seeing the three faces, gave a sigh of relief and started to cry silently. Iolaus stopped his washing and held her. Hercules went to the table and poured a mug of apple juice. Joxer and Iolaus gently helped Gabrielle into a sitting position and Hercules handed her the mug. She drunk thirstily and finished rapidly. Hercules took the mug from her and went back to the table and again filled the mug. Joxer squeezed Gabrielle's hand and she squeezed it back gently. As Hercules walked back to the bed and held the mug out again Gabrielle said "Thank you." Her voice was croaky and hoarse. She drank about half of the juice and rested the mug on the bed, her hand still wrapped around it. She closed her eyes to prepare her self, to reassure her self it wasn't a horrible nightmare. But when she opened them up, there was still the three expectant faces looking at her.

They were all desperate to know what had happened yet dreaded what the bard may say. Finally Joxer dived in, "What happened, Gabby?" Gabrielle shut her eyes again and a tear escaped. She opened them up again and her face was an expression of anguish.

"Xena was forced to drink from a challis and then she changed, in front of my eyes. She didn't remember me at all. She changed into-" She didn't want to vocalise what she saw. It was so horrible, yet she had to. "She became cruel, almost as if she was-."

"Consumed by darkness?" Hercules finished the sentence and Gabrielle nodded and then broke down. Iolaus gently wrapped his arms around her whilst the other two watched anxiously.

"Was the challis about so big, solid gold, jewel encrusted?" Hercules motioned the size with his hands and Gabrielle pulled away from Iolaus's embrace, looked up and nodded. Hercules continued. "It sounds like the Challis of Hectate." He smiled weakly at the three confused looks he was given. Believe it or not the Gods used to interfere even more with mortal lives than they do now. Hard to believe, I know. We've all suffered thanks to them." He looked around at his friends who were nodding understandingly.

"They were always putting spells on mortals to do their bidding-to fight for them, kill other people, that sort of thing." Hercules paused and gazed at all his friends. He gave an ironic smile. "Unbelievably Hera was the one who put a stop to it. She said mortals should control their own lives, without so much Godly interference." Hercules looked away out of the windows for a moment, and once he had composed himself he turned back. "Of course some Gods still tried to bend the rules and so they would enchant certain objects. That way they could control mortals if they wished, without the spell being traced back to them and suffer whatever punishment Hera had devised."

"So you think this Challis was enchanted?" asked Iolaus thoughtfully.

"I know so. The Challis of Hetate was made by Hephaestus for Hectate and she enchanted it to ensure that the drinker loses everything. Everything. That wasn't your Xena. No memories, conscience, only a sensation of darkness that envelopes them. They just want to satisfy their blood lust." Hercules took a deep breath. It was painful for him to talk this way of one of his closest friends.

"When Artemis and Athena found out about the objects they destroyed them. That was centuries ago but I assume they weren't all destroyed."

There was silence as they all ingested what Hercules had said. Joxer started to dress Gabrielle's wounds. The bard stared into space trying to understand what had happened over the last couple of hours.

"Who do you think is behind it?" said Joxer breaking the silence.

"Ares?" said Iolaus with a tinge of disgust in his voice.

"Could be him. It's his style." said Hercules thoughtfully.

"He. She said "he"," said Gabrielle excitedly, suddenly remembering something that had tickled the back of her mind.

"Gabrielle, can you tell us what else happened." Hercules looked sympathetic and Gabrielle nodded. Gabrielle related the whole story, describing Claudine and Lindos in detail and how Xena changed. She played down her injuries and the attempted rape by Lindos. She didn't mention either that she was now convinced that Ares plan was for her to die.

Her friends glared at her, horror written across their faces. Gabrielle tried to keep the tears from falling. It was hard for her to think of the person she loved so much, that loved her had no memories of her and felt nothing towards her. She knew she would never lose the memory of Xena putting the pinch on her and leaving her for dead. It would haunt her for the rest of her life.

Hercules interrupted her thoughts. "I don't recognise these pair, did Xena?" Gabrielle shook her head. "I do believe they've had some divine intervention, and if Xena is involved I would guess it is Ares." Hercules paused and looked kindly at the bard.

"What do we do?" asked Joxer kindly.

"There is a cure." Instantly three pairs of eyes fixed on Hercules. "The Oil of Lanius. I vaguely remember being told about it." The demi God frowned as he tried to remember.

There was silence as the others watched him pondering.

He looked up, "You know her best, Gabrielle, what would she do next? I mean Xena Warrior Princess; Head of an army."

Gabrielle took a deep breath in, closed her eyes and considered what Xena the warlord would do. She knew her inside out; they had discussed strategy, tactics and ploys. She had watched her closely for over three years. Xena had told her of her mistakes, her regrets, her errors. She knew Xena like no other. But this wasn't just Xena. This was a darker more menacing Xena. But she still had the intelligence and astuteness that set her apart even as a young girl growing up. And she was being led by two apparent disciples of Ares.

Gabrielle opened her eyes and looked at her friends.

"She would want more men. There couldn't have been more than a dozen men, and they weren't that well trained and certainly not organised. She'll take a few villages, for supplies, to show her strength, round up some recruits and then take over someone's army. That'll give her large manpower. Then she'll keep doing a raid here and there but most time will be drilling. Xena liked a well drilled structured army." Gabrielle spoke efficiently and without emotion.

"So what's the plan, Herc?" asked Iolaus.

"Can you get our map out of the bags please, Iolaus?" Iolaus tipped out a bag while Joxer handed Gabrielle some fruit. She nodded her head in thanks and gingerly bit into the apple. The adrenaline had worn off and her bruises and cuts were aching and her stomach was doing cartwheels. Iolaus lay the map over the bed. Hercules was lost in thought trying to remember anything he had been told, but shook himself mentally and focused on the map.

"She headed away from Renwa?" Gabrielle nodded. They pored over the parchment. "They won't want to hit anywhere too big yet, not having the man power."

Iolaus pointed to a couple of small dots on the map. "Those are small enough villages. As Gab says, build up the army get supplies."

"That's a day or so from here," said Joxer quietly.

"The Amazons," whispered Gabrielle urgently and pointed to a large area on the map. "Gods, you don't think they'll head there?" Gabrielle started to breath erratically and tried to rise from the bed.

"Calm down, Gabrielle. She won't try for the Amazons yet, not until she has more men."

Gabrielle looked at Hercules and took in a deep breath and settled back on the bed.

"I can't remember any more about the oil. I hate doing this but I'll have to ask my family for help." Hercules looked uncomfortable.

"Would Hephaestus know?" Asked Gabrielle. She stared at the three surprised faces. "He created it so it's a good chance he'll know what to do. He wouldn't have anything to gain from a rampaging army, so he may help.

"Hephaestus, Gab, he's not exactly, well he's not-"Iolaus struggled to find the right words.

"He's not the first God you'd call on to help, is he," said Joxer. "It's like wanting Hercules and getting-well-me."

"They're right. Now lets-"Hercules was interrupted by Gabrielle calling,

"HEPHASTUS! Great God of Art help us. Please." The last word was a plea and to everyone's surprise there was a flash of light and a large, sweaty man materialised. He limped to the bed and took Gabrielle's hand. "Thank you my child for your call and especially your faith in me." He positively beamed at her but his countenance darkened as he gazed at the three men who suddenly found the floor interesting. "I may not be a strong, powerful God, or even a whole man," he stopped and Gabrielle tightened her grip on him, "but I will help you in any way I can."

"Thank you," said Gabrielle with a smile, and the crippled god again beamed.

"How can I help you?"

"We think that someone has got hold of The Challis of Hectate. They are building an army and Xena has drunk from it. She's changed Heph. We need help."

The God looked at Gabrielle with compassion in his eyes.

"I am sorry," Hephaestus looked thoughtful. "I feel responsible. I should have realised that Hectate was planning something when she asked me for the challis. She's as trustworthy as Ares." He paused and Gabrielle squeezed his hand. He looked thoughtful as he spoke. "You know about the oil of lanius?"

They all nodded. "I can't remember much about it, Heph," said Hercules sadly.

"Just a drop needs to enter the afflicted," he said. "Once ingested the oil, they return to themselves immediately. And the memories of what they have done start to hit them. It's so cruel." Hephaestus took Gabrielle's hand. "Imagine being infected. You are consumed by darkness maybe murder your friends, your family, do unspeakable things" Hephaestus spoke quietly and continued to grip Gabrielle's hand. He looked into the green eyes that were full of pain. He smiled a weak smile and squeezed her hand. "You come back to consciousness and find them dead. You grieve and are in shock. The memories come back. Imagine the pain, the madness that would follow. Many can't live with the guilt." There was silence while they digested this information. "Gods can be petty and malicious." He said tonelessly.

"Not all of them," said Hercules and strode towards the seated God with his hand held out. "Sorry for doubting you, Heph. I can see what Sis sees in you." The God blushed and broke out in an embarrassed smile. "I assume a God is behind it? Do you know who?"

"Ares we think," said Iolaus.

"Should have known." There was a pause. "Have you a plan Hercules?"

"We need more man power. We are guessing they will recruit more before moving onto bigger cities."

"Would woman power do?" said Gabrielle quietly. "The Amazons, they'll help."

"I can deliver the message," said Joxer eager to help.

"Great idea Gab," said Iolaus warmly.

"I can make you crossbows and darts, a pinprick will be enough."

"We can surround their camp, send darts in return everyone back to normal," said Hercules. "I'll get the oil; I know where to get it from." He pointed at the map. "Let's rendezvous here, in what three days." He gazed at Gabrielle. "Don't worry we'll get her back."

Gabrielle pushed herself up in bed. "I want to help. I need to help Xena."

"The best way you can help Xena is to get well," said Iolaus. "We're staying here." At that point Gabrielle opened her mouth to say something but Iolaus cut her off. "No Gabrielle, you've done enough, let us help." Gabrielle looked at the four men in the room and she slumped back into bed. She felt frustrated and useless-feelings that she had been feeling all too frequently. She watched as Joxer and Hercules stared to get themselves ready to leave. Time was of the essence. She thought of something she could do. At last she could feel useful "Iolaus could you hand me that bag. Joxer I'll write you a note for Ephiny."

"Sure Gab" and the small blonde man gave her the bag with a smile. She started to write to one of her dearest friends. She had little doubt they would help. Not just because it was her asking but their concern at the potential rise of Xena the warlord again.

"We're ready," said Hercules nervously. Gabrielle handed Joxer the hastily written scroll. Hercules bent down and they embraced tightly. Within moments Joxer had taken his place and she kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you for what you have done, and what you are doing," she said in a broken whisper.

"Remember she's not your Xena," said Hercules. It had come out harsher than he meant and so he smiled to soften the words. "But we'll get her back. We'll see you in a couple of days."