As often in conflict, talking precedes action. Because this chapter has got a lot of it (talking that is), I've divided it into two parts. Next part will be up in a few days. Bear with me, we'll get there ;)

4| Kratos (Strength)

"How is she doing?" The Amazon Princess asked the village's healer. Alcinoe sighed as she washed her hands in a metal bowl filled with red coloured water.

"She has lost a lot of blood and the cuts were dirty. She's likely to develop a fever. I've given her some medicine against the pain, but it's really up to her." The Princess nodded solemly in sympathy for the poor messenger. Scouts from the border had carried her in a few candlemarks ago, leaving no argument as to the Conqueror's thoughts about their proposition.

'COWARDS' was the one-word reply, carved in tanned skin. It was as much a statement of anger as a challenge, the Princess knew. She could only hope it was a challenge that Queen Melosa would not meet. But with every armed party that arrived from the surrounding Amazon villages, the path to war was cleared further.

The frown that graced the old healer's face betrayed the guilt she felt for the failing of this plan. She must have thought the Conqueror to be more reasonable. Underestimating her proved to be a dire mistake, one the Princess was not planning on making.

"I will leave a sacrifice at Artemis' temple for her recovery. If there's anything I can do... don't hesitate to call upon me." The Princess smiled a weak smile and patted Alcinoe's shoulder before moving out. The old woman merely gave a curt nod and fumbled with some herbs on the table.

The air in the village was charged with an electric energy. One that caused the hairs on the back of your neck to stand up, leaving you in a constant state of awareness. Walking towards the temple, the Princess noted the urgent whispers and grim expressions on her sisters faces. New barracks were set up for the warriors, who had arrived in the morning. New weapons were being made. Relics were hung on the trees in a silent prayer to the goddess. This was a nation preparing for war.

The Princess hurried her stride.

A priestess nodded her welcome when she entered the temple. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dim environment. The Princess knelt at the altar and presented a carved wooden deer pendant as her sacrifice. It had been a gift from Eponin for graduating from weaponsclass. She solemnly closed her eyes and whispered. "Artemis, our Goddess, I need your strength and wisdom to help resolve this peacefully. I have this sinking feeling that a war won't bring us what we seek. Something tells me that if I could just find a way to speak to her... that perhaps I could persuade her to..." The Princess hesitated, searching for the right words. Eventually she sighed. "I don't know... Maybe I am as naïve as they say I am. But I've got to try, for the sake of all Amazons. If nothing more...I ask for your blessing." A soft breeze ruffled her hair, which made her smile. She knew her prayers were heard. She stood and turned around.

Suddenly there was a loud yelling from the village square. She hurried outside and approached a group of women holding someone captive. Whoever it was, was dressed in an Amazon skirt and top. But something wasn't quite right about it. This person seemed to be wearing a wig... and was way too hairy.

"Well Autolycus," she snickerd, "you look lovely. The skirt really suits you." The Amazons looked bewildered for a moment. "Thank you, Gabrielle." He stated confidentally, standing just a little taller and throwing his hair back.

"Your Highness, this man was sneaking around the village. He could be a spy from the Conqueror." One of them spoke.

"Really Deni? The Conqueror isn't known for her sense of humor." She smiled. "Don't worry, he's a friend of mine." Sensing the man to be of no danger they released him. Seeing him adjusting his wig and smoothing out his skirt send the Princess in another fit of giggles. He scoweled at her.

"Well it got me inside your village, didn't it?!"

"Yeah, I see you haven't lost your touch." She winked at him and motioned for him to follow her to her hut.

"So, your Highness, what is it you want me to steal?" Autolycus sighed happily as he sat himself down. Gabrielle frowned and stated seriously:

"Six Amazon officers and the Girdle of Ares which they were supposed to bring with them."

"Woah!" He blurted out. "You want me to steal a bunch of strong willed women?"

"Yes, and the sacred Girdle of Ares. You know, the holy belt that signifies the authority of the Amazon Queen and protects the nation?"

"Yeah, yeah, the magical thingy given to Hyppolita by her father Ares, the god of war. I know what the Girdle is... but seriously, you want me to steal women? Women warriors?" He actually looked a bit scared. "Damn, Gabrielle! Can't I just steal the Girdle and be done with it?" Gabrielle rolled her eyes.

"They're my friends, Autolycus. They're not gorgons or harpies." He hummed a bit before something seemed to dawn on him.

"Wait a second... You said they're your friends. Why would I steal your friends? Who am I stealing them from?"

Gabrielle flinched and closed her eyes tightly while rattling off her explanation.

"Well... They've been captured by Xena, the Conqueror of Greece and they're held at the fort in Thessaly."