Disclaimer & Notices: Please see Chapter 1.
AN: I had hoped to get this posted the other night, but I failed. Hopefully there's no yelling about it. :-o
I estimate we have about... four or so chapters left. It could be more though. As I've said to others, I plan to dive right into the sequel afterwards. I don't want to lose my ideas by waiting it out. Please enjoy the update and thank you for the support!
Anonymous Reviews
Marijke Bush: Thank you for the condolences about my job. Everything happens for a reason. I hope you enjoy the update. And to answer your question, I always try to update between seven to ten days. Thanks again! :)
Liz: I have to say I'm happy you didn't predict Xena's unwilling defection to Dahak. This chapter should be fun for you since it'll focus on Dahak's control on Xena. Thank you for the continued support and reviews!
Guest (Chap 19): Thank you for the continued patience. I try to make the chapters worth it. Hopefully you had a chance to read other XWP postings. Most are on my website, but the better stuff is here on my FF . net site. I will warn the older stuff is not as good. Thanks again for the review!
ssmiaka: Does the "OMG" from the Chap 19 review mean "Oh my gods"? :) Thank you for the kind words about Chap 20 being good. This one is a bit longer and more action too. I hope you like it! Thank you for the support!
Debbie: I wish I had posted sooner. But, the good news is I did find a job thankfully. It wasn't quite what I was planning on, but it's what I know real well. Anyway, thank you for the review. Hopefully this new chapter meets your expectations. And have a good weekend! :)
Started: January 27, 2009
Series 3: Putting the Puzzle Together, Story #27
The Warrior Gargoyle
by Red Hope
Chapter 21
The soft but distinct sound of stone cracking stirred Gabrielle from her sleep. She lifted her head, and the sun's first light pierced the corner of her eye. Yet, the crackling sound drew Gabrielle's attention to the back of the cave. Through the firelight, she watched as red stone crept up Rowan's body.
Rowan welcomed her stone sleep. She had her great sword drawn and was in a knelt position. Before her arms stoned over, Rowan gripped the weapon with both hands and held it in front of her face. It was a typical stance she took, but normally standing up right rather than hunched down. She decided it was safer to be smaller and hidden in the cave.
Gabrielle watched in awe as the red stone snaked up Rowan's neck and over her chin. Just before the stone went over her lips, Rowan grinned at Gabrielle.
"Rest well, sister," Devlin offered as the last bit of stone covered her sister's head. She had completed her own transformation to human form.
Gabrielle blinked and looked at Devlin. She missed Devlin's own transformation, so caught up in Rowan's stone sleep. "Have gargoyles always changed to stone by day?"
"Yes." Devlin was sifting through her bag for her regular clothes.
Curiously, the bard climbed to her bare feet and went to Rowan. She hesitantly touched Rowan's cheek, which was warm to the touch even though it was stone.
Devlin watched the human and mentioned, "She will turn back by sunset."
Gabrielle drew away from the stone gargoyle. She went back to her bedroll.
"You should rest longer." Devlin went over to Gabrielle. "I will take watch for a couple of candlemarks then we can trade... before the recon work."
The bard nodded and sat down. "Your bow and quiver are by my pack."
Devlin nodded and decided it was a good idea to hunt for food while Gabrielle slept more. She could get a rabbit or two for them. "Sleep well, Gabrielle."
"Be careful, Dev," Gabrielle muttered in a sleepy voice. She was snuggled under the still warm furs.
Devlin paused in the entranceway and stared oddly at the human. Had Gabrielle meant to call her Dev or was it from the sleepiness? She shrugged it off and left the cave. Devlin had no plans to go far and stood guard nearby but also hidden from sight. In awhile, she would hunt for food and cook it, knowing that would wake Gabrielle.
When the sun was at its highest in the sky, Gabrielle and Devlin had finished resting and eating after such a draining day yesterday. Gabrielle had hoped to feel somewhat refreshed, but her dreams were nightmares the entire time. She feared tonight and especially feared battling Xena as a gargoyle. It was her nightmare shortly to become a reality.
From Gabrielle's quietness, Devlin knew that Gabrielle was worried about tonight. There was a chance at defeating Dahak and closing the Gate to Oblivion. But, none of it would be easy and most likely end in death. Devlin believed in their fate to win, regardless of the odds.
"Will Rowan be safe, alone?" Gabrielle asked. She studied the stone gargoyle well hidden in an alcove of the cavern.
"I think so," Devlin replied. It was a risk to leave Rowan unprotected, but they would only be gone for two candlemarks, three at the most. She had insisted it was important they remove any traces of their stay in the cave. Otherwise it may draw any passerby's unnecessary attention. They were in a fairly remote area, but it was better to be safe.
"Alright," Gabrielle whispered. "We should be quick." Her words seem to be meant for Rowan, who only stared back with a grin. Leaving the cave, Gabrielle decided it was best to run a part of the way. She had solid endurance, but she was unsure if Devlin could manage it. After they left the cave, she posed the idea to Devlin, who readily agreed to keep up pace.
The bard hefted her staff and started an easy jog across the lands. She recalled the temple's location, a place she hated still.
Devlin was a decent runner, but she had some trouble staying at Gabrielle's side. She was impressed by the bard's strength as a runner. She suspected it was not always the case.
Gabrielle slowed to a fast walk once she started recognizing the area. She gripped her staff and considered the best way to get close. "I think there's a woods nearby. We can use that for cover."
"That... would help." Devlin inhaled deeply and calmed her heart. She took a small wineskin from her quiver and swallowed a mouthful. She handed it off to Gabrielle.
Gabrielle drank some but was careful. She recorked the skin and returned it. "We just need a quick look to figure out how they're setup in the temple." She looked at Devlin. "The place was in ruins when we left it a year ago."
"They would have not fixed it that fast." Devlin followed the bard into a forest. She was thankful for the shade that cooled her body.
Gabrielle was quiet and careful as she went through the woods. In the distance, she heard stone and metal beating each other. She swallowed in worry but kept going forward to the sounds.
Devlin stayed close to Gabrielle. She retrieved an arrow and nocked it, but the arrowhead was pointed at the ground.
The bard went slower and crouched some because the sounds were so close. She edged to a few trees that distinctly terminated several hundred paces from the temple. She knelt down and held her staff close.
Devlin squatted beside the human and curiously studied the busy temple. "They are rebuilding it."
Gabrielle shook her head. "Even with their supplies... it's not enough." She recalled seeing the supplies yesterday, and they had put a dent in them with the fire arrows.
"It may be enough to welcome Dahak here," Devlin argued.
Gabrielle frowned at the truth. She focused on the fallen temple and watched the followers work like ants. What caught her attention the most was the altar table, which had been reassembled except for the ugly crack that ran across it from last time. Gabrielle trembled at the memory from seeing the table.
Devlin peered over at the bard and considered what bothered Gabrielle. She had little information about what went on between the humans and Dahak. However, Devlin suspected a lot happened at the temple for it to be left in ruins like it had been for a year.
"I see Werfner," Gabrielle whispered. His distinct features and tall black hat made him stand out in the crowd of followers.
Devlin slotted her eyes and scanned the temple, looking for one person. She shook her head and murmured, "I do not see Xena."
"That is because I am right here," the black gargoyle growled low.
Devlin spun around, arrow tight against the bowstring. However, a clawed hand lifted her off the ground and tossed her into a tree. She groaned and slumped down until she was limp against the ground.
Gabrielle was on her feet and sprinted out of the woods into the open lands before she was attacked by Xena in the tight confides of the trees. She spun on her heels and raised her staff as the black gargoyle followed her out of the woods. Gabrielle was startled by Xena's recent changes.
The gargoyle's black skin stood in contrast to green lands. She was decorated in bronze armor and leather similar to a hoplite. The sunlight reflected off the shined armor and made her glow. At her side, a large kopis remained sheathed and ready for a battle. At her back, the chakram was hooked to her waist, ready to fly.
It was obvious that Werfner had planned to have Xena in his control. The bronze armor was too well fitted for a gargoyle. An average kopis was much smaller, but Xena's kopis had been premade for her larger standards. However, Werfner had misjudged one detail when he had the armor commissioned for a gargoyle. He had miscalculated Drakon's intrusion because the two slits in the back of the bronze armor had no wings to fit through them. Werfner simply ignored Drakon's warning because Dahak was greater.
"Xena," Gabrielle attempted. She raised her staff.
The black gargoyle was barely concerned and continued advancing on the human.
Gabrielle back stepped several times, not at all ready to face her dravoh. Just as Xena neared her, Gabrielle took a shot at her. She was confident Xena would catch her staff, and she did latch onto it.
The gargoyle snarled and dug her talons into the staff.
"Xena, please." Gabrielle was so close to her dravoh, their breathes sharing the air. She saw no recognition in Xena's eyes. Her heart fell. Then her instincts took control. Gabrielle ripped her staff free, spun around Xena, and nailed a solid hit to the back of Xena's knee.
The gargoyle tumbled onto the knee. She growled and acted quickly.
Gabrielle jumped in time before the tail had her. She rolled away and bounced onto her feet. "I don't know what Dahak has done to you."
The gargoyle faced the human and revealed the blue flames in her eyes.
"But it's going to get us both killed," Gabrielle insisted. She took a step to the left, and Xena went to her right. Her body charged when Xena leaped for her.
The gargoyle sailed over the human, who had rolled underneath her and escaped again.
"Stop playing with her," Werfner demanded. He had a few soldiers with him. "Capture her."
Gabrielle cursed at being caught between a gargoyle and three soldiers. "Great," she muttered. Some part of her wanted to toss her staff and give up because of the odds. However, the warrior in her that Xena had trained so well, would not give up. Gabrielle used her senses that she had honed over the years.
The first attack came from a soldier's sword that Gabrielle parried. She kicked him and caught him in the stomach. She spun around and cautiously watched the soldiers. Xena was still in the corner of her eye. She found it strange that Xena was holding back.
Another soldier came at Gabrielle, but his attack was cut short by the gargoyle. He screamed when he was lifted into the air and thrown aside.
The gargoyle growled low at the two other soldiers, daring them. She reached for her sheathed kopis until Werfner's voice made her go still.
"Stand back," the priest ordered the soldiers. He noticed his order caused Xena to release her kopis. It was odd how the gargoyle reacted to the soldiers attacking Gabrielle. Even with Dahak's control, Xena was still protective over Gabrielle. "Now, capture her," he ordered Xena.
Gabrielle was breathing hard and rather confused by the change. "Xena," she called but received no response.
The gargoyle faced Gabrielle again and revealed a dark smile.
Gabrielle nearly ran, but she held her ground. She readied her staff and was mindful of her dagger. She refused to use it unless it was her only option. Perhaps it was even what Dahak wanted her to do. Gabrielle went stiff once the truth blindsided her. Only Xena's growl jarred her from her thoughts.
It was a game of cat and mouse as Gabrielle dodged Xena several times. A graceful game between a human and gargoyle that had dangerous consequences if the gargoyle captured the human. However, Gabrielle was agile and easily slid under or bounded over Xena at each turn. Her stamina was strong yet not quite endless. Every beat of her heart grew stronger, and her energy would die soon.
Not once had Gabrielle hurt Xena or received any pain. Gabrielle had tested the gargoyle several times to confirm her suspicion, and it was true. Xena would not harm her. Every growl, snarl, and roar was merely a scare tactic. Somehow Xena held minor control even though the spell made her an unwilling slave.
From the side, a soldier had slithered behind Xena and readied his blade. He gave a war cry and raised his sword during the charge for Gabrielle. But his sword hit another blade made from bronze. He peered up into feral blue eyes that blazed at him. He had made an awful mistake.
The black gargoyle withdrew her kopis then whirled around hard. Her tail whipped the soldier hard in the chest, sending him on his back. She sheathed her sword after she confirmed the soldier would stay down.
"I tire of this!" Werfner snapped.
Gabrielle looked to the priest, distracted by the changes. She barely registered Xena's fast movements. It was too late as a large hand wrapped around her throat. She swung her staff around, which was snared by Xena's other hand.
The gargoyle yanked the staff and tossed it. She dragged Gabrielle across the short distance between them and revealed a wolfish smile. Her white fangs showed brightly against her dark skin.
"Xena," Gabrielle pleaded. She gripped the thick wrist with both hands, but she had no control. She gasped for air, but suddenly Xena's grip loosened enough to allow air to her lungs.
"Let her go!"
Gabrielle forced her eyes open upon hearing Devlin. From a strained view, she saw Devlin with a nocked arrow pointed at Werfner.
Two soldiers started after Devlin until she fired the arrow.
The priest yelped when the arrow grazed his left cheek, leaving a bloody line across it. He was wide eye and held his cheek.
"Next shot will not miss," Devlin warned the soldiers. She kept her sights lined on the priest's heart.
The soldiers exchanged glances and looked to Werfner for orders. They lowered their swords and waited for the outcome.
"Order Xena to release Gabrielle," Devlin hotly demanded. Her tension was at its peak. "Now!"
The Priest of the Blood growled in frustration but looked at the gargoyle. "Let her go."
Xena stared coldly at Gabrielle, her grip neither loose or tight. She bowed her head closer to the human and seemed indifferent to Werfner's order.
Gabrielle stiffened and dug her heels into the ground. She could feel the gargoyle's breath against her skin. Then the fangs were so apparent in a low sneer before Xena released her suddenly. Gabrielle nearly tumbled but caught herself and back stepped a few times. She grabbed her staff and reversed more, her attention still on Xena. Her steps came to a slow stop when she was halfway to Devlin.
"Come on, Gabrielle!"
The bard swallowed hard as she considered their future plans. Just exactly how far would they get before Xena had them again? She saw little chance in truly escaping or possibly leading Xena to the cave where Rowan was still in stone form. Nothing about it seemed promising to her.
"Gabrielle!" Devlin glanced between Werfner and her friend.
Gabrielle licked her lips and turned to Devlin. "I... I'm sorry, Devlin." She looked at Xena and made her choice. She started towards the black gargoyle.
"Gabrielle," Devlin snapped. She looked between Werfner and Gabrielle, who continued back to Xena.
The black gargoyle had a slight tilt of her head as the human returned to her. She removed her hand from the sheathed kopis's handle.
Gabrielle stood in front of the black gargoyle. "I won't fight my dravoh," she whispered. She recalled Aphrodite's advise about trust and staying together. Gabrielle turned and called, "You should go, Devlin."
For the second time, Devlin was stunned by Gabrielle's actions, especially concerning Xena. She felt she understood dravohs, but she was wrong. Devlin caught the soldier's advances, and she backed up. She still was stunned that Gabrielle gave herself over freely to Dahak. Yet, as she looked at Gabrielle and Xena again, she realized Gabrielle was giving herself over to her dravoh, not Dahak.
After a low curse, Devlin loosened the arrow against the string and took off at a sprint. She only knew to escape, like Gabrielle suggested to her. She hoped the soldiers and Xena would not give chase.
"Leave her," the priest ordered the soldiers. "She can do nothing." He then suspiciously eyed Gabrielle so close to Xena. "Bring her to the temple." He motioned for the two soldiers to get the third one.
The bard handed her staff over to the gargoyle and was escorted down to the temple. She tensed at seeing the ruins, her pace much slower. She brushed against Xena's cool bronze armor.
The gargoyle placed a firm hand on the bard's shoulder, near the injury from the other night. She steered the human towards the temple.
Gabrielle bit back a hiss from the sting in her shoulder. It distracted her from the seeming death march to Dahak's temple. She unknowingly shifted closer to her dravoh. Once in front of the temple, she surveyed all the followers working so hard to restore the temple. She cringed at how little they truly understood about Dahak and his plans. They were fools to worship such an evil one-god.
"Lock her up," Werfner commanded the soldiers. He signaled the gargoyle to assist the soldiers.
Gabrielle was directed to an open area in the fallen temple. She was close to the altar.
One soldier ordered her to halt. He then knelt down and picked up a shackle, which he clamped around her ankle. After he set the lock, he stood up and smirked at her. "Welcome back to Dahak's teeth."
Gabrielle fisted her hands and slotted her eyes at him. She rammed down her own fears.
"You watch her," the same guard ordered his comrades. He then ordered the gargoyle to assist with the rebuild.
Gabrielle watched her dravoh go, and she grounded her teeth. She wished Xena was free of Dahak. For awhile, she closely watched the followers and soldiers work together. She noticed that a lot of focus was on the central location of the old temple. Stones and debris were being moved in every direction. Already the altar had been repaired, and the flames restored in the pit.
A loud boom echoed followed by several cheers. It drew Gabrielle's attention to the celebration of a single pillar being set into a deep hole in the ground.
Xena had helped maneuver the heavy stone pillar into the hole, her superior strength being an asset. She stepped aside as several followers hastily filled in the hole with the surrounding dirt that had been piled to one side.
Gabrielle took a few steps back until she was seated on a large stone. She slowly narrowed her eyes as she absorbed the formation the pillars created together. It was a perfect circle with each twin pillars holding a lintel across the top. The only exception was the single pillar in the center, like a beacon. A flood of fear rushed through her once she realized the gate had been built with the altar as the keyhole.
"By the gods," she whispered. Gabrielle gripped the stone under her and prayed that Devlin could still help them.
The distinct hits of stone and wood continued around the temple through the afternoon. Orders were hollered across to the workforce of followers and soldiers. Priest Werfner kept a careful eye on the progress and demanded the work be complete before sunset. The temple was perhaps only ruins of its former glory from a year ago. However, it had been transformed into something far different than a temple. The supplies that the followers had brought was not to rebuild the temple, but the turn it into a gateway between Earth and Oblivion. Soon Dahak, himself, would reach across the planes and enter the ripe grounds of the Earth.
Werfner jumped from the great roar in the firepit. He hastened to it, falling to his knees. "Yes," he agreed. "We can begin." He gazed westward and squinted at the low sun. "And begin we must." He murmured a prayer in a strange tongue before he stood up.
The priest turned as the followers started chanting behind him. Like Werfner, they knew it was time to start the ceremony and bring their one-god to their plane. Werfner commanded the followers to form an inner circle around the circle of stone pillars. He then barked at the soldiers to line up on either side of the rebuilt altar table.
The black gargoyle waited beside the single pillar near the altar table. She acknowledge Werfner when he came to her side.
"We shall begin," the priest spoke. He turned his dark smile to Gabrielle. "Now you will kill her for Dahak."
The gargoyle barred her teeth and started towards the chained human.
Gabrielle was on her feet, hands clenched hard. She wondered how her sacrifice would bring Dahak to Earth. She warily watched Xena, who reached for the chain and broke it with a simple pull.
The gargoyle reached for her kopis as she reversed several steps, close to the central pillar.
Gabrielle had given up her staff awhile ago. Amazingly she still had her dagger hidden in her boot. She nearly reached for it but paused and listened to Xena's kopis scrape against the sheath. She straightened up and gritted her teeth against the panic swelling in her chest.
"Kill her, quickly!" Werfner yelled through the ruins. His words caused the followers to begin chanting low.
Gabrielle darted out of the way after the first swing came at her head. She stared wide eye at the gargoyle's ferocity this time. However, Gabrielle read Xena's body language and anticipated the next move. She dropped and rolled to the left then popped onto her feet.
"Xena," Gabrielle pleaded. "Please stop this." She jumped in time before the curved blade caught her chest. She was nearly weaponless except for the dagger, which she knew how to use in the deadliest manner. She needed something else. The longer Gabrielle stalled the sacrifice the better chance Devlin and Rowan would come to her aid.
The gargoyle followed her prey, who neared the chains again. She readied her bronze kopis, about to strike again.
Gabrielle encouraged her dravoh's attack and drew the swing downwards. She rolled just as the blade almost had her shoulder. She grew hopeful when metal struck metal. A quick glance revealed that the chain had been cut by Xena's powerful swing. Hastily, she snared a few links nearby and yanked the chain to herself.
Xena snarled low and whipped her tail at Gabrielle, which caused the chain to be lost. The gargoyle stepped over the chain and revealed a dark smile, all sharp teeth bright.
The bard growled in frustration, not sure what to do next. She backed off a few steps and was further annoyed when Xena tossed the chain over to some of the followers in the circle.
The gargoyle suddenly lunged for the human. She brought the blade around and missed several times.
Gabrielle ducked and jumped then nearly stumbled from a protruding stone. Another swing came at her head, and she hastily rolled behind the single pillar that protected her from the blade. She gritted her teeth against the sound of metal against stone. Hastily, Gabrielle moved again before Xena had her, but she was hit by the long tail.
Xena smiled ruthlessly after the bard fell to the floor. Her talon feet dug into the stone as she approached the human.
Gabrielle rolled onto her back, knees propped up. Instinctively she reached for her dagger, sweaty hands tight against the warm handle. The chanting grew intense and rang in Gabrielle's ears.
Werfner's smile grew once Gabrielle revealed the hidden dagger. He was excited and called out to Dahak in dragon tongue.
The bard rolled to her left after the blade came at her. She jumped quickly once she sensed Xena's next swing, her feet passed just over the blade. Gabrielle took several running steps to gain distance and spun on her heel. She raised the dagger even though she trembled inwards.
Werfner glanced at the sun, which was nearly gone. Already torchlight started to glow around the gateway. He returned his dark smile to the ensuing fight that was almost complete.
Gabrielle took another step back, eyes on the gargoyle. She recalled every location on a gargoyle that could hurt and even kill them. Gabrielle clenched her teeth. She counted four deadly, exposed spots on the gargoyle that was not covered by the armor. Her eyes met Xena's bright ones, and Gabrielle's heart sunk because it was her dravoh she would kill. Taking a step to the right, Gabrielle's attention shifted to Werfner, and his gleeful expression cut her. Xena's sudden attack made her leap to the side. Again, Werfner's anticipation dug under Gabrielle's skin.
Werfner raised his fisted hands, excitement eating away inside of him. He could nearly taste the great sacrifice that would welcome Dahak to Earth.
Gabrielle stiffened when her dravoh sheathed her kopis. She considered whether Xena would use her chakram to end the game. To her worry, Xena knelt down and muscles coiled tightly. A third time, Gabrielle looked at Werfner and his smirk provoked her rage. He loved that a dravoh would kill her mate.
In smooth motion, Gabrielle reacted to her emotions and her beliefs. She flipped the dagger in her hands, holding it by the blade. She gave a harsh yell and took running steps towards her dravoh.
The gargoyle echoed the yell, hers much deeper. She sprung into a leap, talons extended for the kill.
Gabrielle retracted her arm and built power into her throw. Her arm swiftly went forward and followed her target. The blade slid from her fingertips, sailed through the air, and swept past the descending gargoyle. Repeatedly the dagger flipped handle over blade tip until it sliced into its mark, and a horrific scream followed it.
White flashed before Gabrielle's eyes, and the gargoyle's immense weight pressed onto her chest. Her back flared with pain after it hit the stone. As her vision cleared, she realized her dravoh's fangs were descending to her neck. Dread erupted in her belly, raced up her chest, and exploded through her lips.
"Xena!" Gabrielle's voice thundered into a mighty roar that omitted an energy.
The gargoyle was struck hard in the chest by an invisible force. She soared backwards through the air until she crashed into the central pillar. She weakly slumped and gasped for air, her mind fuzzy.
Gabrielle coughed repeatedly, hand over her aching chest. Her own mind and thoughts not quite her own. She rolled to her side, and her vision swam. Slowly she focused on Werfner, who was being held from behind by a follower.
Werfner's screams echoed through the ruins. Blood soaked into his black cloth where the dagger had struck him in the shoulder. A follower reached for the dagger's hilt, but Werfner shoved them away.
Gabrielle blinked a few times, clearing her vision better. Slowly she trailed her eyes over to the black gargoyle propped against the single pillar.
Xena remained motionless. Her eyes were half open, distant, and yet calm. Her muscles were no longer tense, and she seemed at peace. The bronze armor flickered the reflection of the fire pit, which had suddenly erupted in a grand display.
"Xena," Gabrielle softly called. She stretched her arm out to her dravoh. However, the sounds of cloth whipping against air filled her ears. Gabrielle sensed somebody behind her and considered whether it was a follower. She had no strength to fight right now.
Powerful, warm arms snaked around Gabrielle and lifted her off the cold stone. To her relief, she watched a familiar red gargoyle land between her and Xena. After a few more blinks, she focused on Devlin's concerned features and truly saw Xena's own expression.
"Are you alright?" Devlin held the human close and nearly enclosed Gabrielle with her wings.
"I just need... a beat," Gabrielle weakly admitted.
Devlin studied the bard's body, looking for signs of damage. She then peered up and saw Rowan hurry to Xena.
Rowan grasped the black gargoyle's padded shoulder. "Xena?" She received no response so she tilted Xena's head up. "Come on," she urged.
"I have to go to her," Gabrielle explained. She slipped from Devlin and nearly tumbled to her knees. Gabrielle gained her balance and closed the distance to Xena.
Devlin was on the human's heels. She took Rowan's side and watched the dravohs.
Gabrielle held black cheeks between her hands. She saw Dahak's fire still glowed distantly in her dravoh's eyes. She pressed her forehead against Xena's large ridge and closed her eyes. She whispered, "Come on, Xena... we need you." She held Xena's cheeks harder and uttered, "I need you." Gabrielle's chest tingled warmly and washed over the black gargoyle.
Devlin slotted her eyes after the priest yelled for the soldiers to attack. "We ran out of time, Gabrielle."
Rowan reached behind and unsheathed her great sword. She looked forward to the fight. She spun her sword and stepped around the dravohs. "How can they expect to fight us, sister?"
Devlin took steps to her right. She was ready to fight too. "They are merely delaying us."
Rowan wanted to ask why, but four soldiers engaged her at once.
Gabrielle continued soft whispers to call Xena back to her. She nearly jumped after large hand covered hers, over Xena's cheek. Gabrielle felt the black gargoyle stir under her and begin to rise. Together, they slowly stood up and never lost contact between her forehead and Xena's ridge.
After standing, Xena's eyes fluttered a few times, and she lifted her head as the last blue flames faded from her eyes. Her shoulders lowered from their tense position. Gabrielle's warm hands slid off her cheeks as she gazed at their surroundings. Memories resurfaced slowly and caused her features to darken into an aggressive sneer.
Gabrielle's heart rate jumped at the gargoyle's look, but suddenly she was snared by Xena. She cried out as their world spun and a man's war cry went past her ears. Back on her feet, Gabrielle realized the soldiers were attacking them next.
Xena extracted her great kopis and took a position between Gabrielle and the five soldiers. "Stay behind me," she ordered.
Gabrielle was truly weaponless and was tempted to take the chakram from Xena. However, she knew better than to grab it. Instead, she remained close to Xena's back and ready to defend herself if necessary. Briefly, her attention went to the Priest of the Blood, who was directing the followers to the pit. For an injured man, he was relentless and determined to bring Dahak to Earth.
Under Werfner's command, the robed followers hastened to the pit and encircled it. The great flames welcomed them and rose higher up. Their chanting restarted in earnest. They raised their hands to the skies and cried out in a begging tongue. Dahak's flames exploded from the pit and hundreds of tendrils snaked through the air and wrapped around the closest lintel poised on top of twin pillars. From lintel to lintel, the tendrils slithered around until they were linked together in an unbroken circle.
Werfner shook his hands violently at the fire pit. He yelled great words in ancient tongue. His demands were met when the tendrils' flames bloomed inwards until they met at the one, lone pillar in the center.
"By the gods," Gabrielle whispered in awe. She tilted her head back and gazed upon the bright flames that domed over their heads. She noticed everybody had stopped fighting to watch the amazing spectacle.
Xena kept her kopis at the ready and moved closer to Gabrielle.
Gabrielle reached for her dravoh, scared what would happen next.
Rowan was close to her sister, and she looked at the fire dome above her. "Welcome to Vokul"
"Not quite, sister... but close enough," Devlin agreed.
A scream grabbed Gabrielle's attention, and she looked towards the pit. To her surprise, she realized the followers were sacrificing themselves to Dahak. She watched another jump into the flames with a praise to Dahak on his lips.
Devlin and Rowan hurried to the dravohs and kept Gabrielle between them. All their attention was on the overhead dome, which pulsated brighter and brighter until a thick tendril formed over the central pillar. An eruption of light caused all of them to cover their faces, and the heat burned across their backs.
Gabrielle went down on one knee, in pain but cool bronze pressed into her back to protect her. She gripped Xena's arm and prayed it would end. Her ears ached from the fire's roar.
Werfner was the last follower by the pit. He completed the chant and sadly smiled at the flames. He saw Dahak's face shape within the fire. In old tongue, he called out, "For my failure, here is my body and soul. Bring your creatures to complete the great sacrifice." He opened his arms and winced from the dagger digging into his shoulder further. "Aal dii sil konfer kul!" Werfner took his first and last step to welcome Dahak.
Devlin forced her eyes skyward, and she stared in horror. The single tendril reached through the skies, stretched through the planes, and touched Oblivion. She hollered, "The Gate to Oblivion is open!"
Rowan twisted her head to the right and slotted her eyes when an odd creature fell through the gate and landed on the one pillar. The small creature hurried down the pillar just as another one came through the gate. "What in Drakon's name is that?"
Devlin turned and studied the creatures that were passing through the gate. "Do you not remember the minions from the stories, sister?"
Rowan went wide eye once she realized what her older sister meant about the creatures. "They cannot be scamps?" However, she knew it was true once she looked at the small creatures.
They were about Gabrielle's height and resembled a very ugly gargoyle without wings. They were completely hairless, slender fingers and toes with claws, and their ears were elongated but pointed, like their front fangs. Each scamp was the same color, a muddy brown.
Rowan raised her sword and decided, "They cannot be too dangerous."
On cue, a scamp took stock of the three gargoyles and several humans. They had no care for the soldiers and started attacking anything living around them. Two scamps came directly to Rowan and Devlin, but they stopped short from engaging them.
Devlin tensed when one scamp raised his hands and fire formed between his palms. "Rowan, move!"
Rowan yelled and jumped before the fireball hit her in the chest.
"Not too dangerous!" Devlin mocked her sister.
Rowan glowered and climbed onto her feet. She noticed that Xena and Gabrielle had to get out of the way of the fireball. "So they know a silly fire spell." She was far from deterred by the creatures. She prepared to battle them.
"Where is Dahak?" Gabrielle called to Devlin. "Can he crossover?"
Devlin dodged a fireball then replied, "I do not think so." She launched after the scamp and ripped its head off.
Gabrielle shook her head and concluded, "I think Werfner wanted me to kill Xena to welcome him here."
"A dravoh killing another is significant," Devlin agreed. She turned her head to the right and sighed at the three scamps that were lining up to shoot fireballs at her. She hissed and prepared to jump. "Watch out!"
Gabrielle tensed once she spotted two scamps nearing her and Xena now.
"Great," Xena muttered. She raised her kopis but reached behind for her chakram.
"We have to go to Oblivion," Gabrielle explained. She noted a dead soldier to her right. She knelt and carefully edged to him.
Xena gave a war cry, jumped over the fireball, and plucked her chakram free. Once her feet landed on the ground, she threw the chakram with excellent precision. She slit the two scamps' throats, struck another distant one, and the weapon bounced off a pillar before it returned to Xena.
Gabrielle extracted a bloody sword from the dead soldier's hand. She considered its weight until she sensed a scamp right in front of her. Gabrielle lifted her head and weakly smiled at the nasty creature.
The scamp sneered and leaped with his hands out.
Gabrielle hollered and spun away but brought the sword around with her. She clipped the scamp in the back.
The scamp merely stumbled before he attacked the human.
Gabrielle sliced through his fingers and ignored his wail. She went down on one knee then drove the blade through his stomach. Black blood oozed from his wound. She twisted it for good measure as she stood up and watched his life drain away. Gabrielle kicked him off and looked around the ruins.
Dead scamps and humans were strewn everywhere. Blood of both species coated the ruins' stone floor. Several body parts left Gabrielle feeling woozy.
Xena checked on Gabrielle first, before they rejoined Devlin and Rowan. She finally took command after the last bit of fog faded from her mind. "Gabrielle is right. We need to get to Oblivion and kill Dahak."
Rowan pointed the great sword at the mouth of the gate. "That is if we can get to it."
All eyes went to the central pillar where another wave of scamps crossed from Oblivion. The second wave was more than the last one.
Xena gritted her teeth but turned to her dravoh.
Gabrielle grabbed her partner's arm and swore, "I'm going with you." She held Xena's eyes and softly added, "Don't argue with me about this."
The black gargoyle sighed but gave a low nod. She looked at Devlin. "Can you both handle the scamps?"
"Are you not sane?" Devlin hotly demanded. "You will not return from Oblivion!"
"It's not about that," Gabrielle reminded the emerald gargoyle.
Rowan admired the dravohs for their dedication. She glanced at Devlin before she offered, "I will help you through the scamps to get to the gate."
Devlin growled but said nothing else.
"Fireball!" Rowan warned to the group. At once, she and the others spread out before the fireball nailed them. Rowan snarled and went after the scamps. She started cutting a path through them.
Devlin assisted the red gargoyle and sensed the dravohs right behind them.
Xena used her chakram to kill several of them. She kept a careful eye on Gabrielle, who was the most vulnerable of them.
Gabrielle ducked under a fireball and glared at the scamp that nearly singed her hair. "I hate these things."
Xena gave a low cry and flung her chakram at the scamp. Her chakram sliced it in the chest, bounced off, and returned to her. She sheathed her sword. "We are close enough." She picked up Gabrielle with one arm, turned, and took running steps towards Rowan.
Rowan's gargoyle senses made her glance at the black gargoyle. She sliced opened a scamp and then knelt down, her head bowed low.
Xena took another wide step before she climbed up Rowan's body like a rock and then launched into the air. She wished for her wings, but they were still gone. Instead, she stretched out her free arm as she soared over the scamps' heads.
Gabrielle clung hard to her partner. She felt the impact and heard Xena's muffled groan. She lifted her head and found themselves latched onto the stone pillar.
"Can you get onto my back?"
The bard took in a shaky breath then maneuvered herself around Xena's large body. The bronze armor provided good hand holds for her. Once on Xena's back, she wrapped her strong legs and arms around Xena, mostly. Once or twice, she nearly lost the sword but managed the handle between her fingers.
Xena breathed in then started climbing the pillar.
"This reminds me of when we were thrown in the well," Gabrielle commented. However, the scamps under them was a bit different than the black hole of the well.
"Your memory is not quite like mine," Xena argued. Her talons dug into the stone until they were on the top. She squatted low on the small surface of the pillar's top. She then tilted her head back and gazed upon the mouth of the gateway to Oblivion. "Are you ready?"
Gabrielle pressed her temple against Xena's pointed ear. "Yes." And she was ready to face Dahak. She no longer feared him like she did a year ago. She owed him in kind for what he brought to her and Xena.
Xena smiled wolfishly, sensing her dravoh's emotions. Her muscles wound tighter like a ballista about to release its siege weapon on its enemy. The distance between Xena and the gate was rather far, but Xena would make it.
Xena's roar thundered in the ruins, causing the scamps to gaze up in surprise. She launched from the pillar, straight up to the gate. Her great strength took her higher than any normal gargoyle could claim. Just as her lift bled off, the gate's own draw surrounded her and Gabrielle and pulled them through in great eager.
Gabrielle screamed as the heat engulfed her. She clung harder to Xena once everything erupted in flames and then went white. She lost consciousness and lost Xena as they passed into Oblivion.
To be continued.