AN: just getting this moving right along! Enjoy :)

Chapter 21

Rome

Caesar sat in his office signing some documents for the senate he hated so much. He hated going there listening to men twice his age discuss the growth and wealth of the Roman Empire. He wanted to be emperor, make the empire his so he wouldn't have to listen to the damned old men in the senate any longer.

Two guards burst through the door and he frowned. He saw the men dragging in a woman tied up and wearing armor, her hair long, shielding her face. He hoped it was Xena and smiled standing up coming around to the front of his desk. The men threw the prisoner on the marble floor and he grinned. He waltzed over to the woman and lifted her head and to his surprise it wasn't Xena that was kneeling in front of him.

"Teuta?" Caesar seemed confused. The Illyrian woman blinked up at him, in and out of consciousness. He let go of her hair and stared at the guards. "What is she doing here? Who sent her?"

The Queen coughed and dry heaved from the lack of water. "X...Xe...Xena..." she said in a very hoarse voice. Caesar's eyes enlarged as soon as he heard that name.

"Xena sent you here? Well," he smirked, "it seems that woman has no boundaries and obviously is still alive and well," he tapped his fingers on the desk then suddenly it hit him. "You know Xena's location, don't you?" he said in a sly voice. Teuta nodded her head slowly and his smile widened. "Tell me where she is and I shall make sure your death is quick and easy," he reassured her.

Teuta frowned, not liking the idea of dying but if it was to get rid of Xena she'd gladly give him information. "She...she's in Ardahan...a northern province of Anatolia," she coughed some more and the Roman sat down at his desk, pulling out a large map. He pinpointed the area that Teuta spoke of.

"Near the Black Sea...how fitting," he chuckled and rolled up the map. "Take her down to the dungeons below and hold her there until I tell you otherwise." He knelt down close to the Queen and stared in her bright green eyes. "Your information is most valuable to me," he touched her cheek and she was hoisted up off the ground and carried away.

He dipped his quill in the ink and began writing immediately. His messenger boy was nearby and he cleared his throat. "Take this to Princess Dido at once. We now have Xena's location at last," he grinned and the boy ran out of the room. Caesar leaned back in his chair, folding his hands in his lap basking in the revenge that he would soon get on Xena.

Xena swung her sword at Gabrielle and the blonde blocked her blows several times in a row. Xena sighed and stopped sparing with Gabrielle. They had both relocated to a different province in Anatolia to seek out the centaurs. It had been two weeks since they left Jamal's campsite. Xena took Teuta's men for her own gain and there were plenty of them, some of them were Sinbad's men that he traveled with at sea, so they knew her.

Now, she had an army of over two hundred men, it was small, but these men were good fighters, obviously, they belonged to Teuta the Untamable, which was quite notable. Sinbad decided to stay back at Jamal's camp, he was rather distant towards Xena and didn't even say goodbye to her when she left, which she thought was odd.

Xena looked up at the trees around her and a few leaves fell from the large trees. Autumn was here and summer was gone which meant that winter was about three months away, which also meant that she was running out of time –to think, to plan and to organize herself and...the child she carried.

Maeve gave her special instructions, something about a stone that she wanted and the centaurs had it. xena didn't know where to look or how to go about searching for it. She and Gabrielle along with the new army set camp outside of centaur territory. Gabrielle was the one who found the area so she did most of the leading, which Xena was grateful for. Xena had yet to meet with any of the centaurs in the area, almost afraid to, though she wanted to fulfill Maeve's wishes and her own.

Gabrielle saw that Xena had become distracted and her eyes wandered around her, especially at the trees. "You want to stop for now?" she asked politely. Xena nodded and sheathed her sword then made her way back to camp to sit down for awhile. Gabrielle followed her unsure of her thoughts.

As Xena continued to train Gabrielle her own thoughts of her handling a sword came to her. Almost two years ago she was being trained by a young man named Deimos, which she soon figured out was just another one of Ares' pawns and tricks. He was so sweet to her, much like many men in her path, but he taught her how to wield a sword in a matter of hours. Her first kill, she remembered, a large stalk of grass. She smiled remembering that day perfectly. She could barely hold a sword much less kill with it and Gabrielle reminded her of herself. She was shy but ambitious, Gabrielle was...not shy, nor super ambitious, but she was eager to learn much like she was.

Gabrielle came around to sit across from Xena and stared at her empty stare. "So how am I doing? Am I improving?" she anxiously asked. Xena lifted her eyes and stared into her green eyes.

She smiled weakly, "yes you are. I think tomorrow we can go meet with the centaurs, what do you think?" she asked for the girl's input. Gabrielle seemed surprised at that and was actually speechless.

"Sure, I guess but Xena...you haven't really told me why we're here. What do the centaurs have that we don't?" she curiously inquired.

Xena touched the hilt of the black dagger hidden in her boot, remembering what Maeve said to her. Somehow, she was a bit torn listening to this woman and to Gabrielle as well as Sinbad. Sinbad hated Maeve and Gabrielle was suspicious of her though Xena didn't know what to make of Maeve. She was kind to her albeit very manipulative, she hadn't done anything malicious to her. She kept asking her to do things for her and Xena hadn't done what she said she was going to do –kill Jamal. She was having conflicting thoughts about that which she was sure Maeve could sense that, so she pressured her to go to the centaurs. Her eyes narrowed as she thought of the stone the witch spoke of.

Two Weeks Earlier

Xena sat with Maeve inside her tent alone in the middle of the night. A quill appeared in the witch's hand and she began drawing on a piece of blank parchment. Xena eyed her carefully and saw a jewel or stone drawing on the parchment.

"I want this stone, Xena. It is the most powerful stone there is. The centaurs have been guarding it for decades. It will make you powerful too," she smugly smiled. Xena examined the drawing and creased her brows. "I sense doubt in you," she said subtly.

Xena shook her head and handed the parchment back to the witch. "Why do you say that?"

Maeve grinned and touched Xena's cheek with her long slender fingers. "You remind me of someone...an apprentice I once had. She was like you, ambitious, power-driven.."

Xena became curious and dare she ask, "what happened to her?"

The witch sighed heavily and poured some wine for herself. "She didn't listen to me. She wanted to be better than me," her eyes narrowed and a large frown appeared on her face. It was the first time Xena had actually seen a malicious expression on the witch's face. The wine in her glass began to sizzle and bubble. Xena's eyes widened, though she remained calm. "She had a little...accident," she smiled and the wine stopped fizzing, then she took a large swig of the alcohol.

Xena smiled deviously, "like what I did to Hashim?"

"Something of the sort, but I know you won't do that to me. I know what's best for you," Maeve winked. "Think of me as a mother to you, Xena. I am here only to help you as long as you help me," her smile widened and her eyes sparkled. "you see, I'm not like your friend, Gabrielle or like your lover, Sinbad. You and I are a lot alike. We desire power, the need to rise to the top. You have a new army by eliminating your enemy, just think of the centaurs as your next enemy."

Xena nodded, liking the sound of that, though remained skeptical until she finally got her end of the deal. She would do as Maeve said only because she desired more.

Maeve grinned sensing the hate rising inside of Xena. She closed her eyes, basking in the hatred surrounding her, rejuvenating her body. "You can have your little blonde friend, but she is just a distraction, remember that!" she pressed onto the warrior and Xena remained silent, not sure how to respond. "She is like a little sister to you, or perhaps...more?" she smiled mischievously.

Xena smiled thinking of Gabrielle. She really had grown to like the young teenager even though their meeting was quite strange. They always ended up together no matter what happened. "I won't let her become a distraction to me." She smiled and drank some wine with the sorceress. Maeve nodded her head, liking that mindset.

Gabrielle continued to stare at Xena waiting for an answer. She was once again distracted by something. She waved her hand in front of Xena's eyes and finally she snapped out of it.

"We're to make friends with the centaurs, that is all," Xena lied with a large smile. Gabrielle bobbed her head but remained suspicious of Xena. She hadn't been clear minded in quite some time ever since they decided to leave the camp.

Deciding to ignore that Gabrielle pulled out some fruit and handed an apple to Xena. "you know," she giggled and Xena raised an eyebrow, staring at her cautiously. "Sometimes I forget that you're pregnant." Gabrielle pealed the apple with a short knife and Xena remained quiet. "You don't act like you are or even look like you are," she paused staring up at Xena's strange stare. "I mean you do without all those clothes on," she lamely covered herself.

"I have a method behind my madness, Gabrielle," Xena bit into the apple and Gabrielle smiled at her.

"You want to remain strong for the men, I understand." Gabrielle then bit into the apple and threw the skin onto the grassy ground. "I respect that..." she added and Xena continued eating the apple, unsure where this was going. "You put up this front like you don't care about anyone, but I know you care about some people."

Xena was tempted to roll her eyes, feeling sick just listening to Gabrielle's poetic words once again. Though, she did listen to her from time to time, it just was annoying sometimes, especially when her words were about her.

"I can hear you in your tent late at night sometimes," Gabrielle just made the entire conversation more awkward than it needed to be. Xena's eyes widened and she shied away from the blonde mouse. "You talk to your baby, I think that's very sweet of you," Gabrielle smiled and Xena felt her cheeks drain of color then got up to walk off elsewhere, not wishing to listen to Gabrielle anymore.

Gabrielle sighed and bit into her apple again. She realized that she probably should have kept that to herself but a tiny smile crept onto her lips. So you do care, don't you Xena?

Xena walked beyond their campsite until she reached the edge of the forest. She overlooked the sea and the wind gently blew through her dark hair. She kept thinking of all the mothers in her village and how young they were, around her age. They were married while she rebelled against the social norms, making herself quite an outcast in the village. The women always talked about how happy they were to have a child, but Xena sadly admitted, she didn't feel the same way. She didn't feel happy nor did she feel sad either. She always said that she didn't like children and never wanted to have one either, but she was here, going against her own mindset, though it wasn't something she could control.

Her eyes traveled down to her stomach and realized that she definitely couldn't ignore that anymore, she couldn't ignore her son any longer. Though truthfully, she never ignored him even in the beginning. She gave off the impression that she did to others especially to Sinbad, but she cared –she had always cared.

She felt on a hand come to her shoulder and she gasped, then turned to see it was Gabrielle staring at her with apologetic eyes. She faced the sea once more, pretending to ignore her. "I'm sorry if I said something that made you feel...uncomfortable. I wasn't trying to it's just...it's nice to see a softer side to you," she half smiled. Xena inwardly groaned and folded her arms looking at the blue sea in front of her.

Moments later Xena felt a stabbing pain and clutched her side, wincing at the sudden pain. Gabrielle frowned and came around to see Xena's face in agony. She grabbed Xena's arms, squeezing them tightly then Xena's eyes widened and her mouth gaped as the pain worsened. "What's wrong with you?" Gabrielle asked and Xena grabbed onto her shoulder, gripping tightly. Gabrielle's eyes frantically scanned Xena's body but saw nothing physically wrong with her. She then wrapped an arm around Xena, trying to support her weight on her. She cried out for help, hoping someone would hear her given how far they were from camp.

Sinbad paced in Jamal's tent and the commander reclined on a large set of pillows. "I want you to tell me everything you know about Maeve..." he whispered.

Jamal sighed, "what would you like to know? She's only here because of her son, you know that."

Sinbad groaned dismissing that statement. "Not that. Tell me about her powers. What can she do, what is she capable of..." he rubbed his chin.

Jamal began laughing and Sinbad frowned at his friend, folding his arms. The commander's laugh died down and he looked at Sinbad seriously. "She doesn't have any powers. She's just a queen mother, nothing more. People made up some shit about her that she is a sorceress. We both know that she's not."

Sinbad rolled his eyes and began pacing again. "But she is!" he fought back. "I've seen what she can do! She broke my wrist, she burned Gabrielle's hand." He shook his head not understanding this one bit. "she's evil incarnate and God willing, she doesn't hurt Xena."

Jamal sat up and creased his brows. "you're serious about this, aren't you?" Sinbad frowned nodding his head slowly, mocking his friend's disbelief in him. "Well you can't kill her," he grinned. "The king will have your head."

Sinbad sighed and tapped his foot on the ground. "She's listening right now, I know she is. I'm not supposed to talk about her or..." he trailed off and Jamal stood up becoming concerned.

"Or what?" he whispered.

"She said she will hurt Xena that..that she will experience extreme agony," he stuttered and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I shouldn't be talking to you. I need to leave!" he exited the tent and Jamal watched him leave, tempted to run after him.

"Sinbad!" he called after his friend and the sailor kept running far from the area. He scratched his head and then looked to Maeve's tent. He saw the woman's silhouette in the tent and she was sitting very still.

Maeve's eyes remained open and the entirety of her eyes were white as she listened to Sinbad close by. She waved her hand over a box she kept and saw an image of Xena in her tent with Gabrielle, wailing in agony. "I warned you, sailor," she frowned and clenched her fist tightly and echoes of Xena's scream came to her ears.

She felt a presence come near her tent and she blinked, her eyes returning back to normal. Jamal entered her tent and she slid the box underneath a blanket she had. She smiled tightly at the commander. "You and Sinbad square some things away?" she attempted to make small talk.

Jamal glanced around the tent and found nothing strange about it. Maeve noticed his wandering eyes and she stood up, throwing her cape's hood over her head. She touched his hand and he immediately bowed his head at her. "Your highness..." he stared up at her and her eyebrows raised expecting a quick conversation. "The King has sent word to me that he wishes us to relocate somewhere else."

Maeve's smile died and she exited her tent, staring around the entire camp. All of the men were packing their belongings and getting ready to leave and in a hurry too. "Did he?" she folded her arms and Jamal came by her side, not uttering a single word to her. "Where did he exactly say to relocate?" she walked a few feet observing all the men packing up their things. He didn't respond to her and she frowned, glaring at him, sensing his nervousness, she grinned at this. "Jamal..." she hissed. "My son didn't tell you to relocate, did he?"

Jamal felt a bit insulted. "Yes...yes he did, my queen," he felt a bitter taste in his mouth as he said that. Maeve nodded, remaining quiet.

"Then why was I not notified about this sudden...change," she questioned him and he hid his anxiety as he stood very close to her. She turned to him and stared into his dark brown eyes.

"Jamal!" Sinbad called out and then saw Maeve standing next to him. His eyes widened in fear then shied away from her, turning his back towards her. Maeve grinned humming to herself and Jamal bowed his head curtly and left the queen's side. "Why are you talking to her?" he mumbled, hiding his face from Maeve.

Jamal shook his head not understanding this at all. "The King sent word to relocate the army. I was just informing her and –what is wrong with you?" he peered around and Sinbad turned away further.

The sailor cleared his throat nervously, "I haven't heard from Xena in two weeks now. I can't talk to Maeve or...bad things will happen to Xena."

Jamal snickered, "really Sinbad? You think Maeve can hurt Xena all the way over here? She's in an entirely different province!"

"Jamal! She's evil...she has powers," his eyes scanned the ground, trying his best not to look at Maeve.

"sure she does, if you're so sure of that why don't you just ask her," he laughed then turned around to see Maeve gone, disappeared from the campsite. He frowned, looking around for her but found nothing. "She was just there," he crinkled his nose in confusion.

"See what I mean?" Sinbad folded his arms now affirming his skepticism. He pat his friend's shoulder and sighed heavily. "Where are we supposed to relocate now?"

Jamal rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Um...in the Steppes beyond Ardahan," he explained quietly feeling a bit uneasy.

Sinbad nodded his head. "Right okay! I'm going to pack my things and go alert Xena about this. If I leave now then I can get there before first light," he smiled and ran off to his tent leaving Jamal alone. He stared at the middle of the camp once Sinbad left him alone. He wasn't sure how Maeve disappeared like that, so quickly and everything. He shook his head and went to tell the rest of his men to get ready to leave and soon.

Maeve sat in her tent and brought out the box she hid earlier. She closed her eyes and focused her energy on Xena. She saw that Xena was asleep thanks to her precious blonde mouse. She frowned and opened her eyes and they turned white as she began crushing some powder in her hands, remaining fixated on Xena at the moment. She saw Sinbad leaving his tent in her mind and she smiled. When she finished crushing the powder she blew gently at her palm and the powder dissipated in the air.

"May God be ever in your favor, young warrior," Maeve smiled and blinked, her eyes returning to her normal green hue she exhaled exhaustively.

Xena gasped and abruptly sat up from the ground in her tent. She breathed rapidly and glanced around, seeing she was inside her tent and it was dark outside now. How long had she been asleep for, she wondered?

Gabrielle saw Xena awaken finally and she stood up rushing over to her. "You're awake at last," she smiled and touched Xena's hand. Xena's eyes frantically wandered the tent and then stared into Gabrielle's green eyes.

"What happened?" Xena asked. Gabrielle raised her eyebrows a bit puzzled at her question. Her eyes appeared to suggest that she literally had no idea what just happened.

Gabrielle smiled weakly, "you...you had a horrible pain in your side," Xena's eyes grew in fear and stared down at her child. Gabrielle reassured her, "the baby is fine, I think," that didn't seem to make Xena feel any better. "You were screaming for over an hour. I gave you something to knock you out. I didn't know you'd be out this long though," she mumbled and Xena's breathing slowed as she calmed herself down. Gabrielle stared at Xena's eyes and she still seemed lost and misplaced. "you really don't remember do you?"

Xena shook her head slowly and crossed her legs shifting her body slightly and winced. Her side was very sore and she didn't seem to know why. She rubbed her side gently and Gabrielle stared at her intensely. Gabrielle crawled over to the opposite side of the tent and grabbed a cup to pour some tea. Xena looked to Gabrielle then felt her mind go blank for a few moments. She saw stars in her eyes and she shook her head trying to fix her vision.

She grabbed her head and closed her eyes tightly trying to regain her sanity. She frowned and straightened her body, narrowing her eyes. Gabrielle came back with a cup of hot tea and handed it to her. "Are you feeling alright?"

Xena stared blankly and nodded slowly, "yes, just fine," she grabbed the cup and sipped gingerly.

Gabrielle noticed a strange change in Xena's eyes, her pupils had enlarged and she seemed quiet and distant. "Maybe I should meet with the centaurs tomorrow and you should rest here." She got up to leave and Xena grabbed her arm tightly. She frowned at Xena a bit worried for her.

"No, I'm fine." She pat Gabrielle's knee casually, "I want to be alone now. Come and get me if something happens," she said in a flat tone. Gabrielle eyed Xena cautiously, noting her odd behavior.

"Okay...are you sure you're alright?" she asked one more time and Xena smiled strangely nodding her head at her.

"Yes, mouse," Xena then chuckled quietly. "Mouse. Such a silly name," she marveled and Gabrielle got up to leave, almost afraid to. She watched her as she exited and Xena waved her hand at her.

Gabrielle turned around eyeing Xena's tent and felt bad for leaving her there by herself but she wasn't about to argue with her. Her tone of voice changed, her eyes as well and she was so calm. She thought that was rather strange especially after what just happened earlier today. She had been out for at least half the day and she didn't remember anything, which was also strange. Gabrielle sat down next to the fire, not feeling tired at all, she decided to stay awake to see if Xena was up to something or if she needed something. She poked the fire with a stick with a slight frown. She sighed and set her chin on her palm, staring at the roaring flames. As her mind began to roam she thought of Maeve. That's it! it was Maeve, it had to be.

Sinbad rode in on his horse to Xena's camp in the centaur territories. He saw many of the tents were well lit and everyone seemed to be awake. He hopped off the horse and saw Gabrielle sitting by a fire and she was still awake at this time of night. It would be about five hours until sunrise. He smiled and approached her slowly.

Gabrielle looked up and was glad to see him show up. "What are you doing here?" she smiled.

He grinned, "I have some news. Jamal is relocating the army. I came to tell Xena, where is she?" he looked around and Gabrielle sighed. "What?" he saw the strange look in the blonde's eyes.

"She's in her tent. Something happened to her today and she can't seem to remember," Gabrielle lamely explained.

He felt his heart sunk as soon as he heard that. He cursed to himself as he thought of his exchange with Jamal. He spoke of Maeve and she probably did something to Xena and that instantly infuriated him. "Is she alright?" Gabrielle nodded and shrugged her shoulder. He left her side and stood at the entrance of the tent, almost afraid to go inside.

He stepped inside and saw Xena still awake as well. She was looking over a map in silence and marked a few points with a quill. She didn't notice his presence and continued glancing at the map. Sinbad accidentally kicked a cup and it startled her. She jumped and saw Sinbad staring at her.

"Sinbad, don't tell me you traveled all this way to see me?" she smirked and he smiled seeing that she was fine and well. He sat down next to her and touched her cheek with the backside of his hand.

"No actually I came to tell you that Jamal is moving the army up north to the Steppes. He'll be leaving soon and I wanted to let you know. Have you spoken to the centaurs?" he inquired. Xena shook her head and he frowned. "why not?"

She sighed, "I was occupied with other things. I plan to meet with them tomorrow. Come with me?" she teased and kissed his lips unexpectedly. He almost wanted to pull away but didn't and responded to her kiss and his hand slipped under her blouse. She smiled and grabbed his hand, resting it on her hip instead.

She pulled away from the kiss and he opened his eyes, staring into her blue marbles. "Well...I wasn't really expecting a greeting like that," he smugly smiled. She slipped off her cloak and was now in her pants and black blouse then cupped his face with her palms. "Gabrielle mentioned something happened to you. How are you feeling now?"

Xena grinned and kissed him once more leaving him breathless. She pulled away and scooted away from him, rolling up her map setting it aside. "Yes, I'm feeling much better now." She stood up and stretched her arms over her head then grabbed a blanket to sleep with.

He took a good look at her and he blinked rapidly. He stood up and came close her and she grinned mischievously. She turned to face him and traced her finger on his cheek. He half smiled and then set his hands on her belly. She looked down and then saw a goofy smile on his face. "Our son will arrive soon," he stared into her eyes.

She smirked, "must we talk about that, right now?" she hissed and he eyed her carefully noticing a change in her eyes, something strange within her. He frowned then felt a small kick against his hand. He ignored her odd eyes and smiled. She wrapped her arms around his neck and inched closer to him, eliminating any distance between them. "I have an army now..." she whispered inching closer to his lips. "I have a plan for the centaurs, my blonde mouse, and I have...you," she kissed him warmly and he pulled away from her, a bit suspicious of her calmness.

In the morning Xena traveled with Gabrielle with a mission in her eyes. Sinbad also tagged along with the two women. Some centaurs were up and about our their village and Xena smiled, folding her arms glaring at the creatures. "Look at them, they are so efficient," she marveled then walked forward to talk to one of the centaurs.

Jason, one of the younger centaurs saw Xena approaching and with two others following her. He took a step back, a bit skeptical of the unexpected guests. He held up his javelin towards Xena and she smiled. "Who are you?"

Xena placed her hand on her chest, "I'm Xena, this is Gabrielle, and Sinbad," she grinned and Jason curtly nodded at the two others behind the strange woman.

"What do you want with us?" he frowned then she took a step forward, careful not to touch the javelin.

"I want to work out a trade deal with your people," she calmly explained. "I'm not from this area and I'm trying to make new...relationships," her eyes narrowed.

Jason nodded his head lowering the weapon. "Follow me," he trotted off and Xena smiled, waving to Gabrielle and Sinbad to follow the centaur.

Later Xena, Gabrielle and Sinbad were brought to a large hut, awaiting for someone to talk to them all. Xena wandered around the hut and looked at the altar, herbs and flowers. "Someone died," she rubbed her fingers together and turned to face her companions. "They are taking a long time," she folded her arms impatiently waiting.

Gabrielle wrapped her arms around her and stared at Xena. She saw a strange look in her eyes. She wasn't acting herself and she was sure that Sinbad could sense that, though he seemed to be neutral at the moment. "You didn't say anything about trading with the centaurs," she noted. "Is that why we're here?" she asked Xena.

"Of course, Gabrielle. We should make alliances with everyone in our path." She turned her attention to the sailor. "Sinbad, why is Jamal going to the Steppes?"

He shrugged, "the king wants us to relocate. He didn't say why, but I think word about Teuta and Caesar spread to Mesopotamia. The king doesn't like Caesar."

Xena smiled deviously. "Your king and I have something in common." A centaur came walking into the hut and everyone quieted down. She walked to him and held out her hand welcomingly. "My name is –"

"I know who you are." He walked over to the altar and Xena retracted her hand. "You're from Greece I can tell by your accent." Xena smiled and he gestured her to sit but she preferred to stand. "My name is Kaleipus. Jason told me that you want to trade with us."

She nodded, "yes, an alliance with you and your people. I would offer you horses but," she chuckled and the centaur smiled, bobbing his head. "My army and I are scouting the area. I have riches I can give you in exchange for something," she grinned, raising a brow mischievously.

Sinbad folded his arm, not sure exactly what Xena was up to. He noticed a change in her voice, a more cryptic voice and mysterious. Gabrielle looked to him then back to Xena, equally sharing his skepticism about Xena's deception.

Kaleipus frowned, "and what do you want from us, Xena?"

She paced around slowly and tapped her fingers together, raising both her eyebrows now, pleading innocence. "To use your land to expand my army. I am a woman of my word, Kaleipus," she grinned. "Sinbad can vouch for me, can't you?" she stared back at the sailor.

Sinbad stepped forward, clearing his throat. "You can trust Xena. She is with me," he smiled, curtly bowing his head. Gabrielle sighed as she listened to this charade.

The centaur eyed Sinbad curiously and he rubbed his chin. "Aren't you a pirate?" he inquired. Sinbad nervously chuckled and shook his head.

"I was, but for now I'm on land," he made sure to keep his answers short and sweet.

Xena grinned and stared at the centaur. "So do we have a deal?" she stretched her hand out and Kaleipus looked at her inviting hand. He finally shook it and her smile widened.

He cleared his throat and excused himself. "I have to deal with a few rogue amazons at the moment."

Gabrielle's eyes lit up. "There are amazons near here?" she was very curious. She always wanted to meet an amazon. Xena noticed her curiosity and frowned at her.

Kaleipus nodded, "yes young lady. One of the amazons attacked one of my men. She is to be punished." He smiled curtly then left the hut with the three standing there in silence.

Sinbad put his hands on hips and sighed. "Xena, why do you want to trade with the centaurs? They can't possibly give us anything that you want."

Xena smiled staring at the flowered altar. "They have land. That is all I need," she began to think of what Maeve said to her about a stone the centaurs possessed and that's what was on her mind. She had an urge to find it, she needed it.

Another two weeks passed by and Xena managed to move her army to the centaurs' territory. She told her new men that she was looking for a stone, a special stone, though she didn't tell them why she wanted it or needed it. When the centaurs were busy Xena allowed men to scout the area looking for any information about a stone, though they hadn't found anything important or worthwhile to report.

Sinbad had left after a week being in the camp. He needed to catch up to Jamal and his army in the Steppes. He said he would be back in a week or so. Gabrielle watched Xena carefully and was growing more concerned by Xena's ambition to find whatever she felt she needed to find in the centaur area.

Xena came back to her tent and Gabrielle followed her in with her hands on her hips. "What is the matter with you lately?"

"Must you always question everything I do, mouse?" Xena rubbed her temples and took off her turban, feeling her forehead begin to sweat.

Gabrielle scoffed, "well you've been acting really weird for weeks now! You're so agitated at every little thing." She paused and Xena groaned, setting her hand on her lower back. She sat down and sighed heavily, feeling suddenly like the life was draining out of her. "You've changed Xena and I think that witch has something to do with it," she knelt in front of her and touched Xena's forehead. "Did she do something to you? Did she poison you?"

Xena cringed and slapped her hand away. "Stop that! I'm fine! Why don't you just leave Gabrielle?!" she yelled and Gabrielle stood up, shocked at her anger.

"I'm not going to leave, Xena. If I leave I'm afraid you might do something you may regret later. Besides, your baby is coming in less than two months," she mumbled and Xena groaned, taking off her cloak, feeling her entire body radiating heat.

"Why do you and Sinbad care about that so much? I have better things to worry about," she stood up slowly and Gabrielle folded her arms at the warrior.

"I'm going to talk to Jason about giving the amazons for a lighter sentence," she sighed as Xena remained silent. "I'm going to leave you alone for awhile because you're obviously not thinking straight right now," she put her hands up then exited the tent.