Chapter 50 - Warriors and Queens

Gabrielle struggled to open her eyes. The prior day's events had left her drained. She was concerned about Ares and about Lysandra having to leave the tribe. The last thing that they needed was for anyone to get suspicious about Halima and although Varia was doing her best to cover; there was a deep division beginning between those loyal to Cynara and those loyal to Varia. Gabrielle would be leaving in a few days and somehow they needed to regain control.

Xena pulled the bard closer to her, "What's wrong?"

Gabrielle closed her eyes again and allowed herself to feel the comfort of the warrior's arms around her. She sighed, "I don't know about this tribe, Xena… Cynara… something doesn't feel right to me."

Xena rested her chin on Gabrielle's shoulder, "I know… I've been thinking the same thing. I think we need to talk to Varia this morning… Hopefully, Lysandra will be back by nightfall."

"I hope so," Gabrielle said jostling herself about to get closer to the warrior.

"Are you worried about Lysandra?"

Gabrielle thought for a long moment before turning herself in Xena's embrace. She looked at the warrior and her eyes narrowed, "If Varia has to challenge Cynara…"

Xena brushed the hair from Gabriele's eyes, "Varia will defeat Cynara if it comes to that… I am sure of that..."

"I think so," Gabrielle paused, "But if she doesn't than I…"

Xena looked at Gabrielle, "Gabrielle… you will not need to challenge Cynara. What is really bothering you?"

"I need to talk to Eve."

"About your rite of caste…"

"Yes."

"You want it to pass to Lysandra…"

Gabrielle smiled into the warrior's knowing eyes.

"You know that Eve will agree with that," Xena assured the bard.

"I do…I just… if anything happens when we…"

"Listen to me," the warrior said looking deeply into the bard's eyes, "I promise you that whatever comes to pass – Lysandra will be ready. I will make certain of it."

Gabrielle smiled at Xena. Both understood that there was likelihood that Cynara had formed some allegiance with Anath. It didn't make sense that anyone knew about the plan with Halima unless someone on the inside had told them. The longer Lysandra was away the greater the risk became.

"You know," the warrior began, "There is an advantage in Lysandra being away."

Gabrielle sighed, "You're thinking that Cynara may tip her hand."

"It would solve some problems…if we could expose Cynara as a traitor to the Amazon nation there would be no reason for a challenge to be issued."

"That's true," Gabrielle said quietly.

Xena looked at her with compassion, "You are hoping that we are wrong… about Cynara."

"Of course."

"I know," Xena whispered. "I wish we were." She kissed Gabrielle on the forehead. "We aren't."

Gabrielle closed her eyes and inhaled, "I know."

"I love you, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle smiled at the warrior. "Xena," she paused, "I'm so tired," she admitted.

The warrior looked at the bard and stroked her cheek.

"I'm tired of fighting… of not being able to trust people… of just…"

Xena put her finger to Gabrielle's lips, "Listen to me… we will get through this… we will… and then…"

Gabrielle kissed the warrior, "No promises… remember?"

Xena smiled. "I remember," she said as Gabrielle began to make her way out of the bed.

"I need to go and see Varia," Gabrielle said.

"All right," the warrior responded getting to her feet.

They readied themselves in silence. As they began to pass through the door Gabrielle turned to the warrior.

"What is it?" the warrior asked.

The bard just smiled, "I love you, Xena."

Xena looked puzzled for a moment.

Gabrielle smiled knowing that her profession seemed out of place at the moment, "I promised myself that I would not let one morning or evening go by without telling you that," she explained.

An understanding smile crept onto the warrior's face. "Let's go see the queen," she said offering her hand.

Varia was by the river as was her usual morning routine. She was not surprised to see the pair heading toward her. The queen quickly surveyed the surrounding area before making her verbal greeting.

"Glad you two decided to join me for a morning swim," she called at a slight distance.

Xena took a moment to inspect the surroundings, "Been looking forward to it," she called back, squeezing Gabrielle's hand.

Gabrielle smiled and kept her eyes ahead. The message had been received clearly; someone was watching. Xena squeezed Gabrielle's hand a bit harder as she heard the rustle of a bush behind them. Gabrielle returned the grip assuring the warrior that she understood and she made her way to the water with Xena following behind but remaining at the edge of the river.

"So," Gabrielle said as she reached Varia, "Cynara?"

Varia laughed out loud not wanting the surveying party to know what they were discussing. "Clearly," she answered.

The two decided to swim farther to the middle of the river where a large flat rock was protruding. Reaching the rock Varia finally spoke more freely. "I think we need to draw her frustration out in front of the tribe….She is waiting for you to make your exit."

Gabrielle nodded her agreement, "Let's tell her that I have decided to stay with the tribe. That should frustrate her."

Varia laughed now in earnest ay Gabrielle's playful suggestion. "That's an idea," the amazon queen quipped… I've been thinking…"

"What?" Gabrielle asked.

"What if we told the tribe about the infiltration?"

Gabrielle took a deep breath and sighed. "You want to make it known to everyone…"

"Well, it would certainly force her hand… make a challenge easier… I think the challenge should occur before you and Xena leave."

Gabrielle agreed but her uneasiness was evident, "when?"

"This afternoon," Varia said, "I will have Cynara meet with me to call the tribes together to announce our plans for departure."

Gabrielle nodded her agreement and looked to the shore where Xena was continually scouting the area with her eyes. "I will tell Xena."

Varia's expression tightened. "Gabrielle… Will you be taking Lysandra with you when you leave?"

Gabrielle shook her head, "No… Lysandra will stay with you when she returns. Xena and I will leave with eve and Gabrielle as soon as we can…. You need Lysandra here."

Varia' smile showed her appreciation. "She may not like that."

"She understands," Gabrielle said plainly as they headed toward Xena at the river's edge. Gabrielle looked at the warrior, "We will call a tribal meeting today… and explain our plans for moving south," she looked at Varia.

Xena pursed her lips, "I think that is a good idea," the warrior offered. She held Gabrielle's gaze for a moment, "I am going to take a ride this morning. Sappho needs a workout… don't you agree?"

Gabrielle smiled knowing the Xena's real intention was to look for any sign of Lysandra approaching. "I do," she answered still aware of a presence nearby.

The time was approaching. Cynara would either concede her complicity in the plot against the amazons or she would be challenged. Today would begin the war that all expected and it would begin within.

Gabrielle looked at the two women before her, "Varia… I will call the council together… you gather the tribe." She gave a slight nod and headed off with the warrior.

"Gabrielle," Xena began, "Varia may have no choice but to…"

"I know." Gabrielle said firmly. "It doesn't mean I like it."

Xena did not answer. The reality was that there would likely be one less Amazon queen at the table by nightfall.