Chapter 3

Xena awoke to the realization that she was drowning. Water forced its way into her nose and mouth. She tried to swim but her arms and legs refused to move. Pain pierced her side causing her to gasp for air. Water entered her lungs and she began to choke. Coughing uncontrollably the stabbing pain in her right side grew worse with each jar. Finally the coughing subsided and the pain began to easy. She had almost convinced herself everything was fine, when someone slapped her on the bruise under her left eye. Lights exploded in the warrior's head, in a dazzling display of color.

"Wake up, woman!" Yelled an angry male voice from somewhere just beyond the light display.

She tasted something salty. Blood. Running her tongue along the inside of her lower lip she discovered the blow had reopened a cut there. With considerable effort she forced her eyes open, the left one refused, having swollen shut. As her right eye slowly focused she could make out the form of a man standing with an empty bucket. 'That explains the water.' she thought, glaring at him. Movement drew her attention to the small group of Followers gathered a short distance behind him. With amusement and a twinge of pride she noted most were either bruised or bandaged. 'Won't forget me soon, will ya boys?' A small smile crossed her face with the thought.

"Enjoy whatever petty humor you have found woman." Zared snapped as he stepped forward, blocking her view. "I promise it will be your last."

Ignoring the pain in her side, Xena forced herself to raise to her full height. Giving the cult leader one of her renowned 'looks', as her attention focused on him. Cold steel gray eyes locked with deep blue ones as Zared moved in close to meet the warrior's challenge. Much to the cult leader's displeasure he found he was forced to look up to meet the warrior's gaze. A smile tugged at the corner's of the warrior's mouth as she realized this.

It only added to Zared's hatred for the woman. Anger showed in his voice. "The Goddess has deemed this to be the manner of your death. Nature herself will sap your life as the crows pick your bones clean." he glared at her waiting for a response.

Xena tilted her head back and stared at the sky. For the first time she noticed dark storm clouds rolling in. After a moment, she spoke. "There are worse ways to die." Speaking more to herself than Zared.

Zared snorted at her in contempt. "We will see how brave you are woman when the crows pick your eyes from their sockets."

Giving the man another 'look', Xena stared at him for a moment. Finally she turned her attention skyward, dismissing the cult leader. Watching the clouds roll in Xena again had the feeling she was forgetting something, something about the clouds. 'They should mean something.' She thought.

Zared raised his hand to strike her, then decided the effort would be wasted on the woman warrior. Instead he turned his anger to another. "Bring up the fallen one!"

At his command the crowd parted and three men emerged. The two men on either side were wearing robes. While the man in the middle was dressed in a simple loincloth, even his sandals had been removed. Though the man made no effort to resist it was obvious his 'companions' were there to make sure he did not try to leave. He was a young man not long out of boyhood, with brown eyes and short curly brown hair.

'He looks like Lyceus.' Xena thought absently, than angrily pushed the thought away.

They stopped before Zared, he motioned toward the empty posts. One of the robed ones nodded, before leading the young man to the posts.

Placing him between the posts, they began to secure his arms and legs in the same manner as Xena's. Xena watched silently, wondering what offense this young man had committed to warrant Zared's wrath. As the men finished securing the ropes, Zared moved to stand before the young man. Eyeing him silently for a moment before turning to face the others.

"My children," raising his arms as he addressed them. "One of our brethren has fallen. Due to his carelessness our Goddess's sacrifice was stolen." He glared at Xena as he spoke the last part. She ignored him and turned her attention back to the clouds. They were closing fast, the storm would be here soon.

Zared raged inside at the Warrior's arrogance. Taking a deep breath, he allowed himself a moment to calm his angry before addressing the crowd further. He could not allow his 'children' to see the lack of control this infidel caused in him. Raising his voice he continued. "Now he must pay for his weakness, in the manner prescribed by the Goddess." With that he motioned to one of the robed ones who was now standing behind the young man.

The snap of a whip being unfurled brought Xena's full attention back to the situation. Due to her swollen eye she was forced to turn her head and lean slightly forward to see the whip man. She watched as the whip streaked forward cutting a long gash across bare flesh. To his credit the young man did not cry out, not at first. Tensing he grabbed the ropes securing his wrist, using them to brace himself for the next blow. Xena watched several more strikes of the whip, then turned her attention back to the clouds. She had seen enough floggings to last her a lifetime. It was obvious this one was going to be brutal.

Twenty lashes later, the young man passed out. The other robed man who had secured him to the posts moved forward. Grabbing the curly hair he jerked the young face upward. Slowly soft brown eyes opened, as the man shook the boy violently. "He's awake."

"Continue." Zared ordered calmly, with a wave of his hand.

Xena felt her blood begin to boil. She had no sympathy for the Follower, but the man did not deserved to be flogged to death.

As the whip began it's bloody work again, Zared moved to stand before her. A wicked smile played on his lips. "What's wrong, Warrior? Don't care for the sight of blood?" he taunted.

"Depends on who's blood it is." she replied coldly.

"If you wish to blame someone for his pain, blame yourself. It is your fault that he suffers now, not mine."

"Oh really." she said unimpressed. "How so?"

"If you had not used him to rescue the girl he would not be receiving this punishment now."

Xena did not try to hide her confusion as she closely studied the young man's face, searching for an answer to Zared's statement. Suddenly the answer came. "The robe." she whispered.

"Yes, that is correct. He allowed you to take his robe so your 'friend' could use it."

Xena turned on him with fire in her voice. "He did not 'allow' me to use it. I stole it from him while he was unconscious."

"It does not matter how you obtained it." answered Zared shaking his head. "He knew the penalty for losing it. Now he is paying for his weakness."

Xena stopped trying to fight the rage building inside her. "You cold- hearted bastard." She said through clenched teeth.

Zared appeared genuinely surprised by her response. "Would you show him mercy, Warrior?" Pausing. "Like the mercy you showed, Larard?"

"Who?"

Zared reached into his robe and removed her chakram. "We found this buried in his chest. It is yours, is it not?" Toying with the weapon as he spoke.

Xena eyed the chakram as she spoke. "He was trying to kill my friend."

"Who was interfering in our ceremony!" screamed the zealot.

Xena jumped at him, driven by anger. "You were trying to kill a child!" Jerking her head toward the bloody young man, she ignored the pain the motion brought her. "Just like you trying to do now."

Then Zared did something Xena had not expected, he laughed. It was a humorless, soulless sound. "Child." he repeated approaching the young man. "Yes, he is a child. A child of the Goddess and she does not allow failure in her children."

Xena spoke softly. "Every Mother knows forgiveness."

Zared roared with laughter, it was still an unpleasant sound. "What would a warrior harlot know of Motherhood or forgiveness?"

Raising her voice so the others could hear, Xena asked. "Tell me Zared, do your 'children' follow you willingly or does the threat of the whip keep them 'faithful'?"

The cult leader took a quick step toward her, fire raging in his eyes. Xena braced herself waiting for the blow.

'No,' he thought, stopping in mid stride. 'I must not let her think she can control me.' Taking a deep breath he forced himself to calm down. Ignoring the warrior before she could enrage him again, he turned his attention to the whip man. Raising a hand he motioned for him to stop. Moving to face the young man, he cupped the dimpled chin in his hand and slowly raised the face to meet his. Young eyes fluttered open, trying to focus. Once Zared was certain the man was awake he spoke in a soft smoothing tone. "Caecilius can you hear me?" The young man nodded. "Good, then listen carefully. You have been punished for your failure. Now you must prove yourself worthy of a second chance. Do you understand?"

"Yes...father." Came the weak reply.

"Good." smiled the cult leader. "To prove yourself you must remain here exposed to the elements and this 'infidel'." Looking at Xena in disgust as he spoke. She merely raised an eyebrow at him. "When we return we will release you and you will be welcomed back as one reborn. Do you understand, my son?"

"Yes, father...I...understand."

"Excellent." Zared released him.

Wiping the hand on his robe he moved toward Xena, addressing her causally. "You and your friend have failed. In the morning we will return to the village and burn it to the ground. All will be destroyed. We will reclaim the girl and any others that are needed. I'm sure your friend will be there waiting for you. I personally will hunt her down and cut her heart out." With that he motioned to one of the Followers. Quickly a man moved forward, sunlight glistened off of something in his outstretched hands. A sword.

'My sword.' Xena realized as he came closer.

Zared handed the man the chakram as he took the sword. Testing it's weight he gave Xena an approving nod. "Very nice."

"Don't get use to it." warned the Warrior.

"Oh, but I think I already have." laughed the Priest. "In fact," Placing the tip against the side of her neck as he spoke. "I think I'll keep it. A memento of my victory." Slowly moving the tip downward, it left a thin bloody line in its path. Xena tensed refusing to cry out. Zared continued. "After all you won't be needing it." The tip having cut a thin line from her throat across the upper portion of her chest to the right shoulder strap of her armor. Pulling the blade away, to inspect it casually Zared finished. "Besides, I'm going to use it to kill your friend." Every muscle in Xena's body tensed as she fought the urge to lunge at the madman.

Stepping back he grasped the hilt with both hands, raising the blade over his head. He made a powerful, downward strike, slicing air. "Good balance. I should be able to cut her in half with one blow. Don't you think?" Smiling a cold teeth filled sneer, he added. "Course, we would not want her to die to fast. Now would we?"

Xena exploded. "You harm her, Zared and I'll cut you into so many pieces your own mother won't recognized you!"

Zared laughed, this time there was actually some humor in it. "The Goddess is my mother and she had delivered you unto me for destruction." Meeting her gaze and holding it, he added menacingly. "Just as she will deliver your friend." With that he removed his sword from its frog and defiantly slipped Xena's sword into it's place. Handing his sword to the waiting Follower, he retrieved the chakram.

"Beautiful." he commented, examining the weapon closely. Running his fingertips along the edge. "And deadly." Grasping the weapon firmly in his right hand he stepped in close to the Warrior. Lowering his voice for only Xena to hear. "Even with the beating you received you are still strong enough to last for several days. We would not want any wandering farmer to find and rescue you, now would we?" Before Xena could reply he raised his voice for the others to hear. "The Goddess will show you mercy infidel and help speed you to the Other Side." As he spoke the last words his arm swung out. There was an audible ripping sound as the chakram sliced though Xena's leather, just below the armor on the left side. She grit her teeth against the pain, as the razor sharp edge bit into soft skin.

Once again warrior reflexes had saved her. As the blade cut into her skin she had managed to pull away enough so the chakram did not cut deep. Still the gash was long and warm blood flowed freely beneath the leather armor. Examing the wound Zared shook his head. "Not as deep as I would have liked, but it should cause a good deal of blood loss." Meeting Xena's gaze. "You should not fight so hard to stay alive." he dropped the chakram. It landed on edge, burying itself in the ground at the Warrior's feet. Though well out of her reach. "You are only prolonging the inevitable." he said while turning to walk away. Calling over his shoulder. "I'll tell your friend you're waiting for her in Hades." As Zared walked away the Followers fell in line behind their leader.

Xena watched them disappear over a hillcrest. When the last one had passed from sight she turned her attention to the latest wound. Blood flowed freely from the gash, but there was nothing she could do about it. Turning to Caecilius she found the young man hanging limply, unconscious from the pain and loss of blood. 'Probably in shock.' thought the Warrior, feeling her own consciousness starting to slip away. Fighting it, she turned her attention skyward. Dark storm clouds filled most of the evening sky. 'Yes,' she thought. 'It is going to be quite a storm.'

+

Black, dark blue and violet colored storms clouds raced to fill the space left abandoned by Apollo's chariot, as it sank slowly out of sight. Streaks of lightening danced from cloud to cloud, as the distance rumble of thunder hinted at the approaching storm's strength.

From her position at the window Gabrielle halfheartedly watched the dazzling light show. Normally such a display would have inspired the Bard to compose some beautiful pose, praising Nature's handiwork. At the moment the Bard was in no mood to pose. The dark storm clouds perfectly shadowed her own dark mood. Beautiful and frightening as the approaching storm was, there was another force of Nature she was more interested in seeing at the moment. A tall, raven haired, warrior named Xena.

Joia's parents had asked her to join them for their afternoon meal. They had wanted to thank her for saving their daughter. Gabrielle had been grateful for the invitation having spent the morning in a cold cave the thought of a hot home cooked meal was to good to pass up. What had started as a simple family meal quickly grew into a small party. Septimus, Agathe and her husband, Varian had joined them.

During Gabrielle's earlier visit to the village, Septimus had overheard her telling stories to the children. He had hoped to talk her into telling more, before she had to leave. Little did he know how easy it would be to 'talk' Gabrielle into telling a story.

Having eaten almost her fill Gabrielle sat down before the fire and began her tale. Afternoon has passed well into evening before the Bard politely excused herself. Moving to the window she was a little surprised at how much time had passed. She was even more surprised Xena had not returned yet. 'Even on foot she should have been back by now.' thought the Bard.

That have been nearly two candle marks ago, still Gabrielle sat at the window waiting. Several times she had entertained the thought of saddling Argo and going to look for the overdue warrior. Each time Xena's last words to her before entering the cave would come drifting back. "Once you get the girl, take Argo and return to the village. Wait for me there. I'll be along as soon as I can. Make sure the villagers are ready in case you're followed." Touching the Bard's arm and holding her gaze she added. "Be careful."

Gabrielle had done just as Xena had instructed. Upon returning to the village, she had helped the villager's strengthen their defenses, even posted guards. But now as she watched the last rays of sunlight fade, the thought of going to look for her friend grew stronger.

"Are you alright?" Asked a female voice.

Gabrielle jumped at the sound. She had been so lost in her thoughts she had not hear Joia's mother approach. Realizing the woman now stood at her side, she thought. 'Maybe it's a good thing Xena's not here.' Laughing to herself. 'She'd have my head for being so careless.'

"I'm sorry." Amal apologized. "I didn't mean to startle you."

"That's alright." smiled the blond warmly. "I should have been paying closer attention."

The older woman returned the smile before turning to the window. "Looks like it's going to be a bad one tonight."

"Yes, it does." Gabrielle replied absently, without turning from the window.

Amal placed a gentle hand on the Bard's shoulder. "I'm sure your friend is alright." Trying to sound reassuring.

Gabrielle looked at her and smiled. "I'm sure she is." turning back to the window. "I just wish I knew where she was."

They stood there in a heavy silence. Suddenly Gabrielle jumped to her feet. "I can't stand this I'm going to go look for her." As she began to move away, Amal grabbed an arm staying her.

"You can't leave now." she said with a little more force then she had intended. In the short time they had spent together Amal had grown fond of the Bard. She did not want to see her hurt. "Its will be dark shortly and the storm is almost here." Gabrielle eyed the dark clouds thoughtfully.

"Your friend has probably taken shelter from the storm for the night." Gabrielle had to admit she had not considered that. It made sense with Xena being on foot she might not have been able to out run the storm. Maybe she was holdup somewhere waiting for it to pass.

Amal could see the young woman's indecision and decided to press on. "If she has not returned by morning, Septimus and Quinctus will go with you to search for her. Besides the King's soldiers should be here by then."

Gabrielle knew Amal was right. Xena would be less than pleased if she knew the Bard was out in the storm looking for her. Still she could not shake the feeling that something was wrong. "Alright," She conceded. "I'll wait till morning."

Amal breathed a sigh of relief. Lightening flashed across the evening sky followed by an ear shattering crash of thunder. Gabrielle watched the display. "It's going to be quite a storm." She said aloud, adding to herself. 'Xena, my friend, I hope you have found a nice, dry spot to ride it out.'