Chapter 4

Shortly after sunrise Septimus found Gabrielle in the barn saddling Argo. Hearing the barn door squeak she glanced up at him. "Good morning, Septimus." she called cheerfully.

"Good morning." he replied, moving to her side. Gently stroking the golden mare's muscular neck he stood quietly for a moment. Finally finding the courage, he spoke without looking at her. "Do you really think this is a good idea? I mean shouldn't you wait a little while longer?"

Gabrielle gave a final tug on the saddle strap. "Xena should have been back by now." Meeting his gaze she added. "She may need my help."

Septimus tried again. "Xena can take care of herself. You said so yourself, remember?"

Untiring the reins, she lead Argo toward the door. "Yes, I remember what I said and yes Xena can take care of herself." Stopping to face the young man, she added with a sad smile. "But sometimes even a warrior princess needs a little help."

Realizing the Bard's mind was made up Septimus tried a different approach. "Well, at least let me go with you."

Gabrielle smiled again at the eager young man. "That won't be necessary." A cry for help stopped Septimus from protesting further.

Running from the barn, they were meet by one of the villagers who have been standing guard. "They're coming!" he yelled frantically. "They're coming!"

As the frightened man ran pass Gabrielle grabbed him by the shoulders. Forcing him to look at her, she spoke in a commanding tone. "Who's coming?"

Fighting to catch his breath, the villager replied. "Them...the Foll...Followers..."

Gabrielle felt her heart skip a beat. 'How can that be? Xena defeated them.' Aloud she asked. "How many are their?"

"About fifteen." replied the frightened man.

"You said Xena defeated them." Accused a woman from the small crowd that had gathered.

"I thought she had." slowly replied the Bard, trying to make sense of what was happening. "Something must have gone wrong." Speaking more to herself than anyone else.

"What are we going to do?" asked Septimus, unable to hide the fear in his voice.

Gabrielle barely noticed his tone, she was too busy trying to conquer her own emotions. Worry was trying to worm it's way into her thoughts, she pushed it back. There would be time for that later, right now she had a village to protect. "Everyone get to your post!" she ordered. "Remember what we worked on!"

Villagers scattered in all directions. Approaching hoof beats vibrated through the ground beneath the Bard's feet as she reached her place. Watching for the riders, she clutched her staff tightly, readying herself for the coming attack.

A quickly growing dust cloud marked the riders approach. As the cloud drew closer, Gabrielle could make out the figures on horseback. Focusing on the lead rider, her heart sank as she recognized him. It was Zared. At the sight of the cult leader, the young woman felt worry and panic creeping up on her. 'Where is Xena? She would never have allowed him to escape. Not as long as she was able to stop him.' That last thought sent a chill down the Bard's spine. She knew the only way Zared could be here was because Xena was hurt or ....dead.

Gabrielle closed her eyes, trying to hold back the flood of emotions, which assaulted her. Painful memories passed through the Bard's mind. Each as powerful as the first time she experienced them. First there had been the fear of seeing Xena wounded, then the helplessness of watching her die in Nicklio's hut. Finally the heartbreaking sight of the once mighty warrior's lifeless body laying in the sarcophagus as the lid was closed. Gabrielle shook her head trying to clear the images. Forcefully she wiped the back of her hand across her eyes to clear away the tears. 'I don't have time for this.' she thought. 'Have to focus. Xena is all right I know she is. She's not dead.' The bard reassured herself. 'She promised.'

Allowing the Followers to charge into the center of the village, Gabrielle signaled the waiting villagers. On cue they pulled a large rope taunt across the roadway. To late the riders realized their mistake, as the charging horses tripped over the knee level rope. Horses and riders crashed to the ground with startled shouts and frightened neighs. Several of the unfortunate riders where crushed by the weight of their falling mounts or trampled by the riders who had been following them.

The remaining riders managed to push through and were attempting to regroup. As they turned for another pass through the village they found the road blocked by a small line of hunters armed with bows.

Zared cursed the villagers under his breath. 'How dare these sheep, deny me what is mine.' "Destroy these fools!" he ordered, waving toward the hunters.

Without question the remaining Followers charged forward to storm the hunter's scrimmage line. On command from one of the hunters a volley of arrows greeted the approaching riders. Several Followers fell from their horses, either wounded or dead. Several others had been wounded but were able to remain in their saddles. Too their credit the hunters did not break their line as the remaining riders passed among them. Once the riders had passed, the hunters fired another volley after them. Many of the wounded fell dead. While those who had been fortunate enough to survive the first round unhurt, found their luck fading. The dismounted wounded now found themselves surrounded by angry villagers.

Gabrielle charged into the battle, engaging a wounded Follower who was trying to run through an unlucky villager. Zared spied the Bard across the small battlefield. Drawing Xena's sword, he spurred his horse forward, charging down on the young woman. As Gabrielle delivered a stunning blow to her opponent, she heard Septimus call her name. Turning to look for the young man, she became aware of the sound of approaching hoof beats. Spinning to face the approaching rider, she found the cult leader almost on top of her. Diving to one side she allowed Zared to charge pass. As the horse passed she could hear the sword slicing empty air in the space where her head had been only moments before. Tucking and rolling the young Bard came back to her feet ready to fight. Zared turned his horse for another charge. As he drew near Gabrielle deflected his blow and countered with a sharp blow to the man's midsection. Grasping for air he doubled over nearly falling from the saddle. Spurring the horse forward, the priest managed to move out of the Bard's reach before she could strike again. Watching him move away, Gabrielle readied herself for the next attack.

Reaching the far side of the village, Zared paused for a moment to recover from the blow. Readying himself for another charge, he took a moment to check the progress of his 'children'. Of the fifteen that had entered the village only six remained on horseback. Two Followers exited a small hut, not far from him, dragging a screaming child.

"Let her go!" Screamed a woman as she ran from the hut, jumping on the back of the closest man. Shaking free of the woman, he knocked her to her ground. The first man had already mounted a nearby horse, holding the wailing child in front of him. As he started to ride away, the second man mounted and followed him.

Zared had a child and he knew if they tried to stay the villagers might succeed in overpowering his small army. Much as he wanted to destroy the village he knew it was time to cut his loses. 'There will be another time to destroy these fools.' he thought. 'And that interfering female.' Sounding a retreat he watched as the remaining Followers rode out of the village. Pointing the stolen sword at Gabrielle. "This is not finished, infidel! I will destroy you just as I did your friend!" Not waiting for a reply, he wheeled the horse around and bolted from the village.

Gabrielle ran forward a few paces through she knew she did not have a chance of catching them. Watching them ride off she kicked the ground in frustration. 'How could this happen? Where is Xena?' she asked herself again.

"Gabrielle!" She turned to see Septimus sprinting toward her. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine." she replied with more anger than she had meant to show. In a more civil tone she asked. "Was anyone hurt?"

"No, not seriously. But they took another child."

"I know." growled the Bard angrily.

Angry shouts drew their attention to a small crowd gathered nearby. Pushing through the crowd Gabrielle reached the center to find a farmer raising an ax over his head. It was clear he intended to bury it in the skull of the robed man on the ground before him.

"NO!" she screamed running forward to grab the raised arms. "What are you doing!"

Lowering the ax the farmer turned on her. "I'm punishing a murderer." he replied coldly.

"That's not for you to decide." She said with more authority than she felt. "He has to have a trial, before you can pass judgment."

"A trial!" roared the farmer. "What for? We all saw him ride in and try to kill our families. He's had his trial and the verdict is guilty." Shifting his grip on the ax. "Now it's time for him to pay for his crimes."

"No wait!" Gabrielle pleaded as she stepped between the farmer and the wounded man.

"Get out of the way, girl." warned the large man. "Why are you trying to protect him? He helped those murders kidnap another child. Besides he may well be the one that killed your friend."

The farmer's words struck the Bard like a fist. Once again her fears forced themselves to the surface, a flood of emotions washed over her. She swallowed hard trying to force down the raising nausea she felt. "Xena is not dead." She said through clenched teeth.

"Gabrielle." Septimus called, as he knelt beside the wounded man. "He's lost a lot of blood."

Forgetting the farmer Gabrielle moved to the man's side. An arrow protruded from his chest, raising and falling with each labored breath. Each breath enlarged the small rivet of blood, which flowed from the corner of his mouth. 'Its punctured his lung.' she thought, studying the wound. "Who are you?" she asked the dying man.

"A child of...the Goddess." Came his weak reply.

Ignoring his answer, she pressed on. "Do you know where they are taking the child?"

"She will be..." Taking a raspy breath. "a gift to the Goddess." Taking another breath. "One to replace the one..." Another breath. "stolen by you and your 'friend'." he spat the word friend as if it were a curse.

Gabrielle fought to control her growing anxiety. "Do you know what happened to my friend?" she asked quietly.

The man laughed, there was no humor in it and the gesture cost him dearly, as he began a violent coughing fit. When it had passed he caught and held the young blond's gaze. "Sh...she's in Hades...where she belongs."

Again the Bard swallowed hard, trying to force down the lump, which threatened to choke her. "Where is she?" she demanded. There was no reply. Grabbing him by the shoulders. "Where is she!?"

Once more the man started to laugh, but it was cut short by another coughing fit. This time his damaged body would not allow it. Suddenly his body went rigid slowly the light left his eyes as he slipped to the Other Side. "NO!" Screamed the Bard, shaking him violently.

Septimus placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Gabrielle." he said softly. Releasing the dead man, she bowed her head.

Ax man stepped forward. "Looks like we won't need that trial after all." Turning to the crowd. "Let's go get the rest of them."

One of the men spoke up. "We're farmers not warriors. We should let the King's men handle this."

"The King's men!" roared Ax man. "Ha, what good are they? We sent for them three days ago and they're still not here. If we wait on them the only thing they'll arrive in time for is a funeral."

"He's right." All eyes turned to Gabrielle. Slowly raising to her feet as she spoke. "By the time the soldiers arrive it will be too late. Zared will have to much of a head start on them."

Septimus rose to stand beside her. "Gabrielle is right we don't have time to wait."

"But who will lead us?" asked the protesting man. "We don't know how to track those men."

"Tracking a man is no different than tracking any other animal." replied Leiandros, the hunter who had signaled the archers during the raid.

"And what do we do when we find them?" Questioned the protesting man.

"We rescue the girl." Ax man replied, glancing at Gabrielle he added. "And bring those murders to justice."

"Strong words, Barus," answered Protesting man. "but they have horses and most of us don't. How are we supposed to catch them?"

Septimus spoke up. "We have the horses they left behind and enough of our own to carry at least a dozen men that should be enough."

Barus held up his hand to quite any further discussion. "All right then it is decided. Those who are going get food, water and your weapons. We'll leave as soon as possible."

Quickly the crowd dispersed. As Gabrielle watched two men carry away the dead Follower's body, she hoped they would at least give him a proper burial.

"Gabrielle, we can do this." Septimus was almost cheerful as he spoke.

For a brief moment the bard seriously considered punching him. "No, Septimus," shaking her head slowly. "I have to go back to the cave. I have to find Xena."

Placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, the young man spoke softly. "Gabrielle, you heard what he said. Xena is...gone."

Knocking his hand away, she drew back a step. "No! I don't believe that!"

Taking her firmly by the shoulders, Septimus leaned forward to look her in the eyes. "Look, Gabrielle I don't know if Xena is alive or dead. But I do know that little girl is alive. And we both know Zared will kill her if we don't stop him." Releasing her, he straightened. "Now would Xena rather you go looking for her or try to help the child?"

Looking pass the waiting man, the bard focused on something in the distance. Watching the emotional struggle playing out on her face, Septimus began to wonder if perhaps he had pushed to hard. He was about to apologize, but Gabrielle spoke first. "The greater good." she said softly.

"What?" he asked clearly confused by the comment.

Turning to meet his gaze she answered quietly. "I'll help you get the girl back."

Septimus sighed. "Good. I'll get the horses."

Gabrielle nodded in agreement.

"Good." Septimus repeated as he sprinted toward the stable, leaving the Bard alone in the roadway.

Gabrielle looked toward the road she had arrived on the day before with Joia. "I'll find you Xena. I promise." With that she turned toward the stable.

+

Xena was always amazed at how clean and fresh everything seemed the morning after a storm. Last night's storm had been as strong and unyielding at it had promised. Lightening danced across the sky, as the wind drove the rain across the meadow in heavy torrents. Even as a child she had loved a good thunderstorm, the raw power of Nature at it's best. It was exciting, frightening and beautiful all at once. Though she usually preferred to watch from the comfort of a warm, dry shelter.

During the night cold rain had awakened the warrior from her latest blackout. The rain felt good against her parched skin. It also reminded her just how thirsty she was. Having not drinked anything since early the following morning. Holding her head back, she attempted to catch as much of the precise liquid as possible. It would not be enough to make up for the fluids she had lost, but it offered some relief. Flashes of lightning provided brief glimpses of the unconscious man hanging beside her. Several times during the night he had awakened crying out in pain from the gashes on his back. With the approach of morning he had slipped back into unconsciousness. When Xena awoke the next morning he was still out.

Closing her eyes she took a deep breath and frowned slightly at the discomfort from her wounds. Ignoring the pain, she focused on the fresh air as it entered her lungs. Tilting her head back, she slowly opened her eye, the other still swollen shut. She was greeted by a bright, blue canopy. A strange sense of peacefulness settled over her as she studied the ocean of blue. "It's beautiful." she whispered, then chuckled softly at the thought. "I'm starting to sound like Gabrielle." As she gave voice to the thought, a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. 'Gabrielle. She must be worried sick by now, wondering where I am.' chuckling once more. 'When she gets here she'll be talking a mile a minute. Not allowing me a word in edgewise, even if I had one to offer.' A darker thought crept up on her. 'If she gets here. Stop it!' she ordered the voice angrily. 'She's all right. I know she is. She can take care of herself.' Raising her head she spoke aloud. "You hear me Gabrielle. Take care of yourself."

Though she was still soaked and had a bit of a chill, the rain had made her feel cleaner. Washing away some of the blood, dirt and other filth which covered her battered body. She hated feeling so dirty. 'What I would give for a nice swim right now.' she thought. Turning her gaze skyward once again, she noticed a group of white clouds. Watching the clouds drift across the blue sky, her mind began to drift with them.

It had been a day much like this one, how long ago was it? Yesterday, no, the day before. Having walked all morning, she and Gabrielle stopped to fish for lunch and enjoy a cool swim. There was nowhere to be so they decided to rest for awhile and enjoy the day. Finishing her meal Xena had not bothered with putting her heavy armor back on. Feeling full and relaxed, she sprawling out on the soft thick grass. Hands crossed behind her head, eyes closed, she basked in the warmth of the sun.

Warrior instinct alerted her to the approaching form, but she made no effort to defend herself. There was no mistaking Gabrielle's carefree gait. Unceremoniously the bard flopped down on her back, dropping her head onto Xena's leather covered stomach. The large woman grunted softly from the unexpected blow, before giving the bard a disapproving look. Oblivious to the warrior's distaste at being used as a human pillow, the younger woman lay munching on a handful of berries. Turning her attention skyward, cheerfully she asked. "Beautiful day isn't it?"

"Uh huh."

"You know when Lila and I were little, we would lay in the meadow on days like this and watch for cloud creatures."

Xena rose slightly to frown at her. "Cloud creatures?"

Gabrielle popped several berries in her mouth, chewing them as she spoke. "Yeah, you know. The shapes of creatures you see in clouds."

Xena laid back shrugging slightly. "Oh yeah, those creatures." Sounding skeptical. Gabrielle ignored her tone.

Pointing skyward, the Bard continued. "See that big one there? What does it look like?"

Xena opened one eye balefully. "A big white cloud." she answered dryly.

"Very funny. Seriously what does it remind you of?"

Sighing deeply Xena opened both eyes and studied the cloud for a moment. "A horse." She finally offered.

Gabrielle frowned. "A horse." she repeated flatly.

"What?" asked the warrior growing defensive.

Gabrielle waved her free hand as she spoke. "Everything looks like a horse to you. You know this obsession you have with horses," Lifting her head to look at Argo as she spoke. "Especially a certain 'gold mare'." Argo raised her head slightly and snorted at the Bard before returning her attention to a lust patch of grass. Laying back Gabrielle continued munching her berries. "Frankly, Xena it's getting a little weird."

"Very funny." growled the Warrior. "And leave Argo out of this."

"Oh all right, wouldn't want to offend the horse now would we?" Glancing at her friend she found herself the recipient of a renowned Xena 'look'. It was all she could do to keep from laughing out loud. Enjoying the levity of the moment, she decided to press on. "Besides, you always look at everything so logically. You're always so...practical. Where is your imagination?"

"All right all imaginative bard, what do you see?"

Gabrielle thought for a moment, then broke into a wide smile. "A dragon." she announced proudly.

"A dragon?!" snorted the raven haired woman.

Now it was Gabrielle who turned defensive. "Yeah a dragon. What's wrong with that?"

"You've never even seen a dragon." scoffed the warrior.

"So?"

"So that doesn't look anything like a dragon."

"How do you know?" Questioned the bard, her voice raising a notch. "Have 'you' ever seen one?"

Xena hesitated for a moment. "Well, no..."

"HA!" exclaimed the bard. "Then how do you know it doesn't look like one?"

Forcing a level tone, Xena asked. "Have 'you' ever seen one?"

"No," Gabrielle admitted, then quickly added. "But I know what they look like?"

"How do you know?"

"Iolaus told me."

"Iolaus."

"Yes, Iolaus." The bard continued matter of factly. "He and Hercules meet one."

"Oh really?" There was no mistaking the disbelief in the warrior's tone.

"Yes, really." replied the bard, clearly annoyed by her friend's disbelief. "Why do you have to be so skeptical about everything?"

"Ha," laughed the warrior. "Why do you have to be so trusting about everything?"

Raising to one elbow the bard's emerald eyes bore into crystal blue ones. "Just because you don't have faith in anyone doesn't mean the rest of us can't." Xena did not respond, she simply lay there staring at the bard.

Though the warrior remained silent, her face spoke volumes. It was clear the bard's words had hurt her. Gabrielle was about to apologize, when Xena broke the heavy silence. "I have faith in you." she said softly.

"Xena, I..." Agro whinnied interrupting the bard as Xena rolled to her feet, sword in hand.

"What is it?" Gabrielle asked.

"Someone's coming."

From a small patch of woods on the far side of the road, a man wandered into sight. "Hello." he called as he spotted the women.

"Hello." Gabrielle called back.

"You know him?" Xena asked quietly.

"No, never seen him before."

"You're Xena aren't you?" Asked man as he drew closer.

Gabrielle could almost feel the Warrior tensing for an attack as she answered. "Yes."

"Thank the Gods. I was afraid I won't find help in time."

"Help for what?" Asked the Bard.

"I'm Lieandros from the village Krutus. One of our children has been kidnapped. Will you help us get her back?"

+

A low groan pulled Xena back to the present. Beside her, Caecilius began to stir. "Don't try to make any quick movements." Xena offered. "Take it slowly."

Caecilius raised his head to sneer at her. "I don't need your help, infidel." Trying to straighten up, a surge of pain rushed through his body. He bite his lip to keep from crying out.

'Hard headed fool.' thought the Warrior shaking her head. "My name is Xena." Her tone leaving no doubt that was the only name she wished to be addressed by. "We are going to have to rely on each other if we are going to stay alive until help arrives."

"Help?" laughed Caecilius weakly. "No one is coming to help you."

For the hundred time Xena studied the ropes biting into her wrists. Without looking at him she replied. "Gabrielle will come. We just have to be patient."

Again the young man laughed. "You're placing your hope on a dead woman."

"She is not dead!" snapped the warrior.

Caecilius continued as if she had not spoken. "Your friend is dead along with all of the villagers. Zared promised he would kill them this morning when they raided the village. No one is coming for you."

Anger welled up inside the warrior, as well as a twinge of fear for her friend's safety. "You don't know, Gabrielle. She won't let Zared destroy the village without a fight. Zared doesn't know what he's up against."

"It is your friend who does not know what she is up against." scoffed Caecilius. "Zared has the blessing of the Goddess, he cannot lose. Your friend will die."

Xena glared at him through the narrow slit of her right eye. Fighting to keep her voice at a level tone. "Well you'd better pray to your precious Goddess that Gabrielle wins because if Zared does kill her than we are both dead."

"You are the only one who should be praying warrior." Caecilius replied smugly. "Soon Zared will return and release me, welcoming me back." Adding with some uncertainly. "If I am worthy." Pausing for a moment. "You on the other hand will die here."

Now it was Xena who laughed. "Zared isn't coming back for you. He's probably already forgotten you. You were an example to the others to make sure they don't get out of line. A sacrificial lamb to keep the rest of the flock under control. You're a fool putting your faith in the hands of that madman."

Angrily Caecilius challenged her. "And what are you putting your faith in warrior, a simply little girl?" he laughed. "It is you who are the fool."

Quietly Xena answered him. "I do trust Gabrielle. She will come." Turning to face him. "I'd bet my life on it."

Caecilius replied sarcastically. "You already have."