Chapter 10

Agro stopped in her tracks, her ears twitching trying to locate the sound again. Gabrielle leaded forward in the saddle. There had been something but what and where did it come from?

Confused by the bard's sudden stop Septimus moved to her side. "Gabrielle, what are you doing?"

"Shhh." she hissed, raising a hand to quite him. "Which way?" she whispered. In response Argo neighed throwing her head about. "You smell something don't you?" she asked the excited mare. Argo began to prance. "Alright, Argo lead the way." Given a free rein the mare broke into a trot along the hillside, forcing Gabrielle to bow her head against the driving rain.

As they approached the hillcrest Gabrielle thought her eyes were playing tricks on her. There was something, no someone in the meadow below. While the bard strained to see the figures ahead the rain eased for just a brief moment, allowing her a clear view. "Xena." she whispered. "Come on Argo." Coaxing the horse forward.

"Gabrielle wait!" called Septimus from behind her.

Ignoring him she charged down the hill. Before Argo could stop, the bard leapt from the mare's back. Landing in the mud up to her ankles, she stumbled for a moment. Ignoring the mud she half ran, half crawled to the unconscious warrior.

"Xena!" she called approaching the warrior. The limp figure did not reply. "Xena?" she called again stopping within arms reach of the still form. Xena hung limply, raven black hair hiding her face. Hesitatingly Gabrielle reached through the black mane, gentle fingertips flinched as they connected with cold flesh. There was no response to her touch. Swallowing hard the bard placed a trembling hand under the warrior's chin slowly lifting her head. Gabrielle's breath caught as she peered into the bruised and bloody face. "Oh, Xena." she gasped, gently cupping the battered face in both hands, fearful she could cause more damage, simply by touching her. "What have they done to you?" Fighting to control her emotions, the bard tried once more. "Wake up. Please wake up." There was no reply to her plea.

Moving closer Gabrielle gently lowered Xena's head onto her shoulder, wrapping her arms tightly around the warrior. For the first time this day she found herself thankful for the pouring rain, knowing it would hide her tears. "I'm sorry." she whispered. "I am so sorry. I should have come sooner." Choking back a sob, she was unable to say more.

"Gab...riel...le..."

It had been spoken so softly at first she thought it was her imagination. "Xena?" Moving back to cup the warrior's face once more. "Xena, can you hear me? Answer me please." Just when she was certain it must have been her imagination, the weak reply came. "Yes..."

"Xena." sighed the bard with relief. Lightly brushing her lips against a battered cheek she moved to embrace the warrior once more. "It's all right. It's all right. Everything is going to be all right now."

Xena whispered. "I knew...you'd come..." Gabrielle squeezed her tighter, biting back a sob.

Before she could reply, Septimus was beside her. "Gabrielle, is she..."

"Septimus!" Gabrielle shouted grabbing the young man's arm so hard he yelped in pain. "Help me cut her down. We need to get her out of the rain."

"What about him?" Motioning toward Caecilius's still form.

In her rush to reach the warrior she had not even noticed the young Follower. "We'll take him with us."

Nodding Septimus drew a knife from his belt, handing it to the bard. As she cut Xena's feet loose he moved behind the warrior, slipping his arms around her for support. Once Xena's feet were free Gabrielle turned her attention to the ropes securing the warrior's arms. Making certain Septimus was ready she reached for the closest rope. Grabbing the rope, she cringed at the raw, bloody skin beneath it. Steeling herself she cut the rope. There would be time later to fuss over small wounds. Right now her main concern was finding a safe, dry shelter to begin treating the more serious ones.

As the blade severed the rope Xena's arm fell limply to her side. Moving to free the other arm, Gabrielle's foot struck something hard. Looking down she was surprised to see the object and made a mental note to retrieve it later. When the last rope was cut Xena slumped heavily against Septimus. Gabrielle grabbed one arm slipping it over her shoulders. Septimus took a position on the other side of the warrior, slipping her free arm over his shoulders. Together they dragged Xena to the horses. While Gabrielle and Septimus worked to get Xena into the saddle Argo stood perfectly still. The mare's devotion to her Mistress never creased to amaze the bard. With some effort they managed to get the limp warrior into the saddle. She slumped forward with one arm draped over Argo's neck. Gabrielle pulled a small rope from the saddlebag wrapping it around Xena's waist, before securing it to the saddle horn. Once Xena was secure in the saddle, Gabrielle retrieved the chakram from the mud. Wiping it off as best she could she tied the weapon in it's customary place on the saddlebag, next to Xena's sword.

Helping Septimus cut Caecilius free they placed him across the saddle of Septimus's mount. Once he was secure Gabrielle moved to Argo. Carefully the bard climbed onto the saddle behind the unconscious warrior. Grasping the reins in one hand, she gently slipped the other around Xena's waist. The warrior moaned, trying to rise. Gabrielle squeezed her affectionately. "It's all right Xena. I've got you." This seem to satisfy the warrior, who relaxed, laying back against Argo's neck. Gabrielle smiled to herself. 'You're safe now.' "Come on, Agro." she commanded coaxing the mare forward.