She heard a strange hissing sound coming from a room at the end of one hallway. Curious, she sprinted over to it and peeked carefully inside. The room was lit very dimly by only a few candles, but she could tell it was unoccupied. Tables lined the walls, the hissing sound coming from twenty small covered baskets sitting in rows.

Stepping over to one table, she lifted the lid on one of the baskets. Inside was a handful of small snakes. Each of them were as long as her hand from wrist to fingertip, with oily black bodies and a thin red stripe down the length of their backs. They slithered and coiled around each other, hissing dangerously in the dimness.

Xena replaced the lid carefully and took a deep breath. "Black Vipers," she grimaced. A quick peek in each basket confirmed that they all held the same snakes.

She was uncomfortably familiar with this particular species of reptile. Thought they were small, their tiny fangs held a quick and deadly venom. Once it entered the bloodstream the toxin spread like fire along the nervous, burning its way toward the heart. Within moments the heart and lungs were paralyzed. It was a quick, but very painful way to die. Black Vipers lived mostly in the many wild, rocky areas of Greece and through the years she'd seen dozens of her soldiers fall victim to a stray bite. She shuddered to think what a madman like Volicis would use these creatures for.

The faint pounding of soldiers boots echoed down the corridor, making Xena hurry to the doorway and listen. The pounding got louder and closer, along with bellows from Volicis to search every room. They were headed her way. Glancing back at the baskets, she quirked an eyebrow, one side of her mouth curving into a grin.

Opening several baskets, she carefully slid the snakes into one larger basket and closed the lid. Tucking it behind her back in her left hand, she walked slowly to the door not wanting to overly disturb them. Two dozen soldiers were at one end of the corridor, loudly ransacking rooms, Volicis seething behind them. Xena stepped out into the corridor and cleared her throat. Every head turned toward her, surprised.

She smiled and waved at them, "Looking for me?"

Volicis pointed a shaking finger at her, "Kill her! Kill her now!"

As the soldiers surged forward, Xena pulled the basket from behind her back and ripped open the lid. Grasping one snake behind the jaws, she squeezed to force them open. Taking quick aim, she threw the snake at the head soldiers. It flew so fast, the snake reached the man before its jaws had time to shut. Tiny teeth sank into the flesh below his chin before he made it halfway down the corridor. A few more steps and he fell, gasping for breath and clutching at his throat.

Over and over, Xena threw the vipers like darts, zeroing in on any exposed bit of flesh. She rarely missed a target. Only a few times did a bit of armor or leather on a moving soldier manage to block the deadly fangs, but she kept throwing.

Soon the floor was piled with dying, gasping men. Volicis stood very still against the far wall, hands fisted, eyes glaring.

Xena took a deep breath and took slow step toward him. "Listen to me, Volicis. What happened to your family is unforgivable."

His eyes widened and his lips curled into a snarl, "Don't you DARE speak of them, you murdering harlot!"

Xena didn't react to the insult, just kept moving closer, her hand inching toward her chakram, her voice low. "You hate the Xena that did those horrible things. You want to make her suffer. You want to kill her."

"I will, Xena," Volicis growled.

Xena shook her head, "You can't."

Volicis harumphed, "You're not invincible, Xena. I WILL kill you!"

Xena continued to advance, her voice low, almost sad. "She's dead, Volicis. The Xena that killed your family is already dead. I am nothing like the monster I was."

"No, Xena!" He raged, "You kill--"

"But you are," she finished as if he hadn't spoken.

He stared at her, shocked, "What?"

Xena stood about five feet in front of him, nodding. "You are just like the monster I was, Volicis. Heading an army, bent on revenge, torturing your victims with machines and deadly creatures, harming innocent people." She grimaced at the image in her mind of Gabrielle bleeding. "Those are just some of the things the old Xena did. Can't you see?" she implored, "By trying to kill the monster I used to be... you've become that monster yourself!"

Her words burned on his brain. No! He would not listen to her! He was not a monster. He was avenging his family! His family.... that she killed.... that SHE killed!

A strangled cry ripped from him as he lunged for her throat. Xena's saddened eyes flashed dangerously as she flung her arms up and out, blocking his hands. Grabbing his shoulders, she slammed her forehead against his. Volicis stumbled back down the corridor that lead to the front doors, hands cradling his head.

One final kick sent him flying through the doors and tumbling down the stone steps outside. Volicis struggled to his feet, bellowing at his men to surround her. Xena stood calm, ready for action. Her skin tingled, feeling their nervous eyes focusing on her slightest movements.

Volicis stood on the castle steps, trembling with rage. "Y-you..." He pointed a shaking finger at her,"You will PAY for this! You will pay for what you've DONE!"

Xena knew there was no other way. She held out her hands and beckoned with her fingers. "You want me, Volicis? Come and get some!"

His face flushed and alarming red and he screamed for his men to attack. "Yaaaaah!" the first soldier yelled, running in at Xena. She simply pivoted on one foot and slammed her fist across his face. He tumbled over in the air and thudded to the ground. Two more men ran in quickly from behind.

"Aiyiyiyiyiyiyiyiyiyi!" Xena ululated, flipping backward to land behind them. The suprised men turned just in time to see her fists slamming into their faces. She sensed a movement and ducked a vicious sword swipe from a large, burly soldier. She then had to jump to avoid his sudden low swing. Unhooking her chakram, she sliced at his wrist, making him drop his sword, and sprang to her feet. A round kick to the head sent him into dreamland.

Volicis shook his head in disbelief at her lightning moves and ordered his men to attack at once. They closed in quickly with their swords. When the sharp points were within inches of touching her, she launched herself high in the air, somersaulting away from them. Momentum carried each man into the sword of another and they fell in a bloody heap.

Kicks and punches and a quick ricochet of the chakram dispatched the last of the soldiers. Volicis gaped helplessly as his men fell, his face going white. Clutching tightly at his hair, he realized how greatly he had underestimated the Warrior Princess. There was no way to beat her, and she would be after him next!

Edging past the pile of soldiers, Xena caught a glimpse of his heels as he ran back through the castle doors. With a cold smile, she rehooked her chakram and followed.

Volicis raced to his weapons chamber and straight to his throne. He ran his hands over the back of it, desperate to locate the hidden latch that opened a secret escape passage. Quiet steps behind him made him freeze.

"Leaving so soon? It was just getting fun!"

He gulped and slowly turned to meet the hard, cold eyes of a very tired, very pissed off Warrior Princess. "I...uh, I..."

Xena felt the rage seep out of her veins, replaced by a violent disgust at his cowardice. She raised her chakram and snarled as he paled even further. "This is for Gabrielle!" The gleaming weapon flew from her hand.

Volicis snapped his eyes shut, waiting for the blow, but heard only loud pings as it deflected off the walls. Xena waited, knowing exactly where the chakram would land. She watched as his eyes opened and he burst out laughing. "You missed! You actually missed!" His body shook with hysterical laughter until he sagged against the stone chair.

Xena started to make a glib reply, but noticed a small movement at his shoulder. A tiny snake poked its head out from under his body armor, slithering slowly toward his neck. Volicis continued to laugh as the deadly chakram continued to clang around the room, whizzing back and forth, up and down.

"I thought you knew how to use that thing, Xena. I th--" His tirade was cut short as a pair of tiny fangs sank into his flesh. He gasped and clutched his throat, ripping the wretched creature away. The venom was quick, dropping him to his knees over the trapdoor. A second later, the chakram hit the first carved skull on the arm of the throne. His eyes already glazing over, Volicis managed a strangled cry as the floor gave way beneath him.

Snatching the chakram out of the air above her, she returned it to her side and peered over the edge of the trapdoor. It was too dark to see to the bottom so she listened carefully. There was a sickening thud, a startled shriek of birds and their flapping wings, then nothing.

Raising an eyebrow, she got up and moved to a wall covered in weapons. Taking down her sword, she checked its condition. Satisfied, she whirled it and slipped it into the sheath on her back. Running feet took her out of the room.

*****

The sky had grown dark and Xena was eager to see Gabrielle. She borrowed a horse from several at the castle and rode hard for the hospice, making it there in no time.

The hospice was a very modest building. So modest, a person might mistake it for a rather large barn, but torches burned brightly all around, a beacon of hope for those in need of a healer. A humble statue of Aesclepious stood in front, a tribute to the god of healing. The windows were boarded to keep away cold drafts.

Xena jumped from the horse before it had a chance to stop and ran to the door, wrenching it open. She jumped to see a woman standing immediately behind it, her hand paused in the act of reaching for the handle. The woman was old, but not ancient, and had a kind, weathered face.

"Yes?" she smiled at Xena, amusement in her voice.

Xena blinked, caught off guard. "I'm here for my friend," she answered breathlessly, "My horse brought her--"

The woman cut her off with a light laugh, "Ah, yes! Come in, come in." She stepped aside to let Xena through.

Xena was immediately enveloped by the warmth inside. Fires burned in every corner, driving away the chill that had seeped into her bones. A chill she hadn't realized she felt until now. Lighted candlestands were spread around, pushing away the darkness, glowing comfortingly. Fortunately, it wasn't too crowded. Many of the patients were seated near the fires, being treated for frostbite or hypothermia or plain chills. All were being fed hot soup by sweet-faced nurses with gentle smiles. The aroma of the hearty soup wafted toward Xena, making her rub her stomach absently. The place was so warm and inviting, she felt herself relax knowing that her friend was here.

She suddenly frowned and touched the old woman's shoulder. "There's a horse outside--"

The old woman interrupted her again, "Not to worry, dear. It's being cared for. We have a warm, comfortable stable. Those who come here have many things on their mind. The last thing they need is to worry about their horses. Your mare is there also," she assured the warrior. "Come, your friend is this way."

Xena sighed in relief and nodded, following behind the woman as she led her to the very back of the room. In the corner near the fire, Gabrielle lay on her right side on a low cot. Before she could go to her, the old woman turned to Xena, a solemn look on her face.

"I am Miriam, the healer here. I've been caring for your friend. Some of her wounds are quite deep, they needed to be cleaned and stitched. I applied an herbal poultice to help it heal. She arrived unconscious and still hasn't awakened." She sighed heavily, "She must have been in such pain."

Xena gulped and nodded, "Yes, I know. How is she?"

Miriam thought for a moment. "Well, she needs plenty of rest, of course, but mercifully there hasn't been any fever or festering. She'll be mighty sore from all those bruises on her back. The tendons in her arms have been terribly stretched, so it's been wrapped tightly." She paused, glancing over at Gabrielle. "She has so much to recover from. I'd like her to stay for at least a week, make sure she heals nicely."

Xena agreed, thanked the healer for all her help and went to her friend.

Gabrielle had her left arm wrapped tightly against her chest. Her leather top had been replaced with a sturdy cloth tied at her neck and lower back, making it easier to treat her wounds and protect her modesty. A large cloth pad covered her back. Xena knew she'd need to change it regularly to keep the wounds clean and prevent infection. As long as she was here, she was determined to care for Gabrielle herself. It was the least she could do for leading her dearest friend into such danger.

Finding a small stool and sliding it next to the cot, she sat and gazed at Gabrielle. She felt her forehead for fever, but found it cool. Her breathing was slow and regular, a good sign. Brushing the backs of her fingers down one cheek, she bit her bottom lip. She took Gabrielle's free right hand in hers and squeezed it gently. "Oh, Gabrielle, I'm so sorry for all this." She raised the hand to her lips, kissed the back, and laid it tenderly against her heart. Her eyes began to mist.

Gabrielle's eyes fluttered. She blinked, moaning softly. Her eyes focused slowly, but she immediately recognized the blurry form before her. "Xena?"

Xena smiled and cupped a hand against her cheek, "Yeah, I'm here. I'm right here."

Gabrielle frowned, "How...? Where...?"

Xena shook her head, "Shhhh, it's okay. You're in a hospice and you're going to be fine."

"But... but Volicis--"

Xena stopped her again, "Don't worry, I took care of him."

Gabrielle sighed and nodded, knowing exactly what she meant by that. She looked closely at her friend, searching for signs that she'd been hurt. Xena was obviously exhausted, and the way she sat, so tense and straight, she knew Xena had suffered something. Xena would never admit how badly she was hurting. Not even to me.

A shuffling of feet got their attention. Miriam had returned with two young nurses standing behind her. One was carrying a cot and a blanket, the other held two bowls of steaming soup.

"Come over here a minute, my dear," The old nurse took Xena by the arm. "Lara, put it right there," she directed the nurse and stepped aside so Lara could set up the cot. When that was done, Miriam looked Xena in the eye, "I know you're concerned for your friend, but you'll be no good to her if you collapse form exhaustion. You're going to eat, then rest." Her tone brooked no argument.

Xena started to protest, but the look in Miriam's eyes reminded her of her mother when she meant business. There would be no arguing with this nurse. She shrugged and relented, sitting down on the cot and accepting the soup from Nell, the other young nurse. Nell then went over to gently prop up Gabrielle so she could feed her.

"And don't think I don't know you're in pain," Miriam continued. Xena waved her hand dismissively, but Miriam would have none of that. "After you've rested, Lara will tend to you."

Xena rolled her eyes, but continued eating. Now that she thought about it, she was a bit tense. Being on that rack made her ache a bit, too. A rest would do her good. Putting down the soup, she stretched out on the cot, suddenly very tired.

Gabrielle smiled through her pain, glad someone could get her friend to rest. Her own aches and pains were lessening gradually, thanks to the draught she knew had been added to the soup. The crafty old nurse must've added it to Xena's, too. She sipped the last spoonful Nell held up for her and was then helped to lay on her side again. Xena had already slipped off to sleep.

Miriam nodded, satisfied. "She'll need the rest, you know," she smiled at Gabrielle. "She's going to be quite sore when she wakes." Seeing Gabrielle's frown, she quickly reassured her, "Oh, don't worry, she'll be fine. Rest, food, a little care, you'll both be just fine." She motioned the other nurses to follow her as she went to look after another patient.

Gabrielle watched Xena sleep, saw how the lines of worry had eased from her face. Reaching out, she took Xena's hand in hers and knew they were going to be fine. Everything would be fine now.

She drifted off to sleep holding Xena's hand.

THE END