Gabrielle and Shelappa walked quietly back to the smoldering village. Stepping over the charred remains of the ceremonial supply hut, Gabrielle picked up a medium-sized drum that had barely escaped the fires. It was burnt black down one side, but was still intact and could be played. Shelappa found only half of one torch had survived. Shaking her head, she tossed it back. She'd have to make another one somehow.
Walking swiftly toward the edge of the village, she broke away three long, slim reeds from a cluster close to the river. Tearing up long pieces of grass, she tied them together. Ripping a small scrap of cloth from the bottom of her leather leggings, she tied that over the top of the reeds with another long strip of grass.
They were ready.
Gabrielle, on her knees before the many pyres, began pounding a steady beat on the drum: BUM DA-DUM BUM, BUM DA-DUM BUM, BUM DA-DUM BUM...
A spark from a flint rock lit Shelappa's torch and slowly she walked toward the large circle of pyres and knelt down. Holding her arms out, she closed her eyes and offered a silent prayer to Artemis. Then she stood and began to dance. Swaying slowly from side to side, she waved the torch in large circles.
Gabrielle watched her friend dance in slow circles while she continued to beat the drum. As Shelappa passed one pyre she touched it with her torch, seting it ablaze. She began leaping in wide turns from one pyre to another, lighting each as she passed. When they were all lit, Shelappa dragged herself with exaggerated steps to the center of the pyre circle. Falling to her knees, she slammed the end of the torch into the ground. That was Gabrielle's cue to beat faster: DA-DA DUM-DUM, DA-DA DUM-DUM, DA-DA DUM-DUM...
Getting to her feet, Shelappa began dancing frantically around the torch, arms swinging wildly in the air. Sweat poured from her face and beaded on her body as she leapt and twisted in the air
Gabrielle steadily beat out the faster rhythm, watching the Amazon dance in amazement and awe. Then she heard it. She almost skipped a beat in her playing to listen closer, but continued to beat on the drum. Yes, she heard it! Coming from only a few feet away from her, she heard a low voice singing.
Ephiny had watched them earlier while they prepared for the funeral, wishing she could help. And now, watching Shelappa's beautiful dancing among the burning pyres, her heart filled with so much emotion it was almost painful. Standing a few feet away from Gabrielle. she did the only thing she could think of to keep from breaking down into a sobbing mess. She began to sing the Amazon Funeral Dirge. Her voice sounded long and low through the song. She sang with her heart, her soul, her body. Everything that was Ephiny was now in her voice.
Gabrielle was in tears, but she kept beating the drum. Ephiny's voice echoed loud and clear from where she stood. Though her body could not be seen, her voice filled the air. Her mournful cries sounded as if they were wrenched from deep inside. Sorrow for her fallen sisters, as well as her missing son poured out of her and over Gabrielle as she started beating the slower rhythm again. She closed her eyes, losing herself in the sound.
If Shelappa heard the singing, she didn't show it. Slowing her dancing down to just a gentle rocking from foot to foot, she bowed her head and covered her eyes, the very image of sorrow.
Ephiny's voice began to drift off and Gabrielle knew the ceremony was coming to a close. the singing suddenly stopped, Shelappa fell to her knees once more, and Gabrielle gave one final bang on the drum. It was finished.
Getting to her feet, Gabrielle wiped the tears from her eyes and went to Shelappa, walking carefully between two of the burning pyres. Grasping her sweaty elbow, she helped the exhausted Amazon to her feet and led her away. They walked slowly toward the river. When they reached the bank Shelappa practically collapsed, overcome with weariness. Gabrielle made sure she was indeed all right, then helped her lay down comfortably. the night was warm and this was as good a place as any to rest for the night. She creapt quietly away to retrieve her pack.
Shelappa was already fast asleep when she returned. She didn't want to wake her and was too tired and emotionally spent to eat anyway. Knowing that the sweat on her friend's body would cool her as it dried, Gabrielle pulled a light blanket from her pack and spread it over her, not wanting her to get chilled. Taking out another for herself, she layed down only a couple feet away from her friend and covered up, falling quickly to sleep.
*****
"C'mon get up!" Xena gave Amarice a gentle kick in the ribs, making her grunt, but she still didn't wake up. Xena rolled her eyes, "And I thought Gabrielle was bad." She'd just finished packing everything into the saddlebag on Argo, and she was getting crankier with every second wasted.
"AMARICE!" Xena screamed in a desperate voice, as if they were in danger. The young Amazon stumbled to her feet.
"Wha...where?" Amarice flaied her arms around wildly, her eyes not yet adjusted to the rising sun. Xena cracked a smile and rested a hand on Amarice, startling her. She spun around and frowned at Xena, "Y'know there ARE other ways to wake people up." She rubbed her eyes and walked sleepily over to Argo. Xena rolled her eyes again and strode over to the dirt road.
Shifting her fingers through the dirt, she saw the hoofprints were almost gone. They'd have to stop often to make sure they were on the right track, but she was glad they still had something to follow. Walking back to Argo, she swiftly seated herself in front of Amarice. A light tug on the reins and they were off.
The sun was shining directly in Xena's eyes but she showed no discomfort. Her gaze stayed on the tracks ahead. Behind Xena's towering body, Amarice was quite shielded from the heat. Argo slowed down and whinnied.
"Xena, what is-" Amarice fell silent when Xena raised her hand. She looked around slowly and silently slipped off Argo. "Stay here," she whispered to Amarice. Amarice watched as she stealthly walked across the dirt road and over to the edge of the forest where broken branches and dead leaves littered the ground. Her footsteps never made a sound.
Peering through the trees, Xena had to stifle a gasp. The clearing ahead was the same one from her dream! A figure knelt in the middle in front of a camfire, it's back toward her. A large cloak hung over him, and by the bulk of muscle underneath, he seemed to be a finely honed warlord. She closed her eyes and listened, She could hear the crackling of the fire and, somewhere, the rustling of chains. Someone or something was with him. Remembering her dream, she prayed it wasn't what she thought. Shifting slightly on to one foot, she glanced over his shoulder. Sure enough, across from him was Xenon. She was only slightly relieved to see, instead of dozens of chains, only his hooves were shackled and chained to the tree behind him.
Taking a couple quiet steps back, she turned to Amarice and motioned with her hand for her to stay there. Gripping her sword tightly, she crept back through the trees.
He was about 30 feet in front of her, still in the same position before the fire. She thought it slightly odd, but watched him carefully in case he did move. She methodically walked, letting her toes touch the ground first, then rolling to the edge of her foot, not making a sound. She watched her shadow, making sure it was well out of view.
Only 20 feet in front of her now, and still he made no move. Xena held her breath, her heart beating faster, anticipation tingling across her skin. She glanced at Xenon again. He didn't seem to be hurt, just incredibly scared. She could see him trembling and shifting nervously in the shackles. Suddenly, she stepped on a small branch and winced at the soft snap it made. It barely made a noise, but it sounded like an explosion to her. She looked quickly to the warlord to see his reaction. Nothing. It was strange, him sitting there, not moving or making a sound.
Something wasn't right. With all her senses on full alert, she stopped. Too late to turn back, too far to attack, and with Xenon so close, she wouldn't risk throwing her chakram. What to do, what to do?
Taking extra care to be quiet, she continued creeping forward. Xena's back tingle and the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. This was all wrong. Only 10 feet away now, she angled her sword in front of her.
"AAAARRGGGHH!" she screamed, leaping forward. With lighting speed, she ripped her sword right through the warlord. The cloak dropped, sliced in two, revealing a wooden dummy. Her eyes widened in shock and confusion.
The trees rustled and trembled all around. From high above, soldiers dropped down, arrows aimed and drawn. She reacted quickly, knowing only that she had to protect Xenan. She wanted to get him away, but they were quickly surrounded. She shielded him from the men with her body. One masked man stood apart from the rest.
He wore a long blood red cape and wielded a large, solid sword. The black leather mask covering his face had only two angled slits for his eyes and a cut-away slash for his mouth. He towered over Xena, which couldn't be said for many people. Xena thought fast. She knew if he'd wanted them dead, they'd be dead already, so she used that to her advantage.
"AMARICE RUN! GET OUT OF HERE NOW!" she screamed.
The masked man laughed, and though he was massive in size, he moved lightning fast, running off toward Amarice.
Amarice sat there. She'd clearly heard Xena, but wasn't sure what to do. If Xena was in trouble, the last thing she wanted to do was leave. She lifted her leg over Argo, about to hop off, when she spotted from the corner of her eye a huge figure approaching fast. Before she could even turn and draw her sword, he was upon her, a huge sword raised ready to strike. His eyes were wild as he let out a growling yell. Reacting from pure instinct, she yanked hard on Argo's reins and bolted.
The masked man's sword came crashing down, barely missing Argo's passing rump. Watching the frightened Amazon ride away, he stood there and smiled.
*****
Gabrielle sat up with a gasp. Glancing around, she tried to find what could've woken her up. Shelappa was still sleeping, the funeral pyres were still burning, though not as highly, the air was cooler, the night was dark and quiet. Too quiet.
There was no sound of a breeze, no buzzing of night bugs, no rustle of the various nocturnal creatures hunting in the bushes. She saw the funeral fires, but did not hear the snaps and crackles that should follow. Covering her ears, she wondered if she'd suddenly gone deaf. No, she could hear the rustling of her own clothes. Snapping her fingers, she was relieved to hear that, too. "What's going on?" she whispered.
"You're dreaming, Gabrielle."
Whipping her head around, she was astonished to see Ephiny crouched down behind her. "Ephiny?" she couldn't believe her eyes! When the Amazon smiled and nodded, Gabrielle could not stop her tears. "Ephiny!"
Ephiny immediately dropped to her knees and gathered her friend into her arms. Gabrielle wept for joy at seeing her friend again, but when she felt Ephiny's solid arms around her, she began to sob uncontrolably. Ephiny just held her, her own tears falling as well. When Gabrielle was able to control herself, she pulled away. "Ephiny?" She looked all over her friend's face, as if making sure it was really her. Then she reached up and framed that face with her hands. Feeling the warm flesh under her fingers, she laughed through her tears. "Oh Ephiny, it's you! It's really you!"
Ephiny reached up and took Gabrielle's hands away from her face, holding them in her lap. "Yes, it's really me, Gabrielle. You're dreaming, you know, but I'm really here. I guess the line between the living and the dead gets a little fuzzy when we dream."
Gabrielle nodded, "Yeah, I know. Callisto was able to speak to Xena from Tarterus while she dreamed once. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. It's just so good to see you again!" She squeezed Ephiny's hands.
Ephiny squeezed them back, "I don't know how long we have, but I wanted to talk to you. To thank you."
"Thank me?"
"Yes. For so much, Gabrielle. First, I wanted to thank you for my funeral. It was really beautiful. No one could ask for a better send-off."
Gabrielle raised a hand, "It wasn't all me. Your Amazons loved you. They were a great help to me when putting everything together. They were very devoted to their Queen." She smiled and shook her head when Ephiny started to protest, "No, no, it's true. I may have had the Right of Caste, but you were their Queen. You."
Ephiny sighed, "Perhaps. Also, I wanted to thank you for tonight. Shelappa, too." She glanced at the sleeping woman and smiled. "I think tonight was the most beautiful ceremony I've ever seen. I know I speak for all our sisters when I thank you for giving them a proper Amazon funeral. They certainly deserved it."
Gabrielle bowed her head, tears threatening to fall once more just thinking of all those Amazons. "It was the least we could do. The very least, considering how little was left. Shelappa's dancing..." she shook her head, "I've never seen anyone so absorbed. What a tribute!" She squeezed Ephiny's hands again, "And you're singing, Ephiny! I'm sure Artemis herself heard you and wept. Oh, Ephiny! So many...gone. And Xenon! What will happen now?"
Ephiny released her hands and grasped her shoulders, "Xena will find him. She has to! You've got to believe that, Gabrielle." She let go and turned away from her, siiting cross-legged on the ground. "I know I'll never rest until he's safe. I can never cross over into Eternity until I know he'll be able to grow up into the man he's destined to be." She put her head in her hands, sighing heavily, "I'll never find peace."
Gabrielle leaned over and wrapped her arms around her shoulders, "You'll find peace, Ephiny. I swear it!" Ephiny glanced back at her, worry and sorrow in her eyes. Gabrielle placed an hand under her chin, lifting it gently, "By everything that's good and pure and noble. By everything the amazons stand for and live for and die for. By my life and my soul, Ephiny, I swear you will find peace!"
Ephiny smiled, a tear sliding down her cheek, "Thank you." Her face began to waver, her body slowly began to fade. Gabrielle frowned, "Ephiny?" Ephiny just shook her head, "It's all right. I think you're waking up." Her voice was just a whisper now, "Don't worry, I'll still be around." With a final smile, she was gone.
Gabrielle sat up with a gasp. Disoriented for a moment, she rubbed her eyes. Looking around, she almost covered her ears at all the sounds that suddenly assaulted them. The night breeze blowing softly against her skin. The rustling of the trees and bushes, the little squeaks from the prowling creature within. The softly lapping river nearby. Going from such a silent world in her dream to the suddenly alive, noise-filled world around her now was jarring. Ephiny. Everything from her dream seemed so real. Did it all really happen? Was Ephiny still there?
Almost as if her friend could read her thoughts, a few thumps from the drum told her that Ephiny was indeed still there. Gabrielle immediately felt relieved and comforted, knowing her friend was there to watch over them. Sliding back under her blanket, she scooted closer to Shelappa for extra warmth and fell into a light dreamless sleep.
Walking swiftly toward the edge of the village, she broke away three long, slim reeds from a cluster close to the river. Tearing up long pieces of grass, she tied them together. Ripping a small scrap of cloth from the bottom of her leather leggings, she tied that over the top of the reeds with another long strip of grass.
They were ready.
Gabrielle, on her knees before the many pyres, began pounding a steady beat on the drum: BUM DA-DUM BUM, BUM DA-DUM BUM, BUM DA-DUM BUM...
A spark from a flint rock lit Shelappa's torch and slowly she walked toward the large circle of pyres and knelt down. Holding her arms out, she closed her eyes and offered a silent prayer to Artemis. Then she stood and began to dance. Swaying slowly from side to side, she waved the torch in large circles.
Gabrielle watched her friend dance in slow circles while she continued to beat the drum. As Shelappa passed one pyre she touched it with her torch, seting it ablaze. She began leaping in wide turns from one pyre to another, lighting each as she passed. When they were all lit, Shelappa dragged herself with exaggerated steps to the center of the pyre circle. Falling to her knees, she slammed the end of the torch into the ground. That was Gabrielle's cue to beat faster: DA-DA DUM-DUM, DA-DA DUM-DUM, DA-DA DUM-DUM...
Getting to her feet, Shelappa began dancing frantically around the torch, arms swinging wildly in the air. Sweat poured from her face and beaded on her body as she leapt and twisted in the air
Gabrielle steadily beat out the faster rhythm, watching the Amazon dance in amazement and awe. Then she heard it. She almost skipped a beat in her playing to listen closer, but continued to beat on the drum. Yes, she heard it! Coming from only a few feet away from her, she heard a low voice singing.
Ephiny had watched them earlier while they prepared for the funeral, wishing she could help. And now, watching Shelappa's beautiful dancing among the burning pyres, her heart filled with so much emotion it was almost painful. Standing a few feet away from Gabrielle. she did the only thing she could think of to keep from breaking down into a sobbing mess. She began to sing the Amazon Funeral Dirge. Her voice sounded long and low through the song. She sang with her heart, her soul, her body. Everything that was Ephiny was now in her voice.
Gabrielle was in tears, but she kept beating the drum. Ephiny's voice echoed loud and clear from where she stood. Though her body could not be seen, her voice filled the air. Her mournful cries sounded as if they were wrenched from deep inside. Sorrow for her fallen sisters, as well as her missing son poured out of her and over Gabrielle as she started beating the slower rhythm again. She closed her eyes, losing herself in the sound.
If Shelappa heard the singing, she didn't show it. Slowing her dancing down to just a gentle rocking from foot to foot, she bowed her head and covered her eyes, the very image of sorrow.
Ephiny's voice began to drift off and Gabrielle knew the ceremony was coming to a close. the singing suddenly stopped, Shelappa fell to her knees once more, and Gabrielle gave one final bang on the drum. It was finished.
Getting to her feet, Gabrielle wiped the tears from her eyes and went to Shelappa, walking carefully between two of the burning pyres. Grasping her sweaty elbow, she helped the exhausted Amazon to her feet and led her away. They walked slowly toward the river. When they reached the bank Shelappa practically collapsed, overcome with weariness. Gabrielle made sure she was indeed all right, then helped her lay down comfortably. the night was warm and this was as good a place as any to rest for the night. She creapt quietly away to retrieve her pack.
Shelappa was already fast asleep when she returned. She didn't want to wake her and was too tired and emotionally spent to eat anyway. Knowing that the sweat on her friend's body would cool her as it dried, Gabrielle pulled a light blanket from her pack and spread it over her, not wanting her to get chilled. Taking out another for herself, she layed down only a couple feet away from her friend and covered up, falling quickly to sleep.
*****
"C'mon get up!" Xena gave Amarice a gentle kick in the ribs, making her grunt, but she still didn't wake up. Xena rolled her eyes, "And I thought Gabrielle was bad." She'd just finished packing everything into the saddlebag on Argo, and she was getting crankier with every second wasted.
"AMARICE!" Xena screamed in a desperate voice, as if they were in danger. The young Amazon stumbled to her feet.
"Wha...where?" Amarice flaied her arms around wildly, her eyes not yet adjusted to the rising sun. Xena cracked a smile and rested a hand on Amarice, startling her. She spun around and frowned at Xena, "Y'know there ARE other ways to wake people up." She rubbed her eyes and walked sleepily over to Argo. Xena rolled her eyes again and strode over to the dirt road.
Shifting her fingers through the dirt, she saw the hoofprints were almost gone. They'd have to stop often to make sure they were on the right track, but she was glad they still had something to follow. Walking back to Argo, she swiftly seated herself in front of Amarice. A light tug on the reins and they were off.
The sun was shining directly in Xena's eyes but she showed no discomfort. Her gaze stayed on the tracks ahead. Behind Xena's towering body, Amarice was quite shielded from the heat. Argo slowed down and whinnied.
"Xena, what is-" Amarice fell silent when Xena raised her hand. She looked around slowly and silently slipped off Argo. "Stay here," she whispered to Amarice. Amarice watched as she stealthly walked across the dirt road and over to the edge of the forest where broken branches and dead leaves littered the ground. Her footsteps never made a sound.
Peering through the trees, Xena had to stifle a gasp. The clearing ahead was the same one from her dream! A figure knelt in the middle in front of a camfire, it's back toward her. A large cloak hung over him, and by the bulk of muscle underneath, he seemed to be a finely honed warlord. She closed her eyes and listened, She could hear the crackling of the fire and, somewhere, the rustling of chains. Someone or something was with him. Remembering her dream, she prayed it wasn't what she thought. Shifting slightly on to one foot, she glanced over his shoulder. Sure enough, across from him was Xenon. She was only slightly relieved to see, instead of dozens of chains, only his hooves were shackled and chained to the tree behind him.
Taking a couple quiet steps back, she turned to Amarice and motioned with her hand for her to stay there. Gripping her sword tightly, she crept back through the trees.
He was about 30 feet in front of her, still in the same position before the fire. She thought it slightly odd, but watched him carefully in case he did move. She methodically walked, letting her toes touch the ground first, then rolling to the edge of her foot, not making a sound. She watched her shadow, making sure it was well out of view.
Only 20 feet in front of her now, and still he made no move. Xena held her breath, her heart beating faster, anticipation tingling across her skin. She glanced at Xenon again. He didn't seem to be hurt, just incredibly scared. She could see him trembling and shifting nervously in the shackles. Suddenly, she stepped on a small branch and winced at the soft snap it made. It barely made a noise, but it sounded like an explosion to her. She looked quickly to the warlord to see his reaction. Nothing. It was strange, him sitting there, not moving or making a sound.
Something wasn't right. With all her senses on full alert, she stopped. Too late to turn back, too far to attack, and with Xenon so close, she wouldn't risk throwing her chakram. What to do, what to do?
Taking extra care to be quiet, she continued creeping forward. Xena's back tingle and the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. This was all wrong. Only 10 feet away now, she angled her sword in front of her.
"AAAARRGGGHH!" she screamed, leaping forward. With lighting speed, she ripped her sword right through the warlord. The cloak dropped, sliced in two, revealing a wooden dummy. Her eyes widened in shock and confusion.
The trees rustled and trembled all around. From high above, soldiers dropped down, arrows aimed and drawn. She reacted quickly, knowing only that she had to protect Xenan. She wanted to get him away, but they were quickly surrounded. She shielded him from the men with her body. One masked man stood apart from the rest.
He wore a long blood red cape and wielded a large, solid sword. The black leather mask covering his face had only two angled slits for his eyes and a cut-away slash for his mouth. He towered over Xena, which couldn't be said for many people. Xena thought fast. She knew if he'd wanted them dead, they'd be dead already, so she used that to her advantage.
"AMARICE RUN! GET OUT OF HERE NOW!" she screamed.
The masked man laughed, and though he was massive in size, he moved lightning fast, running off toward Amarice.
Amarice sat there. She'd clearly heard Xena, but wasn't sure what to do. If Xena was in trouble, the last thing she wanted to do was leave. She lifted her leg over Argo, about to hop off, when she spotted from the corner of her eye a huge figure approaching fast. Before she could even turn and draw her sword, he was upon her, a huge sword raised ready to strike. His eyes were wild as he let out a growling yell. Reacting from pure instinct, she yanked hard on Argo's reins and bolted.
The masked man's sword came crashing down, barely missing Argo's passing rump. Watching the frightened Amazon ride away, he stood there and smiled.
*****
Gabrielle sat up with a gasp. Glancing around, she tried to find what could've woken her up. Shelappa was still sleeping, the funeral pyres were still burning, though not as highly, the air was cooler, the night was dark and quiet. Too quiet.
There was no sound of a breeze, no buzzing of night bugs, no rustle of the various nocturnal creatures hunting in the bushes. She saw the funeral fires, but did not hear the snaps and crackles that should follow. Covering her ears, she wondered if she'd suddenly gone deaf. No, she could hear the rustling of her own clothes. Snapping her fingers, she was relieved to hear that, too. "What's going on?" she whispered.
"You're dreaming, Gabrielle."
Whipping her head around, she was astonished to see Ephiny crouched down behind her. "Ephiny?" she couldn't believe her eyes! When the Amazon smiled and nodded, Gabrielle could not stop her tears. "Ephiny!"
Ephiny immediately dropped to her knees and gathered her friend into her arms. Gabrielle wept for joy at seeing her friend again, but when she felt Ephiny's solid arms around her, she began to sob uncontrolably. Ephiny just held her, her own tears falling as well. When Gabrielle was able to control herself, she pulled away. "Ephiny?" She looked all over her friend's face, as if making sure it was really her. Then she reached up and framed that face with her hands. Feeling the warm flesh under her fingers, she laughed through her tears. "Oh Ephiny, it's you! It's really you!"
Ephiny reached up and took Gabrielle's hands away from her face, holding them in her lap. "Yes, it's really me, Gabrielle. You're dreaming, you know, but I'm really here. I guess the line between the living and the dead gets a little fuzzy when we dream."
Gabrielle nodded, "Yeah, I know. Callisto was able to speak to Xena from Tarterus while she dreamed once. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. It's just so good to see you again!" She squeezed Ephiny's hands.
Ephiny squeezed them back, "I don't know how long we have, but I wanted to talk to you. To thank you."
"Thank me?"
"Yes. For so much, Gabrielle. First, I wanted to thank you for my funeral. It was really beautiful. No one could ask for a better send-off."
Gabrielle raised a hand, "It wasn't all me. Your Amazons loved you. They were a great help to me when putting everything together. They were very devoted to their Queen." She smiled and shook her head when Ephiny started to protest, "No, no, it's true. I may have had the Right of Caste, but you were their Queen. You."
Ephiny sighed, "Perhaps. Also, I wanted to thank you for tonight. Shelappa, too." She glanced at the sleeping woman and smiled. "I think tonight was the most beautiful ceremony I've ever seen. I know I speak for all our sisters when I thank you for giving them a proper Amazon funeral. They certainly deserved it."
Gabrielle bowed her head, tears threatening to fall once more just thinking of all those Amazons. "It was the least we could do. The very least, considering how little was left. Shelappa's dancing..." she shook her head, "I've never seen anyone so absorbed. What a tribute!" She squeezed Ephiny's hands again, "And you're singing, Ephiny! I'm sure Artemis herself heard you and wept. Oh, Ephiny! So many...gone. And Xenon! What will happen now?"
Ephiny released her hands and grasped her shoulders, "Xena will find him. She has to! You've got to believe that, Gabrielle." She let go and turned away from her, siiting cross-legged on the ground. "I know I'll never rest until he's safe. I can never cross over into Eternity until I know he'll be able to grow up into the man he's destined to be." She put her head in her hands, sighing heavily, "I'll never find peace."
Gabrielle leaned over and wrapped her arms around her shoulders, "You'll find peace, Ephiny. I swear it!" Ephiny glanced back at her, worry and sorrow in her eyes. Gabrielle placed an hand under her chin, lifting it gently, "By everything that's good and pure and noble. By everything the amazons stand for and live for and die for. By my life and my soul, Ephiny, I swear you will find peace!"
Ephiny smiled, a tear sliding down her cheek, "Thank you." Her face began to waver, her body slowly began to fade. Gabrielle frowned, "Ephiny?" Ephiny just shook her head, "It's all right. I think you're waking up." Her voice was just a whisper now, "Don't worry, I'll still be around." With a final smile, she was gone.
Gabrielle sat up with a gasp. Disoriented for a moment, she rubbed her eyes. Looking around, she almost covered her ears at all the sounds that suddenly assaulted them. The night breeze blowing softly against her skin. The rustling of the trees and bushes, the little squeaks from the prowling creature within. The softly lapping river nearby. Going from such a silent world in her dream to the suddenly alive, noise-filled world around her now was jarring. Ephiny. Everything from her dream seemed so real. Did it all really happen? Was Ephiny still there?
Almost as if her friend could read her thoughts, a few thumps from the drum told her that Ephiny was indeed still there. Gabrielle immediately felt relieved and comforted, knowing her friend was there to watch over them. Sliding back under her blanket, she scooted closer to Shelappa for extra warmth and fell into a light dreamless sleep.
