Xena strolled in with her charges. They had impressed her on the whole. Even Cyane, who once she buried her hostility, showed she was an excellent tracker.
"Well done everyone. A morning run tomorrow, and then it's a hunt in the afternoon." Four of the amazons smiled at Xena, and all started to walk away to their huts, with only Cyane motionless. She stared at Xena.
"What?" said Xena exasperated?
"Why did you do it?" asked Cyane quietly. "What did you gain?"
Xena looked at the youngster and then around the camp. Alti was there talking to Aida, Marpe and Charope. She sighed. How could she make this young girl understand? When she couldn't explain it properly herself?
"I thought I would gain a great deal. But I didn't. It was sport to me back then. I liked being able to control other people; including controlling if they lived or died."
Cyane looked intently at the warrior princess but this time without hostility. "Do you regret it?"
Xena gave a hollow laugh. "There are so many things I regret, that I have guilt for. If I let that weigh me down, I wouldn't get up in the morning." Her eyes wore a haunted look and she stared at the ground, uncomfortable with being so open with a relative stranger. "But I do regret it."
"Thank you for explaining it," said Cyane quietly. "I'll be here in the morning."
She walked away and Xena watched the back of her disappear into the dinning hut.
"You won't get around everyone so easily," hissed a voice.
"Okayle, how nice," dead panned Xena and turned to look at the Amazon who was standing next to Protis.
"You're going down," said Okayle and Protis motioned her finger across her throat.
"As is the bitch you sleep with." In a heartbeat Xena had Okayle by the throat and was squeezing it. She felt two pairs of hands on her back and a familiar voice in her ear.
"Xena, calm down. Calm down." Epinon was repeating the words like a mantra.
"I hope I misheard you, Okayle," said Solari. "And we can forget this all happened."
Okayle rubbed her reddening neck and nodded. She and Protis barged past Epinon, Xena and Solari.
"That wasn't the smartest thing to do Xena," said Epinon, and before Xena could add anything, "Although I would have done the same." The three exchanged a smile.
"Actually Sol I wanted to ask you something. Did any of the scouts lay down tracks that disguised a small army on horses?"
Solari shook her head.
"There were well covered tracks that looked like several horses. I thought it was fresh. Very advanced stuff."
"No Xena, not that I know. Centaurs maybe hunting? I can check it out for you. Where about?"
"AAhhhh, Xena," said the familiar rough voice. "Thank you for the wonderful job you did for my amazons. You really are a woman of many talents." The shameness looked at the three friends standing there. "As are all three. Very powerful women. Your tribe is lucky to have you."
The three looked disinterested as the shameness continued. "I must circulate. So much to do." She looked at Xena and despite her best efforts the warrior was drawn in to the endless orbs. She managed to pull herself away but Alti was smiling. "I must see your current lover shortly." And with that the shameness walked away.
"Delightful." said Epinon.
Xena barely acknowledged her as she watched Alti walk up the steps into her and Gabrielle's hut and disappear through the door.
Alti didn't wait for her knock to be answered, she strode into the hut. Gabrielle was lying on the bed. She had been unable to sleep; her mind spinning with the possibility of Alti taking over the tribe. She had considered many different scenarios, but had no firm proof. The council meeting couldn't come too soon, but she knew that Alti had overtly done nothing wrong. The Northern Amazons were integrating well with them. Gabrielle had no firm evidence to put forward to why they shouldn't stay. Solely her instincts.
At Alti's entrance Gabrielle sat as a quickly as she could. For once the shameness did not give her empty smile, but looked at Gabrielle dispassionately.
Gabrielle didn't have time to stand up, as Xena rushed in the hut. She immediately looked at the bard and gave her a quick smile. She then positioned herself in between Alti and the bed. Gabrielle finally stood up and took a couple of paces towards Xena.
"So nice of you to join us. I was looking forward to chatting with your blonde runt, but now that-"
"She is the Queen of the Amazons." Xena raised her voice. Alti stood motionless.
"You continue to protect her, Xena. How quaint. Despite the fact she loves to remember that night with the fiery regent frequently." Alti put her hands on her hips and was staring at Xena.
Xena avoided her eyes and gave a smile. "I know about Gabrielle and Ephiny," she said and heard a gasp from Gabrielle. "Is that the best you can throw at us?"
Alti cackled. "I haven't even started Xena. Xena, Warrior Princess, Destroyer of nations. Ever wondered why you were so special? Why so many were drawn to you-Borias, Cyane, Lao Ma, Gabrielle, me even?"
There was silence apart from the sounds of breathing. Alti stepped forward and Xena immediately bristled and drew herself up to her full height.
"Oh we were attracted to you. Your lust for life, your darkness, your sexual prowess. But there was more than that. Your power. Power that was like it was God given."
Gabrielle gasped again. She could feel Alti's eyes bore down on her and although she fought against it, her eyes were drawn to the shameness. This time she didn't feel she was being laid bare. There was a look of glee that bordered on insanity.
"No," she whispered. And she started to shake.
Xena looked from one to another and had the feeling she wasn't fully aware of the facts. But Alti and Gabrielle were.
"In fact it was God given, Xena. Given by a father, grandfather perhaps."
There was silence. Xena continued to look from one to another, until her eyes rested on Gabrielle's horrified face. "What do you mean?" she murmured.
"You are part God. You have an immortal's blood running through you." Alti's voice failed to hide her delight.
Xena turned to face Alti. "No." she said. "NO," she repeated more strongly.
"Oh, but you are part god, Xena. Ask Gabrielle."
Xena turned to face an ashen Gabrielle.
"Gabrielle?" said Xena. "It's not true, is it?"
There was silence. Blue and green eyes locked and Xena saw the truth in the verdant ones.
"How long have you known?" Asked Xena angrily. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Gabrielle rubbed her streaming eyes with her hand. "I'm sorry Xena. I wanted to tell you."
"How long have you known?" asked Xena more forcefully?
"Since Iolaus was here. He told me about the temple. It can only be seen or entered by people with god's blood. I knew then that-"
"I don't care!" screamed Xena. "You knew that about me, and never thought to tell me." She took a step towards Gabrielle, and grasped the bard's shoulders.
Gabrielle looked into her beloved's face and was transported back to Illusia, back to the angry, vengeful Xena that had killed her before they reconciled.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Xena screamed and Gabrielle flinched. The spittle flew out of Xena's mouth and Xena's blue eyes had darkened. She squeezed Gabrielle's shoulders tighter.
"You're hurting me," whispered Gabrielle, but Xena kept her hold on.
"You went on and on about being honest. Gods it's sometimes all you ever talk about. You had the nerve to make me feel guilty about having an Amazon lover, years before I met you, and yet you-"Xena pushed Gabrielle backwards, and the bard stumbled and fell across the bed.
"I can't bear to look at you!" Xena strode out of the hut and slammed the door.
Gabrielle remained motionless, sprawled across the bed, paralysed with shock. It was only then she noticed that Alti must have left, unnoticed by both women. Gabrielle then started to heave and within moments had vomited the contents of her stomach onto the floor. She lay back on the bed and wept.
Xena didn't notice anyone as she ran from the hut through the village. She had briefly thought of saddling Argo, but decided that would take too long and so continued running. She ran and ran, ignoring the scratches from the branches. After a time, she reached a stream. It was calm, and gentle, totally opposite to how she felt. She knelt down beside it and cupped her hand in and took a long draught. For a moment she allowed herself to think about what was said between her and Gabrielle. But she quickly shut it out. This was how she used to deal with her feelings. Push them away. Concentrate on something physical, something she was in full control of. Bury them.
She started to run again. She continued until she was nearly outside Amazon land. Yet for some reason she didn't want to leave Amazon land. She shut her eyes. She knew she would have to consider the shocking news at some point. But not yet. She withdrew her sword and started to drill. She pushed herself to the limit. It was only her and her sword. She carried on until her muscles burned and she was covered in sheen of sweat and breathing hard.
Xena replaced her sword and closed her eyes. Darkness was falling and she was beginning to get hungry. Snatches of this afternoon's argument were seeping increasingly into her consciousness.
Xena built a fire and then went looking for food. Instinctively she caught a rabbit and within minutes she had dressed it and it was being cooked. She had run out of diversions. Gabrielle had taught her too well. She had to face what had happened.
She replayed the events in her mind. The shocked horrified look that Gabrielle gave her, as she held her shoulders. The bard's anguished expression. Alti's glee.
Xena sighed. She was angry with Gabrielle. Furious in fact. Since the rift they had wanted to be open with each, to share everything. Xena turned the meat over. It was her that was so often the obstacle that prevented the openness.
Yet this time Gabrielle knew. And she didn't share it. Why? That was the most perplexing question. Xena racked her brains thinking of a reason. She had thought Gabrielle was different from the associates that had shared her life before. Xena smiled. Gabrielle was different. In the past others close to Xena had kept information from her to hurt Xena or gain the upper hand. Gabrielle wasn't like that. She would have done it for Xena. To protect her. Even though she was angry, she knew deep down it was done for what Gabrielle thought was the right reason. Only when Gabrielle had betrayed her in Chin had Gabrielle acted selfishly. Xena believed this wasn't the case.
Xena took the meat off the fire and groaned. Her culinary skills still hadn't improved. She pulled apart the meat and found a few edible pieces. She finished them quickly and got up, eager to move and also to find water to wash the burnt offerings down.
Xena headed towards the river. She was mad at Gabrielle, but that wasn't why she had reacted so angrily. She realised that now. Gabrielle was an easy, available target. She was part God. That was what terrified her; made her lash out in anger. She had known she was different from a young age. Things had come easily to her. She put it down to luck and practice but now she knew. It was literally Divine Intervention. But whose?
This was what really frightened her. Whom did she belong to? Who was her Godly relative? Was it really Ares as she had persuaded the furies to think or some other God that had taken advantage of Atrius's absence?
She stopped and took a deep breath. "Ares. I request your presence."
Within seconds the God of War appeared in a blue flash. "I felt your anger my dear. Finally lost the irritating blonde I see. Good move. Does this mean you are ready to return to me?" The handsome God licked his lips in anticipation.
Xena stared at him. She had to know. Even if the fact would sicken her. "Are you my father?"
Ares looked momentarily surprised at the question before wearing a smug look.
"According to the furies I am. Why the sudden interest?" he asked.
Xena looked away. "Are you or not?" she said between gritted teeth. "Did you visit my mother while Atrius fought in your name? The truth?"
"The truth?" said Ares seductively. "The truth is that I would be proud to have you as my daughter, fighting beside me for all eternity. That can be arranged."
"Tell me, now. Are you or not?" Said Xena furiously and reached around and grabbing her sword in a flash impaled Ares on it. He stepped back and smiled.
"The truth is I don't know. I visited many, many wives. I may have visited your mother. You may be from my seed." He looked Xena up and down. This could have possibilities, granted not what he hoped. He had always hoped to have Xena as his warrior queen on the battle field and in the bedroom. But if she was of his blood, his offspring, that certainly was another card to play in his quest to claim her.
Xena stared at him and instinctively knew he wasn't lying. She replaced her sword and started to walk away.
"Look in yourself, Xena. We are alike in so many ways. Perhaps that's your answer."
Xena turned slowly and stared at him. Yet again he had seen inside her and played on her fear.
"Call Daddy anytime. I'll be there." Ares smirked and with a click of the fingers he was gone.
Xena shut her eyes. She was no closer knowing her heritage. She was tired and her muscles burnt with the exertion of the day. And the Amazon village suddenly felt a long way away. "I'm sorry Gabrielle," she whispered. "I'msorry, please help me, forgive me." The words she sung to Gabrielle in Illusia sprung to her mind, and she knew that tomorrow she would say them in person to the bard. She looked up and spotting a tree with potential for being the bed for the night, she flipped upwards and settled down.
Gabrielle had lain on the bed since Xena had left. She had cried until she felt no more tears would fall. She stared at the ceiling of the hut, replaying the argument in her mind, remembering Xena's hurt and bitterness.
She knew she should have told Xena. And now it was used against her, against them both. It had been in the back of her mind all the time. She had thought of different ways she could break the news to the warrior, but nothing had seemed right, especially with the disquiet over Alti and the Northern Amazons. Gabrielle wanted that to be dealt with before she discussed Xena's heritage.
It was too late now. The warrior that had been betrayed by so many was let down by the person she trusted the most. Gabrielle shut her eyes and drifted into an uneasy sleep, punctuated by Alti laughing at her and Xena striking her. She put her hands up to protect herself, but could feel them being held, and a soothing voice talking to her. She opened her eyes and saw Piri, Ephiny and Aella in the hut. Aella was tidying up the floor, whilst the healer and the regent peered at her with concern.
"Have a drink my Queen," said the healer. Gabrielle nodded and gently raised herself up. She drank a long drink from the offered cup.
There was silence. Gabrielle looked down at her lap. "Xena's gone," she said quietly.
"I know," said Ephiny. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Gabrielle smiled weakly at her friend. "I withheld a piece of information from her and Alti told her."
Ephiny gave her a sympathetic glance. Gabrielle looked out of the window, it was dawn. "Xena, where are you?" she whispered.
"Do you want me to send scouts?" Asked Ephiny.
"No. She'd evade them anyway. If she wants to come back she will. I'll not have her forced." Gabrielle's voice quivered.
"This is a fine mess," said Aella, with a hint of anger. "Xena storms off, Clonie not talking to Piri-"The healer looked down at the floor at that, "and half the tribe bickering."
"It can't be a coincidence," said Ephiny.
"Just what I was thinking," said Gabrielle. "And I bet it comes from Alti."
"What does she gain?" Asked Piri.
"The tribe? Power?" Said Gabrielle.
"Xena said she was banished from the amazons. She had them murdered. What can she gain from us?" Ephiny looked around at the blank expressions.
Aella opened her mouth to speak when she heard an almighty scream. She froze as did most occupants of the village square. Following the scream there were loud voices, two, yelling at each other. Gabrielle looked around at Ephiny, Piri and Aella. She got off the bed and all four hurried out of the hut as did many others.
Within moments a hut door was flung open and Solari stormed out. Epinon was following her. Both had tears streaming down their cheeks and whereas Epinon had horror written across her face Solari's was screwed up in anger. Solari spun around.
"WHAT DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND? STAY AWAY FROM ME!" She yelled.
Epinon stopped, staring at her dumbly. Gabrielle, Ephiny, Piri and Aella walked towards them.
"Epinon, Solari, what's wrong?" said Piri looking at one to the other.
"Ask her?" said Solari sarcastically.
"Epinon, what is it?" said Piri.
There were an increasing number of women surveying the scene in the brightening light.
There was silence. "I don't-"Solari began but caught the knowing look that Epinon gave Gabrielle.
The Queen's champion spun around, her face still twisted in anger. "Did you know?" she asked harshly. When Gabrielle didn't respond, she raised her voice, "DID YOU KNOW?"
"That is no way to speak to speak to the Queen," said Ephiny, her tone a mixture of anger and surprise.
"It's alright Ephiny," said Gabrielle, and turning towards Solari she added, "Yes, I knew."
Solari stood clasping and unclasping her hands, breathing heavily.
"You can stick me being your Queen's champion," she said calmly and turned to face Epinon who had tears streaming down her face. "And I never want to see you again." With that she strode off, pushing through the small crowd that had watched the scene in fascinated silence.
Once she had gone the chattering started.
"Gabrielle? What was that about?" asked Aella.
"Gabrielle?" said Piri.
"Back into the hut," sighed Ephiny.
"What about Pony?" asked Aella?
"I need to tell you first, and then we can help Pony," said Gabrielle quietly.