This council meeting was as popular as the one in which Xena was cross examined by Teles. But this time, Ephiny was happy for the numbers. Instead of sitting with the council members Teles was present but guarded, as were several others of the rebels. Hers and Marpe's chairs were conspicuously empty.

Once again Aella opened proceedings. "This meeting is convened to bring together as much information about yesterday's events as possible. Once we have met, the nation will be in mourning for three days. Epinon, please start."

Epinon stood up. "Yesterday morning thirty two women rode into the camp with the desire to overthrow our Queen and seize power. Six had been banished from this tribe; fifteen banished from other tribes, and the rest, women who wished to join their army." Epinon paused and gave a quick smile to Solari who gave her an encouraging one back. "They were joined by six members of our tribe."

At this point there were a few hisses. Epinon paused and then carried on. "Fourteen of their number has been killed. Three are in the infirmary and the remaining twenty one are being guarded."

Epinon sat down, embarrassed by talking so long in public. Aella signalled to Ephiny.

The regent stood up. "We have spoken to the Northern Amazons, and they state they have no knowledge of the renegade amazons. And we believe them. However the same can not be said of the shameness Alti, who has not been seen." Ephiny walked to Charope and put her hand on her shoulder. The woman looked shocked but stood up.

She looked down at the floor, aware there were hostile eyes on her. "I knew that something was in the air. Alti kept telling us little bits of information. We spread it around in order to upset a few people." Charope looked down. "I thought she was going to issue a royal challenge, in the name of Derinoe, as she held Valasca's rite of caste, but I didn't realise it would be a coup." She dropped her head into her hands.

There were murmurings between the crowd. Teles stared at Charope with open hostility.

Charope looked up and at Gabrielle. "I don't like the direction you are taking the amazons. I dislike you," she looked straight at Xena who stared impassively back, "but I could not condone their actions. There were outsiders taking the tribe, and I didn't trust Alti."

"Traitor!" yelled Teles, and Okayle stood up.

"Order!" yelled Aella above the noise. It took several minutes for the chattering to stop.

"My Queen," said Aella.

Gabrielle looked at Xena, and she stood up. "My sister, any attack is a serious matter. The fact that our former and current sisters perpetrated one is horrifying. Your bravery and courage has ensured that our village, our tribe, our family is safe." She looked around the whole silent chamber and her eyes rested on the prisoners.

"You showed contempt for life. You will gain no sympathy from this council."

Gabrielle turned back to face the council. "I realise that we are two members short, so I would like to recommend Charope and Chilapa."

There were several gasps and Charope looked stunned.

"Agreed," said Ephiny.

"Aye," said Yanna.

"Agreed," said Aella.

"Agreed," said Agamede.

"And do you agree, Charope and Chilapa?"

"Yes," said Chillipa, eagerly.

"I do," said Charope with a smile.

"We will meet in private to discuss the punishments," said Gabrielle. "Until then you will remain in custody."

The whole chamber stood and noisily filed out except for the council members, Xena, Epinon and Solari.

Charope looked at Gabrielle oddly. "Why?" she said simply.

"Because sometimes you need an opposing point of view. We need to ensure that all options are considered. You will help achieve that. Thank you." Gabrielle smiled at the bemused Amazon, who gave an embarrassed smile back.

"Hopefully we won't be too long," said Gabrielle and gave Xena's arm a squeeze.

"Don't be," said the warrior and headed out of the door with Solari and Epinon.

"We're just going, er-"Epinon looked embarrassed and Xena looked at her as innocently as possible.

"We're having a talk," said Solari firmly.

"I'm glad," said Xena quietly. She watched her two friends walk off back to their hut.

She carried on walking to her hut. As she entered she helped herself to a cup of water and then took the chakram off her belt and laid it on the table.

"Xena!"

"Who's that?" Xena spun around but there was no one there.

She walked over to the shelf where her cleaning cloth was and picked it up.

"Xena!" Her name was repeated again. She stopped still, but could not hear anything but the bustle of the village outside.

"Xena!" This time she felt an excruciating pain in her head. She fell to her knees, dropping the cloth and put both hands to her head.

"Don't ignore me, "said the voice. "You could never ignore me!"

Xena crashed to the floor and lay in the foetal position holding her head. "Alti," she said before she slipped into unconsciousness.

Xena looked at her surroundings. It was a forest, and Alti was standing in the distance. Before Xena could open her mouth, Alti flew towards her, stopping several feet short.

"Oh I've not gone, Xena," said Alti in her harsh tones. "All those deaths have made me even more powerful."

"So that's what you were after. A civil war. You didn't care who won as long as there was annihilation."

"That's right. I couldn't believe my luck when I met those banished amazons. A few 'accidents 'and the Northern Amazons were desperate to join with this tribe. A way in for me and the banished amazons would do the rest.

"Even if it didn't go quite to plan, I'm still stronger than ever. And I'll be back, Xena. You and the blonde will make me more powerful than you can imagine."

Xena stepped forward but Alti flicked her hand and Xena fell backwards.

"This was just a warning, Xena. For old times sake." Alti smiled a cold smile and she started to fade from sight. Once she faded Xena's vision darkened and she could hear her name being shouted over and over again. Her head felt heavy and she managed to open her eyes with difficulty.

Kneeling on the floor beside her was an anxious looking Gabrielle, rubbing her arm. She opened her eyes wide and orientated herself before sitting up slowly.

"What happened?" asked an obviously shocked Gabrielle.

"Alti," said Xena. "She drew me into the spirit world. She's grown in power."

Xena slowly got up, helping Gabrielle up as well.

"Xena-"the bard looked anxiously at her.

"I have to stop her," said Xena and she walked to the table and drank down the whole jug of water.

"I'm coming with you," said Gabrielle. Xena immediately spun around.

"No. This time no. It's the spirit world and I'm not having you in danger. What happens in the spirit world happens to you."

"I know," said Gabrielle. "Let me help."

"No," repeated Xena. "I need to do this now. Before she gains too much power." Xena grasped Gabrielle's shoulders. "I'll be careful."

"Xena." Gabrielle pulled the warrior into a hug.

"What happened at the meeting?" asked Xena abruptly.

"Xena, not now," said Gabrielle.

"It's important. "

Gabrielle swallowed. "Antribrote didn't wait for judgement. She hung herself in prison. Andromache and Toxophile will face execution, Okyale, Thermodosa, Aida, Teles and the amazons from the other tribes as well as the women they have recruited will be banished."

"Don't execute them until I return. Alti gains power from every death."

Gabrielle nodded. "Be careful," she said and hugged the warrior again.

Xena merely nodded and pulled away from Gabrielle and left without a word.

Yet again she was running from the village thought Xena as she jumped from branch to branch. This time for a purpose. She had in mind a cave for her ultimate destination. In her heart she knew she had to leave the village-she didn't want Gabrielle to see her like this, especially if the worse happened.

She reached the cave, and entered. She removed her weapons and placed them in a tidy pile and then fell to her knees.

"Oh Gabrielle," she whispered. "I hope I see you again." She then jabbed two fingers into her neck and fell backwards gasping.