"This is nice," said Gabrielle as she opened her eyes.

"What?" asked Xena?

"That you are still here," replied the bard and snuggled into Xena. "Usually you've gone and left me."

She looked up at Xena's face that showed a flash of hurt. "I know it's because I get up so late. I'm not blaming you, Xena."

Xena kissed the top of her head. "Sometimes it's nice to be lazy," she said.

"Only you haven't!" Gabrielle's attention was caught by the large steaming bath at the edge of the room, and the table that was groaning under the weight of the food on it.

"You deserve pampering after yesterday," said Xena, "and I had a little help with the tub. Athena's visiting Mother."

"Oh," said Gabrielle. She eased herself out of bed, and picked a grape off the bunch on the table. She walked to the tub and put her hand in and inhaled deeply. "Smells divine."

"Apparently it's Aphrodite's secret recipe. Yes it is safe," Xena added to Gabrielle's raised eyebrow. "Go on get in, I'll do your back."

Gabrielle shed her clothes and got in the bath gingerly. She gave a groan as she eased her body in, and shut her eyes. Xena got out of bed and sat next to the tub.

"Mother is ecstatic. Last night she cleared more money than she usually does in a season. And now Athena is here too."

"How do you feel about it?"

"OK I guess. Still getting used to it."

Xena gently sponged Gabrielle's back and then reached across and grabbed an empty jug from the table. She filled it up and started to wash her hair.

"That's lovely," said Gabrielle. "Xena, do you know if you have inherited any gifts or powers from Athena?"

Xena stilled and thought for several moments. "I don't know. I am wondering if my healing ability is from her. I can't read minds, transport or go weeks without eating or sleeping though," she said with a smile. "But maybe things that I took for granted that came easy to me are from her."

She recommenced washing Gabrielle's hair, massaging her scalp gently. "The amazons are up," she said sheepishly.

"Are you and Epinon speaking?"

"Yes. I think the ale last night helped. She and Sol are having a wander around the town. Joxer is buying Piri a present and Hercules and Iolaus have gone hunting. All done."

Xena jumped up and held her arm out for Gabrielle who took it. Xena helped her out of the bath and then got a large towel and wrapped it around her. Within minutes the bard was dressed and Xena was lying in the tub while Gabrielle was tucking into breakfast.

"There is something I wanted to ask you."

"I should have known you were after something," said Gabrielle.

Xena feigned an innocent look and laughed. She jumped up and out of the bath and wrapped herself in a towel.

"I'd just like you to have a check up, before we go tomorrow. It hasn't quite been the rest I'd anticipated."

"Fine, no problem," said Gabrielle sipping tea.

"And with the journey back-what did you say?"

"I said fine. "

"Oh, "said Xena looking momentarily stunned. She pulled on a tunic and sat on the bed and pulled on leggings.

There was a knock at the door and Gabrielle got up and answered it. It was Cyrene and Athena.

"Gabrielle, you look well," said Athena warmly.

Gabrielle stepped back and the two older women entered. It was impossible not to notice the chemistry between the pair. Xena sprung up from the bed and stood awkwardly in the middle of the room.

"Thank you for the bath, it was wonderful and the breakfast. It was a lovely treat," said Gabrielle.

"It is lovely to spoil my girls, I'll miss you," said Cyrene sadly, and looked away.

"As I was saying Gabrielle, I'd like you to have a check up. The choices are Joxer."

Gabrielle nodded.

"Mother has brought many of Amphipolis' babies into this world. Or there is Josef, the healer."

"What's Josef like?" asked Gabrielle.

"He has to be 108," said Xena with a sly look at her Mother.

"He's my age," said Cyrene and gave her daughter a slap on the behind.

"You and Cyrene can check me," said Gabrielle. Mother and daughter exchanged a glance, while Gabrielle lay on the bed.

"Do you want me to leave?" asked Athena.

"Of course not," said Gabrielle and was greeted by a wide smile from the Goddess.

Cyrene stood over Gabrielle and started to push her stomach.

"Any pains?" she asked.

"A couple of times," said Gabrielle studiously ignoring Xena's annoyed look.

"It's low. Plenty of kicks?"

"I can answer that. It's a kicker," said Xena with a smile.

"And how are you feeling generally?" asked Cyrene taking Gabrielle's hand.

"I'm getting a bit tired I guess. Seem to be aching all over."

"What about your hand?" asked Xena and picked up Gabrielle's left hand. "You've not complained about it recently."

"No but I haven't been sparring."

Cyrene looked at Athena. "Tia can you do anything?"

Athena shook her head. "Gabrielle's been saved, twice in fact, by Gods. Mortals can only be saved once, or a further time in exceptional circumstances. I can't do anything for her at all now, not even healing a cut."

Xena opened her mouth. "You, I can heal, Xena, you're not a mortal, as such," said Athena. "Anyway, I know Ares has healed cuts and bruises of yours. And the Ambrosia, well that was a special case."

"It's not that," said the Warrior Princess. "You said Gabrielle was saved twice. Was it is the Thessalian healing temple?"

Athena shook her head. "Illusia. Gabrielle was dead when she hit the water. She was revived and brought to Illusia."

"Illusia," whispered Cyrene. "What's that?"

Gabrielle and Xena looked at each other. Gabrielle swallowed. Neither could speak.

"It's the Gods party piece," said Athena. "We like to use it if it can reconcile people. In this case Solon asked and Hades agreed."

"After our "Xena searched for the right word, "difficulties, it helped to set us on the right path together." She smiled at Gabrielle, but it quickly faded. "You died, I killed you."

Gabrielle took her hands. "I'm here," she said gently. "It's all in the past."

"Ambrosia, Illusia, there is so much I don't know about you girls," said Cyrene sadly. "Sometimes I feel I don't know you at all; what you've done, what you've been through."

Gabrielle and Xena locked and eyes and Gabrielle gave an imperceptible nod.

"Mother, why don't you come back with us? Stay at least until after the baby is born."

"Xena, I couldn't?"

"Why not?" asked Athena.

"The Inn for starters," said Cyrene.

"If it is money, allow me. I could pay for staff to run the inn. It is the least I could do," said Athena.

Cyrene stared at her.

"Mother we would like you to come with us."

"I don't know."

"A baby needs its Grandmother." Said Gabrielle. She turned to look at Athena. "All of them. Please visit us, once it makes an appearance."

Athena looked taken aback and glanced at Xena who nodded. She then gave a toothy grin.

"Reanie, why don't you?" said Athena gently, taking Cyrene's hand. Xena rolled her eyes.

Cyrene nodded. "I better get things sorted out. Doris and her family can run the place; they've been itching to try. And I better pack, and-"

"Let's go and have a drink first," said Athena, and clicked her fingers making the tub disappear. "I'm sure things won't take too long," and gave a wink. They walked out of the room.

"Are you ok about this?" said Gabriele giving Xena a hug.

"Sure I am. She is having her own hut, right?"

Gabrielle laughed. "Oh yes. But think our own babysitter."

"Gabrielle you have a whole tribe desperate to babysit!"

"She looked so happy. And so did Athena. She wants to be part of your life, Xe."

"As long as it is in a role of a parent, not as a God. I don't like owing Gods favours, family or not. You know what?"

"What's that?"

"We are going to need two wagons!"

"How much longer, Xena?" Asked Cyrene.

"I thought it was children who were supposed to ask their parents that!" replied Xena. "Not long. We're entering Amazon territory shortly, so we should be at the village before nightfall."

Cyrene turned around. "How are you faring Gabrielle?"

Gabrielle waved from the following wagon that was driven by Iolaus. "Fine thank you, Cyrene," she shouted back.

"We'll get to the Amazon land and then Joxer, Hercules and Iolaus will veer off to the centaur village. We'll visit it once you get settled."

"That will be wonderful Xena. Are you sure this is ok?"

"Mother, Gabrielle is the queen. She is happy, and I'm sure Ephiny will be too. Don't worry you won't have to be dancing naked covered in mud around the fire."

"Not in your first week at least," said Epinon from on top of her horse. Cyrene laughed.

"Be approaching the border soon." Epinon added.

They carried on for several minutes until Xena brought the wagon to a stop. Gabrielle and Iolaus had got off and approached them. Xena jumped off the wagon in a fluid movement and then helped her mother down.

"Just up here," said Gabrielle kindly to Cyrene. They walked for a minute and Xena nodded to Cyrene and they all clasped their hands above their head.

Three Amazons descended from the trees. On seeing Gabrielle they immediately all fell to one knee.

Gabrielle sighed. "Up, up."

"It is good to see you your majesty," said one.

"Thank you Dana. And you. I am looking forward to getting to my hut, I can tell you."

"You can't".

"I'm sorry?" said Gabrielle.

"The village is in quarantine. We can't let you through."

"What happened?" said Gabrielle appalled.

"Yesterday people started to fall sick, and it spread rapidly. We were not relieved so Cara returned to see what the problem was. They wouldn't let her in, and told us to stay here. Otere advised the centaurs and they are not affected."

"The whole village?" said Xena. "Fallen sick that quickly?"

Joxer pushed his way forward. "I'm going to help."

"No," said Otere. "We were under strict instructions from Queen Ephiny and Piri."

"I'll deal with Piri," said Joxer. "She won't be able to cope, especially if she is sick. I'm not leaving her."

"Joxer-"said Xena.

"What if it was Gabrielle? You'd be first there!" Said Joxer angrily.

"I would," said Xena smiling. "I was going to say, I'll come with you," she added gently.

"Oh sorry."

"And I'm coming too," said Cyrene.

Dana threw her hands up in exasperation. "What are we? Pleasant statues to be ignored?"

Gabrielle smiled. "You are doing a good job. You've no chance against their stubbornness," she said in an aside to the guards. "Have you eaten recently?"

The guards shook their heads. Iolaus went to the wagon to retrieve some food.

"Here" he said handing over a bundle with a smile. "Cyrene packed enough for an army."

Xena turned to Gabrielle. "You are not setting foot anywhere near the village, do you understand. It's too risky for the baby. Until we know what we are dealing with." She cupped the bard's face with her hand.

"OK," said Gabrielle with tears in her eyes. Xena brought her towards her and they kissed tenderly. "Be careful," whispered the bard.

"We'll take that wagon, it's got all Joxer's healing items on it," said Xena. She helped her mother on to it and Joxer climbed on. Walia gave her a horse and Epinon also mounted hers.

"Can't let you get all the glory can I," she said. "Gabrielle has sufficient protection." She blew a kiss towards a dejected looking Solari. "You might need some help," she added quietly.

Xena nodded. She looked at Gabrielle who raised her hand up. The wagon and two horses then moved towards the Amazon village whilst the small crowd watch them disappear into the dark forest.

As soon as they reached the outskirts of the village, Epinon dismounted and ran towards Ephiny's hut. Joxer and Cyrene got off the wagon and joined Xena walking slowly towards the village. It was deserted. There was little noise from the usual vibrant community.

"Eph's not there," said Epinon hoarsely, "but I went into Chillipa's hut." She shook her head and tears rolled down her face. She ran into another hut. Cyrene followed her. Joxer went back to the wagon and started to lift out his bags, thanking Gods that he had decided to stock up on medicines and herbs at Amphipolis busy market. Xena approached him and placed her hand comfortingly on his shoulder. She could see the concern radiating from his brown eyes.

"We'll go and see her," she said. Joxer nodded wordlessly and they carried the bags to where Cyrene was now standing. "They're dying Xena, the amazons are dying," she said shakily. Xena shivered and went cold as she remembered seeing this very scene in a vision thanks to Alti. She shut her eyes and tried to rid herself of the shameness's image.

"All of them are sick. All of them," said Cyrene.

"Let's go and see Piri," said Xena quietly.

They walked into the medical hut. There were double the numbers of the usual occupants, the hut felt warm and oppressive and there was an overwhelming acidic odour. Piri was walking delicately around the beds, and was assisted by two other women who looked as equally as ill as the patients they tended.

"Piri," said Joxer. The healer looked up and at first a look of anger crossed her face but that was soon replaced by relief. She took a step towards Joxer but he was too quick and strode forward and gathered her up in his eyes. For several seconds they merely hugged, and then Joxer gently rubbed his thumb along her cheek. "I was so worried," he said quietly.

"You shouldn't have come Jay," she said although her voice lacked conviction.

"I wasn't going to leave you," he said gently and kissed her lips. "You're warm," he said, and placed his hand on her forehead.

Xena and Cyrene were trying to give the couple their privacy but eventually Xena cleared her throat. The couple pulled away slightly and Piri looked at Xena. The warrior could see how tired and worn the healer was yet her eyes shined with defiance. Piri glance at Cyrene quizzically.

"My mother, Cyrene," said Xena simply.

"The queen?" asked Piri.

"Heading towards the centaur village I would imagine. And she is well, although tired from the journey." Xena looked around the hut. Amazons were lying on the floor as well as beds, some were asleep, others moaning quietly. Xena's attention was caught by the sight of Ephiny tending to Aella. She turned back to look at Piri. "Tell me, what happened. What are the symptoms?"

"It started yesterday, without warning. Within hours, most of the camp were infected and within the day everyone. Everyone Xena. It's the same for everyone; vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, lethargy. It's the elderly and the young that are most at risk. And-"she looked towards Ephiny and Aella, "Aella."

"Aella?" asked Xena, surprised. "Why? She's young and fit?"

"She suffered a slight injury, a wound from a fall, and she has deteriorated most severely. Her wound is infected." Piri leant in towards Xena, who did the same. "I'm worried we may lose her."

Xena stepped back, aghast. She inhaled deeply and looked around. "We'll do everything we can to avoid that. Mother, do you recognise any thing about this?"

Cyrene shook her head slowly. "What do you want me to do?"

Piri smiled in gratitude. "The hut over there, I haven't been there for a while. You may need to change linen," she looked down at the floor.

"Don't worry I'll get a fire going and start some washing too," said Cyrene. She squeezed Xena's hand and left the hut.

"Where do you want me?" asked Joxer.

Before Piri could answer, Xena said, "You stay here, Joxer. I want to check some things out and then I'll be back."

Joxer and Piri nodded in unison and Xena hurried out of the hut. She saw a bewildered looking Epinon in the centre of the village.

"Eph's in the healing hut," said Xena. "It's Aella," she added in response to Epinon's stricken face.

"What?" she asked breathlessly.

"Aella's not too good," said Xena gently. "No one is. It's swept through the village like-"

"A plague?" asked Epinon, fearfully?

"No, I don't think so. There's usually a cough and a rash. It's more like," Xena became lost in thought and then started walking. Epinon strode after her, not saying a word. Xena opened the door to the store shed and rummaged around until she found a sack of grain. She took her breast dagger from her breast plate and in a swift movement cut a small slit in the bag. She cupped her hand in the grain and brought it to her nose and sniffed.

"Smells OK," she said. "An old trick," she said quietly.

"Poison?" said Epinon appalled.

"It's a possibility." Xena dropped the grain and brushed her hands together and looked around. "I need you to ask around. Build a picture of what happened. Get timings, who is sick, when they became ill, what they ate, who they have been in contact with. Anything you can find out."

"Sure thing Xena," said Epinon. "What about you?"

"I'll do whatever I can," she replied sanguinely.

"Here's another load," said Xena as she carried an armful of clothes, towels and rags towards the centre of the village. Cyrene had started several fires and in large pots, dirty linen was being boiled. Darkness had fallen, and the village remained eerily quiet.

"How are they?" asked Xena. Cyrene merely sighed and added the clothes to an empty pot. She placed sodden linen over weapon racks she had found.

Epinon approached the pair. "What are you doing?" she asked.

"Boiling all the bed linen and clothes. It may reduce the spread," said Cyrene.

"Too late for that," said Epinon with a shrug of her shoulders.

"What have you found out?" Asked Xena.

Epinon sighed. "Many people started to complain not long after breakfast and by lunch time everyone said they had symptoms. They ate different things, drank different things, for Artemis sake the hunting party even fell ill and came back early."

"Really?" said Xena interested.

"Everyone is ill, except for Louka's baby. She is fine, Louka says, even though Louka is poorly."

"So the only people not infected are Louka's baby and Dana, Otere and Cara. They were fine weren't they?" Xena's brow furrowed as she thought. "What do they have in common?" No one said anything, but Cyrene continued to tend to the washing. Xena watched her for a moment and said suddenly, "WATER! That's it."

The other two women looked at her.

"The baby doesn't drink water only milk and the guards get their supply from a different source. The hunting party gets it from the northern river same as the village. I bet my bottom dinar that the water is contaminated."

There was silence while the women digested the information.

"But not everyone drinks water. And some people only ever drink tea," said Epinon.

"Good point, but chances are the food was cooked in the contaminated water or contained water."

"Will boiling be sufficient?" asked Cyrene.

Xena shook her head. "I don't know. It depends on the contaminant."

"It's too late to check tonight," said Epinon. "I can ride up to the stream to the south and bring back fresh."

"I'll come with you," said Xena. "We'll need to wash the waterskins out. And any pots we can find. We can take wagons. It'll be slower but we can fit more on."

"I'll start collecting them up and telling people not to drink anymore," said Cyrene.

"I want to see Ephiny and Aella before we go," said Epinon.

"Come on, we'll talk to Piri and Joxer too," replied Xena and they strode to the healing hut.

"Hi Ephiny," said Xena, and squatted down next to the red rimmed eyed regent.

Ephiny smiled wanly and went back to gazing at the prone Aella.

"Gabrielle's not here is she?" asked the regent.

Xena shook her head.

"How is she?" asked Epinon who was standing at the foot of the bed.

Ephiny turned quickly as if to snap an answer, but managed to control herself.

"Sorry, thoughtless question," said Epinon.

"No, Pony. Sorry. She's not good," said Ephiny.

"You don't look great yourself Eph," said Xena. "Why don't you rest?"

Ephiny shook her head slowly. "I don't want to; just in case-"she looked down and started to sob. "Why when it's too late, do I realise?" She started to cry.

Xena looked at Epinon, and then placed her hand on the regent's shoulder. "It may not be too late, Ephiny. She may well pull through."

"We don't all have the luck of the Gods like you and Gabrielle," said Ephiny. Xena bristled slightly and looked at the stricken Amazon. She was feverish and there was a pungent smell from a bandage on her arm.

"What's that Eph?" asked Xena nodding at the bandage?

"She fell off her horse. When everyone became sick it suddenly became infected." Ephiny looked away. "I never got a chance to tell her, how much she means to me, what a part of my life she is. That I love her."

Xena gave a faint smile. "You might yet, Ephiny. Listen; don't bathe her wound any more, unless it is water we give you ok?"

"OK?" the regent looked from one to another.

"Xena think the water source is contaminated?"

Ephiny nodded. "Worth a thought."

"So we're going to get from the stream in the south. See how that works out and tomorrow we can always check the Northern source." Xena stood up. "We'll be off then. Keep telling Aella you love her. She'll hear you."

Ephiny smiled and nodded. Epinon gave her a hug and then they left Ephiny to her lonely vigil.