The Warrior and Willow

Chapter Three

Morgar's Story

Morgar looked troubled as if not sure what to say or how to say it. Sensing his discomfort, Xena said, "Whatever is it, I can take it. So, spit it out."

"While you were sleeping I sensed you were worried about this Alti. You have had many encounters with her in the past, but I am distressed to tell you this danger, this EVIL, is more treacherous, and more deadly than your Alti ever was."

"She's not mine. But I get what you're trying to tell me, we are in more danger than ever before."

Morgar nodded in agreement. "You are correct. And because of my respect for Yakut, and because she is almost as much a legend to this tribe as is Queen Gabrielle, I feel it is my obligation to fulfill her wish that I do whatever is necessary to protect you two."

Xena was silent for a while, thinking, taking it all in. And Morgar let her as they walked in no particular direction. Finally, Xena spoke, but it wasn't what he expected her to say. "So, just how did you become so friendly with these Amazons? When Gabrielle and I left them, they were pretty much men-shy."

"It was purely by accident. I am, was, a traveler. I never was one to stay in one place for very long. And as I traveled, I learned the secrets of the shaman. And I am very good at what I do. I have lived many years, and I have absorbed the knowledge of many diviners and sorcerers. Although, to be completely honest, there were times when I took knowledge I should not have, by trickery and deception. To me knowing the secrets of the mystics was . . . all consuming."

"Well, that's very interesting, but it doesn't answer my question."

"In my travels, I came to this place two handfuls of years ago and found these women suffering from sickness and hunger and despair. And I could not just leave and leave them to their suffering. So, using my magic I cured their illnesses, brought game to these lands, and gave them hope and a renewed purpose. And in return, they have allowed me to become an unofficial member of their tribe. Never have I felt as welcome as I do here. And I had hoped that perhaps I would have had the honor of impregnating one or more of them. But my magic has made me unable to produce an heir."

Again, Xena was mute, letting his words and body language reveal to her what she wanted to know.

"You are a lucky man," she eventually said, "As are these Amazons, for both of you finding each other."

"Yes, it was as if the gods were smiling that day."

"The gods - right!" There was a bit of scorn in her voice.

"I was speaking metaphorically, of course. Everyone knows you murdered our gods."

"Well, not all of them. Just the ones who were trying to kill my daughter."

Morgar nodded, but didn't answer.

"So, just how are we to be protected from this great evil? My vision of Yakut said it would take both of you to find a protector for Gabrielle and me."

"That is the dilemma. To find such a powerful guardian will not be easy."

"You know, you never did say exactly WHO this evil person, or thing, is."

"I wish I had a name for you. Or knowledge of a specific entity that has decided you both have to die. But I only know, feel, that evil is coming. And that is only because Yakut gave me the warning."

"Okay," Xena said. But she had a feeling there was more she wasn't being told. "So how do we find this protector?"

"It will be me, with Yakut's help, that will find him. All you and Queen Gabrielle will have to do is to be ready when the time comes."

By now, they had reentered the camp and were approaching the communal dining area. Gabrielle and Yakutamor were sitting together, with most of their sister Amazons sitting nearby, listening to Gabrielle as she told them of Yakut, Amarice, and Cyane.

"Your Gabrielle seems to have found an audience. Her presence and passion is so evident. I can see now why she is so revered and admired."

"No one like my Gabrielle," Xena agreed.

"Xena!" Gabrielle shouted out when she saw them. "Come, sit down with us and eat. This food is amazing!"

"Tell us more," one of the younger Amazons said. "Did Amarice really defeat a whole regiment of Roman soldiers by herself?"

Gabrielle laughed out loud. "No. Only Xena could pull off something like that. But Amarice sure let them know they were fighting an Amazon!"

Xena sat down with a plate of stew in the place Gabrielle had indicated next to her, and slowly ate as she took in everything. Like Gabrielle, she was glad that these Amazons were thriving and happy. But just the same, something just didn't seem quite right. And she wondered, and worried, that Gabrielle couldn't sense it as well.