The Warrior and Willow

Chapter Nine

Meeting Morgar

When Xena and Willow woke up, light was coming in from the many holes and cracks in the crudely made hut. Willow stretched fully, toes pointing down and her arms over her head, fingers reaching for infinity. She then relaxed, arms still over her head.

"Good morning," Xena said as she began softly moving her hand up and down and all over Willow's body. Willow closed her eyes and sighed at the gentle touch.

"Morning. It's still morning, isn't it?"

"Late morning. That was something -- what we did. Are you always so passionate?"

"Sometimes, but not like that. As much as I love Tara and as excited as I am by her body, I've never felt the urgency and the need like that. Was -- what's her name?"

"Gabrielle."

"What a pretty name. Anyway, was Gabrielle like I was earlier?"

"No, not like that. Maybe it has something to do you and her changing bodies."

"Maybe. Do you think Gabrielle and Tara have the same sexual urges we had - have?"

"I wouldn't be surprised. Why would we have them and they wouldn't?

Willow was silent for a short while, then said, "Xena, there are things I feel and things don't feel, and they've got me confused and kinda concerned."

"Such as?"

"I should feel guilty for the sex we had because I love Tara so much. But I don't. And I should be upset and really pissed off because I was brought here without my consent. And I'm worried, and a little scared that I could die because I don't have my powers. Did that shaman do something to me or take something from me?"

"I don't know. If he did, he didn't say anything to me about it. But to tell you the truth I don't trust him. There's something disturbing and vaguely dishonest about him."

"Then why did you let this happen?"

"I received a vision from an Amazon shamaness who died many years ago. She was the one who told me to find him because we -- Gabrielle and I, were in danger. And, he can be very persuasive. You'll see what I mean when you meet him."

"Not to be changing the subject, but I really have to pee. And I am starving!"

"There's place behind this hut where you can go. And I'm sure there is still food leftover form the communal breakfast. But before we go out, I don't think we should tell anyone, and especially Morgar, that you don't have any magical powers."

"Sure, if you don't think I should."

They both got dressed and left the hut. When they did, many of the Amazons were gathered. They wanted to see if Gabrielle looked any different. She didn't. While Willow was relieving herself, Xena had what was left of breakfast brought to them -- rabbit and deer stew.

While they were eating, Morgar walked up to them. When Willow looked up at him, she didn't particularly like what she saw. He was wearing animal skins, which she expected, but there was one of a boar hog coving his head that still had the head attached with very large tusks. He had a bearskin wrapped around his shoulder with the arms and claws still attached. His cheeks and forehead had red, black and yellow parallel lines on them. His eyes were red, possibly from lack of sleep, or the result of one narcotic or another, and were rimmed with black. He smiled as he greeted her with teeth that were broken and stained a dark yellow.

"I am Morgar. I hope you can understand why I had to bring you here. It was the only way to keep this evil from killing both Xena and Gabrielle."

"I can understand why. But I'm not very happy you didn't check with me first to see if I actually wanted to come here, wherever 'here' is."

"Unfortunately, there was no way to contact you in the manner you suggested. You see, you are very far from home."

"I kind of figured that."

"And you are far from you own time."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means," Xena explained. "That you have traveled 2000 years into your past. We are on the steppes that lie between the known world of Mediterranean Sea and the land of Chin far to the east."

For several seconds Willow said nothing, then asked, "If you're that powerful, why do you need MY magic? There's no way I could even come close to having the kind of power you have."

"Because, as powerful as I am, I fear this evil is even stronger than I. And as I searched for another to aid in our combat, it was your innate magical strength and your untapped potential that made me choose you. And when this conflict is over, which I am sure will not be long in coming, you shall be returned to your own time and land no worse for wear."

"Well, thank you for your confidence in me, and for your high opinion about my abilities. I just hope I won't let you down, either of you."

"You said you were sure this fight was coming soon. Do you know something we don't, but we should?"

"Only a feeling. But whenever it comes, we should be ready."

There was silence for a few moments. Willow had the uncomfortable feeling Morgar was studying her, intently.

"Is there a problem?" Xena asked.

"I'm not sure," he replied. "I don't sense the magical aura that should be emanating from her."

"Maybe...." Willow started to say, but had no plausible lie he would believe. She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know what to tell you. Would you like a demonstration of my abilities?"

"No, that won't be necessary. I'm sure they will present themselves when the time comes." And without another word, turned away from them and headed back to his hut.

"That was close," Xena said. "What were you thinking? What if he had said yes?"

Willow shrugged again. "I had to bluff. I didn't know what else to do."

Xena shook her head. "Next time, let me take the lead. I've got more experience about things like this."

"Okay," Willow replied as they watched Morgar enter his hut. "You're the boss."