A couple days went by as Xena, Gabrielle, Celine and Amarice continued towards the location that was given to them in the ransom note to retrieve Aurora. To say that Xena wasn't at all happy with the thought of Gabrielle surrendering herself to Aurora's kidnappers would be a massive understatement. And although Gabrielle had made up her mind about the situation, Xena had been working on coming up with various scenarios for getting Aurora back safely without risking Gabrielle's life.
GABRIELLE
I think we're getting close.
Gabrielle looked at the ransom letter for a moment then at the groups surroundings as Xena walked up behind her while leading Argo. Xena looked a head seeing some mountains In the distance.
XENA
Looks like those are the mountains we're heading for.
GABRIELLE
How are we supposed to find the right cave where they said they'd be waiting.
XENA
I'm certain that they'll be watching for you. But we still have at least one or two days worth of travel until we get there anyway.
GABRIELLE
That doesn't make me feel any better.
XENA
I know.
GABRIELLE
I just hope I at least get to see her before you leave.
Xena put her hand on her shoulder.
XENA
You will. Gabrielle I know you feel like there's no other way out of this, but trust me I will not let anyone harm you or our child. And I'll do whatever it takes to bring you both home. I promise.
Gabrielle didn't say anything as Celine and Amarice came ridding up beside them.
CELINE
Are we going the right direction?
XENA
Yeah. It shouldn't be too much further.
CELINE
Good.
AMARICE
Before we head out again I'm gonna go refill my waterskin in that stream over there.
Amarice motioned a little ways off to a small stream.
XENA
Good idea, Gabrielle why don't you go refill ours while we're here too.
GABRIELLE
Sure. You want me to get yours too Celine?
CELINE
No mines good.
Gabrielle grabbed her and Xena's waterskins as she and Amarice went to get fill them. While Xena and Celine stood waiting for them to return. Xena was actually glad that Celine hadn't needed water because there was something that she'd been wanting to discuss with Celine while Gabrielle wasn't within earshot.
XENA
Celine if you don't mind i'd like to ask you something.
CELINE
Of course Xena. What's up?
XENA
You know that the ransom says that Gabrielle is to trade herself for Aurora right?
Celine glanced down sadly for a moment before looking back at Xena.
CELINE
I do.
XENA
And that after the exchange you were to leave and bring Aurora out to me?
CELINE
That's the plan.
XENA
Well I'd like to amend that plan slightly.
Celine gave Xena a curious look.
CELINE
Meaning?
XENA
It means that while you and Gabrielle go in to get Aurora, i'm gonna sneak in behind you and stay hidden as I keep watch over everything. Then after you leave with Aurora you'll meet back up with Amarice and I'll make sure Gabrielle gets out of there safely too.
Celine was quiet as she thought for a moment then spoke.
CELINE
I don't know. Do you think Gabrielle is gonna go along with this new plan?
XENA
Gabrielle isn't gonna know about it.
CELINE
I see. In that case i'm not sure how comfortable I am about doing something behind my queen's back like this.
XENA
(Irritated tone) Are you more comfortable with the idea of your queen being dead?
CELINE
(Nervous tone) No of course not.
I just don't want to go against her wishes. Like I said she IS my queen.
XENA
Look Celine I understand being loyal, but there are also some things that are worth going against what you're told to do.
CELINE
But what about your daughter?
XENA
I won't let anything happen to her. Plus you'll already be gone with her by the time they know i'm there.
Celine sighed as she thought about what Xena was saying.
CELINE
Okay but what do I do after I leave with the baby?
XENA
You'll meet up with Amarice and wait for me and Gabrielle to come back.
CELINE
And if you don't?
XENA
We will. But just in case we don't come back after a few hours then you and Amarice take Aurora back home. She'll be raised in the village and remain there where she'll be safe. I know everyone back there will watch over her until she's old enough to take Gabrielle's place as queen.
CELINE
Wow you've really thought this through haven't you?
XENA
Unfortunately yes. But I fully plan on doing everything within my power to make sure that we all make it back home together.
CELINE
I know.
Xena looked over to see Gabrielle and Amarice heading back towards them.
XENA
And remember to keep this just between us Celine. I'd rather not have Gabrielle know what I'm planning. She'd never go for it.
CELINE
Makes sense.
A few minutes later Gabrielle and Amarice returned with their water and all four mounted their horses and continued on their way. Xena now felt far more comfortable knowing that she had an actual plan ready for saving both Aurora and Gabrielle. Even if Gabrielle might be upset with her for her doing this behind her back, Xena knew that in the end Gabrielle would see that this was the best way to handle this and understand Xena doing everything she could to protect both her and Aurora. It was late the next night as Xena stood scouting the area that surrounded where they assumed Aurora and her kidnapper were.
GABRIELLE
You see anything?
XENA
Look there.
Xena pointed to a horse that was off grazing in the distance. And based on the fact that it had a saddle and reigns it clearly belonged to someone.
GABRIELLE
You think that horse belongs to the kidnapper?
XENA
Based on the fact that this is a pretty out of the way spot and where you're supposed to meet I'd bet my last dinar on it.
GABRIELLE
I'll get Celine so we can go.
Gabrielle went to turn to go get Celine when Xena grabbed her.
XENA
Hold on a minute Gabrielle.
Gabrielle looked at Xena.
GABRIELLE
Xena if you're gonna try and talk me out of this don't bother. I'm going in there and you're gonna wait here for Celine to bring you Aurora. Like we agreed.
XENA
I'm not trying to stop you. I just…
Gabrielle took Xena's hand.
GABRIELLE
It'll be okay.
Xena pulled Gabrielle in and held her for a moment.
XENA
Be careful okay.
GABRIELLE
I will. I love you.
XENA
Love you too.
Reluctantly Xena let Gabrielle leave her embrace as Celine walked over.
GABRIELLE
Okay let's go Celine.
CELINE
Right behind you.
Gabrielle began walking down the large hill they were on towards the group of caves that ran in and out of a series of cliffs.
XENA
Make sure you keep an eye on her until you get Aurora. I don't trust whoever's responsible for this to just hand over the baby so easily.
CELINE
Why not. If they have what they want there's no need to keep the baby.
XENA
Yes and that's exactly what i'm afraid of.
TO BE CONTINUED...