As day gave way to night, Gabrielle turned to Xena, "Are we going through the night? Or are we planning to stop and set up camp?"

Xena thought for a moment, then decided that stopping for the night would be more beneficial in the long run. "I suppose we'll stop here for the night. We can eat and get some rest, after all, tomorrow's going to be a long day."

"And what of me, Xena?" Krellus asked.

"What of you?"

"Are you going to keep me tied up?"

She turned to look at him, "Of course, I can't have you running off in the middle of the night now can I?"

"I give you my word, I won't go anywhere."

"What makes you think I'd take the word of any warlord, especially one who's already lied to me?"

Unable to come up with an answer quick enough, she answered herself, "I didn't think you'd have a good reason. So we'll just do things my way."

The trio traveled on for a little while longer before Xena found a place she thought would make an acceptable campsite for the night. She left Gabrielle to set up their bedrolls and get some food together while she untied Krellus from Argo's saddle. She sat him down at the base of a tree, and wrapped her rope around his mid-section and the tree trunk; she tied his feet back together when she was sure he was securely tied to the tree.

"Is all of this really necessary?" he asked, lifting his bound hands.

"Why yes, I believe it is." she smiled and turned to face Gabrielle. "How are you holding up?"

"I feel like the Amazon ceremonial drums are pounding through my head, but other than that I'm doing ok. How's your neck?"

Xena gently touched her neck, "It's a little sore, but that's to be expected."

Gabrielle nodded. She lifted up some fruit, cheese and bread, "Would you like something to eat?"

"Yes please." She raised her voice, "How 'bout you Krellus?" she asked over her shoulder.

"No, I'm fine."

"Suit yourself," she said, taking a handful of food from Gabrielle.

The women sat down and enjoyed a little meal, being sure not to fill up before bed. After finishing her portion, Xena grabbed some fire wood and made up a fire to keep them warm throughout the night. She leaned down and whispered into Gabrielle's ear, "Sleep on the far side of the fire tonight. If he somehow manages to free himself I don't want him getting the opportunity to hurt you."

Gabrielle whispered back, "But what about you?"

A little giggle escaped Xena's breast, "We both know that I'll be up and armed the second that he moves."

Gabrielle smiled and looked into the warrior's eyes, "Ok. Good night."

"Good night, Gabrielle." Xena walked over to the other side of the fire, near where she'd tied up her captive. "Don't get any bright ideas."

He just shook his head and tried to make himself as comfortable as possible. Xena waited until the fire began to die down and she was sure that both Gabrielle and Krellus had been taken into slumber before she lay down, weapons close at hand, and drifted off into a light sleep.

She awoke to the sound of a struggle. Her eyes shot open to see Krellus strangling Gabrielle with the rope, "Gabrielle!" she yelled as she tried to get up. It was only then that she realized she was tied to the very tree that she'd tied Krellus to the night before. In the faint light of the upcoming sun, she could see the fear in Gabrielle's eyes as her life slipped away. She struggled with the ropes, desperate to save her friend; but she was unsuccessful. She looked for her chakram, but it was too far for her to reach. Her attention snapped back to her friend just as the color drained from her face, and those big blue eyes fell closed. Krellus laughed and dropped her to the ground without a second thought. "You bastard!" Xena screamed, now wriggling like a trapped snake trying to get free from her restraints.

"Ouch, that really hurts," he gave her a devious smile and strode to where her sword lay. He bent down and grabbed it, admiring it in the light of the rising sun. "Nice sword. I'm sure it's been the death of many men over the years. Too bad it's going to be the death of you as well. But really Xena, it's been fun." He lunged forward and plunged the sword deep into her chest.

Xena gasped, jolting up into a sitting position, covered in sweat. She grabbed her chest, only to find there was no wound. 'A terrible nightmare!' she thought to herself as she looked over to the tree to see Krellus sleeping quietly, still tied as she'd left him. She then crawled over to Gabrielle, pulling the bed roll down to expose her face. She breathed a sigh of relief as she realized she was alive and sleeping peacefully. Assured that it was only a nightmare, she began to put her armor on and re-arm herself; the sun was starting to make its way over the eastern horizon and she knew they needed to get started soon.