Crickets chirped as the group of Amazon's including Xena, sat around the campfire in the dark woods as they ate and Amelia filled Xena, Willow and Iris in on the situation that they had found themselves in.
XENA
Now what exactly is the reason for needing to call the Amazon queen for help?
AMELIA
Where should I start?
XENA
From the beginning would work.
Amelia put down her plate as she sighed and looked into the fire.
AMELIA
Honestly we didn't specify need you to come, we just wanted anyone who might be able to stop our people from being killed.
XENA
By who?
AMELIA
More like by what.
Xena sat quietly as she waited for Amelia to continue.
AMELIA
It all started about seven months ago. A group of our hunters were out tracking. I guess they came across some very strange looking tracks that weren't like anything that could normally be seen around these parts.
XENA
So it's some kind of beast then?
AMELIA
Yes but probably not like the kind you're thinking. These tracks were strange. They weren't made by paws or feet. It always looked as though something was being dragged. At first we thought it was something that flew and the marks were made by the people it was dragging off.
XENA
But it's actually the creatures that are making those tracks.
Amelia smirked.
AMELIA
You catch on quickly. I like that.
XENA
So we're likely dealing with a large serpent of some kind.
AMELIA
Yes but I don't think that's all there is to it though.
IRIS
Why do you say that?
AMELIA
This thing, whatever it is seems intelligent. Like it knows we're after it. I could swear I've heard it laughing at us when it got away once.
WILLOW
Have you actually seen it?
AMELIA
We're only caught a quick glimpse of it's silhouette in the shadows a couple of times. But that's it. No one has been able to get a good look at the thing.
(Sighing) At least no one that's survived to tell the tale anyway.
Everyone around the fire went silent for a few moments. As they sat there Xena thought about the information she'd just been given. Finally Xena broke the silence.
XENA
I've never seen one but based on what you've said it could be something like a gorgon.
ARIA
A gorgon? You mean like Madussa?
XENA
Exactly.
Mia scoffed.
MIA
You can't be serious. Madussa was killed ages ago by Perseus. We've all heard the stories about it.
XENA
I said "a" gorgon. Which is the type of creature that Madussa was. You do realize that there are more than one don't you?
MIA
Yes I know that I'm not stupid. And even so. Do you have any idea how many serpent type creatures there are. Hydra's, the horned serpent, Typhon, Scylla and who knows what else.
XENA
I'm just throwing out ideas. I never said I knew for sure what it was.
MIA
Obviously.
Xena scowled at Mia.
XENA
Do you have some kind of problem with me?
Mia didn't answer.
NAOMI
Mia?
MAI
There's just something about her rubs that me the wrong way.
NAOMI
Like what? If you ask me Xena seems like a perfectly nice person.
Mia looked away as she refused to answer. Feeling the tension in the air Naomi decided to change the subject.
NAOMI
It's been a long day and everyone is on edge. Unfamiliar environment, new people, a threat looming over us that we still really know nothing about. Maybe it's best if we call it a night. I'm sure our guests are tired from the long trip anyway.
MIA
Whatever.
Mia stood up and after glaring at Xena for a moment she walked off to the far side of camp as she spread out her blanket and layed down with her back facing the rest of the group. Naomi sighed as she looked at Xena.
NAOMI
Sorry about that. She's not really a people person.
Xena shrugged.
XENA
It's no big deal.
NAOMI
Good to hear. Well goodnight everyone.
The group found various spots around the fire to lay down and get some sleep. As Xena layed in the darkness her thoughts once again went to Gabrielle, as she hoped that she hadn't gotten worse. Xena fought back her tears as she thought of the very real possibility that the day she left the village might very well have been the last time she would get to see Gabrielle alive. Her last waking thought was of Gabrielle how she wanted to get back to the village to see her. As Xena hoped that when this was all over she wouldn't be too late.
XENA
(Whisper) Look here.
Xena was crouched near some trees as she quietly called over Naomi who came and crouched beside her.
XENA
(Whisper) Seems like we're on the right trail. These tracks are fresh.
NAOMI
(Whisper) So you're a tracker.
XENA
(Whisper) I have many skills.
Naomi gave a quick gesture to the rest of the group following a little behind them to signal what they found.
AMELIA
(Whisper) Yes! We must be close.
ARIA
(Whisper) You're far too excited about this Amelia.
WILLOW
(Whisper) I'm with Amelia here. Things might finally be getting exciting.
MIA
(Whisper) I still don't get why Xena gets to take charge when she just got here.
AMELIA
(Whisper) Obviously because she's queen Mia.
MIA
(Whisper) So she says.
WILLOW
(Whisper) What's that supposed to mean?
IRIS
(Whisper) Shhh we're supposed to be stealthily.
Hearing the rest of the groups whispers behind them, Xena turned her head and shot to group of look that pretty much said "All of you shut up or else." They all got the message loud and clear and stopped talking as Xena returned her attention forward.
NAOMI
(Whisper) One of your "many skills" I'm assuming.
Xena gave a disapproving glance in Naomi's direction who didn't seem intimidated by the look like the others were, but went quiet anyway. Though the look did stir something else in her. As if she had seen those same eyes giving the same look in some distant memory that Naomi had tucked away in the darkest corners of her mind. Something that if she had the time she might have found it then. But it would have to wait as she heard a rustling sound that Xena had clearly picked up well as the rest of the group.
WILLOW
(Whisper) Hey did you guys hear thAAAH!
Willow let out a scream as she felt something wrap around her ankle and pull her to the ground as she began being quickly dragged away into the darkness of the forest. Everyone looked back in shock before drawing their weapons when they heard Willow scream and took off in the same direction that Willow had been dragged. As they ran Xena spotted tracks that made it clear that they were heading in the right direction. They chased for a bit before unfortunately losing the trail as they stood amongst the trees.
IRIS
Willow!
AMELIA
Damn it not again!
The group heard another scream that obviously came from Willow.
AMELIA
Shit where did it go?
Xena examined their surroundings in the hopes of finding some kind of clue that would help them find and save Willow. She looked for a few moments until she spotted something that caught her eye.
XENA
The good news is I found something that might help us find Willow.
Hearing Xena the others walked over to where she was crouched down, looking at something.
NAOMI
Usually when someone begins a sentence like that it's never followed by more good news.
XENA
And it isn't this time either.
Xena held up her hand for the others to see the blood on her fingertips.
XENA
The ground here is soaked with blood. And it's fresh.
IRIS
No Willow.
The group stood and held their weapons ready as they heard Willow make another painful scream. Xena knew that from the amount of blood on the ground that if they didn't find Willow soon, she would become this murderous creatures next victim.
TO BE CONTINUED...