Disclaimer & Notices

Copyright: Many of these characters do not belong to me, and we know which ones do not. I, however, own the plot and other certain characters.

Violence: There is violence in this story.

Subtext: Any subtext becomes main text here.

Summary: The sequel to To Take What is Mine. The Conqueror continues her campaign to the Macedon Kingdom, and she already knows the odds are in her favor. Yet without warning, the Romans invade the Thrace Providence and take aim for the Conqueror's hometown. The Conqueror though bitterly holds back from saving Amphipolis. However Queen Gabrielle and Queen Cyane join together at the Siege of Amphipolis and try to stop the Romans before they overtake Thrace.

Homepage: www . redhope . net

Started: June 6, 2008

Series 9: Destiny of Mine – Story #3

To Fight for What is Mine

by Red Hope

Chapter 13

"Excellent!" Andra, the Macedonian Amazon Nation's blacksmith, praised to the small yet strongly built Thrace Amazon. "I'm pleased."

The Thrace Amazon straightened up after lowering the blacksmith hammer to the ground beside her. "Thank you, Andra."

The blacksmith smiled at the Thrace Amazon, Helma, and inquired, "Are Germanic descent?" After Helma's nod, she looked over at her other soon to be apprentice. "Your kind are growing, Anke."

Seven of Nine arched a metallic eyebrow at her human name. She noticed that Thrace Amazon, Helma, was focused on her now.

"You are Germanic too?" Helma inquired.

Seven of Nine placed her hands behind her back and turned her head to Helma. "I was born Greek. However my parents were Germanic."

Helma was much shorter than Seven, but she had similar blond hair that she kept short. She had steel-gray eyes and displayed a healthy set of muscles that would behoove her as a blacksmith. "A group of women from a tribe in Germania broke away and migrated to Thrace. Many joined this Amazon Nation while others settled down in hopes their sons and daughters would have a better life here in Greece."

Seven sympathized a similar story from her parents' migration.

"Seven comes from a family of blacksmiths," Andra explained to Helma. "Are you familiar with horseshoes?"

Helma shook her head and waited for an explanation.

"When I was young," the blacksmith started, "my father and I went north. Luckily, a Germanic tribe was friendly with us, and my father learned about horseshoes. They're similar to a human shoe in that they're meant to protect the horse's hoofs from wear."

Helma considered it and proposed, "Horses were not created to be ridden... the extra weight on their backs would affect their hooves."

"Yes," Andra agreed, "and the Germanics found a way to stop it."

Helma softly smiled at what her heritage had brought and perhaps she could someday create these horseshoes. She became serious at that last thought. "Then I am a suitable apprentice?"

The blacksmith folded her muscular arms and studied the Thrace Amazon, who was eager to be the Thrace Nation's first blacksmith. But she peered up at her assistant and asked, "Seven?"

Seven of Nine looked from Helma to the blacksmith. She lifted her chin some then remarked, "Helma is sufficient and competent."

Helma wasn't quite use to how Seven spoke, and she hadn't asked why or how Seven had metal infused with her skin. She concluded that she would most likely find out later.

Andra bobbed her head then grinned at Helma. "That's a compliment coming from Seven." She now held out her arm. "Welcome to the forge, Helma."

The Thrace Amazon instantly took the blacksmith's arm and briskly shook it. "Thank you, Andra."

Andra released arms and commented, "Now we just have to convince our queens."

Seven of Nine arched her steel eyebrow then remarked, "They will not resist."

Andra smirked at the automaton and released a soft chuckle. She was extremely excited now that she'd found her pick from the Thrace Amazon Nation for the blacksmith position. She had every bit of confidence that Helma had the blacksmith gift. She knew what the gift looked like and Helma had promise. She and Seven had spent several candlemarks repeatedly testing Helma to confirm their suspicions and now she was sure of it. After nearly a fortnight of testing countless Thrace Amazons, Andra felt she made the right choice with Helma.

Together, the three Amazons worked to clean up the forge. Later, Andra wanted to let Gabrielle know about Helma before Cyane, plus she figured Gabrielle would want a headstart to organize things. But Andra suspected that most likely it wouldn't take much to convince Queen Cyane or the council.

However, Queen Gabrielle was currently tied down by the council and Queen Cyane in the administration hut. She and the Conqueror were conducting yet another meeting after a handful of them these past days. Both Xena and Gabrielle had grown exhausted from the long, feverish meetings to convince the council that the allegiance to Greece were worth wild. But Gabrielle would not surrender until she had every councilor agreeing to the allegiance. She believed that each councilors' approval meant that the Thrace Nation would accept the allegiance and also follow Queen Cyane's signature at the bottom of the allegiance scrollwork.

"I refuse," the Conqueror fought with the older councilor, Najat. "I feel that fifty Amazons is fair." She could tell that Najat didn't like the allegiance's requirement that fifty Amazons be continually promised to the Greek army.

"Perhaps from other Nations," Najat debated, "but from us it is many. We are a more exposed Nation since we live on the borders to your enemies."

"I thought it was a little extreme too," Queen Gabrielle broke into the conversation between the ruler and councilor. She noted her best friend coolly regarded her. "But I realized another aspect to the allegiance... the Conqueror has bound herself to my Nation." She placed her hands on her hips as she remained standing beside the Conqueror. She scanned the curious councilors' faces. "That means if my Nation falls under attack then the Conqueror must honor the allegiance. She will bring her hoplites to protect my Nation from any enemy. Now how do you say fifty Amazons are a lot compared to an allegiance of a hundred thousand hoplites?"

"But the Thrace Nation does not reside near any Greek army camp... we are exposed," Najat insisted again. "It is obvious because a Roman legion has a camp in Macedonia Salutaris."

The Conqueror had to agree that Najat had a point, but she already had plans to rectify the problem. "Once the Thrace providence joins Greece then a castra will be centrally built to protect the providence from threats. A castra typically houses between five to ten thousand hoplites at any given time."

The councilors now murmured amongst each other about the new information.

"Must we commit our fifty Amazons before the castra is built?" Jelena inquired.

The Conqueror decided an easy way to please the councilors was to give in a bit. "The Thrace Nation will not have to commit the Amazons until the castra is complete and the hoplites housed there." She could tell the councilors were now satisfied, but she decide to add more reasoning to it. "I do not find it intelligent to thin your Nation of warriors promptly when you already watch the borders. I would not only harm your Nation but myself too."

"You are wise, Conqueror," Jelena agreed.

Queen Cyane straightened from her chair. She felt worn out from the past three candlemarks of nonstop talks about the allegiance. "Councilors, perhaps we should break for the day. I believe we've hammered this allegiance quite well."

Talia, the head councilor, sympathized with the queen. "My queen, I feel that the council is close to having a final opinion about this allegiance." She paused and saw each councilor shook her head in agreement. "But perhaps we could reconvene tomorrow to give our final opinion."

"Excellent idea, Talia," the queen agreed. "Let's meet tomorrow just after breakfast and have your final opinion prepared, council."

"Of course, my queen." The head councilor dipped her head in respect.

"Very well... you all are dismissed and thank you." Queen Cyane finally stood up and felt relieved to be out of the chair.

Gabrielle was glad to finally get a break too. She rubbed her forehead, which slightly ached from a light headache. She prayed it would go away now that the meeting had ended and lunch would be soon.

Queen Cyane waited for the councilors to file out of the meeting room. She then focused on the Conqueror and Queen Gabrielle. "Join me in my office." She started for the open double doors.

Gabrielle held back a sigh because she was wrong about the heavy talks being over. She felt a warm hand at her midback, and she peered up at her best friend. She muttered, "And I thought we could get out of here."

"I'm sure Cyane won't keep us long," Xena murmured. "Come on." She gave the bard a gentle nudge.

The queen grumbled but headed out of the meeting room and went to Cyane's office. She and Xena entered then closed the door quietly.

Cyane was waiting in her office. She was leaning against the front of her desk with her arms folded. She didn't blame the pair when they didn't feel like sitting either. "Tomorrow the council will give their opinion, and I suspect it will be in your favor, Xena."

The Conqueror remained passive despite she was inwardly tense. She tucked her hands between her cape and back. She wore her usual wire armor, long cape, and gold jewels in her hair.

Cyane hesitated, but she finally asked, "Can you have the allegiance wrote up tonight? I would like to sign it tomorrow."

Gabrielle practically gawked and hastily concluded, "You plan to sign it no matter the council's opinion."

"I have waited many, many moons for this day," Cyane explained. "From my throne here in Thrace, I watched you begin your campaign in Sparta." She focused her words at the Conqueror. "I knew my choice after Sparta was reborn, and I have merely waited for your return, Xena."

Xena deeply lowered her head in respect and gratitude to Cyane's choice.

"But," Cyane continued, "I also sign this allegiance with some selfish needs, but this development has only been recent." She had a grim face now once Gabrielle and Xena curiously studied her. "I have received reports from patrol this morning that Legio IV has mobilized."

The Conqueror clenched her jaw at the news that she was not made aware of until now.

"By the gods," Gabrielle murmured in shock. She looked at her best friend and confirmed that Xena was just as surprised.

Cyane pushed off the desk and straightened up. "I will sign this allegiance, Xena if you can guarantee that my Nation will not be taken over by Rome." Her Nation was not powerful enough to stop a legion of over four thousand legionaries and roughly three hundred equites. But Cyane knew that if her Nation joined the Conqueror then the Greek army would protect her Nation from Rome.

The Conqueror clenched her hands behind her back and kept the anger from her voice. She swore, "Your Nation will not fall under Roman rule."

Cyane came closer to the Conqueror and honestly confessed, "I didn't trust you last time, Xena... but I trust you now. Do not let me down this time."

For the first time, Xena loosened her ruler mask and showed some of her real face. "I will not, Cyane."

Cyane felt some tension drop away from her now. She slowly raised her right arm.

The Conqueror met Cyane's arm and gave a strong hold and shake. "To a strong Amazon Nation."

"To a strong Greece," Cyane echoed back.

Gabrielle had a grin wider than the Mediterranean Sea, and she just wanted to jump up and down, but she refrained her urge. Soon enough, her and the Conqueror were leaving Cyane's office and the hut. Gabrielle noticed how Xena's gait was wide and carried her quickly with purpose.

"You're worried about Legio IV," the bard softly brought up. She was doing everything she could to stay at her friend's side.

"I'm more worried about why I haven't heard any word about it," the Conqueror corrected.

"Cyane does do border patrol regularly, Xena."

"So does my army," the annoyed ruler countered. She brought her and Gabrielle out of the closed gates and to the hoplites' camp. "Cyryl!" she hollered through the camp.

"My liege," the dekadarchos called back from his spot at a campfire. He rose up with his sword in his right hand.

Just as Xena was about to come over to Officer Cyryl, she heard shouts and calls from Amazons all around them. She turned and tried to focus on what they were saying amongst each other.

"It's a hoplite on horseback!" an Amazon called out.

"It's the Conqueror's hoplite," another cried out from the walls, who spotted the familiar symbols on the hoplite's wood shield, which he had strapped to his back.

"Tell him to slow his horse!" a third guard yelled from the gates.

"Hoplite, halt your gallop!" a patrol Amazon hollered from her position in the trees.

But the hoplite did not heed the warning and ordered, "Yah!"

The Conqueror quickly came out of the camp and ran to the gates where she suspected the hoplite was headed.

Queen Gabrielle chased after her friend and spotted the hoplite, who frantically pulled on his stead's reins.

The horse whined loudly but skidded to a stop a few paces from impact into the Conqueror. He huffed several time then danced on his hoofs in one spot. He was so excited from the frantic ride here.

"My liege." The hoplite tried to calm his horse but spoke anyway. "Legio IV Macedonica has mobilized and reports are coming in that they are marching southeast into Thrace. Commander Borias has sent me to retrieve you, and he is mobilizing six thousand hoplites in Pella to intercept Legio IV." He twisted in his saddle and pulled out a scroll. Just as he turned back, he noted a dekadarchos had joined them, but he handed the scroll to his leader.

Xena accepted the scroll, hastily broke the seal, and unrolled it. She read the detailed reports from her spies about where and why they believed Legio IV was headed into Thrace. There were heavy rumors coming from Rome that Legio IV were given orders to attack a specific town in Thrace. For a third time, Xena reread her hometown's name then slowly looked to Gabrielle.

"What is it?" the Amazon Queen insisted.

"They're headed... for Amphipolis," the Conqueror whispered.

Gabrielle felt her life drain from her and her knees weakened. "No," she breathed and shook her head.

The Conqueror hastily thought out her commands and not just what Rome had in mind but specifically Gaius Julius Caesar. She quickly went to the bottom of the scroll then looked up to the horse bound hoplite and ordered, "I want you to return a message to Commander Borias."

"Of course, my liege." The hoplite reached to his saddlebags and retrieved a quill and inkwell that were tucked into a pouch. He handed it to the ruler. "I will return with it immediately."

The Conqueror retrieved the quill, which still had an inky tip. She hastily scribed her orders on the parchment, signed her name, and jotted a single but important word in the lower right corner. She and Borias had setup code words to identify authentication between each other so nobody could devise a fake message. She and Borias typically used the code words when they didn't have time for their wax seals such as now. She dropped the quill into the bag and handed it back. She then rolled up the scroll.

"Shall I tell the stratègos you are not far behind me?" The hoplite accepted the pouch then the scroll.

Gabrielle curiously listened in on the conversation. She had a thousand questions but held back from asking them right now.

"I must finalize the allegiance tomorrow with the Thrace Nation then we will depart." The Conqueror looked at Cyryl. "Can we be ready by then, dekadarchos?"

Officer Cyryl knew it was less of request and really an order. "Of course, my liege." He then focused up on the hoplite. "Do you require more supplies before you leave?"

The hoplite considered it then answered, "I have enough food, but I do need a few wineskins."

"I will bring some." The dekadarchos hurried back to the camp to retrieve four of them. He rather the hoplite have too many than not enough.

"How does Pella fair?" the Conqueror inquired.

"It has stabilized, my liege." The hoplite was obviously proud to make that statement. "The disease that started to breakout has been subdued. The people are growing strong again with proper medicine and nourishment."

The Conqueror was pleased to hear the news, but she did not ask anymore. She spotted Cyryl back, and she let him hand over the skins. She then ordered, "We're pressed for time... see that you do not stop but for needed breaks. Do not let your horse go lame."

"Yes, my liege." The hoplite situated the reins in his hands again. "Be safe in your return to the army." He bowed his head then tapped his horse's sides.

"You as well, hoplite," the Conqueror called back. She watched him go briefly then she turned towards both Gabrielle and her dekadarchos. "Cyryl, get the men prepared to leave tomorrow afternoon. See that we have enough supplies to get us back to Pella."

"Right away, my liege." The dekadarchos diagonally crossed his right arm over his bronze chest and his fisted hand rested just near his left shoulder strap. He then marched off to carry out his orders.

Xena shifted her attention to the patient Amazon Queen, and she could read that Gabrielle wanted to demand what was happening. She could only offer, "Let's go back to our hut."

Gabrielle lifted her staff and quietly followed her friend back into the village. She entered the hut first but waited until Xena was inside and had the door closed. Once the thatch door sealed shut, she hastily asked, "Then we're headed to Pella tomorrow?"

The Conqueror held up her hand at the question then slipped past the bard. She had to carefully put her words together that she knew would enrage the bard in a few moments. She stood off to the left of the hut and lifted her head. She held Gabrielle's intense gaze and merely stated, "I return to Pella, and you may either remain here until this is settled or return to your Nation."

Gabrielle sensed something wrong, and she gripped her staff tighter. "What about Amphipolis? They're going to need some type of protection in case Legio IV comes for them. But if you intercept them beforehand then they'll be safe." She waited for Xena's response, yet she could tell Xena was holding back something. She then started to shake her head at a scary thought in her head. "You are going to stop Legio IV, right?"

"If I initiate the attack on Legio IV then the fragile neutrality will be broken. I can't risk it."

Gabrielle tried to wrap her head around what her best friend was telling her. She gritted her teeth and hotly demanded, "You're going to let Legio IV cross into Thrace and attack Amphipolis?"

"If I spill Roman blood now then I lose my chance to build up the army for an invasion," Xena rationalized.

"But you will allow Greek blood to be spilled!" the bard hollered at the ruler.

"It's Thracian blood," the ruler snapped.

"You are Thracian," Gabrielle angrily chewed out.

The Conqueror fisted her hands and darkly whispered, "I am Greek." She then pointed in the general direction of Amphipolis. "They have their own militia and navy to deal with such attacks!"

"Like a militia of a few hundred men and ten naval ships can withstand Rome!" Gabrielle yelled back and fumed at the ruler's blindness. She then realized why they were discussing Amphipolis's militia and navy. "By the gods, you are full of godsdamn pride."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Xena fought but weakly.

Gabrielle was stunned, but she laid deeper into Xena. "You refuse to go because of Xander... of all the egotistically, pigheaded things yet!"

"It has nothing to do with Xander," Xena snapped. "Amphipolis refuses to join my polis, and I cannot offer protection if they're not with Greece."

The queen couldn't believe her friend's words, and she was about to grab Xena and shake her. But she knew with Xena's thick head, it would do very little good. She walked over to the open window on the opposite side of the hut. She faced Xena again. "If Amphipolis falls then so does Thrace... and Cyane will be caught in the middle."

"If Amphipolis falls then perhaps Thrace will side with me." Xena refused to adjust her position with Rome and Thrace. "I dedicated my life as a pirate to protect Amphipolis from countless warlords, and they cannot repay me now."

"This is a highly trained and equipped Roman legion, Xena! Not a nitwit warlord looking to raid the village." Gabrielle approached the ruler and stopped a few steps in front of her. "Now you're the one repaying Amphipolis... how big of you, honorable Conqueror." She narrowed her eyes and asked, "How can you do this to your hometown, Xena?"

"It's no longer my hometown," the ruler calmly responded.

Gabrielle searched her friend's distant eyes then whispered, "But it's my hometown just as much as Potidaea... I have family there too." She started to shake her head. "I won't stand by like you and watch it be destroyed by the Romans."

"Don't even think about it, Gabrielle," the Conqueror warned.

Gabrielle clenched her teeth and resisted the emotional tears behind her eyes. "I will go to Amphipolis with my army. I will stop Rome at any cost from destroying my home and family."

"I won't allow you," Xena threatened.

"You swore you wouldn't put us on opposite sides," Gabrielle sharply reminded. "You won't stop me."

"I will put you and your Nation under arrest," the Conqueror snarled. "You either heed my warning or find the allegiance strained." She wasn't about to let Gabrielle walk into harms way if she could do something about it.

Gabrielle didn't care and dangerously promised, "I will go to Amphipolis tomorrow after we finalize the allegiance with Cyane." She said nothing else then walked away from her furious friend. She left the hut and decided she'd find Ephiny first then Cyane. She needed to send word to Commander Kaylee to ready the army for the battle ahead.

The Conqueror stood motionless in the hut, but she slowly fisted her hands as her rage built higher. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes while a low, deep growl developed behind her gritted teeth. It took all her strength not to release her furious roar at Gabrielle's stubborn streak.

Queen Gabrielle found Ephiny just about to go into the hut Ephiny and Solari shared so she followed Ephiny in since Solari was gone.

Ephiny hastily shut the door because she could see something was terribly wrong. "What's-"

"Rome is headed for Amphipolis," Gabrielle answered before Ephiny could finish the question. "We're leaving tomorrow afternoon and going straight to Amphipolis."

Ephiny lost her thoughts and gingerly touched her forehead. Slowly the shock receded, and she asked, "How did you find out?"

"Cyane told Xena and I after the meeting this morning that Legio IV has mobilized. Then one of Xena's hoplites rode in with a message from her stratègos. They're headed for Amphipolis."

Ephiny shook her head and tried to process all the news. "Why are they going there?"

"Most likely to take control of Thrace."

The Amazon lowered her hand from her forehead. "Amphipolis is the most powerful city in the Thrace providence." She then theorized, "If Rome takes Thrace then Cyane will be cutoff from the rest of Greece... from help."

"I know, and we can't let it happen... besides they'll just come to Macedonia next."

Ephiny swallowed and lowered her eyes to the floor. She then peered up at her queen. "What is Xena doing about it?" She furrowed her eyebrows at the bard's now distraught look. She gently gripped the bard's forearm and asked, "What is it?"

"Noth... nothing," Gabrielle breathed.

"Nothing?" Ephiny shook her head. "What is it, Gabrielle?"

The queen brushed back her short hair with her freehand. "I mean Xena is doing nothing about it."

"What?" the Amazon bellowed. She dropped her hand from Gabrielle's arm and stared horrified at her. "You are joking."

Gabrielle was now clearly upset since her anger had faded away temporarily. "She says she refused to protect Amphipolis because they do not want her help and because they won't join Greece. She thinks Amphipolis's militia can handle it themselves."

"That's absurd," Ephiny argued.

Gabrielle was quiet for a beat but nervously asked, "Do you think I am wrong for us to go to Amphipolis, Ephiny?"

Ephiny stepped in closer to her former lover but long time friend. She grasped Gabrielle's forearms and peered deep into her eyes. "If the Conqueror will not fight for Amphipolis... for Thrace then we must do it. We are allies with Potidaea, who borders Thrace. Now we're close allies to the Thrace Nation, and we can't let Rome threaten our sister Nation."

The queen nodded then whispered, "It's the right thing to do." She felt justified now in her move and that it wasn't just her own personal agenda for her hometown. "Ephiny, I need to catch up with Seven quickly. I want her to run back to the Nation to get Commander Kaylee mobilized. Then we'll need to find Cyane and rally her."

"I will find Cyane," Ephiny promised. "You deal with Seven."

Gabrielle nodded and headed out the door once Ephiny released her. She separated from her friend and decided the best place to find Seven of Nine was at the temporary forge. She was right when she spotted the tall automaton speaking with her blood sister.

"Seven of Nine," the queen called as she quickly approached the open forge.

The automaton turned on her heels and narrowed her eyes at the queen's stern features. Earlier, she'd sensed something out of place from the queen, but she hadn't sought out Gabrielle because it wasn't alarming like the time the kidnappers attacked Gabrielle. "My queen," she greeted.

"I need to speak to you right now," Gabrielle ordered, "privately." She then glanced at her blood sister. "Sorry, Andra."

The blacksmith didn't pry and just shook her head.

"I will comply," the automaton agreed. She followed the queen away from the forge until they were in an open spot but away from anybody's ear. "I detected something wrong. What has occurred?"

"A Roman legion called Legio IV is marching into Thrace as we speak, Seven."

Seven of Nine slightly parted her legs then tucked her hands behind her back. She waited for further explanation.

"They're going to Amphipolis, which is located just on the borders of Thrace and Macedonia on a peninsula."

"Along the Strymon," the automaton recollected. "It's associated with the port Eion."

"Yes," the queen agreed. "Tomorrow we're going to leave the Nation and go to Amphipolis to help them battle the Roman legion."

Seven of Nine arched her steel eyebrow and inquired, "Is it not the Conqueror's duty to protect Amphipolis?" She noticed how her question seemed to bother the queen, but she made no comment.

"The Conqueror has no ties to Thrace or Amphipolis since they're outside her polis." Gabrielle went back to her original reason for finding Seven. "I need you to return to the Nation with orders for Commander Kaylee. The army must be mobilized and marched to Amphipolis before Legio IV makes it. Luckily, Legio IV should be rather slow moving due to its size."

"Why must I return?"

Gabrielle moved in closer to the automaton. "You can run at top speeds, Seven... you don't need as much food or sleep either. I'm hoping you can return to the Nation in a matter of days to warn the stratègos."

Seven of Nine considered the queen's logic, but at the forefront of Seven's mind was her earlier promise to Gabrielle. She held the queen's eyes and stated, "I will not comply."

"Seven," Gabrielle dangerously started.

"I have sworn to protect you," the automaton cut off. "If I leave your side under such hazardous conditions then I will fail my promise." She waited a beat then added, "The recent events with your former slaver makes it even more true."

"Seven," the queen fought, "this is more important than my life." She was wondering if she regretted her earlier request.

"If you are killed by the Romans, surely the Conqueror will act then," Seven remarked.

Gabrielle fisted her hands at her side at the fact.

"You will send another," Seven now ordered. "I will not comply with your commands."

Gabrielle bowed her head and covered her eyes with her left palm. Her earlier, light headache was starting to come back with a nasty vengeance. Then there was the pain in her left shoulder that began to attack her. She felt that old urge come to life, and it wanted to make her go find Xena, who could make this all stop. But the truth was that she was here because her best friend would not fight.

Seven of Nine lost some of her rigidity at seeing the queen's somewhat broken form. She tried to rely on her human side so she could ease the queen's pain. "I do not wish to make this harder on you, Gabrielle." She found blurry greens upon her again. "But I made a promise to you that I cannot break." She shifted closer to the queen. "If you send an Amazon on horseback, they will most likely make it back to the Nation in about a hundred sixty candlemarks if they break only as needed. And I can be of better assistance with you, facing the Romans, than I could be running to and fro."

The bard glanced off to her right and took a beat to control her emotions. She took a deep breath and looked at Seven again. "I will send somebody else then." She said nothing else and started to head off.

Seven actually felt distraught at seeing Gabrielle's defeated manner. She hastily stepped into the bard's trail and lowered her voice but insisted, "What is wrong?"

"I'm okay, Seven." The queen tried to sidestep the automaton, but her attempt failed.

Seven was far from convinced between Gabrielle's expression and that feeling in her gut. She rationally concluded, "You and the Conqueror had an argument."

Gabrielle realized how the automaton was truly perceptive.

"Come with me," the Amazon ordered. She gently grasped the queen's arm and led her away from the open, public spot until they were tucked away between two huts. She used her tall, large form to hide the queen's presence in the small space between the huts in case somebody passed them. "I do not believe I was given this connection to you and the Conqueror without reason." She tilted her head and explained, "You are upset and the Conqueror is angry."

The queen bowed her head and rubbed her temple with the flat of her palm.

Seven realized she'd have to pressure the petite, young queen to talk to her. She hooked her index finger under the queen's chin and tilted her head back up. She carefully studied the queen's features and eyes to decipher what the queen was feeling right now. "You do not need to be scared, Gabrielle. You have faced much worse in your life than the Romans."

Gabrielle slightly parted her lips, but she wasn't sure how to respond to Seven.

"I remember before I became Seven of Nine what it was like just to be Anke... to be Arcadia, the slave." Seven kept her voice low as if her past secrets were not allowed to be spoken. "I never thought I would be free of my bonds, and it was ironic that the woman that made me a slave also freed me. I sometimes consider whether or not she made me... controlled me."

Gabrielle frowned at the automaton's thoughts, and she took Seven's hand from under her chin. She was about to speak but Seven started first.

"I have come to realize that I choose my path." Seven lowered her head some and whispered, "I choose my destiny, and I will not submit to total fear again as I did when I was a slave."

Briefly, Gabrielle bowed her head but peered back up into intense, ice blue eyes. "You're right, Seven. I know I should be able to stand up against the Romans. I have stood up to bullies as a kid..." She sadly grinned. "I've stood up Queen Melosa and Draco." Not to mention her fear of facing her best friend after hiding from her for so long.

"Also a lifeless automaton," Seven of Nine added, "I admire you greatly for that day."

The bard squeezed the large hand in hers. For a beat, she felt the warm steel mold into her palm. "What's a few Romans, right?" she weakly joked.

"A very intimidating force when you do not have the Conqueror at your side," the keen automaton responded.

Gabrielle narrowed her eyes and softly grinned at the Amazon. "You're quicker than you pretend to be, Seven."

Seven had a faint grin tugging at her lips, which she'd never had before since she'd become an automaton. "I am relearning my human side again." She lost her grin suddenly but informed, "You do not need the Conqueror to stand up to the Romans. You should not rely on her to fix anything."

"But it's awfully nice to have her do it," Gabrielle teased. She sighed heavily and mentioned, "I know, Seven and I'm trying to find a happy medium with her. I need to be strong, but I don't want her to feel that I don't ever need her."

"Yes, a balance is most wise," the automaton factually stated.

Gabrielle smirked and gently tormented, "Is that the key to perfection?"

"Perhaps," Seven murmured. She then lifted her left hand and covered it over top of her other hand that already held Gabrielle's. "No matter the results at Amphipolis, you will be safe... I have sworn that to you."

"I know," Gabrielle whispered. And she was grateful, not because she feared death but feared Xena's dark wrath that would ravage the world upon Gabrielle's death. She squeezed Seven's one hand in hers and sincerely added, "Thank you, Seven... for this, for the talk."

The automaton pulled her left hand away. "You are welcome." But then it seemed as if she wanted to say more and couldn't bring out the words. She gathered her strength and quietly revealed, "I am unsure how to explain this... emotion in me." She took a beat to compose her words, and the queen patiently waited for her. "But I... feel as if you are becoming family to me."

Gabrielle couldn't help a tender smile. "For me too, Seven." She noticed how a rare softness entered the normally cold automaton's eyes. She gave a last squeeze then released the large hand. "Come on, I need to prepare for this battle."

The Amazon lowered her arm back to her side then checked, "Will Queen Cyane be joining us?"

"I'm hoping I can convince her."

"And you could convince the Conqueror to join the Nation."

Gabrielle slightly froze, stared at Seven, and tried to determine if Seven was serious or not. She also felt slightly caught red handed.

Seven lifted a steel eyebrow and informed, "A joke, my queen... you and the stratègos have encouraged me to use my sensor of humor."

The queen smiled, weakly then half heartedly praised, "It's nice to know you're taking our advice to heart." She finally chuckled but at herself for thinking Seven knew about Xena's caste. She patted the Amazon's forearm then headed out from their hiding spot. She walked with a slight lean into her staff, and Seven took her side.

Andra had been busy finishing with organizing the shop. She found that the queen and automaton had returned.

"Did you find an apprentice yet, Andra?" Gabrielle inquired.

"Yes, actually. I want to talk to you later about it." Andra only received a nod from her blood sister. She now was sure something was up in the air. "What's happening, sister?"

Gabrielle was about to reply, but she glanced off her right shoulder and spotted Ephiny coming towards her. She turned back to her blood sister. "We will be leaving tomorrow afternoon." She noted the blacksmith's growing eyes, but she could only explain, "We're all going to meet tonight after dinner." She realized she just made an instant queen decision in that heartbeat.

Ephiny finally joined the group inside the small shop. "I have Cyane waiting for you in her office."

"Great." Gabrielle leaned into her staff then mentioned, "After dinner, we're going to have a meeting, Ephiny. I need you to let everybody know." She considered something and added, "We'll meet in your hut."

Ephiny just nodded her agreement but inquired, "Is Seven going to take a message to the Nation?"

Andra furrowed her eyebrows and looked from the queen to Ephiny as they spoke. She was trying to desperately figure out what was happening or happened.

"No, I've decided we'd be better off sending Medora. She can ride back." The queen paused yet thought out the best plan of attack to contact Kaylee. "Can you find Medora and let her know she'll be leaving tonight? She'll need to pack enough supplies too." After Ephiny's nod, she quickly added, "And can you write up my orders for Kaylee? I'll sign them as soon as I'm done with Cyane."

"Right away," Ephiny promised. She was about to march off and take care of the queen's requests.

"Wait just a damn moment," the flustered blacksmith blurted out, "What in Hades is going on?" She angrily looked between the queen, Ephiny and the automaton.

Gabrielle blinked but rotated her head to the right and said to Ephiny, "You can tell her. I need to go." And with that, she hustled off to meet Cyane.

Ephiny watched the queen go for a beat then she looked at Andra. She opened her mouth yet stopped and peered up at Seven of Nine. "You can tell her... I have too much to do." She quickly darted off to carry out her orders for Gabrielle.

Andra smacked her hand on the black anvil next to her and turned her fiery temper to her future apprentice. "Spill it, Seven."

The automaton didn't feel threatened and merely raised her eyebrow at her mentor. "Indeed," she muttered.

Gabrielle rapped on the queen's door, and she was called to enter. She shut the door behind her then propped her staff against the wall near the door.

"Ephiny mentioned you needed to talk to me," Cyane prompted after the young queen sat down. She put her quill down on her open scroll and rested back in her chair.

"Yes." Gabrielle waited a beat and tried to think about where to start the conversation. She knew that all she had to do was convince Cyane to go to battle because without Commander Lyda in the picture, it was a lot simpler. She took a deep breath then dropped the ball on the other queen. "Xena received word that Legio IV is headed for Amphipolis. Tomorrow I and my Amazons will be going to Amphipolis to protect it from the Romans."

Queen Cyane was only aware of Legio IV being mobilized, but she had no idea about their orders or plans. She tried to get past her initial surprise then asked, "What does Xena plan to do?"

Gabrielle lowered her eyes to the floor for a beat but met Cyane's gaze. "She plans to return to Pella." She noticed how Cyane seemed to be waiting for more information, but Gabrielle had nothing else to tell.

Cyane fluttered her eyes a few times as if processing the unexpected news. She shook her head and checked, "You mean to tell me she has... no plans to stop the legion?"

Gabrielle nibbled on her lower lip. "Not that I am aware of right now." She took a beat to cross her legs which gave her a chance to put her explanation together. "Rome and Greece are neutral, and Xena doesn't want to endanger that neutrality by attacking the legion. Also, Thrace is not apart of Greece so she has no responsibility to protect Amphipolis."

The Thrace Queen straightened up and furrowed her eyebrows at Gabrielle. "This is unlike her."

The bard sighed as she dipped her head; she had to agree with Cyane. She kept her head low and peered up with hooded eyes. "I don't have the answer why she's going to stand aside, Cyane." She raised her head back up. "All I know is that I can't watch Rome attack my hometown... my family. Also my Nation has trades with Potidaea, which borders Amphipolis and this is a direct threat to them." She swallowed and composed her next, big reason. "If Rome takes Amphipolis then Thrace will most likely fall under Roman rule. And if that happens, then your Nation will be-"

"Cut off," Cyane finished in a whisper. She leaned back into her chair once the realization hit her. She rested her right elbow on her chair's arm, and her hand covered her mouth. She tried to fathom what this could mean for her Nation.

"We must act, Cyane... together," Gabrielle softly insisted. "Rome cannot gain control of Thrace or else the results will be detrimental."

Cyane remained still and quiet, but she heard the young queen. She tried to grasp the facts and what was the best course of action.

The bard sensed that the other queen was mulling it over, and she wanted Cyane to act. "I think our Nations together can stop the legion."

Slowly, Cyane lifted her eyes to Gabrielle. She then softly informed, "It will be about six hundred Amazons and two hundred militants against a Roman legion of four thousand, Gabrielle." She lowered her hand from her face and added, "It is a slaughter."

"It won't be if we prepare right," Gabrielle argued.

"How many battles have you not just fought but led?"

Queen Gabrielle bowed her head because she didn't want to argue her lack of experience. "Just my recent experience with Draco." She shook her head though. "I know you have more, Cyane and my stratègos is well trained and experienced."

Cyane considered the bard's argument. She could tell that Gabrielle was determined, but Cyane had to think about her Nation. She straightened up in her chair after she made up her mind. "I admire your attempt, Gabrielle but the odds would not be in our favor." She hesitated yet honestly revealed, "Only Xena has the means to stop this legion. I cannot risk my Nation's safety."

Gabrielle didn't shift or speak, but she suddenly got up and remarked, "You already have by cowering." She headed for the door, snatched up her staff, and grabbed the door handle. However Gabrielle stopped because of Cyane's voice.

"You mean to fight no matter what."

Queen Gabrielle slightly turned and twisted her head sidelong. She coolly replied, "Somebody has to..." She then recalled an old concept she use to write about in her Warrior Princess tales. "It's the Greater Good." With those last words, she walked out of Cyane's office and decided she needed to see Ephiny about the letter to Kaylee. She didn't have time to waste on convincing people to battle Legio IV.

The late afternoon passed rather quickly while Queen Gabrielle organized her plans for the battle ahead. She went to Ephiny's hut and reviewed the message for Commander Kaylee, signed it, and forced her seal into a glob of wax at the bottom. She rolled up the scroll then tied it perfectly. Gabrielle left the scroll tucked away until she could send Medora on her way. While they had the chance to be alone, Gabrielle and Ephiny worked out plans for Amphipolis. Ephiny brought up whether or not they should travel with the Conqueror south bound and split up once they neared the road to Amphipolis. Gabrielle wasn't completely sure, but she'd know better tomorrow.

By the sunset, Ephiny and Gabrielle made their way to the dining hut. Gabrielle suddenly felt a drop in her stomach at probably seeing Xena in the dining hut. Yet to her surprise, she had a quiet dinner because her best friend hadn't showed up, and she couldn't offer an explanation to anybody at the dinner table.

Once the dinner ended, Gabrielle drifted out of the dining hut but discovered Andra, Seven, and Teresa coming to her side. She warmly greeted them, and they made their way to Ephiny's hut at a slow pace.

"Ephiny says we'll be leaving tomorrow afternoon," Teresa commented.

Gabrielle just nodded.

"Has something happened?" Teresa tried.

The queen had a dim expression but answered, "We'll be discussing it soon."

"Is the allegiance between the Thrace Nation and the Conqueror happening?" Teresa persisted.

Gabrielle sadly smiled at her friend and answered, "Yes, I believe so. It's been a lot of work, but I think it'll pay off tomorrow."

"That's wonderful," Teresa expressed. She couldn't ask more though because they were coming upon Ephiny's hut. She, like the other three, filed into the hut one by one.

"We're all just going to have to sit here or there... or stand," Ephiny informed just after the queen entered.

"Is there even enough standing room?" Solari joked.

"We're only missing Medora, my queen," Ephiny mentioned.

Gabrielle assumed that Medora was probably busy getting ready to ride out tonight, but she didn't bring it up. She looked to the door when it opened, and she was glad to see Medora had made it. "Alright, we're all here..." She went over to the made bed and sat on the foot's edge. She rested her forearms on her legs then scanned the faces all around her. She had a beat to gather herself.

"We're meeting here because there's been a major change of plans," the queen started. "Queen Cyane received word that a Roman legion, Legio IV, has been mobilized... they're located in Macedonia Salutaris."

"They're on the borders?" Adonia checked.

"Yes," Gabrielle answered, "they've been stationed there for some time. The legion is composed of about four thousand legionaries and three hundred equites." She noticed how some Amazons developed wide eyes at the sheer size of the legion. "Late this morning a hoplite rode in with a message for the Conqueror... it appears that Legio IV plans to enter Thrace and is heading for Amphipolis. They mean to conquer Amphipolis and most likely takeover Thrace."

A few Amazons muttered amongst themselves, but they respectfully went quiet so the queen could continue.

Gabrielle took a moment before she stated her orders. After a deep breath, she declared, "As a result, I have decided we will ride to Amphipolis and help the city battle the legion."

Several of the Amazons hastily broke out with questions and concerns about such a move, but Ephiny hollered for them to be quiet. Ephiny then asked Adonia to go first.

"Is it just the nine of us going then?"

"Initially, yes," Gabrielle replied, "but Medora will be leaving tonight to deliver a message to Commander Kaylee. I am sending orders to Commander Kaylee to mobilize our army and march to Amphipolis."

"What about Cyane?" Solari chimed in next.

Gabrielle glanced at Solari but noticed everybody had that question on her mind. She lifted her arms, folded them, and stretched out her legs. "I just finished speaking to Cyane about this and..." She hesitated but truthfully finished, "She does not want to risk her Nation's safety in such a battle."

Again, several Amazons traded comments about Cyane's decision and what it could mean for the battle. But the chatter died off.

"What of the Conqueror?" Gryta inquired.

Gabrielle slightly shook her head. "She cannot act because of a fragile neutrality between Greece and Rome. Also Thrace is not apart of Greece... it is out of her jurisdiction."

"By the gods," Teresa murmured among the crowd.

Gabrielle patiently waited until her Amazons settled down. She knew this would not be easy, and she felt what they were thinking. "I know this is overwhelming," the queen brought up to her Amazons. "And I know each of you are asking yourself... why." She studied each face and read each emotion clearly there. "There are political reasons why, such as the battle being close to our home. That if Thrace is taken over by Rome then the Thrace Amazon Nation will be cut off." She paused and saw that her Amazons still had the same look as earlier. "But you still ask why especially when Queen Cyane will not fight. I can only tell you that if we do not stand up to Rome in Amphipolis, right now... then we will not stand up to Rome when they come to Macedonia."

Teresa bowed her head but looked over at Adonia, who was focused on the queen.

Solari exchanged a look with Ephiny then she scanned the other Amazons.

"Rome has swept through all of Europa... we are what is left of a free Europa." Gabrielle now stood up from her seat on the bed. "I have been a slave since I was thirteen, but I will not become Rome's slave. And I do not believe that to be Amazon means we bow to any slavery let alone foreign slavery."

"Rome is a plague," Andra spoke up to the group after the queen finished. She sensed everybody look at her. "When I was younger, my father and I traveled to Germania... during a period when Rome was setting foot on Germanic soils. I can still remember the sorrow in the Germanics' eyes because they were losing their freedom."

Seven of Nine, for once, felt the urge to speak up, and she revealed, "I am of Germanic heritage. My mother and father migrated from Germania to here... to Greece. They left Germania because of the coming of the Romans. They hoped I and my brother would have freedom and true citizenship here in Greece."

Gabrielle softly nodded at her blood sister and Seven for speaking up. She dropped her crossed arms and decided to give her Amazons an option. "If you feel going to battle against Legio IV is not justified then you may speak up... or ride with Medora tonight to return to the Nation." She waited a beat but nobody spoke, and she could see that her Amazons felt justified now.

"When do we leave?"

Gabrielle had a partial smile at Gryta's question. "Tomorrow afternoon after I help the Conqueror finalize the allegiance with the Thrace Nation. Everybody should pack tomorrow morning... be sure to check over your supplies. The ride to Amphipolis could take up to seven days... hopefully we'll make it there sooner."

"How fast is Legio IV moving?" Solari inquired.

"They're on foot," Gabrielle reminded. "They also have some rugged terrain to cross through from Macedonia into Thrace."

"And the sheer size," Ephiny cut in, "makes them slower."

"It's probably a safe estimation they'll arrive at Amphipolis in a fortnight... the earliest," the queen guessed.

"That should give us plenty of preparation time," Teresa concluded.

"And enough time for Commander Kaylee to make it," Medora hoped. Although she could bet it would be cutting it rather close.

Gabrielle now rested her right hand on her hip. "I think it's wise everybody get some rest tonight. If you feel up to checking your supplies then do it." She paused but checked, "Anymore questions?" There were a few shaking heads so she nodded once. "Alright. If anybody has questions or concerns then find either me or Ephiny." She took a deep breath. "Get some rest, Amazons... it will be a long ride to Amphipolis and a while before we see home, but I am honored to have each of you with me."

The Amazons responded one way or another then bid goodnight to each other. Slowly, the Amazons filtered out of the hut until only Ephiny, Solari, and Gabrielle were left alone. Solari took a chair from the table and sat down. Ephiny came over to the queen and searched her queen's face.

Gabrielle slightly frowned and softly asked, "Am I sentencing us to our deaths? The odds are against us so will more needlessly die because I said we had to fight?"

Ephiny grasped her friend's shoulder and gently squeezed. "I rather die fighting them than stand by and watch it happen."

"Besides," Solari broke into the conversation, "what's four thousand legionaries compared to three hundred of Artemis's finest?"

Gabrielle sadly grinned at Solari's joke but answered, "Thirty-seven hundred more swords."

"And that's not even counting the three hundred legionaries on horseback," Solari dimly teased.

Ephiny patted the queen's shoulder then dropped her hand. "We will make the odds in our favor, Gabrielle."

The bard really hoped so because otherwise they were outnumbered, out sworded, and out shielded. "I should get some rest. Can you get Medora the scroll?" She gingerly touched her forehead.

"I will." Ephiny then tilted her head and offered, "Did you want to stay here tonight?"

Solari furrowed her eyebrows and wondered why Ephiny had offered such a thing to the queen.

Gabrielle considered whether to stay because she imagined Xena was still fuming from their earlier argument. She didn't want to face the angry ruler, and it sent a shiver down her spine.

"Solari can sleep on the floor," Ephiny quipped.

"Hey," Solari snapped. She shot a glare at her closest friend.

Ephiny chuckled but seriously offered the bed to Gabrielle again.

"I..." Gabrielle lost her words then shook her head. "I need to stay with her tonight. It'll be my last night alone with her before we ride to Amphipolis."

Ephiny understood that the bard didn't want to finish the last candlemarks with Xena on a bad note. She sighed but nodded. "Come on then... I'll walk out with you." She went over to her saddlebags and pulled out Gabrielle's message for Commander Kaylee.

"Goodnight, Solari," Gabrielle offered from the door. She grabbed her staff.

"Sleep well, Gabrielle." Solari shot a smile then stood up. She watched Ephiny and the queen leave then she decided to get cleaned up for the night.

Ephiny walked closely to her friend. "If you change your mind, you can come to our hut anytime."

"Thanks, Eph," the bard murmured.

Ephiny softened at her old nickname that she rarely heard from Gabrielle anymore. "Try to get some rest... tomorrow will be long."

"Don't remind me," Gabrielle teased. She came to a stop because she knew they had to separate ways. She came closer to Ephiny and gave her a warm hug. "Thanks for all your help today."

"Of course, my queen," Ephiny taunted, but she had a genuine smile after the hug ended. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight." The bard continued on her way to the hut with her staff tapping along side her. She noticed, as she neared her hut, that smoke was filtering from the chimney. She imagined that Xena was there then, and it caused a knot to ball up in her stomach. She gathered her nerve and approached the door that had a gentle glow around the seams.

Gabrielle pushed the door open and looked for the tall, dark ruler, but she couldn't find Xena anywhere. She shut the door, propped her staff in its usual spot, and she didn't even hear Xena in the washroom. She figured that Xena must have started the fireplace then left afterwards. She shrugged it off and decided to get ready for bed.

After Gabrielle rid of her sword, she went to the washroom to clean up. She always felt a nice calmness come over her after she finished washing her face before bed. She toweled her face dry and strolled out of the bathroom just as the front door opened up. Gabrielle hesitated when her tall, dark friend filled the inside of the hut.

The Conqueror had shut the door but then remained still and studied her best friend on the other side of the hut. She'd wondered whether or not Gabrielle would stay tonight, and she'd seriously considered staying with her hoplites. But she went against it in case Gabrielle expected her back.

Gabrielle ignored the returned knot in her stomach. She leaned with their normal greeting and offered, "Hi."

Xena clenched her hand at her side but calmly replied, "Hey."

The bard felt her palms coat over with sweat. "I... I didn't see you at dinner."

"I had more pressing matters," Xena remarked.

Gabrielle didn't plan to pry. "Did you eat at least?"

The Conqueror stayed rather neutral and evenly answered, "I'm fine, thanks." She finally moved and went to the table. She reached to her right shoulder for the cape's claw pad. She started the process to dissect herself from her armor, weapons, and leathers. Within a few heartbeats, she had her cape tossed on the back of a chair and went for her gauntlets.

The uneasy bard pushed herself to bridge the gap between her and Xena. She chewed on her lower lip and thought of what to do next. Gabrielle reminded herself she was a bard and could talk this out with her best friend. She carefully came over to her friend.

The Conqueror had her gauntlets and right bracer off. She just went for her left when she felt the delicate touch on her forearm. She looked down at her friend.

"Can I help?" Gabrielle carefully tried. She noticed the cold chips in Xena's blue eyes, and it made her further uneasy. She'd seen Xena mad in the past, but it was different now that they were older and there were so many changes. Gabrielle thought she was getting a taste of Xena's darker persona.

The ruler didn't answer or give any indication to Gabrielle's request. Then after a few long heartbeats, she let go of her left bracer and turned to Gabrielle in silent answer. She straightened out her left arm so that Gabrielle could better reach.

Gabrielle silently thanked Xena for giving in to her. She nervously took the left bracer into her palms and slid it down the muscular arm. She slowly went through the familiar motions to undress Xena from her warrior attire. She ended the ritual by setting the last item on top of the stack; Xena's famous chakram.

The bard then quietly left Xena's side and decided to get herself out of her attire and into her night shift. She listened to Xena take a chair and get the boots off. Eventually, Gabrielle wandered into the bathroom to change her clothes. After she was done, she went to the bed and pulled the covers back while Xena went to the washroom.

Gabrielle felt some relief to be in the soft bed. But she wasn't expecting to sleep well tonight. She stayed close to her side of the bed and didn't plan to snuggle up to her best friend.

Xena came back out of the bathroom and set her leathers down on top of her saddlebags. She then checked the fire, but decided it would be fine for the night. She came over to her side of the bed and got in with a tense attitude. She got comfortable under the covers but rolled onto her side so that her back faced Gabrielle.

The bard was resting on her back, and she stared up at the ceiling. She mindlessly watched the firelight dance on the dark ceiling. She came out of it and turned her head to the left. She studied her best friend's tense back, but she felt like she couldn't do anything. Gabrielle now was bombarded by upsetting thoughts, and she couldn't settle herself down.

After several attempts, Gabrielle gave up trying to find some peace tonight. She suddenly shoved the covers off and hopped out of bed. She debated whether to take a walk to clear her head, but she knew the problem would still be here in the hut, in the bed beside her. Gabrielle sunk down into a chair next to the fireplace. She hunched forward with her elbow against her right knee, and she slumped her chin into her palm.

Xena softly stirred and called, "Come to bed, Gabrielle."

The bard briefly shut her eyes, but she ignored her friend's command. She instead twisted her head around and stared at the flames that warmed her skin. She distantly heard more movement from the bed then a long shadow crept over her.

The Conqueror stood by Gabrielle but knelt down with her right knee giving a soft crack.

Gabrielle licked her dry lips. She refused to look at Xena when she asked, "Why can't we just talk this out?"

"What's there talk about?" Xena countered. "Regardless of what I say or do, you plan to disobey my orders and go to Amphipolis."

Gabrielle huffed and shook her head a few times. She wasn't even sure how to reply to Xena's comment. She then unknowingly started to shake her left leg up and down in a rare display of nervousness. "I just don't understand..."

The Conqueror deciphered the bard's unfinished thought and decided she'd try to clarify it one last time. "I'm doing what I think is best for Greece. I have a choice to either condemn several millions of lives or condemn a million... it's the lesser of two evils."

Gabrielle turned to Xena finally and snapped, "It sounds like an excuse to me."

Xena tilted her head and argued, "And your attempt to save Amphipolis is suicide... not just for your Amazons but the citizens. The harder the resistance, the harder the legion will fight... more will die than there has to."

"And like you care?" Gabrielle sharply attacked.

The Conqueror suddenly grabbed the queen's wrist and held tightly as she drew out her words low. "Do you think I'm really that heartless, Gabrielle? Or that I'll enjoy watching Rome stomp over the city I was born in?" She searched the fiery green eyes in front of her. "It enrages me, Gabrielle and I would love to give into my hatred to attack the legion. But if I have no regard for lives I now rule then costs will be heavy." She hesitated but whispered, "I have recklessly murdered enough in my lifetime." She now let go of Gabrielle then stood up and turned back towards the bed.

Gabrielle popped up from her chair and yelled, "So you're going to let me fight this alone then?"

The ruler slowly turned to the angry Amazon Queen, who fisted her hands at her side.

"You'll pull out your sword if I end up killed by the Romans," the bard coldly informed.

The Conqueror clenched her jaw at the truth.

"Then you'll regret your choice," Gabrielle snidely remarked.

Xena refused to be baited and started to turn away. She knew what her friend was trying to do with her.

Gabrielle let out a low growl then suddenly left the hut with a sharp punch to the door. She harshly shut the door and quickly walked through the dark village.

Xena had hastily followed her friend after she realized their argument was far out of hand. She caught up to Gabrielle and grabbed her by the wrist to halt her.

"Don't," Gabrielle snapped. She then shoved the ruler away.

"Gabrielle," the ruler warned and reached for her again.

Gabrielle swiftly popped a punch at Xena's face, but her fist slammed into Xena's palm. Before she could do anything else, Xena spun her around and locked her arms down. "Let me go," she yelled and struggled against her captor.

"I'm not letting you go," Xena declared.

Those words hit Gabrielle emotionally, and she broke into tears. She slumped into Xena's body and fell to the ground with Xena.

The Conqueror collapsed to her knees, but she pulled her friend into her lap. She bowed her head close to Gabrielle's.

Gabrielle tried to stop her crying, but she whimpered, "I don't want to this alone."

Xena collected her best friend into her arms and stood up. She imagined an Amazon would come along and see them which she didn't want to happen. She hurried back to their hut, and the door was jarred but Xena kicked it open. She shut the door with her foot then made her way over to the bed. After she deposited the upset bard, she climbed into the mix of sheets and sat behind the bard.

Gabrielle shoved back her bangs after just wiping her wet eyes. She was slightly hunched forward, yet she soon found herself surrounded by Xena's body. She began to calm down because the safety of being in Xena's arms overtook her. This was her safe place where no harm could happen to her.

The Conqueror brought her cheek close to Gabrielle's, and she murmured, "I will go to Amphipolis if you really believe I'm deserting you."

A few beats passed then Gabrielle shook her head. She muttered, "I'm scared, Xena. I wasn't scared to face Draco or Seven because you were there... and the odds were good." Her shoulders slouched, and she whispered, "Now it's an enormous, well trained legion, and you won't be there... not even Cyane will go." She pulled up her legs and into her body. "How can I defeat them?"

The ruler hesitated but still tried, "Don't go then." But she wasn't surprised when Gabrielle shook her head in response. She let out a deep sigh and decided to reveal what she thought about the legion's mobilization. "Why do you think Legio IV is attacking my hometown?" She waited a beat and found curious green eyes up on her. "Caesar has ordered Legio IV to take Amphipolis because he's trying to provoke me to fight him... fight Rome. If I respond then Caesar will go to the Senate and demand that Rome declares war on Greece."

"So you think it's a trick?" Gabrielle checked.

"It's bait," Xena answered. "There's a time and place for everything... and now is not the time for Greece to fight Rome. I must pick my wars carefully." She studied her friend's emotional features, and she whispered, "Truthfully... I hope to gods that you can stop them."

Gabrielle faltered for a moment but hoarsely asked, "Do you think I stand a chance against them?"

The Conqueror had been considering that question all afternoon and night long since Gabrielle made her deceleration to go to Amphipolis. "Yes," she murmured. She lifted her head a bit. "If you prepare right and plan well then you can defeat them, but I think it'll be a draw."

"What you mean?"

Xena tilted her head and explained, "Legio IV will be far away from Roman roads... they'll only have so much supplies. I imagine they plan conquering Amphipolis by a set time otherwise they may have to withdraw."

Slowly Gabrielle narrowed her eyes at that thought then something else came to mind. "Do you think Classis Alexandria has gone to Eion to supply the legion?"

The ruler showed a proud smile at Gabrielle's deduction. "Yes." She lost her smile though and seriously explained, "If you can hold out long enough then Legio IV will most likely pull back. The trick is to be able to have more supplies than them, for no disease to break out in the city, and especially for morale to stay strong."

"So..." Gabrielle peered up at her friend. "It's a bit like Troy."

"Hopefully for not as long," Xena argued then joked, "Just don't accept any big horses if the legion pulls back."

The bard slightly grinned at the joke. She bit her lower lip because she was nervous just thinking about what rested ahead of her.

The Conqueror considered her limited options, but she wanted to support her friend somehow if it would improve the odds. "If I can, I will try to supply you with goods like food and weaponry." She saw how Gabrielle was surprised by the offer. "And if we travel together these next few days then I can give you a crash course in warfare... especially holding out under a siege and what tricks are common to break down a city under siege." She knew that knowledge was power and if Gabrielle had that power then it could mean victory.

The small queen took a deep breath and nodded her head. "Thank you," she murmured after a beat.

"We should try to get some rest," the ruler suggested. She found Gabrielle only nodded in agreement so she pulled them back towards the head of bed.

Gabrielle crawled under the chilly covers and let a ripple pass down her spine. This time though, she was relieved to be pulled into Xena's body, but she faced Xena. She tucked her head under the ruler's chin and kept her arms down between their bodies.

The Conqueror adjusted the covers over them and sighed now that they'd settled some of their differences. She still didn't like Gabrielle going to Amphipolis, yet she knew she couldn't stop Gabrielle without causing a heavy dispute. She wanted more than anything to join Gabrielle and to bring her army to Amphipolis to crush the meager legion. But it was the politics and the safety of her Nation that had to come first before her darker desire. It'd taken some hard lessons in the past for her to learn it.

Gabrielle slightly shifted and nuzzled her friend's soft neck in old habit. She then shifted her right hand and tucked it between Xena's lower thighs. She was known for always having to tuck her hands somewhere or somehow.

"Xena?" the sleepy bard murmured.

"Mmmm?" The ruler had almost fallen asleep, but she slightly pulled back and made out Gabrielle's question.

"If I don't make it out of Amphipolis... take care of my mother, please." The bard was clearly exhausted after a long day of spent emotions and excitement.

"Sssh, go to sleep," Xena urged.

Gabrielle kept her eyes shut yet gently nudged Xena's thigh with her right hand. "Please?"

Xena tightened her arms around her best friend a little then softly promised, "I will... now go to sleep." She was relieved once she sensed Gabrielle's breathing had eased so she too drifted into her dreamscape, which was anything but pleasant.

By first light, Xena slipped out of the bed and left her friend to catch another candlemark or two. She wanted to check on her hoplites then find Queen Cyane and possibly one other. She quietly got ready and silently left the hut with her sheathed sword in her hand. She reached to her back and hooked it in place while she made her way through the dim village.

The Conqueror spent a quarter of a candlemark chatting with her dekadarchos until she was satisfied that plans were in motion. She reminded him to have the hoplites ready to leave just after noon high. After her talk, she went back to the gates and slipped into the Amazon Nation that was lit by the early morning sun. She headed directly for the administration hut and hoped that Cyane would be there. She obviously was greeted by the hut guard and found out Cyane was indeed up early. Xena disappeared into the administration hut.

Inside the queen's office, Cyane was rereading the allegiance scroll that'd been dropped off to her yesterday. She was please with the conditions and felt they were fair. She was also comfortable with her Nation becoming apart of Xena's Greece despite the ugly past they all shared. She peered up from the scroll to the door because of a knock.

"Come in," the queen called. She was surprised anybody was up this early and far more surprised that it was the Conqueror.

"Good morning, Cyane," the ruler greeted.

"How are you, Xena?"

"Well... yourself?"

The Amazon Queen seemed to consider it but held out her hand to the chairs. "A little worn from these talks, but I think they've been a benefit."

Xena nodded and fully agreed with the queen.

"So what brings you here this early?" Cyane leaned back in her chair and waited.

The Conqueror debated on how to go about this, but she indicated the allegiance scroll on the queen's desk. "I see you've been reading over it."

"Thoroughly," Cyane affirmed.

"Good." The ruler laced her hands together in her lap. "There's something you must know before you sign that allegiance... a fair warning to you and your Nation." She noted how Cyane developed a suspicions look. "As soon as you sign it then I will be giving you orders to go to Amphipolis... to protect it from Legio IV."

Cyane straightened up at this news. "Do I not have a say in this?"

"You'll be welcomed to refuse my orders," the Conqueror responded.

The Amazon Queen slowly narrowed her eyes and stated, "You're heavy handed with disobedience, Conqueror."

"I am," the Conqueror promised more than admitted.

Cyane stayed quiet and tried not to react to the situation. She glanced down at the allegiance then back at the ruler. "Are we protecting Amphipolis... or Queen Gabrielle?" She barely noticed the flicker of emotion in the ruler's eye. "You ask me to leave my Nation unprotected to fight a losing battle?" She hesitated but added, "I find that interesting considering you will not go yourself."

"I have my reasons," the Conqueror merely stated. She then became more stoic and informed, "If you go then I will promise you between three to four hundred hoplites, who will march here and camp here until your return. Your Nation will be safe until your return."

The queen was surprised by the offer and also realized it gave her little argument room. But she unexpectedly smiled but rather slyly. "I have already ordered my army to mobilize, Xena."

The Conqueror slightly lifted her chin because she was not aware of it.

Cyane couldn't help her sly smile going wider. "I thought about what Gabrielle had said to me... I realized she was right." She slowly lost her smile. "This isn't about my Nation or her Nation... Greece... it's about those people in Amphipolis and what Roman will do with them. If the Thrace Nation doesn't help Amphipolis stand up to Rome then we've already become slaves to Rome's will."

The ruler remained quiet for a few beats because of the queen's true words. She suspected Gabrielle had hammered away at Cyane, and it had paid off. She nodded once. "Good. I will send word for a hoplite force to march here."

"Thank you," Cyane sincerely replied.

The Conqueror stood up but paused in front of the seated queen. "Thank you too, Cyane." Without another word, she left the queen's office and decided on her next mission before going to wake up the bard. She trekked across the village and went to the group of guest huts. She tried to recall which hut Andra and Seven of Nine occupied, but she was in luck when she spotted who she wanted coming out of the hut.

Seven of Nine had just stepped out of her hut and left a snoozing blacksmith in the bed. She now grew leery of the ruler that approached her. She instinctively fisted her right hand at her side but refrained herself.

"I need to speak to you," the Conqueror tried. She realized she was going to have a hard time talking to the automaton, but she needed to do this for her sake and especially Gabrielle's sake. "I know we're not on good terms, but it's about Queen Gabrielle."

Seven of Nine kept her ice blue eyes locked on Xena's sky blue ones, and she briefly wondered how they could have so much physically in common but nothing else. Then she realized they did have Gabrielle between them, perhaps it was their only bond.

"Very well," Seven finally drew out.

"Will you be going to Amphipolis for the battle against Legio IV?"

The Amazon arched her metallic eyebrow but answered, "Yes, I will be assisting in the battle." She was curious about what the Conqueror wanted from her in regards to Gabrielle.

"Good." The ruler folded her arms against her chest and tilted her weight to her right foot. "I'm asking you to protect Gabrielle while you're there."

Seven of Nine lowered her metal eyebrow and carefully studied the ruler. She decided to test the ruler. "At what price, Conqueror?"

The Conqueror narrowed her eyes and dropped her arms because of the question's underlining meaning, but she suspected something more. She stepped in closer to the automaton and debated, "I know how you feel about her, Seven." She searched the icy eyes in front of her. "You have that same feeling I've got... and you can't stop yourself, you can't stop it." She lowered her voice and breathed, "You'll do whatever it takes to see her stay alive because she inspires you... I know that exact feeling too."

Seven of Nine slightly turned her head away as if she felt caught or easily read. But the ruler's next words made her look back.

"I'm not asking you to do this for me... I know I couldn't after all I've robbed you." The ruler heavily sighed but finished her words. "I'm asking you to do this for her."

The automaton stayed quiet for a few heartbeats. She debated whether or not to reveal to the ruler that she'd already sworn her life and sword to protect Gabrielle at any cost. She decided not to because it was something between just her and Gabrielle. But she finally responded to the Conqueror's request. "I will comply."

The Conqueror finally relaxed and drew away from Seven's space. She bowed her head and offered, "Thank you, Seven."

The automaton stayed motionless and quiet then finally spoke again. "Perhaps someday I will find forgiveness to give you."

The Conqueror clenched her jaw at the cold words, but she didn't grow angry. "I don't want your forgiveness." She started to move away yet paused and softly explained, "I don't want to forget what I once was." She finally walked away and murmured, "Only Tartarus is my forgiveness." She'd spoken the words so low and didn't expect the automaton to hear her.

Seven of Nine stood rooted and watched the ruler go. She'd easily heard the ruler's last words. "We all cannot be like Atlas." She expected someday that the weight on the ruler's shoulders would sink her to her knees if she wasn't careful. The automaton decided to let it go, and she headed for the dining hut for breakfast.

Xena made her way back to her hut she shared with her friend. She considered whether or not Gabrielle would be up by now, but she doubted it. She silently slipped into the hut and discovered the bard curled up on Xena's side of the bed. The ruler came over to where the bard rested and stood still for a moment.

Gabrielle was on her side and sleeping rather hard. She seemed to have pleasant dreams. She'd tucked her hands under her head and pulled her legs up for warmth.

Xena just watched her friend's peacefulness. She felt how lucky she was to have Gabrielle back in her life again. And she would sacrifice anything to keep Gabrielle beside her. She felt more at ease now that she had Seven's word to protect her best friend.

Slowly, Xena came closer to the bed side and carefully sat on the edge of the bed. She still studied her friend's features and realized that they wouldn't have many more chances to be alone. Xena would have to wear her ruler mask once she joined her hoplites on the journey south. That thought made Xena sigh heavily, but she was grateful for all the time she had here in the Thrace Nation with Gabrielle.

With that bittersweet thought in mind, Xena leaned down and placed a gentle kiss to her friend's temple. Then she murmured, "Gabrielle?"

The bard only slightly stirred then settled back down.

"Come on," Xena softly called. She slipped her left hand behind Gabrielle's neck and threaded her long fingers through soft, golden tresses. "You need to get up."

"Anoth... another candlemark," the queen muttered. She buried her face a bit more into the pillow.

Xena chuckled and couldn't help her grin at the bard's sleeping habits. She felt for Gabrielle because it would be a long time before Gabrielle really had a chance to sleep well again. She made another attempt by kissing the bard's cheek then grazing her warm lips over the same spot.

"Mmmm," Gabrielle happily murmured. She realized reality was far more interesting than her dream so she turned her head. She caught Xena's lips for a quick kiss.

Xena withdrew some and grinned at the bard's smile and soft green eyes. She now had her hand against Gabrielle's cheek which gave her a chance to run her thumb along the bard's jawline. "How'd you sleep?"

"Not too bad... until the bed got cold." Gabrielle had a lopside smile. "Where'd you go?"

"I had to check on the hoplites." The Conqueror straightened up all the way but gazed down at her friend. "That meeting will be soon."

"You think we have enough time for breakfast?"

Xena grinned at the question because she knew breakfast was Gabrielle's most important meal. Depending on how breakfast went, if it even happened, it could determine the bard's entire mood all day long. "I think so if you get moving now."

Gabrielle agreed but first she stretched and brought her arms up over her head. She then slumped into the bed and bit back a yawn.

"Come on," Xena tried one last time. She patted Gabrielle's covered side then stood up from the bed. While Gabrielle got ready, she check on her saddlebags and started to pack items up. She was a careful packer and always did things a certain way. The only item she left on the table was her ivy dagger, which she picked up just as Gabrielle came out of the washroom.

The queen pushed back her damp bangs then adjusted her red, soft skirt until it felt right. She came over to the table noticed Xena tucking the ivy dagger down into her boot. She slightly grinned but lost it as she spotted Xena's packed saddlebags.

Xena focused on the bard and saw the distraught look. She figured out why and neared her friend. "We still have the ride down south."

"Until we get to the split," Gabrielle reminded. She peered up into soft blue eyes. "But then when will I see you again?"

The ruler came closer and gingerly placed her hands on the bard's shoulders. She really didn't have an answer but promised, "It won't be too long."

Gabrielle lowered her head and considered her life then Xena's life. She shook her head and looked up at her friend. "We have such separate lives now, Xena... you know. I mean I'm an Amazon Queen with a lot of responsibilities to the Nation. And you're the ruler of Greece with a lot more responsibilities."

Xena started to frown and didn't much like Gabrielle's words.

"Everything just seemed so much more... simpler when we were kids." Gabrielle had glossy eyes from her emotions and thoughts of the past. "And I use to think that with you being in Amphipolis and me in Potidaea was hard. I sure didn't see this day coming."

"Hey," Xena tried, and she came in closer until their bodies almost touched. "You should know me better than that... know our relationship better than that by now." She gave Gabrielle a warning look. "We've always made time for each other and work at our relationship."

"I know," Gabrielle agreed. She sighed and bit her lower lip for a beat. "I guess I just sometimes wish those Warrior Princess stories of mine were true. Just me and you traveling together... and helping out where we can." She then smirked and teased, "Although you'd probably get sick of me after awhile."

"You're sure it's not the other way?" Xena joked back. "I'd be the big, bad warlord that forced you away from your family. What would your mother and father think of me then?"

Gabrielle finally laughed and shook her head. "They adored you, Xena... come on."

"That's because I was their daughter's best friend that kept her out of trouble."

"Haha... as I recall you got me into trouble." The bard now pointed a finger at her friend.

Xena smirked and squeezed the bard's small but muscular shoulders. "But your parents were none the wiser." She had a wicked smirk now and winked at her friend.

Gabrielle snickered and muttered, "I always loved scaring the flock out of the shepherds."

Xena gave a low but deep laugh and teased, "Sly Bri can wolf cry."

Gabrielle couldn't help her laugh now at the old mantra Xena use to repeat over and over when they were off in the fields at night as kids. Gabrielle had learned how to perfectly mimic a wolf cry just to scare the sheep and upset the herder for candlemarks on end. And Xena's role was to make sure that the herder never found either of them by hiding them in different locations or leading the shepherd off their trail. Her and Xena had made a good team at the beloved game.

"Let's get you fed," Xena teasingly offered. She released her friend and went over to the door.

Gabrielle picked up her sheathed dagger and quickly tucked it into her boot. She went to the pegboard and freed her sheathed Amazon sword. She brought the strap across her chest then adjusted the sheath into place on her back. She was about to get her staff, but a large hand held her staff down. She curiously glanced up at her friend. She had a beat to admire Xena in the swirling bronze armor that she adored.

The Conqueror pulled her hand away from the staff and closed off the space between them. She needed this so she lowered her head to Gabrielle's for a long kiss.

Gabrielle softly moaned then slid her hand behind Xena's head and melted into the amazing kiss. She couldn't seem to get enough of the kisses or Xena's smooth lips. She tried to not allow herself to think about what else she badly wanted from and with Xena.

"Hmmm," the ruler murmured at the end of the kiss. She slipped her arm around the bard's waist and pulled her against her body. She grinned when Gabrielle pulled her back down for another kiss. After the kiss ended, she brushed her cheek against Gabrielle's in a new habit they were forming together. She had her lips close to Gabrielle's ear, and she had so many things she wanted to whisper to Gabrielle, but she held back. She knew it just wasn't the right time or place for her words, maybe someday soon.

"We should go," the Conqueror whispered.

"Mmmm." The Amazon Queen had a hard time letting go of her friend, but she achingly pulled back. She let go of a sad sigh then went for her staff. She then followed her friend out of the hut. She silently prayed that this morning's meeting would go easily despite it would mean she, her Amazons, and the Conqueror would be leaving shortly afterwards. Gabrielle did not look forward to the road's split just north of Amphipolis that would separate her and Xena for a long time. But she had to remind herself this was the right thing to do, for the Greater Good.

To be continued.