Realmgen5

Xena fought her way in Gabrielle�s direction. She watched helplessly as the dagger was forced into the bard�s side and the butt of a sword cracked against her skull. The Warrior Princess went into a rampage in an effort to keep them from taking Gabrielle�s body. Angela ran in from behind the soldiers and took them out. She stood over Gabrielle�s body fighting off their attackers until Xena could take the bard and run for safety, if there were any.

The first of the soldiers made the clearing. Queen Cyane was waiting for them. The Amazons let loose a volley of arrows. Less than a dozen were killed and no more soldiers came from the forest. Cyane ordered the attack. She led her sisters into the forest where the other half of her forces had already begun their ambush. She knew that the Amazon�s would do well. This army may be good, but the dark was a powerful ally. It acted as an equalizer between the two armies.

�XENA! JUST GET HER AND GO!� screamed Angela. She couldn�t hold off the soldiers forever and being unable to move from her position standing over the fallen bard made matters worse. �I�LL BE RIGHT BEHIND YOU!�

Xena pulled a rider off of his horse. She put her fallen friend on it and climbed up into the saddle yelling, �ANGELA, LET�S GO.�

�GO XENA!� Angela watched as Xena rode off away from the battle. She hoped that Gabrielle would be alright.

Xena looked back to see Angela fighting for her life... no, she was fighting for their lives. Xena turned the horse around to go back and help but it was no use, there were too many. She could no longer make out Angela�s form in the blur of bodies that seemed to be retreating. �ANGELA!!!!�

Angie saw the Warrior Princess stop to look for her. She could hear Xena calling for her, but this was the only way. If Xena came back, they would all die. Angie wouldn�t have that, �XENA!!! GO!� she fought desperately for a few more moments, �RU...�

Xena wanted to go back, but the Amazons were converging on the area where she had last seen Angela. If she was still alive, she would be safe. In the mean time, Xena had to get Gabrielle to safety and tend to her wounds.

The Amazon�s drove the army back with relative success. Cyane�s plan had worked. She returned to camp to find Xena stitching up a knife wound in Gabrielle�s right side. Cyane made her way over to them.

�Will Gabrielle be alright?� Cyane asked; concern in her voice.

�I hope so. Where�s Angela?� inquired the warrior.

�I haven�t seen her. I thought she was with you.�

�No, we were separated. She was supposed to follow us, but...� Xena didn�t finish. Angela was dead, though a small part of her felt differently. �She was right about that army. I should have listened, this wouldn�t have happened...�

�I�ll send scouts out immediately to bring her back. I�m sorry.� Cyane truly was sorry. She bowed her head and walked away signaling to a number of warriors that she had a task for them.

About two candle marks after sunrise, the scouts returned. They hadn�t found Angela�s body. The soldiers had taken her with them. Xena was furious. She changed Gabrielle�s bandages and set off in search of Angela. Cyane sent half of her warriors with Xena while the other half went on with their journey. The wounded were carefully loaded into wagons and they were off.

Cyane rode with Gabrielle. She needed to keep and eye on the bards condition. The knife wound wasn�t very deep and had been patched up well by Xena, but the head wound was another story. Gabrielle had a massive concussion and Xena had had to stitch up a gash in the back of the bard�s head where she had been struck; the swelling was getting worse. Xena had asked Cyane to keep a cold compress on the wound, but the queen was running out of water to cool the rag. She knew that they would be coming to a lake soon; maybe another candle mark or two. They would have to refill their water supplies there.

*****

General Chang ordered two war wagons put back to back a few paces apart. Each wagon had poles that rose up about six feet above the beds of the wagons. Angela�s wrists were bound to each of these poles. Chang waited for his men to wake her before removing a crossbow bolt that had found a home in her left shoulder. He wanted to see her pain. He wanted to see every bit of anguish as he pushed the arrow through her shoulder, broke off the tip and pulled it out. He wanted to hear her scream in agony as he thrust the red hot poker into the wound to cauterize it. She didn�t give him the satisfaction. Chang beat her senseless. He beat her into unconsciousness. His men revived her. The general beat her repeatedly in this fashion two more times before ceasing. He then ordered her stripped down and two men made ready with whips; one in front and one behind. Chang roughly grabbed Angela�s face and turned it up to look at him.

�So... you can take a beating... control your pain. You are good, but let us see how well you handle yourself after forty lashes,� Chang dropped her face laughing and turned his back to walk away.

Angela just couldn�t let it go. She had nothing left to lose, �fuck you,� she forced out through a blood filled mouth. The insides of her cheeks had been torn to pieces and at least one good chewing tooth was gone. If she somehow (and against all odds) survived, he was beyond dead.

Outraged at her audacity, Chang spun on her, backhanding her across the face, �do not speak again!�

�Kiss my lily white ass you fuckin�...�

Chang hit her hard in the solar plexus, nearly knocking the wind out of her. He stepped out of the line of fire and, �ONE... TWO... THREE... FOUR...� He counted to ten under his breath between each number. He wanted every dual lash to sink in and be fully realized by her pain center.

Angela was overwhelmed with pain. With every count she was whipped from the front and back. It was more than she could deal with. She tried though, for all it was worth, she tried. Eventually the world went black.

Chang stopped the whipping and ordered his men to revive his prisoner. They had only made it to number eight, �or would that be sixteen?� he smugly thought to himself. When they had successfully awakened her, Chang went on with the count. They only had to revive her one more time after that. Chang was pleased with himself.

�NINETEEN...� Chang was aghast, a war cry sounded in the distance and the ropes suspending Angela had somehow been severed. She fell to the ground in a heap. The general looked off towards the nearby tree line and saw that the Amazon�s were almost upon them.

In a rage, Xena led the Amazon�s in the attack against Chang�s army. When her chakram returned from cutting Angela�s ropes she let it fly one more time. Chang�s head left his body. Xena reclaimed her chakram on the fly and made a bee line towards where Angela lay motionless. The warrior took a bed roll from one of the wagons and used it to wrap Angela�s battered body. Xena called the Amazons to retreat and they were off in the direction of their sisters.

*****

Upon reaching the lake, Queen Cyane ordered her sisters to break for lunch. She had a campfire built and a few Amazons were sent fishing. The healer tended the wounded and had them all brought lakeside to have their wounds cleansed. Cyane went to work cleaning and boiling dressings for the older woman.

After about a candle mark the Amazons began cleaning up the campsite. Cyane allowed them to clean up but ordered that they stay for another candle mark or two in an effort to allow Xena and her band to catch up. It also gave the wounded an opportunity to rest before being moved again.

Xena made excellent time. The Amazon�s she had led in the attack stole the horses of Chang�s army. They rode hard to catch up with Cyane. Angela was near death and Xena did not have her medicine pack with her. They had to catch up with Cyane.

Two candle marks had gone by before Xena rode into camp. She found Cyane floating Gabrielle face up in the lake.

�The swelling is beginning to go down,� Cyane was saying to the healer.

�They�re back,� the healer replied, running to aid Xena.

Cyane wanted to help them, but she knew that there was nothing she could do for Angela. There was something she could do for Gabrielle though, and that was to keep soaking the bard�s head in the cool waters of the lake. It had made a noticeable difference in the swelling and she intended to keep it up for as long as she could.

Xena worked on Angela, with the healers aid, for over a candle mark. Some of the gashes made by the whips were stitched, others had to be cauterized. They had a difficult time of it; after thirty-eight lashes, it was hard to discern where one began and another ended. Angela had little untouched flesh left in her upper torso and had lost a lot of blood along the way. She was cool to the touch; a bad sign. Xena was afraid for her. When they were finished bandaging Angela, Xena went over to Cyane who had recently put Gabrielle back into the lake. When she waded out she heard Cyane whispering to the bard. Gabrielle was awake.

�Xena?� came a faint whisper from the bard.

�I�m here Gabrielle,� Xena answered taking the bards hand in her own. �Cyane, I�ll take over from here... thank you for taking care of her.�

Cyane merely smiled at the warrior and traded places with her. The queen then ordered food brought out to the Warrior Princess. The cook loaded up a wooden tray and set it afloat next to Xena.

�Xena, is Angela...�

�She�s alive Gabrielle. I got her back.� replied Xena. She spoke as softly as the bard.

�Where is she?�

�The healer is with her.�

�You�re not telling me something.�

Xena adjusted her position under the bard, �c�mon, I want you to try and eat something.�

�How bad is it?� Gabrielle locked eyes with Xena, �I have to know.�

�It�s bad. Chang beat her and had her whipped... thirty-eight lashes before I stopped him.� Xena paused and looked away for a moment in the direction of Angela and the healer, �it�s up to her now.�

�Bring me over there, I want to talk to her.�

�I want you to eat first. I�ll bring you over in a little while.� Xena helped Gabrielle eat and checked the swelling on the bards head. It had gone down considerably, but they weren�t out of the woods yet. She still needed to keep a close eye on Gabrielle, head wounds could be tricky.

Though it was late, Cyane ordered the Amazons to break camp and load the wounded into the wagons. She wanted to make the opposite side of the lake by nightfall. Xena discreetly went to Cyane in protest, but the queen told her of a small area there that could be easily defended if need be. Cyane felt that they were in danger at their present location. Xena reluctantly agreed and rode with her two friends in the wagon to keep watch over them.

That evening, Xena barely slept. Her two friends were in terrible shape and needed to be watched over constantly. Gabrielle had been doing better but not by much. Angela, however, was hanging on by a thread. Xena kept her covered in multiple blankets to keep her warm. Shortly after midnight, Cyane offered to take over for the tired warrior.

�Alright, but only a candle mark,� whispered the warrior.

� At least two Xena, you�re exhausted. That�s an order.�

�I don�t take orders from Amazon queens. You know that.�

�You take orders from Gabrielle, she�s an Amazon ...�

Xena threw her arms up in defeat, �ok, ok, I get the point.�

Sleep was elusive prey for the Warrior Princess that evening. She lay awake for a long while, anything and everything stampeding through her mind before she finally found the dream world. She was awakened shortly after entering.

�Xena!� came a loud whisper from Cyane.

Xena turned over to face the queen and saw Angela shaking violently with sweat pouring from her, �oh, no!�

�She is running a fever Xena and it�s bad.� the queen lifted the sick woman into a sitting position and moved in behind her to offer more warmth. She pulled the blankets up around Angela and herself. The young queen began to sweat from the sheer heat rising off of Angela.

Xena dampened a rag and used it to wipe the perspiration from Angela�s forehead, face and neck. �I�m going to go and get some fresh water from the lake.� The warrior filled a large basin and returned immediately.

�I think you should wake the healer,� said the young queen. �she has some herbal remedies that might help.�

Seating herself next to Cyane, Xena took some of the weight of the sick woman, �yeah, I kicked her on the way back. I think she�s rifling through her pack right now.� The warrior re-dampened the rag and continued wiping the perspiration from Angela�s forehead. �This isn�t good. I have to try to wake her up. We need to get some water in her... and the broth that the healer is making.� She added the last after noting the healers presence near the fire.

She looked around her, the eyes peering back at her were faceless. Someone had tied her to a pole; the ropes wrapped tightly around her, binding her motionless. She looked down and beneath her was a large pyre. Torches blazed high in a procession encircling the pyre, then one by one, they each dipped down to spread their flames. The heat rose and enveloped her body, searing her very soul. She opened her mouth to scream, but there was nothing. The heat intensified with every second, every breath. The flames rose high around her, blocking her vision. Her flesh bubbled and peeled... this couldn�t be happening. These things only happened in dreams... she was dreaming!

�Xena,� came a hoarse whisper from Angela, �help.� She was no longer shaking, but the fever was getting worse.

�I�m here Angela,� the warrior whispered back.

�Help... Xena... fire...� Angela struggled.

Lightly patting the side of Angela�s face, �c�mon Angela... stay with me... I need you to wake up...�

�Hot...� came a choked whisper, �burning... help.�

�Cyane, help me get the blanket off.�

�Xena, she�s lost too much blood. If she gets a chill...�

�I understand that, believe me, but if we don�t cool her off now, she will die. I�ll worry about that chill later. Unwrap the blanket while I hold her up.�

Cyane did as Xena asked. The healer arrived shortly after with an herbal tea and a broth designed to help reduce the fever. Angela had never fully awakened from her nightmare and was quite delirious, but Xena was able to force some of the tea and broth into the ailing woman. Cyane, meanwhile, had been sponging Angela down with cool water from the lake to help reduce the fever.

The healer found the infected wound and lanced it, draining it of puss and green ooze. A quarter of a candle mark later, she was forced to do so again. The aging healer then made a new poultice and re-bandaged the wound.

After about a candle mark Angie fell silent. She was no longer having delusions. She merely slept quietly, her head resting in the lap of the Warrior Princess. They had succeeded in reducing her fever to a tolerable level. Cyane then slid a light blanket back over Angela and kept watch with Xena for the remainder of the evening.

*****

As the morning sun rose, Gabrielle opened her eyes and slowly looked around. Her head was pounding. She sat up carefully, looking for the Warrior Princess. Checking behind her, she found Xena and Cyane sitting back to back supporting each other. Angela lay curled up sleeping in the warriors lap.

�What happened?� the bard asked, squinting in the morning light. �Is everything alright?�

�Oh, just some fever, delusions, a small infection. That�s all. Nothing the Warrior Princess couldn�t handle,� replied the warrior with a yawn. Her stress and weariness showing plainly in her face.

�You almost lost her, didn�t you?�

�Yup.�

�Is the fever down, is she going to be alright... you have been up all night, haven�t you?� Gabrielle asked, her eyes adjusting to the light.

�Uhhhmmm, let me see... yes, yes, and yes.� Xena yawned, �Cyane has been sitting up with me,{another yawn} we�ve been taking turns keeping watch over both of you.�

With the healers help, the bard made her way over to where her companions were seated. She checked Angela�s temperature for herself and found only a very slight fever. The healer then changed Gabrielle�s bandages and ordered the bard to lie down and rest some more. Gabrielle sort of complied. She moved her bedroll next to her friends and made herself comfortable. The bard offered to keep an eye on Angela if Xena wanted to stretch her legs, eat, anything. The warrior thought about it for a minute then she and Cyane set Angela up next to the bard and went to the fire pit for their breakfast. Gabrielle kept vigil for the quarter candle mark they were away.

*****

Slowly she opened her eyes and to her left was the bard, seemingly engrossed in her writing. Gabrielle's quill made a scratching noise as it made its way across the parchment. Angela watched for a few moments as Gabrielle, occasionally tapping the quill against the scroll to induce ink flow, wrote with a most serene look about her. Angela silently wondered if she would ever achieve that sort of contentment again. Her thoughts were cut short by the growing pain in her body. Her flesh felt as though it was tearing apart.

�Gab... Gabrielle...� Angela could barley speak. Her face didn�t seem to want to cooperate.

�By the gods... XENA, she�s awake. You�re going to be fine Angie.� Gabrielle said as she dropped her scroll and moved closer to Angela, taking the ailing woman's hand in her own.

�How bad?� Angela forced out through a battered and swollen face.

�Nothing that plenty of rest won�t cure.� the bard smiled reassuringly. She looked up as the Warrior Princess made her way over and knelt down on the opposite side of Angela.

�Hey...� Xena spoke just above a whisper, �I want you to try and drink some of this.� the warrior gently lifted Angela�s head and offered the water skin. Angela drank deeply. �That�s enough for now. The healer is making up some more broth for you. She�ll be over in a few minutes.�

�Thank you.�

�Don�t mention it, besides, I should be thanking you...�

�No,� Angela cut in, �no,� she winced in agony. With every passing breath, her pain centers overflowed.

�I�m going to make a poultice for you to relieve some of the pain.� asserted Xena, in a quiet, confident tone.

�Xena, that�s going to be a big poultice. Is there anything else you can give her?� questioned the bard.

�I don�t have anything with me, but the healer might. Besides, I still need a poultice to be sure she doesn�t get another infection.�

The healer soon appeared with the promised broth and after Angela had had a reasonable amount, the aging woman set about readying the rest of the wounded for the upcoming journey. Xena had, in the meantime, been preparing the poultice for Angela�s wounds. The warrior peeled back the blankets and began to remove the old bandages. Angela pushed the pain aside just enough to gaze down at her own battered body. What she saw nearly made her vomit. Her body looked shredded.

�Oh... my... God.� Angela�s voice quivered, �this is...� Gabrielle laid a reassuring hand on Angela�s shoulder. Angela turned to look at her, �am I this bad all over?�

Gabrielle solemnly looked down for a moment then back up, into Angela�s eyes, �yes,� was all she whispered.

Angela laid her head back down on her pillow and allowed Xena to finish with the poultice and bandages. It was nearly a candle mark before she was finished. Throughout this time Angela attempted to meditate the pain away, but was only moderately successful. She would try again on the road.

�Xena? About Chang...� Angela began while Xena dressed her.

�Yes.� Xena cut in.

�Is he...�

�I killed him,� the warrior stated bluntly. She finished helping Angela into her Amazon clothing (�Jane bikini�) and added, �couldn�t have that vengeance bug nipping at you again. Now could we?� Xena gave a warm smile to her injured friend and helped her into the wagon. The warrior then carried Gabrielle to the same wagon and placed her next to Angie.

Gabrielle felt increasingly better as the day progressed. She had a lot of catching up to do with her writing so she used this chance to do so. The bard sat with her legs crossed writing passionately of the events of the past two weeks and, line by line, the story came together.

The bard looked up from her narrative after a couple of candle marks and noticed that Angela was awake, and not meditating. �Angela, can I ask you something?�

Looking over at Gabrielle puzzled, �yeah, sure. Go ahead.�

�You said something the other night and I want to make sure that I get this right...�

�Ok,� still sounding puzzled.

�When we were talking the other night you said that you had been pro...progr...�

�Programmed.� Angela said as she fully turned herself to face the bard, propping herself up on her right elbow. One of the few places she didn�t hurt.

�Programmed... ok... what does that mean, exactly? I mean, I can guess by the context of the conversation, but I would like to be sure since I�m writing it.�

�Well... it�s a twentieth century term. I kinda used it in the slang sense. What I meant by it was that the training that I underwent was drilled into me until it became an automatic response... like breathing. I don�t think, I do.� She looked out the back of the wagon for a quick moment then back at Gabrielle, �I�m not used to being that way and it�s scary. I feel out of control.�

�How so?� the bard inquired. She hadn�t fully expected the conversation to take this turn, but any opportunity to get Angela talking was a good one.

�Before I came here, I had full control of my body, my emotions and my self. The minute I stepped into your world, I lost all of that and I have been through Hell and high water trying to get it back. The only thing I seem to be able to control is my physical pain, and barley even that.� Angela stated looking up at the bard.

�When you were being trained, didn�t you realize that this is what your master was doing?� Gabrielle said as she rolled up her scroll and put her quill inside of it.

�I knew to an extent, obviously. I was learning how to fight. Making your actions second nature is the idea. I just didn�t know that it was the idea with my training. I didn�t know that I was being groomed for this.� Angela took a deep breath and once again pushed back the pain she felt, �Master Lao told me I had some sort of destiny to fulfill, but I thought that he was just a crazy old man. He wasn�t... he knew.�

�How long ago did he die?� Gabrielle asked with the utmost sincerity.

�He went back to China, to Lao providence, to visit relatives and he never returned. No one seemed to know where he was or what had happened to him. It was like he just disappeared off the face of the Earth. I don�t know that he is dead.� Angela seemed distressed over the memory of her former master.

Gabrielle, wanting desperately to console her friend, �Angela, if he is gone... know that he is in a better place.�

�I try to believe that, but I never fully accepted that he was gone. I always had this feeling like he would turn up at the most uncanny time and surprise me.� Angela grew quiet.

�How long ago did he disappear?� inquired Gabrielle.

�About two years ago.� Angela sullenly replied, dropping her gaze. She let her eyes rest on Gabrielle�s parchment, then looked back up at the bard and asked, �when you�re finished catching up on that scroll, can you read it to me?�

�Of course, I�m a bard, it�s what I do.� The two women laughed for a few moments at the memory of their drunken mischief then went back to their respective writing and sleeping/meditating.

*****

The following afternoon, Queen Cyane�s tribe reached their destination. Varia�s scouts had met up with them near the Amazon-Centaur border and escorted them the rest of the way to the village. Unlike the rest of Cyane�s tribe, she and Xena were not afforded the opportunity to relax after they arrived. They were immediately spirited away for a conference with Varia.

Gabrielle and Angela were brought to their hut and tended to. Varia�s healer, M�tai had come to the Amazon�s from the far East. She knew many of the same remedies that Xena did and took over for Cyane�s aging healer. M�tai spent over a candle mark and a half making up new poultices and re-bandaging the two wounded warriors before her. She then made up a broth for Angela that would relieve some of the pain and help her to sleep.

Over the next two candle marks, while Angela slept, Gabrielle finished updating her scroll. As she rolled up her parchment and hid the quill inside, Xena wearily stepped into the room and quietly made her way over to the bard.

�Hey, how are you feeling?� Xena whispered in an effort to not disturb Angela�s sleep.

�I�m doing ok. The headache is almost gone. The bump and the stitches hurt more than anything.�

�How about the knife wound?� Xena asked as she sat down next to Gabrielle.

�If I don�t move... it�s ok. Otherwise it hurts like a banshee.�

�How does it look?�

�I checked it for myself when M�tai changed the poultice; it�s healing well,� the bard looked thoughtfully at her best friend for a long moment, �something�s wrong.�

�Varia said that Kwan�s army stopped moving about two days after we left. I think he might be waiting for Chang�s army to return, but all that�s left is a rag tag bunch. Maybe ten men, if that. They lost a lot during the raid on the Amazon camp and we killed a bunch when we went after Angela. The rest ran into the woods in the opposite direction.�

�So Kwan could be waiting for a very long time. How many are left in Kwan�s army?� Gabrielle�s hushed voice began to show a hint of worry.

�A hundred, maybe a hundred and fifty. I�m not sure. I think he only has about a hundred, I hope.� The uneasiness began to show in Xena�s voice also. It wasn�t over yet. �Listen, it�s not something you need to worry about right now. I want you to get some rest.� Xena stood up and checked Gabrielle�s water supply, �I�ll be back with some fresh water for you... hungry?�

�A little.� The bard smiled up at her companion and watched her leave. The thought of sleeping in a comfortable bed did have an appealing quality to it. She decided to take Xena�s advice and made herself comfortable. She found the dream world in the blink of an eye.

Xena returned a few minutes later with fresh water and food. She found the bard sleeping peacefully. After laying the tray on the table next to Gabrielle, Xena crawled into her own bed and slept for the first time in days. She was awakened three candle marks later by the dinner call. Ignoring it, she fell back into a deep sleep.

*****

Two weeks went by. Kwan�s army never moved. Meanwhile, Gabrielle had almost fully recovered from her wounds. Angela was also recovering quite well. She was concerned about the scarring, but Gabrielle had reassured her that it would be minimal. Showing Angela her back... she proved it. Gabrielle explained to her that Xena had learned many things when she was in Chin. One of them was preparing a poultice that would minimize scarring while keeping down infection. The bard told her that M�tai knew many of the same remedies and that was why Xena had personally taken care of Angela�s wounds until they returned to the village.

Angela was happy to hear this, �Well, I guess that gives me something to look forward to.�

�Always the optimist.�

�Ummm, I need a bath.�

�Yes you do.�

�I can smell myself. Bad.�

�So can I.�

�When do you think Xena will let me bathe?�

�She told you not to bathe?� Gabrielle queried in disbelief.

�Yeah, she said something about not washing off the poultice. But I figure, if I bathe right before bandage time, it�ll be ok.�

�How bad are your wounds now? They should be almost healed, right?�

�Yup,� Angela opened up some of the bandaging to reveal wounds that were nearly healed. �I can�t see any possible way of getting an infection now.� She re-closed the bandages and noted the bard�s eagerness to move away.

�Yeah, you certainly are healing up�

�I really smell that bad, don�t I?�

�Yup,� was all the bard said as Xena came upon them.

�Hey.� Xena greeted the two women that were seated on either side of the doorway.

Angela grabbed the warriors wrist, �I NEED a bath. I STINK. When can I go jump in the stream?�

�Whew, your right, you do stink. I�ll have a new poultice ready for you when you get back. Use LOTS of soap. Oh, and don�t pick at, or rub off any scabs.� Xena spoke the last as she entered the hut and began taking stock in the ingredients needed to make up the new poultice.

�THANK YOU!� Angela was up and running for the stream. Gabrielle ambled along after her bringing spare clothes for both of them.

When Gabrielle arrived at the stream she found Angela having a Hades of a time unwrapping the bandaging that wove its way around her upper body. Suppressing a laugh, well, almost suppressing a laugh, she helped her friend out of her predicament and took their belongings to a nearby rock that was large enough to lay everything out on. She then took a running start and in Angela�s terms �cannon balled� into the stream. There was only a small area where there was any depth and Gabrielle landed right in the middle of it almost landing on Angela.

�Oh, shit!�

�What?� The bard asked laughing.

�Soap�s gone,� Angela scanned the shallow depths of the stream, �I lost it when I jumped out of the way.�

�I hope the current didn�t take it.�

�Yeah, you�re telling me.�

After about a ten minute search, they found the soap downstream about ten feet away. They wasted no time in using it. They dressed in the clean clothes that Gabrielle had brought and made their way back to the hut.

Xena didn�t feel the need to put new bandages on Angela. She opted instead, to apply the poultice to the wounds that had been a little worse than the others and leave the rest bare. Angela�s scabbing had been minimal due to the poultices and Xena was able to reassure her that, in time, there would be little visual reference to what had happened to her.

After lunch, Gabrielle and Angela took up their respective seats outside the hut. Xena pulled another chair out of the hut and seated herself next to the bard. After about thirty seconds of boredom, she walked away grumbling. Gabrielle lightly chuckled to herself knowing exactly what Xena was up to.

�Hey, Gabrielle,� Angela asked, �did you ever finish that scroll?�

�Yes, a while ago. Are you ready for it?� Gabrielle replied, smiling over at Angie.

�Bring it on Bard.�

Gabrielle read the lengthy scroll to her friend. Angela was amazed at how detailed and accurate it was. Right down to her psychotic episodes, play by play.

�I�m sorry,� Angela said as Gabrielle finished, �you have no idea how sorry I am.�

�There�s no reason to...�

�Yes, there is. If I can ever make it up to you and Xena, just tell me. I couldn�t possibly do enough.�

�You saved my life... you don�t owe me anything.�

Xena, meanwhile, had returned a while back with what resembled a small log and had been whittling ever since. �Well you owe me... and come to think of it, you can lump her payback in with mine.�

�What are you up to Xena?� Gabrielle asked, looking sidelong at her best friend.

�The girl just wants to make amends... I think we should let her.� Xena proclaimed innocently.

The bard, not missing a beat, �you are not using her as your personal slave.�

Angela merely sat back through this watching the two women play one another. She had to work double time not to laugh out loud.

�Who said anything about personal slaves? I surely didn�t. Besides, I don�t believe in slavery. Remember?� Xena defiantly crossed her arms with a pouting look on her face, all the while trying desperately to look as innocent as can be.

�Ok... ok, fine. Then what did you have in mind Warrior Princess?� Gabrielle was beginning to ooze sarcasm.

�Well I just thought that ummm... well, I, a ... you know, I am parched. How about you two?�

�Not so fast Warrior Princess. What are you up to?� the determination in Gabrielle�s eyes had Xena on the figurative run.

�Ok, fine. I wanted to have some wine tonight, but you know how I can�t drink if I think there is danger around, so I figured that since, well...� Xena was never the most articulate person.

�Oh, I get it now. You want Angie to protect us if anything happens while you get bombed. XENA, there are 125 Amazons in this village, as we speak. We are safe. Kwan�s men are an eight day ride from here. What are you worried about?�

Angela could sit still no longer, laughing heartily, �it�s ok Gabrielle, if she wants to get drunk, let her. Join her... I�ll keep an eye on things and make sure everything stays cool.� Her eyes sere watering from laughter, she wiped them then finished, �don�t worry, physically I�m good. I just look like shit.�

�Yeah, and up until a little while ago, you smelled like it too.� the bard said giggling.

�Yes I did. I just wish soap could fix looks as well as smells.�

*****

After dinner, Angela brought the keg of wine that she and Gabrielle had hijacked a few weeks earlier to their hut. Xena sat at the table smacking her lips like someone who had just gone a couple of days in a desert and was looking at water for the first time...

The following afternoon, Angela awoke with a wet, sticky feeling to the side of her face. Part of her pillow was wet also... she had been drooling, �how lovely,� she muttered under her breath. As she adjusted to her blurred vision, she noticed all to quickly that the sun was high in the sky and brighter than she had ever seen it before. �This place needs curtains,� came another muttering. She carefully sat up and noticed that Xena was gone. That was no surprise, but the bard was missing also. Now that was a surprise. Angela hadn�t had nearly as much as the other two women so she deduced that they couldn�t be far. She knew exactly where to look, but was afraid to do so. She thought about leaving them, but then decided that paybacks are a bitch. Angela couldn�t wait to see Xena carrying Gabrielle to the stream.

Angela made her way around to the back of the hut and sure enough, there they were. The two women were laying next to each other in the sparse grass. They were filthy, but it didn�t look like a whole lot of was vomit. Granted, there were noticeable piles round, but not too much on Gabrielle, and even less on Xena. Angela stood there a few moments deciding on the best way to awaken her unconscious companions when the bard began to stir.

�Xena?� Gabrielle mumbled. �Xena I don�t feel...MMMBLAAACH...... BBBLRRRACKKK.�

Angela had to turn away. Gabrielle had turned in the wrong direction and vomited all over a slumbering Warrior Princess. Xena sat up in a momentary daze only to have the puke slide its way down her chest and under her leather. A look of disgust came over her face, quickly followed by her own retching.

After vomiting on the warrior, Gabrielle had turned over onto her right side and passed out again. She had no clue as to what had happened. She was also seemingly clueless to the fact that she had been laying on a puddle of vomit all night.... again.

Angela watched the two women in partial disbelief. She could believe that this was happening, but she had trouble with the fact that Xena was acting like she had slimy creepy crawlies all over her. The warrior was tearing at her leathers and trying desperately to free herself of their hold. �You�d think that bard puke burned, or something,� Angela thought to herself.

Angie turned and went back into the hut. She gathered up some clean clothes for her two friends and made her way to the stream. She strategically dumped the clothes in a heap near the water and went back for the two women. �It�s a dirty job, but somebody�s got to do it,� she muttered to herself. Upon returning, she found Xena almost completely nude, using clean spots on her leathers to wipe off the vomit that been carelessly draped all over her neck, chest and, after some dribbled under her bodice, her stomach. Angela quelled her need to chuckle and went directly to the bard. She picked up Gabrielle and headed off to the cool waters of the stream.

Noting that Xena was right behind her, �uhmm, do you think putting clothes on would be a good idea?�

�Why?� grumbled the Warrior Princess.

�Well, I mean... You�re walking through the village nude. Doesn�t that bother you?�

�No.� Xena grumbled forcefully.

�Hey, I just didn�t want you doing something you�d regret later.�

�Like what?� Xena asked matching Angela�s stride and trying to look her in the eye.

�Like walking through the village naked. I know I wouldn�t want to be caught that way.� Angie said quickly glancing over at the warrior.

�That�s because you�re a prude.�

�I can live with that.�

The women finished their short journey in silence.

*****

A couple of weeks later Kwan�s army was on the move. They were headed in the direction of Chin and the Amazons were greatly relieved, but still wary.

Wanting to stretch her legs and see the area, Angela asked the bard if they could head off in the direction of the nearby town. Gabrielle thought it would be a great idea. She could do the bard thing in one of the taverns and they could go shopping the next day in the towns small bazaar. Xena wasn�t into the shopping thing, but a road trip of any sort had it�s appeal. The three women set out that afternoon, and reached the town the following evening.

They arrived early enough that Xena was able to get a gig at the best tavern in town for Gabrielle. She then did the same at another very good tavern for the following night. The bard was in her glory. They would get to shop �till they dropped and that was just fine with her.

The story that Gabrielle picked for the first evening was called Sins of the Past. Angela realized all too quickly that it was the story of how the two women had met and become friends. Gabrielle painted pictures with her words and the audience clung to every syllable, completely enraptured by her tale. When she was done, she received a standing ovation like none that Angela had ever seen before. People were standing on the tables and chairs clapping and shouting the bard�s name. A small pouch that sat next to Gabrielle filled quickly with dinars. Patrons called for another story and the bard was more than willing to oblige.

The next story was called Animal Attraction, it chronicled the events surrounding Xena finding out that she was pregnant. Another standing ovation and now an overflowing pouch of dinars. Gabrielle had to empty the pouch into her bag and put it back out.

There was another call for an encore, but Gabrielle had been talking nonstop for almost three candle marks. She gracefully thanked her audience and made her way to the back of the tavern where Xena and Angela were seated in a corner watching and waiting. Towards the end of the second story Xena had already ordered food and it was being brought out as Gabrielle sat down.

�That was incredible,� Angela said excitedly, �you had everyone in here eating out of the palm of your hand.�

�She does it every time,� Xena smiled, �how did you do?�

�I�m almost afraid to look. They filled the pouch, then I emptied it into my bag and they filled it about half way after that.� Gabrielle said between bites of her lamb stew.

�Well, I guess you two will be doing quite a bit of shopping tomorrow.�

�Xena, this stew is excellent! Oh, and don�t think for a second that you aren�t going with us.� the bard stated in a very matter-of-fact way.

�I do need a few things, but I�m not going out with you guys all day. I already have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach...�

Angela cut in, �oh, Xena stop your belly aching. I was never much for shopping either, but this looks like it�ll be fun.�

Xena grumbled something under her breath and went back to eating her ribs and potatoes. Angela and Gabrielle merely smiled at each other knowingly. It would be torture for the warrior, but that was half the fun.

The following morning they set out early to traverse the small shops that littered the sidewalks. They more or less window shopped for what Angela had figured to be at least two or three hours before Gabrielle got down to business. Amazed by the spectacle, Angela watched as the bard brilliantly manipulated each and every vendor. Even the more hardened looking sellers that had sent people away without a sale took to Gabrielle, bent over backwards for her and sold their wares for a third of the asking price... at least. Talking was her gift and she used it to her full advantage.

Xena excused herself after a while to go check on the horses. Gabrielle told Xena to meet her in about two candle marks at the arms dealer on the next street. Xena agreed and hastily made her retreat from the crowded throng of shoppers. Angela was a bit confused by this, but Gabrielle reassured her that it was normal Xena behavior in a swarming, merchant laden street. The bard went on to explain that checking on the horses was the warriors way of gracefully leaving and sitting in a tavern for a couple of candle marks while Gabrielle shopped to her little hearts content.

One hour later, Xena caught up with her friends, �hey.�

Gabrielle looked at the warrior quizzically, �I thought we were meeting you at the arms dealer?�

�Uh, yeah, and you will. I just needed to ask you something.�

�Shoot.�

�The owner of the tavern I stopped in recognized me. He begged me to ask you to perform. I told him that you were booked for tonight, but... that I would ask you about tomorrow night.�

�Are you serious,� Gabrielle was astonished by this.

�It�s up to you,� Xena said, �if you want to stay another day, that�s fine with me.�

�Ok, tell him I�ll do it. Tomorrow night. Are you still meeting us in a candle mark or do you want some more time before we drag you around the market place?� Gabrielle said the last smiling.

�No, I�ll meet you two there in about a candle mark. I need a new boot knife and some other stuff.�

�Ok, great, we�ll see you in a little while.� Gabrielle turned her attention to Angela who was dressed in her Amazon bikini top and the black pants that she had arrived in. �We need to find you some clothes.�

�And what exactly do you have in mind?� asked a curious Angie.

�You are a warrior.� pointing at Angela, �We need to dress you like one.�

The first merchant they went to looked Angela up and down and recommended a form fitting leather outfit. Angie reluctantly tried it on. She came out of the makeshift dressing room and went to the nearest mirror. Depending on the mask she might decide to choose (for arguments sake) she was either Cat Woman or a dominatrix. She told the shopkeeper that she had no mobility in the outfit and tried on a few more before thanking him for his time and departing. Gabrielle was undaunted and off to the next shop they went.

When Xena met up with the two women at the arms merchant, they hadn�t found anything. The Warrior Princess joined in the search for Angela�s new leather armor.

After a brief lunch, the three women resumed their search. Xena pointed out a seemingly obscure little shop that was in a small building hidden behind some sidewalk merchants. The shopkeeper that greeted them was young, early twenties at best and apparently from Chin. He sized up the women for a few minutes while they walked through this amazing little shop. He had weapons from every part of the known world. From ornate pieces that would only be used for show, to battle ready swords and daggers. Xena was impressed by the quality of weapons and was glad that she had decided to wait on buying herself a new boot knife.

Gabrielle went over to the merchant, �excuse me, but do you have any leather armor that would fit my friend here?�

The merchant looked Angela over and noticed the healing lash marks on her body. He also took note of the burns on her forearms. �May I see your arms, please?� he asked pointing at Angela�s arms.

She locked eye�s with him and walked over to him holding her arms out, palms up, �any reason why you needed to see this?�

The merchant had both of her hands in his own. He looked up at her for a long moment, �I think that I have exactly what you need.� As gently as he had taken her hands, he let them go and disappeared behind a curtain into a back storage room for a few minutes.

Xena could hear him moving things around in the back, �I wonder what he�s up to?�

�I don�t know, but he�d better hope I like it after all of this trouble he�s going to.� Angela stated looking towards the storage room that the merchant was rummaging around in.

He came out a few minutes later carrying a chest. He carefully set it on the counter and opened the lid. There was a wrapped package inside that he handed to Angela while motioning for her to go into the store room and try it on.

She walked through the curtain and carefully untied the twine holding the package together and removed the first piece. It was a thick, black, form fitting leather top that laced down the back and was cropped short just above her naval. It was low cut in the front and back, sleeveless and had shoulder guards built into it. Angela found the whole thing to be heavy, but comfortable. She was liking it so far.

The next piece...

�Hey Angela, is everything alright in there?� the bard was impatiently awaiting the outcome.

�Yeah, you know it�s funny... I�d swear that someone actually measured me out and tailored this thing specifically for me.�

The next piece was basically black cloth shorts (medium length) with a few thick inch and a half wide pieces of leather that were studded and hung down, in front and back, about as long as the length of her shorts. �Crotch armor?� Angela asked herself. It was all held together by a thick leather belt with the head of a tiger inlaid in silver centered on the front. The heads of a Chinese dragon, snake, crane and leopard were also inlaid in silver in various other areas of the belt. The whole thing sat comfortably at her hips.

When Angela stepped back out into the shop, she merely looked at her two comrades and smiled.

�She�s going to need boots.� Xena chimed in looking at the shopkeeper.

�Oh, don�t worry, she is not done yet.� the merchant replied smiling at the Warrior Princess then over to Angela.

He reached back into the chest and removed another package. He handed it to Angie and motioned for her to open it. She did and a pair of black leather boots with built in knife sheaths and thick knee guards were added to her collection.

The merchant bade her to return to him after she had walked around for a few minutes testing out her new boots. He asked her for her hands again. He placed a silver, one inch thick armband over each bicep. The armbands had ornate scrollwork depicting a crouching/stalking tiger. As Angela examined her new bands the merchant took her right hand and fitted a black leather gauntlet onto her forearm. It had a tiger inlaid with silver that identically matched the one burned into the inside of her forearm. She was speechless as he put a matching gauntlet onto her other arm with a dragon inlaid in silver matching the burned form in her left arm.

�What�s going on?� she asked nervously.

Gabrielle hadn�t seen the depictions on the gauntlets and couldn�t understand Angela�s nervousness. The bard went over to her and lightly touched her arm, �what�s wrong?�

Angela merely looked over to Gabrielle wide eyed and showed her the gauntlets. The bard was completely caught off guard, �uh, yeah, actually, I�d like to know the same thing.�

�Patience,� was all the merchant said. He had laid out a number of daggers on the counter and was putting them in various places in Angela�s new armor. One large dagger in each boot, two small daggers found a home nearly hidden in the back of Angela�s belt and one large dagger on each hip. He then clipped her scabbard to her back, put her sword in it�s place and asked if there were any other weapons that she could use.

�Wait a minute... I really need you to tell me what is going on here. Who are you?�

�I am Lao Sh�i, son of K'ao Hsin, grandson of Lao Ma. I was given this and told to await your arrival. My mother said that it was prophecy that you would come and I am to help you in any way you require. Xena... my mother asked that I give you this.� Lao Sh�i handed a folded and sealed piece of parchment to Xena.

�Gabrielle...�

�Xena... what�s wrong?� Gabrielle asked nervously. She slowly walked the short distance to the warrior.

�The ice cave...�

�Yes?�

�That we were trapped in...�

�Go on.� The bard said putting her hand on the warriors shoulder.

�K'ao Hsin caused the avalanche that opened up the cave.� Xena stated looking up from the parchment into the bard�s eye�s. �She says that she saw us in a dream. She knew that we were still alive.

Lao Sh�i looked on as Xena read the rest of the parchment. He then returned his attention to Angela who was handling some of the weapons. �Is there anything else that you need?�

Angela gazed sidelong at Lao for a moment, �Do you have a fan?�

He smiled at her and with a slight bow of his head he went behind the counter and produced a metal ribbed fan covered in thick silk. When Angela opened the fan she found that it had a picture of a dragon and tiger wrapped up in one another in mortal combat expertly painted on it. It was the same picture that had been on her sash.

Gabrielle saw Angela looking at the fan and seemingly testing it to see how well it opened. �Angie??? How many times are you going to open that fan?�

�I�m checking the action on it. And I like it.� she said smiling. She turned to Lao Sh�i, �why this picture?�

�It depicts the eternal struggle of the Lao family.�

�I�ll take this also.�

Xena folded up the parchment and tucked it away into her left gauntlet when she was done reading it. �Lao Sh�i, how much do we owe you?�

�You owe me nothing. This has all been a gift from my mother.� Lao Sh�i bowed to her then added, �Xena, my mother asked me to repeat this to you... �my mother still speaks to me, even now, through the whispering winds. You may pass on the wisdom.��

�Lao Sh�i, I need to ask you something...� Xena prodded, �why would the son of K'ao Hsin be an arms dealer?�

�I am not. But what better place to find a warrior?� he smiled at the warrior, �I took a job here four moons ago to await your arrival.� he said the last looking at Angela.

�Will you be leaving to go home then?� Angela asked.

�Yes, I will leave within the week.�

�Tell your mother thank you for her help. And that I hope to have the honor of meeting her someday.� Angela bowed to Lao Sh�i.

�Lao Sh�i,� Xena cut in, �Kwan�s army is headed back towards Chin. Be careful and stay out of their way.� Xena clasped hands with Lao, �Thank you, and tell your mother that I hope to make it a point to come and see her soon.

�I will Xena.� He looked over to Gabrielle who seemed to be studying him intently. �What�s wrong?�

�Who is your father?� the bard asked, slowly walking towards him.

�Lin Chi�

�By the gods! I thought I was crazy. You look so much like him.�

Everyone eventually finished their awkward goodbye�s and the three warriors headed off to the tavern that Gabrielle would be performing in shortly.

They arrived about half of a candle mark before Gabrielle would be going onstage so they decided to order up something to snack on and drinks. At the allotted time the bard made her way to the small stage in the opposite corner of the room from where they sat. The crowd went silent as she took the stage and began her tale. The first story she told was a short one about a giant named Gareth that Xena defeated in the giants graveyard. The crowd ate it up and begged for more. The next story she told was called Purity. It chronicled their adventures in Chin where she and Xena had met Pao S�su and Lin Chi. Angela realized that this story was directed at her. She listened and took in every word. It was a history lesson that she needed to know.

When Gabrielle finished with her second story there was a repeat of the previous evening. Her pouch had, once again overflowed and the patrons were screaming for more. She decided to do one more short story and call it a night. The Titans was her final story. This one took place just after Xena and Gabrielle had met. Maybe a few months later. The audience loved it and showed their appreciation justly.

After Gabrielle left the stage the three warriors ate their respective meals and headed back to the Inn that they were staying at.

The following morning found Gabrielle feeling a little mischievous. The women found a merchant that just seemed to have a real bad attitude. Within fifteen minutes Gabrielle nearly had him selling her his only horse for 10 dinars.

�Uh, Gabrielle... you don�t need another horse.� The Warrior Princess bluntly stated.

Gabrielle turned from the merchant and walked away, �yes, I know, but he irked me Xena.� She looked up at her best friend and smiled, �I just wanted to have a little fun with him.�

�Gabrielle, you have been having a little fun with most of the merchants you�ve been to today. Are all of those dinars going to your head or something?�

�Not really. I mean, it�s not like I�ve spent a whole lot... yet.� the bard gave Xena a quick glance with a small smirk and moved on to the next shop.

�Xena, what�s up?� asked Angela, noting that the warrior did not seem happy.

�I hate shopping.�

�I know, I�m surprised you haven�t gone to check on the horses yet. Are you worried about something?� Angela seemed truly concerned.

�Everyone in town seems to know that she�s carrying a lot of money on her. And I mean A LOT. That makes her a target.�

�Xena, We are in a public place...�

The warrior cut Angie off, �It doesn�t matter. And don�t think for a second that I don�t trust her or you to take care of yourselves. I just feel better being around. With everything that has happened lately, I can�t take any chances.�

�Look... I completely understand. And I have an idea. Hey Gabrielle?� Angela called out smiling.

�Yes?�

�I�m not quite used to these boots yet, do you mind if we stop in that tavern for a while and give my feet a rest?� Angela looked solemnly at the bard.

�Sure, I�m feeling a little hungry right now anyway.� The bard said leading the small group into the tavern.

Xena put her hand on Angela�s shoulder stopping her momentarily, �thanks, I owe you one.�

�Don�t mention it princess.�

Angela�s little ruse effectively saved Xena from about two and a half candle marks of shopping. Angie kept the bard talking about the time she and Xena had spent in Chin (which Angela actually needed to know about) and about the ice cave. That was a new one. Angie hadn�t known about their 25 year slumber and she was interested to hear about it. Xena joined the conversation at times, adding her two cents (dinars) where she felt her point of view of certain situations was needed. Angela sat fascinated for the entire time.

�Alright, Xena, do you think you can handle going back out there now?� Gabrielle looked at the warrior with a smirk on her face.

�Yeah, I guess so,� unhappily came the reply.

�C�mon Xena... you�ve had two and a half candle marks. Just relax and enjoy yourself.� Gabrielle patted her friend on the back then gave her shoulder a little squeeze.

�Hey Angela, are your feet feeling any better?� The warrior attempted to buy more time, but...

�No, no, no, no, no... Xena... there is nothing wrong with her feet. She was just covering for you...
and don�t give me that �I�m innocent� look either. It�s not going to work.�

That evening Gabrielle had another repeat of the two previous evenings telling her tales. But to Angela, they were another history lesson. The first story lasted a very long time. The bard spoke of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness. Her first story was called The Debt. A captivated audience laughed and cried throughout the tale and shook the walls with their applause. Emotionally drained, Gabrielle decided that the next story would be something on a lighter note. She began a tale about a lost little girl that had gone to Aphrodite for help. The story was called If the Shoe Fits. More thundering applause when it was over. Gabrielle graciously thanked everyone for coming and being such a wonderful audience.