Chapter Sixteen

Together Forever

Xena was waiting, had been waiting for a half a day, when Gabrielle rode up. Without hesitation, they were in each other’s arms, letting passion take over until their thirst for each other was temporarily quenched.

They dressed, mounted up and proceeded to Lila’s farm.

“What did you tell them?” Xena asked.

“That I was going to find warriors and soldiers to bring back. You?”

“The same. With the plans I laid out for them, they will be building and digging at least half a month with no time for raiding.”

“Me too.”

When they stopped to make camp for the evening, Xena, using leather twine, tied the pendant around Gabrielle’s neck, kissing the nape of her neck softly, causing chills to run up and down her back.  As the night passed, their love for each other was confirmed and reconfirmed over and over. It was well past dawn when they awoke. With the late start, it would take most of the day before they would reach Lila’s farm.

“Before I got sidetracked, I thought about visiting the Amazons to tell them about your death,” Xena said.

“Then you would have ridden into quite a mess.”

“How so?”

“Well, Varia died from a fever.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Me too.  Anyway, there was another queen, called herself Ephiny, who I think was doing a pretty good job, but she was having trouble with a bunch of young, foreign Amazons they had taken into the tribe.  One, in particular, named Canova, was causing most of the problems. She was hot-headed and wanted to be queen.”

As the day progressed, Gabrielle told the story as objectively as she could.

“So, that means you’re not Queen Gabrielle anymore?”

“I guess not. Fair or not, she won the combat.”

“Well, after we’ve spent some time with Lila, I think we should pay the Amazons a visit. And I think you should challenge her again. It doesn't sound like her kind of leadership is good for the tribe.”

Gabrielle smiled. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

They arrived shortly before sunset. Lila was inside making stew for her evening meal when she heard Gabrielle shouting to her.

“Lila! I’m back! And I’ve brought someone for supper!”