“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>They had lost everything family, friends and homes.
Despite that they weren't ready to lie down and die and she
admired them even more, "Of course. We could use some
help." She turned to Leonis, a tall slender older man,
"Will you assign duties to our friends?"

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Leonis nodded and motioned them out of the building,
assuming his roll as second in command.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>The camp was becoming a flurry of activity when Amazon
ventured back to Xena and Gabrielle. She handed Xena a flask of
water and kneeled beside them. "How is she?"

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Xena had just used a pressure point to help ease her
friend's headache and now she was dozing. "A bad headache
but she'll be fine."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>"Without your help," the Amazon began,
"These people would be the property of slavers. My name is
Bethany and I am in your debt."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Xena looked at the villagers, recognizing the look that
they wore. She had left countless people like this behind in her
earlier days, it seemed only right that she help them for a
change.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>"I'm Xena." She looked down at her
sleeping companion, "My friend Gabrielle. Your debt is paid in
full."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>The woman seemed stunned for only a second when she
heard Xenas name then her face regained its normal setting. Most
would not have caught that look of surprise it had been so quick
but Xena did. She said nothing as Bethany began speaking, "We
are from Havenous. We ride patrols in this area and try to help
when a village has been attacked and before the slavers move in.
These people were in a village that was destroyed about a days ride
from here. We're escorting them to Havenous to start anew. Your
friend was hurt helping us. We don't have much but I can offer
you a hot meal, warm fire and thankful company. We'd be honored
if you'd stay with us at least for the night."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>It was a heartfelt offer and although Xena was anxious
to reach Barbus this offer was tempting. Gabrielle needed a safe
place to rest and with only eleven soldiers to protect thirty
villagers, mostly children, these people could use an extra sword
for a day or so.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>"I accept your offer, thank you."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Bethany smiled, "Good. Now let's find a more
comfortable place for your friend to get some rest."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Leonis, Fabius and Xena got the wounded settled and
because of her medical ability Xena took over the care of the
injured so Fabius could help elsewhere. As she checked and changed
bandages on some of the villagers she could tell that they had been
tended to with care and skill.