“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Again her old memories bubbled to the surface as she
looked around the camp. She found herself wondering how many
people, innocent people like this had she been responsible for. Had
they had someone like Bethany and her soldiers to help them? Before
she could fall to deeply into her own dark place, she felt a tap on
her arm. She turned and saw Mara's young son standing few feet
away. He was only about thirteen summers, with long black hair and
deep sad brown eyes. He seemed to flinch and cower when she
acknowledged him.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>"I'm sorry Warrior." He slowly spoke, his
voice barely above a whisper, "Mother wanted me to tell you
your friends awake."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Xena mustered her friendliest face and gently patted his
arm, "Thank you."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>The boy relaxed slightly, said nothing and went back to
help his mother. Xena let him get a small distance ahead and then
followed him.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Bethany too had spent some time observing their guest.
She had been so uncertain of her reaction when the two of them
finally met, but she was surprised at the calm and peace that had
settled over her. Watching Xena treat the wounded had convinced her
even more that the stories of her turn to fight for good were true.
Because of her own past she had recognized someone who had things
to atone for and couldn't help but admire the fighting and
healing skills of the Warrior Princess. Her residual fear and
uncertainty were rapidly giving way to curiosity. Especially at how
she came to be traveling with an Amazon.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>She hopped to convince Xena and her friend to accompany
them to Havenous. Not only to get some answers to old questions but
because they desperately needed someone with Xenas fighting skill
and strength. One of the women tending the evening meal called out
and made a motion in the air, and the others began making their way
to the pot over the fire.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>The children immediately lost interest in the game and
ran to get in line. As she stood up from the dust Leonis moved up
beside her, both of them watching the crowd gather for dinner.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>He was about ten years older than her and a full foot
taller. He had the muscular build of a career soldier, his head
topped off with short curly brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard.
His face was weathered and slightly scarred but still handsome and
he had blue eyes that twinkled with wisdom and compassion.
"You okay?" he questioned, his voice firm but twinged
with weariness.