“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>"And wake up with your throat cut! I thought you
were smarter than this. I will not stand by and let you lead these
people to the slaughter. I'm sure the others will have
something…." He stopped, looking over her shoulder, hand
reaching for his sword.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Bethany turned and saw Xena emerging from the bushes a
few feet away. She faced Benedictus and reached to stay his sword.
"That's enough!" She almost yelled, wondering how
much of the argument Xena had heard.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Xena stood her ground, raising her hands slightly to
show that she was unarmed, but her eyes reflected readiness to
defend herself if need be. "I don't want to cause a
problem. I'll get my friend and we'll ride out
now."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>"Good. The sooner the better." Benedictus
growled, keeping his hand on his sword hilt.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Bethany's eyes flashed as she gave him a look that
would cause Aries to cower. Slowly she turned and walked over to
Xena.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Never saying a word, she met Xenas eyes and held them.
Before Xena could speak, she felt a bit disoriented then relaxed.
Bethany's green eyes seemed to glow and swirl like pools of
water. Xena couldn't pull her gaze away and really didn't
want too. There was a calm reflected in those eyes. A calm that
settled into Xenas soul. As quickly as it had begun, the connection
was gone and she took a slight step back unsure of what had just
happened.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Bethany's face radiated calm and confidence,
"That won't be necessary. You are my guest and are welcome
to stay for as long as you like. I apologize that you had to
overhear this petty disagreement. Please stay."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>"You've lost your mind." Benedictus
interrupted.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>She whirled around her anger resurfacing, "You have
insulted our guest, who's only crime here is helping us when we
needed it. I am used to your behavior and have been too tolerant
but you will not show such disrespect to a friend."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>His face and voice oozed contempt, "She is not my
friend. She is a butcher and I will not be led to slaughter like an
Ox."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Bethany nodded, "Very well. Get on your horse and
ride out. The last thing these people need is to hear the rantings
of your paranoid mind."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>His disbelief was evident as he took a step forward,
hand still on his sword, "What?"

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Xena could only watch the proceedings uncomfortably.
There was more here than her appearance and had gone too far to
stop it from playing out.