“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Xena thought of the way Bethany had looked at her, her
eyes glowing and the feeling she had of complete safety in that
hypnotic look.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>"Was I seeing things or was there an Amazon here
earlier?" Gabrielle asked changing subjects and stifling a
yawn.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>"Yes and you can meet her in the morning. Right now
we both need some rest." Xena answered as she lay down and
settled into a comfortable position.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>"Goodnight." Gabrielle lay down and was asleep
in seconds.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Xena watched her friend for a few minutes thinking about
the story of Havenous and it's Guardian. Before she could
consider too much of the information exhaustion overtook her and
she too, was asleep.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Like all Warriors, even when Xena was asleep, she was
aware of all around her. As she awoke, she kept her eyes closed,
straining her hearing to find what had caused her to wake. She
suppressed a smile as she heard Gabrielle's soft snoring beside
her. The young woman swore that she never snored but on many nights
Xena had been awakened by snorting that could shake the ground.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Further away she heard other snores, groans and mumbling
of the sleeping camp. In the far distance she heard a stomp and
soft whinny of a horse. Then she picked up the sound of a child
crying and thrashing in the throws of a nightmare. It was a several
feet away and what had awakened her.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>She was about to move when she heard soft rapidly
approaching footsteps. Lying on her side she opened her eyes
slightly and saw Bethany kneeling beside the child. It was a little
girl of about eight, with long blond hair and brown eyes. Xena
recognized her as the little girl who had her leg broken when her
village was attacked. Mara had told her that the girl’s
entire family had died that day and that it was only by Zeus that
she had lived.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Bethany gently touched the girl’s shoulder, her
voice soothing, "It's all right Neysa." The little
girl woke up, her eyes confused and frightened. When she focused
and saw Bethany she relaxed slightly and began crying, "The
Monsters."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Bethany picked her up and cradled her, rocking gently,
"There all gone now little one. It was only a nightmare.
You're safe here."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Her tears subsided but she still shivered, "When I
close my eyes I see them. I see what they did to my Mother and
Father. I'm afraid they'll come for me too."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Bethany held her tighter and the little girl snuggled
closer, feeling safe. "They won't come for you Neysa. I
won't ever let them hurt you again."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>"Promise?"

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>"Promise." She answered firmly.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>The girl calmed even more, her shivering ending and her
eyes began to droop as the rocking continued, "Will you stay
here in case they try to come back?"

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Bethany smiled, "Yes. I'll always be close to
watch over you."

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Now the girl smiled and closed her eyes. Bethany
continued rocking, humming softly and watching the child as she
drifted off to sleep. A single tear ran down her cheek and she
closed her eyes tightly to stop more from following.

“http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content5/space.gif” width=”20″
border=”0″>Xena watched for a few more seconds, then closed her
eyes, more curious now than ever.