Throughout the night, a steady stream of women and their
children entered the overcrowded cottage for Gabrielle to work her
magic on them. Many of them had illnesses other than the fever
– coughs, head pain, rashes, vomiting, and broken bones and
sprains. After the children, some of the adults were taken care
of.

“Where are they all coming from?” Xena asked one
woman. “I didn’t think this village was that
large.”

“The word is spreading to the neighboring farms. But they
have to be careful not to let the men know they are bringing their
children here, to be Healed. Their husbands and fathers are still
calling her the Goddess of Death.”

By daybreak Gabrielle’s work was done, and the cabin was
empty except for Gabrielle, Xena, Gabriana and her baby, who was
nursing again for the third time.

“Goddess?” Gabriana said, hesitantly, “I have
thought of a name for my baby, if it is all right with
you.”

Gabrielle was puzzled.

“I have decided to name her Gabriella, after you, it you
don’t mind.”

Gabrielle smiled gently. “Of course I don’t mind.
But only if you do one thing for me.”

“Just ask it.”

“Love her, protect her, and raise her up to be loving and
caring and compassionate.”

 Gabriana smiled brightly. “Oh, that will be so
easy!  I don’t know how to thank you.”

“No thanks are needed. Just take good care of your
daughter.”

Gabrielle turned to Xena. “Well, I think we’ve done
everything we can here. Ready to go?”

“Ready if you are,” Xena replied as she put on her
armor and sword.

When the two of them left the hut, a half dozen old men were
waiting for them. Xena didn’t draw her sword, but was on
alert.

“Goddess,” the one in front said, “We, the
Elders of this village, wish to express our eternal gratitude and
thanks to you for all you’ve done.”

“You’re welcome. But where were all of you yesterday
when we were being harassed by the other men of this
village.”

“Unfortunately, we don’t have the influence we used
to have, not since this worship of Ares grew so strong. But believe
me, they don’t speak for all of us. His followers are just so
– ruthless, and uncompromising.”

“Yes, I know. We’ve had run-ins with Ares on more
than one occasion.”

“Is there any way we can repay you for everything
you’ve done?”

“I wish I could tell you to never teach your children to
make war. But I realize that with all the bandits and warlords
there are, it is necessary to be able to defend your homes and
families. But you can do this – teach them to fight only when
necessary — in defense, not in anger or for conquest. And never
make war on the weak and helpless.”
 
“We shall try our best. No, we WILL do as you say. And one
other thing, if you permit it. We would like to erect a shrine in
your honor, to remind all of us of the good you have done here, and
of your words of wisdom.”

“Well, unlike the other gods, I’m not comfortable
being worshipped, but maybe just a small one will be all right.
Very small.”

“As you wish, and again, our many thanks.”

Gabrielle nodded to them, then turned to Xena, and was about to
take her hand to transport them back to their camp when out of the
corner of her eye she saw  the same boy who had thrown the
rocks at her when she and Xena arrived the day before.

Gabrielle turned to face him, and again, he angrily threw a
large rock at her. She put up one hand, and a very pale yellow beam
of light streamed out and stopped the rock in midair halfway
between them.

Slowly the rock returned to the boy, stopping an arm’s
length away from him, then dropped to the ground.

No one spoke as Gabrielle’s and the boy’s eyes
locked on each other. Gradually, the boy’s look of hatred and
distain changed to one of sadness, and shame.

He broke the eye contact and lowered his head, dropping the
other rocks. And as tears ran down his cheeks, he turned away and
melted into the crowd.

“What did you do?” Xena asked.

“I drained the rage away to allow his grief to come to the
surface. He has never mourned for his dead father. And now, I think
our work here is really done.”

Then taking Xena by the hand, the two of them disappeared in a
shower of gold and silver sparkles.