Standard: Xena and Gabrielle were loosely created from those belonging to Universal/Renaissance and whoever else has an interest in Xena:Warrior Princess. No copyright infringement is intended. The others I created and are copyrighted to me.

Violence Warning: This story depicts the usual amount of violence associated with Xena:Warrior Princess.

Subtext: This is a story about two women who are in love. Although it is not graphic, subtext is maintext. If that offends you there are plenty of other stories you might want to read. If you are under 18 or it is illegal where you live, please stop and read no further.

Thanks: Special thanks to Day, Lois and Lunacy for their excellent feedback. Thanks also to experts DW and Vrondi for their help.

Comments: Questions and comments are welcome.

© October 04, 2000

THE FALL

C Paradee

cparadee@prodigy.net

Chapter 1

THUD.

Sharp intakes of breath were the only other sound heard as the headless body fell to the floor. Xena walked over to one of the two remaining prisoners standing in front of her, and callously wiped the blood from her sword across his woolen tunic. She forced the man's chin up with the tip of the blade. "You want to join him?"

All the blood drained from the prisoner's face. His guts were tied in knots, and it took all the control he had left to keep the churning contents in his stomach from rising. "Naaa…No."

Xena slowly pushed the tip of the sword upward until a thin trickle of red began to run down the man's neck. "Perhaps you've forgotten the question?" She increased the pressure against his neck until the blood ran freely.

Jesop knew he was a dead man. The last tendrils of courage rose from the depths of his soul. "I will tell you nothing."

The Conqueror drew the sword back with lightning speed and delivered a decapitating blow to his neck. She watched dispassionately as his head careened through the air, landing with the sickening sound of a ripe melon smashing against the ground. His body wavered for a minute, and then fell--arms and legs askew--to the floor.

The remaining prisoner dropped to his knees in the growing pool of crimson, sobbing. "Conqueror, spare me. I will tell you what you want to know." Xena turned cold blue eyes on the sniveling form at her feet. "Stand up."

Iphis scrambled to his feet and looked at the ground. Xena brought the sword back swiftly, hair trigger reflexes halting the steel before it penetrated the soft skin of the neck it contacted. The young man was reduced to a trembling mass, and fresh urine stained the front of his pants. The tall dark woman eyed him in disgust, and spat out, "I am waiting."

"Gabrielle," he sputtered. "Gabrielle of Poteidaia."

Xena narrowed her eyes. "Do you take me for a fool?" She pushed the sword against his neck roughly, slicing into tender flesh.

Sobbing uncontrollably, Iphis was reduced to begging. "Please, Conqueror. I speak the truth."

Xena's ice blue eyes drilled into the doomed prisoner. He seemed incapable of lying, but years of experience had taught her that loyalty was unpredictable. This was the first one that had broken in two long years of searching. She calculatedly stayed her hand and prolonged his life. "If you are lying, you will beg for the quick death of your friends."

Foolishly, a small glimmer of hope rose in the young man. "I tell you the truth. I beg of you, spare my life."

The Conqueror ignored him, and looked at her local commander, General Kratos. "Put him in the dungeon, then meet me in my chambers." Xena stalked from the coliseum grounds, her long black robe rustling lightly against her long legs.

She entered her dressing quarters and removed the bloody robe. Pity it was ruined by traitor's blood. She normally left the dirty work to her subordinates these days, but their efforts had proved fruitless in the quest to find the ringleader of the so-called freedom fighters. She snorted derisively. The masses were already free. All they had to do was obey the laws she laid down. The subversive element was undermining her rule, creating unrest. No matter. If the prisoner had been speaking the truth, their resistence would end soon.

Kratos knocked on the door, and entered when commanded to do so. "Yes, Conqueror?"

Kratos bowed his shaggy head. "It will be done."

Xena turned shrewd eyes on her subordinate. "Oh, and Kratos, I want her alive."

"I will do your bidding, Conqueror."

"You are dismissed."

The Conqueror watched the burly man depart. She had little interest in the routine affairs planned for the day, and felt the thrill of anticipation. A woman, huh? This could be very interesting.

***

Gabrielle returned from the market with her meager purchases in hand. She turned down the short street where she lived and found both sides lined with soldiers. Her stomach tightened nervously. Doing her best to feign nonchalance, she walked past them and stopped in front of her door.

A cold masculine voice filled her ears. "Are you Gabrielle of Poteidaia?" A fleeting impulse to lie passed through her mind. She discarded the notion, and turned around. She met the eyes of the tall general standing in front of her, and spoke clearly and firmly. "Yes. I am Gabrielle of Poteidaia."

Kratos eyed the small woman and snorted derisively. Surely the prisoner had lied. He would enjoy watching Xena torture the sorry excuse for a man. He left his thoughts behind and returned his focus to Gabrielle. "The Conqueror has sent for you." He grabbed her arm roughly, and jerked her forward, almost pulling her from her feet. "You will accompany me to her quarters."

Gabrielle quelled the urge to pull her arm from this beastly man, even as panic gripped her. Her mind was numb, but she knew resistance was useless. She had known this day would come and had mentally prepared, but it did nothing to allay the stark fear that coursed through her body.

The journey was made in silence. She was roughly pulled along at the side of the tall man as he strode rapidly through the city streets. When Gabrielle stumbled, Kratos tightened his hold on her arm with bruising force and pulled, taking delight in the little gasp of pain she emitted.

When they entered the Conqueror's palace, Gabrielle was hit with a fleeting impression of richness, but her mind refused to process anything further, focusing instead on the cold fear that gripped her.

Her captor stopped at a large wooden door, and raised a gold knocker, slamming it down twice.

The unmistakable low tenor of the Conqueror rang out. "Come in."

Gabrielle was roughly led to a large chamber and viciously shoved to the floor. Kratos bowed his head in deference, then looked at Xena. "This is Gabrielle of Poteidaia."

The Conqueror rose from her chair and watched the small blonde woman rise to her feet. "Leave us now."

When her general closed the heavy door, Xena began walking slowly around her prisoner. The woman was short in stature, and lean, but well endowed. Beautiful golden hair flowed over her shoulders. She had eyes the color of the brightest emeralds, but Xena noted with satisfaction that they were dimmed by fear.

She finished her inspection, and although Xena felt the prisoner had lied, she decided to make sure. "It has been reported that you lead the freedom fighters. Is this true?"

Gabrielle had accepted her fate--she would be condemned to die this day. Squaring her shoulders, she looked into the Conqueror's ice-cold eyes and searched their depths for a soul.

Xena met the sparkling green eyes for an interminable moment, before she broke contact. The orbs should have reflected fear or at least hate, but they didn't. The fear had vanished to be replaced by curiosity as she felt them probe her depths. Angry, she grabbed the insurgent's face. No one dared showed such disrespect. "You will bow your head when I address you. Now answer me!"

Gabrielle lowered her head. For just an instant, she had seen a glimpse of something, perhaps uncertainty, beneath the icy exterior of the blue orbs. It gave her hope, and with it came a massive dose of courage. "Some say that is true."

"What's that supposed to mean? Either you are, or you aren't. Word games will only anger me." Xena squeezed hard on Gabrielle's cheeks to drive home her point.

Gabrielle's eyes watered from the pain. "The movement is not dependent upon one person. But then, that's an alien concept to you, isn't it?"

The young woman's head snapped to the side, the sharp sound of flesh meeting flesh ringing through the air. Gabrielle was unable to stop tears of pain, but they rolled silently down her face, as she raised a hand to her angry red cheek. Her eyes sought out the Conqueror's, and held them.

Xena again looked away from the accusing eyes of her prisoner. This woman had to be crazy to challenge her. The Conqueror narrowed her eyes and growled, "Answer my question."

"In the most narrow definition of the word, yes, I am the leader." Gabrielle refused to look down. This despot should have to look at those she so wantonly sentenced to death, and the young woman held no illusions about her fate.

"Your days are over, freedom fighter. Even if you were not the leader, you would die for your insubordination." Xena spoke with conviction, but the joy she'd expected to feel after her two-year search was missing.

"You can't kill everyone who disagrees with your laws. There will be others to take my place until you hear the voice of the people."

"Your rhetoric does not interest me. The masses don't know what is good for them. I have seen to all their necessities, and still there are those of your ilk that incite the people to want more."

Gabrielle became angry. Sentenced to die, she let her words flow. "You are wrong. Many people live in squalor, with no healers. Only the rich have benefited from your laws."

Xena grabbed Gabrielle's arm and pulled her close, until their faces were but an inch apart. "Who are you to challenge me?"

The young woman sucked in a breath, refusing to cry out in pain though her arm felt like it was encased in an iron band. She almost buckled at the fury in Xena's eyes. "I speak the truth." Gabrielle stumbled when the tall woman released her and shoved her away.

A sardonic laugh filled the chamber. "You should be begging for your life. Instead you challenge my word. You have spirit, freedom fighter. I give you that. But I refuse to be drawn into your game."

Gabrielle knew it was a miracle she was still alive. Why that was so, she didn't know, but the Conqueror seemed to find her amusing. That in itself angered her, but a little caution might be warranted. "It is not a game, Conqueror. You feel the people should be content under your laws. If that were true, there would be no freedom movement. Harmony would reign."

"Harmony will reign, once your kind are eradicated." Xena smirked at her prisoner.

"My spirit will never die. It will live on in others who are forced to live under your tyrannical rule. Your ruthlessness stays the actions of some of the citizens, but the spirit of the people can not be quelled."

"You are deluding only yourself." The Conqueror studied her prisoner intently. "You will die tomorrow at sunrise. I think your death will put quite a damper on your precious movement."

Gabrielle met the pale blue eyes regarding her curiously. "It will lend fuel to the movement, for you make me a martyr."

Xena narrowed her eyes. "GUARDS!"

Two soldiers immediately entered her chambers. "Take the prisoner to the dungeon. Put her with the coward who betrayed her."

The Conqueror's eyes flashed as she waited for the trio to depart and close the door behind them. She paced restlessly around the chamber before finally settling into the chair behind her desk. Xena looked at the various parchments awaiting signature on her desk with little interest. She angrily shoved the chair back and began pacing again.

For two long years, she'd felt the exhilaration of the hunt as she moved ever closer to uncovering the leader of the underground movement. With all the resources at her disposal, she'd known it was only a matter of time. The Conqueror was rarely taken unawares, but she'd never expected it to end this way.

In a moment of honest self examination, Xena acknowledged that her quest to find the movement's leader had given meaning to her otherwise boring existence of meeting with dignitaries, managing her kingdom, and signing treaties. But the expected thrill of victory was missing. With that realization, Xena felt the familiar emptiness she'd kept at bay descend upon her like a black cloud. With it came the bone-weary loneliness that was part of her everyday life.

Her thoughts turned to Gabrielle and her conflicting emotions warred with anger at the young woman's insubordination and an emotion that was strange to her--respect. Xena had expected the woman to beg for her life when she'd sentenced her to die, but Gabrielle hadn't. Instead, she'd stood there proudly espousing her beliefs and refusing to be cowed. Xena found herself intrigued by the quiet courage of the young woman who looked death in the eye without blinking.

The Conqueror puzzled over how this small slip of a woman could inspire such loyalty that she had effectively led the movement against her and remained undetected for two years. Xena decided it had to be due to her gift with words and the passion with which she spoke them. She grudgingly acknowledged that Gabrielle of Poteidaia had been a worthy opponent. In a way, it was too bad she had to die.

Xena quickly dismissed that thought as one of a weak mind. All the citizens knew the penalty for treason, and there would be no exception this time, especially given the status of her prisoner. But that thought brought her no satisfaction.

In a black mood, and unable to stand the confines of her chamber, Xena looked towards the door and raised her voice. "Daemon!"

The door immediately opened, and a tall, lean man entered. His mane of chestnut brown hair was matched by the thick growth on his face. Daemon bowed his head slightly, before meeting the Conqueror's eyes. "Yes, Conqueror."

"I want to go to the practice field. Ensure it is set up."

"As you wish." Daemon inclined his head again, and departed. He had expected the Conqueror to call for a party celebrating the capture of the freedom fighter's leader, but instead she looked angry. He felt a pang of sympathy for whomever she chose to target on the practice field.

***

Gabrielle had been flanked between two of Xena's palace guards as each took one of her arms and half dragged, half carried her to a cell in the dungeon, apparently unwilling to afford her the dignity of walking on her own. She was shoved into the small, dim room and turned to watch the door clang closed, the sound echoing through the stone corridors.

Iphis felt his stomach drop at the sight of Gabrielle as guilt wracked him. Even though he'd betrayed her, he'd prayed that she would escape capture. He had failed the whole movement, but most of all, the woman looking at the door, who had shown him nothing but kindness and spoken of a better life. Iphis hid his head against his arm, unwilling to meet Gabrielle's eyes.

Turning her attention from the door, Gabrielle looked around, her eyes landing on Iphis. She'd heard the Conqueror's parting words, but held no ill will towards the young man. She knew he had only confessed her identity in order to save his own life, and was aware of how powerful a motivator that was. "Iphis."

"I'm sorry. I never meant to. I was so scared. She killed Jesop and Dekel like animals. There was blood everywhere." Iphis spoke haltingly, with his face buried in the sleeve of his tunic. "Oh gods, I'm so sorry." He started when he felt a small hand on his arm.

Gabrielle was distressed by the news of her friends' deaths. She knew they'd given their lives to protect her own, and that thought brought her only sadness, for she would have willingly died in their place.

The flickering light cast by candles in the corridor allowed Gabrielle to discern a dark color on Iphis' tunic, and her eyes quickly found a congealed wound on his neck. "You're hurt." She began tearing a strip of fabric from her skirt.

"It's okay. It's stopped bleeding." Iphis wished he could just disappear. He had betrayed her, yet still she tended him.

The wound dressed, Gabrielle softly called, "Iphis." When he didn't look up, she shook his arm, waiting until he met her eyes. "It's okay. Maybe this is for the best. Once the Conqueror learns that my death will not stop us, she'll have to listen, for new people join us daily."

She heard her words as though spoken by another. In reality, Gabrielle was very scared. She'd heard the screams for mercy from prisoners sentenced to the slow, cruel death of crucifixion. The only consolation she had was the hope that her death might make the Conqueror hear the words of her comrades.

The young woman continued to comfort Iphis until he fell into an exhausted sleep, only then turning her thoughts to the events that day. She'd noticed more of the palace as she was led to the dungeon, and hadn't been surprised at the riches within it. Xena's chamber had been beautifully decorated with floor coverings of the finest dyed wools, intricately designed with battle scenes woven into the center. Her desk had been built from the finest trees in the forest, and two ornate statues of a warrior on horseback flanked either side of her doorway.

Gabrielle had always been curious, and her thoughts allowed her a temporary escape from the fate that awaited her the next morning as they focused on Xena.

She'd known the Conqueror was attractive, but nothing had prepared her for the beauty of the woman close up. Gabrielle had only seen the Conqueror in public, and her hair was always pinned to her head beneath a golden crown; but today, long black hair had flowed loosely over Xena's shoulders and back. Bangs covered her forehead emphasizing a golden complexion, and high cheekbones gave her face a sculpted appearance. Her blue orbs had seemed to change color with her mood; when she'd first met Xena's eyes, they were the deepest blue of the brightest sapphires, but when she'd become angry, they'd paled until they resembled the frost on a cold morning.

Gabrielle wondered, as she had many times before, how the Conqueror's heart could have become so cold and unfeeling. She clearly remembered the fleeting moment when Xena had dropped her guard, and she'd seen a flicker of some emotion mirrored in her eyes before it disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

She'd not been fooled by Xena's sudden anger, and her gut instincts told her there was more to the ruthless woman than met the eye. Gabrielle knew her words had had some effect on the tyrannical ruler because of the brief display of anger. She could only hope that one of her comrades would have better luck getting through to her.

There were no windows to mark the passage of time, and Gabrielle fell into a troubled sleep, leaning against Iphis for warmth.

***

Kratos watched the Conqueror approach the training ground dressed in her armor. He'd been surprised by Daemon's message, because she'd already spent time honing her skills that day. He knew her second visit was not to exchange pleasantries, and wondered what she had in mind. He had expected her to be gloating over the capture of the freedom fighter's leader, but she'd always been unpredictable. That ass-kissing Daemon had given no explanation, even though Kratos was sure he'd known more than he'd related.

Watching her closely, trying to gauge her mood, he nodded. "Conqueror. What brings you out here again today."

"Where are the Royal Guard applicants?"

Kratos narrowed his eyes. "The ones that have passed the preliminary skills tests are in the barracks. I will be testing their sword ability this afternoon."

Xena smiled dangerously and drew her sword, appearing to admire the blade. "There's been a change in plans." She ran a finger lightly down the edge of her sword. "I will test them."

"Please reconsider your decision. We are already short ten guards." Kratos hated groveling, but none of them would pass her test.

"Then I would suggest you find suitable candidates." Xena spoke softly, but there was no mistaking the menace behind her words. "Bring on the first warrior."

Kratos turned to his second in command, Cenon. "Get them." He turned back to Xena. "My men performed well today."

Xena looked at Kratos, her face expressionless. He was a good general, but too ambitious. She didn't trust him, but then she didn't trust anyone. Her position didn't allow it. At the first sign of weakness, there were many among her own army who would rise to challenge her. She also knew the value of rewarding good performance. "You and your captains are invited to a celebration dinner this evening."

Once the warriors had been gathered, Xena moved into the sparring square with feline grace. She looked at the soldiers, and a chilling grin covered her face. "Who's first?"

Xena toyed with her first opponent, giving him opportunities to parry her thrusts. Tiring of his lack of skill, she knocked the sword out of his hand and rested her own against his chest. Her eyes cold and angry because it had been so easy, she growled, "You wasted my time. Is there any reason I shouldn't kill you now?"

"I've served in your army loyally for five summers." Rasmus knew he was at Xena's mercy and only hoped if she killed him, it would be quick.

The Conqueror had her own thoughts about that. More likely he served in her army for five years because it was the only one around. "Then return to it, while you still can."

Amazed that he'd been spared, Rasmus fled from the sparring ring and ran to the barracks to collect his belongings. He had lost all desire to serve with the army's elite.

Another warrior found himself shoved into the stone lined square. He knew he had no chance against her, so appealed to her ego. "Conqueror, you are far more skilled than I."

"Are you afraid to die?" Xena had no intentions of having cowards among her Palace Guard.

"No, Conqueror."

"Then draw your sword and show me your skill."

Xena again played a cat and mouse game with the warrior. This man was much more skilled than the previous one had been, but he was still no match for her. Just as she was about to deliver a killing blow, she pulled up. Pinning the warrior with her eyes, she called over to Kratos. "This one passed. Finish testing the others."

She turned and gracefully moved from the exercise area to the palace grounds, bored. Xena abruptly turned towards the stable deciding to check on Argo's status. The mare had thrown a shoe the last time she was out visiting her regional commanders and become lame before Xena could find a blacksmith.

Xena smiled as Argo approached the fence to greet her. "Hey, girl, how you doing?" She placed her hand on top of the fence and effortlessly vaulted over it. "Let me see that hoof." After closely examining her mare's foot, she set it down, satisfied. "Another week and we're out of here for a while. You'll like that, won't you?" Xena patted the horse on the neck, and made her way back to the palace.

Chapter 2

Petros glanced up as Gergor walked in the door. "What'd you find out?"

"The Conqueror invited Kratos and his minions to dinner. Leta said it's planned for dusk." Gergor glowered and added bitterly, "To gloat over Gabrielle's capture, most likely."

"Yes, but that works to our advantage. Andros said they're short of guards, and only two will be on duty in the dungeon tonight." Petros stood up and paced around the small room. "Their celebration cinches it. We go tonight."

"Endre will want to know."

"No. I think the less people who know the better. I don't want anything to happen to our people working in the palace, especially Helena. If it wasn't for her, we'd never have gotten those discarded royal guard uniforms."

Gergor grinned for the first time since arriving. "Gods knows they've been useful on a few occasions." He walked over and sat on a bench. "You know, Endre considers himself second only to Gabrielle."

Petros smiled wryly. "I know, but Gabrielle doesn't really consider herself in charge, so she's never acknowledged Endre's claim. She's always told us that the future of the movement rests with each of us, and no one is more important than any other. We look to her for leadership, but I don't think she knows just how important her presence is."

"You're right. He'll just have to get over it. Besides, Gabrielle will back us up. And if we're not successful in our rescue attempt, we won't have to worry about it anyway."

Petros stopped in front of a small window and looked out. His mind was going over their plan, looking for any obvious weaknesses. The dinner had been a stroke of luck and increased their chances for success. Satisfied, he turned back to Gergor. "Meet me back here at sunset." He watched his friend nod and walk out the door, closing it softly behind him.

***

Kratos involuntarily held his breath when the Conqueror walked through the door. She was stunning as she seemed to glide across the room, her legs invisible beneath a bright red robe with gold designs over the long flowing skirt. A top trimmed in matching gold was cut just low enough to hint at the full breasts beneath it.

Never taking his eyes from Xena, Kratos quickly stood and absently noted that Daemon and his own subordinates followed suit. He cursed his body for reacting so instinctually to the dangerous, sexual aura that surrounded the Conqueror like a cloak.

Xena smiled, well aware of the effect she was having on her guests. There had been a time when she bedded her generals, but she'd left that practice behind several years before, choosing instead to satisfy her needs from among the many men and women who eagerly volunteered to grace her bed. Eventually, she grew bored with the unsatisfying, gratuitous sex, and it had been moons since anyone had shared her bed.

"Conqueror." Kratos bowed his head before looking up and meeting Xena's eyes. He was unnerved by the intensity of her gaze, momentarily convinced that she could sense his ambitions.

"Kratos." Xena gazed briefly at each warrior seated around the large oak dining table before lowering herself gracefully into a chair at the head of the table.

The men had just regained their seats when a server filled their cups with a fine red wine produced from the vineyard on the palace grounds.

Daemon studied Kratos unobtrusively. He was well aware that the general hated him, jealous of his close relationship with Xena. The aide owed the Conqueror his life, and had pledged his loyalty until death. He knew Kratos was loyal to no one, and so he watched.

The Conqueror held up her goblet and intoned, "To Greece." She listened as the others echoed her words, amused at the nervousness of the six captains. "Kratos tells me you performed admirably. The feast my cooks have prepared is a token of my appreciation. Enjoy."

"Thank you, Conqueror," was repeated several times around the table, with the notable exception of Kratos, who felt that he should have been singled out for honor separately from the others. The ruler of Greece did not miss the omission even as she chose to ignore it--for the time being.

"So Kratos, how many palace guards have been added?"

The general's eyes hardened. He should've known she'd ask that question. "Nine."

"How many tried out?" Xena's voice was a seductive purr covering the anger she felt. He'd passed every single applicant from the time she'd left.

Kratos had to consciously stop himself from spitting out the answer, knowing that such blatant disrespect would be hazardous to his health. "Ten, Conqueror. They are all good swordsmen and will help shore up the palace defenses."

Xena lowered her voice for Kratos' ears only. "I hope, for your sake, that is true." Smiling, she employed her charisma to draw the other warriors into comfortable conversation about their capture of the rebel leader.

Actually, everything about this dinner bored Xena. She didn't feel like celebrating and felt even less like sharing time with her subordinates who expected to be rewarded for doing their jobs. Daemon had found out where Gabrielle of Poteidaia lived by querying her spies. All Kratos had done was lead a good sized contingent of the palace guard to the address and wait for the leader to return home. She had to stop herself from snorting as Gabrielle's image appeared in her mind, and she sarcastically thought, Very dangerous work.

She kept half an ear on the conversation, commenting occasionally while her mind drifted to planning a trip that would allow her freedom from the palace grounds and the constant scrutiny inherent in her position.

***

Petros finished donning the purloined royal guard uniform over his clothes and crouched down in the tall grass behind the rear palace wall within touching distance of Gergor, waiting for his friend to finish dressing. He thanked the gods that clouds hid the lights of the night sky, as he once again ran their planned escape route through his mind. If all went according to plan, they could end up with a lead of several candlemarks, but even half a candlemark would give them a significant advantage.

Gergor whispered, "Ready?"

"Yes."

The two men made their way to the stone wall and pressed up against it. They had chosen this area specifically because of its proximity to the dungeon entrance. Hearing nothing, Petros peered over the barrier, looking for the roving guard. Several minutes passed in complete silence, until the unmistakable sound of footsteps could be heard as the guard approached.

Petros tightened his hold on the heavy, smooth stone he had wrapped in an oversized piece of linen. He waited until the guard passed their location and could no longer be heard before levering himself up onto the wall. Keeping his body low, he swung his feet over and dropped quietly to the ground inside the compound to await the soldier's return.

Aleko strolled along the beaten path of his route thinking about his girlfriend. He wanted to wed her, but she was reluctant to marry a soldier, and this frustrated the young man. He was unskilled except in the ways of a warrior, but was paid handsomely compared to his civilian counterparts. His thoughts disrupted by a sudden noise, Aleko whirled around, trying to locate its source.

Moving quickly, Petros forcefully swung the rock-laden linen against the back of the sentry's head and watched him drop soundlessly to the ground. He felt the shift in air as Gergor moved next to him, and together they hefted the guard onto the larger man's back.

Petros took the lead as they moved quickly to the stark dungeon entrance located in the rear of the palace. It was a door well known to him from frequent visits to prisoners the Conqueror had locked up over the years. He knew it was unlikely that many were housed within its walls tonight, because the previous year she had built a separate compound in the western province to house the prisoners she chose not to kill.

He waited while Gergor deposited his burden behind some bushes, then joined him at the door. As they had decided, the big man stayed off to the side, out of sight. Petros turned the handle, opened the door and noisily walked down the steps towards the guards' station, stopping when two men appeared with swords drawn. The intruder was relieved when they noticeably relaxed at the sight of his uniform.

"Why are you here?" one soldier asked puzzled at the appearance of the new guard. "Sandor said we'd not be relieved tonight."

"Musta changed his mind." Petros shrugged. "Go, stay, do whatever you want. My orders are to stay here for a quarter candlemark." He hoped his apparent nonchalance would have the desired effect.

The first guard smiled at his partner and shrugged. Never one to miss an opportunity to pass his work on to others, he decided to take advantage of the unexpected break. "Let's go." The two turned to beat a hasty retreat.

"Wait. Not so fast." Petros held out his hand. "How about the keys?" He felt his muscles tense as the guard carrying the keys cast suspicious eyes upon him. Knowing he'd made a mistake by asking, Petros began gauging the likelihood of taking both men before an alarm could be raised when the keyholder dropped his scrutiny.

"Oh yeah." The short guard lifted the ring from his belt. "Here." Snickering, he added, "Don't lose them, new boy."

Petros glowered, which caused them to laugh harder as they turned to make their way up the steps. Silently, he moved after them, allowing two steps between them. As they first reached the door and walked outside into Gergor's waiting ambush, Petros closed the distance between him and the second guard and walloped him on the head with his stone weapon, stepping out of the way as the unconscious man tumbled down the steps. Petros spared the guard a pitying thought knowing that although he had not delivered a killing blow, the man had little chance of survival once the Conqueror found out her prized prisoner had disappeared on his watch.

He climbed the remaining few steps to assist Gergor, dragging the other guard back down the stairs, while his friend gathered up the sentry he'd subdued at the wall. Unlocking the heavy door to the corridor that housed the cells, they quickly moved all three guards into an empty cubicle. After tying them up, Petros gagged each with cloth he'd brought along, locked the door, and went in search of Gabrielle.

Gabrielle had awakened from a fitful sleep sometime before, and while she remained close to Iphis for warmth, her thoughts drifted to her dreams of a better life for the people of Greece. She tried not to think about what the morning would bring, but that was impossible, so she tried to prepare herself for her fate by carrying on an internal conversation with her mother. I'll be seeing you soon, mom. I've really missed you. I know you wanted me to marry and raise a family. You could've never imagined that when you taught me to respect the rights and feelings of everyone and how important every living thing was that I'd end up in a dungeon waiting to be executed. You'd be proud of me though, I think. I tried to make a difference here, and I think I did, a little. I wanted to do more, but there wasn't time…

Hearing noise and footsteps in the corridor, Gabrielle steeled herself for the arrival of the execution team.

"Gabrielle?"

Shocked at the familiar voice, Gabrielle jumped to her feet, ran to the door and looked out the tiny barred opening. "Petros! I'm in here."

Seconds later, the lock cylinder turned and the door was thrown open, clanking against the stone walls. "Thank the gods, you're all right. Come quickly. We've got to hurry."

Gabrielle had never been so relieved in her life. Questions began flowing from her mouth. "How did you get in here? Where are the guards?" She turned and called out urgently, "Iphis! Come on." Directing her attention back to Petros and Gergor, she added rhetorically, "You two could've been killed," as she fleetingly wondered why they were grinning.

The broken man looked up and shook his head. "No. Go without me." Iphis knew he'd lost his honor, and it would be better to die at the hand of the ruthless Conqueror than to be shunned and killed by his own friends.

Walking over to Iphis, Gabrielle reached down and laid her hand on his shoulder. "Iphis come with us. You'll only die here."

"I deserve to die for what I did. I betrayed you. I can make it up to you if I stay here. She believed me once, maybe she will again."

"No Iphis. She's too smart. She would be suspicious if you were left behind alive. You can do more good by coming with us."

"Leave him, Gabrielle. We've got to hurry. You wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him anyway."

Gabrielle ignored Gergor's words. "Please, Iphis."

Unable to ignore the persuasive tone of her voice, Iphis rose to his feet and followed the others.

Petros relocked the corridor door. It would give them a little more time while the guards were looked for elsewhere. He pocketed the key, and signaled for Gabrielle to walk in front of him, but behind Gergor. He didn't bother checking on Iphis. Petros was sure the coward would be right behind them.

Gabrielle looked dubiously at the wall surrounding the palace grounds, but gamely approached it with her friends. She watched Gergor easily scale the five foot barrier, and smiled appreciatively when Petros interlaced his hands to give her a boost to the top. Once she pulled herself onto the top of the stone fixture, Gergor quickly lifted her down.

Both men rapidly removed their uniforms and rolled them into small bundles, stuffing them inside their shirts. The four melted into the darkness within minutes, en route to a safe location within the city.

***

Sandor stood up from his comfortable seat in the guard shack and stretched. It was getting late, and his superiors would make an appearance soon. He didn't want to be caught shirking his duties.

He checked on each of the guard posts and noted that one of the roving guards was missing. That didn't concern him unduly because he could be relieving himself, so he continued on his leisurely circuit making a mental note to check back later. Sandor's last stop was the dungeon, and as he walked down the steps, he was surprised, and a little concerned, that he wasn't challenged.

The shift leader narrowed his eyes at the empty room, and a sense of foreboding overcame him. Suddenly alarmed, he walked over to the door leading to the cells and turned the handle. Sighing audibly with relief when he found it locked, the sergeant departed to locate his wayward guards.

Half a candlemark later, Sandor was cursing the missing guards with every epithet in his extensive vocabulary. He entered the dungeon again and unlocked the door the prisoners were housed behind. Since he was going to have to report guards missing, he knew he'd better know the status of the prisoners.

Seconds later, he was running back up the corridor leaving behind three woozy guards. He sprinted over to the large oval gong and sounded an alarm before rushing to the main palace entrance.

Xena was on her feet before the gong stopped resonating through the compound. She grabbed her sword from its sheath near her chair, and was out of the room before the others even regained their feet.

The alarm had never been sounded within the palace grounds before, and she had no doubt that the fact she was hearing it for the first time now was because of her new prisoner. She felt rage boil within her at the audacity of the intruders who dared to invade her private space.

Sandor never had time to open the door before it was thrown outward, almost bowling him over. He stood frozen as the opening framed the Conqueror--standing there in regal splendor with a sword in her hand and death in her eyes. His eyes riveted on the tall woman, he never noticed his superiors gather around her.

"Where are they?" The grounds were quiet, and Xena's acute hearing picked up no disturbances.

"Who?" Sandor was terrified, and his mind couldn't process the meaning of her question.

Xena's steely voice growled out her next words. "Who sounded the alarm?"

"I did, Conqueror." Sandor trembled as he stuttered out his next words. "The prisoners have escaped."

"Kratos, get every soldier out of the barracks and search the grounds. They couldn't have gotten far…"

"Con..Conqueror?"

Irritated at the interruption, she turned her attention back to the guard, and snapped, "What!"

"They escaped over a candlemark ago. I just found the guards secured in the dungeon." Sandor knew it was more like two candlemarks earlier, but hoped to salvage himself by telling a portion of the truth, for the guards he'd freed would surely tell their story.

Her mood black, Xena purred, "And you just found out?"

"I was looking for them. I thought…" The remainder of his words were drowned in the blood that suddenly filled his mouth.

Xena removed her sword from his chest and turned to Kratos, rapidly firing off orders. "Search the grounds. Seal off the main entrances to the city. Dispatch the army to cover the entire area surrounding Corinth. I want a door to door search conducted within the city." She turned to Daemon. "Get my spies in here." As an afterthought, she added, "Oh, and you can lock those guards back up in the cell they were found in."

Xena stalked back into the castle and returned to the grounds a short time later, attired in her leather and armor. Deciding to deal with Kratos later for his ill-advised decision to leave only two guards on her prisoner, she disappeared into the darkness.

Chapter 3

Gabrielle was tired. She'd been moving constantly over the past two days, never staying in one location longer than a few candlemarks. At first, she'd stayed with people sympathetic to the freedom movement's efforts, but she'd refused to put them at risk after Xena issued a decree stating that anyone suspected of aiding her would immediately be put to death.

She understood that no place in or out of the city was safe, and Gabrielle decided to use the regime's own failings against it by moving into the streets with the homeless. She knew that, to many, the homeless were invisible. It was her best chance until the army finished its sweep of the city.

Petros had refused to leave her alone, and she was nestled between him and a building in the dark alley. Her thoughts turned to the Conqueror. She'd never seen such a show of force from the tyrannical woman, and it was obvious to her that Xena had taken her escape very personally.

She pondered the slight reaction she'd glimpsed the day of her sentencing. What really lay beneath those changeable blue eyes? How deep was her heart buried? Gabrielle knew she'd been given a second chance to try and make a difference. Could she make it count?

The young woman firmly believed that no one was purely evil, or all bad. She got a sense that Xena did everything for a reason. The problem was, either she had bad advisors, or something had caused her reasoning to become very flawed, thus blinding her to the plight of the poverty stricken lower class. Her last thought before nodding off was that if she were ever going to find out, she'd have to get out of this predicament first.

"Gabrielle, wake up! Soldiers are coming this way." Petros was frantic. This area had already been searched. Had they been betrayed again? Gergor had delivered a clipped message and quickly moved on.

Gabrielle climbed wearily to her feet in the early morning light. She shambled along with Petros, hoping their ragged appearance would deter the soldiers from stopping them. "You should go. If they stop us, you will die too, and your son needs a father."

"No. It's not safe for you to be on the streets alone." Petros knew the risk he took, but he was not going to desert the woman whose passionate speeches had organized the multiple small groups of dissenters into one fluid, organized movement that attracted new followers daily. He knew the time would come when they were strong enough to lead an organized rebellion, and Gabrielle's words had united them in that effort.

"You two, stop!"

Gabrielle froze in her tracks at the command, and her stomach tightened nervously. She had taken extra care with her disguise by smearing dirt on her arms and face, and her hair was dirty and unkempt. Her clothes were filthy and ragged, and she not bathed since her escape.

She turned and approached the two soldiers standing in the alley. "Do you have food? Please, I am starving." Gabrielle purposely crowded them, reaching for one of the warriors. "I'm so hungry, please."

The palace guards began backing away from the dirty woman, not wanting the wench to touch them. She looked crazed and desperate, and some of their friends had actually been attacked by the filth that lived in the streets.

"Celina, come on. The soldiers don't have any food." Petros looked at the two men and added, "She doesn't mean any harm."

"You'd better keep her under control." The disgusted soldier turned with his companion and walked away.

Gabrielle breathed a sigh of relief. That had been close. "Let's go before they decide to come back."

"Did you see the look on their faces. I think they were afraid you were going give them some disease or something." He grinned, and added, "Didn't know you were such a good actress."

Gabrielle smiled for the first time that day. "You didn't do too badly yourself."

The two continued to wander through the slums, waiting for information from their friends.

***

Xena sat at the table, outwardly calm and attentive, she became increasingly impatient with the matters of state she had to attend to. An unexpected trade delegation had arrived from Chin three days previously, and any hope she'd had of joining her army to look for Gabrielle had been dashed. Chin had vital resources that Greece needed, and the opening of trade between the two countries had to take priority.

Daemon sensed Xena's unrest and wondered how much longer she would continue to entertain Chin's demands before halting the negotiations. The delegates were offering less than was fair, and the aide knew Xena would never agree to their terms. He smiled as he acknowledged that it wasn't the first time the beautiful woman had been underestimated.

The Conqueror suddenly stood up. "Enough." Her voice was low and steely. "Do you take me for a fool?" She began walking around the table. "First, you show up here unexpectedly. Instead of turning you away, I agree to see you, and still you offer a treaty that would benefit Chin but cheat Greece?"

She walked over to the table and picked up a piece of parchment she'd brought with her to the meeting. "This is my offer. If it is not acceptable to you, these negotiations are over."

Xena looked at Daemon. "I'll be in my chambers." She moved effortlessly from the room, leaving behind six very stunned Chin delegates.

Daemon had to suppress a smile. He'd learned long ago that a very sharp mind lurked behind that beautiful exterior, and had the utmost respect for her. He knew she'd gained power through force and ruthlessness, but she maintained it with intelligence.

A short time later, the Chin delegation agreed to Xena's terms, and after signing the treaty, departed for home. Daemon knocked on the door to her private chamber.

"Enter."

Daemon walked in to find Xena garbed in her leathers. He handed her the signed trade treaty. "Baruch has returned."

Xena felt a rush of anticipation. It had been four long days of waiting for word of Gabrielle's recapture. "I want to see him now." She watched as Daemon departed and waited a quarter candlemark before departing for her meeting chamber to give her second in command time to report.

Baruch stood up as Xena entered the room. "Conqueror."

"You have returned with the prisoner," Xena stated rather than asked. Her generals knew she did not tolerate failure.

"Conqueror, she has disappeared. I've brought the army back in. She must be within the city. We've searched the entire area surrounding Corinth. No stone was left unturned."

Xena bit off the retort that would have questioned his leadership abilities. He'd served well, although she knew he hungered for more power. An idea began to form, and with it came the welcome feeling of anticipation. It would allow her to not only escape the palace for a few days, but also to check the accuracy of Baruch's blatant claim of having left no stone unturned.

"Tomorrow morning I want the entire army in the city searching." Xena turned cold eyes on her subordinate. "I hope, for your sake, that you find her."

Baruch nodded his head and departed the room, keeping his anger under control. He was certain the escaped prisoner was in Corinth. It would give him great pleasure to prove that to the Conqueror.

Xena was almost glad Gabrielle hadn't been found yet. It would give her the satisfaction of locating the insurgent herself. She smiled, looking forward to the morning. She was a much better tracker than any of her subordinates and had no doubt she would be successful.

"Daemon, I will be leaving at first light. Tell Aegis I'll be taking the black stallion." At his questioning look, she added, "Argo seems to be fine, but I want to give her another week to fully recover."

"I'll notify the royal guard." Daemon almost sighed with relief when she didn't object. He'd been afraid she was incensed enough at her generals that she would take off alone to find the missing prisoner.

Xena had six personal royal guards that were dispatched with her every time she left the palace grounds. Daemon and ten additional palace guards accompanied her when she left Greece's borders for visits and treaty negotiations with other countries.

Later that day, she was informed by one of her spies that the insurgents she sought had taken to the nearby mountains. A genuine smile spread over her face at the news. Unbeknownst to everyone except Daemon and her personal royal guard, that mountain range had become a refuge of sorts for her, and there was little of it that she hadn't traversed at one time or another. She retired early, looking forward to the next day.

****

Gergor sighed with relief when he found Petros and Gabrielle. "You must hurry and get out of the city. The army has returned."

Gabrielle hadn't wanted to leave the city, but knew it was the safest thing to do for at least a moon until the Conqueror called a halt to the intense searching. With the army in garrison, all they'd have to do was slip past the soldiers guarding the main roads.

"We'll leave at sunset." Gabrielle would have preferred to leave under the cover of darkness, but Xena had imposed a curfew of dusk.

"Have the rumors been spread?"

Gergor nodded. "Yes."

Gabrielle and Petros slipped out of the city, staying well off the main thoroughfares. They spent the night traveling to the forested valley that bordered the mountain range before stopping and setting up a cold camp hidden beneath the dense foliage.

"Do you think she'll believe her spies?" Petros asked between bites of jerky.

"I think so. That's how she found Jesop, Dekel, and Iphis." Gabrielle turned her head at a noise made louder by the sudden silence of the forest.

Petros pulled a knife from his boot and almost threw at a figure that appeared out of the bushes. Glowering at the arrival, his voice conveyed his anger. "You idiot! I could've killed you."

Gabrielle's racing heart began to slow, even as her irritation grew. "Endre, why are you here? You were supposed to return to Corinth after you laid the false trail. What if someone saw you heading this way?"

"I was careful not to leave tracks." Endre was insulted that Gabrielle thought he would jeopardize her safety. "I just wanted to be certain that you were all right."

Gabrielle was angry. A lot of people had risked their lives to ensure her safety, and Endre had compromised their efforts for no good reason. Flashing green eyes pinned him, searching for the truth. "What's the real reason you're here, Endre?"

Looking down at the ground, Endre shifted uneasily. He hadn't expected Gabrielle to see through his ruse so readily. "It's going to be a while before you can return to Corinth." He reached inside his tunic and tugged out a folded piece of parchment. "I thought it would be better if my appointment as second in command were validated by your signature."

Gabrielle sighed at the resurrection of what she considered a dead issue. They had discussed this so many times before. "You are not second in command. We operate by majority consensus, not dictatorship. I only give voice to the people. Would we be any better than the Conqueror if one person decided what was best for everyone?"

"We still need leaders. With you gone for a while, someone must step in."

Frustrated at Endre's persistence, Gabrielle's tone was short and clipped. "Didn't you hear anything I said? The team leaders make any decisions that are needed based on input from our people. I do not make them alone."

Gabrielle softened her voice. "Do you know that you have compromised our position by coming here, and now we must move on?"

Endre didn't bother to answer, but turned and slipped away into the woods. There was no doubt in his mind that Gabrielle was making a mistake by not officially appointing him to fill in for her. He just didn't understand why she couldn't see that. A thought suddenly occurred to him. Most of their followers couldn't read. Smiling, he carefully covered signs of his passage as he left the valley.

Gabrielle wearily sank down to the ground and began packing up her sleeping gear. "We can cut over to the river and travel in the water to hide our tracks."

"I should've thrown my knife."

"Petros! He meant no harm."

"I think you're wrong, Gabrielle. There was no reason for him to trail us in here. How do we know he won't give our location away?"

"Endre is loyal. He would never do that."

Petros pursed his lips but remained silent. He agreed the arrogant fool probably wouldn't do it maliciously, but he wasn't at all certain that the man wasn't a danger because of his thirst for power. Gabrielle always saw the good in people, sometimes to her own misfortune.

*****

Xena was following a trail she'd picked up shortly after reaching the mountain range. She was just biding her time. Her sharp eyes were the only ones that had noticed a broken twig on a bush on the side of the trail just past the foothills, and she wanted to explore that find alone. The tall, dark woman knew the trail they were following was too obvious for any but the most inexperienced of fugitives. The other was much more likely to lead her to the missing prisoners.

If it was a trail left by Gabrielle, she wanted to find her without her palace guard in tow, so she would have to get rid of her escort first. She refused to admit, even to herself, that once she'd gotten past her anger, her conversation with the young woman had been the most stimulating she'd had in moons. No one dared stand up to her as the young woman had. Darkly amused, Xena wondered what Gabrielle's reaction would be when she appeared. Once she got past her initial surprise, would she challenge her again, or just acknowledge defeat? It would be interesting to find out.

Her musings were interrupted when her mount shied sharply and she turned her full attention to keeping him under control. She assessed the signs of the imminent storm. The change in air was making her horse skittish, and a loud crack of lightning, followed by thunder rolling across the sky spurred her to action. This was a perfect opportunity to part company with her entourage. She turned around and faced the six men following her. "Go on back to the palace. I'll follow you in. There's no point in staying up here. The rain will wash any trail away."

"Conqueror, please let two of us remain behind you so we can cover your back."

Xena glared at the senior officer. "I said I would follow you in. And just in case you might 'happen' to get lost along the way, you do know it will be hard to see in the storm." She paused to drive her point home. "I wouldn't want to mistake any of you for an assassin."

The men were seasoned warriors and, not being fools, knew they had no choice but to obey Xena. There was no doubt in any of their minds that she would make good on her implied threat. With the storm looming, their mounts were also spooking, and they were not anxious to spend any more time than necessary in the company of a rain-drenched Conqueror when she was in one of these moods. Turning their horses towards the palace, they moved down the trail in a single file.

Xena walked her horse slowly, increasing the distance between her and the palace guards until they were out of sight. Rain was pelting down, and with her horse increasingly nervous, she decided to make for a cave she knew of a little further up the mountain to wait out the storm. She would head back down to the trail that led into the valley once it passed.

The storm increased in intensity as she progressed higher up the trail, and Xena was soon soaked to the skin despite the protection of a cloak she donned. Her horse had slipped twice in the rivulets of mud running across the trail, the ground unable to absorb the onslaught of water quickly enough to prevent the treacherous footing.

The driving rain was blinding Xena as she searched for the cave, carefully guiding her mount along the ever-narrowing path. She was relieved when she recognized an odd colored boulder and knew that the shelter she sought was just around the next bend.

Suddenly, a large bolt of lightning struck the ground near her, and the air filled with the smell of ozone as deafening thunder crashed down. The stallion reared, his nostrils flaring wildly, before throwing his head down and raising his back legs high into the air.

Xena was an expert rider, but when her steed began bucking, she found herself sliding down his neck, still astride the saddle. She tried to roll with the fall, only partially succeeding before she hit the ground with the saddle landing on top of her. She looked up and saw sharp, shod hooves coming straight towards her. Xena's quick reflexes were all that kept her from being killed by the deadly hooves as she threw the saddle off her and rolled to the side.

She breathed a sigh of relief when the horse moved across the trail to the shelter of the overhanging boulder. How ironic it would've been, if after evading assassins and other attempts on my life for years, I were to be killed by a frightened stallion.

Leaving the thought behind, Xena got to her feet unsteadily, the driving rain still partially blinding her. She saw her saddle balanced precariously on the edge of the path and decided to move it to safety, intending to check it out at first light to find out just why it had broken loose from the stallion. Xena took a step towards it and, just as she grabbed it, the over-saturated ground suddenly gave way beneath her foot, and she found herself falling down the steep rocks as the saddle was wrenched from her grasp. Desperately looking for something to stop her downward progress, Xena was able to latch onto a small bush growing out of the rugged canyon wall.

The sudden stop jarred her, and before she was able to find a foothold to help balance her body, the shrub broke and she continued falling, her descent broken only by the occasional outgrowth along the walls of the mountain.

Part 2

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