© Copyright 1996-1999 by Clayton J. Powers

"I don't have any idea, Apollo. I tried to head this disaster off, but to no avail. Some of the giants wanted to negotiate but the angry ones attacked them." Athena said to her half brother. The Goddess of Wisdom and War looked down into the pool and winced as one of the peacemakers among the giants, who had been hit with a haymaker of a kick, went flying through the air all the way across the lake to land on his back on the mountains the other side of the valley. The concussion was so great that the mighty mountain on which the gods stood shook violently as well.

"What is to happen to humanity, Sister? Once the giants have settled this dispute among themselves they might wage war on the people. Surely we have to stop that!"

"No the hotheads have a bigger target--us! See that mountainous platform they're building? They intend to stand upon it and attack Olympus. That would be a far greater calamity."

Where is Father? I'm certain the threat of a thunderbolt would restore order."

"If only we knew. Hermes has been looking for him but no luck as of yet. If we could find Demeter and ask her what happened, I'm sure that would convince the giants to stop and accept another treaty."

"I can NOT believe that Demeter would do such a silly thing as vacate the treaty that preserves all of reality!"

"I'm sure she didn't. There is a conspiracy here and we must find it."

The atmosphere of Olympus became electric and behind them, Apollo and Athena could feel an unexpected, powerful presence. Turning, they beheld Hera, the Queen of Olympus, awesome in her ornate peacock feather mask.

"Hera, my dearest mother, how are you?" asked Apollo. The Sun God had no love for his step mother, but he was an expert at keeping up appearances.

Hera was a deeply wounded and divided goddess, capable of nearly anything for good or ill. She was a schemer, and always looking out for her own interest in preserving her power. She also violently resented Zeus' constant womanizing. Both Apollo and Athena were a result of these infidelities, so Hera deeply distrusted both. Worse, she saw Athena as a mankind loving Pollyanna who had no grasp of reality either on Olympus or among the mortals. She loved the idea of eliminating Athena, for she was jealous of Zeus' love for her, but she could not, for Zeus would hurl a thunderbolt at her and reduce her to atoms if she tried.

Apollo's opinion was not shared by Athena. She saw that Hera was a great goddess capable of immense righteousness, but that capacity was lost in rage and pain. Athena had taken it upon herself to reward Hera's magnanimous behavior and to chide her for her pettiness. She always criticized Hera's behavior, not Hera herself.

Opening her arms in great warmth, Athena said, "Mother, lovely to see you again. You are well?" She then hugged her stepmother in real affection. Hera's face screwed up in disgust as her chin rested upon her stepdaughter's shoulder.

"Daughter, you seem vexed today I see." Hera said, all false avuncularity. Pray tell me what concerns the Goddess of Wisdom so"

"Here Mother, come see through the portal." Athena said.

Hera peered into the water and saw the mighty conflict, but her plain face (Aphrodite always called Hera "Old Horse Face" in front of her.) stayed studiously still.

"How terrible! Something must be done."

"Yes, mother." Athena said, "Brother and I are considering what to do, but those who are winning this battle are those who are of a mind to challenge us, and the Fates as well.

"Is there no hope but war then, Daughter?"

"I do not know, Mighty One. However, there is something strange afoot. The giants were released because the Gentle Goddess Demeter told some mortals that they would be blessed if they plowed the land of the sacred valley. This is in total violation of our Treaty and very out of character for her. She cannot be found to explain."

"Then we must kill them before they kill us!" Hera exclaimed her eyes cagey.

"No mother, not yet!" Exclaimed Apollo. The peace faction, although small, is giving a good account of themselves. Perhaps they will tire of this madness and come to their senses."

"I have little hope of that." Hera said. "But I will say this, if the giants begin war against us they must be killed. However, they are immortals, so this will be difficult. Only a lion skinned mortal properly protected with the mystical herb of invulnerability may do the job. This mortal can only be found by a virgin Goddess. With Artemis busy that only leaves you, Daughter Athena." Athena took the news impassively.

As Hera completed her gloomy pronouncement, all felt a gust of warm wind followed by a familiar rushing sound. Hermes had returned.

"Tell me, Hermes, what have you heard of Zeus and Demeter?" Athena asked.

"Sis, Zeus has hidden himself good." I can't turn hide nor hair of him. I'm sure he's doing this on his own though. I have heard of several more mortals pregnant by him."

In the background Hera nearly turned purple with rage.

"I can't find Demeter either, but the last gods that saw her, Hestia and Themis, both said she was going to visit the Underworld.

"Persephone!" Athena exclaimed. "Come Hermes, escort me to the Underworld so that I may visit with Uncle Hades."

"Right, Sis. Hermes raised his hand and miraculously a golden vehicle with four wheels appeared. Seated in the front was an image of a woman made from solid gold. Hermes and Athena mounted. Athena leaned over and gently asked the golden woman: Which of brother Hephaestus' 'Golden Women' are you, my dear?"

"I am Lambda. Divine one!" The golden woman said.

"Pleasure to meet you, Lambda! How is brother today?"

"My father is very happy. His reconciliation with Aphrodite has greatly improved his disposition."

"Lovely. Shall we go?" Athena asked further.

The Golden Woman turned the key on the steering wheel stanchion and the engine roared into life. As she stepped on the accelerator, the vehicle disappeared taking Hermes and Athena with it. Apollo returned to the pool and continued to peer into its depths. He winced as he saw a devastating right cross landed on the chin of one of the giants by another.

"You're gonna be all right, Iphigenia, I've packed the wound with healing herbs and I'll get some opium for the pain. In a day or so we'll switch you to willow bark. Be strong Amazon, Artemis won't abandon you." Xena said gently.

The round face of Iphigenia, though wan, opened up into a wide smile. "You took care of me, Xena. I won't let you down by dying." Xena tapped her rapidly on the abdomen and side, releasing the pressure points and Iphigenia groaned with pain. Gabrielle handed Xena a small vial of opium that had been acquired by the King's personal rifling of a nearby apothecary, and put it to the Amazon's lips. In a few moments Iphigenia drifted off to sleep, her smile intact.

Ephiny and Pyronia, both sweaty and covered with others' blood stood over Xena and asked about their sister. Xena stood up and turned to face them.

"Not up to me now. She's lost a lot of blood. If it wasn't for your quick work Ephiny she'd definitely be on the other side. If I know my Amazons, she's too stubborn to die." Both of the Amazons smiled widely.

The four of the party moved around the scene of the battle, dressing wounds, and offering comfort to the wounded and the dying. Here, Gabrielle shone, her serene joy and gentle manner was nearly as effective as Xena's surgical skills in providing hope and easing pain. Nearly all those she tended smiled, except for the wounded Hittite agents. They were still vicious and defiant. One of them spit in Gabrielle's face, but she calmly wiped it away and told him: "You're gonna to be well treated, like it or not."

Xena pulled Ephiny to the side and said, "Ephiny, you showed great judgment in this battle. Your assessment of the situation was accurate and your response was instant and correct. Your leadership of a force greatly outnumbered by a well trained, well equipped, and highly motivated enemy, was no less than superb. I may have saved the life of the King, but you destroyed a dangerous attempt to take the city from the inside. You also saved the life of a powerful leader of a country we might need should war break out. Well done!" Xena put her hand on Ephiny's shoulder and squeezed then she hugged her.

Ephiny swelled with pride.

Turning to the rest of the Amazons who had had their wounds dressed and who stood as a group in the street, Xena went to each of them and hugged them and thanked them. Finally, she got to the honey haired one, Pyronia. Pyronia stood in front of Xena with a mild look of embarrassment on her face. She was looking down at her Hittite boots.

"Woman, I told you once that I thought you weren't bad. I was wrong. I hope that I can live up to your example. Thank you." Xena's leadership instincts were dead on as usual. She had hugged all the other Amazons because it was the way that commendations were given to members of the Pindus tribe. Pyronia was different. Xena knew that, at heart, Pyronia was a modest person. She was slightly uncomfortable to be touched. Pyronia's Saromatian background emphasized the ability to depend on one's self more than the Pindus' Amazons, so Xena simply reached out with her hand, took Pyronia's and then shook it. A big, crooked smile erupted on Pyronia's face.

Xena noted a commotion behind her and rolling up to her came a very portly man dressed in the rich tunic of the Assyrian delegation. His porcine face was topped with an ill fitting conical helmet and on his chin was the long, narrow, and stiff beard of Babylonian fashion: His eyes were gray and watery and there were signs that his hair had been very badly dyed. His voice, while deep in tambre, resembled the gobbling of a turkey. His jowls flapped so much that they almost slapped him.

"Capital! Capital! Such a marvelous exhibition! I am given to understand by King Erginus that these are your women. You are Xena?"

Xena nodded. "The Amazons are not my women as you say. They're working for me."

"Nevertheless, Nevertheless, I didn't think that any women could fight so well!"

Xena stood there wondering how much more stupid this man could get.

"I must do something for you. I simply must! I will some day become Emperor of Assyria and you certainly can have a job with the Harem master. Oh! Yes, Let me introduce myself. I am Adadinari, Crown Prince of the Assyrian Empire."

Xena was offended but cool "No, I think not." she said while nodding in acknowledgment of the man's lofty rank.

Erginus saw what was going on between Xena and Adadnirari and he stepped in to save the situation. "Xena, again I wholeheartedly thank you for what you've done."

"Your Majesty, I hope you're going to interrogate all the prisoners. I'm positive there's a huge Hittite spy network in operation here. You'd better put guards on the docks and on all the roads out of town too. The rats are gonna scatter for sure." Xena said.

"Of course!" The King looked crestfallen. Xena's admonition only served to remind him of his carelessness.

"Prince Adadnirari, there are several things you can do for me. You're at war with the Hittites--Yes?"

"Yes! It is a trifling affair, a mere border dispute that was started over the possession of tin mines."

"Then there are questions that I need to ask. I'll be here for a day or so more, until I'm satisfied my wounded are going to be OK. We can't do it now, someone's probably listening, and we've still got to clean up this mess.

"I was going to hold a state dinner for The Crown Prince," The King said. That would be an excellent opportunity. Surely you and the Amazons, will come?

Xena was not a lover of formal affairs; she preferred eating alone or with selected comrades, but there was a lot to what Erginus had said. Any sensitive discussion would be covered by the noise and music. "I would be honored, Your Majesty. As for the Amazons and Gabrielle, I'll have to ask them. Several won't make it anyway since Iphigenia will need close tending for a while.

"Capital! Capital! Simply capital!" Adadnirari burbled. I would just adore chatting them up. I hope you and the others'll change into more appropriately comely attire. You're present working raiment would only remind me of this--unpleasantness?"

Xena's eyes smoldered. She wondered why the gods would allow such leering idiots to inherit such responsibility. Then she retracted that thought. The assassination attempt that she destroyed had to be a part of a large spy network. That meant that there were people watching that now knew who she was, what she looked like, and where she was. That information would be in Hattusas very soon. Xena realized that it was now impossible for her to travel to the Hittite capital as herself and get the job done. She'd now have to go under cover and what better way to go than as Princess Diana of Trius?

Xena was a part of a phenomenon that had to be some god's idea of a joke. There were two women who were exact physical replicas of her--Princess Diana, and a cook and sometime harlot named Meg. Although the three of them made identical looking triplets, their characters could not be less similar. Diana was a sweet, naive, gentle, and intelligent woman who was so sensitive that she had to have her meat cooked dry because she fainted at the sight of blood. Meg was an illiterate, coarse, promiscuous woman with sticky fingers and a good heart. Neither of them could fight their way out of a wet papyrus sack. Fortunately, they were both in Trius, far away from Asia Minor, so either of them would be a very good role for Xena to play. There was a problem. Xena only had her armor and leather uniform. Gabrielle had her long skirt and blouse still, but the Amazons only had their suede clothing. Additional wardrobe would have to be acquired. Also from what she knew of the Hittites involved in the conspiracy, Hittites at home would be instantly suspicious of a group of women unaccompanied by a man. One would have to be found to go with her--but who?

Xena listened to the Crown Prince prattle on for a while longer then said, "Gentlemen, I need to return to my ship and see to my people."

"Of course, Xena." Erginus said. "I'm going to assume that all of you will come to the dinner--especially the delightful Gabrielle. I'll make sure that my wife's staff sends a selection of fashions to your ship for your inspection. We'll also provide transportation, My Lord Adadnirari, I see everything is in hand here. Shall we go?" The King reached again for Xena's hand and swept it quickly to his lips. The Assyrian Crown Prince nodded while babbling something nearly incomprehensible and both turned and headed towards the Citadel. Xena thought, "Y'know I could get used to this, and him."

Gabrielle came up and touched her friend on the shoulder. "Xena, Iphy's ready to be moved now. Everyone's bone tired, even me."

Xena nodded and walked back to the Amazons. Erginus' soldiers had rigged one of the Amazon's rented horses with a travois and Iphigenia's litter was placed upon it. The rest of the wounded had all been loaded on wagons and were now being taken to the healers or to the Acropolis. Those Hittite agents who weren't wounded were chained together and led off to some dungeon somewhere. The Amazons, dirty, sweaty, and bloody to a woman walked leading their horses back to Lyceus. Xena checked on the wounded Amazon and smiled. She was sound asleep.

"Xena, I want to thank you." Gabrielle said as she walked next to her friend who was leading Argo.

"For what?"

"For the chance to meet the Amazons."

"They are somethin'."

"Well, what now?"

"We're still going north, but there's a change."

Gabrielle looked at Xena with a question on her face.

"We've got to disguise ourselves. The Hittites will know everything about me after this."

"Diana?"

Xena nodded.

"Well, I don't know if Py or Ephiny will like playing your servants. Not that I'm too much of a fan of that idea myself."

"Why? You do that for me already." Xena teased.

Gabrielle's eyes went wide and she swept her fist back into Xena's belly, but there wasn't anything in the blow.

"Stop that! I'm too tired!" Gabrielle exclaimed with a big, but very weary looking, grin on her face.

Xena's belly shook gently with silent laughter. "We gotta find a man too." Xena added.

"Huh? Gabrielle shook her head as if she had to clear her ears. "What was that?"

"You heard me. I need to find a man."

"Xena, How many men have you clobbered because you didn't like their attention since we've been friends? Hundreds? Thousands? Millions?...

Xena slowly turned a sidelong look at Gabrielle who was now clearly getting her revenge.

"Now you say we have to find you a man." Gabrielle continued. "Off the street? Well really, not everyone's Hercules, or Demodocus for that matter..." Suddenly, the shock of realization hit Gabrielle. Her teasing tone disappeared and her face dropped. She turned to Xena and looked very deeply into her friend's blue eyes. "You are not serious!" she exclaimed.

"Yup! I certainly am serious."

"But Xena!--Demodocus!" Gabrielle was now flustered and despite her fatigue vibrating with anxiety.

Xena sighed then said, "Gabrielle, I don't need a man for THAT!"

"Thank the gods!"

Xena's belly shook in mirth again. "Gabrielle, the plot we just broke up had to be a part of a far larger conspiracy. Halikarnassus must be full of Hittite spies reporting any significant news back to their masters in Hattusas. They know that I'm here and what I'm up to. My description is probably in Tudhalias' hands by now."

"What does a man have to do with that?"

"Remember how much the Hittites we've talked to hated women--especially the Amazons?" Gabrielle nodded. "Well, it stands to reason that four women unaccompanied by a man would look really suspicious."

"Right as usual." Gabrielle sighed.

In front of them Pyronia overheard part of the conversation and turned her head over her shoulder and smiled.

The Amazons turned the corner onto Dock Street and as they approached the docks and stables, Julia stopped and gathered the reins of all the horses. Two of the Amazons picked up Iphy's litter and began to lug her up the dock and then up the brow to the ship. Xena led Argo to Julia and stopped and rubbed her nose.

"Julia's my friend, Argo. Be nice." Xena turned and smiled at the stocky Amazon who offered a glittering smile in return. Xena had a short word with the stableman and settled upon a price for the rental and horse boarding which Gabrielle paid from her fanny pack. Then they walked towards Lyceus still lost in earnest discussion.

Xena looked up and saw that their ship's birth mate was different. The gleaming white Assyrian bireme was replaced by a trim but rather tired looking green merchant ship. On deck she could see that the crew was just squaring away after tying up. One of them was up forward fiddling around with a box of some sort.

"Well, Xena, we need to find a man for window-dressing then." Gabrielle said as the pair began to turn up the gangway to the ship.

"Basically, but I hope we can find some man who can be helpful. He needs to be a warrior and be able to live with four women and not make trouble."

"So Xena and Gabrielle, you need some man who's a warrior and can get along with four women?" A man's familiar clarion baritone sounded behind them.

Both women stopped dead in their tracks, they then spun around as if they were on turntables. They shouted at the top of their lungs, "DEMODOCUS!"

Xena tried to put herself back together in order to seem the calm professional warrior, but Gabrielle couldn't help herself. She charged at the priest like a runaway rhino. The priest stooped and picked Gabrielle up into a flying hug and spun her around while her feet flew through the air. After a few turns he gently set her down and Gabrielle squeezed her friend as hard as she could. Back on Lyceus, the commotion brought all the Amazons that could walk back up on deck to see what was happening. Pyronia and Ephiny stood side by side near the gangway and watched--stunned.

"Demodocus?" Ephiny asked.

"You know him?" Pyronia replied.

"No, but if he's the Demodocus who's a priest in Athens. He was going to help me and Phantes." Suddenly Ephiny's look became very distant and her eyes began to fill.

Pyronia saw this and turned asking, "Ephiny, are you all right?"

Ephiny glared at Pyronia. "I'll be fine, Py!" she snapped.

Pyronia shrugged and returned to looking at Xena's company.

Gabrielle looked up at the priest with a broad admiring smile and then broke away discreetly as Demodocus' blue gray eyes lost themselves in Xena's glittering electric blues. Xena and Demodocus walked slowly closer to each other until they were just inches apart.

"Hello, Princess." Demodocus said softly, his entire body quivering with excitement.

"Hello, Priest. It's been too long." Xena whispered placing her right hand on the side of Demodocus' face and stroking his beard. Then she gently moved her hand around to the back of his head, pulled his face to hers and kissed him deeply and lingeringly. Demodocus enveloped her in his long arms and returned the kiss--in earnest.

The sailors on the merchant ship began to catcall and hiss while the Amazons just stood, their jaws dropping in total shock. They couldn't believe the intensity of the kiss or its duration.

Demodocus held the kiss, his face transported and tears ran down his cheeks. Finally after what seemed to be an eternity in the Elysian Fields, the couple broke off the kiss slowly, and reluctantly. Demodocus reached up and took Xena's face in his large, elegant hand and said, "The lighting is still is in the bottle. There hasn't been a moment that I didn't think of you."

"Me neither, Demodocus. Me neither." Xena then pulled back. She wasn't used to having her feelings ripped to the surface with such force--especially in public. It made her uncomfortable. She stood back and looked Demodocus head to foot. He hadn't changed, how long had it been? Perhaps a month? It seemed as if she'd spent eons in Tartarus without him. In a few moments a nagging fear began to eat at her stomach. "What are you DOING here?" she asked with some heat.

What about the Temple, Demodocus? What's your hospital going to do without you?" Gabrielle asked.

"My assistants are very competent, caring people, Gabrielle. I trained them myself. Except for the very worst patients, and those in crisis, who I still see, my job is now mostly administrative. The Parthenon is in very good hands believe me. I could be gone a year and things would be still going along beautifully."

"That's good."

"As for your question Princess, I got your letter. (That was terrible security practice by the way.) I read your request. I couldn't live with the possibility of conducting your funeral."

"I'm not your protector, Priest. I've gotten myself into a very dangerous situation here."

"Don't you think I realize that? It's more dangerous than you know. All you saw when you were helping Melosa was earthly in nature. Five days ago, The Maiden visited me and what she said I will take to my grave, 'The Fates have decreed great strife will soon strike Olympus and Earth at once. Gentle Demeter, Goddess of the Harvest is missing. Xena will be at the center of Earth's torment.'

Gabrielle looked at both her friends with grave concern.

"She also told me that Ares stalks abroad and that you might be in grave danger, Xena."

"He's been with me already, Demodocus--twice. He even revealed himself to Gabrielle. He seems mighty confident."

Demodocus looked earnestly at Gabrielle who nodded. "There's something else. Athena told me she can no longer come to me while this turmoil persists. There is the possibility of full scale war on Olympus and if that happens she will have to devote all of her energies to that war. She will cut off our relationship. It still continues now but in a very limited fashion. She can still help me deal with others feelings."

Xena's face fell slightly. She fully realized that it was Demodocus' intense personal relationship with Athena that kept his own personal demons at bay. The Goddess also gave him the strength to deal with his gift of empathy. Xena believed that no mortal could take absorbing other's people's intense feelings and survive for long without divine help.

Demodocus cut the gloom off at the knees: "That's in the future. As for now, It's wonderful to be here and to see you again princess. You too, Gabrielle. I loved your story about the Eros affair. I knew you were a great talent!"

Gabrielle blushed then smiled. "Thank you, Demodocus. Thank you very much."

"This is your ship, Xena?"

"Yeah, she's a sweetheart."

"Tall, powerful, and elegant. Just like somebody else I know."

Xena grinned slightly. Then she stepped back towards her lover and gave him a very strong hug. "You know Priest, I'm never gonna get used to you complimenting me all the time."

"I know. That's why I keep doing it. Maybe you'll learn."

Xena smiled again and took Demodocus' hand and led him up the gangway.

"Ladies, this is a dear friend of mine. His name is Demodocus. He is a High Priest of Athena and a physician. I owe him more than my life."

The Amazons all crowded around Demodocus, Xena, and Gabrielle and looked him over. Of course the women had dealings with men before, but they hadn't had that much experience with them. Also they had not been around a man and a woman that was clearly a couple before. Whenever an Amazon had become involved with a man outside their stringent reproduction rules, they were expected to leave the sisterhood. Xena saw the curiosity on their faces and told herself that she had to find a way to deal with it.

"Demodocus these are members of the Pindus Mountains Amazon Nation. There are twenty three here, one of them, Iphigenia, is below wounded. Maybe you'd like to look in on her later?" Demodocus nodded. Xena then went down the entire crew introducing them. Demodocus immediately put all of the women at ease. His kindness and serenity was catching. He also expressed sincere curiosity about the lifestyle of the Amazons and about how the members felt about it. Finally, Demodocus reached Ephiny and Pyronia.

"Ephiny, Ephiny. That name is familiar. Did you send me a letter about how centaur marriages were accepted in Athens?"

Ephiny looked at the priest and to Xena's surprise she was upset. She was misting up and her jaw was working a little. Ephiny took a deep breath and answered, "Yes."

"I was expecting to hear from you later or meet you and your husband--Phantes wasn't it? What happened?" Demodocus looked at her earnestly. He could sense great grief and anger. His face became greatly concerned.

"Phantes was killed, in the worst way imaginable. I left my son with my father in law so that he could be raised by other centaurs. I miss them." Ephiny was clearly struggling to keep her feelings in.

"I can take away your distress. All I need to do is touch you on the head.

"No! Gabrielle told me about you just now! My feelings are my business! I don't want you rummaging around in my head!"

Both Pyronia and Gabrielle hissed, "EPHINY!"

Demodocus smiled sweetly and nodded. "No, that's OK. A lot of people don't want what I can do for them. Ephiny has the right to her own way of dealing with her feelings.

Ephiny looked down and away from the priest and then surreptitiously wiped a tear from her eye.

Somewhat eager to change the mood, Demodocus moved in front of Pyronia and offered a hand. Py took it tentatively.

"My name's Pyronia." She said shuffling her feet. Demodocus noted that she had a little difficulty making eye contact.

"Py is really cool Demodocus!" Gabrielle exclaimed. "She can fight like Akhilles and she's funnier than a room full of Satyrs!"

Pyronia took in a sharp breath while giving Gabrielle a sidelong glance.

Gabrielle elbowed her, "You better watch it, Demodocus. She's a terrible practical joker."

"GABRIELLE! GEESH!" Pyronia yelped embarrassed.

"I notice you keep chewing on that little stick Pyronia. Is there a reason for that?" Demodocus asked.

"Go on, Pyronia." Xena purred.

The honey haired Amazon looked at the sky theatrically as if to say, "Artemis, why me?" and she took the fire stick from her mouth and scraped it on the bulwark. To her surprise, Demodocus barely flinched. "You got it to work!" he exclaimed admiringly.

Pyronia was surprised and very gratified. "You're kidding right?"

"No! That red stuff is called red phosphorus. It really starts to burn if it's exposed to a tiny amount of heat. I had the very same idea of gluing powdered red phosphorus on the end of a stick to light fires with. I tried for months and nothing would work. What did you use for glue?"

Pyronia pulled a face and said shaking her head "Shellac. Nothin' special. Just shellac."

Now it was Demodocus' turn to pull a face. "Shellac? I TRIED shellac and it didn't work! Wait! lemme see...It's the BEETLES! It has GOT to be the beetles."

Now everyone, including Ephiny was looking at Demodocus strangely.

"Didn't your healer ever tell you how to make shellac? It's made by boiling a very specific variety of beetle in spirits of wine. The beetle your healer uses to make shellac must be stronger than the beetles I used. This is exciting! Really!"

"How do you know all this? I thought you were a priest, Demodocus!" Pyronia asked.

"I'm a Priest of Athena. We love doing all sorts of investigations. Mine is alchemy."

"Py," Xena said. "You will love what Demodocus can make with that stuff I bought a couple of days ago. Demodocus, Pyronia here just loves fire. I'm always tearing her away from staring at torches. I bought a couple a hundred pounds of sulfur, saltpeter and charcoal. The women here ground them up fine just like you said to. I was gonna mix them just before we left."

Demodocus' eyes lit up "BLACK POWDER!"

Pyronia started to look very excited now. "Black Powder?" A conspiratorial look came to her face and she started to chuckle softly. "I love the name of the stuff already!"

Demodocus was very excited himself "Oh yes! You'll love it Pyronia. I guarantee it!"

Just then a clatter could be heard on the wharf and Xena looked down to see a wagon driven by two men in formal livery. "It must be the clothing for us that Erginus's supposed to send." she said.

"Clothing?" Demodocus asked.

"We've been invited to a state dinner!" Gabrielle exclaimed excitedly.

"The King thought our present dress wasn't appropriate." Xena said. She grimaced thinking of the Assyrian Crown Prince.

"Xena, I was going to ask how your Amazon friend got wounded."

"I'll fill you in at the dinner. You're going."

"Me? This is the first I've heard of it, and I wasn't invited!'

"I'M inviting you!" Xena purred in mocking threat. "I'll take care of Erginus."

Demodocus held up both hands. He knew when to surrender. "I better go get ready. I need to get Maude unloaded and take a bath.

"Us too. Besides we got to go through all those clothes!" Gabrielle exclaimed.

Xena looked at Gabrielle and pulled a face. That was the first time Gabrielle had ever shown any interest in fancy clothes.

The Amazons were all looking at each other with perplexed faces. Pyronia and Ephiny were in the middle of them. They looked confused too. Pyronia walked over to Xena and asked, "Uh Xena? We gotta change? Into THEIR clothes?"

"Well Py, you don't have to go if you don't want to. But if you do go, you'll have to change.'

Behind Pyronia about ten of the women murmured then one spoke up: "We want to go, but we're Amazons and we don't want them to forget that!" The Amazon swelled with pride and her eyes glittered in defiance.

Xena smiled. "You still got the chitons you wear for temple?"

"Sure." Pyronia said.

"Well, the chitons won't do, but wear what they've got here and put your ceremonial girdles over it. Wear your sword belts too. I'll make sure that the guards won't give you a problem."

"Another thing. What are we gonna do with all the men?"

"You're Amazons right? If they bug you, blast 'em!"

Gabrielle chimed in. "Always works for Xena."

Pyronia tipped her strong face back and began to laugh, so did everyone else, even Demodocus.

"Awright ladies. Other than that, talk to them. They're just as curious about you as you are about them. The King's a good man and I'm sure everyone will be on his best behavior. Just don't let them molest you or treat you like museum exhibits, and don't do the same to them. C'mon now, we got to get cleaned up. We smell like a cattle herd, and look even worse."

With that, Xena went down the gangway with several of the women and carefully gathered the clothing from the wagon and carried the garments below. When she returned Xena tipped the drivers generously and told them to go to the inn over on the next dock and wait--a runner would get them. Then Xena had the deck pump rigged but rather than place the intake pipe over the side as usual she had the pipe placed into the large fresh water scuttlebutt below and told the Amazons to go for a swim. The women immediately stripped off their bloody and smelly leathers and dove over the side into the warm water of the bay. Xena had another idea.

She looked through the galley and found several huge cooking pots and put them on the stove and then while Gabrielle held the nozzle of the hose into the pot, Pyronia lit a fire. Pyronia had caught onto what Xena was up to and went at her tasks with glee. Ephiny figured it out too and just went back forward to her hammock and lay down to wait.

The men on the ship next birth went ape at the sight. They had never run into Amazons before and never saw a spectacle like that in their lives. Several of the crew were embarrassed and went below while the others just watched--stunned. Demodocus had gone below and helped the crew haul Maude up out of the ship's hold with a block and tackle from the mast. He was in the process of putting his pannier boxes that contained his personal belongings, medical cabinet and portable altar on the mule's back, when he saw what was happening aboard Lyceus and he nearly fell down laughing. It was his first real contact with the Amazons as well.

He went back on board to hear one of the crew members leering.

"Gods, I gotta go over there and get a piece of that. Anybody else?" Several others let out guttural grunts of agreement. Then to their surprise they heard a scraping sound and the man who had talked felt a prick on his neck. He turned his eyes toward the feeling to see Demodocus holding a long, very thin sword to his throat under his right ear.

"You do any such thing and I'll take your head off so fast you won't know I've done it. The rest of you. You might overwhelm me, but on that ship are Amazons, trained warriors all. But to get to them you'll have to go through the black haired one with blue eyes. Remember her?" The man with the blade at his neck nodded. "That's Xena the Warrior Princess. Get her mad and she'd kill all ten of you before she even broke a sweat."

The name had an immediate impact. The sailors shut up.

"Now if I were you, I'd leave the Amazons alone and unload your cargo, load another one, and go home. Consider yourselves lucky I'm a merciful man. Xena decidedly is NOT merciful."

When that little lesson was done, Demodocus walked back down the brow to Maude and prepared to lead her up the wharf to an inn so he could ready himself.

"Hey where you going, Priest?" Demodocus stopped. Xena's voice always reminded him of the sheen of a perfectly forged sword--rich and silky.

"I'm going to an inn to get a room and change."

"The Hades you are. You're coming aboard right here. Bring your box aboard, too. We'll load it on that wagon there in the morning."

"Look! there are 28 women aboard that ship." Demodocus looked up at Xena grimacing in discomfort.

"Lookit, Eros is tied up and you're no Bacchae anymore, besides nobody here but me and Ephiny have killed our three men, and Ephiny is in mourning. So, go run Maude there up to the livery stable, board her for the night and return. We'll have a bath ready for you when you get back."

Demodocus chuckled. "OK, Princess I know when I'm in a hopeless position. I'll be right back."

When Demodocus came back, he saw that nearly all of the Amazons were back up on deck and Pyronia was working on the deck pump. Gabrielle was laughing like mad because she was directing the jet of water on the women as they hooted, hollered and screamed. Below decks he could hear the rushing sound of water being poured a distance. Demodocus came on board and averted his eyes. The women all stopped and stared at him, while Gabrielle grinned ironically, "Hey! Haven't you seen a man before?" she asked teasingly. She then sprayed the staring women with the hose until the water ran out.

When Demodocus arrived below he saw the two huge cauldrons sitting on the galley stove that were now full of steaming water. Julia, the stocky ships cook and future captain showed commendable strength by pulling down one of the caldrons and taking it over to the scuttlebutt. She walked up a couple of short steps and then dumped the hot water into the butt and the rush of water was followed by a deeply satisfied sigh from inside the huge barrel. Curious, when Julia left, he walked up the short stairway and looked inside. There, evidently sitting on a stool and now up to her chin in bubbles was Xena herself.

"Hello there," he said.

"Hello, Priest."

Demodocus immediately opened the ties to his shirt and made to pull it off.

"UH, UH, UH!! No you don't! Not in front of the Amazons."

Demodocus face dropped. He was VERY disappointed.

"I can't do it here, Demodocus. Bad for morale."

Demodocus shoulders slumped now "Duty! Aren't you ever off duty?" He snapped, perhaps in a manner more loud than he'd have liked.

Xena grinned, but her eyes were very hooded and they glittered blue fire under their half closed lids. "Don't worry priest, I'll have a discreet word with the King when dinner's over. Then you'll have to pay the toll for coming to Halikarnassus uninvited."

Demodocus face twisted into an aroused sneer, his eyes on fire. He watched for a second as Xena found a washcloth. She looked back up at him.

"Where you need to go is behind the tarpaulin over there." Xena said cocking her head to her right.

"Can I watch at least?" Demodocus said in a mock whine.

Xena splashed him. "Nope."

With a huge frown, he stepped down from his perch and went over to the tarp, which was suspended from the overhead, and flung it open. Inside was a large barrel that had been cut in half crosswise. The tub was full with steaming water as well. Shrugging, he pulled off his clothes and climbed in, sighing with relaxation as he settled down.

"So what are you going to do?" Demodocus asked, his voice raised to cover the distance.

"Something."

"Gabrielle's, right. It is annoying when you get cryptic."

"I just don't want the women to know detailed plans. The less they know the better. So if you want to go with me, what can you do for me besides make me feel REALLY good?"

"Well, I can fight pretty well."

"I know. You gave me a hell of a hiding the last time we met."

I can speak and read Greek, Hittite, Luvian, Babylonian, Hebrew, and Egyptian fluently.

"Good. Any more?"

"I'm a theologian"

"I know that. You're a doctor too. I'm already a good healer. Why do I need a theologian?"

"I know the Hittite religion very well, intimately in fact." He said as he pulled a leg out of the water and scraped it down.

"So?"

"Well, the average Hittite is very superstitious and generally worships nature."

"So?"

"The state religion is based around a group of gods very much like our own. But there is a big difference."

"What's that? And why should I care?"

"The Hittite ruling classes think the gods are a joke. The state run temples are centers for Government propaganda, and the priesthood is mostly a cover for the secret police."

Demodocus heard the splashing of water and in a second, Xena, wrapped in a huge blanket and dripping wet, was staring at him through a space in the curtain.

"Oh, really," she purred, her eyes on fire.

"Yes. If I can go as myself, a priest, I can find ways of getting information from the priests that aren't secret policemen and place myself in a position to find sensitive documents."

"Now THAT's interesting. I think you might have a job. How did you find out about that the temples are police stations?"

"It's kind of an open secret. When you get into Hatti, you'll see that the population is very afraid of the priests. All go to temple not because they believe, but because they'll be fined if they don't." Xena nodded. This information was very useful.

"Have you ever been to Trius?"

Demodocus thought for a second. "I know what you're driving at. You're going as Diana."

"Yeah, I'll make you my personal chaplain. She's a very religious person anyway. Having a chaplain along would fit."

"Hey, I'm good at it."

Xena's eyes hooded and she took two long slow steps towards Demodocus. He reached up, took her chin in his hand and pulled her down to his lips and kissed her. After a long time, she pulled away saying, "You're good at that too. OOPS!" Accidentally on purpose Xena let the blanket fall then before it hit the ground she snatched it up and bolted from Demodocus' side laughing heartily.

"Hey! GRRRRRR!!!" shouted the priest splashing around in laughing frustration.

"Geesh, I hate parties!" Pyronia said to Ephiny as the Amazons started going through the clothing that King Erginus intended them to wear. "I wish I didn't have to go along."

"C'mon, Py it wouldn't be as much fun without you around." Gabrielle said as she looked though the pile. "OOO look at this!" Gabrielle had stumbled on a green silk dress.

Ephiny looked frustrated. "Why do we have to wear these things?" I'm going to feel like a two dinar harlot. Why can't we wear our own clothes?"

"You haven't been to a lot of Royal Courts before." Gabrielle said. "Now I'VE been to a lot of Royal Courts before. Looking good is a part of the King's position. It makes the monarchy look powerful, like natural leaders. Also, it's important to make a strong impression for diplomacy. Besides, I'm really looking forward to dressing up for a change. Last time I was really dressed up was my wedding day..." Gabrielle suddenly looked up, her eyes very distant and painful. She was married for exactly one day and one night to Perdicas, a soldier from her home town. He had been murdered in front of her eyes by the madwoman Callisto.

Ephiny had a look of compassion on her face. "Xena told me about that. I'm sorry."

Gabrielle shook her head and smiled. "No it's OK. Justice has been done. It's better to live in the present than in the past."

Ephiny nodded. The realization that Gabrielle was now a young widow herself struck Ephiny hard. Somehow she thought that Gabrielle wasn't going to be so annoying. "Ain't that the truth" she said.

Gabrielle went rooting through the clothes again and came across a long white linen sheath. "Py, this is PERFECT for you." Pyronia sort of slumped down and looked around. Gabrielle held it up to her and whistled. "Killer," she said.

"That's just IT, Gabrielle. I'm not. I haven't killed my three men yet!" Py exclaimed in embarrassment.

"Well, you don't have to make love to them tonight you know. It's just fun to drive men crazy sometimes."

Pyronia still shuffled with discomfort. Like most of the Amazons this was the first time she had encountered a lot of men in peacetime. Previously, the only peaceful contact she'd had with men was with the village near Amazon territory. During the events of yesterday the women had been able to distance themselves from all the men that they had seen, but now they were going to be expected socialize with them, a very different set of circumstances.

Ephiny was fortunate. She had done a lot of socializing with men since her marriage with Phantes. "Py, men taken one at a time are really good people," she said. "We Amazons chose to live separately from men not because we thought that men were bad, but that somehow the equal relationship between men and women that existed a long time ago changed. Greeks abandoned Artemis' ways and began to push women into subservient roles in life. I know I chose to return to the Sisterhood after Phantes death because as an Amazon I can be anything I want to be from a mother to a warrior. There are also a lot of men out there that believe what we're doing is right."

"Besides Py, why don't you just take this party as a chance to play dress up for a night. It'll be fun." Gabrielle said.

"So what about this Demodocus guy Gabrielle?" Pyronia asked changing the subject. "He really seems to be close to Xena."

"Oh, they're perfect for each other. Demodocus is strong, brilliant, educated, extremely sensitive and completely trustworthy. And then there's his gift. He's been a great help to Xena in putting her past behind her."

"And he's really good looking." Pyronia smiled.

"Oh yeah, that too."

Ephiny shuddered. "I could never allow anyone to mess around with my feelings like that. I'd feel so violated. How could Xena trust him so much?"

"Well, not long after we first met Demodocus, some god possessed Xena and drove her insane with rage.

"Artemis!" Pyronia exclaimed. "Just terrible."

"Well, Demodocus touched her head and took away that rage. Xena told me that she was able to feel a little bit of what he was experiencing and what she felt was deep compassion and concern. From that moment, she's trusted him completely."

"They in love?" Ephiny asked.

"Yeah, they are. I think it's wonderful. Demodocus told me that Xena has the most beautiful soul he has ever encountered other than Athena."

"Athena?" Pyronia asked.

"Yeah. He sees the Goddess Athena all the time. They're friends. Most wonderful thing I ever saw. She calls him 'My Eyes.'"

"That's awfully hard to believe, Gabrielle!" Ephiny exclaimed.

"Well, because of Demodocus, I've met Athena--twice. She even touched me on the cheek. It was incredible! If you don't believe me ask Xena. Why, I myself saw Athena tell Xena to treat her as an equal! She put Xena on her level."

"WOW!" Pyronia said awed. "What's she like?"

"Well, she's not what you'd think. Athena's so beautiful that its hard to look at her. She's tall and has very long wheat colored hair. She dresses very simply in a sky blue robe--nothing fancy at all. Actually, she might have been an Amazon. She isn't rounded, but she's athletic. When she uses those amazing gray eyes of hers to look into your own, well, its an unforgettable experience of total inner peace. I just wanted to reach out and hug her. I wasn't frightened at all."

"But she's the Goddess of War. What about the spear, shield and helmet?" Ephiny asked.

"Ephiny, I saw her grow to fifty feet right in front of me. The military stuff just appeared out of the air. She was really scary then. Strange thing is that I still haven't figured out why a Goddess would treat a mortal as an equal. With Demodocus you can see that she's the most important part of the friendship. Not with Xena. I don't understand it. Actually, Athena and Xena act a lot alike. I don't know."

All the time she was talking Gabrielle was still looking through the clothing the King had provided. Turning a dress over she saw a little flash of black and she pulled the article of clothing out. It was a long, very simple black silk dress with a scoop neckline and purple trim. The skirt was split up both legs from the hem to the hip. "OH! I know who this is for!" Gabrielle turned her head and shouted over her shoulder, "XENA! Could you come here please?"

Xena heard her friend and came forward to the table. She was, like most of the other women, still wrapped in her blanket and in the process of brushing her hair. Gabrielle had noticed that when adequate amenities were available, unlike most of the time in the field, Xena was fastidious and precise in her personal habits. Everything had to be in its place, but she wasn't obsessive about it. Xena did care that she look good whenever possible.

"Yes, Gabrielle?" Xena asked as she threw her head, slinging her still wet hair over her back.

"Here," Gabrielle said holding the dress up to her friend.

"Now that is lovely," Xena purred. "I haven't seen clothes this nice since the last time we were at Diana's. But her clothes are way too frilly for me."

Pyronia and Ephiny watched with interest. This was a Xena they had never seen before. The Xena they knew was the calm professional or the fierce warrior. Neither of them had ever really seen the woman behind the blue eyes.

"I didn't know you liked clothes, Xena." Pyronia said.

"She can embroider exquisitely," Gabrielle said.

"Oh yes. I love clothes. I make my own when I can. But other things keep getting in the way." A small look of regret passed through her eyes.

"C'mon, Xena put it on."

"Oh, all right. Hand me that towel there Py." Pyronia handed the towel to Xena who expertly wrapped her hair up into a turban then let the blanket fall away.

"Doesn't look big enough to put your shift under it Xena," Ephiny said.

"Think you're right." She put her hands through the skirt and pulled the dress down over her head and turned her back to Gabrielle who deftly tied off the lacing in the back. The dress was just a touch tight but with a little adjustment it fit like a glove.

Gabrielle was right, the dress was perfect for her. The image Xena projected was one of both power and allure. "Wait a minute!" Gabrielle exclaimed, and she hurried off aft and came back quickly with a familiar item, Xena's chakram and its belt. Gabrielle turned the belt over for the opposite side was black rather than dark brown. Then she buckled it around Xena's waist, and hung the weapon from its hook.

By now several of the other Amazons had come forward and joined in the group trying on clothes. One of them handed Gabrielle a rather large bronze mirror and she held it up in front of Xena.

"Not bad," Xena said.

"NOT BAD?!" Gabrielle shouted. "Now lookit, Xena, You are gonna kill more men tonight with that dress than you ever did with your sword."

The Amazons all looked on with interest while Ephiny nodded in agreement.

"Frankly, I'm only interested in killing one."

"Lady, I've been dead for at least the last two minutes."

Xena's head whipped around to look right at Demodocus.

Demodocus had quietly come forward, now dressed in his ceremonial robes and silver headband and was leaning nonchalantly on the ship's mast. He had carefully left the laces of the robe completely undone, surely for the effect it would have on Xena.

"You know, Priest, you've bushwhacked me twice today. That NEVER happens."

"Maybe its because I'm your friend."

Both Xena and Demodocus noted that a quiet titter of laughter began to run through the Amazons and Gabrielle's eyes were glittering with delight.

Xena looked down for a second then returned to eye contact with her lover, with an ironic half smile. "Well, I guess I'm disarmed."

"The Great Destroyer of Nations cut off and forced to surrender. Unbelievable!"

Xena walked over to Demodocus and whispered, "Be Nice."

Demodocus fell apart with laughter.

Pyronia called out:, "You're in trouble now, Demodocus!"

Xena slowly turned towards Pyronia with a mock glower on her face. "No, you're the one that's in trouble, Py."

Pyronia gritted her teeth, nearly biting her fire stick in half. "Geesh!" she hissed.

"OK, people, enough of this, we've got to get going soon. So let's finish up." Xena walked over to Demodocus and put a hand on his shoulder and whispered. "As for you, Priest, I'll deal with you later." She kissed him on the cheek and walked back aft to her little compartment.

Shortly there was a commotion on the dock and one of the Amazons ducked up on deck to see what was up.

"Xena! The coaches are here!" she called.

Everyone was done below. The Amazons were all excited about the clothes, and for many of them the military equipment and ceremonial girdles they wore gave them great pride. Their hair was carefully braided and festooned with the feathers and talismans that characterized their dress. Several of them had brought their animal headdresses and the effects these accouterments achieved were of strangeness and beauty.

Pyronia made a striking figure. The white dress that Gabrielle had found was long and slinky with a halter neckline and a low cut back. The skirt was slashed from the floor to her left hip. Gabrielle had carefully braided Pyronia's hair into a single queue and had tied feathers into it. Not only had Gabrielle done that, but she had arranged Py's upper arm brassards just so also. Pyronia had polished her brass girdle so brightly that a person's face could be seen in it.

"Pyronia, you're beautiful." Gabrielle said.

The Amazon blushed. "I feel like a doof."

"Don't be silly." Ephiny had come over to check on her friend. She had found a very nice tan peasant dress that fit well with her Amazon trappings.

"Besides, there's one thing." Py said.

"What's that?" replied Gabrielle.

"Where do I put my ax?"

Gabrielle cracked up. "Over your shoulder of course." Gabrielle then walked over to Py and before the Amazon could do anything about it, she snatched the fire stick from Pyronia's mouth. "You won't need that."

"GIMME THAT! GRRRRRRR!"

"HEY! No roughhousing!" Ephiny exclaimed.

"Yeah let's go; I'm starving!" Pyronia called out.

"Yeah Py, anything's gotta be better than your pot stickers." An unknown Amazon shouted.

Pyronia rolled her eyes "Thanks," she said.

Behind Pyronia, the Amazons heard Xena's low, silky voice, "Time to leave ladies."

All the women's faces swiveled to the sound and they all took in a sharp breath. Their leader looked like a goddess. Xena stood straight, her hair was swept back off her face and the sides were braided together in order to gather what remained into a loose pony tail, so that her ears could be seen. Xena had put on a pair of black brassards and around her neck was a simple gold chain suspended from which was a tiny owl. In her earlobes were a pair of diamond studs, neither of which Gabrielle had ever seen before. Her chakram was still suspended on its belt on her right hip but it had been polished to a fare thee well. On her feet were a pair of calf length black sandals. Overall the effect was staggering. Behind her, Demodocus stood chewing on his thumbnail in awed admiration.

Gabrielle looked wonderful too. She had her hair braided and then wrapped and pinned around her head leaving a large skein to dangle down her back. The bright green dress was sleeved with a scoop neckline and a tied bodice. She carried a small shoulder bag, in contrast to the gargantuan container she usually affected. The effect was to make her look like the brilliant child woman she was.

"Where'd ya get the earrings and the necklace, Xena?" Gabrielle asked. "I never saw either of them before."

Xena cocked a thumb over her shoulder towards Demodocus who nodded. "Necklace is his. The earrings are from Borias. I almost never wear them. I normally keep them in my purse to remind me of him. Seems appropriate to wear them tonight. We ready?" Everyone nodded and they all went up on deck.

Erginus had pulled out all the stops. Six large open carriages with footmen were pulled up on the wharf, all with six gray horses in harness. To everyone's surprise, Erginus and his wife were patiently sitting in the lead carriage. Xena, Gabrielle, Demodocus, Ephiny and Pyronia joined the royal couple in the lead carriage. When they pulled out, Xena made it a point to wave at Florence, the Amazon that volunteered to keep an eye on Iphigenia who waved back smiling.

"Thank you for coming for us, Your Majesty." Xena said.

"The pleasure is mine. And you are?" The King said offering a hand to Demodocus.

"Demodocus, Your Majesty, a close friend to Xena. I'm the Maiden Athena's Chief Priest in Athens."

The King shot a worried glance at Xena who answered immediately: "Don't worry about Demodocus. What you can say to me and Gabrielle, you can say to him.

"Oh! Excellent then. You are the Chief Priest of Athena in Athens? Athena is our patron goddess here. Oh yes, now I recall the name! Our Chief Priest has spoken the world of you."

"Yes! Alcaster. We correspond frequently. He has some very interesting ideas upon geometry."

The small talk got started in earnest and both Gabrielle and Demodocus proved to be masters at it. Xena and the two Amazons watched the buildings go by and there seemed to be a lot of people out. The carriage procession had turned out to be a small triumph, and Xena really didn't appreciate it. Suddenly, she felt a gentle elbow in the ribs. It was Gabrielle.

"Don't you feel like we're in a fairy tale? I do."

"If you say so, Gabrielle."

"Xena, will you lighten up a little and get with the program? This is supposed to be fun."

Xena gave Gabrielle a little smile and returned to her reverie. She was finally taking the time to think about what Demodocus had told her earlier. She was to be the center of the Earth's torment. What did that mean? What was Ares up to? Athena would no longer answer Demodocus' call. There might be a war between the gods? The images kept flowing through her thoughts until the clopping of the horses' hooves stopped and the carriage arrived at the front door of the castle.

The great hall of the castle was enormous and very impressive, even to Xena who had nearly seen everything before. The room went up five stories to the roof where the vent holes for the two enormous fires at the ends of the room admitted the last light of the day. Galleries on every story, which had doors spaced every few feet of the perimeter, surrounded the room. The royal party walked up a huge marble stairway to the room where they were stopped and announced by a footman. When Xena and Demodocus arrived, they saw that the entire colonnade was filled to the rafters with a huge crowd. When the King and Queen were announced all stood and bowed deeply. When the King bowed all returned to their seats and Erginus walked to the head of the table while his wife walked to the foot. Xena and Demodocus mounted the last few steps and the footman announced: "XENA OF AMPHIPOLIS, KNOWN AS THE WARRIOR PRINCESS, AND DEMODOCUS!"

Unexpectedly a great rumble started in a far upper corner of the great hall. A chant began to build and roll around the room like an avalanche. Louder and louder it grew until it seemed to take on a life of its own. Soon it had become a gigantic serpent of sound swirling round the heads of all and carrying the crowd away:

" Xe-na! Xe-na! XE-NA! XE-NA! XE-NA! XE-NA! XE-NA! XE-NA! XE-NA!"

Gabrielle, who had sidled up beside Xena, reached for her friend's hand with a smile, and looked into Xena's face. The expression she saw there shocked her, but the thought to herself that Xena's reaction wasn't wholly unexpected. She could see that Xena's jaw muscles were clenched. Her eyes were wide and on fire, and her mouth was in a barely perceptible, but rigid frown. Gabrielle knew at once that Xena was deeply, and unfavorably moved. The chant was reminding her of her past. Demodocus was smiling at first and then he turned to his lover to see her face. Instantly, he became dismayed and put his hand on her shoulder. Xena grabbed Gabrielle's hand and squeezed and she reached up and put her other hand on her lover's where it rested. In a moment, a man stood, and with a sharp gesture of his hand the chant stopped instantly.

"Are you all right, Princess?" Demodocus asked.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just some bad memories that's all." She relaxed and a slight smile returned to her lips. "Thanks, the both of you." An usher came up and escorted the couple to their seats near the head of the table to the right of the King.

Soon Gabrielle, Pyronia, Ephiny and the rest of the Amazons were introduced with: "GABRIELLE, PRINCESS OF THE PINDUS AMAZON NATION, AND HER SISTER AMAZONS!!" Again a mighty chant from the gallery began: This time the chant was: "HIP-POLYTA!! HIP-POLYTA!! The Amazons instantly erupted into ululation, shrieks, war cries and the same chant, for glee shot through them like lightning. Gabrielle was beside herself with joy and even the chronically grumpy Ephiny grinned from ear to ear.

Pyronia craned her neck to look around the gigantic room. "WOW!" She exclaimed in awe.

The food seemed to go on forever. Heaps of roast lamb, beef, and pork., chickens by the score, and seemingly tons of fancy vegetable dishes appeared and disappeared off the table. The Amazons frankly were amazed. Amazon food was generally plentiful but it was plain and solid. The entire sisterhood had to work hard to raise or hunt for all their comestibles, and detailed presentation or preparation was a waste of time for them. This was not to say that they didn't enjoy themselves. They did. Ephiny had to deliver several kicks to Amazon shins under the long table to keep some of the women in line. Poor Pyronia, shy enough at most times was seated across from a very young officer in Erginus guard who was constantly peppering her with questions. At one point, Py leaned over to Gabrielle and whispered, "Can I kill him? It would make my third."

"Nah Py, better not. We're allies now." Gabrielle smiled.

Ephiny was more fortunate. She was seated next to a woman who was a Lady in Waiting to the Queen, who was once married to a centaur. The woman, named Lydia, was very kind and understanding and had a lot to share about her long and successful marriage. She marveled over the fact that the Kings of Halikarnassus had always considered Centaurs valuable citizens and had even given them jobs in the government. Lydia's husband was once the King's Equerry. The Amazons' attitude toward Ephiny's marriage to Phantes was no more than proper, and while correct, Ephiny had been very disappointed when Melosa had simply told her that she had to leave. Ephiny reminded herself that she knew the rules as well as anyone and reminded herself as well that Melosa had to enforce the rules fairly, even if the victim of those rules was a very close friend.

Gabrielle craned her head up the table to listen to the conversation between the King, Xena, Pausanias, and Demodocus. This didn't sit too well with Xena who shot a hard glare at her friend forcing Gabrielle to divert her gaze. This time Gabrielle didn't get too mad. Demodocus was a far more experienced warrior than her. Not only this, but Xena had finally completely explained what her constant phrase "Need to know", meant also. According to Xena, Gabrielle remembered, sensitive information had to be kept in little 'compartments'. The people whose knowledge was a compartment could be captured and still not destroy a plan by giving it all to the enemy. On the upcoming trip, only Xena would know everything about a plan, while the rest of the party could reconstruct the relevant information from what they knew should Xena be killed or captured.

Xena in the meantime had taken a strong liking to the bulldog like Pausanias. For a politician, she really saw that he was a man of integrity, and that when he lied (He did lie. Politics demands it.) it was for the purpose of protecting his beloved city.

"The representatives of the cities at the conference that capitulated to Tudhalias had a choice between war and shame. They chose shame, and they will get war--later. I'm convinced of it." Pausanias said forcefully. "Your majesty has done exactly the right thing in starting a defensive alliance against the Hittite Empire. What Xena has told me tonight clinches it. Tudhalias does indeed mean war against the Ionian colonies and the rest of mainland Greece at the earliest possible moment."

"What kind of a man is he?" Demodocus asked. Why would he risk so much after the Hittite Empire has been so successful for so long?"

"Tudhalias loves power for its own sake. There is nothing he loves better than enforcing his will on others, the more the better."

"Sounds like another megalomaniac. I run into that type often enough." Xena said smoothly.

"Xena," Pausanias said. "Tudhalias is a very dangerous man. Unlike the men you fought for or against in your career, he is not venal. In his own mind, he is not interested in power for his own aggrandizement. He believes himself the focus of the superiority of the Hittite race. He also believes the old tradition that the Emperor of the Hittites is, and must be, a God. Here's an interesting little fact. Tudhalias has the falling disease.'

Both Xena and Demodocus looked at each other. They knew that the disease was often attributed to godly possession.

Pausanias continued. "It's said that when he throws a fit he's possessed by the Hittite God of War, Warunkatte.

"Great! Not only is he a megalomaniac, he's a bigot and a religious fanatic with delusions of grandeur." Xena said bitterly.

"No Xena, I don't think he has delusions. He really is grand. Power is a superb aphrodisiac. If he was really out of his mind he would not have played his hand as shrewdly as he has up to now." Demodocus said. "Besides, he now has the allegiance of his people by the right of his office. Hittites are obedient people."

"Unlike we Greeks. What was that old saying? Put a single Greek in a room and you have an argument?" Erginus smiled at his own witticism, but there was a grain of truth in it. Xena nodded.

"What can you tell me about him personally, Pausanias? You've worked with him before he became Emperor I believe." Xena asked.

"We don't know that much. I do know that when I worked with him he was, and is, a really slippery fellow. When Suppiluliumsa and his predecessors were alive, Tudhalias was the perfect lackey--in public. Behind the scenes, he found ways of either tricking, cajoling, or even ignoring his Emperors and getting his policy ideas implemented. If anyone was a real danger to him, somehow that person disappeared. He had total control of Suppiluliumsa's father Mursili. He was far more intelligent and energetic than most of the Emperors he worked for, except for Suppiluliumsa. He was a bitch to negotiate with, every position was predicated on the proposition that: "What's mine is mine, and what's yours is negotiable. Of course all this changed when Suppiluliumsa was crowned. That young man had his own mind and the strength to see his thinking carried out."

"So?"

"Suppiluliumsa was too autocratic for his own good. He expected that any order that he gave would be instantly obeyed. Because of his rigidity, he couldn't play institutional politics and, I think--I don't really know, Tudhalias built a gigantic conspiracy out of those in government the Emperor had alienated. So, GRIIICCH!" Pausanias pulled a finger across his throat.

"Did Suppiluliumsa have a successor picked out?" Demodocus asked.

"No."

"Could anyone have legitimately succeeded other than Tudhalias?" Xena asked.

"Yes Suppiluliumsa's nephew Hattusilis," The King said.

"Actually, there is some good news about him." Pausanias looked at his King for permission to share something. The King nodded. "Our people say he's still alive. He's gone to ground somewhere. Apparently the Hittite army is beating the bushes for him with no luck."

Xena's eyes opened wide. The legitimate successor to the Emperor could be a very valuable weapon to use against Tudhalias, if he were found alive. She leaned over and got the attention of a waiter and asked for a piece of papyrus and a brush. In a moment she had written out a note and gave it to Pausanias who gave it to the King. He read it and nodded. Xena smiled slightly.

"Well gentlemen, If you think that Tudhalias wants war; what have you done about it?" Xena asked. Erginus waved his hand and a small, oddly fragile looking man in his late forties stepped forward. He was dressed in ornate armor and a helmet with a huge crest.

"This is Isocrates, the commander of my land forces. Don't let his looks fool you, He's tougher than last year's salt mutton."

"Your Majesty is an expert on old salt mutton!" With that crack the King erupted into warm laughter. Xena thought they were old comrades.

The waiters were now swarming over the table picking up the debris of the dinner.

"Now that we are finished eating shall we repair to the anteroom?" Erginus said and The King, Xena and Demodocus rose and followed the general into a small room off the great chamber. In the center of the room a large map of the area around Halikarnassus was stretched out on a table.

"Gentlemen, and lady" Isocrates nodded graciously to Xena who affected an ironic half smile. The defense of Halikarnassus is predicated upon the holding of a line between the northern coast of the peninsula at the village of Gulluk and the southern coast of the peninsula at Oren. Additionally this line is blockaded by two large strong points, castles really. One on the summit of the hill of Marcal and another in the village of Mylasa.

"Order of battle?" Xena asked.

"11,000 in regular service. 27,000 reserves." Isocrates said.

The conversation went on for some time, becoming more and more detailed as it went along. Demodocus looked on and saw just how much Xena loved her profession. Her eyes glittered with excitement as the general layout of the cities defenses were analyzed. Demodocus recalled that what he loved about the warrior arts wasn't really the brain work but the physicality of it all. Xena's interest was much more broad and deep.

"Navy?" Xena asked.

"800 ships, 100 of which are biremes..."

Demodocus began to feel himself becoming bored. He reached over and touched Xena on the shoulder. "Can we uh save the shop talk for later?" Xena turned her head and he could see that she broke away reluctantly. "We're going on a long ride and we need as much relaxation as possible.'

"Sure, Priest. This information's getting more detailed than I need to know anyway. I don't want to give up too much if I get caught." Turning to Isocrates Xena said, "thank you, General. Your planning looks sound. Tudhalias would be wise to pick another target, if he hits at all."

"It would be a big mistake that's for sure!" Isocrates exclaimed. Xena slapped him hard on the shoulder and smiled then turned to Demodocus.

"Try not to live in the future, Xena, it will just drive you crazy." Demodocus said as he lightly placed his arm around Xena's waist and gently led her toward the door. He leaned in close to Xena's ear and whispered: "Can they keep the Hittites out?"

"If the information I got at Melosa's was right, not a snowball's chance in Tartarus."

From behind them, the sound of music came strongly through the door--gaidas flutes, drums, tambourines, and lyres mostly.

The moment the music started. Xena could hear Gabrielle yelping, "Pyronia, I told Ephiny I couldn't dance."

"Well, we'll see about that," Pyronia said and she tossed Gabrielle over her shoulder. Gabrielle, taken by surprise, couldn't really resist as Pyronia carried her to the floor kicking like a beached fish. Ephiny had gone over to the musicians and said something to the band leader. Before they finished their first number, they abandoned their instruments and several Amazons picked them up and started pounding out a driving rhythm on the drums. Soon a pipe joined in and the women began one of their moon dances to the amazement of the rest of the crowd. Poor Gabrielle. Once Pyronia had put her down she bleated like a lost sheep, but finally she shook her head and tried to join in. Unfortunately, brilliant writer and poet she might be, Gabrielle had no physical sense of rhythm at all. She came close to stepping on her own feet several times.

"Well," Xena said a bright smile on her face. "She's indoors now. Maybe the crops are safe."

Demodocus looked at Xena quizzically. Xena's belly shook gently with silent laughter. "I'll tell you about it later," she said.

The crowd began to be swept up in the feral power of the dance. Rhythmic clapping followed the drums and the wild dance seemed to spin out of control. The Amazon war cries added to the effect. Demodocus closed his eyes and allowed the music to drive deeply into him, where the raw spirit of Artemis seemed live. His experience of Athena was not only rich, and powerful but cool and serene also. His experience of Artemis' music was very different. It was hot, blazing hot. Around and around the Amazons went until with a tremendous blast of shouting, all the women warriors collapsed. The crowd erupted into applause as Demodocus wrapped a long arm around Xena's waist and squeezed.

"Incredible!" Demodocus exclaimed.

"You should see 'em fight," Xena said.

The orchestra returned to the stand and a bazouki began to play.

"Princess, wanna cause a scandal?" Demodocus asked sotto voce.

Xena half smiled, her eyes glittering. "Sure!"

The couple stood side by side and put the arms that were between them on each others shoulders, and they began the line dance that is traditionally only done by Greek men. All around the great hall men and women sharply took in their breaths when they saw what Xena and Demodocus were up to.

The Crown Prince, who was chatting up Gabrielle began to stammer "BPPTTH Wha what WHAT ARE THEY DOING!"

Gabrielle smiled "I think they know exactly what they're doing."

The couple looked each other in the eyes. Their feet instantly caught the slow, sensuous rhythm of the tinkling instrument. The Amazons watched with rapt interest as their honorary queen began to express herself in a manner that they had never seen. Both Xena and Demodocus proved to be excellent dancers.

Gabrielle wasn't surprised. Xena had often used her dancing skills to work her way into tough places before. This dance was different, it was one of deep enjoyment. Gabrielle really marveled at the effect Demodocus had on her friend. Xena could relax and put her troubles behind her with Demodocus; this was something Xena couldn't do with her. Gabrielle wasn't envious. She thanked Athena for Xena's pleasure. Xena needed it badly.

Faster and faster Xena and Demodocus danced. Many times their faces and bodies touched and everyone in the room could feel the electricity. Xena began to yip occasionally on the beat. Her steps became bigger, more powerful, and Demodocus began to follow. But after a while Xena's exuberance carried her away, her rigid self discipline for once broke down. Demodocus could no longer keep up with her. She did a simple back flip and this led to more and more elaborate tricks that had the entire audience in awe, Demodocus included. Then she ran to the end of the floor turned, and somehow staying in rhythm, she ran at Demodocus, did a cartwheel, and bounded twisting into the air. At the apex of her leap she yelled, "CATCH!" and Demodocus stuck out his arms where she landed in a seated position.

"Thanks, Priest!" Xena breathed as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him.

The crowd was so stunned by Xena's performance that at first they couldn't react. Gabrielle started it by stamping and hooting. The King joined in, followed by his wife, Pausanias and finally the rest of the crowd. joined in. But oddly one pair of clapping hands seemed to dominate all the rest.

The single pair of hands soon were making a sound that nearly equaled that of thunder and a brilliant flash of blue white light blinded everyone for a second. Demodocus dropped Xena on her feet who immediately turned towards where she thought she had seen the light come. It was the center of the banquet table. Standing there was a man, at least 10 feet tall, dressed in black. Legs akimbo, he was clapping slowly with a sneer on his full lips. "Lovely, Xena. Just lovely. I remember when you used to dance for me like that," the apparition said.

"What are you doing here, Ares?" Xena hissed, a mirthless smile on her lips.

Demodocus' eyes went very wide as he turned to look. A lightning bolt of fear shot down his back. There was no doubt in his mind. This was the God of War himself! The rest of the crowd heard Xena and began to cower, except for Erginus who hurried to Xena's side, Pausanias right behind. Alcaster, the Chief Priest of Athena for Halikarnassus rounded the other end of the table and he was quickly joined by Demodocus. Both started chanting:

"Oh Mighty Maiden! Hear us now! Thy terrible brother is here!" Then they both pointed at the apparition "Begone you foul scourge! Leave your sister's city in peace! Inflict upon us NOT the calamity of war! Maiden! We beg you for righteousness' sake, smite thy brother so that all may live in safety!"

Ares tipped his head back and roared with laughter. "You think Athena's gonna come riding over the hill and save your stupid hides? Well, I'm sorry to disillusion you buckos. Sis is all tied up!" The God stared deeply into the eyes of Demodocus who was still chanting as loudly as he could. "So you're Xena's new boyfriend. Sis told me about you. I don't know whether to be disappointed or jealous." He paused. "I think I'll be disappointed. Xena your choice in men just doesn't become you. The nicey, nicey type just ain't your style."

"Leave these people alone, Ares. They've done nothing. It's me you're after," Xena replied.

In the background, the chanting of the Amazons to invoke Artemis added to the din.

"Oh bravo, Xena! Y'know your self sacrificing streak is getting out of control." Ares pointed at Demodocus. "Why didn't you have your head shrinker there take care of that?' Demodocus stopped chanting in shock. "Oh yeah, Priest, I know all about it. Some gift you have there. Getting rid of you is definitely on my to do list. I can wait"

"Give it up, Xena! I got the Fates on my side. All these nice people are going to be cannon fodder for my new army. No sense in sticking around and getting blamed for their destruction."

"You been boasting like that since I first met you Ares, and you have yet to deliver!"

Ares barely reacted to Xena's taunt, but he did start strutting up and down the table slapping his gauntleted fist into his open hand. "I guess there is nothing worse than a lapsed worshipper. It's irrelevant Xena. I already got you and you don't know it yet." Then he stood to his full height and began to grow slowly until his head just about reached the ceiling. The oily god looked around then swept his pointing finger around the hall. "You will all worship me or die! You might die anyway if you do! Well, them's the breaks! Until next time!" The terrible apparition vanished.

"Bastard!" Xena muttered under her breath.

The joyous mood of the room was utterly destroyed. The victory of the citizens and leaders of Halikarnassus had won just that afternoon seemed distant and tiny. Xena looked around and saw everyone's face was either set in fear or depression. A roar of strained conversation and shouting dominated the room. Even the Amazons, some of the strongest people she had ever met, shambled and looked down. Pyronia's perpetual half smile was gone and Xena could see that the mighty warrior's shoulders had slumped. Xena turned to Demodocus and saw that both he and Alcaster were on their face in supplication. Xena took a running jump onto the table and spread her hands; in a second the King and his Foreign Minister were there as well.

"Please, ladies and gentlemen listen to me! Don't be afraid of Ares! He wins by manipulation. He dominates through fear and anger. Don't listen to him. You are a proud and brave city with a great army and navy. If war comes here you will win. I've beaten Ares. I've seen him without his godhead. My friends. Listen to your King. No matter what happens, he will not lead you wrong." Erginus put his hand on Xena's shoulder and continued with the speech.

Xena jumped down in amongst the Amazons and Gabrielle. The women warriors were very shaken, but Gabrielle and Ephiny had been talking to them continuously and had reassured them.

"What are we gonna do, Xena?" Gabrielle asked.

"How can we hope to fight a God?" Ephiny asked as well.

"We're going on as planned. Don't lose your heads either of you. Erginus isn't gonna panic and do anything rash. He's gonna sit and let Tudhalias come to him if he does attack. Careful planning and a cool head beats Ares every time.

Pyronia walked up. "How are the rest of the women, Py?" Xena asked.

"They're OK now, but I was doing some heavy praying there for a minute."

"Tell me about it." Gabrielle said.

Xena walked over to the table and found a piece of paper and a stylus. She called for Julia over her shoulder and the stocky Amazon came over. "I got new orders for you. here they are. Make sure they're carried out before dawn. The rest of you. Get back to the ship. Gabrielle I want you, Py and Ephiny here to get as much sleep as you can. Then go to the place that I have written here. Follow the instructions afterward to the letter.

"What are you gonna do, Xena?" Gabrielle asked.

"Demodocus and I are gonna stay here."

Ephiny and Pyronia grinned. Those expressions disappeared fast because Xena glared at them. "I'll see you in the morning." Xena said and she turned and walked over to Demodocus.

"Did you arrange things priest?" Xena asked. Demodocus nodded.

"That was the last time until we get out of Hatti, Priest. I'm sorry."

"I know, Princess." Demodocus sighed.

The priest had a distant, sad look on his face. His normally ruddy complexion was a bit off. He seemed to become a little tense, a state of feeling that Xena had never seen in him before. Demodocus turned and looked at Xena longingly and she looked back at him in tenderness and stroked his beard. "What's wrong Demodocus? I've never seen you like this before."