@Xenite Country
Dark Revelations
By Skkye Blue
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Shipper Fan Fiction @Xenite Country Dark Revelations |
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Webmaster Note: To make this story load a little easier in your browser, it has been split into several web pages. You will find the link for the part of the story below at the end of each page. Dark Revelations (Chapters 48 thru 51) CHAPTER 48 "You two have certainly done a great job on the snow castle." Gabrielle stood before the structure that was almost completed. "We didn’t do it by ourselves," Lysia poked a finger through a wall of snow that would be another window in the castle. "You and Mommy helped too." "Yeah, but you kids did most of the work," Gabrielle said. "It sure is a pity about that coming storm. It will probably destroy this castle. But we can always come back and build another one." "And the next one can be a lot bigger." Lycus finished up the windows on another wall of the castle. "Maybe we can even get Dad to help." Lysia had a big smile on her face as she nodded in agreement with her brother’s suggestion. Gabrielle thought that would be an interesting sight indeed---the god of war making castles out of the snow. The bard pulled her coat tightly about her as a strong arctic wind moved through the valley. She gazed up at the thickening clouds blanketing the sky. "I wonder what is taking Xena so long to get those rocks. That storm is moving in faster than we thought and we still have to travel back up the mountain." "I can go find her if ya want." Lycus rose to his feet. "Oh no, you should stay here," Gabrielle said. "But I’ve been down to the river before, I won’t get lost and I can always follow Mom’s tracks," Lycus insisted. "Please Gabrielle, let me go." Gabrielle saw Lycus’ need to follow after Xena as a good sign. It meant the little boy was becoming more comfortable with having his mother in his life. Maybe it would help their budding relationship even more if they got to spend this time together----alone. "Oh, all right, but you make sure you stick to Xena’s tracks and don’t go wandering off on another course." "I won’t." Lycus had a big smile on his face as he headed off in the direction Xena had departed. ********** "Ohhh...my God of War," Xena moaned, her eyes closed in ecstasy. She tightened the grip of her glove-covered hands on the low-hanging pine tree branches. "Xeeena," Ares breathed before his mouth teased an earlobe with soft nibbles all the while he vigorously thrust in and out of her eager depths. Except for Xena’s underwear both were still fully clothed yet they were joined in lovemaking as they leaned against a large pine tree. Xena released her grip on the tree limbs and took hold of Ares’ head to claim his lips in a hungry kiss. She lowered her hands that began to wildly roam his broad back. Each thrust brought her closer to orgasm. She tightened the grip of the long shapely leg wrapped around the war god, urging him to thrust deeper. Ares was happy to oblige by not only thrusting deeper but faster. Xena’s moans of pleasure had grown louder but were soon muffled by Ares’ own mouth and probing tongue. Together, they reached the pinnacle of ecstasy---their bodies shuddering from the power of their union---they held onto one another---never wanting to let go. When they finally came back down to earth, Xena removed her leg from around Ares, planting a boot back on the ground. She watched as he tucked away what had brought her so much pleasure then refastened his leather pants. He let a hand fall to his side. His sword belt flew up from the snow to be caught in his grasp. As he resituated it around his waist, he gazed at Xena. A smile came to her lips as she lost herself in the deep brown of the god’s eyes. Ares returned her smile as he gazed into Xena’s crystal blue orbs that were still sparkling in the aftermath of their lovemaking. "That wasn’t bad for a quickie," Ares remarked, still smiling. "Yeah, it was pretty damn good." Xena replied, the smile on her own face widening. Ares moved in, claiming her lips with a kiss that she eagerly accepted. Xena wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. The desire within both soon heated up again but the sound of a young voice quickly cooled the rebuilding passion. "Hey Dad, I didn’t know you would be here. This is great!" Lycus had an excited smile on his face as he now stood before the couple. The child did not seem to be the least bit surprised to find his parents in such a friendly embrace. As soon as they had heard Lycus’ voice, Ares and Xena had immediately stopped kissing. The war god greeted his son with a smile as he turned around to face him. "Uh Lycus, what are you doing here? You were suppose to stay with Gabrielle and Lysia...to finish the snow castle." Xena addressed the child while hiding behind Ares’ muscular frame as she quickly straightened her clothes to make herself more presentable for her son. "We finished the castle but ya weren’t back yet so Gabrielle said it was okay for me to come find ya. And since Dad is here too, he can check out the castle we built. It looks just like your fortress on top of the mountain." "That sounds great...I can’t wait to see it," Ares replied still smiling. "We can all walk back together," Lycus said with excitement. Xena finally moved from behind Ares and now stood by the god. "Hey Mom, where are the stones? Didn’t you get them?" A disappointed frown formed on Lycus’ face. "She got them---wait just a second." Ares walked over to another pine tree and looked behind it. "Here, are your stones." The god walked back over to the pair and presented a gray sack to the little boy. "Now Zethus can carve those horses he promised me and Lysia." Lycus had a smile back on his young face again. "Lycus, why don’t you take the sack of stones and show them to Lysia and Gabrielle? Your Mom and I will be right behind you." "Okay." Lycus took off in the direction he had came, leaving Ares and Xena to follow after him. "Gods Ares, that was a close one," Xena breathed when they were alone. "If he had showed up any sooner, we would have had a lot of *explaining* to do." "Lycus didn’t see a thing," Ares assured. "Just his parents engaging in a kiss which is pretty natural for a kid to see." Ares’ words did little to ease Xena’s concerns, which grew even deeper as a thought popped into her head. "But what if Lycus tells Gabrielle about the kiss? I already had a heated discussion with her about this very topic and then some...I don’t want to go through that again. The first was bad enough." Ares was very surprised to learn this news. "You told Gabrielle what happened between us during her absence?" "I didn’t tell her, my mother did." "Your mother!?!?!?" Ares’ curiosity was piqued upon hearing this news and he couldn’t wait to hear the whole story. A weary sigh escaped Xena’s lips before she continued. "My mother figured out I was with you that night before I left for Persia. She was afraid I would go back to you so she told Gabrielle what she knew." "Boy oh Boy, I wish I could have been there to see Blondie’s...I mean Red’s face when she heard that one...it would have been priceless." The war god had a wicked grin plastered across his handsome face. "It was not a time for gloating Ares. My mother and Gabrielle had good reason to be concerned about my actions. They were afraid my being with you meant that I was reverting to my warlord ways...becoming the cold-blooded heartless monster I use to be. I was also afraid that would happen." Xena bowed her head. "That’s why you pulled away from me?" Ares placed a finger under her chin and tilted her head up so she had to look at him. "Yes." "Well, I don’t want you to worry about that anymore. You are too strong a person to let that happen…after all, you have consistently thwarted my attempts to revert you to your old ways," Ares said with a sly smile that Xena returned. "That’s why I have decided to end my schemes and manipulations to bring the old Xena back." "And I thought this day would never come." Xena shook her head in disbelief. "Hey, I meant it when I said I wanted there to be peace between us. That won’t happen if I’m plotting behind your back." Xena conceded him this point and took him at his word. "I want peace between us too." A pleased smile broke out over Ares’ face as he claimed her lips with another kiss. "I think it’s time we head back to the kids and Gabrielle," Xena said in between kisses that were beginning to transform into urgent need. "Why don’t I just zap us all back to the castle, then you and I could disappear to my bedchamber and pick up where we left off at the pine tree?" Ares softly caressed her face with light kisses before opening her coat and moving to her neck. "Sounds great, but no can do. I’m having dinner with the children. But you are certainly welcome to join us." Xena ran her slender fingers through Ares’ black curly locks as he teased an earlobe. "I accept the invitation," Ares whispered in her ear. He planted a kiss on her cheek before standing to face her. "Once the children have had their dinner and we’ve sent them off to bed we can have some time for ourselves." "I like the sound of that," Xena replied in a sultry tone. "Now, we better get going." Xena started walking back to the valley where she had left Gabrielle and the children. Ares was walking next to her. "Oh and one more thing, could you kindly put my underwear back where you got it?" "Sorry Xena, with Lycus showing up, I completely forgot," Ares replied with a chuckle. Instantly, Xena no longer felt the chilly air on her lower extremities that were once again covered by her underwear. "Thanks," she replied with a grateful smile as they made their way back to where she had left Gabrielle and the children. ********** Gabrielle and Lysia stood before the snow castle, admiring the finished creation. "Ooh, I can’t wait for Mommy to see it," Lysia said with an excited squeal. "Yes sweetie, she will be very impressed," Gabrielle said. At that moment, Lycus walked into the valley. "Hey you guys, I got the stones." He held up the gray sack he grasped in a hand. "But where’s Mommy? Why didn’t she come back with ya?" Lysia asked. "Oh, she was busy with Dad, so she gave me the stones and told me to go on ahead. They would catch up with us later." Gabrielle was surprised to hear that Xena was with Ares. "Ooh goody, then Daddy can see the castle too," Lysia said with added excitement. "Come see it Lycus...Gabrielle and I added some stuff after ya left." Lysia escorted her brother over to the castle, leaving Gabrielle to ponder Xena’s unexpected run-in with Ares. The bard hoped this unexpected visit wouldn’t leave Xena in a bad mood---which would end up ruining the dinner she had planned with the children. Both children were very perceptive and knew from the few times they had spent with Gabrielle that she didn’t like their father. That’s why Lycus decided to relay to his sister what he had seen using their mind link because he knew if his mother’s friend found out, she would not be too happy. As the twins stood gazing at the finished snow castle, their minds linked in secret communication. "Guess what Lysia? When I found Mom, she and Dad were kissing!" "Wow Lycus, that is so cool! Then maybe what we heard Uncle Hercules say won’t happen." Unbeknownst to the adults, Lycus and Lysia had been present when they heard their Uncle Hercules talking to Iolaus about convincing Xena to get the children as far away from Ares once their fight with Dahak was behind them. "We have to make sure that doesn’t happen by letting both Mom and Dad know how much it means to both of us that we are all together and how much we want it to stay that way." Lysia nodded in agreement. Just then, the children spotted their parents walking into the valley. "Ooh Daddy, Lycus said you were here. Now you and Mommy have to check out the castle, we finished it." Lysia took a hand of each of her parents and led them over to the finished castle. "It’s beautiful honey," Xena said with a pleased smile. "It looks just like my castle," Ares added Gabrielle walked up to Xena and pulled her aside. "I was surprised and somewhat worried when Lycus informed us that you were with Ares. Did you guys have an argument? Your face is rather flushed." "We didn’t argue Gabrielle. We called a truce...we will put aside our differences and work on reaching an amicable medium for the sakes of the children." Gabrielle was surprised to hear this news but happy for her friend. "Wow Xena that is great! You have to give me all of the details of how you worked out such an agreement with Ares." "I will be happy to fill you in Gabrielle but not right now. We will never make it to the castle before the storm hits so Ares is going to transport us back." Xena walked over to her daughter and took hold of the child’s free hand. Ares was already holding Lysia’s other hand. Gabrielle walked over to Lycus who stood holding Ares’ other hand. She grasped the child’s free hand. Then the party of five disappeared in shards of blue light. ********** Xena took a sip from the goblet she held in a hand, then set it down on the floor by the heated sunken tub. The crimson fermented liquid tingled her insides and added to the relaxation she felt sitting up to the tops of her breasts in warm bubbly waters. A satisfied sigh escaped her lips as she lounged back in the large tub. She raised a long shapely leg out of the water as she set her gaze on the other occupant of the tub. A soft smile crossed her lips when she felt his strong yet gentle soapy hands begin to massage her leg. "I must admit, you surprised me Xena when you showed up at my bedchamber door," Ares confessed as he ran a hand over the calf of her leg. "I didn’t think you really meant it when you said you were for us getting together after dinner." "Now Ares, how could you think such a thing? You, of all people, know when I give my word, I keep it." "True, because here you are...alone with me...and we have the whole night ahead of us." Xena lowered her leg, moved down the tub and straddled Ares’ lap. She ran slender fingers through the god’s curly black locks as she stared deeply into his brown eyes. "Oh, I’m here all right and it’s where I want to be." Xena held his face between her hands as she leaned in and began to assault his mouth with kisses. Once returning to the castle, Xena made sure she never got the chance to give Gabrielle the full details of the truce she had worked out with Ares. Xena didn’t want to lie to her best friend but she also didn’t relish a heated argument by revealing the truth, so she decided not to say anything to Gabrielle---at least for now anyway. She wanted to see how things would go with Ares before she revealed anything. The others had already ate dinner, so it was just the five of them. The children really enjoyed themselves---it was the first time they had actually had dinner with both of their parents present. The experience made them feel like a real family. After dinner, Gabrielle decided to let the foursome have some time alone so she joined the others. Together, Ares and Xena told the children a bed time story before settling the twins in for the night. Later, when Xena was headed for her bedchamber, Gabrielle spotted her in the hallway and invited her into her own room. Xena filled her friend in on the fantastic time they had with the kids. When the bard began to probe for details regarding the truce with Ares, she made excuses about being exhausted and wanting to retire to her own bedchamber. She did spend a few hours in her own bedchamber before she made her way to Ares’ bedchamber, which was on a floor by itself on one of the castle’s higher floors. The war god had been surprised to see her but gladly welcomed her into his bedchamber. She strolled into his room wearing a black silk robe with a black silk and lace shift slung over a shoulder. Xena had promptly informed him that she was in the mood for a bubble bath and let the robe she wore drop to the floor, revealing her well-tone nude form. With the snap of his fingers, Ares had filled the large sunken tub in his bedchamber with warm water and plenty of bubbles. Xena had strolled over to the tub and eased herself into its warm bubbly waters. In a seductive tone, she had asked Ares to join her, which he eagerly did. With a snap of his fingers, his leathers were gone and he lowered his chiseled form into the warm waters at the other end of the tub. It was just like old times---when they would share a bath together. When Xena broke their last kiss, she just stared into the passion-filled brown orbs of Ares’ eyes, while she let the slender fingers of a hand caress the back of his neck. She reached for the bowl of fruit sitting on the floor behind Ares. She grabbed a plump strawberry that she placed in front of his lips. The god bit off half of it and watched as Xena put the rest of the strawberry in her own mouth. He thought she looked so sexy with her raven tresses piled atop her head with a few strands framing her lovely face. Her lips were left so rosy, so pouty --- so inviting from earlier kisses that Ares couldn’t resist and captured them with his own. His strong yet gentle hands roamed her body, stopping at her full breasts, which they lovingly squeezed, rolling the velvety nipples between his thumbs and forefingers until they hardened like pebbles. Moaning with delight, Xena pulled away, arching her back to offer Ares her breasts. The god eagerly accepted the luscious fruit before him. He wrapped his muscular arms around her as he buried his head in her chest. Gasps and sighs of ecstasy escaped Xena’s lips as Ares lovingly caressed her bosom with feathery kisses, running his tongue over her pebbly nipples. Arousal was spreading to her lower body creating an incredible sensation. It felt too good to stop but it was time to move on to the major event that she had plan for their night of pleasure. Abruptly, Xena straightened her back as she gently pushed Ares’ head away from her. A look of surprise was on his face as he watched her kiss his forehead then rise out of the tub. Ares proceeded to rise out of the tub too, but she stopped him by placing her hands on his shoulders and saying, "Don’t get out yet." The god did as she commanded and watched with raised interest as Xena used a towel to wipe the water from her beautiful body. Once completely dry, she covered her well-toned form in the black silk shift. The skirt was a solid, silky material that came to mid thigh. But the bodice was nothing but lace and to Ares’ delight, exposed her full round breasts to view. Xena picked up a large black towel and came back over to the tub. "Now you can get out." Ares rose out of the tub and watched as Xena dried every part of his muscular frame with the towel. The war god found the way she rubbed the towel over his body very arousing, especially when she lingered too long on his inner thighs. When Xena stood before him, he pulled her into an embrace, letting her feel how wild with desire she had made him, preparing to claim her lips in a kiss. But Xena firmly placed both hands against his chest. "Ah-ah-ah...not yet. I have something else planned." She took hold of his right hand and led him over to the large bed. "Lie down." Ares did as she commanded and lay down on the large bed. He watched with piqued interest as Xena went over to his closet and retrieved something from within it. She kept whatever it was hidden behind her back as she came to stand before the bed. "A few weeks ago, when I spent the night here, I did some rummaging through your closet and found these." Xena held up what she had been hiding behind her back. A smile of remembrance crossed Ares’ face upon seeing what it was. She was holding up two pairs of chains forged by his smith-god brother, Hephaestus. The war god had completely forgotten the chains were even in the closet. It was just one of the many toys he and Xena would use during their wild nights of lovemaking. Viewing the chains assured Ares that he was definitely going to enjoy whatever Xena had planned. The god got into position. His naked muscular form lay spread eagle in the middle of the large bed. Xena took the first pair of chains, wrapped them around the god’s wrists then secured the ends to the bed. The second pair she wrapped around his ankles, securing the ends to the bed too. Xena stood at the foot of the bed with a pleased smile on her face. Ares’ sculpted naked form lay before her like a roasted pig at a feast and she planned on enjoying every piece of him. At that moment, there was a knock at the bedchamber door. Xena went over to the door, opened it, then a few moments later, returned to stand before the bed holding a blood red satchel. "Who was at the door?" Ares asked. From his chained position on the bed, he had not been able to see who was there. "Oh, it was just one of the chambermaids, bringing the objects that I will need." Xena retrieved a long black silk scarf from inside the satchel. She went up to head of the bed, seated herself on a side, then proceeded to tie the black silk scarf around Ares’ head, covering his eyes. "Why the blindfold?" Ares asked. "By taking away your sense of sight, I will enhance your other senses. In this instance, I am focusing on your sense of touch," Xena replied when the scarf was in place over Ares’ eyes. Now unable to see, the war god lay on the bed with anticipation, waiting to know or in this case feel what she would do next. Xena retrieved a large crystal bottle from within the satchel. She climbed onto the bed, letting herself straddle Ares’ broad chest. She uncapped the crystal bottle, pouring a few droplets onto the god’s restrained right arm. To Ares, the droplets felt warm against his skin. Xena began to rub the liquid over the olive colored skin of the god’s arm. Ares could smell the scent of the liquid Xena rubbed over his skin---it was sandalwood oil. She poured some oil onto his left arm, working it into the skin, starting with his forearm and moving her way down to his powerful bicep. Her touch was strong yet gentle. Ares felt Xena move down his body to where she now straddled his hips. She poured an ample amount of sandalwood oil over the god’s broad hairy chest. She worked the oil into his shoulders, using a smooth and steady rhythm. She kneaded with skilled fingers and pressed with her palms as she moved down to his chiseled pecs, running her slender fingers through the hairs covering them, letting her fingertips graze his nipples getting a gasp of pleasure out of him. Xena poured more oil over the god’s stomach, working it into his hard muscles. Most of Ares’ body felt warm from the sandalwood oil Xena had rubbed over his skin and being blindfolded heightened the sensation. Xena moved off of Ares’ body again and situated herself between his parted legs. She poured a droplet of the oil onto his right foot. Her slender fingers rubbed the oil into his skin, between his toes, moving to the soles of his feet, giving this area extra attention, knowing it would arouse him. Xena repeated her actions with his left foot before moving onto his muscular legs. She gave extra attention to his inner thighs, slowly rubbing the oil over his skin, kneading his powerful leg muscles. Xena took a quick glance at his *godhood*. A satisfied smile crossed her lips. It showed clear signs that Ares had found the body oil massage arousing. "How do you feel?" She asked in a sultry tone. "I feel fantastic," he replied in a husky tone. "I can’t wait to *feel* what else you’ve got planned." The smile widened on Xena’s face as she once again moved off the bed. For a moment, she just stood there, staring at the god’s muscular frame, the sandalwood oil causing his skin to glisten in the soft light provided by the flickering flames of the roaring hearth fire. Xena retrieve another object from her bag of goodies. "Your mother was the inspiration for my next choice." Ares curiosity was piqued as he wondered what the next object Xena would pleasure him with would be. A devilish grin creased his lips when he felt the object on the skin of his face. "Now this object, would it happen to be a peacock feather?" "That’s right." Xena continued her pleasurable exploration of Ares’ body with a large blue and green peacock feather, teasing and leaving to tingle all of the places she had covered with the sandalwood oil. But she did add one new destination---his *godhood*. Ares’ breathing became shallow as she ran the feather over the length of his member and around his balls. The next object Xena used was a black sable mitten. By the time her hand had explored the god’s body in all the same places, his breathing had quickened and he strained against the chains holding him in place. The last object Xena used to pleasure Ares was herself. She straddled his chest again and took hold of his left hand, still restrained by the chains of Hephaestus around his wrist. She teased the palm with her tongue before moving on to his fingers. She sucked on each, like they were much smaller versions of his member. Her pleasurable journey continued down his powerful arm, to his armpit that she nuzzled, stroked and nibbled. This area was highly sensitive and had Ares straining against the chains holding him in place. Xena repeated her ministrations with his right hand and arm. Still straddling him, she caressed his face with her hands, before leaning down to an ear. She started with the lobe, sucking, nibbling and blowing on it. "Ohhhh," Ares lustfully groaned when Xena slid her tongue in and out of his ear cavity. It made him think of moistly sliding in and out of her, which he would most definitely get to do later. Xena moved onto his handsome face that she caressed with feathery kisses, ending with his full lips that she claimed in a passionate kiss. Their tongues dueled for a while before Xena leisurely pulled away to explore the rest of his body. She moved on to his muscular chest, licking and nipping his skin. She rolled his nipples between her fingers before unleashing her tongue, first circling, then flicking her tongue back and forth over them. This sent a jolt of pleasure to Ares’ lower regions and got an appreciative moan out of him. Xena continued her pleasurable journey down Ares’ body and now was at his navel. She teased him with licking and sucking, using fingers and her breath to tickle the surrounding hairs. Then pointing her tongue she thrust it in and out of his navel. Every nerve ending in Ares’ body was at attention, waiting in anticipation for her to move on to his *godhood* but she did not stray from the path she had set with the other objects and moved to his feet. She caressed them with her lips, even sucking on his toes. He gasped in shock from the stimulation. Xena then moved on to his legs. She gave extra attention to his inner thighs --- licking, nibbling and sucking her way up. She spent a considerable amount of time where the inner thigh meets pelvis. So much so, that he didn’t know how much more he could take before she moved to her next destination. "Oh yeah," Ares huskily sighed when he felt Xena’s warm breath on the skin of his balls. She gently licked them, before taking them in her mouth, one at a time and languidly moving her tongue around them. With a heightened sense of touch, this act was made even more erotic. Xena teased his balls a little bit more before moving on to the main course---his hardening member. Xena started by licking the head. She found the ridge along the underside and ran her hot tongue along it and across it. She pointed her tongue into an arrow and flicked it over the ridge between the head and the shaft. Back and forth she flicked her tongue causing moans of pleasurable delight to pour from Ares’ lips. While her tongue was busy, one of her hands stroked his member while the other teased his inner thighs. "By the gods," Ares moaned when Xena changed her licking into sucking. "Harder...suck harder," he groaned as his body strained against the chains holding him in place. Xena was happy to oblige and sucked harder. Ares was writhing in ecstasy and didn’t even notice when Xena ceased her sucking and slowly slid his member into her warm mouth. She let it rest on her tongue then started moving her head up and down smoothly and continuously. With a hand, she gripped the base, squeezing and releasing it in time to the motions of her mouth. Gradually, she increased the speed of her mouth and hand. By this time, Ares had lost complete control. His muscular arms strained against the chains holding them in place as he writhed in unbridled ecstasy atop the bed. When he reached the pinnacle, his body went rigid as his warm seed shot from him to fill Xena’s waiting mouth. She eagerly accepted the nectar of his release that continued to flow into her mouth. Ares’ body went limp in the aftermath of his orgasm. His gasps for air and the crackling flames of the hearth fire were the only sounds heard in the bedchamber. Xena released him from her mouth as she swallowed the last of his seed. She began lapping the shaft with her tongue quickly bringing him to full arousal again. Xena moved up his body until she straddled his hips. With a hand, she gripped his member and rubbed it against her moist folds and aroused bud. "Ooh, you feel so good," she huskily sighed. She slid the head back and forth across her opening, occasionally inserting the tip before taking it out again. "Ares, how badly do you want to be in side me?" "Ve…ry bad," he gasped, raising his hips off the bed. "Then you will have to say please." Xena continued to tease the head at her opening. "Please Xena…let me inside you," Ares groaned with aching need. With a smile gracing her face, Xena guided him into her receptive depths, taking in its full length. "Ahh," he moaned as her warmth enveloped him. Still blindfolded, he felt Xena rest her hands on his chest and begin to gyrate atop his body. The sensations in Ares’ lower extremities were deliciously maddening as he felt her inner muscles move up and down his throbbing shaft. The intensity grew as she quickened the rhythm. Xena was enjoying the deep penetration this position allowed her but when she saw that Ares was getting too excited, she slowed down her pace to almost a standstill. "NO…don’t stop!" He breathed. "Don’t worry, I’m not stopping." She reached for his face and removed the black silk scarf that blocked his vision. Now Ares could see Xena as she straddled him. She raised her arms and tossed aside the black silk shift she had been wearing. Her hands moved to her hair, pulling out combs, as she shook out her raven tresses, letting them fall over her shoulders. Now, giving Ares the fullest body display, Xena started to increase her speed again. He watched as her full breasts jiggled under her gyrating movements. He looked to her face and saw the sparkle build in her crystal blue eyes as her pleasure grew. She threw her head back and parted her lips as moans and gasps of pleasure poured from her mouth. As she continued her rhythmic undulations, Xena set her gaze on Ares once again. She let her hands sensuously roam over her face, down her neck and to her breasts. Her hands explored their roundness before twisting the hard nipples between her fingers. Watching Xena touch herself, made Ares long to touch her too. Once again, he pulled against the chains holding him in place. "Release me...release me NOW!" He growled with urgent desire. "Of course," Xena replied in a husky tone. She picked up the peacock feather lying on the bed. Never straying from her rhythmic motions atop Ares’ body, she swiftly hit the chains restraining his arms. Instantly the metal fell to the floor. She did the same with the chains around his ankles. Now free, Ares rose to a sitting position, his muscular arms embracing Xena as she continued to move up and down on his stiff rod. A moan escaped his lips as he buried his head in her bosom. Xena sighed with pleasure and held Ares close as he caressed her full round breasts with kisses, running his tongue over her pebbly nipples. He moved away from her breasts to capture her lips with hungry kisses. Moans and sighs poured from their mouths as their lips met in kiss after kiss. Xena pushed against Ares’ shoulders until he lay down on the bed again. She did a 180-degree turn so that her back was now facing him. Xena leaned forward, placing her hands between his legs and started moving her body back and forth. Ares ran his hands down her back and to her bouncing bottom as she continued to gyrate atop him. He let his hands grip her hips and with each of her downward motions ground her onto his pelvis. Their cries of passion mingled together as both steadily approached release. They were accelerating towards that pleasurable peak when the bedchamber was suddenly filled with a strong wind and a swirling burst of light. "What in Tartarus!?" Xena immediately jumped off of Ares’ body and huddled beside him. "Oh, this is just great," Ares groaned with disappointment as he propped himself up on his elbows and looked at the phenomenon before them. "Ares, your presence is requested on Mt. Olympus," a masculine voice announced from within the swirling light. "Is that Zeus?" Xena shielded her eyes from the bright light. "Yeah, it is," Ares replied with a smirk of annoyance. The barriers to keep unwanted visitors away from the fortress were in place but as King of the Gods, Zeus was one of the few who had the power to break them. Xena quickly grabbed one of the large silk pillows and covered herself with it. She was not ashamed of her present state but she was not about to have the King of the Gods, leering at her nude form. Ares didn’t bother to cover up and proudly let his father get a full view of his aroused state. The war god had heard the rumors circulating around Mt. Olympus about Zeus being plagued with *performance* problems ever since Hera’s entrapment in the abyss of Tartarus. It appeared that since his wife was no longer around to be privy to his numerous indiscretions with other women, the King of the Gods had lost his desire for sex and the ability to even perform. So, Ares wanted his father to see that someone in the family could still get it *up* and was *getting* some. "Uh Dad, as you can see, I’m rather busy at the moment, so whatever is happening on Mt. Olympus will have to wait." "My request was not a suggestion but A COMMAND...YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES TO GET YOUR ASS UP HERE!!!" Zeus bellowed with anger causing the whole bedchamber to tremble. In the blink of an eye, the wind and the swirling light faded leaving the bedchamber as it was before the King of the God’s unexpected arrival. "He would have to show up right before I had the chance to cum again," Ares complained. "I would say that’s the least of your worries, it sounded like Zeus was pretty ticked," Xena surmised as she tossed aside the pillow covering her. "Oh, as usual it’s nothing. Whatever charges my father and the other gods have brought against me this time won’t stick any more than past grievances." The god’s tone was filled with unwavering confidence. "If you say so." Xena rolled over onto her stomach, propped up on her elbows as she lay facing the foot of the bed. Ares rose from the bed, instantly covering his naked form in black leathers. He seated himself on the bed in front of Xena. He raised a hand and let the fingers play with the raven locks framing her face. "So, did you enjoy our night together?" Xena’s tone was sultry to compliment the smoldering passion visible in her crystal blue eyes. "What there was of it…thoroughly." Ares brought his fingers to rest under her chin, gently tilting her face upward as he leaned down and claimed her lips with a soft kiss. Leisurely, their lips parted. With their eyes still locked in a gaze of mutual desire, Ares ran a hand gently down her back. "Unfortunately, we will have to continue this some other time." He gave her bare bottom an affectionate slap as he rose from the bed. A moment later his dark form was engulfed in shards of blue light that faded into nothingness. CHAPTER 49 As soon as Ares’ form materialized in the Great Hall on Mt. Olympus two members of the Olympian elite guards immediately restrained him with chains. The war god knew trying to free himself was useless because the chains had been forged by Hephaestus and could hold any god. A look of indifference was on his face as he watched his two captors disappear into the shadows of the dimly lit hall. It appeared that he was now alone in the great hall but Ares could sense the presence of his fellow gods. He gazed down at the chains wrapped around his muscular frame. "Gee, twice in one day" He muttered to himself. His tone was much louder when he addressed his fellow gods. "Okay, why the chains?" "We wanted to make sure you didn’t get the chance to run off like you did after your *phony* alliance with Dahak." Ares quickly looked up just as Hades’ form appeared out of the shadows. "What are the charges against me this time?" Ares’ tone dripped with disinterest. "You know very well what the charges against you are, Ares." Zeus’ form appeared out of the shadows along with several members of the Council of Twelve. "I warned you what would happen if you disobeyed this council again but in your usual arrogance, you ignored my warnings." "Ares, you are such a fool! Did you really think the actions of your armies on Kos and its neighboring islands would go unnoticed by us?" Athena looked at her brother with disgust. "Oh, I knew the council would find out about the attacks on Kos but that was the least of my worries," Ares said. "None of you wanted to believe me but I was right about Dahak...he controlled those islands and I took the only action I could to save us all." "Ha, now you are trying to convince us that you had *our* welfare in mind when your army mercilessly slaughtered all those innocent people," Apollo said. "We are not fools Ares. As usual, you were only thinking about yourself!" Ares’ confidence was beginning to falter. He was no longer certain that he would be able to skirt around the charges his fellow gods would bring against him. "Those people were not innocent. They were controlled by Dahak." "Enough with the talk about Dahak!" Poseidon snapped. "Ares disobeyed the council, now lets punish him." Athena approached Ares and started walking around his chained form. "I knew this day would come. It looks like all of your deceptions, manipulations and schemes have finally caught up with you, dear brother." She now stood before him with a gloating smile on her face. Ares ignored the Goddess of Wisdom and set his gaze on Artemis and Hermes. "Are you two going to back me up or what?" The Goddess of the Hunt and the Messenger God remained silent as they bowed their heads to avoid Ares’ gaze. "If you are looking for help from Artemis and Hermes...FORGET IT! They have problems of their own," Zeus said. "We know all about their participation in your latest scheme and they will be punished too." Now, with no support, Ares started to panic. "You are acting in haste. I at least deserve a trial." "There is no need for a trial," Hades stated. "You were warned and you just admitted right here, in front of all present, that you disobeyed the wishes of this council. Our only obligation is to decide what your punishment will be." "Guards, remove the prisoner," Zeus commanded. Instantly the two elite guards appeared before the war god and proceeded to escort him from the room. But before the trio could leave, Aphrodite grabbed hold of Ares’ right arm. "It doesn’t look like you’re gonna get out of this one bro but I will try my best to get them to go easy on ya." Ares knew quite a few of the council members had been salivating for a moment like this, so he didn’t think his sister had much of a chance of persuading them to go easy on him but he did appreciate her efforts. "Thanks Aph." He gave his sister a faint smile as the two guards led him from the room so his fellow gods could get down to deciding his fate. ********** "Mom, when is Dad gonna be back?" Lycus looked up at Xena as she sat on the side of his bed, after tucking him in for the night. Since he first arrived at the castle in Macedon, everyday, Lycus had spent time with Ares but for the past two days, that didn’t happen and the little boy found this disturbing. "I don’t know, Lycus," Xena replied with a sigh. "As I told you and your sister, your father is a god with very important responsibilities and that means he could be away for long periods of time. But I am sure whatever the duties are, he will get them done as quickly as he can, so he can come back here." Xena had answered this same question when she had put Lysia to bed and to her relief, the little boy seemed to accept her response just like his sister had done. "Now, you get some sleep." Xena kissed the child on the forehead and then left the bedchamber. Her brow was wrinkled with concern as she headed for her own bedchamber. Xena didn’t want to alarm the children so she kept her own concern for Ares buried. The war god knew that the urgent call to Mt. Olympus met his fellow gods were trying to charge him, yet again, with another offense. He had been pretty confident that he would easily dodge the charges, whatever they might be but things obviously had not gone the way he had expected. Ares had been gone two full days. Xena had tried contacting Artemis and Hermes to find out what was happening on Mt. Olympus but neither deity responded to her calls. She couldn’t deny that she was really starting to worry. Losing Ares now would be devastating for the children. She also couldn’t leave out what a devastating loss it would be for her too. ********** Ares was boiling with anger as the two elite guards led him down the hall, headed for a room deemed *the pit*. This is where the war god would finally learn what fate his fellow gods had decided for him. For the past two days, he had been locked in a cell, located in the deep dark bowels of the building. He didn’t know why they just didn’t put him under house arrest at his plush Olympian residence instead of treating him like a common mortal thug. Despite the anger, the war god had to admit he was surprised it took them two whole days to decide his fate. With gods like Athena and Hades being two of the decision-makers, he figured it would have only taken five minutes tops. There was obviously more to Aphrodite than meets the eye. He had to give his sister credit for giving him two more days before having to face whatever horrible fate they had in store for him. By the time the trio entered *the pit*, Ares had cooled off considerably. He figured an angry outburst would only incite his fellow gods to make his punishment harsher than what he was already sure it would be. The two guards led Ares to the center of the room then moved to the sidelines. The room was circular in shape and the war god had to gaze upward to view his fellow gods who where seated high above and all around him. All sat in pious silence and gazed down at the prisoner as Zeus read the punishment. "Ares, God of War, you have willfully disobeyed a direct order of this Council, so I hereby sentence you to spend the rest of your eternal life in the abyss of Tartarus. Guards take him away." "Wait!" Aphrodite shouted. "I wanna protest this sentencing." "Oh please Aphrodite, you have stalled these proceedings long enough!" Athena snapped. "The abyss of Tartarus is waaaay too extreme...it’s full of nasty Titans," Aphrodite stated. "But Hera is down there too, so there will be at least one friendly face to keep Ares company for all of eternity," Apollo chimed in that got a chuckle out of many seated high around the room. As the guards began to drag him from *the pit*, headed for the Abyss, Ares knew this would be his last chance to save himself. He dreaded having to call on help from this individual but now he had no choice. "There is someone else who can verify what I have told you about Dahak." Grumbles of annoyance could be heard about the room. "We have heard enough about Dahak to last until the next millennium!" Poseidon snapped. Ares ignored his Uncle. "His name is Cyrus. He’s a former Watcher who is here in Greece helping to defeat Dahak." "Guards halt!" Zeus commanded. The guards obeyed the orders of the King of the Gods and brought Ares to a stop. The war god breathed a huge sigh of relief as he turned to gaze up at his father. "Did you say his name is Cyrus?" Zeus asked. "Yes, and he can back up everything that I have told you about Dahak." "Father, do you know this Cyrus?" Athena asked. "I have never met Cyrus but I have heard of him," Zeus replied. "As your brother has said, he is a former Watcher." Mumbles of interest were heard from the other gods upon hearing this news. They had all heard stories about the forefathers of the Titans---the Watchers---but none had ever met one. "Cyrus has offered counsel to many pantheons and over the last few centuries has become the closest confidant of Ahura Mazda." More mumbles of interest were heard from the other gods to learn that the King of the Persian gods had a former Watcher as his counselor. Zeus looked towards his chained son. "I will have this former Watcher brought to Olympus. If he can back up your words you will be spared but if not, to the abyss of Tartarus you will go." ********** On this day, Xena and all of her friends filled Cyrus’ makeshift lab in Ares’ Macedonian fortress. The former Watcher had finally finished translating all of the scrolls that made up the Watchers’ Chronicles. All were seated in the makeshift lab, ready to hear the locations to which they would have to travel to find all of the pieces that made up the weapon that could kill Dahak---the Holy Saber. Xena had eagerly awaited this day but at the moment, all of her thoughts focused on Ares. She knew he obviously had not been able to get out of being punished by the other gods and she was now worried about what they were doing to him. "Are you okay Xena?" Gabrielle placed a hand on her friend’s shoulder as she sat in the chair next to hers. "I’m fine Gabrielle but I am a little nervous about where we will have to go in order to find the saber pieces." "I think everybody is." Gabrielle glanced around at their friends, all busily chatting away about the journeys ahead of them. But silence quickly fell over the assembled group when Cyrus entered the room and stood before them. "You have all been anxiously awaiting my completion of the translation so I will not beat around the bush and tell you all the locations," he began. "According to the translation, the Holy Saber was broken into four pieces, each scattered to a corner of the earth, in a resting place represented by one of the four elements...air, earth, fire and water. One piece of the saber can be found in the north, buried in the caves of Scandinavia. Another piece can be found in the east, high in the mountains of Chin. Another piece can be found in the south, in the volcanic regions of east Africa. And the final piece can be found in the west, in the waters beyond the Great Sea. There are maps for each location, with translations on exactly where to find the four pieces." Upon the conclusion of Cyrus revealing the locations of the Holy Saber pieces, the room once again erupted into chatter. Xena rose from her seat and went to stand before her friends, drawing them to silence again. "Since we have already formed are four traveling groups and now that we know the four locations, all that is left is for us to decided who will go where." A few days ago, they all had gotten together to form their four traveling groups. Hercules and Iolaus made up the first group, Autolycus, Salmoneus and Meleager made up the second group, Glaphyra, Darnelle and Draco made up the third group and the fourth group consisted of Xena, Joxer and Cyrus. The Amazons, the centaurs and the Corinthian army would continue to seek out Dahak’s lava plant facilities and destroy them. Ares would be embroiled in the assault on Dahak’s main base of operations. Gabrielle did not comprise any of the groups because she had agreed to Xena’s request to remain in Macedon to watch over the twins. "Iolaus and I will look for the saber piece beyond the Great Sea," Hercules said. "Darnelle, Draco and I can look for the piece in southeast Africa," Glaphyra said. "Us three can go to Chin," Autolycus said as he gazed at the two men who would be joining him---Meleager and Salmoneus. "That leaves Cyrus, Joxer and myself with the northern caves of Scandinavia," Xena said. "Since we have all decided where everyone will be going, we should get together the gear we will need for our journeys." The assembled group had erupted into chatter again as they prepared to leave Cyrus’ makeshift lab when in a burst of rose petals the Goddess of Love’s scantily clad form came into view. "Aphrodite, what are you doing here?" Hercules moved towards his sister. "Hiya Herc." The goddess spotted her brother’s best friend. "Hi Curly." "Hi Aphrodite," Iolaus replied. Aphrodite gazed around at all the people before her. "I really would like to chat and get to know ya all but I only have eyes for a certain former Watcher." "Uh, that would be me." Cyrus hesitantly stepped forward. Aphrodite’s blue eyes gave him the once over. "You’re the first Watcher I have ever met and I must say you are kinda cute." She came over to Cyrus, locking an arm around his. "Thanks," Cyrus softly replied. In all his years of existence, he had never met a woman quite like the Goddess of Love before. "If ya all would excuse us, Cyrus’ help is needed in a major way on Olympus...tootles." The pair instantly vanished in a burst of rose petals. After the pair’s departure, the room erupted into chatter about the sudden appearance of the Goddess of Love and what it all meant. Xena had a pretty good idea of what it all meant and was in deep thought as she moved away from her chatting friends. Whatever trouble Ares had gotten himself into required Cyrus’ assistance to get him out of it. Now she just prayed that Cyrus would be able to do just that. ********** "Once again Cyrus, I want to apologize for dragging you away from important duties to vouch for Ares’ claims but only the word of someone with your high stature could have ever convinced the council of twelve that my wayward son for once was telling the truth." Zeus said. "There is no need to apologize Zeus. I had finished translating the scrolls needed to find Holy Saber so I was more than willing to help straighten out this misunderstanding with Ares," Cyrus said. The former Watcher and the King of the Gods, set their gaze on Ares who stood arm and arm with his sister Aphrodite. The Goddess of Love had a pleased smile on her face. Outwardly Ares had a smile too but on the inside, the war god couldn’t believe that he owed his freedom to Xena’s meddling do-gooder friend. He wondered what the former Watcher would want in return for helping him. When Aphrodite had brought Cyrus to the Great Hall, the former Watcher immediately captured the interest of the others as he gave a detailed synopsis of the events that had occurred since Dahak’s return to the earth. It was a first for the council but all unanimously agreed that Ares’ actions were justified, so the charges against him were dropped. The charges against Artemis and Hermes were dropped too. After dismissing the charges, Zeus had invited Cyrus, Ares and Aphrodite back to his residence on Mt. Olympus. The foursome was in the receiving hall, discussing the events of that day and how to deal with Dahak. "I know Artemis and Hermes are already lending you a hand in your battle against Dahak, Ares. Now the rest of us gods want to help...we will make it an all-out war, the likes of which Dahak has never seen." Zeus said. "Forgive me for butting in here," Cyrus said before Ares could respond to his father’s offer. "But I think it would be a mistake if the other god’s engaged Dahak in an all-out battle." "Why do you think that, Cyrus?" Aphrodite asked. "Right now, Dahak thinks the only Olympian he has to contend with is Ares and I believe it would be to our advantage if he continues to think such," the former Watcher replied. "Until we find the Holy Saber pieces, our major concern should be to find all of those lava plants and not engage Dahak’s minions in a bloodbath that would spread all over Greece." "Cyrus is right." Ares admitted. This got stunned looks from the other three. "Hey, I like a bloodbath just like any war god would but one of this magnitude could wipe out the entire population of Greece and then I would have no one to fight future wars." The stunned looks left the faces of the others upon hearing Ares’ response that only a war god would give. "You can have your trusted priests and priestesses participate on a covert basis in the search for more of Dahak’s lava plant facilities but the rest of you gods should continue to be totally oblivious to Dahak’s actions," Cyrus said. "I guess that means we should continue with the plans we have to celebrate the fifth millennium of our reign?" Aphrodite asked. "By all means, have the celebration and act like you have no idea that Dahak is trying to overthrow you," Cyrus said. The former Watcher stayed a few hours more at Zeus’ Olympian residence answering the questions of the King of the Gods and that of his daughter the Goddess of Love who were very curious about his life as a Watcher. When it was finally time for Cyrus and Ares to head back to the war god’s mountain fortress, Aphrodite embraced the former Watcher in a hug. "Thanks for getting my bro’ out of a major jam." The goddess kissed him on the cheek. "You are very welcome, Aphrodite," Cyrus said with a smile. Zeus and Aphrodite stood with locked arms and watched as Ares and Cyrus disappeared in shards of blue light, headed back to Macedon. When the pair materialized in Macedon, all was quite at the fortress. It was late and all had turned in for the night. The day had been extremely long for Cyrus and since he had no more scrolls to translate this was the first night in a long time where he could go to bed at a reasonably decent hour. The former Watcher said nothing to the god standing next to him and started walking away headed for his bedchamber. "Before you go off to bed Cyrus, there is something I need to say." Cyrus turned around and approached the war god again. "It’s about what you did today..." Ares fidgeted somewhat and had a look of discomfort plastered across his face. "This changes NOTHING between us...I still don’t like you...but I just wanted to say...um...thanks." The last word was barely above a whisper but Cyrus had heard it none the less. The former Watcher’s lips curled into a faint smile. "You’re welcome, Ares." The war god quickly vanished from sight in shards of blue light. Cyrus was still smiling as he made his way to his bedchamber. ********** Ares’ form materialized in his own bedchamber. He was relieved to be back in his fortress and not spending eternity in the abyss of Tartarus. He looked at the roaring fire burning in the hearth then towards his large bed---a smile formed on his handsome face. His bed was not empty---Xena was in it. Dark furs covered her curvaceous form. She lay in the bed with her back to him but her raven tresses shined like silk in the light provided by the roaring fire. Without making a sound, Ares approached the large bed. Xena was definitely asleep and she was not alone in the bed. She had an arm draped protectively around the sleeping form of their daughter, Lysia, who in turn was clutching her favorite doll. A soft smile crossed Ares’ lips. It felt good to come back to his bedchamber and find the two most important females in his life sleeping in his bed. Ares ran a hand through Xena’s hair before bringing it to rest on her shoulder. Lazily, she opened her eyes. When she felt his presence, she turned slightly to face him. A relieved smile formed on her face. "Welcome back," she said in a whisper. "It’s good to be back," he whispered, returning her smile. The god walked around to the other side of the bed and eased himself onto it, lying on his side, so he faced Xena. The two continued to whisper so they wouldn’t wake up Lysia. "I was surprised to come back and find you and Lysia in my bed." "I figured you wouldn’t mind. The children were missing you, so we decided to spend the night in here as a way of being close to you." "Lycus was here too? He’s not now." Ares said. "Our son declared that he was a *big* boy and decided to sleep in his own bed." Ares put a hand to his mouth to keep from chuckling too loud. But the two adults did not whisper softly enough because at that moment, Lysia’s eyes slowly opened. The child’s eyelids fluttered a few times before they focused on Ares’ form. A big smile broke out over the little girl’s face. "Hi Daddy!" "Hi sweetheart and how’s my little princess?" "Fine, now that you’re back." Xena couldn’t help but smile at the exchange between Ares and Lysia. If his warlords could have heard such a conversation, they would have been shaking their heads in disbelief. The war god was certainly full of surprises. "So, I guess everything turned out okay on Mt. Olympus?" Xena asked. "Yes, it did. In fact, from here on out, the other gods will be lending a hand," Ares replied. "That is great to hear because we can certainly use the added help." Ares gazed down at Lysia as he ran a hand through the child’s curly raven locks. "And you my darling daughter and your brother will have a visitor tomorrow." "Who Daddy?" The little girl’s deep brown eyes sparkled with piqued interest. "Your Grandfather Zeus will be stopping by tomorrow. I told him all about you and Lycus and now he can’t wait to meet you both." "Wow!" The child breathed as her brown eyes widened with excitement. Zeus would be the second god she met and he was not only her grandfather but also a King! Lysia wiggled from underneath the sheet and furs covering her body. Clutching her doll in one hand, she crawled to the foot of the bed. "Hey, where are you going?" Xena asked. "Back to my own room." Lysia now stood on the bear skin rug on the floor by the end of the bed. "You don’t have to go back to your room, you can sleep here with us." Ares said. "Nah, since Mommy will be leavin’ tomorrow, ya two should be alone." The little girl had walked over to the bedchamber door and now stood there with it open as she looked at her parents one last time. "Goodnight." Lysia was still clutching her doll as she walked out the door, closing it behind her. "Goodnight," Ares and Xena said in unison, both not believing what just happened. "She is one perceptive kid," Ares declared. "Why Ares, whatever do you mean?" Xena playfully asked. "When I first saw you in my bed, I thought about us picking up from the night when Zeus interrupted. But when I saw Lysia in the bed with you, I figured we would have to put it off again...and that was okay...but now that she decided to sleep in her own bed..." "We can indeed pickup from where we left off the other night. Lysia is right. Tomorrow, I will be leaving on a long journey and we don’t know when we will get the chance to do this again." Xena tossed aside the sheet and furs covering her body as she moved towards Ares. "So, we shouldn’t waste any more time." Ares moved towards Xena. The two met in the center of the large bed, their lips joining in a kiss as they embraced each other. A moment later, Ares’ leathers and Xena’s nightgown disappeared as they resumed their lovemaking from the other night. CHAPTER 50 "Ohh," the man groaned when he started to regain consciousness. His whole body was like one giant raw nerve and all he felt was agonizing pain. Cautiously, he opened his eyes. His vision was blurry at first, consisting of shapes and colors that slowly transformed into a clear view of his surroundings. The man was in a large room, and judging by the large columns for support, it was located inside a temple. Lit torches lining the walls provided the only light. The man was in the center of the room, standing atop a large round platform. His arms were raised above his head and tied to a metal pulley. He gazed downward to get a view of his body. The only article of clothing he wore was a loincloth. It was dirty and spotted with dry bloodstains. The man knew the stains were from his own blood for his body was scarred with the lacerations of a whip. "Ohh," he groaned again as he recalled the nightmare of the last three days. The man had been beaten and tortured incessantly---his tormentor only stopping whenever he would lose consciousness. He wondered where his tormentor was now since the torture always restarted whenever he regained consciousness. The man knew his torment would end in only one way and that would be his death. The man was not afraid to die---it was something he had prepared himself for, ever since he made the decision to follow the one true god. The man jumped out of his thoughts when he heard maniacal laughter. It pained him greatly, but he did manage to turn his head, setting his burning gaze on his tormentor. Just like the Olympian god the man despised, he wore black leather. But he was tall, skinny, had pasty white skin and wildly styled black hair. His tormentor was nothing more than a godling and there to do the bidding of the more powerful god----the one he despised. "Ooh I see that look in your eyes," the godling taunted as he strolled over to the circular platform. "If you could...you would kill me but your can’t...not even with that black magic of yours...’cause I’m a god." He puffed out his chest and started laughing hysterically again as he proceeded over to a wall where a whip was hanging. The godling stopped laughing when he held the whip in his hands. He strolled over to one of the large columns and with a flick of his wrist, snapped it with the whip. A crackling sound reverberated throughout the room. "Ooh do I like the sound of that," the godling cooed. His dark eyes gleamed with devilment. "Since you’re awake again, I should get back to work." The godling proceeded over to the circular platform, the whip he held poised for continued torture as he started ascending the platform steps. "You’ve done enough Strife," a disembodied deep voice said as its owner came into view from shards of blue light. "Aw, c’mon Unc...let me have another go at him," Strife pleaded. From his position atop the circular platform the man gazed at the new arrival. He was not the least bit surprised to discover from whom the godling had gotten his orders. It was the Olympian he despised most---Ares. "I said that was enough!" The war god repeated in a firm tone. Strife had a disappointed frown on his face upon hearing his uncle’s words. "I want a word with him alone but when I’m through you can come back." Learning he would be able to come back and finish the job he had started pleased Strife so he now had a smile on his pasty face. "Okay." The godling disappeared in a flash of light. "Minos, Minos, Minos...I overestimated you---you are not as smart as I thought." Ares strolled over to the platform and began to circle it as he gazed up at the prisoner bound atop it. "You knew I had marked you with death after that bond you forced upon me but you just had to make an attempt to try and see Xena and now it will cost you." "I am more than prepared to give my life for Dahak so your sentence of death does not frighten me, Ares!" Minos spat. "But you best remember that you are no longer immune from death and will indeed feel its sting if Xena dies." A chuckle escaped the doomed man’s lips. "As an immortal that’s got to be pretty frightening for you." "Ah Minos, I know with your own death imminent it would give some joy in these fleeting moments of life to know that I will be living in fear of my own demise but that is not the case. I will live for countless eons to come because Xena is now on the road that will lead her directly to me and to her own immortality neutralizing the curse your put on my head. So it looks like I erased your final joy but maybe you can find some comfort in knowing that just like you and your master planned, Xena will rule the world." Ares saw the anger blazing in the priest’s eyes and smiled. "Since you said you are prepared to die, I think it’s time you did just that...Strife, you can come back now." Strife had been waiting for his Uncle’s summons and instantly appeared. An eager smile was on the young god’s face. "It’s time," Ares said. "Yes!" Strife rubbed his hands together excitedly as he made his way over to the raised circular platform. The young god turned a crank on the side of the raised structure. A gasp of surprise escaped Minos’ thin lips as he gazed down to see the wood floor beneath him slide open, revealing a pool of dark blue water. "You’re going to drown me, Ares?" "No, your death won’t be something as delicate as that but you will wish that it were." The war god held up his right hand. A raw slab of meat instantly materialized and now hung from his raised hand. Ares walked over to the pool of water below Minos and tossed the raw meat into it. Suddenly, the water churned with a frenzy of activity as the raw meat was devoured. A few moments later, it settled down. Minos had watched with keen interest the activity below him and for a man prepared to die, his eyes were filled with fear. "You are probably wondering what is the creature in the water that devoured the slab of meat," Ares said. "It’s not one creature but several. They are a species of fish called piranha." "Piranha?" Minos gazed downward trying to get a glimpse of the strange fish. "They are not found in this part of the world. They are found in the rivers of a land far beyond the Great Sea and the unknown waters. Centuries ago, I visited the place. They always did say traveling broadens the mind and boy did it ever on this trip. These fish only grow to be about two feet long and look rather harmless until they open their jaws and you get a look at their razor sharp teeth. I saw a school of these fish attack a herd of cattle crossing a river...they took down three bulls...picked their bones cleaned in a matter of minutes. The fish fascinated me so, that I brought some back to Greece and for centuries have been breeding them so I could always have a school around. The ones in the pool under you are babies. I’ve let them pick apart animals but you will be their first human." "Can I now Unc...can I...can I..." Strife stood impatiently by the controls for the pulley to which Minos’ arms were tied. "Go ahead Strife." A devilish smile appeared on the war god’s face. At times he found his nephew annoying but he did appreciate his enthusiasm over the impending death of a very bothersome mortal. A giddy laugh escaped the lips of the young god as he turned another crank that operated the pulley to which Minos was tied and slowly lowered him to the water. The priest’s eyes were wide with fear and loud gasps escaped his thins lips as he watched the dark blue water get closer and closer. Soon his bare feet touched the water then his legs. The bloody whip lacerations instantly attracted the tiny fish that began nipping at his legs. Minos started screaming in pain. The smile on Ares’ face widened as he prepared to depart the room. "Oh...and Strife..." "Yeah Unc?" Strife gazed at his uncle expectantly. He still continued to turn the crank and Minos was now up to his waist in the water, screaming in agony as the tiny fish repeatedly tore into his flesh. "When the fish have picked him clean please dispose of the bones." "Sure thing Unc." Through the agony of his own pain and the churning of the water now red with his own blood, Minos saw Ares vanish in shards of blue light. After that, his head sunk below the bloody water... Minos violently tossed in his bed until he bolted upright, his hands smacking away the creatures nibbling at his body. Suddenly, his eyes flew open. He was not immersed in water and there were no fish tearing at his flesh. His labored breathing began to subside. It had only been a nightmare of how he had died at the hands of Ares many years ago. The high priest got out of his bed and went over to the room that adjoined his bedchamber---his laboratory. Minos walked over to a table, picked up a large crystal flask and stared at its crimson contents. His thin lips curled into a wicked smile. The priest had heard about the godling, Strife, meeting his end with a dagger laced in Hind’s blood. Now, the godling’s Uncle would join him in death. For in just two days, Minos would finally get his revenge on Ares. ********** Cyrene was humming an old Thracian ballad, as she cut some of the flowers she had growing in a small garden behind the tavern. She laid the flowers in a basket slung over a forearm. She thought the brightly colored blossoms would look so lovely in the vase she bought from a pottery merchant passing through Amphipolis. Cyrene was picking some lilacs when she heard a deep baritone voice from her past that she thought she would never hear again. "Hello Cyrene." She looked up from the flowers to gaze at the unexpected visitor. He looked just as he did when she met him in her youth---tall, dark and handsome. At one time, his appearance had mesmerized her but she had seen the real him and now thought he was the epitome of evil. "What are you doing here Ahriman or should I call you Dahak?" "You, Cyrene, may call me Ahriman," he replied with a smile revealing perfect white teeth. "And I am here to see you, why surely you knew I would come now that I am free again?" "We have nothing to discuss, so just leave!" Cyrene made a move towards the tavern. "Ah, you are still just as fiery as you are beautiful." Ahriman blocked her path. "We have plenty to discuss, we do share a daughter after all." "Just forget about Xena!" Cyrene snapped, her blue eyes blazing with anger. "She wants NOTHING to do with you. She knows you are EVIL and will fight to the end to stop you." "I can’t forget about Xena, Cyrene. She is a part of me as I am a part of her. Xena can not keep denying her true self. Her fight against me will bring this to fruition and in the end, she will take her rightful place by my side." "I will kill you myself, before I ever let you get your hands on Xena!" Cyrene lunged at the evil god with the shears she had been using to cut the flowers. Dahak easily removed the shears from her grasp, tossing them aside. He grabbed both her wrists so she couldn’t run away from him. "I didn’t come here to fight with you Cyrene, but to give you a gift." "I don’t want your gift!" Cyrene struggled to free her wrists and was relieved when Ahriman finally released her from his strong grip. "Not even the gift of immortality?" "What are you talking about?" "I can restore your youth...you will never grow old." Ahriman raised a hand, running the back against Cyrene’s face. "I have known many women in my long existence but you are the only one to ever remain in my thoughts...even during all my years of entrapment. I want you with me Cyrene...forever...ruling beside me as my Queen." "Like I told you Ahriman, I don’t want your gift!" Cyrene whipped her face away from his hand. "I am not that impressionable young woman you knew all those years ago. I see you for what you really are...an UGLY MONSTER...and death will be a welcomed paradise compared to an eternity with you!" Ahriman was somewhat angered by Cyrene reminding him that she had gotten a glimpse of his cursed form---the scaly, reptilian form of a serpent---branded on him by The Creator, centuries ago. "The paradise of death that you welcome may come sooner than you think!" He hissed. "Take a good long look at everyone and everything around you Cyrene because soon it won’t be here anymore!" "What do you mean?" "I am on my way to taking my rightful place as ruler of this world again," he replied with a smile. "The people of Greece are displeased with the Olympian gods...their fall is imminent." "I don’t believe you," Cyrene said. "Oh, it’s true all right...my actions have sealed their fate...nothing can stop it now," Ahriman stated with unwavering confidence. "The Olympian pantheon will be the first of many to fall ushering in a New World ruled by one god...ME!" "No...it can’t happen...it won’t happen. Xena will stop you." "Your faith in Xena, greatly impresses me Cyrene. Our daughter is a very remarkable and determined woman but even she can’t stop me and in the end she won’t want to." Ahriman’s crystal blue eyes sparkled with a knowing gleam. Cyrene saw the gleam in his eyes and fear began racing through her body. "You did something to Xena, tell me!" She tightly gripped the evil god by his arms as she gazed up at his face waiting for his response. "Oh, I did something to Xena but nothing that will harm her," he assured. "Xena is about to rediscover how attractive her darkside can be and the mistake it was to ever suppress it." Cyrene released his arms and slightly bowed her head. Concern for her daughter now consumed her thoughts. "This should not be seen as a moment to be feared." Ahriman took hold of her chin and turned her gaze up toward his face again. "Our daughter is about to embrace her true destiny and this time Cyrene, don’t abandon her. Accept her for who she was meant to be...join us." Ahriman lowered his head, moving to claim Cyrene’s lips with a kiss. "Get away from my mother!" Ahriman halted his intentions. Cyrene, ashamed by what she almost let happen, backed away from the evil god. Both turned their gaze towards the man now standing in the garden. "Toris, No!" Cyrene shouted as her son unsheathed the sword at his side and charged the evil god. Ahriman easily disarmed Toris, removing the sword from his grasp and tossing it aside. Toris, now weaponless, again charged the god, who effortlessly pushed him some distance away, knocking him to the ground. Cyrene immediately went to her fallen son’s side. Ahriman stood before the pair kneeling in the dirt. His crystal blue eyes blazed with disgust as he looked at Toris. "You foolish man...you are no match for me! For your mother’s sake, I will let you live." The evil god’s face softened as he turned his gaze toward Cyrene. "You were rather hasty when you dismissed my gift so I will give you more time to think about it." With that said, Ahriman vanished in a flame of fire. "So, that was Xena’s father?" Toris asked. "Yes." Cyrene grabbed hold of her son’s left arm, as they both rose to their feet. About a week after Xena and Gabrielle left for the mountains of Macedon, Toris returned to Amphipolis. Apparently, his younger sister had Hermes deliver a message to him. It wasn’t detailed and only stated that he should return to Amphipolis and stay with their mother. When Toris finally arrived and told his mother about Xena’s message, Cyrene sat her son down and revealed to him her involvement with Ahriman and the god being Xena’s real father. "Mother, right before Ahriman left, he mentioned a gift. What did he mean?" "He offered to grant me immortality." Toris’ eyes widened with surprise. "You did turn him down, right?" "Of course I did," Cyrene quickly replied. "But he said something about you thinking it over, so I guess that means he will be back." Concern for his mother was now etched on Toris’ face. "Don’t worry about me, Toris, I can handle Ahriman just fine," Cyrene assured as she wrapped an arm around her son’s shoulders and pulled him close. "I am more worried about your sister...Ahriman said some things...and I fear she may be waaay in over her head this time." ********** Discord’s petite form materialized in the Halls of War. Her dark eyes quickly scanned the room. Ares was not on his throne and no where in sight. She would just have to search the place until she found him. The goddess proceeded down a stone corridor. Tonight would be the opening festivities to a weeklong celebration honoring the five millennia of Olympian reign. By the time the week came to an end, Dahak would rule and the Olympian gods would be dead---all poisoned by Hind’s blood. But Discord was having second thoughts. She was no longer sure if she wanted to go through with Dahak’s plan. That’s why she had come to the Halls of War. Discord was prepared to inform Ares of her alliance with Dahak and disrupt the evil god’s deadly plans for the festival’s opening. Discord was walking down another corridor when she heard sounds coming from a room up ahead. When she reached the door, the goddess was surprised by what she saw. A little boy stood by a table covered with miniature soldiers. These were not just any soldier replicas---these were a gift to Ares from Mithra, the Persian God of War, given to him when the two pantheons were on friendlier terms. The craftsmanship was impeccable, each soldier unique. Ares cherished the gift and never let another soul touch them, not even Discord. But here they were now, being handled by a child! "Hey kid, what are you doing in here and who said you can play with those soldiers!?!?!?" Discord stormed over to the table and yanked a soldier from the child’s grasp. So engrossed was Lycus with the mock battle he had been acting out with the toy soldiers that he was somewhat startled when another loudly entered the room. It was a woman not much bigger than he was. She was dressed in black leather and lace with wild black hair cascading over her slender shoulders. Her blood red lips were twisted in an angry smirk and were a stark contrast against the pale skin of her face. Lycus was just getting to the best part of the battle and didn’t appreciate her interruption. "Give it back!" The child grabbed for the soldier Discord had taken from him but she held it out of his reach. "No way. I know how special these soldiers are...even I am not allowed to touch them, so what are you doing with the soldiers?" "My Dad said I could play with them." Lycus picked up another miniature soldier from the table. "Your dad?" Discord’s brow furrowed with confusion. "Who’s your dad?" "Ares." The goddess was stunned to hear this news. She approached the child and forcefully grabbed him by his arms. "Lemme go!" Lycus struggled to free himself. "Hold still brat, so I can get a look at your face!" Discord roughly gripped the boy’s chin, tilting his face upward so she could gaze at his features. Oh, he was Ares’ kid all right---the same nose, cheekbones, chin, and he even had the war god’s curly black hair. He didn’t get his crystal blue eyes from Ares though. But there was something familiar about them. Discord’s breath caught in her throat. She narrowed her gaze as she stared down at the child’s face. "Your mother, who is she!?!?!?" The goddess demanded. "Xena." Lycus grimaced from the rough grip on his arms. "Xena." Discord repeated the boy’s response through clenched teeth. She released her hold on the child and stepped away from him. Anger began to darken the features of her porcelain face. In a huff, the goddess quickly vanished in a sparkle of light just as Lysia walked into the room. "Ooh, that was another god...which one was it?" Lysia came over to where her brother stood by the table. "Yeah, it was a goddess but I didn’t get her name." Lycus rubbed his arms where Discord had roughly held him. "Hey, are you okay? What happened?" Lysia placed a small hand on her brother’s shoulder. "I’m okay. That goddess was real mad about somethin’ and she took it out on me." "Well, if she comes near ya again, Daddy will take care of her." Lycus nodded in agreement. ********** Discord angrily paced the floor of her residence on Mt. Olympus. So, Ares’ warrior whore had given him a son. The goddess found it hard to contain the rage she felt within. She finally picked up a marble statuette setting atop a table and viciously hurled it at a mirror, shattering it to pieces. Having released her anger in some form, the goddess now stood there gasping for air. With a hand, she pushed her wild raven tresses off her porcelain face. Discord now realized she had been a fool to have second thoughts about her participation in Dahak’s plans. A small part of her had held out hope that she would get Ares back but her brief visit to the Halls of War and meeting the son he shared with Xena had killed that hope. This child had obviously been hidden away and his surfacing now meant that Xena and Ares must be an item again. The war god had fathered thousands of children that had meant nothing to him but Discord knew this child would be different. His mother was the love of Ares’ life---Xena. For some time now, the goddess knew the war god was in love with the warrior princess but only now was she able to admit this fact. Ares would now show off this child to all of Olympus and groom him for a position of power by his side. But that would not happen---for all the gods would be poisoned and exist no more. And Discord had something special planned for Ares’ precious son. The goddess walked over to a table and with a small key, unlocked one of its drawers. Her blood red lips curled into a wicked smile when she retrieved its contents and held it up for view. It was a crystal flask and contained within it was a deep red liquid. Discord’s smile widened. She had definitely played it smart when she kept some of the Hind’s blood for herself. CHAPTER 51 On the morning the journeys for the search of the Holy Saber began, Ares transported each traveling party to a location on the outskirts of the Olympian pantheon that would take days off their traveling time. Xena, Cyrus and Joxer were transported to an area north of the Roman territories. Tribes of Germans occupied the land. Due to Cyrus’ vast traveling experience and connections with tribe elders, the trio was able to move quickly through the land, cutting a few days off of their journey. They set up camp in the forest. In another day, they would reach northern waters that they would cross, placing them in the town of Ramshog. Some caves were located just outside of the town and that is where they would find their piece of the Holy Saber. It was a few hours after sunrise and the trio was packing up their campsite to continue on with their journey. Xena was getting the horses ready, Cyrus was packing up the remaining gear around their campsite and Joxer was down at a nearby river replenishing their water supplies. Talon was pretty proud of himself. He was doing a superb job pretending to be Joxer. The fallen Watcher had fooled all that knew the former owner of his new body. A smile creased his lips as he filled the last water skin---Xena’s water skin. He was about to cap it when he suddenly realized he forgot to add that special ingredient. Talon reached within his coat and pulled out the goatskin, Gwenyth had given him. He held it upside down, squeezing several drops of its crimson contents into Xena’s water skin. When the task was completed, he capped Xena’s water skin, then set it with the other two. The goatskin containing the red liquid, he weighed in a hand. A wicked smile crossed Talon’s face. Soon, the goatskin would be empty and that would mean the transformation would be complete. At first, Talon didn’t think the crimson substance was working because Xena seemed to be acting no different than usual. When their journey started, Talon had upped the dosage and now the changes were becoming visible. Xena’s sleep was no longer restful. She was withdrawn and her temper was short. She had even snapped at Cyrus a few times. Talon knew Xena had to be wondering what was wrong with her. She would soon learn what was happening but by then she would fully embrace the changes. Talon retrieved the three water skins and headed back to where he had left his two traveling companions. When he reached the campsite it was clear of their gear. Xena and Cyrus sat on their horses and were ready to resume their journey. "Here’s your water, Cyrus." He held the water skin up for Cyrus to take it as he sat atop Xerxes. "Thanks Joxer." "And here is yours, Xena." He had a smile on his face as he handed Xena the water skin as she sat atop Argo. "Thanks." Xena took the water skin and secured it on the saddle. Joxer strolled over to his trusty steed, Otis, and mounted the animal. "Okay, let’s head on out." Xena led the way on Argo and her two companions followed on their horses. ********** Hercules and Iolaus had been transported to a seaport town in Southern Gaul. It was now under Roman occupation, which like the Greeks worshipped the gods of Olympus. A merchant, devoted to Hermes, had agreed to let them have use of one of his ships and its crew for their journey across the rest of the Great Sea and into unknown waters. "So Herc, what is the name of this ship we are sailing on?" Iolaus asked as the pair walked along the docks. "It’s called the Oasis and it should be around here somewhere." Hercules scanned the many ships tied up in port. "Ah, there it is." The pair approached an impressive looking ship with the name Oasis painted in gold across the bow. The crew was busy moving around the ship, making last minute preparations before their journey. "My ship is a beauty, isn’t it fellas?" A female voice asked from behind them as they stood admiring the ship. Hercules and Iolaus quickly whirled around to see who had addressed them. "Nebula! This certainly is a surprise!" Iolaus said. "What are you doing here?" Hercules asked. Both men took turns grasping her forearm in a greeting of friendship. "I was looking for some new stomping grounds and heard southern Gaul was the place to be so I decided to check it out." She gave her friends the once over. "You two are certainly looking good, especially you monkey man." Nebula ran a hand down Iolaus’ chest. "You’re looking good too," Iolaus replied as he took in the sight of Nebula’s tall toned brown-skinned form. Hercules just grinned as he watched his two friends flirt with one another. "Nebula, you mentioned something about this ship being yours." "That’s right, it is," she replied with a big smile. "But we were told this ship was owned by a merchant named Gordium." "Oh, he use to own this ship but the man’s a lousy card player and lost it to me," Nebula said. "Excuse us, Nebula." Iolaus pulled Hercules aside. "What are we going to do now Herc? We needed that ship to get out into those unknown western waters." "I will just have to call Hermes and he will have to get another one of his merchants to lend us the use of a ship," Hercules replied. Nebula couldn’t help but overhear their conversation and decided to join in. "Uh fellas, if Gordium promised you the use of the Oasis, I would be more than willing to honor it." "You would? Aw wow, that’s great Nebula!" Iolaus had a smile on his face as he walked back over to the attractive pirate woman. "Uh, before you volunteer your ship, we should first tell you where we will be sailing." Hercules stood before his two friends, his gaze fixed on Nebula who looked at him expectantly. "Yeah, Herc is right." Iolaus said. "We have to sail through the uncharted waters west of the Great Sea. "Now, if you want to back out, we will understand. Those waters have not been sailed by many and are a virtual mystery," Hercules said. "You guys should know by now that mysteries are right up my alley, so you can count me in." Nebula proceeded up the plank that led to her newly acquired ship. Hercules and Iolaus followed after her. "Okay men, lift that anchor and get this ship sailing!" Nebula shouted to her crew as she began to stroll the deck. Hercules and Iolaus followed after her to see how they could lend a hand in maintaining the ship. By evening, the ship reached the narrow strait that separated Europe from Africa and would lead them into the mysterious waters of the west. Hercules and Iolaus had joined Nebula in her cabin for dinner. When Nebula had finished her meal, she pushed her empty plate away before looking at the two gentlemen seated around her. "So, are you two going to tell me the reason behind your need to venture into the unknown waters of the west?" "We are looking for something." Iolaus took a quick sip from his mug. "A sword...really a piece of a sword." "And why do you need this piece of a sword...is it part of a treasure?" Nebula leaned forward. Her brown eyes sparkled with piqued interest. "No there’s no treasure involved...just a lot of danger," Iolaus confessed. He turned his gaze toward his best friend. "Herc, I think you would do a better job of filling her in than I would." Nebula now had her gazed fixed on Hercules too as she waited for the demi-god to fill her in on just exactly what was the meaning behind this journey. The demi-god took a deep breath before giving a detailed synopsis regarding Dahak’s arrival, their discovery of his dark plans and their efforts to stop him. "It is before my time but I am somewhat familiar with the details concerning Dahak’s war with Persia," Nebula said once Hercules had given her all of the details. "My homeland is Sumeria, so my people were practically eyewitnesses to the atrocities committed by Dahak and his cult." "Then you know how important it is for us to stop him." Hercules said. "Oh, I do all right and that’s why I want to help you find this sword piece," Nebula said. "We welcome your help," Iolaus said. "We’ve got maps to help us find the sword piece and being a pirate, this should be right up your alley." "Then, to the search." Nebula raised her mug filled with mead. Hercules and Iolaus raised their mugs too. They all smiled before bringing their mugs to their lips. ********** Autolycus, Meleager and Salmoneus had been transported east of the Black Sea. The trio continued east until they reached the land of Chin. Once in Chin, the trio met up with a fellow named Zhen Yu. He had been one of the leaders who had spoken out about the tyranny under the reign of Ming Tien. Zhen Yu was very grateful when Xena freed the people of Chin from Ming Tien’s harsh reign so he was more than willing to honor her request to help her friends reach the mountains of Chin located in the east. Zhen Yu picked a few of his trusted men to accompany them on their journey east. They had been traveling for almost a week when they reached the town of Shu. "We will stop here," Zhen Yu declared as the traveling party made their way down the town’s main street. "Zhen Yu is right." Autolycus quickly scanned the map he was holding. "Shu is just a few days journey west of the Daba Mountains and that’s where we will find our piece of the Holy Saber." "Sounds good to me," Meleager declared. "I’ll take the others and get us some rooms at a local Inn." Meleager urged his horse to trot off down another street. Zhen Yu’s men followed after him on their own horses. Autolycus, Salmoneus and Zhen Yu urged their horses to continue down the main street of the town. There appeared to be some event happening in the town square because many of the town folk could be found there. The trio dismounted their horses, then eased their way through the crowd. When they got to the front of the crowd they could see a large raised platform. A muscular man wearing a black mask and wielding a large ax stood atop the platform. Wails of sorrow poured from some in the crowd, as a bound man was lead up the platform. The man was forced to his knees and his head placed on a block before the man wielding an axe. At that moment a frail looking woman ran out of the crowd. She headed right for a man dressed in fine robes and seated upon a large chair supported by four pallbearers. Before she could reach him, warriors who held out their swords halted her. "Wong Tai, please spare my son, he’s all I’ve got left!" The woman cried. Some warriors stepped forward and dragged the woman back over to the crowd. They deposited her there on the ground, tears streaming down her cheeks. The gathered crowd turned their attention once again to the raised platform. The muscular man wearing the black mask raised the ax he held, high above his head, then swiftly brought it down, cutting off the head of the man kneeling before him. "Ew, gods!" Salmoneus grimaced as he turned his head away. "And I thought executions in Greece were bad." Autolycus shook his head in disgust. "Zhen Yu, do you know why that man was executed?" Salmoneus asked. "From what I was able to pick up from the crowd, he stood up against the local warlord, Wong Tai, he controls this region of Chin. "Ah, the fellow sitting in the large chair with the pallbearers," Autolycus remarked. The trio turned to look at the warlord. He was young in age, probably in his early twenties. His hair was worn in a single black braid that was slug over one shoulder. "Hey Sal, check out the strange pendant around his neck. Is that what I think it is?" Salmoneus squinted his eyes to get a better look at the medallion around the warlord’s neck. He then pulled out a sheet of parchment they had been given by Cyrus. On it was a drawing of the Saber. "Holy Hera, it is!" He breathed. Zhen Yu quickly looked over Salmoneus’ shoulder at the drawing then the medallion around the warlord’s neck. "Hey, that looks like a piece from the sword you are looking for." "Yes," Autolycus and Salmoneus wearily said in unison. The trio quickly made their way through the crowd, found their horses and headed for the town Inn to rejoin their friends. ********** "So, let me get this straight..." Meleager was lounging on a bed, that consisted of a sleeping mat on the floor---the custom in Chin, gazing at his two friends seated at a table in the room of the Inn where they were staying. "The piece of the Holy Saber that we are suppose to find waaay up in the Daba Mountains is not there because it belongs to the local warlord whose wearing it around his neck." "I wonder how he got it?" Salmoneus asked. "Oh, who cares how he got it," Autolycus said. "What matters is getting it away from him." At that moment Zhen Yu came through the door and seated himself at the table with Autolycus and Salmoneus. "What were you able to find out?" Salmoneus asked. "Apparently as a child, Wong Tai was heavy into mountain climbing and was always wandering around the Daba Mountains. That’s how he came across the sword piece. On the day he found the sword piece, he got caught up in a fight between to warring warlords. Well, one of the warriors involved in the fight threw a dagger at another but Wong Tai happened to be in the line of fire. The dagger hit him in the chest but didn’t break the skin because the sword piece was in a shirt pocket and the metal it is made out of deflected the dagger. Ever since that incident, Wong Tai has worn the sword piece as a good luck charm around his neck." "This is just great, how will we get the sword piece from him now?" Meleager asked. "He will never part with it." "Calm down Meleager, don’t get yourself all worked up in a tizzy." Autolycus rose from his chair and started to pace the floor. "But he’s right Auto," Salmoneus said. "It’s going to be awfully hard to get that sword piece now. A warlord has it and he’s got a slew or warriors protecting him. We don’t want to end up like that poor fellow we saw lose his head this afternoon." Salmoneus swallowed hard and rubbed his neck in an uncomfortable fashion. "Hey, when we agreed to help Xena with this Dahak mess, we knew it would be dangerous so don’t start getting all chicken now," Autolycus said. "So, a warlord is wearing the sword piece we need as a lucky charm...big deal. We have our own...and it’s me." "You???" Meleager and Salmoneus said in unison before breaking out into laughter. "Hey, what’s so funny?" Zhen Yu curiously gazed at the two laughing men who were now holding their sides. "Pay no attention to them Zhen Yu," Autolycus said. "They may be laughing now but they know I am the only one with the talent for a job like this." Zhen Yu’s brow was furrowed with confusion after hearing Autolycus’ words. "My new friend, back in Greece, I am known as the King of Thieves and soon I will be known as that in Chin too." Autolycus had a smile on his face as he checked out his reflection in a mirror. "Yeah." He ran his fingers over his moustache. "That sword piece is as good as ours." ********** Darnelle, Glaphyra and Draco were transported to one of the southern most Greek isles in the Great Sea where they sought passage on a ship that took them to Egypt. Once there, they traveled to the palace and met with Queen Cleopatra. To show her gratitude for Xena’s disruption of an assassination attempt on her life, the Queen would provide a guide for Xena’s friends for their trip to southeast Africa. Their guide was a man named Ahkmim. His family had served the Pharaohs of Egypt for centuries and his loyalty to his Queen was unquestionable. The trio, along with their guide Ahkmim and two other men boarded a barge that took them down the Nile, through the lands of Nubia and Kush. It took them over a week, traveling through barren deserts and thick jungles but the group eventually reached the volcanic mountains of southeast Africa, the resting place for a piece of the Holy Saber. The traveling party set up camp for the night near a river at the base of the mountain range. Ahkmim was studying the maps that Cyrus had created, deciding the best route they should take when they resumed their journey. The men that Ahkmim had selected to accompany them on their journey were busy setting up their camp. "Hey Glaphyra...Draco and I are going to hunt us some food, you want to come along?" Darnelle asked. "Nah, I’m going to take advantage of being near this river and take a bath." "Just make sure there are no crocodiles," Draco said. "I already checked with Ahkmim and he said this river is crocodile free, so when you guys see me later, I will be nice and clean." Glaphyra took off in the direction of the river. When Glaphyra reached the river, she discarded her clothing and quickly jumped in the cool water. Her skin had felt so grimy from the jungle heat and the cool waters of the river were greatly welcomed. She dunk her head under the water, letting her hair get wet. Glaphyra floated around on her back for awhile, just enjoying the soothing cool waters. The sun was beginning to descend in the sky when she started to head for the riverbank. She was putting on her clothes, when a man jumped out of the nearby foliage grabbing hold of her and pulling her to him. He was tall, brown-skinned with short black hair. He wore only a loincloth made of some animal skin and his face was decorated with red and green paint. When the man spoke, Glaphyra could not understand his language. The man had dark brown eyes that gazed at her in awe. He was very fascinated by her blond hair that he touched with a hand. "Let go of me!" Glaphyra struggled to free herself but the man’s grip was too strong. The man spoke some more in that language that Glaphyra didn’t understand as one of his big hands began to roam her partially clothed body. This caused her to struggle even more for freedom. Suddenly, the man lifted her off the ground, laid her form across a broad shoulder, then proceeded to take off through the jungle. "Darnelle! Draco! Help me!" Glaphyra screamed as the man started running through the jungle. The man hadn’t gone much further when Darnelle stepped out from behind him hitting the guy in the back of the head. The man stumbled a bit and tried to continue running when Draco stepped out in front of him, landing a punch to his face. The man lost his grip on Glaphyra who was slung over a shoulder as he fell to the ground. Glaphyra fell to the ground too and was helped up by Darnelle. Draco approached the man who was still lying on the ground. When Draco knelt over the man, he quickly bolted upright, piercing Draco’s left arm with a sharp object. "Ouch!" Draco yelled as he jumped away from the man who immediately took off into the thick jungle, quickly disappearing from sight. Darnelle and Glaphyra were immediately at their friend’s side. "Are you okay?" Darnelle asked. "Yeah, I think so," Draco grunted as his friends helped him to his feet. "That puncture on your left arm is bleeding pretty bad." Glaphyra stated with concern. Darnelle handed him a cloth to wrap around the wound. The trio heard someone moving through the thick jungle foliage and quickly turned to see if their big friend had come back. But all three sighed with relief when they saw Ahkmim and the others from their traveling party. "What happened?" Ahkmim asked. "It appears a native of this region tried to carry Glaphyra off against her will and we stopped him," Darnelle replied. Ahkmim gazed at Draco’s bandaged arm. "You’re hurt, let me have a look at that." Ahkmim carefully removed the bandage on Draco’s arm and inspected the wound. "We must get you back to the campsite...this is no ordinary wound...you were struck with a poison dart." "Poison!!!" Draco, Darnelle and Glaphyra said in unison. "God’s Akhmim can you help him?" Darnelle now had a concerned look on his face that matched the one on Glaphyra’s. "I can if I get the herbs I need to break down the poison before it spreads through his system." "Where can you get these herbs?" Draco asked. "Fortunate for you what I need can be found about a mile from our camp, down river." Ahkmim looked to the two men who had accompanied them. "Buto and Soleb." The two men stepped forward. "You must go down river and bring back the root of the Nimbuki plant, now hurry!" The two men quickly departed for their destination. "We must get Draco back to the camp and make sure he gets some rest." Ahkmim gently took hold of Draco’s injured arm and Glaphyra the other as they prepared to head back to their campsite. Darnelle spotted an object lying on the ground and went to retrieve it. "Hey Ahkmim, do you by any chance know what this is?" Darnelle held up the object he had found. Ahkmim let go of Draco’s arm, went over to Darnelle and took hold of the object. "This is an amulet worn by the Simbutu warriors." "That guy who tried to carry me off must have dropped it," Glaphyra said. "Oh, this is not good," Ahkmim sighed. "What’s wrong?" Darnelle asked. "The Simbutus are said to be cannibals." "Gee, and I thought he was trying to run-off with Glaphyra because he wanted her for his girlfriend when he probably only wanted to have her for dinner," Darnelle jested. "Ha-ha-ha...very funny Darnelle," Glaphyra stated with sarcasm. "This whole area must be their territory and I heard they don’t like trespassers. We must get back to our campsite and pray that Simbutu warrior doesn’t come back with friends." Ahkmim reclaimed Draco’s injured arm and along with Glaphyra head back for their campsite. "I knew this wouldn’t be a pleasure trip but I never thought I would have to protect myself from being someone’s meal," Darnelle stated as he walked behind the trio. "I sure hope the others are fairing out better than us," Draco said.
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