Xena and Ares turned the twins’ heads away so their young eyes couldn’t witness such a horrifying spectacle.

Within moments, the fire consumed Dahak’s form and was now nothing more than smoldering ashes, with the Holy Saber resting atop them.

Everyone quickly moved to Gabrielle’s fallen form. Tears were streaming down Xena’s face as she kneeled by her best friend’s side, taking a hand in hers.

"The sword...was made with...Hind’s blood, Xena. Nothing...can be done...for me," Gabrielle said through ragged breaths.

"No, I won’t lose you again Gabrielle." Xena turned to gaze at Cyrus. "The antidote for the Hind’s blood poisoning, did you bring any with you?"

"I’m afraid not Xena. I didn’t think it would be needed." With a grim frown, Cyrus bowed his head, ashamed at himself for being so thoughtless.

Xena put a hand up to her mouth to hold back the scream of utter helplessness that threatened to pour from her lips. Those gathered around were filled with sadness too as they bowed their heads and softly sobbed.

"Xena...I don’t want you to be sad when I’m gone." Gabrielle glanced around at the others. "I don’t want any of you to be sad either."

"Oh Gabrielle, how will I live without you?" Xena sobbed letting the tears fall from her face and onto her friend’s hand that she held.

Weakly, Gabrielle raised a hand, letting the fingers caress her friend’s tear-stained cheek. "You will find a way Xena...and you will do it with Ares and the children."

Hope had been standing on the sidelines, softly crying as she watched the life of her remaining parent steadily slip away. "No Mother, it doesn’t have to be this way. I can save you."

With tear filled eyes, Xena curiously gazed up at Hope. "You can save her?!"

"Yes," Hope firmly replied while quickly wiping away her own tears.

Xena rose to her feet and moved aside as Hope took up her previous position. Kneeling, she took both her mother’s hands in hers.

"Hope...what are you...going to do?" Gabrielle’s life force was rapidly fading as her green eyes began to glaze over.

"The only thing I can do to save you, Mother."

Hope slowly closed her eyes, as did Gabrielle. Instantly, a bright light shined in the faces of both. The others silently stood in awe watching the spectacle. The light shrouded the faces of both for a few moments until fading away. Slowly, Hope opened her eyes. She released Gabrielle’s hands as she stared with wonder at her own then brought them up to caress her face.

"Hope, are you okay?" Xena asked.

"It’s not Hope, Xena. It’s me...Gabrielle."

The others all looked at each other stunned as Xena immediately knelt by her best friend who once again had her own face. Grasping Gabrielle’s arms she quickly turned the bard towards her. "But how?!"

"Hope transferred my essence into her body and hers into mine." With tears forming in her eyes, Gabrielle gazed at the body that a few moments ago had been hers.

Slowly, Hope opened her eyes and gazed at Gabrielle. "I did it," a faint smile came to her lips.

Gabrielle took one of her daughter’s hands in hers as she gazed into her face. "Oh Hope, why did you sacrifice yourself for me?"

"I had to do it Mother, the world needs people like you," Hope replied with a whisper. "I love you, Mother."

"And I love you, Hope."

Hope was still smiling as she closed her eyes for the last time.

Tears rolled down Gabrielle’s cheeks while she gently laid Hope’s hand on her stilled chest.

High above, near the ceiling of the temple, Adrian’s ethereal form watched the scene. "My work here is done." A faint smile spread across his face as his form faded into nothingness.

Suddenly, another rumble was felt throughout the main hall.

"Oh no, not again," Joxer groaned.

The other columns that had been struck by Dahak’s deflected energy bolts had stayed up for as long as they could and were now ready to collapse, bringing down the entire temple.

"We all better get out of here now!" Cyrus suggested.

The group quickly made their way out of the hall, just as the remaining columns collapsed. They kept running until all were safely outside of the temple.

After Dahak’s destruction the snowstorm pummeling the mountains of Macedon had dispersed. The whole area was calm again as snow lightly fell and the sun made its descent in the sky. Gabrielle gazed at the massive pile of rubble that only moments ago had been a huge temple. Her green eyes were misty with tears.

Xena came up to her friend and put an arm around her shoulders. "You should be very proud of your daughter. Hope proved you were right all along. There was good in her."

Such words coming from Xena warmed Gabrielle’s heart and brought a faint smile to her face.

"All my powers have returned so I can transport us back to my fortress," Ares informed the others with a huge grin on his face.

Xena and Gabrielle moved to stand with the others then Ares snapped his fingers and everyone was engulfed in blue shards of light---their forms fading from sight---headed for the war god’s Macedonian fortress.

CHAPTER 72

With some difficulty the ether began to swirl as a spectrum of blue-silver light shimmered in and out of sight taking on a human appearance. After some moments, Ares’ leather-clad form materialized in front of the ruins of his temple in Thebes. The war god grumbled under his breath. Traveling by ether was becoming more difficult for him the longer he remained without his sword---the source of his godhood. Ares looked at the mountain of rubble piled before him and wearily sighed. Somewhere, under all that rubble was buried his sword.

He had to find the weapon and fast. A major war was getting underway in Roman territory and he had to be there. With the death of Caesar at the hands of his loyal friend Brutus and members of the Roman senate, a civil war was on the horizon. There were still some weeks remaining on the punishment handed down to him by Olympus, forbidding his involvement in a war but it had been lifted after his participation in freeing all of Greece from Dahak’s evil. This civil war would be brutal, bloody and probably long---Ares’ favorite kind of war and he was certainly not going to miss it.

The war god closed his eyes and focused his mind on finding his buried sword. For a few moments he stood like that then opened his eyes. He sighed with frustration---he couldn’t feel the sword. Either it was buried much deeper than he thought or his powers were too severely weakened due to its absence.

Ares was about to close his eyes again and give it another try when he heard a familiar voice call to him.

"Lord Ares!"

The war god turned just as Telamon came up to him, holding in a hand, a large black satchel.

"It’s good to see you alive and well again." The high priest had a big smile on his face.

"None is more happier about that than me." Ares got an uncomfortable frown on his handsome face. "Look Telamon, I um...want to uh...thank you for pulling me out of the collapsing temple."

"I was just doing my duty as your high priest, my lord."

"No, you went beyond your duty. I was dead yet you took the time to pull me out anyway putting your own life in jeopardy so I just wanted to say...thanks."

"You’re welcome lord Ares." Telamon quickly bowed before gazing once again at his patron god.

"Did you by any chance pull my sword out too?"

"Your sword wasn’t buried in the rubble. I saw Dahak take it."

Ares shook his head with disgust and cursed under his breath. With Dahak dead, who knew where the sword could be now.

"But I was able to get it back." From the satchel he held, Telamon pulled out the war god’s sword and handed it to him.

Ares’ mouth hung open in surprise and utter disbelief as he took hold of his coveted sword. "But how??? Where did you find it?"

"A cousin of mine is a servant in Brutus’ household. He knows about me being one of your high priests as does Brutus. So, when Dahak offered the sword to Caesar to make him a god..."

"Dahak was going to give Caesar my godhood!?"

"Yes."

"And after everything I did for him...why that traitorous Roman...I’m glad he’s dead!" Ares huffed.

"Brutus had my cousin contact me. I went to Rome and collected the sword after my cousin stole it from Caesar’s home."

"It looks like I owe you another thanks, Telamon." Ares twirled the sword in a hand before placing it in the hilt hanging at his side. "It’s going to be awhile before my worshippers have this temple rebuilt." He along with Telamon looked at the mountainous pile of rubble before them then gazed at each other again. "The position of high priest is open in my temple in Thrace. It’s yours if you want it."

"I’ll take it!" Telamon beamed with a smile.

"Good," Ares smiled too. "Now I’m off to Rome." In a flash of light, the war god disappeared.

**********

Argo moved at a slow trot as she made her way down the main road leading into Amphipolis. Her three riders let their gaze wander over the surroundings. Men hastily moved about burnt out and collapsed structures. Just as in other parts of Greece, the village had reconstruction projects underway to restore what was lost in the battle against Dahak’s minions.

Xena brought Argo to a stop just outside her mother’s stables then she and the twins dismounted. Once Argo was settled in a stall, the three made their way to Cyrene’s tavern.

"And this is where ya grew up?" Lysia asked when they stood outside the tavern.

"Yes. That’s my room up there." Xena pointed to a window on the second floor.

It wasn’t big like their Uncle Cyrus’ palaces in either Persia or India or their father’s fortress in Macedon, but the twins thought the tavern looked warm and homey.

When the three stepped inside, they found it almost empty with the exception of a few tables. It’s what was left of the lunch crowd. Most had already returned to their work at the reconstruction sites.

A smile formed on Xena’s face when she saw her older brother Toris working behind the bar. So busy was he with drying some mugs that he didn’t notice her until she stood at the bar.

Instantly, his face lit up as his lips curved into a huge smile. "By the gods, Xena!" Toris quickly came out from behind the bar and embraced his younger sister in a big hug. "It is so good to see you."

"It’s good to see you too, Toris." Xena returned his hug.

"Mom and I heard you were back in Greece and hoped you would be coming this way," Toris said after breaking the hug.

"Yeah, there were a few things I had to take care of first, but I’m here."

Toris finally took notice of the little boy and little girl who had been silently watching the reunion of brother and sister. "And who are your young friends?"

"I’ll introduce them in a moment but I want Mother here for that too, where is she?"

"She’s in the kitchen," Toris replied.

Ushering the twins along with her, Xena headed for the kitchen with Toris following them, his face now etched with curiosity.

When they entered the kitchen, Cyrene was over by the hearth busy with the cast iron pot set above a roaring fire.

"Toris, could you bring up that large jug of mead from the cellar? It was too heavy for me." Not taking her eyes off her task, Cyrene stirred a wooden spoon through the steamy contents of the pot.

"It’s not Toris, Mother."

Immediately, Cyrene raised her eyes from the hearth. A huge grin formed on her face as she quickly made her way over to her daughter. "Oh Xena, you’re back!" She embraced her daughter in a tight hug.

Xena hugged her mother back and smiled.

"And what about Gabrielle and Joxer, are they okay?" Cyrene asked as she pulled back from Xena and gazed into her face.

"Joxer went to his home village to check up on his mother and Gabrielle is in Potidaea to see her family."

"Oh, it’s so good to know that everyone is okay." Cyrene finally took notice of the children who were standing alongside of Toris. "Xena, you brought children back with you?"

Xena motioned for the twins to come stand on either side of her. With a hand resting on a shoulder of each she introduced them. "Mother, Toris...this is Lycus and Lysia."

"Hello," Lycus said.

"Hi," Lysia said.

"Oh yes, these are Cyrus’ wards that were suppose to stay here," Cyrene smiled with remembrance. "But what are they doing here with you? Shouldn’t they be with Cyrus in Persia?"

"The children will no longer be living with Cyrus but with me."

Cyrene and Toris both had confused looks on their face.

"The children are mine," Xena said.

Confusion quickly turned to surprise upon hearing Xena’s startling revelation.

"Yours!?" Cyrene approached the children and stooped in front of them. The boy definitely had Xena’s eyes and the girl looked just like her daughter did when she was that age. A smile formed on Cyrene’s face, masking the concern that mixed with the joy she now felt---for she had seen the features of another in the faces of the children. "Finally, I am a grandmother!" She pulled both children into a hug.

Xena let out the breath she had been holding and smiled.

Cyrene took a hand from each child and held it in hers. "I made some oatmeal cookies early this morning. Would you two like some?"

"Yeah." The twins said in unison, grinning.

"Good." Cyrene grinned too as she rose to her full height and looked towards her son. "Toris, the oatmeal cookies are in a jar under the bar. Why don’t you take the children with you and give them some?"

Toris came over and proceeded to usher the twins back to the bar.

"Oh, and there’s a jug of apple cider under there too. Give them some to drink to go along with the cookies," Cyrene added.

"Sure thing, Mom," Toris replied before the trio exited the kitchen.

Now just the two of them, Xena braced herself for the slew of questions she knew would come.

Cyrene shook her head with amazement. "I knew there was a lot about your life that I didn’t know about but I never expected anything like this, Xena."

"You’re not mad are you, Mother?"

"No, I’m not mad." Cyrene pulled Xena into a reassuring hug. "I just wished I had known and could have been there for you." She pulled back and looked at her daughter’s face.

"I was nothing like the person I am now when the twins were born so it was best that I not be here," Xena said.

"Is that why you left them with Cyrus?"

"Yes. My life back then was not a suitable environment in which to raise children."

"And now that your life has changed, you want them with you."

"It’s something I have always secretly wished for but never thought would happen. But here I am today and that wish is now real." A bright smile formed on Xena’s face.

"I am so happy for you, dear." Cyrene caressed her daughter’s cheek. "So, will Ares be involved with the children too?"

Xena’s eyes widened as she stepped away from her mother and stared at the older woman with utter surprise. "H-how did you know?!"

"Oh for Zeus’ sake Xena I am not blind. As soon as I looked into the faces of the children, I not only saw you in them but Ares too, especially Lycus, he’s the spitting image of him."

"Since you already figured out that Ares is the children’s father, I will go ahead and answer your question. Yes he will be involved with the children…very much so."

"Letting Ares anywhere near the children will be a big mistake Xena," Cyrene warned.

"You are wrong, Mother. Ares is great with the kids…such a doting father. They adore him and he adores them." Xena beamed with a smile and her crystal blue eyes sparkled.

"Well, it’s pretty obvious that the children aren’t the only ones that adore him," Cyrene shook her head with disbelief while staring at her daughter. "By the gods you have fallen in love with him, haven’t you?"

"Yes I have," Xena proudly admitted.

"Oh dear gods," Cyrene groaned as she quickly seated herself in a chair at the table. She thought with the defeat of Dahak that everything would return to normal but no such luck.

"Now before you say that Ares is wrong for me, Mother, you should know that he loves me too." Xena seated herself at the table facing the older woman.

"But Ares is WAR---it’s the only thing that he lives for...the battle, the blood, the smell of death. With the person you are now, that makes him your enemy...you fight against all that."

"Yes, for centuries, the only passion Ares lived for was war but now he has two new passions that drive him even more...his love me and the children. I am not saying he will no longer wage wars but their purposes will not be blood and death but justice and security. He is in Rome this very moment, making sure their civil was doesn’t spread to a weakened Greece."

Cyrene’s face was riddled with apprehension as she pressed her lips into a tight line and folded her arms across her chest. She could see the happiness in her daughter’s eyes and it’s what she had always wanted for Xena. But Cyrene could not shake the feeling that whatever happiness Xena thought she had found with Ares would not last and that the war god would do what he did most of the time to her daughter---bring her pain.

Xena rose from her chair and stood behind her mother, gently resting her hands on the shoulders of the older woman. "Mother, I know Ares isn’t who you would have picked for me but he is who I love...he’s the one who makes me happy and I hope you will try to accept him for me...for your grandchildren...give us a chance."

Cyrene would do just about anything to ensure the happiness of her daughter and newfound grandchildren, so for their sakes she would do her best to accept Ares. "All right Xena, I will try," the older woman begrudgingly said in a soft voice.

"Thanks, Mother." Xena wrapped her arms around Cyrene’s shoulders as she planted a kiss on her cheek.

**********

The squawks of seagulls could be heard in the cloud-covered sky above the cold waters of the Aegean Sea. Bundled up in fur coats to protect them from the weather, Xena and Cyrene strolled along the sandy beach.

This was the seventh and final day that Xena and the twins would be spending in Amphipolis. Tomorrow, the three would be heading to Ares’ fortress high in the mountains of Macedon.

Xena smiled as she watched Toris teach the twins how to fish. It brought back memories of her and Lyceus coming to that very same beach to fish when they were kids.

Cyrene put an arm around her daughter’s waist and pulled her close. "This has been a week I will never forget. I got to spoil my newfound grandchildren and learned so many things about my daughter’s life. You truly are an amazing woman, Xena." She planted a kiss on her daughter’s cheek. "Not only did you give up the twins but another child. I don’t know if I would have had the courage to do the same if I had been in your shoes."

"It wasn’t easy but I had to bear the pain and do what was best for my children."

"Well at least you now have the twins in your life and can be a mother to them. It really is a loss that you weren’t able to do the same thing with their older brother Solan. Have you told them about him?"

"Yes, I’ve told Lycus and Lysia all about Solan. I’m making sure his memory lives on in not just my heart but the twins too."

"I just wish I could have been there for you when you lost him, Xena…there is no greater pain for a parent than the death of a child." Cyrene’s eyes filled with sadness as she remembered the death of her youngest child, Lyceus.

"I wish you could have been there too but you can certainly be there for Gabrielle, you’ve become like a second Mother to her," Xena said. "She is still grieving over losing Hope. I didn’t want her to go to Potidaea by herself but she insisted that she would be okay and that I should go on to Amphipolis."

"Maybe seeing her parents and sister will do her some good but if not, I will certainly help in anyway I can," Cyrene assured.

"I knew you would say that," Xena smiled with gratefulness as she pulled her mother close for a semi-hug.

"So, I guess you are very excited about heading to Macedon and seeing Ares?" Cyrene asked.

"Yes I am, so are the children," Xena replied.

"Now that you have the children in your lives, have you and Ares discussed marriage?" Cyrene asked.

Xena could read her mother like a scroll. She knew before she and twins left that this subject would be discussed. "No Mother, we haven’t," she wearily sighed.

"Now dear, you really should think about it. Marriage would be so much better for the children, especially if more come along. And if you two love each other the way you say you do, what better way is their for you to show you are serious about your commitment?"

"Mother, Ares and I don’t need to get married to show everyone how committed we are to each other. We like our relationship the way it is," Xena said in a firm tone, emphasizing her last statement.

Cyrene got the message loud and clear. "Okay, I will drop the subject of marriage...for now."

"Mom, Grandmom...look what we caught!" Lycus yelled from his location some distance down the beach, at the edge of the sea.

Xena and Cyrene turned to look at the children who had excited smiles on their faces as they held up the fish they had caught. Toris stood behind them with the three fish he had caught.

"It looks like the children inherited your talent for fishing," Cyrene mused.

"That’s great kids, now Grandmom will cook them up for dinner tonight," Xena yelled back.

"I’ll cook them so long as you clean them," Cyrene said.

"Deal."

With smiles on their faces, the two women headed over to Toris and the twins.

**********

The war against Dahak had spread massive destruction and death throughout Greece. No city or village was spared from some form of loss and it would be a long time rebuilding.

After returning to Greece, Hercules and Iolaus had met up with Nebula and her crew in Epidauros. The city and the surrounding region had a major rebuilding project underway so the son of Zeus and his friends had decided to lend assistance any way they could.

Under the intense fire of the forge, the strip of metal glowed a bright orange. Using metal tongs, Iolaus transferred the softened metal to the top of an anvil where he proceeded to change the shape with a hammer. When he had the desired shape, he used the tongs again to transfer the metal to a barrel of water. Once it had cooled, he placed it in a bucket with the finished others.

Iolaus removed the goatskin hanging from a wood support column nearby, uncapped it and took a big swig of its cool contents. His skin felt pretty hot so once he had satisfied his thirst, he squirted some water on his face and bare chest. With the back of a hand, he wiped away the excess water dribbling from his chin as he turned his gaze upward. Movement and rustling noises could be heard coming from the loft above.

"Did you find what you need?" Iolaus asked as he removed another piece of fiery orange metal from the forge.

"Oh yeah, I found plenty." Nebula appeared on the edge of the loft with a bushel of rope in her hands that she let drop to the first floor.

She turned her back to him then proceeded down the wooden ladder. When she stood on the lower floor, she picked up the bushel of rope and headed over to where Iolaus was working at the forge.

Her brown eyes wandered over his form appreciatively as she watched him hammer the metal into shape. "You really are a man of many talents. You fight alongside Hercules protecting the innocent, you hunt, you mine and...you blacksmith."

"That’s me all right, a jack of all trades." Iolaus let the metal cool in some water then tossed it with the finished ones.

Nebula fanned a hand in front of her neck and face. "Whew, looking for that rope made me work up a sweat. Could I have a drink from your goatskin?"

"Sure." Iolaus handed her the goatskin.

Nebula uncapped it and downed a portion of its contents. "I didn’t think looking for rope could make one so hot." She sprayed some of the cool liquid on her neck and chest.

Iolaus couldn’t help but stare as she spread the water over her neck and the creamy brown skin above her bra-like top.

When Nebula looked his way, Iolaus quickly averted his eyes. But she had seen him admiring her cleavage and let a faint smile grace her full lips. "Y’know something, I didn’t finish showing you all the different sailor knots."

"Uh, no you didn’t and I really would like to learn them. Although I don’t know when I’ll be at sea the next time so I can use them."

"Those knots have other uses besides work on a ship." Nebula’s tone was sensual as she handed him back the goatskin, letting her fingers graze his.

"They do?" Iolaus eyed her curiously trying to gage if he was reading her signals right.

"Oh yeah, and anytime you want, I’d be happy to show you just what those other uses are." With those final words, Nebula draped the bushel of rope over a shoulder and sauntered out of the smith shop.

"WOW!" Iolaus declared after her departure. He quickly squirted some cool water onto his face and chest that had grown hot again and not due to the forge.

**********

With a firm grip on the rope and a sufficient amount wrapped around a forearm, Hercules pulled with all his might as he started moving backward. A long and very large wooden beam, steadily rose in the air above a partially constructed building.

"Okay, just a little higher," Mydon said.

Hercules pulled some more while he continued to move backward.

"Okay, now lower it."

Hercules stepped forward and the wooden beam slowly descended until it was in reach of the men standing on the second floor of the partially constructed building, who lowered it into position.

"Okay, it’s perfect."

Hercules released the rope.

"Great job Hercules." Mydon came over to the demigod and patted a broad shoulder in appreciation as he quickly headed over to the partially constructed building.

"Yeah, thanks Hercules." One of the men on the second floor shouted. The others with him echoed his sentiments.

"Anytime." Hercules smiled and waved as he walked away to lend a hand elsewhere.

From the far side of the square where he walked, Hercules spotted a young woman pushing a cart filled with household supplies. A young girl and a medium sized dog walked beside her. She was having trouble maneuvering the cart because it was so loaded and had to stop when some of the objects fell off.

The woman was stooping to pick up the fallen objects and had her back to him when he approached her.

"Here let me help you with that." Hercules picked up most of the fallen objects and placed them back in the cart.

The woman stood and turned to face him. "Thank you, Hercules."

The demigod’s breath caught in his throat. She was Serena! "Y-you know who I am?"

"Of course, everyone in Epidauros knows about the son of Zeus coming to help in the rebuilding of our city.

Hercules just smiled as he gazed at her beautiful face. He had so many memories of their short time together as husband and wife. Unfortunately she had none of those memories---for her, they had never happened.

"Taren, come on honey, we have to be getting home," Serena called to the little girl who stood at a table in front of a merchant’s shop admiring a doll.

Taren and the dog rejoined the pair.

"Honey, this is Hercules and this is my daughter Taren and that’s Doros."

The dog barked.

"Hello," Taren shyly said. She had shoulder length curly blond hair and eyes just like her mother’s.

"Hello," Hercules said.

"Mommy, I miss Daddy," the little girl poked out her bottom lip in a pout as she held onto her mother’s skirt.

"I miss him too honey," Serena soothingly ran a hand through her daughter’s curly blond hair. "But one day we will all be together again."

"Is your husband away?" Hercules asked.

"No, he’s dead," Serena softly replied.

"I’m sorry to hear that." His tone was filled with sincere sympathy.

"Thank you. Our situation is probably the norm in Greece today. My husband joined the resistance that fought against Dahak." A grim frown formed on her face. "At least he died a hero’s death like he always wanted."

Hercules nodded in understanding.

Serena looked down at her daughter standing by her side. "We better get all this stuff home, Taren. It’s going to take the rest of the day to get it all situated." Serena moved towards the cart.

"Why don’t you let me help?" Hercules moved to take the cart.

"Oh no, I can’t let you do that. There’s probably more important things the city’s elders want you to do."

"No there’s not. Besides I am here to help anyway I can...no matter how big or how small."

"Okay," Serena let her lips curl into a smile.

Hercules smiled too as he proceeded to push the cart, with Serena, Taren and the dog, Doros walking beside him.

CHAPTER 73

Xena placed a gold knife, gold fork and gold spoon on a folded white silk napkin beside a gold dinner plate. She took a couple steps back to admire her work. Today was the four-month anniversary of the night Ares and Xena had both confessed their love for one another. The war god was taking a break from the Roman civil war and returning to Macedon that very night, so she had a very special dinner planned.

A dark green tablecloth covered a wood table. At each end was a gold place setting, a crystal goblet and a gold candleholder with a long white candle. The length of space in between the two place settings was empty at the moment and would be filled with Ares’ favorite foods that the kitchen staff had prepared. During the several weeks in a semi-mortal state, the war god had acquired an enormous affection for mortal foods and now ate them often to compliment his godly diet of ambrosia.

The warrior princess had many skills but she was clearly not the domestic type. But she didn’t have to be with a fortress full of servants. The kitchen staff had prepared the foods but she could at least take credit for the decorating of the table.

"It looks perfect," Xena smiled with satisfaction. Now she had to check on her own appearance.

Standing in front of a full-length mirror, she inspected her attire. It was a blood red nightgown. The bodice had spaghetti straps and was constructed of lace that hugged her breasts and flat stomach with a long skirt that fanned out and fell to her feet. It had a matching robe made of blood red silk with lace sleeves.

Penelope had curled her hair and piled it atop her head with a few curly strands framing her beautiful face. Liking what she saw, Xena’s lips, that for tonight were a rosy red color, curled into a smile.

There was a knock at the bedchamber door.

"Come in."

A moment later, the door opened and in stepped the chambermaid Penelope along with members of the kitchen staff, carrying steaming trays of food.

Xena took her attention from the mirror and watched the staff set the food on the table. "Um, everything smells good and looks delicious."

Penelope approached the warrior princess, gazing at her in awe. "Wow, you really look beautiful, Xena. Lord Ares won’t be able to take his eyes off of you."

"Thanks Penelope." Xena ran her hands down the nightgown.

"I brought the extra fur blankets to the children’s bed chambers just like you asked but they weren’t there."

"They’re not in their bedchambers? I put them to bed an hour ago. They should be asleep."

"I could go look for them if you want."

"No, that’s okay Penelope. I have a pretty good idea where they are so I will go get them." Xena left the bedchamber she now shared with Ares and went down a few flights of stone steps until she stood at the entranceway of the stables. She could already hear the voices of the twins and Mei-Jin’s playful barks.

"Okay, what are you two doing down here?" Xena asked with her hands on her hips as she walked into the stables.

Lysia was feeding apple slices to Argo and Lycus was using a block of hay for a table as he played with the stone figurines that Zethus had carved, while Mei-Jin had a good time rolling a ball around with paw.

"Oh hi Mommy," Lysia said after turning her attention away from Argo.

"Don’t *oh hi Mommy* me, I put you both to bed an hour ago and you should be asleep."

"But we wanted to go to the party you are havin’ for Dad so we came down here to stay awake," Lycus said.

"Yeah, can we put on fancy bed clothes too?" Lysia asked, admiring her mother’s red attire.

"We are not having a party. It’s just a late dinner between me and your dad...for grown-ups only. You’ll have plenty of time to see your father over the next several days while he’s here. In the meantime, you are both going to bed."

With disappointed frowns on their little faces, Lycus put the stone figurines where he had gotten them while Lysia finished feeding Argo the apple slices. The unusual golden color of the fruit caught Xena’s eye.

"Lysia, where did you get that apple?"

"I got it from Mei Jin. I don’t know where she got it." The little girl held the last of the apple slices near Argo’s mouth for the mare to take." She was playin’ with it in the stables. She had only taken one bite out of it so I gave the rest to Argo."

Xena raised an eyebrow while the children finished their tasks. "Okay, now off to bed." She watched as the children along with Mei-Jin walked past her. "I’ll be up in a few moments to check on you."

After the children’s departure, Xena proceeded over to the stalls. Ares’ black mare Midnight poked out her head and Xena came to a stop before the animal. The sides of the horse protruded from the last stages of pregnancy. "It won’t be much longer now girl," Xena ran a hand down the mare’s blue-black silky mane. "I know you can’t wait for that day to come." Midnight whinnied in agreement. Xena gave the animal an affectionate pat then headed over to Argo’s stall.

When she stood before the golden mare, she ran a hand down her face. "Do you feel any different, girl?"

Argo whinnied a reply.

"Well you should because you are now immortal."

Argo whinnied again and shook her head in disbelief.

"It’s true. That apple Lysia fed you was the one Ares gave me that I never ate. It makes one immortal. Mei-Jin must have been playing in my old bedchamber and found it. Lysia will certainly be happy to know that her little dog is going to live forever."

Argo whinnied some more.

"Good night, girl," Xena gave the mare a final rub on the face before finally exiting the stables.

**********

Biting her lower lip, she folded her arms across her chest as she glared at the beautifully decorated table. Ares was supposed to have arrived at the Macedonian fortress a few hours ago but there was still no sign of him. There was no way he could have forgotten about that night because they had discussed it less than a week ago.

"You think he would have at least sent word that he would be late," Xena grumbled as she began tapping a foot. "Oh to Tartarus with him! I’m not going to wait any more."

Xena uncorked a bottle of wine and poured some into a crystal goblet. She quickly downed the fermented liquid and followed it up by eating some of the grapes. She stared at the assortment of food stretched out before her and frowned. "I’m not even hungry any more." Xena blew out the two lit candles at each end of the table. I’m just going to bed."

She picked up one of the white silk napkins and roughly wiped away the red lipstick while making her way over to the large bed. When she got there, she pulled back the black sable fur blanket and the royal purple silk sheets. Before getting in the bed, Xena pulled out all the combs holding up her hair, letting the curled raven tresses tumble over her shoulders and down her back. As she got into the bed and covered herself with the sheet and furs, a roaring fire in the large hearth provided the only light in the bedchamber. Xena tossed and turned for awhile before finally drifting off into a restless sleep.

**********

It was a few hours before sunrise. Xena was in a deep sleep snuggled up to the plush pillow next to the one on which her head lay---her body covered with silk sheets and sable fur blankets. The bedchamber was peacefully quiet except for the crackling flames of the fire still burning in the hearth.

The shutters at the bedchamber window had been left open letting warm spring air wisp about the room. The view from the window was spectacular, featuring the large peaks of neighboring mountains with the night sky as a backdrop and a golden crescent moon hanging in its midst.

Out of nothing, a pale blue mist appeared hovering at the window. Slowly, it made its way into the bedchamber and crept across the stone floor and over the fur rug lying by the foot of the large bed. Still in a deep sleep, Xena let go of the pillow she snuggled as she rolled over onto her back, resting an arm across the black furs covering her chest. Eerily, the blue mist crawled up the sable fur hanging over the foot of the bed, mysteriously disappearing when it reached the top.

As mysteriously as it had vanished, the pale blue mist appeared again at the head of the bed and now shrouded Xena’s sleeping face.

"Ohhh," she softly moaned while slowly emerging from a deep sleep. Her eyes remained closed as she licked her lips and sighed with pleasure. A smile creased her face. "I’m awake now Ares."

Instantly the sable furs and the silk sheets rose as another form appeared lying directly atop Xena.

"You are so beautiful when you’re sleeping," Ares whispered in an ear before nibbling the lobe. "I could have just watched you the rest of the night but I couldn’t resist the urge to wake you." His caressing lips moved lower.

"I’m glad you did," Xena sighed as she craned her neck to give him better access to her soft flesh. She ran a hand up his body, feeling warm skin minus the leather. Her hand made its way up to his head where she let slender fingers roam over his short hair. The desire within was steadily rising when her eyes suddenly shot open. An angry frown formed on her face as she grabbed his ears and pulled hard.

"Hey!" Ares quickly ceased the sensual ministrations to her neck. "What gives?" He asked now staring down into her face, propped up on his forearms.

"You are late, that’s what!" Xena pushed against his arms until he rolled off her and lay next to her in the bed. Using the pillow, she propped herself into a sitting position before gazing towards the window. The sky was still black. "What time is it?"

"It’s a few hours before sunrise." Ares rolled over onto his side, propped up on a muscular arm, facing her.

"You were suppose to be here a few hours before midnight. I waited as long as I could then went to bed." She folded her arms across her chest.

An apologetic frown formed on Ares’ handsome face. "There was a night battle that went on much longer than I thought. I lost track of time." He raised a hand and let the fingers caress her cheek.

Xena moved her face out of the reach of his caress. "Do you know I had this big dinner planned?"

"Yes, and I’m sorry I missed it."

"I had the kitchen staff prepare your favorite mortal foods." Xena waved an arm in the direction of the table.

Ares saw all the food set atop it, untouched. "I can still eat it." Using his powers he broke off a large turkey leg and beckoned it to him.

"It’s all cold now," Xena complained.

"But it’s still good," Ares said in between chewing up the turkey he had bitten off from the leg. "See for yourself." He held the turkey leg up to Xena’s mouth.

"No. I don’t like eating in bed."

At this remark, Ares raised an eyebrow and smirked with amusement.

"I don’t like eating FOOD in bed," Xena rephrased.

"You’re just being stubborn. C’mon Xena, eat some."

Begrudgingly she took a bite out of the turkey leg and began chewing it.

"Well?" Ares asked expectantly, taking another bite himself.

"Okay, it’s still good," Xena admitted.

"Y’see, it’s not ruined, we can eat it for breakfast." He licked away the turkey juice on a thumb as he gazed at her curiously. "So, am I forgiven?"

"Yeah, you’re forgiven," Xena softly replied. "But just don’t do it again." She grabbed a hold of his hand still holding the large turkey leg, brought it up to her lips and took another bite.

"I was thinking, why don’t you and the kids come back with me to Rome?"

Xena shook her head. "No way."

"But why?"

"For one, Lycus is still having nightmares about what Dahak did to him. He has seen enough violence to last a lifetime and I don’t want him exposed to a bloody civil war. Two, I am helping in the rebuilding of Greece and three, I have always HATED Rome."

"Okay, I see your points," Ares conceded.

"How much longer will this civil war last anyway?"

"I can’t really say," Ares confessed.

"You’re enjoying it aren’t you?"

The war god remained silent.

Xena reached out to him, letting a hand run down his chest. "It’s okay Ares. You have a job that you love and I don’t expect that to change."

"But it has changed. I love being with you and the children more." He tossed aside the partially eaten turkey drumstick, letting it fade into nothingness then pulled Xena down to where she was now lying beside him. He leaned over and claimed her lips with a soft kiss, then pulled back. "What I feel when I oversee a battle greatly pales in comparison to what I feel when I’m with you."

Xena smiled as she took Ares’ head between her hands, pulling his face to hers as she claimed his lips in a kiss.

The war god moved to where he once again laid atop her. "By the way, I love the red nightgown. Be sure to wear it again tonight."

"Uh huh," was Xena’s only response as the desire steadily built in both.

The red nightgown vanished from her body and reappeared neatly folded on a divan by the fire.

A moment later, both disappeared under the silk sheets and sable furs.

**********

The boisterous laughter of children and adults traveled on spring breezes as Serpico and Blade carried their four riders through the cobalt sky.

This was Ares’ final day in Macedon---tomorrow he would be heading back to Rome, so he wanted to make the best of this last outing with Xena and the children. He and Lysia rode Serpico while Xena and Lycus rode Blade. The four were viewing the changes that spring had brought to the mountains of Macedon after such a harsh winter.

"Wow! It looks like a whole new world with the snow all gone." Lysia’s brown eyes sparkled with awe as they gazed down at the lush green grass covering the valleys below and the trees---with new leaves forming, littering the landscape. "It looks so pretty."

"It sure does," Xena said. This was the first time in her own life that the warrior princess was able to look at the world around her and see its beauty.

Here and there, tiny structures dotted the blooming valleys---among them were those of people and grazing farm animals.

"There’s the fortress." Lycus pointed a finger at the structure cut out of a mountainside far below them. "It looks so small."

"Just like a toy," Lysia said as she too gazed at the fortress.

"I think it’s time we break for lunch," Xena suggested.

"Does anyone want anything in particular?" Ares glanced around at his three companions.

"Nah, just some food." Lycus rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

Xena couldn’t help but chuckle as the horses were directed to land in field near a babbling brook. Once everyone had dismounted, Ares waved a hand and a blanket with a large basket set atop it appeared. With eager smiles on their faces, the children immediately seated themselves before the basket and began emptying it of its contents, while trying to decide what to eat. Ares and Xena joined them on the blanket.

"I can see that someone is certainly glad I called for a lunch break." Xena watched with amusement as Lycus shoved two large olives into his mouth.

"Ohmph Yeamph!" was the child’s garbled reply before he downed the food with a gulp of apple cider.

Lysia plopped a grape in her mouth before nibbling on some cheese. "Um Daddy, Lycus and I want to know if one of us could have Midnight’s baby?"

"So, you would like a horse of your own? I don’t see why not." Ares put a sliver of roasted lamb in his mouth.

"But isn’t it going to be hard for you to decide who will get the new horse?" Xena put some bread in her mouth before pouring some wine into a goblet.

"I’ll let the kids decided who gets the horse." Ares looked towards the children. "How about we test your archery skills with some friendly competition?" With the snap of his fingers, two bows appeared along with arrows lying by the blanket.

"All right!" Lycus jumped to his feet and picked up a bow.

"Okay." Lysia grabbed the remaining bow. "There won’t be a tie this time."

"That’s ‘cause I’m gonna beat ya!" Lycus confidently declared.

"No way!" Lysia shook her head in protest.

"All right, that’s enough…hand me the bows." Xena held out her hands. With reluctance and frowns on their faces, the children placed them in her grasp. "You will get these back after lunch, so until then eat."

The twins did as Xena suggested and resumed eating their lunch.

"Your Mom is right," Ares picked up one of the arrows. "After lunch, we can find out who will get the horse." He grinned with anticipation while running a finger over the sharp point of the arrow.

**********

"Okay Lysia, are you ready?" Xena asked from her position in the middle of a field. In her right hand, she palmed a multi-colored sphere.

Just like on the isle of Sicily, Ares had created two multi-colored spheres. The different colors represented a certain amount of points---red was at the top and bottom of each sphere and represented the most points that could be earned---twenty. The other colors were as follows---blue: 10 points, yellow: 5 points and white: 1 point. The spheres were tossed into the air and the children would have to hit them with the arrows. Whoever racked up the most points would be the winner.

After an hour of practice, the competition had begun. Just as on Sicily, the children had once again got deadlocked in a tie---each having won three games a piece. They were now in the last round of the seventh game. Lycus had taken his turn and was now leading Lysia by fifteen points. In each round of a game, the participants got three chances at hitting the sphere with an arrow. On her first two attempts, Lysia had hit the white section on the sphere, racking up only two points. This was her third and final chance at hitting the sphere.

Ares and Lycus stood on sidelines in silence while Lysia placed an arrow firmly against the bow.

"I’m ready," she said.

Xena tossed the sphere high in the air.

With her brown eyes locked on the movement of the sphere, Lysia shot the arrow into the air. Within moments, the arrow hit the sphere immediately sending both to the ground. Xena was the closest so she went over to where it landed and picked it up.

Still holding the bow, Lysia ran over to Xena. "So, where did it hit?" she anxiously asked. Lycus and Ares joined them.

"See for yourself." Xena held up the sphere, the arrow penetrating the blue area.

Lysia frowned with disappointed. "Oh, it’s only ten points." The child’s shoulders slumped as she bowed her head.

"That gives ya only twelve…I win!" His face beaming from a huge grin, Lycus held up a clinched fist in victory.

Ares gave his son a congratulatory pat on the back. "I am very proud of you Lycus and you too Lysia. You both have considerably improved in your archery skills since Sicily. You’ll make great warriors." He immediately glanced at Xena, saw the harsh look she was giving him and quickly added, "…if that’s the path in life you decide to choose."

Xena dropped the sphere and wrapped an arm around her daughter. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah" the little girl sighed as she raised her bowed head. "I just really wanted the new horse, that’s all."

"Don’t worry sweetheart, Midnight will have more babies, so you’ll get your own horse," Ares assured. "And if not Midnight, maybe Argo."

"Argo?!" Xena looked at him with surprise.

"Yes, your horse got pretty friendly with Pegasus while we were in Persia," Ares replied with a devilish grin.

"She did!? I can’t believe I missed that. I didn’t think he was her type." Xena shook her head with amazement. "I’ve got to have a talk with her."

While his parents joked about the horses, Lycus came over to his sister and put an arm around her shoulders. "Until ya get your own horse, ya can ride mine whenever ya want."

"Thanks Lycus," Lysia smiled as she planted a quick kiss on her brother’s cheek.

**********

The night sky began to lighten as sunrise steadily approached. All was quiet in the fortress in Macedon except for the soft footfalls on the stone floor of a corridor made by Ares’ leather boots as he made his way back to his own bedchamber.

He would be leaving for Rome very soon and wanted to see the children one last time. Both looked so peaceful---without a care in the world as they slept in their beds. A smile came to Ares’ lips when he thought about the last seven days. It was the most time that he, Xena and the twins had spent together---alone. He greatly enjoyed it and couldn't wait until his next trip home. Ah home, that was a word Ares had never used before. He had places to crash---hang out---on earth and Olympus but none he ever considered a real home---a sanctuary---not until now---when he shared it with the people he cared about most in the world---the people he loved.

When Ares reached his bedchamber, he quietly opened the door and walked inside. A fire still burned in the large hearth, the crackling sound of its flames breaking the early morning silence. When he stood before the bed, a soft smile came to his lips as he gazed at Xena’s sleeping form. Just like the children, her face was etched with peace and contentment but with the added glow from the passion-filled night the two had shared.

Ares gently eased himself onto the bed. Wrapping an arm around Xena’s sleeping form, he brought his lips down upon the soft flesh of a bare shoulder and lovingly nibbled. Slowly, she began to awaken. When her eyes finally opened, a devilish smile was on her beautiful face.

"You just can’t get enough of me, can you?" She asked with a sultry tone.

"No, I can’t." Ares huskily replied before claiming her lips with a soft kiss.

Xena held his face between her hands and deepened the kiss.

A few moments later, their lips slowly parted.

"Unfortunately, that’s not why I woke you." An uncomfortable frown came to Ares’ face. "I have to head back to Rome now."

"I knew this day would come." Xena frowned too while running her fingers through his short hair. "Hurry back."

Ares caressed a cheek with his fingers. "Oh I will." Once again, he claimed her lips with a quick kiss before rising from the bed.

His eyes were glued on hers as his form was engulfed in blue-white light then faded into nothingness.

Before heading off to Rome, Ares needed to make a stop. He materialized in a temple located in Abydos, a city northwest of Lydia and very close to the border with the Persian Empire. This was one of Ares’ remote temples, one he rarely visited but in the last few months, he had started spending a lot more time there.

Ares stood in a small room inside the temple. It had no door so the only means of entering was the gods’ form of transportation. The dying flames of torches, weakly burned providing very dim light. Ares snapped his fingers and instantly the torches burned strong again---their light brightening the room and making its contents visible. At the far end stood a marble pedestal. Something lay upon it, shrouded by a black silk cloth.

Ares walked over to the pedestal and when he stood before it, removed the cloth. His brown eyes sparkled when he picked up what it had been hiding---the Holy Saber!

A smile formed on Ares face as he began to twirl the weapon in a hand while his mind drifted back to how he had obtained the coveted sword...

It was right after Hope had plunged the Holy Saber into Dahak, reducing him to a smoldering pile of ashes. Everyone’s attention fell to Gabrielle. While everyone sobbed around the beloved young woman, Ares fixed his gaze on the Holy Saber that lay atop Dahak’s ashy remains. The sword contained so much power---he had to have it. Unnoticed by all, he used his powers to beckon the saber to him where he safely slipped it inside the fur coat he wore, then joined the others who stood around Gabrielle…

When Ares returned to Greece, he had brought the sword to his temple in Abydos and that’s where it had remained. Everyday he would come to the temple and give the saber a workout.

The sword moved like an extension of his arm. It was as if it had been made for him. As the blade cut through the air, its metal glistened in the light of the torches. After the work out was done, Ares placed the sword back on the pedestal. He ran his fingers over the shiny blade as his eyes fell to the hilt. Etched into it were words written in Celestic. For some time now, Ares had the Greek translation for those words. The incantation would transfer Dahak’s power as Chief Guardian to the bearer of the weapon.

Such power went beyond even Ares wildest desires. It went beyond the power of Zeus, Ahura Mazda or any god King for that matter. Such power would make Ares the most powerful god on earth. And here it was now, right at his fingertips. From inside his leather vest, Ares pulled out a slip of parchment, unfolded it and stared at the words written upon it.

Since obtaining the saber, Ares had been debating on whether or not to recite those words. He was afraid he would lose Xena and the twins if he claimed such power. And after spending the most fantastic week ever with them, he knew beyond a doubt that such actions would ruin everything they had built these last few months. With a wistful sigh, Ares refolded the parchment and tucked it away in his vest again. For now he would just have to be content with his secret workouts with the saber. Ares was draping the silk cloth back over the sword when he felt someone enter the main hall of that very temple.

With the wave of a hand, a portal appeared, showing the temple main’s hall. Ares stepped closer for a better view. Four men had entered the main hall -- one was middle aged and the other three barely out of their teens. All four carried baskets filled with various items that they placed on the altar.

Ares looked at their offerings and smirked with displeasure. Most of the items in the baskets were junk. But the battle against Dahak had left the area destitute so this was probably the best offering he was going to get.

The middle-aged man removed a sword from the scabbard on his back.

"Dad DON’T!" The oldest of the young men placed a hand on the older man’s arm holding the weapon. "That is Grandfather’s sword…your most prized possession."

"Yes it is son but I am willing to give it up for the gods to answer our prayers." The man gently removed the young man’s hand from his arm then stood before the altar. His face had a look of discomfort that matched the grim frowns on the faces of his sons when he placed the sword atop the black stone. He looked towards the heavens, raised both arms and in a loud voice said, "We, your humble servants, call on you--Ares, the god of war, to give us the courage and strength to rid the great city of Abydos from Persian invaders."

"Persian invaders!" Ares repeated with a surprised tone. Instantly, the image in the portal changed. It now showed one of the main streets of Abydos and sure enough there were men dressed in armor with the insignia of the Persian army emblazoned upon it buying goods from one of the city’s merchants. Once again, the portal image changed --- this time showing the seaport of Abydos. There, anchored at the docks were Persian warships! With an angry growl, Ares quickly waved a hand, closing the portal.

Ares knew that the Persians would not be so quick to leave Greek territory after helping to defeat Dahak. So did the rest of Olympus. But Zeus had given Ares the duty of handling the Roman civil war and Athena, the goddess of war, the duty of dealing with the Persian threat. Zeus had thought this was best because of the animosity between Ares and Persia’s war god Mithra. The Olympian King feared a blood bath with Ares at the helm---something that Greece could not afford after being weakened by Dahak---so he gave the duty to his favorite child and most even-tempered of the war deities.

"So much for Athena’s honorable warfare!" Ares grumbled. After what he just saw, the Persian threat was as strong as it ever was. Something had to be done to stop the Persians and if his older, know-it-all sister wasn’t up for the job, then he would have to handle it.

Ares glanced over at marble pedestal---the Holy Saber covered by a black silk cloth setting atop it. He could easily take care of the Persians with the power it contained but using it could cost him too much. No---he shook his head. He would have to find another way of dealing with the Persians.

Chapters 74 – 77 & Epilogue

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