Chapter 23

At noon the next day, Xena stood patiently waiting behind the columned entrance to Ares temple. She had grave misgivings the night before about what would happen today, but with the break of sunlight, her worries had disappeared and an amazing calm descended upon her.

What will happen, will happen, she decided, staring out on the scenery peacefully. It was actually quite extraordinary. For the first time in her life, the constantly boiling cauldron of emotions inside her was still. She felt at ease with herself, and knew Gabrielle would celebrate the accomplishment.

Xena's senses were sharp as ever, and the moment Ara's army began their stealthy approach, she knew. Hmm, the whole group. Approaching from both sides. Now, where is Gabrielle? Her quick, tactical mind raced through the probabilities, and was proven moments later to be accurate as she watched her former friend ride directly up the main road, alone, to stop in front of the temple steps.

"She thinks to set up an ambush, Xena."

Ares calm words in her ear didn't startle her, nor did she turn at his approach.

"I know."

"So, what's your plan?" he asked.

"To get my friend back."

Before her words could be carried away on the wind, Xena walked forward to meet her opponent. Her friend. Her enemy.

"Back for more, eh Xena? Couldn't get enough the last time, could you?"

Ara's cruel words, spoken in Gabrielle's dulcet tones, were meant to weaken her opponent, but they had no effect. Xena stood there, silently waiting.

"All right. Let's get this over. Where is my sword?"

Ara asked, and watched as Xena casually withdrew it.

"Right here."

"So what do you want? Name your price."

The psudo-goddess challenged daringly, working the plot she had laid perfectly. Lure Xena into giving the sword back, then while she was weaponless, send in the men for an attack. It was brilliant, she smugly thought to herself. Not even the great Xena will defeat me!

"My price? That's simple." Xena's eyes glittered dangerously.

"I want Gabrielle back, you demon spawn!"

Ara's expression changed from arrogance to disbelief, to anger in seconds.

"NEVER!" she screamed, and threw herself off her horse into a running charge at Xena.

Xena braced her legs and prepared for the assault as she firmly whispered, "So it begins."