No Greater Love

Chapter Thirty

A Night to Remember...

"Hey, Mariah! Where are you going?" Solari asked as she walked up to the flutist and the small group of Amazons preparing to leave the village. They carried torches as it would soon be dark, the sun having just set.

"A few of us are taking Salla to the inn for her birthday. You want to come along?"

Solari decided she'd better, just to be on the safe side. That inn could get a little rough sometimes, the warrior thought to herself, and with Mariah still not being very familiar with the area...

"Do you think Xena and Gabrielle would like to come? I've looked all over for them," Mariah asked her.

"Xena's off with Eponin, the gods know where, and Gabrielle's busy with Ephiny hammering out that trade agreement. I don't think either one can make it," Solari replied as the women left the village.

Night descended as Mariah, Solari, Salla, and three other Amazons entered the tavern. It was fairly quiet and the women had the place almost to themselves. Only one other table was occupied, by a group of men who looked like soldiers. They ignored the Amazons and the Amazons ignored them. The serving girl came over and Solari bought the first round; soon laughter was heard coming from the warrior women's table as they celebrated Salla's birthday.

Their peace was short-lived as half a dozen scruffy, dirty, inebriated men entered the inn. "Damn Amazons," one of the men announced as he stared at their table. "Why don't you go back where you belong?" he shouted to them across the room.

"Forget about them," Solari advised. She was used to this attitude by outsiders, especially men.

The women continued their festivities. It was time for another round. There was no sign of the serving woman, so Mariah made her way to the bar to buy their drinks. As she placed her order with the bartender, one of the obnoxious, filthy men made his way towards her. The smell he gave off almost made the young flutist gag. Great, she thought to herself sarcastically. I just *love* dealing with drunks. She ignored him as he stood next to her, swaying, his eyes bloodshot with booze.

"Hey," he slurred, "you don't look like one of them." He gestured at her Amazon friends. "Why don't you join our party?"

"No, thanks," Mariah said, trying to be polite. The last thing she wanted to do was to provoke or encourage this pig.

"Oh, what? You too good for us?" He turned and shouted to his mates. "Hey, this bitch thinks she's too good for us!"

Mariah bridled at being called a bitch but kept her cool. Her blue eyes flashing, she tossed her dinars on the counter and began to collect her drinks from the bartender. The drunk grabbed her arm and swung her around. "You're coming with me."

She threw off his arm and shoved him away from her, eyes glaring as she swallowed her fear. "Back off, man. I'm not in the mood." Salla looked up and saw Mariah shove the drunk; she nudged Solari.

He moved closer, and spoke, his breath overpowering in its foulness. "I'll put you in the mood." He ogled her.

"I don't think so, Romeo." She turned back towards the counter. He grabbed her, spun her around, pinned her against the bar, and tried to kiss her. She felt him groping her.

Twisting, she brought up her knee sharply into his groin. He howled in pain and let go, doubling over, clutching his crotch. "Now leave me alone or you'll get worse," she leaned over and told him. The table of soldiers looked up at the disturbance.

She straightened up as she heard the approaching footsteps, her stomach lurching down to her ankles at what she saw. Oh, shit, she thought to herself; she wished she hadn't left her staff back in the visitor's hut. On her left stood the drunk's friends, all five of them, and they were not happy with her treatment of him. "Why'd you do that?" said their leader. "He didn't mean no harm." Mariah saw the Amazons stand up and come over; they approached on her right.

"Yeah, I guess attempted rape doesn't mean much to you goons," Mariah retorted, indignation replacing fear.

"It ain't rape if you ask for it, and the way you look, sweet cheeks," the leader leered as he ran his eyes over her covered body, "you're just *begging* for it." He licked his dry, caked lips.

Mariah's eyes narrowed at those words. Solari put a hand on her arm; the warrior could see the anger on her face, feel the tension in her body. "Come on. Let's get out of here." The Amazon started to pull her towards the door. The warrior felt this was not the time or place for a fight. Mariah allowed herself to be led away, still angry but not wanting to push it.

"Yeah, why don't you warrior whores go to Hades where you belong? It's a damn shame Salukas didn't kill *all* of you off when he looted and burned that Amazon village last year!" The men's raucous laughter echoed through the tavern. Mariah glanced at Salla and saw the crushing despair reflected on her friend's face as this drunken bastard dredged up the memory of her slaughtered family on this day of all days.

*That* was too much for the flutist to bear; her anger hit the boiling point and she knew it. Anger overruling her usual better judgment, she shrugged off Solari and walked up to the man who had voiced those hateful words. "What did you say?" Her voice was low, dangerous. She stood toe to toe with this piece of scum as she looked up at him.

"I said you're a bunch of warrior whores, bitch," he smirked. "Now what're you gonna do about it?"

"This," she said, her grim smile not reaching her eyes. She stepped back, the punch a blur as her left fist connected solidly with his nose, crunching cartilage, blood spraying out in all directions. Her hand shrieked in protest from the blow, pain flaring up her arm as she had put the whole force of her body behind the punch. He screamed and grabbed his mangled nose, the blood pouring between his fingers. Mariah seized him by the shirt with both hands and held on tight, shaking him. "Now let me tell *you* something, asshole," she told him, loud enough for all to hear, as he cradled his battered and bloody face. "First off, they're not whores and I'm not a bitch. And if I *ever* see you or your pissant friends around here again, I will personally kick the living shit out of each and every one of you! Now beat it!" She gave him a tremendous shove back into his crowd of followers.

The women were stunned, especially Salla; Mariah knew about the massacre and never let on about it? And the Amazons never suspected that the calm, fun-loving flute player possessed this kind of rage. Only two people knew she had that capability, Xena and Gabrielle, because they both had seen her anger in action earlier that year: once when they were attacked by the bandits outside of Risa, once in Galvous's camp, and once again just before she was kidnapped and taken to the Dreamscape.

Mariah breathed deeply in an effort to calm herself down. She clenched and unclenched her left hand, noticing it swelled up with each passing minute. She wondered if she broke something. Dammit, she berated herself; she was more angry at her own actions than at the drunks who provoked her.

She twisted around, her anger evaporating, and faced the still-surprised Solari. "*Now* we can get out of here."

Nobody saw the knife as it came out of the boot of the man who first accosted Mariah. As the flutist turned to leave, she felt the searing sting in her back, the blade slashing through clothing, skin, muscles. She cried out at the contact, felt the blood run down her body. She stumbled against a table and almost fell, a sharp pain settling in.

"Amazons, attack!" Solari cried, and the brawl was on. The women defended their friend as she defended them. The six drunks never had a chance against five Amazon warriors in their prime. In a matter of minutes, the barroom floor was littered with their battered and bruised unconscious bodies.

Mariah staggered over to a chair and sat down near the soldiers, cradling her swollen left hand, soaking up the pain in her back. Solari came over as soon as she dispatched her enemy. "Lean over," she told the flutist as she examined the knife wound. It was located on the left side of her back, horizontal, low, just below the shoulder blade. The Amazon grabbed a bar towel and held it against the gash to staunch the bleeding.

"How bad is it?" asked a shaky Mariah as Solari directed her to lean back against the chair to maintain pressure on her bleeding laceration. Her back was singing the "Ave Maria" by this time, and in a most painful key.

"It could be worse," Solari told her. "You'll definitely need some stitches." The warrior examined the flutist's hand with a critical eye. "You may have busted a bone or two; we better take off your wedding ring." Solari was gentle as she removed Mariah's gold band, putting it on the chain around the flutist's neck. She grabbed another towel and wrapped the injured hand.

"Stitches? Damn, Xena's going to kill me!" Mariah said, her voice disgusted, her eyes tearing up from the burning agony coursing through her back and hand. The still-sitting soldiers perked up at the name of the warrior princess. Xena was in the area?? So the scuttlebutt was true after all.

Solari chuckled. "No she won't. She's been in her fair share of bar fights. And you had good reason to knock that guy around, for Salla's sake; I'm just sorry you beat me to it! Come on," she said as she got Mariah to her feet, putting pressure on the knife wound. She grinned at her friend and whispered in her ear. "And look at it this way; you'll have another interesting scar to add to your collection."

"Great," muttered Mariah as she wiped away the tears. She looked at the approaching Salla. "Sorry about your birthday," she said, her voice contrite. "I didn't mean for this to happen."

"Hey, don't worry...it's a birthday I'll never forget!" Salla told her with a warm smile, grateful for her friend's quick rise to her defense. She stood on the other side of Mariah and put an arm around her to lend a helping hand. The remaining Amazons encircled them as they walked back to their village.

The soldiers watched the women leave. They looked at each other, finished their drinks, and left the tavern.

Solomos's camp was a week away. This advance party of scouts decided to split up, with three men heading back to report the news, the other three men remaining to check out the area and to try and keep an eye on Xena.

The warlord wanted his revenge on the warrior princess.

Maybe this would be the time to get it.

And take care of a few Amazons as well.

Chapter Thirty-One

A Stitch In Time...

"Have you seen Mariah?" Gabrielle asked Xena as they dressed for bed.

"Not since earlier today," Xena confessed. She looked around the visitor's dwelling and saw that Mariah's flute and staff were both present. "She's probably out somewhere with Salla."

"Those two sure have hit it off, haven't they?" Gabrielle said with a smile. "I'm glad...for both of them."

A frantic tapping sounded at the door before Xena could respond. "What is it?" the bard called out.

Solari burst in. "Xena, Gabrielle, we need you. There's been a-a an accident," the warrior explained in the vaguest of terms. The blonde grabbed their medicine bag and they rushed to the crowded, well-lit healer's hut.

They were stunned when they saw Mariah lying face down on a cot surrounded by a group of Amazons, her clothes caked with blood, Salla kneeling next to her holding her uninjured hand. "What happened?" asked Xena as she dropped to her knees beside the flutist and examined the gash on her back. It was long, but not too deep, her clothing saving her from a more serious injury. She then saw the swollen left hand.

"Stupid me," Mariah said as she gritted her teeth against the pain. "I got in a fight."

"You?" Disbelief was evident in Gabrielle's voice as she got down next to Xena and saw the wounds. She knew how much her friend hated fighting; Mariah must have had a good reason, the blonde thought to herself. She turned to Solari for an explanation.

Solari gave the short version of the night's events at the inn as she brought over towels and bandages. Mariah moaned as Xena's expert fingers felt her injuries. "Solari, get a jug of cold water, a jug of wine and several cups. Salla, go stir up the fire and put a couple of pots of water on. It's too crowded in here; everyone else leave." Salla and Solari rushed off to do her bidding, the others left to spread the word about the fight. "Gabrielle, help me get her undressed."

They got Mariah in a sitting position. It was a painful procedure to cut and remove the flutist's top, and they were as gentle as possible. Salla heard her friend biting back her groans and her heart went out to her. She turned around to give her a look of encouragement and her eyes widened when she saw the scars.

They were unlike any scars Salla had ever seen before. The longest one started just below Mariah's breasts, running down the entire length of her abdomen and stomach, ending just above her groin. When Xena and Gabrielle turned Mariah, Salla saw the seven inch scar running down the center of her upper back. So that's why Mariah wears the type of clothing she does, Salla thought to herself. She walked over to the bed. "What on earth..." she began as she once again took hold of her friend's hand.

Xena looked up, ready to order Salla out of the hut, but the look on Mariah's face stopped her.

Mariah turned her head and looked at her hazel-eyed friend. "I'll tell you all about it later," she said, her smile wan. She closed her eyes and clutched Salla's hand as another wave of pain washed over her; she willed herself not to scream.

Xena stood up, grabbed the medical bag searching for the various herbs she needed while Gabrielle removed Mariah's boots.. Once the herbs were found, she tossed some into one pot, some into the other. The mixtures would soon be ready. Solari returned with the water, wine, cups, and a pair of soft leather slippers. "I thought Mariah might like to wear these until her hand heals enough to lace up her boots," Solari told Xena.

Xena nodded her thanks. "Pour her some wine and have drink as much of it as she can; she's going to need it." She then grabbed the jug of cold water, thrust a towel in it, wrung it out, and set to work on Mariah's swollen left hand. "Where did you punch him?" she asked, her touch gentle as she felt the bones and tissue. Gabrielle got up to stir the herbal mixtures simmering over the fire.

"Right in the nose," Mariah said as she watched Xena prod her hand. She yelped when the raven-haired warrior hit a sore spot. She grabbed the large cup of wine Solari offered her and drank deeply, Salla still kneeling by her.

"Why did you hit him with your left hand when your right-handed?" a curious Xena wanted to know.

"The semi-rational part of me thought that if I was going to break my hand, I'd rather break the hand I don't use that often," Mariah answered, trying to keep her shaky voice light.

Xena grinned up at her. "Always thinking ahead, aren't you? Well, you got off lucky; it's a good thing you didn't aim for his jaw. Nothing's broken, but your hand's going to be in a world of pain for a few days." She immersed bandages in the cold water and wrapped Mariah's hand in the water-soaked cloths to reduce the swelling. "Next time, kick 'em in the groin."

"That's what I did to the first guy, and look where it got me," Mariah said as she gestured at her bleeding back. She took another long swallow of the Amazon wine and felt it coursing through her system. She felt a little giddy from blood loss, the shock of her injuries, and the quick ingestion of so much alcohol.

Xena couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Come on. Now it's time for the hard part." With Salla's help, she eased the flutist back onto her stomach. Gabrielle came over carrying a bowlful of one of the herbal remedies and some towels; the other remedy they would give to Mariah later to ease the pain and help her sleep.. After giving the bowl and towels to Xena, she readied the needles and thread they would need to stitch up the gash.

First Xena washed out the wound using the warm herbal infusion, Mariah gasped, biting back a scream, flinching at the burning sensation. Silent tears ran down her cheeks. It took all of her will power not to leap off the bed. "Yell if you feel like it," Xena advised her as she cleaned the injury.

"Don't...feel...like...it," Mariah panted. The flutist couldn't see the small grin on Xena's face at her friend's tenacity and spirit.

The warrior princess got up, filled another large cup of wine, and brought it back to the cot. "Drink up," she said. Mariah shook her head, her stomach already in bad shape because of shock and the wine. "Come on," Xena urged. "What we have to do next is the worst part and you'll need all the help you can get."

"I can't," Mariah said, her voice miserable. "I'd just puke it all back up." Mortified, she buried her tear-stained face in the pillow. Salla once again took a hold of her right hand.

"Hey, it's OK," the red-haired warrior told her in a soft voice. "You can do this; it'll all be over soon. We're here with you. Are you ready?"

Mariah took a couple of deep breaths and psyched herself up for the inevitable. "Do it," she said, bracing herself.

Xena looked at Salla; the warrior understood and took a tight hold on Mariah's hand and arm. Solari moved over to Mariah's left side and grabbed a hold of her as well, careful of her injured hand. Gabrielle walked over carrying the threaded needles.

"On the count of three," Xena said. "One...two...three." On three, she slowly poured the contents of the cup directly into the open wound, careful to saturate the entire area, steeling her ears and heart against what she knew would follow.

Mariah's agonizing scream echoed off the walls of the healing hut as the alcohol bit into her raw, exposed flesh. Her body jerked, twisted; she tried to pull herself free but she was held firmly in place by the warriors on either side of her. Xena heard Gabrielle's sharp intake of breath at Mariah's cries. Soon, the pain became too great and the flutist blacked out, much to everyone's relief. Solari and Salla released their hold when they saw she was unconscious.

Xena and Gabrielle blotted up the alcohol and began to stitch up Mariah, first rejoining the severed muscles under the skin and finally sewing the skin itself back together. When they were done, they sat back and looked at their handiwork. It wasn't as smooth as her other scars, but they weren't twentieth century surgeons, either. They knew their friend wouldn't mind; she wasn't vain about her many scars. Gabrielle poured another cup of wine on the now-closed wound as a further precaution; Mariah's body spasmed at the contact, but she remained unconscious. The bard wiped off the alcohol, dried her off, and bandaged her up.

A weary Xena leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on Mariah's forehead. "You did all right for yourself, kiddo." She brushed the matted curly hair off the flutist's damp face, stood up, and stretched. "Now let's hear the *whole* story," she told the warriors.

Solari, with Salla's help, related the events at the inn. "When she heard that comment about Salla's village, that's when she reared back and punched that guy. Then she grabbed him, shook him, and called him every name in the scroll!" Solari said as she finished her recitation. "I didn't know she had it in her; I mean, she's always so calm..." Solari trailed off.

"Not many people know she does," Gabrielle said, her voice thoughtful.

Xena turned to Salla and Solari. "Well, Gabrielle and I will stay here with her tonight," she told them with a small smile. "Thanks for all of your help." The two women nodded and prepared to leave as Gabrielle spoke up.

"Salla?" the queen addressed the red-haired warrior.

"Yes?"

"Stop by here tomorrow, would you please? I think Mariah will want to have a long talk with you." The blonde's smiled at the hazel-eyed woman who nodded at her and left. The bard then turned her attention to Solari. "Solari?"

"Yes?" The warrior's voice was wary, waiting for the rebuke from her queen for not protecting her friend.

"Thanks for keeping an eye on her," Gabrielle began, her voice sincere. She knew that Solari had been the one to take charge when the flutist had been injured.

"Gods, I am so sorry, Gabrielle," Solari interrupted, disgusted at herself. "I should've stepped in, gotten her out of there earlier..." she trailed off.

"No, she's an adult and she learned a valuable lesson tonight," Gabrielle told her. "Hopefully, she'll be more careful before getting in a bar fight, especially when she doesn't have her staff!" The bard walked over and gave Solari's arm an affectionate squeeze. "Thanks for being there when she needed you."

Solari glanced at the still-unconscious Mariah. "You know, she packs a mean punch," she said, admiration in her voice.

"Yeah, well don't tell her that," said Xena. "We don't want to have to follow her around for the next twenty years patching up her hands!" The three friends shared a laugh, and Solari exited the hut to go to her own dwelling. Xena and Gabrielle cleaned and packed up their healing supplies.

Mariah groaned as she returned to consciousness. Gabrielle walked over to the fire, poured a cup of the herbal painkiller, and brought it over. "Shh, you're all right," the bard soothed as she knelt next to her friend. "We're all done. Here. Drink this." She guided the cup to Mariah's mouth and helped her as she drank its contents.

"Gods, that stuff is horrible," Mariah grimaced.

"Well, get used to it because you'll be drinking a lot of it for the next few days," Xena said as she came over. "How are you feeling?"

"I've been better." She could feel the pull of the stitches. "How many?"

"Twenty," Gabrielle said as she stroked her friend's hair.

Mariah closed her eyes. "I am such an idiot! What in Hades's name was I thinking? Dammit, I *knew* better than to do something stupid like that!" Tears oozed out, a combination of shock, pain, and self-recrimination.

"Then why did you?" Xena asked, her low voice curious, not condemning, wanting to hear her side of the story.

"Oh, it was that crack about the massacre at Salla's village," she opened her eyes and looked at her friends. She explained the events that led up to the fight. "That's what sent me over. It wasn't the names; it wasn't the fact I was manhandled. I know I probably shouldn't have done it, but you didn't see Salla's face; I did, and she was devastated. She didn't deserve that." Her tear-filled eyes began to droop as the painkillers and sleep inducers began to take effect.

"We'll talk more about it tomorrow," Gabrielle said as she covered her friend with a blanket. "Get some sleep; Xena and I will be with you tonight. We'll have to wake you up every few hours to give you more medicine and change the bandages on your hand."

Mariah's good right hand reached out and grabbed the bard's. "Thanks for everything." She squeezed the queen's hand, released it, and then reached for Xena's. "I'm sorry about what happened..." she trailed off as she felt the warrior's firm hand in hers.

"It's OK. Rest now," Xena told her, her smile warm. Xena released her hand; the flutist closed her eyes and was soon fast asleep, her breathing deep and regular.

Xena and Gabrielle looked at each other and sighed, the night's events wearing them out as well. They looked down at their sleeping, wounded friend. "This from a woman who claims she's not a warrior. So what does she do? She takes on half a dozen men to defend her friend. Never mind that she hates fighting, and never mind she was probably scared half to death," Gabrielle noted in a wry voice. The bard walked over to a cot. "I'd hate to see what she'd be like if she *enjoyed* mixing it up!"

Xena chuckled as she also moved to a nearby bed. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Say what you will, but even though she doesn't like fighting, I'd want the two of you to back me up any day."

"Been there, done that, don't mind it a bit," Gabrielle yawned as she stretched out on the bed. "Good night, Xena."

"G'night."

Soon the two women joined their friend in quiet repose.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Aftermath...

Xena and Gabrielle awoke several times in the night to check on Mariah, put fresh damp towels on her left hand, and give her more of the herbal painkiller. At dawn, Xena decided to get up for the day, take Argo and Scout for a run, and go for a workout. She nudged Gabrielle.

The bard's eyes snapped open and she sat up. "What's the matter?" she asked, getting out of bed.

"Nothing." She explained her early morning plans. "When Mariah wakes up, give her more of that painkiller and try to get some food in her, but nothing fancy: tea, bread, broth...keep it simple. It wouldn't hurt her to get up and walk around a little, either. I'll be right back." The warrior princess smiled at the bard and left for the visitor's dwelling to dress and gather her weapons. She soon returned wearing her leathers and armor and carrying her friend's flute, a knee-length shift, and Gabrielle's clothes, all of which she gave to the bard. Xena then left again, this time for the stables and her workout.

Gabrielle walked over and sat on the bed next to the still-sleeping Mariah. She pulled the blanket down and removed her friend's bandage from the knife wound. Satisfied with how she was healing, the bard put on a fresh dressing. She then unwrapped Mariah's bloated left hand, which was not as swollen as it was last night, the fingers and knuckles bruising as they healed. She dampened another cloth and rewrapped it. Seeing that she still dozed, Gabrielle decided to change and make a quick trip to relieve herself.

When the blonde reentered the hut, she saw Mariah stirring. She poured another cup of painkiller and knelt down next to her friend. "How do you feel this morning?"

"Like death warmed over," Mariah said as she took the cup and drank it off, grimacing at the taste.

Gabrielle chuckled; she had that look on her own face often enough when Xena made her drink that particular remedy. "Think you can sit?" At Mariah's nod, she helped the flutist straighten up.

As she sat up, gravity pulled the stitches; Mariah closed her eyes against the inevitable wave of pain she knew would follow. Much to her surprise, it was tolerable. That herbal stuff really works, she thought to herself. Gabrielle helped her don the long shift, put Solari's slippers on her feet, got her out of bed, and helped her outside to the latrines to relieve herself. Upon returning, Mariah collapsed on the bed, the simple task wearing her out in her weakened, slightly drugged state.

"I'm going to get us some breakfast," the bard told her. "Don't do anything foolish while I'm gone like getting up."

"No, I think I did enough foolish things last night to last a lifetime," Mariah told her. Gabrielle smiled at her and left for the kitchens.

Mariah sat on the bed, eyes closed, alone with her thoughts and pain. She never heard Salla enter the hut. The warrior stood there for a moment watching her wounded friend; I wonder what she's thinking, Salla thought as she walked over to her and put a hand on her shoulder. Mariah flinched, startled, when she felt the warm hand, the movement pulling her stitches. She groaned a bit at the sensation.

"Gods, I'm sorry," Salla said, jerking her hand away. "I thought I'd stop by and see you before I went on duty. Did I hurt you?"

"No, no, you just surprised me," Mariah replied. "Here...sit down." She patted the bed and the warrior sat down next to her. "How are you?"

"I should be asking you that," Salla said.

"I'm OK. Jeez, you'd think with all of these scars I'd be used to getting stitched up!" the flutist said jokingly.

The two sat in an easy silence as Salla worked up the nerve to say what was on her mind. "I wanted to thank you for what you did last night," she began.

"What part, almost breaking my hand or getting slashed by the horny drunk?" Mariah said, her voice light, still joking. She was a little embarrassed at Salla's gratitude; she wanted to deflect it.

"Stop it," Salla insisted, her voice almost angry. Mariah looked at her in surprise. "You just stop it right now. Don't you *dare* belittle what you did!. I won't let you. You stood up for me; you defended me, my family, my home. No one's ever done that for me before."

"Well, there's a first time for everything," Mariah mumbled, turning red. Now it was Salla's turn to look surprised. "I was terrified, Salla; I don't like that side of me coming out and I sure as heck don't like fighting. Do you think that I do?"

"Well, you lived in Athens, and it can be a pretty rough place," Salla began. "You have all those scars, and the way you belted that guy..."

Mariah cut in; she could see the unasked questions all over her friend's face. "Look, I know you have to go pretty soon, but I need to talk to you, and it's important. Do me a favor, will you? Come back later. I-I'll tell you everything then; I promise."

"All right," Salla said as she rose to her feet. "By the way, how long have you known about....me?" she asked, her voice hesitant.

"I found out the morning after the party."

"And you never said anything? Why?" Salla was curious.

Mariah thought for a moment. "I thought I'd let you tell me about it when you were ready. Where I come from, that's what friends do."

"Then thanks for that, too...my friend," Salla said with a soft smile as she walked towards the door.

"Hey, Salla?"

"Yeah?" Salla turned around.

"You're welcome...for everything," Mariah said, a cocky grin on her face. Salla grinned back at her and left.

After eating a light breakfast, Mariah slept some more, the painkilling remedy working its magic. She awoke when she heard Xena enter the hut at midday. This time, Mariah was able to sit up on her own with no assistance. Xena came over and examined her as Gabrielle sat next to her on the bed.

"Wiggle your fingers," the warrior told her. Mariah did; it hurt to do so. "Keep moving them, but don't overdo it," Xena advised. She then checked out the knife wound while Gabrielle rewrapped her swollen left hand. "You're a quick healer," Xena noticed as she helped Mariah put the shift back on her body.

"Yeah, well, it's not like I haven't had any experience with getting cut open. The only difference is that this time, there was no medical reason for it."

Xena chuckled as she rebandaged her friend. "You know, the story's all over the village." Mariah looked at her and Gabrielle in surprise.

The bard nodded. "Oh, Amazons just love to gossip!"

"So what are they saying?" Mariah asked as she studied her injured hand, almost afraid to know.

"Oh, how the queen's sister defended the honor of the Amazon nation." Mariah's head jerked up at Gabrielle's words.

"I wasn't defending anyone's honor," Mariah mumbled. "I punched out a drunk who insulted a friend. That's all."

"That's not how they see it," Xena told her.

"I don't care how they see it; I have to live with what I did," Mariah answered, her conscience getting the better of her. "And I'm not that proud of it. I replay that scene over and over again in my head and each time I hope for an another outcome. Could I have done something different? I keep asking myself, was that punch really necessary?"

"Maybe for Salla's sake it was. And it sounds like those men may not have given you much choice," Gabrielle said.

"I had a choice all right; to turn around and walk away, but I chose to fight, and now I have to deal with the consequences of that choice, right or wrong." Nervous fingers fiddled with her necklace and the wedding band it held.

"A lot of people think you were right," Xena observed

"Yeah, well, they're not me," Mariah said, her voice upset. "They're not sitting here with a swollen hand, twenty stitches in their back, and a whole lot of questions and doubts about their actions!"

"Now you listen to me," Xena said. "Yes, you fought and yes you got hurt, but you took a stand; you took a stand and defended a friend when she needed you." She looked at Gabrielle and smiled. "I can't remember the number of drunks I've knocked around who've bothered you."

Gabrielle laughed. "Yeah, I've lost count over the years, too." She grasped Mariah's uninjured right hand. "Look, Mariah, sometimes, like it or not, we have to fight for what we believe in, and last night that's exactly what you did. Xena taught me that; sometimes, you have to fight for the greater good."

Mariah was silent before she answered. "I guess that's what's bothering me: did I fight for the greater good?"

"Only you can answer that," Xena said, her voice gentle. "But knowing you as well as we do, you probably did."

The three women sat there in silence until Mariah spoke up. "I have a favor to ask...the rings and necklaces I gave you? Can I borrow them this afternoon?"

"You're going to tell Salla about yourself, aren't you?" Gabrielle asked.

Mariah sighed. "Yeah. I've given it a lot of thought and I've decided to 'fess up. Besides, I don't like lying to my friends."

"I'll go get them," Gabrielle said with a smile as she left the hut.

Mariah turned to Xena. "How long will it be before I can start riding Scout again?"

"At least a week. Why?"

Mariah looked down and played with the wrap on her left hand. "Well, I know how busy you are with Argo and your training and everything, and it's not really fair for you to have to take care of Scout, too, although I know you'd never say anything; what do you think of letting Salla exercise her?"

"I think it's a fine idea," Xena told her, an understanding smile on her face. She knew how much the red-haired warrior enjoyed riding and caring for her friend's horse. Catching Mariah off guard, Xena leaned over and enveloped her in a warm hug, careful of her stitches.

"What's this for?" asked a surprised and pleased Mariah returning the hug. Xena wasn't known for being so conspicuous with her affection.

"For my friend who's always putting others ahead of herself," Xena said. They sat there like that for a while, Xena sensing her friend could use the comfort the hug brought her, and she was right. Mariah felt better, her conscience not battering her quite as hard as it had earlier. Then Xena pulled back and looked her in the eye. "And quit kicking yourself about what happened. You did what you felt you had to do at the time." She rose to her feet. "Don't tell Gabrielle, but I would've done the same thing."

"What do you mean, 'don't tell Gabrielle?'" the bard demanded as she entered the hut. She had overheard the last part of their conversation. "What makes you think I wouldn't have punched that guy, too?" she asked as she put the rings and necklaces around Mariah's neck.

"Oh, you know, 'words before weapons,'" Xena said, winking at Mariah.

"Hey, there are times when words just don't cut it," Gabrielle argued.

"And so spoke Gabrielle, the battling warrior bard of Potadeia," Mariah teased. All three women laughed at her words.

"Come on," Xena said as she helped Mariah to her feet. "Let's get you out of here for awhile. It's time for lunch, so let's eat, oh battling warrior flutist of Tyldus!"

The three women were still laughing as the walked to the eating area.

Chapter Thirty-Three

The Truth Comes Out...

Mariah was embarrassed by the attention lavished on her by the warriors who heard about the previous night's events. Many came over to the table while they ate and commended her for her actions.

Xena and Gabrielle had never seen their friend's face so red from all the compliments she received. But all of the excitement started to wear her out. After they finished eating, the warrior and the bard walked her back to the healing hut, first making a quick trip to the latrines.

"How much longer do I have to stay here?" she asked them as she settled back on the bed, her voice tired.

"One more night. If complications set in, we have everything we need here to help you," Xena explained. "And we'll stay with you again tonight, just to be on the safe side." She brought over another cup of the herbal medicine and watched as Mariah chugged it down.

"No complaints?" Xena asked in mock surprise when she finished.

"No way, that stuff works wonders! I don't know what's in it, but this is the least amount of pain I've ever been in after being sewn back together." She spied her flute. Gabrielle caught her look, and brought the instrument over.

"Do you feel like playing?" the bard asked her.

"I might later on," Mariah answered. She put the instrument to her lips, blew, and tried a few finger movements. Her left hand wasn't very cooperative, but she knew it wouldn't be for a while. She put the flute down on the bedside table with a sigh.

"If you play, you take it easy," Xena admonished. "Nothing too fancy."

"Yes, Mom," Mariah said with a twinkle in her eyes.

Xena grinned at her. "Anything else we can do for you?"

"Yeah. Can you take yours and Gabrielle's necklaces and rings off from around my neck? It'll make it easier when I talk to Salla."

"Sure," Xena told her coming to her assistance. Soon Mariah held her grandfather's gold ring and her silver high school class ring in her hands. She put those alongside her flute on the table. She felt that familiar sleepy sensation come over her as the painkilling herbs went to work in her system.

"If you don't mind, I think I'll grab a nap," she told them. "You two don't need to hang around here; get out and enjoy yourselves. It's a beautiful day." She stretched out on her right side, tired of lying on her stomach. "I'll see you later."

"We'll be back around sunset to get you for dinner," Gabrielle told her. "By the way, the cooks want to know if there's anything special they can make for you."

"Nah, that's OK," Mariah told her. "If they feel they want to do something, tell them to surprise me."

"Never tell an Amazon cook to surprise you," Xena warned her with a smile. "You never know what you'll get!" The warrior put a warm hand on her arm. "Sleep tight, friend."

"Not a problem," Mariah said with a slight smile of her own, her voice drowsy.

Xena and Gabrielle walked out of the hut as she closed her eyes and gave herself over to sleep.


Mariah opened her eyes as the afternoon sun peeked through the windows of the hut. She guessed she had dozed for an hour or so. She sat up and stretched, stopping when she felt her back muscles pinch around the stitches. So far, so good, she thought to herself. She unwrapped her left hand and examined it; soon, the swelling would be down enough where she could put her wedding ring back on.

She heard a light tapping. Glancing up, she saw Salla poke her head in. They grinned at each other.

"Well, you're looking a lot better than you did this morning," the hazel-eyed warrior noted as she entered the hut.

"Feeling a lot better, too," Mariah said. "And I'm glad you're here." She watched as her friend sat next to her on the bed.

"Gabrielle told me last night that you wanted to talk to me. It-it has to do with those scars, doesn't it? I mean, I've never seen scars like that before! How'd you get them?" Salla struggled to contain her curiosity.

Mariah's smile was gentle as she studied her friend. "It's a long story, Salla, a story you may not believe, but for once it'll be the truth."

Salla's eyes narrowed at those words. Mariah lied to her? About what?

"I'm not really from Athens, and I'm not really a flute player...well, at least I wasn't up until earlier this year," Mariah began. "My real name is Mariah Evans...and I'm from the future."

Mariah was familiar with the stunned, disbelieving stare that appeared on the warrior's face; she had seen it on Xena and Gabrielle when she told them that fateful day so many months before. The look initially became more pronounced as Mariah explained her past life as a high school English teacher, how she wound up more than two thousand years in the past, how Xena and Gabrielle took her under their wing and taught her what she needed to know to survive in her new world, and how she kept her identity a secret for her own protection. As she spoke, though, Salla came to believe her more and more, especially when confronted with the two rings, tangible proof of the story.

Salla mulled over what she heard as she fingered the rings. "It sounds incredible. Do things like that happen often where you come from?" she asked as she returned the rings to her friend.

"No, not at all," Mariah laughed. "Actually, my old world's not much different from this one, except we had more bells and whistles and luxuries. No, it's a simple twist of fate that I wound up here; that's my only explanation."

"What about the story of how you met Myklos? Did that happen the way you told it to me?"

"Yeah, that story is true, as was the story of how I got my flute. And yes, he does know who I really am. Not many people do: you, Xena, Gabrielle, Myklos, Eponin, Ephiny, and Solari...you are the only ones who know, and it needs to remain that way," Mariah said stressing the need for secrecy.

"So why are you visiting the village?"

"Where I come from, we have something known as life insurance, Salla. Coming here is my life insurance, my protection. Down the road, if I ever need help, and Xena and Gabrielle aren't around, I can now come here for that help."

"And the scars?" Salla wanted to know.

"That's the worst part of the story, my friend," Mariah said as she told her an abbreviated version of her cancer battles: how she was diagnosed in her early twenties, her neck and abdominal surgeries, how the disease came back the second time on her spinal cord, the paralysis, her back surgery, learning how to walk again, and the chemotherapy treatments. Mariah showed her the scars as she told the story.

Salla's eyes softened as she examined the scars and listened to the details of her friend's life and death struggles. Still waters run deep, the warrior thought. To look at Mariah, one would never guess at her trials and tribulations. And she didn't let her problems get in the way of living her life. I was right about her, Salla decided. What a fighter she is, a true warrior in every sense of the word. "What about your family and friends?" she asked.

"My family is here now," Mariah said, conviction in her voice. "Myklos, Xena, Gabrielle, my friends here and in Tyldus. I didn't have much of a family left in the twentieth century; I was an only child and my parents died some time ago. I had a few aunts, uncles, and cousins, but that was it. I had one very close friend that I still miss; her name is Sandy, and she's an English teacher, too." Mariah fell silent.

They both sat, neither one talking, for some time. "So why did you decide to tell me?" Salla needed to know.

Mariah looked at the warrior "I'm not a liar by nature, Salla. I've wanted to tell you for some time, and when you saw my cancer scars last night, I knew you'd want some sort of explanation. I don't like lying to my friends; and I feel I can trust you."

"Why?"

There was no simple answer to this simple question. "We're a lot alike, you and me," Mariah said. "We've both survived some rough times in our lives and came out on top. We've both lost our homes, our worlds, and our families, and we've both had to start our lives all over again. There's a bond between us, Salla; I know you sense it, too. I've felt it since that first night we met. And we're friends; friends shouldn't keep things from each other."

Salla had the feeling that Mariah's friendship was not something doled out lightly, and she was right. During her life, Mariah had friends, but few friends she would literally trust with her life. Salla was now part of that circle. The warrior was moved that this woman saw her as a friend, someone she could trust with her most dangerous secret.

"I have a favor to ask of you," Mariah said.

"Name it," Salla responded without hesitation.

"While I'm laid up, and if it's no inconvenience, would you take care of Scout for me? It would only be for a week or so."

Salla's eyes lit up. "You mean it?" The huge smile threatened to split her face in two. She planned to ask Mariah if she could.

Mariah couldn't help but laugh at her friend's expression. "Yeah I mean it. You like Scout and she likes you. You're good for each other."

A mischievous gleam appeared in those hazel eyes. "I'd love to!! I'll do it, but on one condition: you still have to sing that song sometime."

"Girl, you aren't going to let me out of that, are you?" Mariah grumbled good-naturedly. "Here I get into a fight, let you ride my horse, tell you some of my deepest, darkest secrets, and you still want me to sing? I ask you, where's the justice in this world?" she said in mock indignation.

The two women were still giggling when Xena and Gabrielle walked in. "It's sunset already?" Mariah asked in amazement as she returned the rings to her friends. The afternoon had flown by.

"Yeah, and it's time for dinner," Gabrielle said, her stomach growling to prove her point. She turned to Salla. "Oh, Eponin needed to see you at the armory right away. She said it was important."

Salla arose to her feet and took a hold of Mariah's right hand. "I better get going, then. I'll see you later...my warrior friend." She squeezed the hand, released it, and smiled at everyone as she left.

"Man, why does everyone keep telling me I'm a warrior?" Mariah wanted to know as she cleaned herself up for dinner with help from her two friends. "First you two, then Salla..."

"Maybe in the hope that one day, you'll believe it," Xena told her, her voice serious.

Mariah just shook her head as they walked to dinner.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Recovery...

Dinner that evening was a festive affair, the cooks roasting a large pig in Mariah's honor. The wine flowed freely and toasts were made, but the flutist stuck to water; she didn't know how alcohol and herbal painkiller would mix, and she felt it better to be safe than sorry.

After dinner Gabrielle got up and told several stories about her travels with Xena. Then the bard surprised Mariah by telling the story of their capture by Galvous earlier that year, focusing on Mariah's bravery when Galvous drugged and attempted to torture her. Her face reddened when Gabrielle detailed their exploits during that adventure; she leaned over towards Xena. "Now I know how you feel when she talks about you in public!" Xena's knowing laugh was gentle as they focused back in on Gabrielle and her story. The bard told the saga with much skill and flourish, wringing every bit of drama she could from it, using her considerable talents to the fullest.

Applause and cheers greeted her when she finished her tale, Mariah whistling as she couldn't clap with her swollen hand. The Amazon musicians came out and began to play. Soon, many warriors were up and dancing around the fires. Gabrielle sat down next to Mariah, a smug look on her face.

"Why'd you do that?" Mariah wanted to know, her face still pink.

"What, a bard can't tell stories about her best friends?" Gabrielle's face looked innocent, but the flutist knew better.

"Yeah, but you made me sound....oh, I don't know, so...heroic," Mariah tried to explain. "That's not me."

"Did I lie about what happened there?" the Amazon queen challenged, smiling.

"Well, no..." Mariah started.

"Did I exaggerate at all?" the bard wanted to know.

"No," Mariah sighed.

"Do people tell you what songs to play?" Gabrielle asked, her voice gentle.

"No," Mariah conceded, knowing where this was headed.

"Then how can you tell a bard which stories to tell?" the blonde finished, a note of triumph in her voice.

"Yeah, but my songs aren't about you," Mariah answered, a thoughtful look appearing on her face. "Although, after tonight..." she trailed off.

Xena smiled at her friend. "Give it up, my friend," she advised her. "This is an argument you can't win. I've been traveling with her for years and I can't get her to stop talking about me. What makes you think you can stop her?"

"Well, I can hope, can't I?" Mariah asked with a grin. All three friends shared a laugh. "But be warned, oh infamous bard...a song about you just might be in the works!"

"I look forward to that!" Xena exclaimed. "I would *love* to hear a song about the exploits of this battling blonde from Potadeia. And so would the Amazons!"

"Hey, just remember," Gabrielle bantered, her emerald eyes shining in the fire-lit night, "you never want to anger a bard!"

"Yeah, well, you don't want to anger a flutist either, especially one who has a way with words," Mariah needled her, a huge grin on her face. At this point, Salla, Eponin, Solari, and Ephiny returned from their dancing and asked if they could join them. They gladly made room for them at the table.

The seven women talked and laughed into the night. During the conversation, Salla told them about Mariah's agreement to sing the song she so wanted everyone to hear, "Come On In Out Of The Rain." Xena turned to Mariah. "Now I *can't* wait to hear that!" The warrior and the bard enjoyed hearing their friend sing and wished she did it more often. Xena looked at Salla. "So when are you going to have her sing it?"

Salla thought it over. "How about the day her stitches come out? We'll celebrate that evening, and she can sing for us." She grinned at Mariah. "I mean, after all, you didn't have the chance to sing it on my birthday!"

"Yeah, well, I was a tad busy last night," Mariah kidded in a dry voice. Xena and Gabrielle were relieved Mariah could finally joke about what happened at the inn, and joined in the laughter that erupted at the comment.

Gabrielle turned to her. "Hey, if your hand's healed up, we should do another one of our duets that evening." The bard quickly explained their music-and-story routine. The Amazons were eager to hear them perform. Soon the women had a program of entertainment planned out.

Mariah tried to hide the yawn that threatened to escape her lips. As much as she enjoyed the evening, it was catching up with her in her healing state. Xena and Gabrielle noticed, and decided to call it a night. The three of them said their good-nights and arose from the table, Gabrielle going to the visitor's hut to gather their sleeping shifts, Xena escorting Mariah back to the healing hut. Once there, the warrior helped her prepare for bed and gave her another cup of painkiller.

"Hey," Xena asked her as she helped Mariah remove her shift.

"What?"

"Were you serious when you said you'd write a song about Gabrielle?" There was a mischievous glint in those blue eyes.

The flutist mulled it over. "I could try...what do you think?" Mariah asked her.

"I think it would be great," Xena said as she removed the bandage from Mariah's back.

"I'll have some fun with it, but I won't hurt her feelings," Mariah assured. She would never do anything to hurt her friends; she loved them both too much for that. She remained still as Xena examined her back.

"Still looking good," the warrior told her putting on a fresh dressing. "We'll give you more painkiller throughout the night, and after that, you should just have to take it when you feel you need it. I'll adjust the herbs so you won't get so sleepy. About six more days, and the stitches can come out. That gives you six days to write that song."

"Can't do much of anything else until I'm healed up," Mariah told her, "so I've got the time to do it."

"Time to do what?" Gabrielle asked as she entered the hut with the shifts.

"Oh, uh, time to practice my songs and get ready for the party we're having the night my stitches come out," Mariah said, trying to keep a neutral look on her face. Oh, it was so hard to do when wanted to laugh!! She didn't dare look at Xena or she would've lost it then and there. Xena bit back a grin and turned around as well.

If Gabrielle suspected anything was amiss, she didn't let on as she gave Xena her shift. Soon, all three of them were settled in their beds and sound asleep.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Oh, Happy Day...

The days passed by as Mariah's back and hand healed up. Soon, she was able to play simple tunes on her flute as her left hand still was not up to more strenuous work. Also as time went on, she needed the herbal painkiller less and less.

Little things were annoying; the fact she couldn't wash her hair without assistance (her hand wasn't yet up to that) or take a long soak in a hot bath (she couldn't get her stitches wet). Xena and Gabrielle helped her with those particulars. Salla updated her on Scout; the mare was doing well, but Salla said she missed Mariah. When Mariah walked into the stables with her one day, she found Salla wasn't kidding. Scout let loose the loudest whinny Mariah ever heard when she saw her mistress! The flutist laughed when she went over to her horse; they were both thrilled to see each other.

"She looks great," Mariah told Salla. "Thanks for taking such good care of her. And while I'm here, you take her out anytime you'd like. It's the least I can do for you keeping an eye on her for me."

Salla waved her off, but was pleased with her friend's reaction, and touched by the offer. She had cared for Scout as if the mare were her own animal; doing so filled the void she had since Erama's death.

She and Mariah spent time together during the flutist's recovery period. In the afternoons, Mariah took long walks to keep in shape as she couldn't swim or work out with her staff. Often when she was out, Salla would come find her, riding up on Scout. The warrior would let the horse graze while she and Mariah sat under a large shade tree and talked. Now that they knew the truth about each other, their discussions became less casual as they learned more about each other's hopes, fears, and dreams. One memorable day, not long after she had been injured, Mariah told Salla all about her cancer battles.

"I remember it so clearly. I had finished up college, I had my first teaching job, and I had my whole life ahead of me. I had seen several doctors, but none of them could tell what was the matter with me. Until that day..." Mariah trailed off, lost in her memories. "You know, he couldn't even tell me I had cancer." Her laugh was still a little bitter after so many years. "He said I had a 'malignancy.' I had to *ask* him if

I had cancer! I was twenty-one, Salla, and in mind, my life had fallen apart. I thought that was the end of my world that day, but things sure didn't work out the way I expected them to work out!"

She told Salla about the disease, the treatments, the recurrence, the surgeries, the nightmares, her anger, and her fears of another recurrence. And after hearing all about her friend's fights, Salla decided to venture into uncharted territory: she opened up about the day of the massacre.

"Gods, it was horrible," Salla recounted, her voice hesitant at first as a shiver went through her body. "We had no warning; Salukas's men must've tracked down and killed every sentry before the attack. The men came riding into the village. It was terrifying, Mariah. I remember some of it...fire, blood, screaming, pain." She closed her eyes as scenes from that awful day played through her head, her body trembling with suppressed emotions. Mariah, her heart going out to her friend, took her in her arms and hugged her. Salla lost all control and wept in anguish and rage and loss. Mariah said nothing; she just sat there and held her, comforting her in silence, letting Salla work through her inner turmoil as she choked out the rest of the story: her injuries, her escape, her recovery, her devastation.

It was some time before Salla's tears were spent. "Thanks," she said as she straightened up. "I know that doesn't begin to cover it, Mariah, but thanks for being here..." she trailed off.

"How many other people have to you told about that day?" Mariah asked her, her voice gentle.

"Not many," Salla confessed. "I've been afraid to."

Mariah sighed. "Yeah, I know what you mean. I was the same way until Xena and Gabrielle taught me that being strong doesn't mean being alone. And you know what? Opening up to them and talking about my cancer demons was the best thing I did to help myself heal and move on."

"That is so hard for me to do."

"It was hard for me, too, Salla. I used to think it was weak to open up to people, if I let others share my pain; I was so wrong." Mariah fell silent for a moment. "But look at it this way...opening up is exactly what you're doing here with me."

"Yeah, but you've been through rough times."

"How will you know others haven't if you don't talk to them?" Mariah pointed out.

And that got Salla thinking long and hard about some unresolved issues in her life.

A few days later, the day before Mariah got her stitches out in fact, Ephiny came looking for her. "What did you say to Salla?" the regent wanted to know.

"Why? What's the matter?" The concern was evident in Mariah's voice.

"Nothing. Everyone's noticed it, though. She's finally talking about the massacre. How did you get her to do that?"

"I'm not sure, Ephiny. I guess I just listened to her."

"Well I'm glad you did. We haven't seen her this open, this talkative, since she's been here. And a lot of that is due to you."

"I'm glad I could help."

Ephiny studied her in the afternoon sunlight. "You know, I'll bet your were a heck of a teacher in your time." The regent walked away leaving a surprised and pleased flutist in her wake.


There wasn't much else for Mariah to do during those six days except talk, sing, play her flute, walk, and write the bard's song. Gabrielle worked long hours with Ephiny to finish the details on the trade agreement, so that kept her busy. Xena stopped by often, but Mariah knew the warrior had things to do and felt guilty about keeping her from those things. The activities kept her mind off the maddening healing itch in her back. She longed to scratch herself silly, but didn't want to hinder her quick healing or ruin her friends' handiwork by ripping out her stitches. And writing that song was hard...she wanted to have some fun and do her friend justice, but Mariah had never been much of a songwriter!! Still, she pulled a tune together she hoped would go over well at the party. And she had a little something special planned for her two best friends that night as well.

The day finally arrived when Xena, aided by Gabrielle, took out the stitches; Mariah was chomping at the bit! Xena laughed at her friend's impatience as she went to work on her in the healing hut.

"Now this may hurt," Xena warned as she began to remove the sutures. Mariah, lying face down on the cot, braced herself for the worse, but Xena's touch was gentle as she cut and pulled out the threads. Mariah felt some pinching, but nothing that she hadn't felt before. Gabrielle cleansed the area with a warm herbal infusion when Xena finished.

"Was there a lot of bleeding?" Mariah wanted to know.

"Nope," Xena replied. "They came out clean as a whistle. Give it another day to heal up before you get it wet and take it easy when you work with your staff and ride Scout." Mariah sat up and saw that her friends had a couple of mirrors so she could see her newest scar. "So what do you think?" Xena wanted to know.

It didn't look bad at all, Mariah thought. It was about five inches long and maybe a quarter of an inch wide; her friends had done a great job of patching her up. "You two do some nice work," Mariah told them, her voice admiring.

"Well, you ought to know," Gabrielle teased her. "You're the voice of experience!"

"Let's just hope we won't have to do something like that again for awhile," Xena said, her tone matter-of-fact.

"Yeah, one barroom brawl in a lifetime is enough for me," Mariah sighed as she began to dress. Her hand was almost fully functional, and she had been able to put her wedding ring back on several days ago.

"Will Myklos be upset when he sees it?" Gabrielle wondered.

"No, I don't think he'll mind," Mariah said absentmindedly as finished dressing.

The bard and the warrior exchanged a surprised look. "He won't?" Xena arched an eyebrow.

Mariah's blush went clear to the roots of her curly brown hair when she realized what she said. "Um, well, he, uh, likes to explore them," the flutist mumbled, looking at the floor.

"New territory for him then, huh?" Xena asked her voice neutral as she fought back the urge to grin.

Gabrielle couldn't contain her giggles any longer. Mariah couldn't resist her friend's infectious laughter, and Xena joined in as well. They left the healing hut and returned to their own dwelling to rest up before the evening's party.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Reconnaissance...

The same day Mariah had her stitches removed, Solomos's scouts returned to his encampment.

"We've had word Xena's at the Amazon village that's a week's journey from here," one of the scouts reported.

Solomos was pleased at the news; *very* pleased. His army had grown strong thanks to the raids they conducted since losing at Corinth. He knew he and his men were ready to take on the warrior princess; the Amazons were a bonus.

The warlord turned to Panas. "Order the men to break camp. We're leaving tomorrow morning for that village. To keep them sharp, we'll conduct raids along the way. I want the men in top form when we go up against the Amazons and Xena. Plan on being there within fourteen days."

"Yes, sir," Panas said as he saluted and left.

Solomos turned back to the scouts. "You did well to keep several of the scouts there in the area. Hurry back there and help them reconnoiter. I want the best intelligence possible when we attack. Now go."

The scouts saluted and left Solomos alone in his tent.

His mouth watered at finally getting revenge on that warrior bitch and her friends.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Celebrate Good Times...

It was decided to hold the party outdoors as it was a warm starlit evening. As of the night of Gabrielle's celebration two weeks before, many torches burned to keep the darkness at bay.

The Amazon cooks outdid themselves, preparing some of Mariah's favorite dishes in her honor. The wine flowed as did the conversation. Many of the warriors came over to her after dinner to see the famous scar she earned defending their honor. She had to be careful showing it so they wouldn't see her cancer scars, and she was successful doing so.

Once the meal was over, the Amazon musicians came on to play. Salla wouldn't take no for an answer, and dragged a protesting Mariah up to dance with the warriors around the bonfires. After a little initial awkwardness, the flutist was soon holding her own with the other women. She didn't dance too long, though; she didn't want to wear herself out.

The musicians finished, and it was time to move on to night's other entertainment. Gabrielle took the stage and told several stories. After she finished and the applause rang through the night, she looked at Mariah who nodded her head and joined her onstage; since the flutist's hand was healed, they decided to give the Amazons a treat. When the applause died down, Gabrielle spoke up. "Sisters! Tonight, Mariah and I have a surprise for you. We hope you enjoy it."

At Mariah's signal, the bard began telling the story of Xena and Hercules freeing Prometheus. As the bard related the events, Mariah punctuated the tale with music, heightening the tension and enhancing the experience for the audience. Cheers erupted when they finished, as did a demand for more. Gabrielle told two more tales accompanied by Mariah's music before she turned the entertainment over to the flutist.

Mariah decided to start the evening with a more upbeat program; soon toes were tapping and the women were clapping in time to the music. After she finished a short medley, she decided to introduce her new song.

When the warriors were quiet, she addressed them, a huge smile on her face. "My friends, tonight I'd like to honor one of you among us with a song. It's about a woman whom we all respect and care about very much. Now this is meant in fun, and I hope you like it." She took a deep breath and began to sing: 

        Oh, have I got a tale to tell,
        About a little blonde bard we all love so well.
        She's from down Potadeia way,
        Then she met up with Xena on the fateful day.

        Now she wasn't too thrilled living on the farm,
        She wanted some adventure, wanted to use her charm!
        So she hooked up with Xena, hitched her wagon to a star,
        And they've traveled long and they've traveled far.

        Who is this girl?
        What is her name?
        Shall I tell you?  Yes!
        The name's part of her fame!
        She's Gabrielle!  She's Gabrielle!

        She was more of a talker, didn't like to fight,
        But all those warlords gave her a ghastly fright.
        When she battles, she carries a big old stick,
        But she's still more interested in what makes people tick.

        Now she's taken on armies and Poseidon, too,
        And Ares and Aphrodite just to name a few.
        She's friendly, brave, her mind is keen,
        And to top it all off, she's the Amazon Queen!!

        Who is this girl?
        What is her name?
        Shall I tell you?  Yes!
        The name's part of her fame!
        She's Gabrielle!  She's Gabrielle!

        And so I've told my tale, my part is done,
        But as long as she's around, we'll have lots of fun.
        The story's not ended, not even close,
        But she won't tell more 'cause she hates to boast.

        Who is this girl?
        What is her name?
        Shall I tell you?  Yes!
        The name's part of her fame!
        She's Gabrielle!  She's Gabrielle!
        And that's the ballad of the warrior bard!!

The Amazons clapped in time as Mariah sang. Gales of laughter were heard from Xena and the warriors during the playful tune that gently teased the queen. Gabrielle's cheeks grew pink as Mariah sang the ditty, and soon she laughed as well. When Mariah finished, the Amazons demanded she sing it again, which she did. After the second time, Mariah walked over to Gabrielle and gave her a small scroll containing the lyrics to the song. "For you, oh Queen, your very own copy of 'The Ballad of the Warrior Bard.' And always remember that some flutists, like bards, have a way with words!! May you enjoy it in the future as much as we enjoyed it tonight." The blonde stood up, still laughing, and gave her friend a big hug. She had never been the subject of a song before, and she got a kick out of Mariah's tune, as did Xena.

Mariah walked back onto the stage and the crowd once again quieted down as she spoke. "A week ago, I promised Salla that for her birthday present, I would sing a certain song. Well, we all know what happened on her birthday!" Mariah waited for the laughter to die down before she continued. "So tonight, at her request, I'll sing that song; it's called, 'Come On In Out Of The Rain.' Salla, this one's for you. Happy Birthday, my friend."

Mariah closed her eyes and thought of Myklos as she did every time before she sang or played the piece. Soon, the poignant lyrics rang out in the night as the flutist sang of love lost and love found. Salla, sitting in the audience, was moved by the piece, as were the rest of the Amazons; it was one of the best birthday presents she had ever received to hear her friend publicly sing the song she had come to love. Xena and Gabrielle too were touched by the sentiment in the song, understanding it better than most for they knew firsthand the trials and tribulations their friend went through before she married the merchant.

After the applause died down, the flutist had one final announcement. "Earlier, I sang a humorous song about our favorite bard. For my last number tonight, I would like to sing a song that truly reflects how I feel about both her and Xena. Gabrielle and Xena, my best friends, my sisters...this is for you." 

        For all those times you stood by me,
        For all the truth that you made me see,
        For all the joy you brought to my life,
        For all the wrongs that you made right.
        For every dream you made come true,
        For all the love I found in you.
        I'll be forever thankful, ladies
        You're the ones who held me up,
        Never let me fall.
        You're the ones who saw me through,
        Through it all.

        You were my strength when I was weak,
        You were my voice when I couldn't speak.
        You were my eyes when I couldn't see,
        You saw the best there was in me.
        Lifted me up when I couldn't reach,
        You gave me faith, 'cause you believed.
        I'm everything I am
        Because you loved me.

        I lost my faith, you gave it back to me,
        You said no star was out of reach.
        You stood by me and I stood tall,
        I have your love I have it all.
        I'm grateful for each day you gave me
        Maybe I don't know that much,
        But I know this much is true.
        I am blessed because I am
        Loved by you.

        You were my strength when I was weak,
        You were my voice when I couldn't speak.
        You were my eyes when I couldn't see,
        You saw the best there was in me.
        Lifted me up when I couldn't reach,
        You gave me faith, 'cause you believed.
        I'm everything I am
        Because you loved me.

        You are always there for me,
        The tender wind that carries me.
        A light in the dark, shining your love
        Into my life.
        You've been my inspiration,
        Through the lies you were the truth.
        My world is a better place
        Because of you.

        You were my strength when I was weak,
        You were my voice when I couldn't speak.
        You were my eyes when I couldn't see,
        You saw the best there was in me.
        Lifted me up when I couldn't reach,
        You gave me faith, 'cause you believed.
        I'm everything I am
        Because you loved me.
        I'm everything I am
        Because you loved me.


By the time Mariah finished the song, there wasn't a dry eye at the party, including her own. She walked off stage as the applause washed over her and went to Xena and Gabrielle. They stood up, tears running down their faces, so incredibly moved were they by their friend's gesture. "By the gods, you didn't have to do that," Gabrielle said with a catch in her voice as she hugged her.

"I know. I did it because I wanted to," Mariah said as she separated from the bard and hugged Xena. "And I did it because it's the truth. I *am* everything I am thanks to you two saving my life and befriending me. And I'll never forget it as long as I live."

"Nor will we," Xena assured her, keeping a tight rein on her emotions, for it just wouldn't do for a warrior princess with her reputation to break down and cry in front of the Amazons.

Even if those tears *were* tears of happiness.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Building Bridges...

Mariah's time with the Amazons was more than half over, and her emotions were mixed; she was sad that she would soon be leaving their company, but glad she would soon be back with Myklos.

Now that her stitches were out, she resumed her normal activities, albeit slowly. It was difficult at first, especially dealing with the sensation that she would rip her back wide open, but that soon passed as her body adjusted to the new scar tissue. She worked out in the mornings with Xena, rode with Salla in the afternoons, and talked with Xena, Gabrielle, Ephiny, Eponin, Solari and Salla long into the evening hours.

Salla drew closer to Mariah; in fact, she regarded the flutist as a sister; Mariah felt the same way about her hazel-eyed friend. She hadn't felt that close to someone since she met Xena and Gabrielle. And the warrior and the bard were thrilled that Salla and Mariah got along so well together and warmly welcomed her to their nighttime discussions.

The Amazons noticed a change in Salla; she wasn't as moody and reserved. The red-haired woman opened up as the walls she had constructed to insulate herself from the world after the massacre crumbled from within. The warrior talked with a lot of people, but saved the deepest conversations for her friend from the future.

And did they have the talks! The two women discussed every topic under the sun, from philosophy to the future, from their dreams to their regrets. No topic, it seemed, was off limits.

Salla wondered if Mariah was truly happy living in the past, and often asked her about it. It was during one such discussion that Mariah told her what happened to her in the Dreamscape before she married Myklos.

"You mean Morpheus offered to send you back to your old life?" the warrior asked after Mariah finished her story.

"Yeah."

"And you turned him down?"

Mariah's laugh was short. "The price was *way* too high, Salla! Besides, I'm happy here."

Could Mariah *be* that satisfied in her new world? Salla had her doubts; her friend had left her world behind, had lost everything! How could she be that happy? A few days later during an afternoon ride, they dismounted from Scout and Mariah turned and saw her friend staring at her. "What's wrong?" she asked, breaking in on the warrior's musings.

"Just thinking," Salla said.

"About what?"

"You."

"Me?" Mariah's eyes widened. "I think you've been out in the sun too long, my friend," she said with a gentle laugh. "You want to go for a swim?"

So typical of Mariah to deflect the discussion away from herself, Salla thought, but she won't get away with it this time. "In a little bit. Let's go sit in the shade." The two women walked over and sat beneath a large canopy of trees, each leaning against a sturdy trunk. Mariah sat back and closed her eyes, soaking in the sounds of the day.

"Mariah?"

"Hmm?" she responded, her eyes still shut.

"Look at me." Mariah heard the note of gravity in Salla's voice and opened her eyes.

"Hey, what's the matter?" Mariah asked, her voice soft.

"Do you ever have any...regrets about the way your life has turned out?"

Mariah stared at the red-haired warrior. "Where's this coming from?"

"Do you?" Salla's voice was insistent.

"No," the flutist answered without any hesitation. "Do you think I do?"

"But you've lost so much; don't you ever *want* to go back?" Salla asked, and was startled to hear her friend's gentle laugh.

"I haven't lost a thing," Mariah said. "And I told you, I don't want to go back; this is my home, my life. You're part of my family, as are Xena and Gabrielle. I didn't have that in my time. I didn't have Myklos." She leaned forward. "Do you know how lucky I am? I thank the gods every night for that slip on the ice, Salla. Yeah, there are some things I miss: my friend Sandy, my students, a good stereo system, butter pecan ice cream on a warm summer's day..." She sat back with a sigh. "But when all is said and done, I wouldn't trade my life for anything. *Anything*, my friend. I've found my peace."

Salla was silent for a few moments. "Gods, I hope I find mine one day," she said, her voice wistful.

Mariah stood up, walked over to her, sat down next to her, and put an affectionate arm around her shoulder. "You *are* finding it, Salla. You haven't seen the change in yourself since you've opened up. Finding that inner peace takes time; and when you least expect it, *that's* when you'll find it. You'll see." They sat together for some time just enjoying the quiet of the day until Mariah rose to her feet. "Come on. Let's go for that swim."

Salla smiled and reached for Mariah's outstretched hand. Soon they were splashing in the cool waters of the stream, their laughter echoing across the sun-dappled afternoon.

Mariah's words were more prophetic than she thought.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Rumors...

As week three of Mariah's visit ended, disquieting rumors began to circulate around the Amazon village. Several days' journey away, it was heard, an army of raiders looted and pillaged a number of towns. When they heard the rumors, Xena and the Amazons began to investigate for themselves whether or not they were true. As a precautionary measure, more sentries were posted and scouts were sent out to determine the veracity of the reports.

It was early one morning when Xena found out first-hand whether or not the rumors *were* true. She and Mariah were out for their customary morning ride. This morning, however, they decided to ride to the west instead of the east; they wanted to see some different country.

They rode out of the Amazon territory in search of new vistas to explore. The sun crept up out of the east as their mares raced across the countryside, Scout matching Argo step for step. The women pulled up to give their mounts a rest.

"Ramen did a great job teaching you," Xena observed. "You ride like you were born to it."

"Coming from you that's the highest of praise," Mariah said, her smile warm.

Both mares shied at the same time, their hearing more acute than that of their riders. "Hey, what's the matter, girl?" Mariah soothed the jittery Scout as the horse stamped around.

"Someone's out there," Xena said, her voice low.

"Where?"

"In the woods, off on the right," the warrior responded. Before Mariah could respond, Xena spurred Argo, and galloped off into the forest.

Mariah, caught flatfooted, took several seconds to react and follow on Scout. Argo pulled up to a sudden stop, and the 'A-YI-YI-YI-YI-YI' of Xena's war cry rang through the trees as the warrior flipped off her horse and attacked the two men attempting to flee the area. Soon, one of the men was unconscious, courtesy of a roundhouse kick to the head, and the other man wished he was; Xena had just put the pinch on him when Mariah halted Scout and jumped down from her. The flutist grabbed the reins of both horses and kept out of the way as Xena went to work.

"I've just cut off the flow of blood to your brain," the warrior told her victim. "You'll be dead in seconds unless you tell me what I want to know. Who are you?"

"T-Teppus," the man gasped.

"What are you doing here so close to Amazon territory?" Xena growled. Most people avoided the Amazons like the plague.

"W-we're scouts for Solomos." A thin trickle of blood ran from Teppus's right nostril.

Xena's blue eyes narrowed. "Solomos? The same Solomos from Corinth? What does he want?"

"You," Teppus groaned, "and the Amazons." The man was almost unconscious.

Xena released the pressure point and hauled Teppus to his feet. "Keep talking or next time I don't release it." She raised her hands towards his neck.

"Don't! I'll talk!" Teppus cowered.

"That's better. Now what does Solomos want with me and the Amazons?"

"He's still angry about what you did to him and his army at Corinth. Since then, he's rebuilt his army and he wants his revenge on you."

"That explains me but what about the Amazons?"

"He knows they'll fight if they're threatened. And he knows if he wipes them out, this land is his for the taking; they're the only force around here who's capable of stopping him. He doesn't like them, never has; he wants to kill them as badly as he wants to kill you."

"How many men?"

"About five hundred," Teppus said.

"Where's his army?" Xena wanted to know.

"They're about a day's walk due west of here." Xena raised her hands to his neck once again. "I swear it!" Teppus almost screamed the words.

Xena grabbed him by his shirt. "Now you're going to take a message to Solomos for me, Teppus. You tell Solomos to watch his back because I'm coming for him. You tell him he better keep looking over his shoulder because soon, *very* soon, I'll be there. And when I get him, I'm taking him back to Corinth. You tell him I said so. And you tell him if he doesn't want to lose anymore men, he'll stay away from the Amazons because they'll make the bloodbath *at* Corinth look like a picnic. You got that?"

Teppus's answer was a frantic nod.

"Good," Xena said. "Now get out here." She gestured at the other man, still lying unconscious on the ground. "And take him with you."

Teppus roused his comrade and soon the two men ran off to the west towards Solomos and his army.

Mariah walked up next to her friend. "Solomos will attack, won't he?" She hoped her voice didn't betray the anxiety she felt.

Xena looked at her, her face troubled. "Yeah. He's a slow learner, that Solomos. Most warlords would've learned their lesson at Corinth, but he's got a stubborn streak a league wide."

"You're going after him, aren't you?" Mariah asked.

Xena sighed as she answered. "Yeah. I owe it to the Corinthians. And they need to see him brought to justice." She put her hand on Mariah's arm. "Come on," she said. "We've got to get back and tell Gabrielle and Ephiny what we learned."

The two women mounted their horses and rode back to the Amazon village as fast as their mares would take them.

The Amazons needed time to prepare for the invasion.

And Xena needed time to work out a plan to capture Solomos.

Chapters 40 - 49 Or Back To The Library