Xena was the image of quiet composure as she sat motionless in the small, windowless, room surrounded by twenty guards. Flaccus had appropriated the large store room, that had a strong door which could be barred from the outside and was close enough to the pit to make it useful for holding the dangerous woman. She had been ordered to sit on the stone floor in the middle of the room, and half of her personal escort had taken up places around her when she had been locked in .. the remainder on guard outside the barred door.

As the soldiers settled in around her, Xena had allowed her far from calm mind to run over the problems she was going to face in the next few candlemarks, chief amongst them being, - How, in Hades am I gonna get those kids away from Caesar? .. more to the point how do I get them out of his palace? - It was the question that she'd been trying to solve for the last three days and as the time grew closer for the escape, she was no closer to a solution than when she started. Sighing inwardly she made the only decision she could, - I'll play it by ear. I'll work something out, but I'll be damned to Tartarus if I'm gonna leave those kids here to die! -

Graccus' party was being held to strained conversation as the guests awaited the arrival of the guest of honour, the de-facto dictator of Rome. It was a given that Caesar was always the last to arrive for any function, but his tardiness was taking good manners to an extreme .. or such were the private thoughts of many of the assembled people there.

Ephiny was just as pleased that her avid Roman suitor was late. The idea of spending a whole evening dodging his blatant attempts to get her alone and seduce her once again, was not her idea of fun .. - Although I could promise him a night of passion once the fight is over, - she mused, a wicked little smile showing briefly. - That should keep him at bay, and he'll definitely get an evening of passion .. I should think Xena can almost guarantee it .. although it's not the type of passion he would particularly desire. I just hope that Gabrielle can keep Xena from killing him, - she accepted a goblet of wine from a passing server. - Getting out of Rome is going to be difficult enough without having an army and navy on our heels out to avenge the death of their leader. Even Pompey couldn't ignore that because it would be seen as an insult to the Roman people by a barbarian nation. -

That was only one of the Regent's worries. She was also more than a little concerned that Caesar just might be angered enough to attempt to take reprisals against the Amazon Nation. That was an event that she hoped never happened as it could just conceivably spell then end of her people. The only thing in their favour, was that none of the other Greek states would be too happy about an invading Roman force .. they all knew, too well, just how power hungry Caesar and Rome were. And, of course, Xena would be there and she had a proven battle record against Caesar.

Ephiny sighed, she had known that she was taking a chance coming after Gabrielle and Xena. She wasn't sure how many of the other Amazons realised that they could be faced with a war with Rome, but she hoped that none of them had thought of that possibility or she was in for a rocky time once she got back home. Tarelle would happily use anything, and everything, detrimental to come from this trip to Rome in order to weaken the Regent and, in doing so, Gabrielle's position within the Amazon society. She had few doubts about her ability to handle such problems, but it meant that she was hardly going to be able to take things easy when she got home.

She moved across to a table that had a variety of bite sized snacks that the guests could nibble as an accompaniment for their drinks. The Regent selected something that looked like its main ingredient was fish, popped it into her mouth and chewed appreciatively, savouring the smoky flavour as she cast her glance over to where Gabrielle and the boys were being shielded by the protective huddle of Amazons. Turning to Eponin, who seemed to be attached to her by a two foot invisible string, Ephiny said softly, "Well .. everything seems to be going according to plan. No one has given our newest recruits even a cursory glance."

"The real test will be when Caesar gets here," reminded the Weapons Master.

"Don't worry about him," Ephiny told her bluntly, "he'll be so occupied in trying to get me into a quiet corner that he won't have time to look at my guards."

Eponin's face made a slight grimace of distaste, "Yuck! Rather you than me .. but it wasn't him I was really thinking of."

The Regent selected another morsel of food, while shrugging and asking, "Oh?" before popping it into her mouth.

"You know that's grossly unfair," muttered the other Amazon who, with her mask down, couldn't indulge in the proffered delights. She shook her head, before continuing with her more important concerns, "It's his wife .. Pompeia?" Ephiny nodded her head, "Yeah, well the woman's ancestor must have been a ferret. She's got more informants than he has and a sharp mind to piece that information together .... If she should catch sight of Gabrielle and the guys ...."

"Poni, she's never even seen Gabrielle," the blonde haired ruler reminded her, "and the fellas look more like Amazons than some of our girls do." She bit back a sudden urge to giggle, "But don't you dare tell them that I said that!" she admonished sternly. Ephiny just knew her friend was frowning under her mask and she could hear that frown in the irritated tone that accompanied the woman's next words.

"Don't underestimate that one, Eph," she warned. "I heard her warning Caesar that there was much more between you and Xena than mere hatred. The woman suspects something .. she's got Caesar's ear .. and that makes her dangerous to us and our plans."

"She may have his ear, but his heart .. or at least his lust .. is mine. If I keep him entertained for the evening, he won't listen to anything that Pompeia has to say." She thoughtfully snagged another snack and nibbled it delicately as she added, "If you're really worried, keep an eye on her, Poni. Try and make sure she stays away from our 'girls'." she grinned.

"Fine," agreed the Weapon's Master, "I'll ride herd on the wife, you entertain the husband, but Eph?" she said with more than a touch of concern in her voice, "Don't suddenly come on strong to him or he'll smell a rat. You've been keeping him at arm's length all this while, to suddenly cave in under his assault would look very suspicious."

"Yeah .. I know, Poni, I'll play it cool, but I'll find a way to keep him so focused on me that he won't have time for anyone else," she promised.

The nervous excitement, that had been building within Gabrielle, was becoming almost intolerable. She wanted this evening over .. she wanted to be safely on Nebula's ship .. she wanted to be on her way home to Greece .. but more than anything else, she wanted her best friend well away from Caesar! The fact that the man was taking his own sweet time to turn up for this 'party' was beginning to irritate the bard who knew that she had no chance of even getting a look at Xena until the he arrived and the evening, with it's various entertainments, could properly get underway.

Toris was unaware of the tension building in the young Queen, he was too busy struggling with his own increasing impatience which was demanding that he do something. He had never been much good at waiting for the right time for things to happen, he'd always felt a need to force the issue. It was one of the reasons that he'd never been able to best Xena at anything. She had always had the patience and determination to practice at something until she could do it with ease .. even if it had taken her months to achieve. He was aware that if something didn't come readily or took time and perseverance to achieve, his impetuous nature would shy away from it.

Standing here, waiting for Caesar to show up, so that they could finally put their plan to rescue Xena into operation, was a severe strain on his endurance. For such a long time now, he'd had to school himself to learn patience. Time spent with Iolaus as they chased around the countryside of Narbonensis and Italia; time spent confined within Pompey's palace, waiting for this, their one chance, to finally break his sister free from the Roman monster's clutches. He took a deep breath and forced down his impatience, yet again, and concentrated on keeping his cool while the evening played out.

Iolaus glanced at his tall dark friend. He knew this waiting was hard for Toris, he flicked a smile in the direction of Gabrielle as she nervously tapped her toe consumed by an impatience to be getting on with something productive rather than stand around like wall ornaments. Impatience wasn't an alien concept to the blonde hunter .. he'd been accused of it on more than one occasion! But he was well aware that, in situations like this, the only option was to bide your time and wait for the right moment .. which was still some distance off into the evening.

He glanced out into the body of the large reception chamber and noted that Ephiny was mingling socially, acting the part of ambassador for her people with aplomb. He was able to smirk broadly at Hercules following the Regent around like some kind of lap dog, secure in the knowledge that behind the Amazon mask he couldn't be seen. He made a mental note to tease his friend about just how cute he looked in just a lion-skin loincloth surrounded by predatory women. He just knew that the demi-god would really appreciate the observation .. his smirk widened to an extensive grin .. he just didn't understand why the situation hadn't fully struck him before. - Just nerves, I guess, - he thought. - Everyone handles them differently. -

Iolaus threw a look at Joxer who was slumped against the wall picking disconsolately at some of the feathers he was adorned with, and fought the urge to dig the other man in the ribs, "Joxer!" he hissed in his ear, "Straighten up. Amazon's don't slouch like that and you're gonna draw attention to us."

Joxer was bored and his sense of worth was as ruffled as the feathers he was picking apart, - I'm Joxer the Mighty, - he muttered to himself, - What am I doing hiding in corners under a sack full of feathers? - He pulled at one of the offending items, shredding it between his fingers. - Mighty warriors do not hide behind feathers and women, - he mentally grumbled. - Mighty warriors should be out there battling the odds and freeing their friends from the clutches of domineering despots, taking the battle to them rather than skulking in the back ground. - He savaged another feather then became aware of Gabrielle's eyes (from behind her mask) boring into him, "Ha-hmmm," he chuckled nervously, before getting the hissed rebuke from Iolaus.

"Hey look guys," he protested quietly, "I can't help it if I'm a ma ... er warrior ... of action. These fists are deadly weapons," he demonstrated by performing a few uncoordinated moves accompanied by some sounds that reminded his audience of a cat with a strangled hernia, "I was made to be in the thick of the action." The disapproving silence from those around him was enough to quieten him down, and everyone returned to their pensive observation of the Roman gathering.

"Hey it's not my fault if my body needs action," he whispered plaintively.

"Joxer," hissed Iolaus.

"Yeah?" he eagerly replied.

"Shut up!" came the firm order.

Gabrielle resumed her nervous foot-tapping, fairly certain that Iolaus would manage to prevent the 'boy blunder' from doing anything to foul up the situation. - I should have had him go to the ship with the luggage .. he'd have been out of trouble there, - she told herself. - Who am I kidding .. he'd have figured out that I was trying to keep him out of the way, and would have found someway to get here to 'help'. - Her foot tapped a little faster as a hidden grin appeared under the mask, - I could have sent a message to Nebula to have him locked up til we got back with Xena. - The thought was still tempting, but she finally scolded herself, - That's not fair, Gabrielle. He's risked as much as the rest of us to rescue Xena .. he should be here when we get her. -

Her whole body stiffened at the sudden blast of the triumphal fanfare to announce the arrival of the Emperor and his wife. As the strident sounds echoed through the high ceilinged room, Caesar appeared resplendent in Imperial purple, with Pompeia dutifully at his side in elegant white, and a martial looking Brutus at his shoulder. They looked full of the radiance of power and carried themselves with an arrogance that told all who cared to notice that they were a force to be reckoned with.

Gabrielle knew she was staring and that her gaze was full of hate filled resentment .. she just couldn't help it, and fervently hoped that the others weren't being too obvious in their animosity, although she could feel the heightened tension around her and, on impulse, shot out a firm hand to grab Toris' wrist as she felt the tall man begin to stir, "Settle down," she told him quietly. "It's not time yet."

Graccus moved forward, unhurriedly, to greet his primary guest. He was well aware that Caesar was scanning the dense crowd of socialites looking for the unmistakeable figure of the Amazon 'Queen'. He covered the sneer that forced itself onto his lips with a polite bow of his corpulent frame and welcomed the nobleman with, "You honour us with your presence, my Lord. My house is yours, please enjoy our humble entertainments."

"A gracious welcome, Graccus. I look forward to a momentous evening," he smiled coldly, knowing that the senator had as little liking for him as he had for his host, "I'm sure you will be able to find plenty to occupy my lady wife, Pompeia, with personally this evening," he smirked. - That should keep the pair of them out of my way, - he growled to himself. - Serves them right, they deserve each other's tedious company and it should leave me free to pursue Ephiny's favours. - He almost chuckled at his own cleverness.

As he proceeded to detach himself from his wife and host, he became aware of an almost intangible feeling of malevolence being directed at him. Brows creasing, he swung his gaze over the chamber's occupants, his eyes lingering upon a group of the Amazon warriors who were keeping to themselves in one of the far corners of the room. Nothing seemed out of place and, slowly, the feeling dissipated. He shrugged off a shiver of apprehension and advanced into the hall making a direct line for where Ephiny stood with her personal guards and her 'man', Heston. He sauntered across the crowded room trailed by Brutus and his personal guards.

Pompeia and Graccus stood looking at each other for long moments. Neither was keen to be consigned to the other's company, yet they had little choice in the matter. Both of them were immediately working on plans that would contrive to part them from each other at some point in the evening, when Caesar was fully occupied with his Amazon conquest.

When Pompeia noticed her husband's suddenly stiffened posture, she suspected that he had sensed hostility somewhere within the chamber, he seemed to have a knack for that. As she took the senator's proffered arm, she allowed her own keen senses to evaluate the sentiments of the room, and felt compelled to look long and hard at the group of Amazon's in a secluded corner .. the same women that her husband's gaze seemed to linger over. However, before she had the chance to examine and isolate the reason why this particular group, among so many, had attracted her attention, Graccus had politely, but insistently drawn her away towards a group of aristocratic men and women where they were soon embroiled in polite conversation.

- There is something going on here, - frowned Pompeia as she nodded politely at something a giggling woman had just said. She threw a glance over to the mostly concealed group of Amazons and bit her lip, - Damn Julius for not listening to me about them. I know they're up to something. -

After spending a great deal of the evening avoiding Caesar's attempts to get her alone within one of the convenient alcoves around the room for some private conversation, the Regent finally allowed herself to be manoeuvred onto a small balcony that overlooked Graccus' gardens. A barely visible flip of her fingers let Eponin know that she should keep the others inside, while she took the chance to converse with the Roman, who showed all the signs of becoming impatient at the never ending chase that he was being made to endure.

"At last I have you alone," he purred as he stepped close to the object of his desires and brushed his lips across hers.

Ephiny did not pull away, but neither did she encourage him to go further. "I am sure, my Lord, that being alone with the guest of honour at a senior senator's party is not considered to be of good social grace," she chided lightly.

"Social grace be hanged," growled Caesar. "You've had me trailing after you like a ravening wolf after a sheep, madam, and it's time for you to stop playing games."

The Regent felt her heart-rate pick up at his words .. - Surely he hasn't worked out what we're doing? - She tried for a confident smile and gently traced a finger down his profile, "Games, my Lord?" she questioned huskily.

"Yes games, madam," answered Caesar, trapping her hand and bringing it to his lips and kissing it softly. "You leave Rome in three days time and yet you still play with my affections while time runs so incredibly short ... how can you be so callous?" he asked planting tender kisses on her fingers. "How can you be so cruel to a tormented suitor who wishes nothing more than to rekindle the magical passion of that afternoon we spent together."

Carefully extracting her hand, Ephiny conjured up memories of her husband, Phantes, producing a soft, smoldering glow in her eyes that she would never have been able to summon for Caesar, no matter how important it was to deceive him, "Our lack of time to spend together is .. regrettable," she purred silkily, "But you, my Lord, should never have presumed that the Queen of the Amazons was some kind of sex conquest to be loved or laid aside as the whim took you." She moved closer and breathed warmly into his ear, "I hope that you understand that now."

Lifting his hands to her face, Caesar rubbed his thumbs tenderly across her cheek bones and told her, "Madam, you have made that abundantly clear, and I'm willing to pledge myself your devoted servant for the final days of your visit. But say you'll forgive me and I will promise you paradise." He lowered his lips to hers, seeking to prove his sincerity and passion.

- Artemis! - thought Ephiny, mentally rolling her eyes, - this man is so arrogant. If he keeps this up I'm gonna puke! His touch revolts me! -

Breaking away from the kiss, the Regent smiled graciously upon her would be lover, "Your promises fill me with longing," she told him.

- Yeah, longing to get as far away as possible from you! - she told herself.

"Yet, I think perhaps that we should hold our passions until after my champion and your slave have finished their combat," she smiled enticingly.

- 'Cause with any luck I won't ever have to have you anywhere near me again, - she silently cheered.

"Perhaps we should have one final game .. a final wager," she suggested.

Trying to hide his disappointment, Caesar asked warily, "A wager .. what wager?"

Smiling seductively, Ephiny whispered huskily, "How about everything?"

"Everything?" he questioned, puzzled as to what exactly she meant.

"Everything," she re-affirmed. "All the money, and each other. If I win, you're mine to do what I will with for the three days before I leave for home. If you win, you get me ...."

- Oh yeah, you get me, Xena, Gabrielle, Toris, Hercules and all the rest, because if you win, we lose everything. -

"Are you sure you can afford everything?" questioned Caesar with a smirk pulling at his lips, he knew that Xena wouldn't lose this time, and he was fairly certain that Ephiny knew that, which meant she was offering herself for his pleasure, whenever and wherever he wanted her .. or at least that was how it appeared to be to him.

"I never make a bet that I can't honour," murmured Ephiny as she allowed her eyes to promise him the delights he'd been yearning after for so long.

"Then I accept your wager," he agreed readily.

"Well then, my Lord, I'd best send Heston down to ready for the match, and we had better return to the party before Graccus decides that I've abducted you for my own purposes," the Regent told him lightly as she slipped away from his embrace.

"Graccus would probably have a statue erected to you if he thought you could get me permanently out of Rome," he grumbled lightly, catching her hand and allowing her to draw him back into bright cheerful gathering beyond the relative quite of the secluded balcony.

Upon re-entering the chamber, they found both his and her personal guards arranged to keep others from intruding upon their privacy, so it was easy for Ephiny to call Poni over and issue her instructions, "Take Heston down to the pit and make sure he's ready for the fight."

Eponin nodded her acquiescence, touched Hercules lightly on the shoulder and moved off, picking up a dozen Amazons on the way with sharp movements of her hand, before locating a serving slave and dragooning him into providing an escort down to the holding area for the pit.