No Greater Love
by Lynn M. Price

Continued from Chapter 12

Chapter Thirteen
The Goodbye Girls...

It was just after sun-up the next morning when Gabrielle and Xena left for Corinth.

Mariah was there at the inn to tell them good-bye. She hugged them both and wished them a safe journey.

"You come back in one piece, you hear me?" she told each of them. Mariah knew they had faced tougher odds in the past, but that didn't stop her from worrying about the bard and the warrior as they began their journey to battle the warlords and their armies.

"We'll be back as soon as we can," Xena promised. "Use the time to learn how to ride Scout. You can bring her with us when we visit the Amazons."

"I will," Mariah replied. She knew she had time as her friends would be gone until at least the middle of September.

"Take care of yourself, Mariah," Gabrielle told her. Xena mounted Argo; the blonde reached up for the warrior's outstretched hand and quickly settled in behind her on the big warhorse.

Mariah's friends cantered out of town in the direction of Corinth. She watched them until they were out of sight and then headed over to the stable.

Chapter Fourteen
An Apt Pupil...

The days quickly turned into weeks.

During that time, Xena and Gabrielle made their way to Corinth, and with their help, the Corinthian army defeated the cabal of warlords who had banded together to take the city; the victory didn't come easily. Many of the warlords were captured, but a few escaped after their defeat. As soon as a peace was declared, and the warlords' armies were scattered to the four winds after the fierce fighting, the warrior princess and the bard made their way back to Tyldus.

It was mid September; soon it would be time for Mariah to meet the Amazons.

The time passed quickly for Mariah, too.

Ramen's lessons never stopped: feeding, grooming, riding, and caring for Scout took up much of her spare time, but she didn't mind. She looked forward to being with her mare. Now she understood why Xena felt so strongly about Argo; once you bond with a horse, Mariah thought to herself, there's no going back.

She loved Scout; she had no doubt about it. And the mare was devoted to her, too. Scout whinnied a welcome whenever she saw Mariah, much to the flutist's delight. And the horse had the sweetest of temperaments when it came to her mistress. Myklos was overjoyed that his wife, his love, was so happy with the animal.

Ramen was patient and thorough with his student. During those weeks they spent together, he taught everything she needed to know about riding and caring for horses. The grizzled trainer was gratified to have a student such as Mariah, a pupil who was curious, intelligent, and one who always wanted to learn more.

It wasn't easy at first, not by a long shot. She still worked out in the early morning with her staff, her swimming, and Ramen's strengthening exercises before sun-up, and then came home to spend time with Myklos before he went to the marketplace. The flutist would then head over to the stables to spend most of the day with Ramen and her mare. She would come home in the mid afternoon bone weary, her arms and upper body aching from the strain of repeatedly saddling and unsaddling Scout, mucking out the stables, and grooming the animal. Her lower body suffered from a different kind of ache; her waist, ribs, pelvis, legs and buttocks sore from long hours spent in the saddle learning how to ride as her body began to use *those* muscles in a whole new way. Thankfully, the leggings saved her legs from burning and chafing. But Mariah seldom complained and she never gave up; she loved the challenge of learning something new. She and Myklos spent many hours in Clytos's bathtub soaking out her aches, the merchant massaging his wife's painful muscles. Soon, they both noticed the changes as her body began to toughen up and adjust. By early September, she could heft a saddle almost as easily as Ramen, and ride for long periods of time with no ill effects. During all this, she still gave flute lessons and played at the inn several evenings a week.

She and Scout learned much about each other during this time together. In the beginning, Mariah felt awkward as she attempted to ride and control her horse. Ramen was there, showing Mariah the proper way to control the reins, and how to use the pressure of her legs to guide Scout where she wanted the animal to go. Ramen told her to be patient, that it would come together, and he was right. She remembered the day in late August when it happened, when she and Scout moved together as one, so naturally that it seemed as if they had *always* been doing it. That day was the turning point; that was the day Mariah knew she would become a competent horsewoman.

The flutist learned how to walk, trot, and canter while on Scout, but galloping was her favorite speed. Top speed all the way, as it was when she drove her car in her old life. Like a bat out of Hades, she thought to herself.

It took time to work up to galloping on Scout's back. The day she first tried it, it took her a while to screw up her courage. Ramen's laugh was gentle. "What are you waiting for, Mariah?" he asked her. "You've been dreaming of this for weeks; follow your dream."

That was all the encouragement she and Scout needed. She spurred the mare, and the two of them were soon tearing down the road, hell-bent for election. It was thrilling. Mariah felt Scout's strong muscles bunch under her, the wind whipping her hair off her face, the hooves pounding the ground. It was a magnificent feeling of freedom. She slowed the animal down and jumped off as soon as they were stopped. She hugged the animal around the neck and looked in her big brown eyes. "I think you enjoyed that as much as I did," she said fondly to her horse as she stroked its muzzle. And Mariah was right.

Myklos had chosen the horse well. Scout loved speed as much as Mariah, if not more. They soon became a familiar sight around Tyldus, the chestnut-brown mare and the former high school English teacher galloping through the countryside.

The people could see the huge smile on Mariah's face as she dashed along; some swore they saw a smile on Scout's face as well.

Chapter Fifteen
Recruit And Revenge...

Many days away, Solomos gathered his officers in the command tent. He looked at his rag-tag troops. He had lost many of his best men at the recent battle of Corinth and was still embittered by that defeat.

"The time has come to regroup," the tall, imposing warlord told them. "We need to gather more soldiers to our army, so here's what we'll do. We'll start raiding some of the smaller towns and villages to gather food and supplies. When words spreads of our actions, more men will join us. As that happens, we will grow more powerful and we can move on to stronger targets and defeat them as well. Soon we'll have unstoppable force."

"What about Xena?" asked Panas, his second in command. He too had survived Corinth and knew all to well what the warrior princess was capable of. He also knew she was on the lookout for the warlords who escaped after the fighting.

"We'll deal with her later," replied Solomos. "First things first, and first we need to regroup and grow strong. After a few weeks of raiding and looting, we'll be ready for her. Don't worry," he clapped a strong hand on Panas' shoulder. "She'll get what's coming to her."

Panas said nothing. He knew they had a tough road ahead.

He wondered what awaited him at the end of that road.

Chapter Sixteen
Return Visit...

Late September in Greece was balmy and breezy.

Xena and Gabrielle were nearing Tyldus, the bard riding behind Xena on Argo so they could make better time returning to their friend. As always, Gabrielle's arms were tightly wrapped around Xena's waist. The blonde was not fond of high places, especially high places that walked and trotted.

It was afternoon; the sun had passed its zenith and slowly settled into the western sky.

"How much longer, Xena?" Gabrielle asked her best friend, her voice a bit weary.

"Oh, we're almost there," the warrior reassured her. She knew Gabrielle was uncomfortable, but they *would* get to Tyldus faster this way.

Xena stiffened and halted Argo as she heard the pounding sound of galloping hoofbeats come down the road towards them. She spied a brown horse speeding towards them in the distance, but couldn't tell if the rider was friend or foe. Gabrielle craned her head to see the horseman, and was surprised to hear Xena chuckle.

"Who is it?" asked a mystified Gabrielle.

"You'll never believe it. It's Mariah!" the warrior said, delight obvious in her voice.

"What? Get out of here!" the bard replied, her own voice disbelieving. She took another look.

Xena was right. The flutist was out for her afternoon ride. She often rode out in this direction, as the path was not crowded with travelers during this time of the day.

Mariah reined in Scout as soon as she recognized Argo, and hailed them. She didn't want to go galloping in and spook the big warhorse. She dismounted and ran up to greet her long-awaited for friends. "By the gods, it's good to see you again!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with a huge smile, her blue eyes sparkling.

Gabrielle and Xena got off of Argo as well. The bard hugged her friend. "Look at you!" Gabrielle said, a little awed. "You're riding that horse as if you were born to it!"

Mariah laughed. "Yeah, I didn't know I had it in me! I have a great teacher, and I've learned so *much* these past weeks." She turned and hugged the warrior. "And now I know why *you're* so devoted to Argo," she stated.

Xena looked at Mariah. "I told you you'd love it," she said, smiling, her own blue eyes shining at seeing her friend again. "Riding's like no other feeling on earth." The warrior walked over to her friend's mare. "What's her name?" she asked as she stroked the horse's nose and muzzle.

"Scout," Mariah replied.

"Why Scout?" Gabrielle asked, curious. She stretched and walked around a bit in attempt to alleviate some of her saddle soreness.

"She's named after a character from one of my favorite stories," Mariah explained as she watched Xena with her mare. She turned to face the bard. "In the story, Scout was a girl who grew up during a time when prejudice ran wild in my land. She didn't give in to the evil and the hatred like so many others did; she learned tolerance and understanding for those who were different from her." The former teacher shrugged her shoulders. "The name seemed to fit."

"It's a good name," Gabrielle said. She made a mental note to have Mariah tell her more about this story later...it sounded interesting!

Mariah noticed her friend's stiffness and sympathized. "I'll tell you what; why don't I ride ahead and get you two set up at the inn? I'll tell Clytos to prepare your room and a hot bath. That'll help with those sore muscles."

Xena arched an eyebrow at her friend. "Sounds like the voice of experience."

"You're not kidding," Mariah said. "Thank the gods Myklos was here; I don't know what I would've done if he hadn't been around to help me work out my muscle kinks."

That statement caused Xena's eyebrow to move even higher. Mariah grinned at the expression on the warrior's face. "Yeah, I know what you're thinking...just remember, my masseuse was in Corinth battling warlords!" The three friends shared a laugh at that comment.

Mariah swung up on Scout. "By the time you get to the inn, everything will be ready for you. See you soon!" She wheeled her mare around and was soon galloping back towards Tyldus.

Gabrielle looked at Xena, shaking her head and smiling. The warrior mounted Argo, and helped the bard settle in behind her. They were soon following Mariah, but at a slower pace.

The flutist was good to her word. By the time Xena and Gabrielle arrived in town, and the warrior stabled Argo, their room at the inn was ready, as were their baths. Clytos was glad to have them back, and asked Gabrielle if she wanted to tell some stories that evening. The bard told the innkeeper that she would like that very much. Clytos also said that Mariah and Myklos would meet them there for supper around sunset.

After they unpacked, Gabrielle settled into her bath with a sigh of relief. Oh, the warm water felt wonderful on those sore, aching muscles, she thought to herself as she washed up. Her relief was short-lived, however; Xena knocked and entered.

"Hey, you can't stay in there all night," she teased the bard. "I've got to get cleaned up too, and it's almost sunset so it won't be long until dinner."

Gabrielle perked up at the mention of dinner as Xena knew she would. The blonde got out of the tub, grabbed a large towel, and headed back to their room to dry off and dress. The warrior climbed in the tub and enjoyed the warm waters as much as her friend did. Soon, she too exited, dried off, and went back to their room.

Gabrielle was dressed, her damp hair slowly drying as the sun continued its descent in the west. The bard worked intently on her scrolls as Xena dressed.

"What are you writing?" the tall woman asked as she donned her leathers.

"Mariah gave me the idea when she told me the story about Scout. You know how there's so much fear and hatred against the Amazons because no one really understands them; maybe there's a story in there somewhere..." the bard trailed off as her quill scratched against the parchment. "I've got to find out more," she muttered to herself as she worked.

She and Xena heard a loud, rumbling noise. The blonde's face went a little pink when she realized it was her stomach growling! Xena laughed. "Come on," she said as she hauled her friend to her feet.. "You'll have plenty of time to talk with her about it when we visit the Amazons. We need to find out from Mariah when she'll be ready to leave. Let's get some food in you, Gabrielle; I swear you have a hollow leg." The two of them left their room and reentered the tavern.

Mariah and Myklos were waiting for them, the merchant carrying a tray of drinks to a secluded corner table in the back. The warrior and the bard walked over to the flutist and her husband. Myklos set the tray down and hugged the two women. "It's great to see you again," he said warmly.

"It's good to see you, too," Gabrielle replied as she sat down. Oh, she had been dreaming of this cup of mead for hours! The fermented honey drink felt wonderful as it slid down her throat.

Xena also sat down and drank deeply of the wine placed in front of her. All of them soon placed their meal order and relaxed as the nightfall settled on the town.

"So how was Corinth?" Mariah asked them, trying to keep the anxiety out of her voice now that her friends were back safe and sound.

Xena reached over and grasped the flutist's hand. She had picked up on Mariah's fears for their safety. "Hey," she said, her voice soft. "Everything went fine. The Corinthians defeated those warlord armies easily. They really didn't even need us," she finished, releasing the hand after giving it a gentle squeeze.

Mariah looked at her tall friend. "Uh-huh," she said, her voice doubtful. "Knowing you, Xena, you probably rallied the army at the time of its greatest need when all seemed lost."

The flutist didn't know how close her arrow came to the mark. "Well, there was this one incident," Gabrielle began, but a sharp glance from Xena stopped her short. There was no use in frightening their friend now that the war was over, Xena thought to herself.

But Mariah hadn't missed the warrior's look. She decided she would talk to Gabrielle privately and find out what *really* happened. She changed the subject. "Are we still going to visit the Amazons?"

"Yes," Gabrielle replied, grateful for a new topic of discussion. "When can you be ready?"

Mariah thought for a moment. "How about the day after tomorrow? That'll give us the chance to get supplies and tie up loose ends. How long do you think we'll be gone?"

"We shouldn't be gone much more than a month," Xena said. "That'll give you enough time to get to know them, Mariah."

"A month?" Myklos's voice reflected his distress as he stared at his wife. "You'll be gone at least a month?"

Mariah looked at him. "I know, love," she said, reaching up and cupping his face. "But this is something we need to do. I'll miss you, too. Terribly. You know, you've been wanting to go on a another buying trip to Athens; this could be a good time to do it. You haven't been there since we married."

Xena nodded, a thoughtful look appearing on her face. "Yes, and the Amazon village is on the way to Athens. We could travel together, and then split up, with Myklos going to the city. And, if he returned earlier than we did, he could say you stayed behind a few extra days to visit your friends and family, Mariah. No one would be suspicious as to why you're leaving or where you'd be."

The food arrived at this time, and the conversation briefly ended as the four friends ate. The flutist wanted to go back to something Xena had said before.

"Xena, you said no one would get suspicious. Why would we have to worry about that?"

The warrior's eyes flickered over to Gabrielle. The bard decided to address this question. "The Amazons aren't well-liked, Mariah," the blonde began, choosing her words carefully. "In fact, they're hated and feared. A lot of people just wouldn't understand why you'd be traveling to see them."

Mariah sat back in her seat and looked at Myklos for confirmation of what her friend had told her. The sadness in his brown eyes told her that Gabrielle spoke an awful truth. Why were people so distrustful of what they didn't understand, the former high school teacher thought to herself. She shook her head in irritation.

Xena peered at the merchant. "Myklos, can you be ready to leave in two days' time?"

"Yeah," he said with a sigh. "My assistants can run the shop and keep an eye on the house while we're gone. I'll stop by and see Ramen tomorrow morning about renting a large wagon and horses." Although he bought a horse for Mariah, the merchant himself did not ride. He looked at his wife, a gleam appearing in his eyes. "A month, huh? We'll have a lot of catching up to do when you get back. A *lot* of catching up!" The meaning in his voice was unmistakable.

Mariah's eyes widened and mouth opened at the innuendo, Xena arched that famous eyebrow, and Gabrielle stifled a giggle. Myklos was saved from his wife's sassy comeback by Clytos's timely arrival. "I'll get you for that," she murmured to him as she and Gabrielle rose from the table. It was time for them to perform.

"Promises, promises," he teased, his brown eyes sparkling at his wife's discomfiture.

The flutist and the bard each had a good night and earned many dinars for their efforts.

Later on, at home, Mariah carried out her promise; she got Myklos.

The merchant thought revenge had never been so sweet.

Chapter Seventeen
Preparations...

Time passed quickly as Xena, Gabrielle, Myklos, and Mariah prepared to go on their journey.

Mariah and Myklos stopped by the stable early to see Ramen, Myklos to rent a wagon and horses, and Mariah to thank Ramen and to make sure Scout was in shape to travel.

While Myklos talked with Ramen, Mariah carefully checked her mare. Scout was in tip top shape, from her hooves to her head. "Hey, how would you like to take a little trip?" the flutist whispered in her horse's ear. Scout neighed in delight.

Ramen and Myklos came over to her when they were done transacting their business. "Myklos tells me you and he are going to Athens tomorrow. Have a safe journey," her trainer told her with a smile.

Mariah looked at Ramen. "I can't begin to thank you for the gift you've given me," she said, her blue eyes misting over. "You don't know how much riding has come to mean..." she trailed off.

"No, it's you who has given *me* the gift, Mariah," Ramen replied. "You've been a wonderful student, all that I could've asked for." The grizzled trainer stuck out his hand, but was pleasantly surprised when

Mariah wrapped her arms around him instead, bestowing upon him a hug of gratitude. He hugged her back, thinking how lucky Myklos was to have this woman in his life.

He pulled back. "I've taught you all that I can for now, but you keep on learning. Remember, there's always something more you can learn."

The former high school English instructor recalled having said that to her own students many times during her teaching career. "I will, Ramen." She turned towards Myklos. "We better get going, love; we still have a lot to do before we leave for Athens."

"We'll see you tomorrow just before sun-up," said the merchant as he and his wife exited the stable. They soon separated once they left, Myklos going to the marketplace to tend to his business, and Mariah going first to Clytos's to tell him of her absence, and then home to clean things up and pack.

They each felt the ache of parting settling in.

Xena and Gabrielle were also busy, hitting a variety of stalls in the marketplace to gather supplies for the trip. Although they only anticipated being on the road a few days, it was better to be safe than sorry. The women stocked up on medicinal herbs, scrolls for Gabrielle, traveling food, tea, feed for the horses, and repair materials for Xena's leathers and armor.

They planned on leaving before sun-up, meeting their friend and her husband on the road outside of town. There would be fewer questions that way.

The four of them met for dinner at Clytos's inn that evening. After a wonderful meal, Gabrielle and Mariah performed together as they had on Mariah's birthday. It was a new experience for most of the customers, who clapped and whistled, demanding more. The bard and the flutist begged off despite the many dinars thrown their way; Xena and Gabrielle knew that Mariah and Myklos would want to spend as much time together as they could that night since they would be apart for so long. The couple hadn't said anything, but their body language was unmistakable. They made an early night of it and soon left the inn.

In the darkness of that late September night, Mariah and Myklos lay in bed together, the merchant holding his wife. "The time will pass so slowly," he murmured, his lips against her hair.

"I know, love," she said. Her head rested on his shoulder; she could hear the strong, steady beat of his heart. "I'm going to miss this, miss you." She was silent for a moment. "But you know what the best part of our separation will be?"

"What?" His voice was a little wary.

"When we're together again," she whispered seductively. She swore his heart skipped a beat.

"Why wait for that?" he asked as he rolled her over and began nuzzling her neck.

"Why indeed?" she replied, running her fingers through his thick black hair.

They didn't.

Chapter Eighteen
Separate Journeys...

Xena and Gabrielle were at the prearranged meeting place outside of Tyldus after sun-up as Mariah and Myklos approached. The flutist sat next to the merchant on the wagon; Scout was tied to the back, Mariah's traveling gear packed on the mare, her staff stowed on the saddle. The four of them would travel together until midday when they would part, Myklos heading towards Athens, the women heading towards Amazon country.

Midday came quickly. Too quickly. It was time for husband and wife to say good-bye.

"Gabrielle and I will go on ahead a little ways," the warrior told the couple. "Stay on the trail, Mariah; you won't miss us. Have a safe trip, Myklos. We'll see you soon." Argo trotted off carrying Xena and the bard so the couple could have some privacy.

Mariah and Myklos climbed off the wagon. They clung to each other for a few minutes as the sounds of the forest washed over them. "You better get going, love," he told his wife. After a long, soul-searing kiss, she did just that. She untied Scout and mounted the animal; Myklos climbed back on the wagon.

"Remember to hire an escort for the trip home," Mariah reminded him.

"I will," he said with a chuckle. They had discussed this several times before. "Enjoy your visit. Stay out of trouble," he teased. He reined in the wagon's team of horses.

"Oh, I'm sure I can. It'll probably be a quiet visit, nothing too exciting," she told him. She spurred Scout and was soon galloping down the road behind Xena and Gabrielle as Myklos steered the cart towards Athens.

Her statement couldn't have been further from the truth.

The flutist soon caught up with her friends, slowing Scout to a walk as she approached Argo.

Gabrielle looked at Mariah. "Are you OK?" she asked her.

"Yeah," Mariah sighed, a small sad smile appearing on her face. "I'm going to miss him, Gabrielle...this is the first time we've been apart since we married."

The three road in silence for a few more miles until Xena called for a rest. The three women dismounted, and ate a quick lunch of fruit, bread, and cheese washed down with water.

"How many days will it take us to get to the village?" Mariah inquired as she ate.

Xena thought for a few moments. "Walking, it usually takes four to five days, but if we ride we can make it there sooner." The warrior looked at Gabrielle.

The bard caught the look. "Oh, no, I don't want to ride *that* long. My body hurts just thinking about it!"

Mariah sympathized, her own saddle sores not forgotten. She peered at Xena. "Are we in that big of a hurry to get there?" she asked her friend in a gentle voice. The flutist didn't mind riding, but she didn't want to press the bard if she was uncomfortable.

Xena mulled it over. It would be nice to make better time, but she would never do that at her friend's expense. "No," she said with a smile for her companions. "And we probably *should* take it slow since this is your first time out this way, Mariah." The warrior stood. "Are you two ready?"

They arose as well, and soon the three of them were on their way once again, walking this time to rest both the horses and Gabrielle's stomach.

They stopped early for the night. After they unpacked the two mares, Xena offered to take the horses down to the stream to water them. While she did that, Gabrielle and Mariah set up camp, gathered wood, and built a fire. When Xena returned with the horses, she had several fish with her as well, much to her friends' delight. Gabrielle cleaned and cooked the fish while Xena and Mariah took care of unsaddling, feeding, and currying Argo and Scout. Dinner was ready soon after they finished.

"Mmm," said Mariah as she dug into her portion with relish. "I'd forgotten just how good Gabrielle's cooking was." Xena, her mouth full, nodded her head in agreement. The blonde smiled in appreciation.

After the dinner utensils and dishes were cleaned, the three women walked down to the stream to bathe. When they returned, they sat around the fire enjoying a cup of hot tea. "Boy, does *this* bring back some memories," Mariah noted as she stared into the fire, thinking of her prior travels with the warrior and the bard. The women chuckled as they reminisced about their earlier adventures.

Xena finally arose and got her sword and sharpening stone, and Gabrielle decided to work on her scrolls for awhile. The warrior glanced at her curly-haired friend. "I don't suppose you brought your flute, did you?" she asked as she worked on the weapon's blade.

Mariah got to her feet and went to her saddlebag. "Now what kind of musician would I be if I left the tool of my trade at home? Voila!" she finished with a flourish as she pulled out her instrument. She soon was sitting down once again by the fire, warming up with a few scales while the warrior finished sharpening her sword. "The request line is open," she teased. "What's your pleasure?"

Xena nodded at Gabrielle. "You pick first."

The bard sat back and thought. Oh, so many choices! "Have you been working on some new songs?" she asked finally.

"Yeah," said Mariah. "You want to hear them? They're a little on the soft side though, a bit romantic. You've heard a few of them before, on my birthday and last night at the inn."

"That's OK," Gabrielle replied. "If it-it doesn't bother you to play that type of music...you know, with Myklos not being here..." the bard trailed off; she did not want to make her friend uncomfortable.

"No, I don't mind." Mariah smiled as she gazed off into the distance. "Playing these songs brings me that much closer to him wherever he is."

Xena looked at the flutist. "I didn't know you were such a romantic," she said, her voice full of meaning.

"Oh, I have MANY skills," Mariah intoned, doing her dead-on Xena impersonation. That broke up her companions, as it always did. "Seriously though, Xena, I didn't know I *was* a romantic. Myklos brought out a side of me I never knew existed." The flutist shook off her slightly melancholic mood. Gods, he's only been gone half a day, she thought wryly. Pull yourself together, girl. She brought the instrument to her lips and began to play.

The magical sound of the flute filled the balmy night air, songs from a few of Mariah's favorite movies echoing through the camp. Music from *Star Wars*, *Titanic*, and *Rudy* echoed through the camp more than two thousand years before the rest of the world would hear them for the very first time. Xena and Gabrielle applauded her efforts when she finished. The flutist turned to the warrior. "Is there anything special you'd like me to play?"

"You already played what I wanted to hear," Xena replied with a smile. "Well, I'm going to sleep. We've got a long day tomorrow." The warrior arose, stretched, and walked over to her bedroll. "Good night, you two."

"Good night," Gabrielle and Mariah chorused, the bard stifling a yawn of her own. Mariah looked at the sleepy blonde and grinned. "We better turn in, too, my friend. Tomorrow night? It's *your* turn to

provide the entertainment! Good night." Mariah got up, stowed her flute in her saddlebag, and went to her bedroll, saying a silent prayer for her husband's safety as she settled in for the night. A drowsy Gabrielle put aside her scroll and crawled off to her sleeping place as well.

A restful night was had by all.

Chapter Nineteen
Old Habits...

It didn't take long for Mariah to readjust to journeying with her two friends. Soon, the three of them fell into their comfortable, familiar traveling routine. Xena, the consummate morning person, was always up first, practicing and hunting; Mariah would wake up before sunrise to work out with her staff and go for a swim, the warrior princess joining her. By the time the two of them returned after sunrise, Gabrielle would be waking up. The three of them would take care of the horses, eat breakfast, and be on their way.

During the day they would take turns walking and riding. Occasionally, Xena or Mariah would take their respective mares out for a run; the horses needed it. One afternoon, late in the day while Xena was off with Argo, Mariah pressed Gabrielle to tell her what happened to them at Corinth, the flutist remembering the look Xena shot the bard when Gabrielle started to tell the tale when they were eating at the inn several nights back. The blonde relented, and told Mariah the story: how the warlords almost claimed Corinth for their own, how the morale of the city's army was so low it was almost nonexistent, how Xena took command of the army when the generals were ambushed and killed by the enemy, and how the warrior princess rallied the city's soldiers to fight to victory despite the overwhelming odds. It was an incredible story of courage, Mariah thought to herself, so typical of her best friends.

"No wonder she didn't want you to say anything," Mariah said to Gabrielle. "Will she mind that you told me about it?"

"No," Gabrielle confessed. "After you and Myklos left the inn that night, we decided we *would* tell you. We felt you have a right to know, oh sibling of ours," the bard teased.

"Thanks, sis," Mariah needled back. The two shared a short laugh.

It was Gabrielle's turn to ask a tale from Mariah. The blonde wanted to know more about the story of the young girl Scout, the namesake of Mariah's mare.

As they walked, Mariah summarized the events in the novel *To Kill A Mockingbird*: Scout and Jem and their father Atticus Finch; Boo Radley; Dill; the trial of Tom Robinson; the racism and intolerance shown towards blacks during the time the book was set; and how all of the events in the story forever changed the lives of Jem, Dill, and Scout.

"That's a beautiful story," Gabrielle said when Mariah finished her narrative.

"Oh, it is, Gabrielle, it is," Mariah sighed. The two women fell silent as Xena rode up on Argo, the warrior's blue eyes shining from her exertions on the mare.

"Do you want to make camp?" Xena asked her friends as she vaulted lightly off her horse. "There's a nice place up ahead. We can unpack the horses, cool off with a swim in the lake, and make an early night of it. We'll be at the village tomorrow."

"Sounds wonderful," Gabrielle said as Mariah nodded. The flutist was so looking forward to this visit. During their travels, Xena and Gabrielle had told her a great deal about the Amazons and their customs.

The former high school teacher was fascinated by what she had heard.

Xena was right; the site she picked for their camp was beautiful, and the waters of the lake were refreshing. Xena tried to teach Mariah her unique way of catching fish using only her hands. The flutist laughed at her own efforts and soon gave up. "For now, I'll stick to using a pole!" she told her blue-eyed warrior friend.

That evening, around the fire, the wineskin passed freely between the three friends as Gabrielle retold several stories about her and Xena's adventures with the Amazons. Mariah was particularly interested in the clans and the Right of Caste.

"Does every Amazon possess the Right of Caste, or only those of royal blood?" Mariah wanted to know.

"Every Amazon has the Right, whether she's royalty or not," Xena answered, "the intent being to pass her line to the worthiest successor if she doesn't have any daughters." She took a healthy pull from the bag.

Mariah looked at Gabrielle. "So when you received Terreis' Right of Caste, you also joined her clan as well, didn't you?"

The bard nodded. "Each Amazon is initiated into a clan when she's still an infant, and there are many different clans; the lion, the bear, the hawk, the horse, the deer. Terreis' clan was that of the eagle; that's why so much of her clothing is decorated with eagle feathers. The eagle represents strength and vision, and from what I know of Terreis, she definitely possessed those qualities!"

Mariah's face turned reflective. "Then Terreis chose well. Very well." The flutist thought of the blonde's quiet strength and her purity of heart and soul. "Yes, Gabrielle, I'd say you are the shining example of what it means to be an Amazon warrior of the Eagle Clan."

"And I would agree," Xena said as she grinned at the bard, who by this time was turning a lovely shade of pink in the firelight. She passed the wineskin to Mariah.

"Knock it off, you two," Gabrielle said lightly, a little embarrassed, a small smile playing about her lips.

"What, does the truth hurt?" Mariah teased. She took another drink from the wineskin and gave it to Gabrielle.

"Oh, let's look at *you*, shall we?" the bard's voice was genial as she directed her comments at the flute player. She took a drink and passed the bag back to Xena.

"Me? Hey, I'm no Amazon and I'm no warrior," Mariah replied, throwing up her hands in mock surrender. "You *know* how I dislike fighting and physical violence! Now, Xena, you're a warrior; there's no doubt about that! And Gabrielle, I'd put you in that category, too. Me? I'm just a happily married flute player who happened to pop in from the twentieth century." Mariah didn't realize her self-minimizing remarks would be pounced upon so voraciously by her friends.

"And just what is your definition a warrior?" Gabrielle asked, curious, eager for ammunition for this argument.

"Let's see," Mariah sat back and ticked off the qualities that came to mind. "Someone who's been in battle and who defends those who can't defend themselves. Someone who possesses physical strength, courage, honor, a sense of duty..." The flutist never realized she listed the very qualities that she herself possessed.

"And you don't think you're a warrior?" Xena said in a disbelieving voice interrupting her friend, joining the debate.

Mariah stared at her as if that fact was obvious. "I'm not, Xena. I'm a battler, a survivor; I'm not a warrior."

The raven haired woman wondered why those people who were closest to a situation often had the worst view of it. "How do you think you survived leaving your own time and fitting in so well here? And how do you think you beat that cancer twice? Dumb luck? I don't think so. Healers and medicine can only take you so far, my friend. You have to *want* to live, and you've proven that on more than one occasion."

"Yes, and don't forget what happened in the Dreamscape," Gabrielle chimed in. "You fought and defeated some of your darkest fears." Not to mention some pretty intense physical and emotional trauma, the bard thought to herself.

"Look, I did what I had to do to *survive*, that's all," Mariah explained, her voice earnest. "My back was up against the wall; anybody else in my place would've done the same. And I was scared witless through most of that stuff." Her friends argued with her long and hard; now Mariah turned a bright shade of red as Xena and Gabrielle continued to assail her with a litany of her accomplishments. "OK, OK, I give up," she laughed as she took the wine from Xena and took another drink. "You win. So maybe there *is* a warrior buried somewhere deep down inside of me." She still didn't quite believe it; she knew she was a survivor, but a warrior? Nah. She couldn't be; she didn't have it in her...did she? She passed the bag back to Gabrielle.

"Not maybe and not deep down," Xena said, her voice turning serious. "You're a warrior in the truest sense of the word, Mariah. Don't you *ever* forget that."

Gabrielle nodded her head in agreement. "You've got the heart of a lion, my friend."

"Yeah, and the bladder of a mouse," the flutist replied with a rueful sigh, getting to her feet, her friends laughing at her choice of words, the tension broken. "All that wine is starting to get to me. I'll be back in a few minutes." She ambled off to relieve herself.

She chuckled as she walked out of camp. What an image, Mariah thought. Me. A warrior. I'm as much a warrior as...well, as Ronald Reagan is a Democrat.

Circumstances would soon prove her wrong.

*Very* wrong.

Chapter Twenty
Being There...

Xena, Gabrielle, and Mariah were on the road early the next day leading the horses. As morning lengthened into early afternoon, the women soon spotted the totems of the Amazon nation. They heard the familiar bird calls of the sentries. Xena stiffened slightly. "What is it?" Mariah whispered as she palmed her staff.

"Just follow our lead," Gabrielle reassured her.

Mariah watched as Xena withdrew her sword, buried the tip in the earth, and clasped her hands over her head. Gabrielle tossed down her staff and also clasped her hands high in the air. Mariah did the same and was soon standing next to her friends, her hands clasped together as well.

Three athletic women materialized from the woods. They wore leather garments and fierce-looking hawk masks made of wood and feathers. They walked over to Gabrielle, dropped to their knees and bowed their heads. "We await you, our queen," said their leader.

Gabrielle brought her hands down to her sides, as did Xena and Mariah. "Please rise," she declared, and the three warriors carried out her request. Even though Gabrielle was the queen, her commands were almost always couched as requests; that was the bard's way, which made her all the more endearing to those who loved her.

The women removed their masks, huge smiles covering their faces. The three women were Eponin, Solari, and the regent Ephiny. The sentries had noted the queen's arrival, and these three wanted to be the first to greet Gabrielle and her closest friends.

"By Artemis herself, it's good to see you again," Gabrielle said as she hugged the warriors.

"It's wonderful to see you too," Ephiny replied. The regent looked at the warrior princess. "I'm glad you were able to put some backbone in the Corinthian army," she stated as she hugged Xena.

"Hey, it could've been worse," Xena stated with a grin.

"Not much worse, from what I've heard," Solari noted, her voice serious as she greeted the warrior.

"Well, it's all over now," Xena said, an unmistakable note of finality in her voice. "What's past is past."

The former high school English teacher stood back a little and watched, but not for long. Gabrielle grasped her arm and led her forward.

"Mariah, we want you to meet Ephiny, Solari, and Eponin. Amazons, this our fr--," she quickly caught and corrected herself, "our sister, Mariah." The bard wanted the women warriors to understand just how much the flutist meant to both her and Xena.

As regent, Ephiny stepped forward first. "Welcome, Mariah." The tall blonde Amazon stuck out her hand for the traditional warrior's handshake. Mariah clasped the outstretched arm and hand, sensing the strength that lay within. Each used the time to study the other.

Ephiny took in Mariah's medium height, curly brown hair, blue eyes, the gold ring on her left hand. She's not much bigger than Gabrielle, the regent thought to herself. You'd never know it to look at her that she's from the future. And with her style of clothing, those scars she's supposed to have aren't even visible. Still, there was something in the flutist's eyes, Ephiny noticed. A strength of will, a tenacity. There was more to her than what was seen, the regent was sure of that.

Mariah, likewise, assessed Ephiny. She was taller than Gabrielle, with striking brown eyes and a wild mane of curly blonde hair. Mariah sensed the power and dignity that emanated from the warrior.

Solari and Eponin stepped forward to greet their queen's friend, the women exchanging handshakes as was the custom, each sizing up the other. Both women were bigger than Ephiny, and Mariah knew immediately that they were formidable forces.

After the greetings, Xena, Mariah, and Gabrielle retrieved their weapons; Ephiny led them to the village, filling them in on recent events. Mariah took in the surroundings as she walked, listening intently but adding little to the conversation. She was content for now to watch, listen, and learn. As they entered the village, they first stopped at the largest visitor's hut and unloaded the horses. After that, Xena guided

Mariah to the stable where they took care of Argo and Scout. When they finished, they returned to the spacious dwelling that would be their home during their visit. Gabrielle was talking with her regent when Xena and Mariah entered, Eponin and Solari having returned to their own duties.

"Ephiny was telling me about the celebration they have planned for this evening," the bard told her friends.

"As long as you have some of that great Amazon wine, I'm happy," Xena said with a smile.

"Oh, we'll have plenty, you can be sure of that," Ephiny teased. "What's an Amazon party without the wine?" She turned to Mariah. "We do have a request of you."

"What is it?" Mariah cocked her head at the regent's inquiry.

"Gabrielle says you're quite the musician. Would you play your flute tonight?" the tall blonde asked.

"I'd be honored," said Mariah. She looked at the bard and bowed slightly, a mischievous glint in her blue eyes. "Is there any special type of music her majesty would like to hear this evening?" Mariah's voice was ever-so-deferential and respectful despite the gleam in her eyes.

Gabrielle couldn't help but giggle at her friend from the future. "I leave that entirely up to you, musician," she intoned regally as she regained control over her giggles.

Xena rolled her eyes at her two friends. "Boy, is it getting *deep* in here," she said.

Both Mariah and Gabrielle couldn't contain their infectious laughter any longer; soon Xena and Ephiny were laughing along with them. "Well, I'll leave you three to relax and get cleaned up," the regent told them after the laughter eased. "The celebration will start at sunset. I'll see you then." She turned and left the hut.

Xena turned to her two friends. "Let's get unpacked. I don't know about you two, but a hot bath sounds wonderful right now." Each women claimed a bed and stowed her belongings.

Mariah spied some beautiful garments and various adornments in one of the corners of the room. She walked over to them. "Are these yours?" she asked the bard.

"Yes," Gabrielle replied joining her. "You'll see me in some of it tonight. Most of this belonged to Terreis; I honor her memory by wearing it."

Xena joined them and clasped them both on their shoulders. "Come on," she said. "We better get going before we have to wrestle half the village to get a tub!" The three women picked up their bathing materials and their shifts and exited the hut.

The Amazon baths were fed by an underground hot springs. Luckily, they had the place to themselves, so Xena, Gabrielle, and Mariah removed their garments and soaked in the soothing warm waters.

"Gods, this feels fantastic," Mariah sighed blissfully after a while as she lathered herself up and rinsed herself off. "I missed this the last few days." And Myklos, she said silently to herself; she wondered about her husband and if he made it safely to Athens. The flutist wasn't aware how much her thoughts were reflected on her face.

Both Xena and Gabrielle caught the conflicting emotions. "Hey, I'm sure he's fine," Xena said. "He's made that trip before, and he knows what he's doing."

"Yeah, you're right," Mariah responded as she came out of her reverie. She looked at her puckered fingers. "I'm going to get out. How about you two?" Her friends agreed, and they emerged from the waters, dried themselves off, and donned shifts for the walk back to their lodgings. The cooling late afternoon air felt wonderful on their warm skin, the mild western wind fluffing their damp hair.

The three women decided to rest before the party, Xena and Gabrielle warning Mariah that Amazon celebrations could last for hours. Before she knew it, Mariah had dozed off, only to be gently awakened by Gabrielle. "You better get ready," the blonde told her.

Mariah blinked and looked around as she woke up. Sunset approached, and it would not look good to be late for the event. Hurriedly, she jumped out of bed and dressed. Xena and Gabrielle were almost finished, so Mariah got to see the bard in her full Amazon regalia.

She looked breathtaking, Mariah thought, the brown leather and suede garments setting off her reddish-blonde hair and light skin coloring to perfection. The decorative bracers and arm bands only enhanced her appearance, as did the necklace and earrings. This wasn't Gabrielle, bard of Potadeia; no, this was Gabrielle, Queen of the Amazons, and she looked every inch the part, as if she were born to it. Mariah couldn't help but stare at her friend, slightly awed.

"What's the matter?" Gabrielle asked, her voice curious.

"I feel like I should kneel or bow or something," Mariah said, still a little overwhelmed. Xena shook her head and chuckled at the teacher's reaction.

"Don't you dare!" Gabrielle said with a gentle laugh as she squeezed her friend's arm. The bard's stomach rumbled, and that brought Mariah back to reality. "Get your flute and let's go get something to eat.

I'm hungry!"

That's our Gabrielle, Mariah thought affectionately as she grabbed her instrument. Even as the Amazon Queen, her friend was still quite the trencherman when it came to food; that would *never* change! As the sun dropped further into the west, the three women left their lodging for the celebration.

Chapter Twenty-One
The Maneuver...

The celebration was held outdoors as the night was balmy and brightly lit with dozens of torches and the promise of a full moon. Gabrielle was seated at the place of honor, with Xena on her right and Mariah on her left. Ephiny, Eponin, and Solari also sat at their table.

Gabrielle stood, and the women fell silent. Invoking the names of Hippolyta and Artemis, the young queen launched the evening's celebratory dinner and festivities.

The flutist was quiet through most of the wonderful dinner, still watching, observing, listening, soaking in the sights and sounds of her new environment as she ate her fill of the delicious food. And Xena was right about the wine; it was one of the best vintages she had ever tasted. Unlike many outsiders, Mariah was very comfortable in these surroundings; this culture of women warriors intrigued her, fascinated her. She felt their spirit, their strength, their courage, their zest for life...gods, it was incredible.

"A dinar for your thoughts," Gabrielle said as she leaned towards her friend from the future. The queen noticed Mariah's reticence and the absorbed look on her face.

As Mariah opened up her mouth to answer, she caught a disturbance out of the corner of her eye on her far left. A group of Amazons surrounded a red-haired woman who clutched her throat, her eyes bulging.

They took turns pounding on her back.

Instinct taking control as an extra quart of adrenaline suddenly surged through her circulatory system, Mariah jumped to her feet and ran over. Pushing the warriors aside, she noticed the red-haired woman's face was turning blue. Stepping behind her, the flutist grabbed the woman around her waist, and placed her fist just above her naval. She covered her fist with her other hand and brought her fist up sharply into the warrior's abdomen. Nothing. Mariah gritted her teeth and tried again; this time she was successful as a large piece of grisly meat shot out of the woman's throat and landed on the table.

The red-haired woman gasped in relief as she took in a deep gulp of air. She was dimly aware of gentle hands kneading her back and shoulders as the roaring blackness surrounding her receded. "It's all right," she heard a reassuring voice murmur in her ear. "Just relax and breathe. You'll be fine." The warrior did as she was told, breathing deeply of the sweet night air, air she thought she'd never breathe again. It was several moments before she had recovered enough to take in her surroundings. She twisted around and studied the woman who saved her. It was the queen's friend, the flute player, the one who had been so quiet during dinner.

By this time Xena and Gabrielle were there; they had witnessed their friend's mad dash from the table and her heroics. Mariah turned to them and whispered, her voice faint, "Can you get me out of here?" Now that the emergency was over, the adrenaline rush wore off but an excess of the chemical still remained in her system, leaving her body shaky, her knees weak. She didn't want to embarrass herself in front of the Amazons.

Xena understood immediately. Asking Gabrielle to check on the choking victim, the tall warrior wrapped a strong arm around Mariah's shoulders and led her to a secluded place. She had the wobbly woman sit on a stump and put her head between her knees as she was still a bit lightheaded.

Mariah sat on the stump, head bowed, hands shaking, heart pounding, trying to control her breathing so she wouldn't hyperventilate. Xena, massaging her back and shoulders, could feel the tension thrumming through her friend as the extra adrenaline made its way out of her system. Soon, the tension eased and Mariah began to feel better. Xena felt the change but still worked on her. Solari came up to them.

"Is she all right?" the warrior gestured at the slumped-over Mariah, her voice concerned.

"She'll be OK," Xena replied as she finished kneading her friend's now-relaxed muscles.

"Yeah, there's nothing like a little adrenaline rush to liven up your night," Mariah said in a wry voice as she sat up, leaned back against Xena's solid form, closed her eyes, and sighed. She opened her eyes and stared up at Solari. "How's that woman doing?" Mariah felt the comforting presence of Xena's hands on her shoulders.

"Salla? She's fine," Solari responded. "She's looking for you, as is everyone else."

"We'll be back in a little bit," Xena said, knowing that Mariah could use a little more time to herself. Solari nodded and went back to the party.

Mariah was quiet as she sat on stump, thinking about the choking incident and last night's conversation with her friends. She laughed shortly, but there was no humor in it. "Yeah, I'm *some* warrior." She felt Xena's hands tighten on her shoulders. Mariah didn't realize she had voiced her feelings.

"What's *that* supposed to mean?" Xena demanded.

Mariah marshaled her thoughts before she answered. "You saw me, Xena," the flutist said, disgusted at her perceived weakness. "I was shaking like a leaf. I damn near passed out on you."

"Now you listen to me," Xena told her, her voice serious. "I'll tell you what I saw; I saw you save someone's life. You knew what to do when it counted. You didn't freeze; you remember that." The two friends fell silent.

"Xena?" Mariah said softly after a few moments.

"What?" Xena leaned down.

"Thanks." The flutist's hands covered the warrior's hands; she felt Xena's reassuring squeeze.

"You're very welcome, my friend," the warrior said with a gentle smile.

Time passed. "Mariah?" Xena asked as she looked down at the teacher.

"Hmmm?" Mariah tilted her head up and looked at the warrior, blue eyes meeting blue eyes.

"Think you could teach me that move?" Xena's eyes sparkled merrily in the torchlit night.

"Which one, the running-from-the-table move or the save-the-Amazon-from-choking move?" Mariah teased.

Xena chuckled as her friend from the future returned back to her normal spirited self. "The save-the-Amazon-from-choking move. I already know how to run from tables."

Mariah laughed in spite of herself as she stood. "Here. Let me show you." She turned Xena around, and grabbed the warrior around the waist, positioning her hands and showing her how the Heimlich maneuver worked. She then let the warrior try it out her, cautioning her to be gentle. With a little coaching from Mariah, Xena soon knew the maneuver inside and out.

"Where did you learn that?" Xena asked her as they returned to the party.

"Oh, I took a first aid class several years ago. I learned that and a lot more," Mariah replied. "I never thought I'd be in a position to use it!"

Further conversation wasn't possible as Xena and the flutist were soon surrounded by a throng of thankful Amazons. Ephiny brought Salla over to meet Mariah.

"I didn't get a chance earlier to thank you," Salla said, her hazel eyes full of gratitude.

"You're welcome, Salla," Mariah's smile was warm. "I'm glad I could help."

Each woman studied the other in the flickering fire-lit night. They were roughly the same height, the same build, although Mariah was at least five years older. Bright hazel eyes stared into vivid blue as their lives were forever intertwined on this fateful night. They each sensed the bond they now shared, courtesy of a chunk of grisly meat.

"I want to talk with you later," Salla told her, her face framed by her mane of red hair, as the crush of Amazons soon separated them.

"I look forward to it," Mariah called out, the crowd pulling her off in another direction.

Fate moves in mysterious ways.

And no one knew what lay ahead.

Chapter Twenty-Two
A Little Night Music...

It was some time before Mariah and Xena could make their way back to the queen's table through the crush of appreciative Amazons. Xena reached her chair, and the flutist eventually settled back in her own seat on Gabrielle's left side. The queen reached over and clasped her hand.

"How are you?" she asked, remembering how shaky she had looked earlier.

"Oh, I'm fine now," Mariah said with a smile as she squeezed the bard's hand. Then she recalled something. "Gabrielle, didn't you ask me a question just before all Hades's broke loose?" Mariah inquired as she released her friend's hand.

"Yeah," the queen replied. "I said, 'A dinar for your thoughts.' What *were* you thinking?" she asked, her voice curious. Xena leaned in to better hear their discussion.

"I was thinking what a marvelous group of women these Amazons are," Mariah replied as she drank deeply of the wine set before her.

Xena chuckled as she watched her friends. "You better be careful with that; a little goes a long way."

"I can tell," Mariah said. She added some water to the cup to dilute the potent beverage. It would do her no good to get drunk and act foolish.

As they sat at the table, a number of Amazons came over and introduced themselves. Mariah did her best to keep up with the names and faces that constantly streamed by the table.

After the tables had been cleared, the musicians set up and began playing. Soon, most of the warriors were dancing around the bonfire to the pulsating, hypnotic beat of the music. At the queen's table, Xena, Gabrielle, and Mariah watched the dancers and listened to the music, the flutist tapping her foot until Ephiny appeared. She looked at Mariah. "Are you still up to playing?" After the excitement of what had happened earlier, the regent didn't want to press her.

"Of course," Mariah said. "Just let me warm up first." She grabbed her flute and went back to the secluded stump where Xena had taken her earlier to get over her adrenaline shakes. She sat down and worked through the scales; as she practiced, she noticed Ephiny stroll by, headed for the latrine. When Mariah was ready, she then returned to the party.

As the Amazon musicians finished, Ephiny raised her hands for silence. "By the Queen's request, her dear friend, her sister, Mariah of Tyldus, will now play for us."

The women were silent as Mariah approached Gabrielle. The flutist bowed, showing the queen the reverence she was due. There was no merriment in Mariah's eyes as was present earlier in the day. Her face reflected the love, respect, and admiration she had for one of her best friends who just happened to be an Amazon Queen. "I await the Queen's pleasure," she announced.

Gabrielle nodded and smiled at her; somehow, Mariah instinctively knew the proper tone to take for this public occasion. "Please begin when you're ready," Gabrielle instructed her.

Mariah sat down where the musicians had set up earlier in the evening. She decided to perform a medley of ballads and love songs. She brought the flute to her lips, closed her eyes, and thought of Myklos; that helped her get in the mood for this performance. The medley featured some of her favorite music from some of her favorite twentieth century artists: Madonna, the Carpenters, Celine Dion, and the Beatles. The lilt of the flute soared over the silent throng of Amazons, the soaring notes carrying far into the moonlit night.

As she finished, warm applause washed over her. She noticed more than a few Amazons wiping tears from their eyes, so moved were they by the music. She stood, quickly bowed to acknowledge the applause, and returned to Xena and Gabrielle.

"Beautiful, Mariah...simply beautiful," an enthusiastic Gabrielle told her. "You just keep getting better and better." Xena, drinking her wine, nodded her head in agreement.

Before Mariah could respond, Eponin walked over. "Could we borrow your sister for a little bit?" she asked the queen, a huge smile on her face.

"Take her; she's yours," Gabrielle told the warrior. The bard grinned and winked at Mariah, and the flutist soon found herself propelled away from the queen's table and directed by Eponin towards Salla's group, off to the side.

It was time for that talk Salla mentioned earlier.

Chapter Twenty-Three
Lasting Impressions...

Eponin settled Mariah at the table, placing a brimming cupful of wine in front of her. Mariah took a healthy swig; she was a bit parched from her playing. She noticed she had quite a nice little buzz in her head. Whoa, girl, she thought to herself. You better keep your wits about you. She peered at the stocky Amazon. "I think I'd better switch to water before you have to scrape me off the ground."

The warriors seated at the table laughed at her words and Eponin placed a large mug of water in front of her. She drank deeply, and felt much better for it. She placed her flute on the table, settled back in her chair, and took in the faces of the Amazons surrounding her. She had never seen such an athletic-looking group of women, women who possessed an almost-feral aura of power and grace. Their skimpy leather and suede garments left absolutely nothing to the imagination; Mariah was glad her cancer scars were covered up.

They were studying her as much as she was observing them, especially Salla. So this is the queen's friend from Tyldus, the red-haired warrior thought to herself. This is the woman to whom I owe my life. She took in the brown curly hair, the smiling blue eyes, and the gold ring on her left hand. Salla motioned to the band. "What's that?" she asked, curiosity reflected in her voice.

"That? My husband gave it to me; it's my wedding ring," Mariah replied. She noticed frowns appearing on several faces at her mention of having a man in her life. Better nip *this* in the bud but quick, she thought. "Hey, different strokes for different folks, OK? Whatever makes you happy, ladies, and Myklos makes me *very* happy," she finished, her voice full of meaning.

The warriors chuckled, catching her drift, some of the tension easing. "So where's your husband now?" Salla continued.

"He went off to Athens for a few weeks while I'm here," Mariah said.

"He didn't mind you coming?" Salla pressed.

"No. Why would he?" Mariah queried, knowing but wanting to hear it for herself.

"Most husbands would be a little....upset that their wives were visiting Amazons," Eponin explained.

"Not my man," Mariah emphasized, shaking her head. "He thought it was a fine idea."

"Well, it sounds as if you've got one of the few good men around," Salla said with a smile.

"Yeah, I think I'll keep him," she drawled in a dry voice, her head still buzzing a bit from the potent wine. This drew another round of chuckles from the warriors. Mariah decided to turn the conversation away from herself. She looked at the red-haired Amazon. "Enough about me...tell me about yourself, Salla."

Salla studied the contents of her wine cup before she answered the flutist. Where to start and what to tell, she wondered. She looked up at Mariah, who sat waiting, an expectant look on her face. "There's not much to tell," Salla said, her voice quiet. "I'm fairly new to the village; I joined the tribe a few months ago, just before the summer solstice." She fell silent and took a drink of her wine.

Mariah's interest was piqued; they both began new lives around the solstice, the flutist with Myklos, and Salla with a new tribe. "What's your clan?" she inquired. Mariah noticed that the other Amazons at the table now talked amongst themselves, so the two of them were alone in their conversation. Eponin, though, listened with half an ear; she, Solari, and Ephiny had decided amongst themselves earlier to keep an eye on the flutist during her visit.

Salla's eyes lit up with pride. "I belong to the clan of the horse." She showed Mariah the beautiful armbands made up of hair from the mane and tail of the animal.

"Do you ride?" the former teacher asked her, admiring the bands.

Salla sighed. "I used to. I haven't had the chance to get a horse since I've been here." She thought of the beloved horse she had when she was with her old tribe, before...Her eyes closed in anguish at the memories.

Mariah saw the regret and pain on the warrior's face and her heart went out to her. "Why don't you come and ride with me sometime?" She felt a kinship towards this woman who was so much like her, a woman who, for whatever the reason, had to start a new life for herself.

The hazel-eyed warrior stared at Mariah as she struggled to rein in her surging emotions. "I'd like that," she said simply. Salla decided to redirect their discussion. "Hey, where did you learn that stomach-squeezing move?"

"Oh, it was something I picked up in Athens," Mariah lied, noticing the warrior's shift in conversation. "I used to play in some of the taverns and inns there; that's how I met Xena and Gabrielle." The flutist told her cover story.

Mariah noticed something as she spoke; she was picking up some unusual vibes from Salla. When she had taught high school, she learned, through trial and error, how to sense a person's mood from a variety of cues, such as body language, and Salla's body language spoke volumes: this red-haired warrior *definitely* was not comfortable talking about her past. Something else we have in common, the former teacher thought wryly, besides being relative newcomers to the area and sharing a love for horses. As she spoke the other Amazons ended their conversations and listened to her tell about her travels with Xena and Gabrielle.

When she finished, she noticed several of the warriors eyeing her flute. "We know you performed once already, Mariah; would you mind playing another song for us?" Eponin asked her, speaking for the group.

"No, not at all," Mariah replied with a smile, flattered. "Is there anything special you'd like to hear?"

Eponin knew what the women wanted. "Could you play another one of those ballads? Those were beautiful." The warriors sitting at the table agreed.

"Sure," the flutist said. She picked up her instrument, and, settling on her chair, quickly ran through a few scales. Which song, she wondered as she warmed up, which song should I play...ah, *this* one, she thought as she made her decision. The song started out quietly, a haunting promise of what was to come. Soon, conversations at other tables came to a halt as the Amazons listened to their queen's friend play her flute.

Gabrielle and Xena looked over at their friend when they heard the flute; this was a tune they had heard many times before when Mariah traveled with them. Mariah, thinking of the absent Myklos and all they had endured, her eyes closed, was almost oblivious as she lost herself in the song, a song she often played before her wedding. It had helped her through those dark days when she wrestled with the idea of marrying the merchant. The music grew in volume, reflecting the emotions present within the piece, softening at the end as Mariah brought it to a close. When the flutist opened her eyes, she found tears on her cheeks. She wasn't the only one, she noticed as she looked around and saw several other tear-stained faces. She heard the applause and cheers of warriors around her.

"By the gods, girl, you're an artist," Salla said, her voice soft, as the applause died down. "Does that song have a name?"

"Yeah. It's called, 'Come On In Out Of The Rain,'" Mariah replied as she wiped her eyes.

"Did you write it?" Eponin asked, curious.

"Oh, no," said Mariah with a small laugh. "I can play them better than I can write them! And you should hear the words to that song...they're beautiful. If I ever work up the courage, I'll sing it sometime."

Eponin, her mouth open to ask another question, stopped when she saw Xena come to their table. "If you ladies don't mind, Gabrielle wants to see Mariah." The warrior smiled as she looked at her friend.

"Would you excuse me?" Mariah said as she got up from the table. "I'll see you later." The warriors bid her farewell as she walked over to the queen's table.

Xena bent over Eponin. Thanks for keeping an eye on her, Ep," the warrior whispered in her ear.

"Hey, no problem, Xena," the stocky warrior assured her. Xena clapped her on the shoulder and strolled back to Gabrielle.

Salla watched them as they moved away.

Chapter Twenty-Four
Obligation...

"So how are you holding up?" Gabrielle asked Mariah. when the flutist had settled back in her seat on the bard's left.

"I'm pooping out," she admitted, stifling a small yawn.

"I told you these parties can last a long time," the blonde said with a grin, her voice sympathetic. "Do you want to call it a night?"

"Yeah, if you don't mind." She glanced at the warrior women still in the midst of their celebration. "That's OK, isn't it?" The flutist was uncertain of Amazon protocols and didn't want to offend them.

"Oh, don't worry," Xena said with a smile as joined them at the table. The warrior had noticed several Amazons moving off in the direction of their huts. "Go get some sleep. Tomorrow, I'll show you where you can ride Scout around here. There's some beautiful country to explore."

Mariah stood and put a hand on each of their shoulders, squeezing them affectionately. "I'll check on the horses before I go to bed, Xena. That way, you won't have to do it. Have fun, you two; I'll see you in the morning." She walked off towards the stables.

Xena and Gabrielle told her good night and watched her leave, as did a certain hazel-eyed warrior and a stocky Amazon.

Salla rose and followed Mariah.

Eponin rose and followed them both.

Mariah entered the stables, her eyes adjusting to the light. The flutist checked on Argo and Scout; both horses were fine. She gave Scout's nose an affectionate rub. "Get some sleep, partner. We're going to have some fun tomorrow!" The chestnut mare neighed in anticipation.

"She's beautiful," the voice said.

Mariah whirled around in surprise. Salla stood at the entrance to the stables. The warrior walked up to Mariah and Scout. "How long have you had her?" she asked.

"Almost two months," Mariah answered. "My husband bought her for me for my birthday."

Salla stroked the horse's muzzle, a wistful look appearing in her hazel eyes. "She reminds me of my horse, Erama."

"What happened to Erama?"

"She was killed," Salla said, her voice abrupt. Gods, she thought angrily to herself, so many have died while I have lived: my entire family, my village, my tribe, my horse...why?

Mariah saw the conflicting emotions warring on Salla's face. What had she been through, the former teacher wondered. She changed the subject. "Like I said before, if you ever want to come riding with me, you're more than welcome," she offered.

"I might just take you up on that." Salla studied this woman who had already given her so much, her very life in fact. That brought to mind the reason why Salla followed her to the stables in the first place.

"Mariah, there's something you need to know; I'm under obligation to you," she began.

Mariah's head swiveled in Salla's direction. "What?"

"You saved my life," the warrior said. "According to our customs, when someone saves the life of an Amazon, she's in that person's debt, especially when the rescuer is a warrior and an Amazon herself."

The flutist's laugh was gentle, her smile warm. "You don't owe me a thing. And you're mistaken about two *very* important items, my friend: I'm not a warrior and I'm definitely not an Amazon!"

The hazel-eyed woman disagreed. "You react like a warrior: quick, decisive, sure of yourself, calm in a crisis...you did what needed to be done. And you're the queen's sister."

"Not by blood, Salla. Xena, Gabrielle and I are close friends, the best of friends in fact. Gods, we've been through so much together these past few months..." her voice trailed off as the memories flooded her mind.

Salla was nothing if persistent as her next question intruded upon Mariah's thoughts. "Has anyone ever saved your life?"

The former teacher's eyes widened at the potential answer she could've given. "Oh, yes, Salla. More times than I even care to *think* about!"

From the determined look on Mariah's face and the tone of her voice, the warrior knew this to be true. "Don't you feel you owe them something?" she asked, her voice purposeful.

Mariah sighed as she answered. "Yeah, I do. And I pay them back by living each day as fully as I can, as if it were my last. Don't you see? We've been given a gift, you and me; the gift of life. I've come to realize just how precious life is, and I treasure it more than anyone knows. And if you feel you 'owe' me, Salla, then here's how you can pay me back; live each day the best way you can. That's the greatest gift you could give me."

They were interrupted by Eponin's entrance into the stables. She had been outside and had heard most of their conversation. "Xena and Gabrielle said I would find you here," she addressed the flutist. She walked up and laid an admiring hand on Scout. "She's a fine-looking animal, Mariah."

Salla knew their discussion time had come to an end with Eponin's untimely arrival. "Well, I guess I better get some sleep," she said. "I have the morning sentry duty; I'll see you." She turned and walked out, her thoughts and Mariah's words whirling through her mind.

Despite the flutist's words, Salla knew she had a debt of honor.

And she was determined to pay it.

In full.

Continue on to Chapter 25 of No Greater Love

Return to Chapters 1-12 of No Greater Love

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