No Greater Love Chapters 10

No Greater Love

Chapter Nine

Reminiscing...

After Xena returned from the stable, the birthday party continued for a little while longer before it began to break up. It was getting late and the revelers came over to tell Mariah and Myklos good-bye before they went home. Soon, the only people remaining in the inn were Clytos and his staff (who were cleaning up), Xena, Gabrielle, Myklos and Mariah. Myklos soon arose from the table so the three friends could talk more freely. He leaned over and kissed his wife. "I'll see you when you're finished here," he said with a grin. "Good night," he told Xena and Gabrielle.

"Good night," they said as he left carrying the bulging cloth bag containing Mariah's birthday gifts.

Clytos came over with three drinks and a full wineskin. "Last call," he told them with a smile as Mariah paid for the round and the wineskin. "It's almost time to close for the night."

They got the hint. "Why don't you come to our room, Mariah?" Gabrielle asked. She agreed, and the three of them picked up their drinks and the wineskin and went to the room, Xena and Gabrielle lighting the candles and lamps. They soon settled in and sat down, relaxing after the busy, event-filled day.

Mariah looked at Xena and Gabrielle. "So what have you two been up to?"

Gabrielle briefly detailed their travels since Mariah's wedding. The bard eyed her friend from the future. "How have *you* been?" she asked.

"Great," Mariah said with a smile as she drank some more wine. "I didn't realize married life would agree with me so much. These past weeks have been divine. And I don't think I've ever had such a fantastic birthday."

"Yeah, I'll bet," responded Gabrielle with a laugh. "And that horse! She's beautiful."

Xena and Mariah agreed with her. Mariah addressed the warrior. "Xena...was it hard to learn how to ride?"

"It's like anything else, Mariah," Xena replied. "It takes practice. Remember when you first started working out with your staff?" The warrior princess chuckled at the memories of her friend's early awkward efforts.

Gabrielle and Mariah laughed as well. "Yeah, I was pretty clumsy," the former teacher admitted.

"But you got better because you stuck with it. Learning how to ride and take care of a horse is the same thing. You can do it; it just takes time," Xena assured her.

Mariah looked at her empty cup. "Well, I better get going so you two can get some sleep," she said as she rose to her feet and stretched. "It's been a long day. I'll see you tomorrow."

Gabrielle and Xena arose as well. "We'll walk you home," Gabrielle told her, and the three of them headed down the road towards Mariah's home. When they arrived, Mariah hugged her friends.

"I'm so glad you both were here," she said. "It wouldn't have been the same without you."

"Hey, we wouldn't have missed it," Gabrielle replied, her voice soft.

"Good night, my friend," Xena told her, smiling. "Pleasant dreams."

"Oh, I don't think that'll be a problem tonight," Mariah teased as she entered her home.

It wasn't.

Chapter Ten

Spar Wars...

Mariah was working out with her staff before sun-up as usual. As she twirled, feinted, and lunged, she suddenly sensed a presence nearby. She stopped the movements of her staff and looked around. She saw nothing, her blue eyes narrowing as she searched the surrounding countryside. Still, Mariah couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She resumed her workout, maintaining a higher level of alertness.

A hidden Xena watched her friend, a slow grin coming to her face. So, Mariah had sensed someone was in the area. Good for her, the warrior thought. Now let's see how quick her reflexes are.

The attack came from Mariah's left. Not hesitating, the flutist brought her staff around in a defensive posture to ward off the staff speeding towards her. Deflecting the weapon, she swung at her attacker's feet, forcing her foe into a graceful backflip; Mariah grinned when she heard the familiar "A-YI-YI-YI-YI-YI!!!"

Xena landed, turned, and smiling, looked at her friend. "Gabrielle was right; you *have* improved."

It was Mariah's turn to smile. "Well, I had the two best teachers in all of Greece! You want to spar for awhile?"

The warrior agreed, and soon the air was filled with the crackling sound of staff meeting staff. As good as Mariah was, she was no match for the warrior princess, who slowly, relentlessly, wore down her defenses. It took much longer than Xena thought it would. She was impressed with Mariah's stamina and improved fighting abilities. A leg sweep finally brought the flutist down. Mariah lay on her back, winded, sweaty, eyes closed, breathing hard from the encounter. Xena stood over her, her bangs matted to her forehead, beads of perspiration shining on her face as well.

"Are you all right?" the warrior asked looking down at her, her voice a little concerned.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine," Mariah panted, opening her eyes, her breathing returning to normal. She grinned up at her friend. "I see *you* haven't lost your touch!"

Xena laughed as she helped Mariah to her feet. "Come on. Let's go for a swim."

The two women walked down to the river, stripped, and went for a long, cooling swim. Invigorated, they returned to shore, dried off, and dressed.

"Do you and Gabrielle want to come over for breakfast?" Mariah asked her as they walked back towards town.

"No thanks," Xena replied. "I want to take Argo out for a run, and it'll be good for Gabrielle to catch up on her sleep. Besides, *you've* got to start learning all about horses yourself now that you've got one of your own." The warrior whistled, and her mare materialized from the nearby forest.

Mariah took a hold of her friend's arm. "I didn't get the chance to thank you last night for that beautiful saddle blanket," she said.

Xena's blue eyes were warm when she looked at Mariah. "You're welcome," she stated as she grasped the flutist's hand.

"I can't believe I thought it was for a baby!" Mariah said, a little ruefully.

Xena chuckled at the memory, as did Mariah.

When they reached Mariah's house, Xena turned to her, her voice becoming serious. "Be careful. Make sure you know what you're doing, Mariah. Horseback riding is fun, but it can be dangerous." Changing the subject, she continued. "Oh, before I forget...Gabrielle and I need to talk with you. Nothing's wrong," she said quickly when she saw the worried look appear on Mariah's face. "We'll see you tonight. Take care, and good luck with your lesson!" she said as she leapt onto Argo's back, spurring the animal into action.

The warrior and the horse soon galloped out of sight, Mariah's eyes following them.

What did her friends need to tell her?

Chapter Eleven

Horsing Around...

As Mariah entered her house, Myklos awoke from a deep slumber.

She stared at him, a mischievous look appearing on her face. Still energized from her workout with Xena, she crept over to the bed and pounced on her still-sleepy husband.

Before Myklos could react, Mariah sat on top of him, pinning him down. He struggled briefly as he looked up into her smiling blue eyes. "OK, OK, I surrender," he said with a laugh.

"Oh, no, no, no. You don't get out of it *that* easily," she told him, her low voice husky with emotion. Still holding him down, she bent over and slowly, sensuously, kissed the hollow at the base of his throat.

Myklos closed his eyes and lost himself in the delicious torture of the moment.

He was late to the marketplace. Again. But he didn't mind.

Later that morning, Mariah walked over to the stable carrying her new saddle blanket. Opening the door, her eyes adjusting to the dimmer indoor light, she saw a slightly grizzled man trimming down a horse's hoof. She waited silently until he was finished before she went over to him.

"Are you Ramen?" she asked. At his affirmative nod, she said, "Hello. I'm Mariah. My husband said you'd be teaching me what I need to know about horses." She held out her hand in greeting.

Ramen looked at his new pupil, sizing her up. He liked her direct, no-nonsense approach. He slowly reached out his calloused hand and shook her outstretched one. "Hello yourself," he said. "So what do you know about horses?"

"Only that they're a lot bigger than I am!" she said with a small laugh.

Ramen laughed with her. "Let's get started, shall we?" He led her over to her chestnut mare. "Do you have a name for her yet?"

Mariah thought for a moment. A name popped in her head, a character from one of her favorite twentieth century novels, a book she had taught several times in her old life. "Yes. Yes I do," she said as she looked at her horse. "I'll call her Scout."

"Scout...that's a good name," Ramen replied, not understanding the reference, thinking the name was in regard to something else.

The trainer began teaching her the parts of the horse, starting at the ears, ending with the fetlocks and hooves, and detailing all the parts in between: shoulders, withers, the chest, elbows, flanks, hocks...it seemed endless.

Mariah was fascinated as she listened to Ramen's explanation. He had her repeat back what she had heard as she needed to know these parts herself if she was going to be successful in mastering the animal. Mariah had always been a quick study, and Ramen was impressed with her retention.

Next they moved to the tack. There was new terminology here as well: bridle, reins, bit, girth, stirrups, cinches, seat...once more, the terms seemed endless. There was so much to learn and she hadn't even ridden the horse yet! Again, Ramen had her name the parts of the tack, correcting her when she made a mistake.

It was time to saddle up Scout. He first taught her how to fit the bridle over Scout's head and how to properly place the bit in the mare's mouth. Ramen then made Mariah lug the saddle over to the animal and noticed she had a bit of trouble hefting it onto Scout's back. She wasn't yet used to its bulk and weight. When she finally settled the saddle on Scout's back, Ramen looked at her and felt the muscles in her upper arms and shoulders. "Hmm," he mused. "You've got good muscle tone, Mariah, but you'll need to build it up even more." He recommended some exercises to improve her upper body strength. He showed her the proper way to put the saddle on Scout's back so it wouldn't damage the horse's innards. He cinched it up snug and helped her mount.

As Mariah sat on Scout's back, she had a sudden vision of galloping across an open plain, the wind in her face, the sun shining down from the heavens, hooves pounding, driving. It was a heady feeling. She knew she wasn't ready for that yet, but soon, she hoped...

Ramen brought her out of her reverie. "Already dreaming of that big ride?" he asked lightly, his voice knowing.

She blushed a bit at being caught in her daydream. "Yeah," she admitted shyly.

"It can happen soon if you know what you're doing," he said as he adjusted her stirrups. "Are you comfortable? How does it feel?"

"Pretty good," she replied. She noticed her legs chafed a bit against the saddle. She told Ramen, and he recommended she get a pair of leather leggings.

He had her dismount and remove the saddle. After, he brought out the hoof pick, brushes, and combs; Ramen showed her how to groom Scout and check her hooves for stones and obstructions. When he was satisfied with her efforts, he told her their session was over.

"I want you to come here earlier from now on," he told her, his voice gruff. "You've done all right for your first day, but you still have a lot to learn." Actually, he was impressed she did as well as she did, but it would do her no good to hear that...yet.

She turned to him. "Thank you," she said. "I appreciate you taking the time to teach me. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow."

Now it was his turn to blush. Ramen seldom heard gratitude in his line of work. He waved her off and watched her with timeworn eyes as she exited the stables.

Maybe the gods were smiling on him after all.

Chapter Twelve

Night Musings...

When Mariah left the stable, she headed for the marketplace to see about a pair of leggings. Myklos didn't have what she needed, but he was able to direct her to Jerrold, the best leathermaker in town.

As she entered the shop, the aroma of tanned hides tickled her nostrils. Eyes adjusting to the dimming light, she looked around for Jerrold.

He soon came out of the back. "Can I help you," he asked.

"Yes," she said. "I've just started horseback riding and I need leather leggings." Jerrold nodded his head and went to the back room.

Mariah strolled around while she waited, looking at his wares. Another person entered the shop. It was Xena. The warrior walked over to her friend.

"Myklos told me I would find you here," Xena began. "I'm afraid Gabrielle and I have to cut our visit short. A runner arrived from Corinth. He's been trying to find us for some time. They're having problems with several warlords who have banded their armies together to try and take the city, and we've been asked to help defeat them. We're leaving in the morning."

"Damn," Mariah said, her voice and face showing her disappointment. "I was hoping you two would get to stay a *little* longer. How long do you think you'll be gone?"

"At least a month, maybe more," Xena said, regret in her voice. She too had been looking forward to spending time with her friend from the future, but duty called, and both she and Mariah knew it.

Mariah was silent for a few moments before she addressed her raven-haired friend. "I want you and Gabrielle to come over to the house tonight for supper; you two should have a homecooked meal before you go on your way. And you said this morning that you had to talk to me about something. We'll take care of that, too. I'm going to see Clytos and tell him I won't be able to play tonight. I'll see you and Gabrielle around sunset."

Jerrold came out with several pairs of leather leggings for Mariah to examine. Xena arched an eyebrow at her friend. "Going for a new look?" she teased.

Mariah had to giggle. "Yeah, right. 'Mariah: Warrior Princess,'" she intoned. Xena chuckled, too. The flutist explained about the saddle chafing and her need to protect her inner thighs and legs.

The warrior clapped her hand gently on her friend's back. "Good luck with the leggings. Gabrielle and I will see you and Myklos in a little bit." Xena exited the shop.

Mariah soon made a choice and bought what she needed. After paying Jerrold and thanking him for his help, she made her way back to the inn. She explained her situation to Clytos and also made arrangements for the innkeeper to pack some extra food and a wineskin for her friends when they left the following morning. She then returned to the marketplace to tell Myklos what happened and to shop for supper. Returning home, she began to prepare the evening meal.

"By the gods, I don't think I'll be able to eat for a week," Gabrielle groaned after supper. "Mariah, you outdid yourself; what a great meal!"

Xena and Mariah laughed at her. Both the warrior and the flutist wondered where the small blonde put all the food she ate. Myklos chuckled too at her healthy appetite. All four helped with the clean-up, and then sat down to talk after the wine was poured.

"So what do you two have to tell me?" Mariah asked by way of an opening.

Xena looked at Gabrielle and nodded for her to begin. "It all started about ten days ago when we visited the Amazon village," the emerald eyed bard began. Both Mariah and Myklos knew of Gabrielle's rank of queen among the women warriors. "Word had gotten around that you traveled with us, Mariah, and about our encounter with Galvous."

The flutist's blue eyes hardened a bit at the mention of the dead warlord's name, the man who caused both her and her friends so much pain.

Gabrielle resumed her narrative. "We told the Amazons the same thing we told Galvous about you being from Athens. We also told them how you're now married and living here in Tyldus. But we told some of them everything about you, Mariah. Your past, where and when you're really from, who you really are, what happened to you in the Dreamscape. *Everything*." the bard finished simply.

Mariah stared at her friends, her eyes a little disbelieving. "I'm sure you had a good reason for doing so," she said, her face a bit puzzled.

"We did," said Xena as she reached for and grasped her friend's hand. "We did it for your protection, Mariah. You see, if you ever need assistance, and Gabrielle and I aren't in the area, or if Myklos isn't in a position to help, you can go to them. They *will* be there for you if you ever need them."

Mariah sat back, saying nothing, her brain sifting through what her ears had just heard. Finally, she spoke. "Who among them knows who I really am?" she asked.

"Three of them know, Mariah," Gabrielle said. "Ephiny, Eponin, and Solari. Ephiny, as you know, is regent and rules in my absence; Eponin and Solari are two of the best warriors in the village. Xena and I trust these three women with our lives, and have," the bard said remembering how the Amazons had helped them in the past. "What's more, they want to meet you, and that's quite an honor among the Amazons. They don't take lightly to strangers. When Xena and I return from Corinth, we're taking you there for a long visit. That way, if you ever need them, you'll know how to get there on your own, and they'll get to know you."

Xena looked at the merchant. "Unfortunately, you can't come with us, Myklos," she said, her voice gentle. "The Amazons would never allow a man to set foot in their territory. But Mariah *will* be safe. We promise.""

Mariah turned to her husband. "What do you think?"

"I agree with Xena and Gabrielle," Myklos replied after thinking over what he heard. After almost losing Mariah in the Dreamscape, the merchant appreciated any protection his wife could get. *Any* protection!

He just hoped she would never be in a position to need it.

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 Terrais' 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. Terrais' 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 Terrais, she definitely possessed those qualities!"

Mariah's face turned reflective. "Then Terrais 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.

Chapters 20 - 29 Or Back To The Library