Gabrielle strained against the force holding her down and then, seeing the glitter in the Conqueror’s eyes, ceased all movements and steadied her breathing.

The lord’s predatory gaze flickered once and then disappeared.

Gabrielle pondered the set of the woman’s jaw, determined not to anger her further.

"My lord."

Xena held the bard’s wrists a little firmer, hoping to see the fire rising in her eyes. She wanted to take this woman with rousing passion, forcing her will to crumble against her onslaught. Only then, when the slave was caught up in the throws of passion would she realize that her will meant nothing. That was the way it had been and always would be.

"Is this but another ruse I see before me? You open your legs but do you submit completely?"

She pushed away from the blonde, walked back over to the table and poured more wine. Xena winced slightly as her hand moved over her wound. Glancing nonchalantly over her shoulder, Xena met the calm green eyes straight on. She smirked as the other woman refused to drop her gaze.

"You have always held my passion, lord. If you wish to have more, you have but to ask."

Xena snorted. It was always riddles with this one. She coughed with a grimace and drank deeply from the goblet, sighing with relief as the wine soothed her raspy throat.

‘This one could talk the legs off a mule.’ While the constant nattering was of great irritation, she reluctantly admitted the mental sparing more than made up for it. Rubbing her jaw thoughtfully, the Conqueror pondered the best method of assault.

Having someone just lie waiting to be taken was no great sport. Breaking one’s spirit was a matter of foreplay for the warrior. First there was the chase, then the battle –filled with strategy and surprise, of course – and then the conquest. One didn’t just jump a step in a well-used plan of seduction. Without a battle, what was there but empty victory?

Her focus shifted as the bard’s hunger was announced.

Gabrielle covered her belly and blushed an attractive pink. Xena found herself almost smiling in response.

"Food. Stay where you are and don’t move." Gabrielle stared at the large index finger pointed her way and merely nodded.

Tapping twice on the adjoining door, Xena poked her head in expecting to see her servant still resting.

"Ubris?" The sheets lay rumpled, and a look of worry crossed over the lord’s face as she noticed the crimson stain there.

Xena’s head whipped around as the servant came from behind her screen.

"Yes, lord?"

The Conqueror relaxed seeing the woman looking a little more herself. Her eyes all but caressed the nude form of her servant as she checked the woman for telltale signs of injury.

"Are you well, Ubris?"

The Egyptian smiled awkwardly, and bowed her head.

"Yes, my lord." Ubris sighed as a large hand smoothed the crown of her head. She had thought her mistress would banish her for the last day’s transgressions. After all, had she not failed to do the Conqueror’s bidding with the esteemed second in command? And then had she not compounded things by failing in her personal duty with the lord herself?

Her burning tissues throbbed and burned painfully, reminding the young woman that she needed apply more herbs soon. She had awakened many times in the night, finally in such a state that she’d gone into the lord’s chambers in fear. There had been so much blood and such intense pain that she had been certain her time had come for final judgement by Anubis.

Even in the half-light afforded by the candle, Ubris could see just how tightly was the embrace between master and the slave. She’d felt a jealous twinge as the Conqueror snuggled closer to the blonde, and her consciousness shifted as she realized that there was no one in her life that could ground her as completely as Ankara had. Like a blind child, she had presumed the honour and duty between she and her lord would stand as a beacon, keeping her from harm. The truth was that she would have to do that for herself.

Stumbling back into the quest quarters, Ubris had searched and finally located the healer’s bag Ankara always kept nearby. It was a few frantic minutes before she finally remembered the proper mixture and then set about creating a soothing balm. While still terrified, she’d taken some comfort in the fact that she could take care of herself if the need arose.

Now, with the lord’s gentle hand upon her, she sighed deeply with the knowledge that she would still be a part of the Conqueror’s household.

Xena’s brow furrowed as she watched intense emotions flit briefly across the servant’s face. Although some colour had returned to the woman’s complexion, it was clear she was still feeling the effects of their…

The Conqueror blinked once. She wasn’t used to thinking about relationships. People were there for amusement, serving a purpose only she could divine. When had things become so complicated?

Part of her railed at the surging turmoil of emotions. The servant would heal, she’d take her partner’s place, and Xena would continue to reap the benefits. That was all.

But what if she didn’t heal quite as quickly? What if the urges returned? It was clear the slave wasn’t going to co-operate, and although pushed beyond the point of no return she would not take what wasn’t freely given. Seduction was one thing, rape quite another.

Xena gritted her teeth. ‘Godsbedamnit! She will submit, and sooner rather than later!’

"Have you come to an agreement with the slave? Or is she…?"

Xena knit her brows. The question had been thrown out in such an offhand way, that the Conqueror found herself caught completely off guard. ‘Agreement?’ The word rattled around her brain, touching off several explosions.

Sensing a fit of pique in the offing, the servant knelt carefully before the Conqueror and waited.

Silence filled the room as the words hung heavily in the air.

"There is no ‘agreement’, not now, not ever. It is my will therefore it is just a matter of time. As always. She is a slave, Ubris, and nothing more."

Ubris swallowed the lump blossoming in her throat. Images of just how complete her lord appeared as she wrapped her arms more tightly around the slave flashed before her. She could continue this line of conversation or she could wisely take another tact, admitting her misspoken words, and retreat post haste.

However, ever a woman of sincerity, she chose the path one rarely walked with the Conqueror – one of truth.

Xena’s index finger curled under the servant’s chin, tilting her face up painfully. She looked deeply into the woman’s eyes, the expected glint of fear glaringly absent. Rather than feeling angry, Xena found herself curious instead.

"Speak."

Ubris felt herself almost falling into the clarity of her lord’s eyes, so warm and inviting was her gaze.

"Last night," she began. "Last night I saw you with the slave, lord. You seemed most at ease with her. I have not seen you more relaxed."

Xena frowned and thought back on the previous evening. The bard had argued incessantly, giving her a headache. Relaxed? Her ire had risen dangerously as the foolish girl had gone on and on. Finally, in her own defence, she’d take a few herbs and then…Xena bit the inside of her cheek and almost sighed in feral pleasure as the familiar taste of copper danced across her tongue.

She had to get a firmer hold on things. It was evident that the slave was having a very strange and ill effect on her. It had to stop.

Her fingers absently caressed the servant’s face, unaware that the image of the small bard had replaced that of the servant’s in her mind’s eye.

"She is corrupting me, making me weak, and it must end."

Ubris heard the harsh words but the voice speaking it belied their veracity. She leaned into the caress and closed her eyes, thinking of her beloved Ankara.

Gabrielle inched closer to the door, her eyes wide as she watched the servant curl a hand around the Conqueror’s leg, a smile of great satisfaction on her face as she was caressed in return.

She had ignored the lord’s demand that she stay put as curiosity got the better of her. Half expecting to see the warrior chastising the woman for failing to provide the morning fare, she was surprised to see the tenderness evident between them. Perhaps she had misread the scene earlier, imagining violence when none was present? Her eyes became a flinty green as she watched the tender scene. ‘Why isn’t that me?’

Xena’s nostrils twitched and her senses began to thrum in alarm. She cursed under her breath as she realized her weapons were in the other room.

A sudden shadow flickered in her peripheral field, and she squinted trying to discern exactly what it was, if anything, that she’d seen. Eyes darted quickly from one area to another, but no danger was detected. A slight noise sounded behind her and she turned quickly.

"Gabrielle!"

The Conqueror had bare seconds to react as the whole scene unfolded before her in a painfully slow ballet of death.

The servant’s hand came up slowly, pointing in the direction of the far windows. Xena’s head snapped back around and she moved forward. Gabrielle cried in alarm as an arrow flew towards them, not knowing if the target was the Conqueror or the servant. Xena growled low in her throat, a terrible glint in her eye as the arrow was plucked just inches from Ubris’ face.

"Move! Get behind me, both of you!"

Gabrielle’s mouth hung open as she watched two arrows summarily dealt with in quick succession. She watched as Xena’s hands went naturally to her hip in search of weapons that were not there.

‘If I quickly dart back into the room…’ but that meant leaving the two alone to face the assassin or assassins. Despite her obvious lack of skill and protection, the bard was loath to stay hidden behind the lord’s skirts. Oh, how she wished to dash forward and force the black guards out into the open!

Xena flicked another arrow harmlessly away from the bard and sought a way out of their predicament.

"Ubris, alert the guards while I hold them off!" Xena pushed the servant back towards the door and then pulled the bard closely behind her. A familiarity washed over her as she and the bard dodged the arrows, almost in tandem, and when the young woman pressed herself against her, Xena felt an overwhelming sense of peace.

Gabrielle began to inch backwards as the Captain of the Guards came running towards them.

"Lord Xena!"

Captain Polis began brandishing his sword, deflecting a few arrows before gaining the Conqueror’s side.

"How many?"

Xena shook her head and remained focused as another volley of projectiles was lobbed their way.

She heard a slight gasp and feared the young bard had taken an arrow, but felt the tightening in her chest ease somewhat as a hand moved to the small of her back.

"I am well, lord."

And then, just as suddenly as it had begun, it was over.

Xena cursed loudly as Polis staggered against her. Gabrielle flinched, expecting a cold response to the man’s injury. Her eyes widened as the lord placed her hand over the man’s wound, stemming the flow.

The blonde stood as if pole axed, watching in horror as a steady stream of blood oozed through Lord Xena’s fingers. ‘So much blood.’

"Bloody assassins! I’ll hunt every last one of them down. And I think I know exactly where to start."

The Captain swayed a little and then grimaced bravely as the Conqueror eased him down into a nearby chair.

The bard swallowed the growing lump in her throat as the sodden shirt was pulled away to expose the Captain’s angry wound. She bit her lip as the Conqueror went on as if such things were a common occurrence. Perhaps they were? Gabrielle shuddered as she thought about the kind of life this woman had led and would continue to live. How would she be able to reconcile herself with it all?

"Where are the others?"

Polis blinked slowly. "Others?"

"Yes, man. The guards, my men stationed at the door. I had them doubled earlier. There should have been at least four men outside."

The Captain shook his head to clear it and then shook his head.

"There were no others."

Xena noted the man’s slurred speech and pallor. Quickly placing two fingers to the left of his right clavicle, she tapped twice and then nodded to herself as the man took a deep shuddering breath. She began to move quickly over the Captain’s wound with an air of detached irritation. However, her mind was carefully working with the task at hand while going through the list of possible suspects.

Gabrielle sighed with exasperation. Why was Xena going on about some missing guards? This man had almost died, and surely would if they didn't summon the healer quickly. Biting a finger, the bard wondered if she should just go and find the man herself? She scratched her bare tummy absently. ‘How hard could it be to find a healer?’ Where should she look? The bard shook her head in frustration. With a castle this big, he could be anywhere. She sighed deeply as the monotony of their conversation bit into her patience. Did the woman have to prattle on and on about inanities? The man was all but bleeding to death! She spun on her heel facing away from them and crossed her arms in a huff.

Xena pursed her lips as Polis slowly came back to himself and his colour improved. She smirked, half expecting the young bard to stamp her foot like a child. Certainly there was enough going on around her to keep her amused? Perhaps it was the sight of blood? She wondered if she herself had ever been that naive, that totally innocent? How her life might have turned out, if only…

"Go on." She said calmly, moving quickly over the damaged area, and dismissing her current train of thought.

"Your servant came to find me, lord, and I must confess, I had assumed the others were in here with you. The young woman was rather distraught, and speaking in her foreign tongue. I’m sorry, lord, but I couldn’t understand her."

Xena nodded. "That’s fine. As to the guards, did you see anyone outside my chambers before you came rushing in?"

"No, lord. In fact, the soldiers by the landing to the second floor were absent as well, come to think of it."

"I see." Xena ground her teeth. ‘Heads will roll.’

Gabrielle shrank behind the taller woman in a rather wasted effort to conceal her state of undress as the Captain’s eyes seemed to clear. However, he was far too interested in concentrating on what the Conqueror was saying to notice anything else. As she peeked around the woman, the bard stood transfixed. As Xena was peppering the Captain for information, she had begun the arduous task of working the arrow out of his side.

Her lower lip trembled as the shaft was gripped tightly. She stared in wonder as the man sat seemingly oblivious to the lord’s efforts. She moaned piteously as the end of the arrow was pulled through the distended flesh, making an odd squishing sound.

Quickly grabbing up the corner of the tablecloth, Gabrielle snatched it from beneath the few dishes littering its surface and then wrapped it tightly about herself. Anything, she had to concentrate on anything but what the Conqueror was doing, what the man was enduring, oh gods…

Dishes. Yes, that was it. Think of the dishes. She remembered how hard this trick had been to learn, a small curl to her lip beginning as she thought of Lila’s dismal attempts.

She smiled smugly and then the grin faltered as she found herself looking into the amused eyes of Lord Xena.

"Quick with your hands, I see."

"I have many skills, m’lord," she mumbled.

Xena sucked a tooth. "Yes? And I will be seeing some of those soon enough." She tapped the Captain on the shoulder and watched as he came out of a slight daze.

"Yes, Conqueror?"

"I’ve finished up now. You may return to duties, but first…" Xena pulled the man’s hand up to cover the wound and then pressed hard. She nodded as he absently continued the pressure.

Then she jabbed two fingers into the base of his neck and held his shoulders as the full force of his wound was felt.

Polis gritted his teeth and his body protested madly as the pain rushed through him. How had that happened? He looked down and was somewhat amazed that his shirt was open and a small amount of blood was oozing through his clenched fingers.

"See the healer as soon as possible. You should probably eat something, Captain, to aid in recovery. Yes, a nice bowl of mutton stew should do the trick. I expect you to be at your next watch, is that clear?"

Polis prayed fervently to any god listening that the contents of his stomach would stay where they were. Images of greasy meat floating in a pasty gruel entered his mind and he swallowed deeply.

"Yes…lord," he gagged.

"Oh, come along, Polis. It’s only a flesh wound, after all."

Gabrielle reached a hand out to the man, almost voicing her displeasure at the Conqueror’s cold demeanor but thought better of it as she noted a small damp area at the woman’s side. Xena had more important things to think of and at least Polis would be seeing the healer. Somehow, Gabrielle didn’t think the healer would be making a visit to these quarters tonight.

‘Stubborn, damned stubborn. Well we’ll see, Conqueror.’

Xena walked over to the sideboard and pulled a long cord. Gabrielle frowned as the woman counted under her breath and then two men rushed in and saluted.

"You’re late. I don’t know which part of the castle you’re running from but I want to know who was in charge of the last watch on this floor. Understood? Now get this man to the healer."

Both men paled noticeably as the lord wiped her bloody hands on the edge of the blonde woman’s clothing and then the Captain got to his feet. What could he have done to incur the Conqueror’s wrath? Perhaps the rumours they’d heard about an insurrection were true?

Taking the man by both elbows, the two guards quickly moved out of the room. Gabrielle sighed as the door was closed quietly behind them.

She turned to the woman and frowned as she caught the end part of a painful grimace as it flashed across her face.

"Lord, you’re hurt!"

Xena winced and grabbed up her goblet, draining the contents in two or three gulps.

"It’ll pass."

The tension seemed to leave the taller woman’s frame momentarily. Gabrielle wondered if the Conqueror could perform the same feat that she’d done to the Captain on herself.

"What you did to the Captain, can you do it again?" She gestured with two wiggling fingers and Xena almost smiled.

"Yes, but it isn’t really a good idea right now. Perhaps later, when I have access to a few of the healer’s tools. A bit of catgut, that sort of thing." She opened her gown and fingered the freshly seeping wound.

"Damned assassins. I don’t suppose they could have waited another night; I’d have been healed up by then. After all, what good is an easy target?"

Gabrielle felt her belly flip at the gallows humour. They might have all been killed and here she was making light of it. She would never understand the woman.

"But lord, you’re injured. If you allow it, I’ll stitch the area closed. If you use that pinch thing, then you should be without pain while I work."

Xena arched an eyebrow. "Oh, you’re that bad, eh?"

Gabrielle opened her mouth to protest and then saw the twinkle in the woman’s eye.

The warrior poured another goblet full and then walked over to sit on the bed.

"Ah, that’s better. Come join me. I think we have unfinished business, girl."

Gabrielle turned, hiding her disappointment as their camaraderie seemed to vanish on the wind. Would the Conqueror ever really let those barriers down and just be…human?

"Did I say you could put that on?"

The bard sighed and glanced up at the ceiling. Some things just didn’t change. The woman had a one-track mind. Would it always be like a war between them? A minute flicker of movement caught her eye and she whirled to face the Conqueror.

"Xena!"

The goblet clattered to the floor and then the nearest candlestick was pushed over, it’s red wax pooling across the floor in the fading light, thrusting the room into darkness. Then the table was pushed over and the Conqueror went in search of the bard.

"Xena," the bard cried as she all but threw the cloth from her. She opened her mouth again and then began struggling as a large hand was placed roughly over her lips. Gabrielle squirmed as she was crushed against the firm surface of another body.

"My, aren’t we just full of surprises?" Gabrielle began to relax as she recognized the lord’s voice purring in her ear as she was dragged away.

"Now why would you want me alive, girl?" Xena snorted and then moved both hands possessively over the woman’s bare breasts.

Gabrielle groaned as her body responded. "I hardly think this is the time or place…oh, gods." Her eyes fluttered closed as she was pushed down to the floor.

Xena chuckled and then the blonde felt sharp teeth sinking into the tender flesh of her throat.

"Why this is the perfect time, girl. Thrill of the hunt, blood in the air, an assassin close by. Sets the mood perfectly." Gabrielle breath seemed to leave her body as Xena’s large form moved over her.

"Oh gods…now? Can’t we discuss this?"

Xena rolled her eyes in the darkness and then grinned cruelly as her search came up with the dagger she’d left on the table earlier.

"I’ll attend to you in a moment. But first…"

Gabrielle’s eyes darted back and forth as something whistled past her ear.

"Wha…?"

Xena sneered as her fine hearing detected movement across the room. She reached out and pinched the blonde painfully on her leg as an arrow thunked into the wood next to her.

"Ahhhh!" And then a hand was placed over the bard’s mouth roughly, causing her to swallow an angry retort.

Xena narrowed her eyes as she heard the rustle of weapons being put away. From the movements, she could discern only one person, using a crossbow. There was no snick of metal as a sword was drawn so that narrowed things down to a small arms defence as the likely weapon of choice.

The warrior smiled cruelly as she envisioned the plucky assassin all but patting himself on the back for a job well done.

‘Come along, little man. It’s your move.’

She could feel the hot glare of the bard’s green eyes burrowing into her and then leaned in. Gabrielle wasn’t too sure just what to expect but it wasn’t the soft kiss placed on her brow.

"Quiet?" Xena whispered and then waited until she felt the bard nod.

Slipping off her satin gown, Xena brought the blade to her lips and then crouched silently, like some jungle cat waiting for prey.

Gabrielle tried to see what was going on but could barely even see her own hand in the darkness.

Xena cursed silently as an object was thrown nearby, making the bard jump in surprise. She grumbled under her breath again and fought back the urge to hiss at the foolish woman.

Another crash broke the silence again, this time from a different direction, and Xena knew the assassin was on the hunt. She craned her neck and just closed her eyes, willing all of her senses into a full state of alert.

Her nostrils fluttered as she noted the close proximity of the bard who was painstakingly making her way closer to where she crouched. A small breath was released as the woman’s hand moved up to her hip. Then the soft hairs lining her ear were tickled as the blonde whispered carefully, causing a shiver to run up her spine.

"I’m sorry, Xena. I wasn’t expecting there to be more than one. What are we going to do?"

Xena tensed as someone stepped over a fallen article.

"Only one. Wait." She pressed her hand to the woman’s mouth and then eased over to the right side of the upturned table.

It was a few seconds before Xena could discern the assassin’s new location and pursed her lips in concentration. She could almost see him inching forward in a tight grid, making sure his victims didn’t get past him to safety. An eyebrow bobbed once as another article was tossed towards them. Xena could feel it coming straight at her and simply ducked to avoid impact instead of obeying her first response. Grabbing the object out of the air was a clear way to show exactly where they were and indicate they were on to his deception. No, that would never do. While she was unsure as to exactly what type of weaponry the man had at his disposal, she was confident that the only life being taken this night would be his own. She picked up an empty bottle and tossed it over into the opposite corner and then waited. Sure enough, the assailant paused, unsure as to whether they had separated and were coming at him from opposite sides. Xena shook her head ruefully. ‘If the bard hadn’t been there…’ And then a twinge of truth hit her. If the bard hadn’t been there, would she have been prepared for the second attack? She mentally kicked herself again. Her keen senses were usually on high alert. Why she hadn’t detected this one was beyond her. Well, she’d have to do her best about disarming the man without killing him. Perhaps the interrogation would prove to be entertaining and useful.

The Conqueror looked back towards her last position and nodded, pleased that the bard was at least paying attention to the simple ploy and not rising to the bait again. She would have altered tactics at this point, but then no one knew military strategy as well as she did.

Counting quietly, Xena bit down on the blade, tensed for half a second, and then launched herself forward. A resounding ‘ooof’ was heard and then both bodies went down with a crash.

Gabrielle reached out, grasping at the air, and then inched forward. What was happening? If she called out, then she’d give away her position. She steeled herself mentally, determined not to become more of a distraction than she knew she already was. The Conqueror had wasted far too much time making sure she was safe and Gabrielle knew if she hadn’t been there, the assassin would have been caught and dealt with easily by now.

‘Oh, gods!’ she intoned quietly, hoping she was doing the right thing by just keeping out of the way. ‘But what if…?’ She wrung her hands desperately and then moved in a little closer.

Xena pushed her knee up against the body struggling against her. Inching her fingers closer to the assailant’s neck, she smiled almost woefully. It was too easy! If this was the best they had to throw against her…

Suddenly, the body stiffened and the Conqueror found herself grasping thin air as the man gained his feet and stood waiting. She closed her eyes and then sprang forward, confident in both her method of surprise and the strength levered against her opponent. She’d take him down, probably breaking his knees, and then apply the pinch. The time for games had past. Mind you, there was still the interrogation.

Her head snapped back painfully as she collided with what could only be the upturned table. ‘But how could that be?’ She had been facing in the opposite direction. She spun on her heels, blinking rapidly until the sparkles dancing behind her eyes receded. Somehow, she’d lost her knife in the scuffle, leaving her somewhat disoriented. She could ‘feel’ the man, so close and yet…

A soft breath played across the back of her neck. With a growl of frustration, Xena lurched around and found herself unable to detect her opponent. Nails dug painfully into her palm as she forced herself to become centered, to become calm, and to reason out her fear. Relaxing her shoulders, the Conqueror placed her palms outward and made a slow circle.

Gabrielle heard the scramblings and then a grunt of surprise. A weak groan followed a sudden crash and she wondered how badly the intruder was injured. Knowing of the Conqueror’s penchant for violence, she tensed as an image of a very large dangerous jungle cat playing with her victim filled her mind. She gulped noisily, thinking of someone with Xena’s skills tormenting an opponent who was terribly outclassed.

Silence.

"Ah!" She jumped as a fingernail was trailed up her forearm. Shrinking off to the side, Gabrielle found herself fumbling with the assorted articles on the floor around her. Surely there would be something, anything, to use against this unseen foe?

Or was it Xena, playing with her?

A very small amount of light began dulling the darkness as night inched towards morning. Xena closed her eyes and counted silently to three before taking in her surroundings again. A few shadows danced just beyond her peripheral vision but she made a point of not looking at one place too long. Crouching low, she extended her senses and waited for a telltale movement. As good as this bastard was, she’d already caught him unawares once. Her fingers twitched as she remembered just how close they had been to the man’s neck. Even at such close quarters, she’d been unable to discern any facial features. It was dark, but was it that dark? The question plagued her. She’d been playing a game of cat and mouse then, but now that time was gone. Now, he had the upper hand and was playing with her.

Gabrielle yelped as a cool hand was pressed against the base of her spine.

"Xena!"

The Conqueror spun at the sound, orienting herself mentally, and fixed her position back at the upturned table. There! The crouching figure must be Gabrielle, so…

Gabrielle gripped the chair as she heard an almost inaudible exhalation. Was that Xena or…Two dark globs meshed together and then pulled apart. Which one was Xena? She inched forward as one figure stretched out menacingly at the other. Was that Xena with her knife or did the stranger have a weapon, too? Were the quarters too close for the crossbow?

The bard cursed the darkness. She hated screaming out like that but knew that at least it would provide some sort of purpose, if only as a means to discern which figure was Xena's. She looked from one darkened figure to the other but neither one had looked her way. Providing there were only the three of them in the room, one of them had touched her. She shuddered as she relived the memory of the small hand at her back. Now she felt totally flummoxed. When had she realized morning was coming and she could discern images, if only faintly? Had the person touched her from behind and then moved to engage the Conqueror or had Xena already been in combat with the original assailant and there were two, perhaps more intruders in the room with them.

Her heartbeat increased as she felt a closeness begin to swamp her. What if the assailants turned all of their attention on the Conqueror, leaving her to be a mere spectator, a blind witness to Xena’s demise.

The thought filled her with a deep foreboding sense of panic. She squeezed her eyes shut as the memories of strong hands and persistent lips fluttered against her in the darkness. The knowledge that all the images that she’d ever have were how she pushed this woman away, even though she’d felt such passion, such fire when they touched, sat like ashes on her tongue. She couldn’t let it happen, not like this!

"Xena!"

The Conqueror’s nostrils flared as she picked up a slight scent on the early morning air. She tried to process it, matching it with flitting memories but couldn’t quite put her finger on it. It was familiar and yet very foreign. Turning her attention to the foe before her, she feinted to the side and watched as her movement was all but mirrored. While there was no reason for the assassin not to be able to see her as clearly as she saw him, it was a little disconcerting to see just how quick and agile the man was.

Xena bit back a moan as the man struck out like a viper, hitting her left shoulder with impunity and then dancing beyond reach. She winced as a low burning began rushing across her flesh and then the air whooshed out of her as her arm went slack. She couldn't allow him another strike! The assailant had to know just how vulnerable she was in her current condition and would likely make another move to totally immobilize her. Or would he just dance in and out of range, hitting pressure points and inflicting damage at will, playing with her until she was all but useless? It was something she was very familiar with herself. No, she couldn’t allow that with the bard’s very life at stake.

Gabrielle recognized the low moan and could tell the warrior was in pain. If he could reduce Xena to such vulnerability in mere moments, she cringed thinking what a little time might afford him.

She wanted to turn and run; she wanted to find the knife; she wanted to throw herself at the man, keeping him totally occupied, if only for a moment so that the Conqueror could escape. She wanted to do so much but in the end found she could do nothing but watch the horrible dance of death before her. ‘Oh, Xena…I’m so sorry I’ll never get to really know you.’

Xena gulped a breath in and steadied herself. The pain was excruciating and threatened to pull her down into a well of blackness. Slowly releasing her breath the Conqueror beat back the growing lethargy that threatened to consume her and eased her shoulders back. She had to concentrate and try to glean as much information as she could from her adversary. There had to be something she could use against him. Her mind began to clear a little as more of the man became visible. Although it was rather difficult to pinpoint exactly just how tall he was, Xena estimated it at about five foot nine. He seemed slender in build and quite wiry in his musculature. Did he have short hair or long? She couldn’t tell. Well, that would change, soon enough.

She moved forward, swinging her foot in an arch, intending on knocking the man’s feet out beneath him but met emptiness instead. Rolling into a tuck position, Xena jumped back to her feet, her right arm stretched out into a defensive stance, and then feinted again. This time, however, the man stood his ground. She had just been in the midst of a forward thrust, her momentum totally committed, when she heard the bard scream.

Jerking her head hard to the left, Xena twisted her torso, hoping to at least catch her prey with the brunt of her right shoulder. However, the dark shape had already exited the area and stood directly behind the blonde. The light had increased to such an extent as to afford the Conqueror an almost crisp image of her assailant. His dark form loomed menacingly over the young woman and Xena ground her teeth in frustration.

Gabrielle swallowed another scream as a strong hand gripped her throat.

Xena heard the strangled gurgle and a mixture of emotions ran through her, leaving her disoriented, and a victim once again to her lack of control. Swallowing back the pain and rage that threatened to obliterate what little control she could still marshal, Xena held her palm open and straightened her stance. She couldn’t loose the bard. Not yet, not now. Gritting her teeth, she winced as the pain spread across her chest.

"Stop. It’s me you want, let the girl go."

Xena watched as the dark figure cocked his head to one side. He increased the pressure at the base of Gabrielle’s neck and the warrior felt such an overwhelming feeling of helplessness that she all but dropped to her knees.

Her heart thudded painfully in her ears as the blonde began to fall back against the man. "You know I’m already hurt. Leave her and come finish the job."

She squinted and finally realized why she couldn’t make out any facial features. He was wearing a full-face mask of some sort. Not only did it deny the observer an opportunity to see his eyes but also his heritage.

However, as the masked assailant began speaking in low Chinese, that question had at least had been addressed.

Chapter 11

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