“c1″> 

“c1″>Gabrielle’s arms and legs were chained to the
central pole of the tent. Her eyes were wide open but there was not
a shadow of recognition in them. Xena tried to talk to her but
couldn’t find the words. A wave of fear and desperation
washed through her and the ground beneath her was
shaking.

“c1″> 

The
voice came back. 'Fighting your emotions will only lead to
defeat. Embrace them or they will swallow your soul, Warrior
Princess. Remember: To control others leads to power but
controlling….'

“c1″> 

Xena
knelt in front of Gabrielle’s body and hugged her, her head
fitting nicely under the breast of the younger woman. She soon felt
chains against her knees, her waist and crossing her back, pinning
the two bodies together.

“c1″> 

“c1″>'Xena, no, go away. Break the chains as long as
it’s still possible. You have to be free,
go.'

“c1″> 

“c1″>Gabrielle’s voice was in her head and in her
heart, so she was all but surprised when her own voice also
didn’t come from her mouth.

“c1″> 

'I
am free, Gabrielle, as long as I am with you my heart is free, as
long as I am with you my soul is able to bear its burden. I need
you, my love; you’re the air I’m breathing. Come with
me.'

“c1″> 

Blue
eyes and green eyes met, fear muted to love and the chains were
gone, the tent was gone. They were alone on the endless plain. Xena
still was on her knees; Gabrielle bent her head and pulled her in a
kiss.

“c1″> 

“c1″> 

x x x x
x

“c1″> 

“c1″> 

When
Xena regained consciousness she was curled on the bed, covered with
a blanket, her right hand still in Gabrielle’s left. She got
to her feet, willing her trembling legs to steadiness, and found
the fever much lower than before. The breathing still was heavy but
had settled in a regular, almost normal rhythm. Gabrielle was safe,
and Xena’s lips escaped a relieved sigh.

“c1″> 

A water
skin was held in front of her. "Drink, Warrior
Princess."

“c1″> 

Xena
took it and gulped down half of it in one take. "Thank you.
It’s been a very long time since someone called me thus.
Please don’t use it; my actions disgraced the name long ago.
Call me Xena. Besides, what’s your
name?"

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Everybody here calls me Grandma but my name is
Akyra."

“c1″> 

"I
know it won’t be of any importance to you but you have my
gratitude for your assistance, Akyra. I know I would have failed
without your help. I owe you."