She wondered what their initial reaction would be when she stepped foot into the encampment. It had been a long time; well over a year since her last visit. Yet when she looked beyond the trees and into the sun lightened clearing where the well crafted hut homes rested, it was as if she were returning home.

Gabrielle pulled at a docile Argo's reins and walked slowly into the small Amazon village, watching the activity of the warrior women. Some were training, learning the correct way to throw a spear, point an arrow or use their staffs. A few woman were outside examining the contents of a boiling pot, cooking the afternoon meal, and quietly arguing over the correct ingredients. Still others were doing what had to be done to maintain a semi-civilized existence. Dusting, sweeping and laundry.

Yet, there was also an air of unease wafting about like the smoke from a recently doused bond fire. It appeared to Gabrielle that the Amazons were waiting for something but she could not be certain what it was.

Ephiny, their leader and the first who saw her, greeted Gabrielle with a sad smile and a hug, "We heard about Xena." She spoke lowly, close to her ear, "I'm so sorry Gabrielle."

Gradually others, realizing who it was that had joined them, took notice.

An unexpected cry rang out, "Our queen has returned!" from a throng of excited young women who now scurried to the middle of their village in greeting. This was followed by a relay of impromptu questions which ranged from how Gabrielle was feeling to where she and Xena's last adventure took place.

'So young,' Gabrielle thought as she looked at all the new faces, yet she did recognize the older, more seasoned Amazon's she knew as family. Solari met her eyes and acknowledged a greeting. Gabrielle attempted to answer each eager question the best she could but had a feeling something wasn't right. An unaccountable tingling started from her lower spine, crawling up her back, and rested at the base of her skull.

"And you're back for good?" a young dark haired Amazon with a rather innocent smile finally asked. "I've heard you may not be leaving us this time."

The warrior-bard was slightly taken aback by the comment and the girl's trusting nature. She actually reminded Gabrielle of herself when she first left Potedia so many years ago with Xena. "Yes, I'm back for good." Gabrielle assured. "However ..." she began and was prepared to tell her solicitous sisters that she would not go on as their queen. She had come to the Amazon village to retire from life, not to make decisions that might send warriors off to their deaths. Yet, she trailed off as she spotted three Amazons to the rear of the crowd. They were also new to her but older and more world weary. Their expressions were a combination of annoyance and tolerance, rather than genuine interest in their often missing Amazon Queen. There was something calculating about these particular Amazons. Gabrielle couldn't quite put her finger on it.

As if reading her mind, Ephiny said: "Gabrielle, many things have happened since you were with us last."

The crowd quieted.

"Such as?" Gabrielle asked, almost afraid to hear.

"Our main source of fresh water, from the River Taris, has been claimed by another Amazon tribe. We've tried negotiation but they're uncooperative."

"They've also claimed the forest near Syrces." The innocent looking Amazon blurted, "It has all the best game ..."

Ephiny looked hard at the girl, who grew silent, then back at Gabrielle, "We've had skirmishes with this tribe. Five in the last three months. Fatalities on both sides."

Gabrielle's brow furrowed, "That makes no sense. Even if we're not from the same tribe we're all Amazons, fighting the same fight. Why are they being so combatant? Did they state a reason?"

"They're renegades," A warrior, one of the new older Amazons Gabrielle had been watching, approached from the back. Her expression was sour. "and inhuman. They don't use real names, only that of beasts, and they constantly wear animal masks or war paint - even when not at war. They're viscous, cruel fighters. They've killed five of our tribe during the last battle, including my mate, Bethya." The woman's eyes never left Gabrielle's, "What do we do about it My Queen?" her voice was edge by barely disguised sarcasm.

"She just got here, Tamara." The dark haired Amazon scolded, "Give her time."

"It's all right." Gabrielle lifted a hand to touch the girl's arm. She allowed an exhale of breath as she considered what her warriors were up against. Gabrielle had come into her home tribe hoping to pass power onto another but the relief she saw in Ephiny's expression when seeing her dictated another course of action. At least for the present. "So, we're on alert." Gabrielle surmised, understanding the tenseness surrounding her sisters now, and falling into the mode of an Amazon Queen. "I need more information. Let me settle in then those who are not currently training will gather with me for a meeting." Gabrielle looked at Ephiny, "Do we still have a war room?"

She nodded.

"One hour then." Gabrielle looked at Tamara, "You seem brave and know what you're talking about. I want you there."
The Amazon studied Gabrielle for a few seconds then nodded curtly, walking away.

The warrior bard wasn't sure what she just saw in her expression and didn't, for the present, want to dwell on it. She looked at Dysia and Tridentia, who she recalled were Amazon security officers, "Double the guards around our perimeter. It was far too easy for me and Argo to get into camp without detection."

Both women nodded, obediently doing as they were told.

"Ephiny,"Gabrielle's voice grew lower and a bit more uncertain as she approached her friend. They walked away from the other Amazons as the crowd about them dispersed. "You know me and you know I've been away for too long. I'm counting on you for advice. I want you by my side during all negotiations."

"It may not be that easy," Ephiny tilted her blond head ever so slightly to one side as she spoke. Her eyes took in the safety teams as they broke into groups, doing as their queen instructed. "I can tell you all you want to know about Amazon law. I can even remind you about honor among the sisterhood. But when you're dealing with rogues it doesn't mean much." Then she looked directly at Gabrielle, "In this case most of what you do will come from within. You'll have to remember the lessons taught to you by Xena; go back on the travels you and she had together ... and teach us a thing or two." Ephiny then smiled when Gabrielle's expression rendered to all encompassing uncertainty, "I can see how you've grown, Gabrielle. We all can. Those who are new here will need to be taught more than you can imagine. The truth is," Ephiny gently cleared her throat, "You are far more sophisticated than your tribe. You've been out there, in the world, whereas we have been here, in our woods away from humanity. We only know ourselves and what it's like to be us. You know so much more."

Thinking hard on what Ephiny was telling her, Gabrielle allowed a small bitter chuckle. Her friend had a point. Amazons were great warriors but also cliquish. Sometimes they just didn't see beyond their own interests. "Okay," she nodded, "Point me towards quarters and I'll see, with the help of my sisters, if I can figure a way out of a full blown war."

"Yes ... Queen Gabrielle." Ephiny left the warrior bard's side with a satisfied smile.

Gabrielle looked at Argo, as she patiently stood on all fours, and sighed. The poor thing truly missed her mistress, possibly as much as Gabrielle herself. Gently, patting the horse's nose, she murmured - "We both wish Xena were here right now, don't we?" Gently, she took her equine friend to the Amazon's horse stable.

*********

Iolaus awoke in dirt. He rolled onto his back and winced. His head hurt and the sun was just now fluttering over the horizon, giving off a glare that was painful to the eyes. Slowly he sat up and realize, with an irritated grumble, that he was manacled. A chain was wrapped around a wooden fence post, locked securely. He followed the links with his eyes, down to his right ankle where the iron clamped firmly over his left lower leg, "Great." he muttered, "Just what I needed."

"You okay?"

The voice startled Iolaus. He thought himself alone. For a minute he thought it was ...

The man, shackled much like himself, sitting just a few meters away, was in the stable. His
back leaned against a wired grating and he appeared somewhat bored. At first glimpse, especially after hearing his voice, Iolaus thought it was Hercules. But no, it wasn't. He looked a little like his demigod best friend but it was only a coincidence.

"What are you doing here?"

"Same as you I suspect." His voice now seemed deep and slightly accented. Persian perhaps. He appeared slightly older than Iolaus and much more tired, but he was also sturdy and well-muscled. "Captured while in the woods."

"You were trying to find the Amazons?"

"I found the Amazons. I was trying to find my daughter. How was I supposed to know there was more than two hundred tribes in this part of the world?" The man's dark eyes were veiled. Sadness etched what might otherwise be a handsome face, "You?"

"I was trying to find someone too." Iolaus paused and decided that was all he needed to know for now, "Like you, I ended up with the wrong group." He looked around the stable and saw a couple of hogs off in a corner, wallowing happily in the mud. "They do know how to make their guest comfortable, don't they?" he commented, scathingly.

"I'm surprised they didn't kill you. It's what they do." The man was honest, "What's your name?"

"Iolaus. Have you heard of me?"

"Should I have?"

"I'm Hercules' best friend."

"I've heard of Hercules."

"Yeah, I know." Iolaus sighed and pull irritably on his chain. "I think the Amazons are under the impression I know something. That's why they brought me here. They're going to be real disappointed when they find I'm clueless."

"And you're going to be real dead." Again, the stranger was direct. This newcomer needed a wake up call. "The name is Gusaus, " he said and lifted a hand, in mime, as if to warrior shake with Iolaus. "I've been here a little over three months. They keep me around because as independent and without equal as these women think they are, some still like the touch of a warm man."

Iolaus eyes widened slightly.

"You're a decent enough looking guy, Iolaus. If you play the game you just might survive here."

"I'm not here to play games." Iolaus barked, "I'm also not going to be here, chained like some rabid animal, long enough to worry about whether the Amazons want me alive or dead. I'll get out of here somehow," then he looked hard at the man sitting across from him, "and if you're lucky we'll find your daughter too. You'll leave this forest with her before the week is out."

"From your mouth to the gods ears."

**********

Chapter 4
"Catechization"