Crossroads, Chapter 3

Xena stelthily watched the activities of the camp, looking for any clue that could tell her it was an ambush. But it was efident that the two women were alone.

Xena looked the women over carefully, from the top of their heads down to the tip of their boots. The one that was seated had dark blonde hair that caught the golden light of the fire. Her features were strong, as if sculpted by a master. Although she wasn't much over five feet tall, she was powerfully built and trained in the art of war. Xena could by her methodical care of the blade in her hand.

Her companion, quietly standing sentinal over their camp, was tall, almost six feet. Her stark red hair glowed eerily around her face, which was suprisingly soft and contoured. But one glimpse into her eyes told Xena not to be fooled. An ever changing shade of hazel, they currently reflected green, the show of determination within her. Slung across her back for easy reach were two matching swords. A two handed fighter, Xena mused. Definitely someone to keep her eyes on.

They spoke only occasionally, and in lowered voices. From the size of the fire, Xena figured they were either lighting a beacon for someone or trying to keep something away. Although the color of their hair was the same as her friends, their faces were different.

Of course, Xena knew that childhood memeories weren't the best method to go by, and decided to get a closer look. Waving for Gabrielle to wait for her, Xena approached the camp carefully, always staying to the shadows and mindful of the deadly weapons the two women had within easy reach.

***

"Someone approaches."

Kat murmered softly as she returned to the fire. Mitch nodded, but made no changes in her actions, continuing to prepare the blade in slow, easy motions.

"Yes, I know. I caught a brief reflection from the firelight a few moments ago in the shadows. Do you think it's her?"

Kat shrugged as she resumed her seat next to Mitch.

"Could be. We know it's not the creature, but it could be outlaws as well. We are sitting only a few feet from the intersection of the road."

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see."

Mitch replied as sshe replaced the small blade in it's sheath and moved her staff closer for easy reach. She disliked bloodshed, and avoided it as a rule. But still knew that there were times a staff wouldn't help. So she carried a small dagger at all times for backup.

Looking at her friend across the fire, Mitch knew that Kat's guiding rules were vastly different. Her temper matched her hair, and when riled would fight like a demon. She believed in surviving, no matter the cost. Mitch understood this force in her friend, and also understood that it was tempered with kindness as well.

"Enough waiting."

Kat decided as she rose to her feet.

"If it was Xena, then she should have come forward by now."

"Patience my Soul Sister. This person will make themselves known in time."

Kat seemed to relent, until she caught another flash of movement out of the corner of her eye.

"No Mitch. It's time to confront whoever's out there. Be it friend or enemy. for all we know, they could be setting up a trap as we speak."

Mitch seriptiously looked around the perimiter before rising to her feet.

"Your right. Something is amiss."

She took a deep breath then squared her shoulders.

"I'm ready when you are."

Kat turned in the direction she had seen the last movement, and planted her hands on her hips firmly.

"If your intentions are good, step forward and be welcome." She called.

"But if not, come forth and meet your destiny."