14. Into the Fray

It was the end of a long day of walking. Kathryn was tired and cranky. No matter what she did, Anikka avoided her. When Kathryn managed to find a way of walking next to her, the taller woman found something wrong with the supplies that needed her immediate attention or suddenly had to talk to someone. Kathryn was beginning to wonder if she was welcome here at all.

She sat down next to one of the smaller cooking rings waiting for dinner to be ready. At least traveling with an army the food was a little better, she thought looking at the contents of the frying pans. She felt someone slide up next to her and started when she realized it was Naomi. She seemed to be the only one that felt comfortable around Kathryn. Everyone seemed to avoid her, limiting his or her interaction to a few impolite stares.

"How are you holding up?" Naomi asked brightly. She hadn't had a lot of time to spend with the smaller woman because of her duties.

"Oh, just great." Kathryn answered sarcastically. "I get to walk all day with a bunch of people who wont even talk to me. I get to sit on the ground for dinner, and you know what? I even get to sleep on the ground. I'm great, how about you?"

Kathryn took the plate that was offered by one of the cooks she recognized as Mory. She barely prevented herself from snatching the plate and smiled a thank you. Its not his fault, she reminded herself as she shoveled the food into her mouth without further comment.

Naomi also accepted a plate and finished her dinner silently. She was trying to decide how to implement her plan with regard to her friend and her second in command, and she briefly wondered if Kathryn would argue. "You're tired," she said diplomatically as she finished her meal. "Enough of this. Come with me. Well get you set up for the night. You can stay with Anikka," she added casually.

"What? Don't you think you better ask her? She might not like that." Kathryn suddenly realized they hadn't even discussed sleeping accommodation.

"It doesn't matter. She's the only one without a tent mate. Don't worry Kathryn, Ill let her know before she comes in and finds you."

Kathryn hid a smile as Naomi led her to Anikka's tent. Shed never sleep tonight knowing that woman was next to her, but oh, such sweet torture!

Naomi made sure Kathryn was settled for the night before she went in search of her contrary friend to advise her of the roommate situation. Secretly, she was thrilled it had worked out this way. Who knows what could happen? The possibilities were endless if Anikka would just let down her guard a little. She felt a sudden rush of longing for Sami.

How she missed those sweet arms. Soon, she promised herself, very soon my love.

She saw her second in command sitting by the main cook fire. She was holding a cup of ale and laughing with Jonru and Sirak. "Hi, mind if I have a cup?" she greeted as she joined the others.

"Here, Ill get it." Jonru offered happily as she drew a cup for Naomi.

"I saw you with Kathryn earlier." Anikka said conversationally. "Did you show her Bluestone?"

Naomi nodded as she took a long swallow. "Actually, I showed it to her while we were still in Arandile. She almost dropped it!"

"What?" Sirak asked incredulously as the others laughed.

"So, what happened? Did her eyes change?"

"Now, Jonru its dark. How could I see that?" She paused knowing her friends were not stupid and that had been two days ago. "I'm sorry. To tell you the truth no, And the sword didn't react to her."

"I think were going to have to face facts, ladies." Sirak observed into the silence.

"You could be right, Naomi. She's just a sign that its time. Not that she is the wielder of the sword."

"A figurehead." Anikka breathed.

"Well, nothings changed." Naomi said encouragingly. "She's here and that will give encouragement to the troops. She's insisted on going and fighting with us after all. That's got to mean something."

"Is that wise, Naomi? She's very inexperienced." Sirak pointed out, fingering her scar as she did when in deep concentration.

"Why not? She's here, its kind of late now to have second thoughts and she's in as much danger from Cross as anyone is. Well put her toward the rear, and well stick with the original plan; Ill use Bluestone. With any luck, the reinforcements from Alcoser will be showing up by the time we penetrate Cross Mountain, shell be safe enough."

"It sounds solid to me. Now, ladies," Jonru interjected, "may I suggest we retire? Tomorrows a long day and Sirak you could use the beauty sleep!"

Sirak punched her in the arm as they walked away laughing good-naturedly. "I take it you want to talk to me in private." Anikka said looking at a point somewhere between her booted feet.

Naomi took a deep breath and jumped in with both feet. "I put her in your tent."

Anikka closed her eyes and crossed her arms tightly around her waist.

"You're the only one without a bunkie."

"Why are you playing matchmaker?" She asked seeing through the ruse easily. "After what she did?"

"What did she do? She ran away from us. Anikka, she didn't know who we were! She was afraid. And she...she cares about you. You can see it in the way she looks at you. Think about the way she threw herself into your arms when she saw you!"

"Naomi, please stop! I cant! What about Loli?"

"Anikka, Loli is dead." Naomi said not unkindly. "I'm sorry for being so blunt, but you have to get on with your life? Loli would want that. She loved you and would want you to be happy. Just think about it. All right?"

Anikka nodded slowly without meeting Naomi's eyes. She heard her walk away and knew Naomi had been right. She did need to get on with her life, but didn't know if she was finished grieving for Loli. No one had ever touched her like Loli. She had never been so happy.

Now, someone new had pierced her reserves, and Anikka rubbed her forehead in frustration. Finally she decided that all she could do was take each minute as it came.

And she couldn't sit on this rock all night avoiding Kathryn. She needed some sleep. She stood and resolutely, albeit slowly, headed back to her tent. She pushed the flap aside and listened for Kathryn's slow, regular breathing. Her stomach flipped over at the thought of sleeping beside her.

I'm never going to get any sleep, she thought unknowingly voicing Kathryn's earlier thought.

Silently, she entered her tent and went to her bed. She removed her boots and clothing and placed them into a neat pile in the camp chair against the wall. She changed into dark green shorts and a green tank for sleeping.

Anikka slid up to her chin in the blankets as far from Kathryn as she could get, and determinedly closed her eyes. At least they had separate sleeping cots even if the tent was small. All she could hear was Kathryn's breathing and she let the sound draw her into slumber.

***************************************

Firelake was fighting the renegades. Kathryn was being chased by something dark and menacing. She ran as fast as she could but wasn't moving. Her feet felt like they were trapped in quicksand. Pulling her under. The mountain began rumbling under her feet as though laughing at her pitiful efforts. She could feel him gaining on her. Her heart thudded with terror in her breast. The rumbling was louder! He was right behind her! She could feel his breath on the back of her neck.

Kathryn opened her eyes as she tumbled out of the small cot and hit the dirt floor.

She sat up gasping for air. Her heart was pounding and perspiration streamed down her face. She calmed as she realized she had been dreaming.

She was safe in Anikka's tent. And that God-awful rumbling wasn't the mountain mocking her; it was just Anikka snoring. Kathryn raised a hand to her throbbing face. She would have to see Danna again in the morning to check the infection.

Her eyes strayed back to the object of her desire as she rose to climb back into the bed.

"Anikka, turn on your side." She said much as Kami had before.

To her utter amazement, the other woman did as she was told. She rolled onto her side facing Kathryn and stopped snoring.

Kathryn stared intently at her as though trying to memorize her features. In the darkness, it took her a few moments to realize the blue eyes were open. She was awake! Kathryn's eyes went wide with shock.

"Sorry," Anikka mumbled smothering a chuckle. "I didn't mean to startle you."

They looked at each other for a long minute. Neither one knew what to say to break the tension. Finally, Anikka started. "Naomi told me why you left. I'm not going to pretend to understand everything. I know you were scared, but Kami sacrificed her life to keep you safe. That should have counted for something." She finished with a hint of unresolved anger in her voice.

"It did. I think Kami's death was part of why I left."

"I don't understand."

"I was very stupid. I cant explain everything I did or why. I know I was sick…even hallucinating. You see, I was withdrawing." Kathryn's eyes dropped in shame. She couldn't meet the penetrating look.

Anikka propped herself up on one elbow to see Kathryn more clearly. "What is withdrawing?"

"There's a substance in my world called alcohol. Its a lot like the ale you have here, but it can be made much stronger."

"And you drank a lot of this?" she asked softly.

"Yes," she whispered. "I drank so much that my body was dependent on it. When I woke up here, there suddenly wasn't anymore. My body didn't know how to react."

"The first day we found you...the smell." she realized.

"Yeah. The alcohol was being sweated out through my pores. That's what you smelled. It took a few days for the symptoms to compound. First, I got the shakes and really emotional. Then, I started imagining things. When I imagined my way into thinking you and Naomi were setting me up, well, that's when I left. I guess I'm lucky. All I did was hallucinate. I've heard people have died from withdrawal."

Anikka sat quietly for a moment, considering what Kathryn had said. Not knowing what else to say, she said, "I'm glad you didn't die."

Tears ran down Kathryn's cheeks at the words. She could hear in them a quiet forgiveness. She felt movement next to her and then Anikka was sitting close to her on the cot and putting an arm around her shoulders. Kathryn rested her head wearily against her. It felt so good to be in this woman's arms and she wanted nothing more than to absorb the sensation.

"You feel very warm. Are you all right?"

"Yes, I think my face is infected."

She turned Kathryn toward her and gently probed the wound. "Is this from Cross knife?"

At Kathryn's nod, she said "Ill get Danna to give you something for the fever."

Anikka climbed out of bed and went in search of Danna without bothering to pull on her outer clothing. Kathryn lay back down to await her return, and was starting to nod off when someone entered the tent. She thought it was Anikka and started to open her eyes.

Then there was a sudden pressure of hands around her throat, choking her.

Kathryn's eyes flew open, but she couldn't make out the features of her attacker in the darkness. Her hands clawed desperately at the choking hands as she struggled to free herself. She twisted and lunged trying to escape. Then everything started going dark as she began to lose consciousness. She faintly heard a scuffle ensue as the darkness overtook her.

******************************************

Danna broke open an ammonia capsule and held it under Kathryn's nose. Her eyes flew open and she began coughing and gasping for air. The room was illuminated from a torch in Jonrus hand, and there were people everywhere.

"What happened?" Kathryn asked as Anikka propped her into a half sitting position.

"Someone attacked you. They tried to kill you." The blonde growled.

"Did you catch them?"

Anikka looked away as Naomi explained.

"No. It was dark when Anikka and Danna got back. They literally stumbled over whoever it was. They must have been pretty strong to escape. Jonru and I heard the commotion and came to investigate. The attacker was already gone."

"Kathryn," Danna asked gently, "did you see anything?"

"No, it was too dark. I was almost asleep."

"If wed returned sooner, it never would have happened."

"You cant blame yourself or Danna," Jonru reasoned. "She had to dress. Not everyone runs around in their underwear like you. Besides, how could you know this would happen?"

"Well," Anikka began slightly mollified, "all right. But from now on, Kathryn goes nowhere without a guard."

"Now wait a minute!" Kathryn complained.

"No, Kathryn. She's right. Anikka, you stay with her until we get ready to launch our attack. Then Kathryn will go to the rear of the strike force with Alex. Don't worry, Kathryn. You'll still be participating. But I'm going to need Anikka with me for the actual attack."

"Well, I think the excitement is over. I think everyone should go try to sleep while I attend to my patient."

Jonru left the torch with Anikka as she and Naomi bid good night and left, closing the tent flap quietly behind them.

Danna re-treated the knife wound, gave her something for the fever, and examined her for any new injuries. "I think you'll live. The swelling and infection should go away pretty quickly. I think it was just infected from the dirt and sweat. Anyway, I really don't even think it'll scar." she reassured Kathryn.

To Anikka she said, "I'm going to get some rest myself. Take care of our girl."

After Danna left, the younger woman motioned Kathryn to get back into bed while she extinguished the torch. She surprised Kathryn by climbing into the small bed with Kathryn and moving very close to her.

"Turn on your side." Anikka suggested trying to make room for both of them.

Kathryn wondered where this was going as she turned away from her companion, her heart pounding. The blonde snuggled up close and put her arm around Kathryn, spooning her from behind.

"What are you doing?" Kathryn squeaked, going rock still with fear and arousal shooting through her veins.

"If we sleep like this, no one can get to you without me knowing." Anikka explained patiently. Her voice sounded strained to Kathryn's ears.

"Oh," Somehow, that wasn't the answer Kathryn had been hoping for.

Nevertheless, beggars couldn't be choosers. At least she would be close to Anikka all night.

"Fine, but you better not snore." Kathryn teased.

"What! I don't snore."

Kathryn laughed at the blatant lie as she lay down next to Anikka. She felt a delicious thrill as Anikka covered them. I'm never going to get any sleep, she thought again. She lay rigidly next to the other woman for several minutes before realizing that she was already half-asleep.

She wanted to be so much closer, but settled for placing her hand over Anikka's. The contact would be enough. Kathryn fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Outside the room, the watcher sat staring at the door to their chambers. Hatred was raging in her narrowed blue eyes. So close! With Kathryn out of the way, it would have been easier for her master to defeat the dispirited warriors. But it would work out, she still had time.

Anikka awakened to find Kathryn's head on her chest. She brushed the hair gently back from her brow. The swelling seemed to have receded and her skin was noticeably cooler. She brushed a feather light kiss on her forehead before slipping out from under the furs and dressing. After dressing, she picked up her hygiene kit and went to the latrine area to make her morning toilet. From here she continued to monitor the tent. She had a good line of sight and could see anyone going near Kathryn. She had no intention of allowing a repeat of the previous night.

When she finished she walked calmly into the tent and stood watching her charge sleep for a moment. Then she gently shook Kathryn awake so they could go have breakfast at the main cooking fire.

"Good morning." Kathryn said with a new shyness and vague sense of intimacy after sharing a bed with this gorgeous woman.

"How do you feel?" Anikka smiled.

"Better. I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."

"A what?"

"Never mind." Kathryn laughed. "Its just an expression."

"Well, you better get moving. Its time for breakfast and we will need to pack for the journey. Well probably leave in about an hour."

"I wish I could brush my teeth. I feel like they're covered in fur."

"Well get you a toilet kit from the supply tent."

Anikka waited for Kathryn to take care of some biological necessities before they left for the fire. They got her the promised toilet kit on the way. She was quiet on the short walk, her thoughts turned inward. She realized that Kathryn had shown no changes since being introduced to Bluestone. Her eyes were still that intriguing shade of blue-gray.

They joined a group of people by the main cooking fire. Kathryn looked around and was amazed at the number of people there. They sat beside the largest of the fires and the warmth helped alleviate some of the morning chill gathering in Kathryn's bones.

"Hi, I'm Holly." A young woman said while handing Kathryn a plate of food. "I heard you were here. Glad you could join us."

"Thanks," Kathryn felt a flush of warmth as she started to feel more accepted by these people.

Kathryn finished her breakfast happily, conversing quietly with Anikka from time to time. Staring deeply into the cerulean eyes, she felt they were making real progress toward some sort of amicable relationship. Even if the younger woman wanted nothing more, perhaps it wasnt too late to be friends.

Everyone started taking up positions for the march. Kathryn was with Anikka, Naomi, Sirak and about four men. One of whom she recognized as Alex from the night she had arrived in Arandile. She didn't know the other men. Kathryn noticed her group was about a quarter of the way from the front and was curious about the formation. "Why are we so far back? I thought Naomi would be in the front. Leading,"

Anikka was glad to explain, gratified at the smaller woman's interest. "Naomi is the leader, but you want to protect the leader, and the people in the front will be the first to encounter opposition. Besides, Jonru is leading the initial strike force. She is close enough to the front to direct her troops." she explained.

"Oh," Kathryn said more confused than ever.

They walked the entire day at an even pace; stopping for ten minutes every two hours so no one would become exhausted. The warriors were well supplied and there was plenty of water for everyone to have two full canteens.

They had also brought water buffaloes, large containers of water from which people could refill their canteens. The water buffaloes and supplies sat on skids powered by currents of air. The air kept the containers from touching the sand. Wheels would have been impossible.

Kathryn was amazed at the technology. She had to stop thinking of these people as backward.

Promptly at noon the formation halted for the midday meal, but there were no fires this time. They ate camp rations and drank water. It reminded Kathryn of her first trip with the women. She looked up to see Anikka watching her speculatively.

"What?"

"You're in better condition."

"For what?" Kathryn asked with a blush.

"For marching. Your muscles are hardening, and you're hardly even sweating. You've adjusted quickly." she complimented.

"Oh, that. I guess so. This pace seems so much easier than what I've experienced before."

"This is a good pace." Anikka agreed. "It wouldn't do us a lot of good to reach our destination in a state of fatigue."

Soon the respite was over and they were on their way again. Kathryn was aware of Anikka watching her periodically throughout the day, but couldn't actually catch her at it.

As the sun began descending, the troops halted. They formed a rough semi-circle and began setting up camp as Naomi walked to the center giving words of encouragement.

They continued in much the same pattern for the next four days. Marching steadily throughout the day, with hot meals for breakfast and supper, the midday meal consisting of cold rations and water. Every night they set up camp, and had their evening meal. After the evening meal, the warriors went to sleep quickly after sentries were posted.

Nothing further happened between them but they both enjoyed spending the nights in each others arms. The fourth evening, things changed a little.

When the troops stopped for the final time, Naomi walked to the center of the semi-circle.

"Were very close now. Tomorrow we reach our destination and rid ourselves of the parasite called Cross."

Cheers went up from the multitude. Kathryn was glad to add her voice to the celebration. As the echo quieted, Naomi continued.

"Each person should prepare themselves. Pray to the Goddess, talk with a friend, whatever you need. No matter what happens, I want you to know I am proud of each of you."

Naomi took a breath as she waited for her words to sink in, making eye contact with as many people as possible. "We have made this journey in the same marching order as we will be in tomorrow. This way no one is confused. Jonru will lead the strike into Cross Mountain. My group will break off after we penetrate the range. We will search for Cross while the strike force occupies the enemy. Our reinforcements should only be a few hours behind us. Healers will be with the reinforcements. We will probably have wounded that cannot wait. For this reason, we have three healers in our own group. Holly, Gorman and Philip will be at the rear. I have decided that Alex will also be in the rear to protect Kathryn."

Wait!" Someone yelled. "Shouldn't she be using the sword?"

Anikka heard an edge of panic to the persons voice. There were other rumblings beginning in the crowd. Uh oh. Better nip this in the bud. Cant let them panic now! "Listen to me!" Finally, they quieted, intent on the commander's words.

"Remember the council meeting? The possibility that Kathryn is a sign, not the actual wielder of the sword?"

"That was before." A young man yelled. "Show her Bluestone and see what happens."

"We already did." Naomi said catching the crowd, and Kathryn, unaware. "Her eyes are still blue-gray. The sword did not know her."

Naomi paused a moment to let her words and the implications sink in. "It doesn't matter." she reasoned. "Kathryn will be with us to remind us this is our time. We have a plan and its a good one. Now, I want everyone to get settled, have a good meal and rest. By this time tomorrow, well be celebrating."

People began breaking up in groups. Spirits were up. Naomi knew it had been a close few minutes, but she had been lucky.

Cooking fires and tents were set up. A temporary latrine was dug. The routine of the camp set in as people ate and relaxed around the fires. People lingered tonight, talking with comrades. They were not eager to bed down knowing that tomorrow would come soon enough.

Kathryn was eager to relax, however. It had been a long day and she was bone weary. She entered the tent she shared with Anikka as soon as it was set up. She laid out the sleeping furs on the cot and retrieved the other woman's fur from its place on her pack. With shaking hands she laid the two sleeping bags together and set the cot up in the center of the tent. She had acquired a slightly wider cot from Naomi earlier, so the two women wouldn't be in danger of falling off in the night.

Kathryn sat down and removed her shoes. Finished, she closed her eyes and rested her head on her drawn up knees. "Phew, I stink!"

It was then that she realized she had been wearing and sweating in the same clothes since they began the march. "No wonder she wont touch me!"

Right on cue, Anikka entered the tent with a bundle tied under her arm, and stopped when she saw Kathryn already had everything set up. There was almost a predatory look in the small redheads eyes and the blonde felt pinned in place by that smoldering gaze.

"What's this?" she asked carefully, masking the panic she felt rising in her belly.

"I...I'm tired. I thought we could go to sleep early?" Kathryn finished weakly. She held her breath waiting for a response.

To her surprise, the other woman simply looked at her thoughtfully for a moment and said, "Follow me,"

Kathryn slipped her sneakers back on and followed Anikka from the tent. She was led to some showers that had been set up at the rear of the camp. They used water that was filtered through sand and recycled in a continuous cycle from one of the water buffaloes.

The shower set up was pretty makeshift, with hides draped between four cubicles for privacy, but Kathryn didn't care, she would be clean again! She entered a stall, removed her clothing and draped them over the hides, sighing in bliss as the warm water ran over her body.

Kathryn couldn't see the grin covering Anikka's face at her sounds of pleasure, but was happy to be handed a cake of soap that she knew had been pounded from vegetable roots. She closed her eyes and began washing her hair, rinsing the dirt and sweat from her scalp. It felt wonderful showering by torchlight, and strangely romantic in an exhibitionist sort of way.

Anikka took Kathryn's old clothing and replaced them with the buckskin she had been carrying in a bundle. She would burn these later she decided, looking Kathryn's rent and bloodstained clothing over.

Kathryn finished her shower and was handed a very soft bundle to dry on. It looked like cotton but felt different. It was different than the cloth she had dried on while in Arandile.

"What's this?"

"Its called lenami. Its made from a subterranean plant. Its very absorbent and will not mildew."

"Its so soft!" The smaller woman exclaimed in delight, drawing the fabric slowly over her skin. Kathryn finished drying and dressed in the clothes that had been laid out for her.

Clean clothes! She felt a little self-conscious wearing the buckskin, but strangely felt like she fit in a little better, like she was becoming part of the family. The boots were also comfortable, seeming to mold to the shape of her feet.

"Lets go eat and then get some sleep." Anikka suggested. "Tomorrow is going to be a long day."

All too soon, it was time to go back to the tent. The blonde carried an oil-burning lamp; she would not be caught by an intruder in their tent and was expecting there would be assassin to make an appearance in the near future. Of course she couldn't tell Kathryn that.

Kathryn stood by the entrance with her arms crossed and watched her companion set the lamp beside their camp bed. She felt a fluttering in the pit of her stomach as the younger woman stripped her outer garments and laid them beside her. Climbing inside the furs, she looked at Kathryn questioningly.

Kathryn knew she was being silly. Nothing was going to happen except sleep. They were going to be fighting Cross by this time tomorrow, and needed their sleep.

She drew a deep breath and hoped the other woman couldn't see the flush covering her face in the diminished light. Breaking her trance, she walked over and sat next to the blonde to remove her boots.

"Anikka," she began. "I don't want to sleep in these clothes. Ill wrinkle them or get them dirty. But I have nothing to sleep in."

"You wear underclothes, do you not? Sleep in those." she said reasonably.

Kathryn wondered if there was a huskiness she detected in the other woman's voice or if it was just her overactive imagination. She made a quick decision, and felt her face flush again as she started to remove her clothing, starting when Anikka placed a hand over her own.

"Kathryn, I wont attack you. I have seen a naked woman before."

"I know. Its okay," she said calmly while feeling her heart thundering in her chest.

That's not what I'm worried about, she thought, I might attack you! Kathryn controlled her emotions and finished undressing, lying down as Anikka covered them. Kathryn lay there stiffly for several minutes.

Finally, Anikka said, "Relax, come here and I will hold you."

Kathryn lay her head on a strong shoulder and felt an arm encircle her.

"Now sleep." Anikka ordered.

Kathryn forced herself to relax by listening to the sound of a strong heartbeat. A few minutes later she fell asleep in comforting circle of the young woman's arms.

Kathryn was roused from a deep sleep by the feel of liquid on her face. She raised a hand to wipe the moisture away and felt another drop. Looking for the source of the moisture, she turned her head and saw tears on Anikka's cheeks. Knowing personally about bad dreams, her compassionate heart went out to the younger woman. With the intent to comfort, Kathryn rolled toward Anikka and unconsciously lay on top of her. Her elbows were on each side of Anikka as she placed her hands under her head. She felt the softness of large, firm breasts pressing against her.

"Its alright." She whispered in her ear. "Its alright, honey. Wake up; I've got you."

Anikka awoke to the feel of Kathryn on top of her, and slipped her arms around the narrow waist. Kathryn's lips were gently kissing the tears from her cheeks, and Anikka was beginning to forget the dream. Her eyes closed with the sudden weight of desire, and heat flooded her center. She held her breath as Kathryn's lips gently roamed her face, not wanting to break the spell. Kathryn's lips grazed her own, so softly she wasn't sure it had really happened, and her breath burst from her as her stomach flipped.

Anikka reached up and caught Kathryn's chin, tilting the small head up to kiss her. The kiss drew lips and the sharp edge of teeth. She held Kathryn against her chest and whispered into her mouth, "Is this what you want?"

"Yes,"

"Yes, I am." Kathryn hesitated, briefly afraid that she would be rejected. "I want you."

"Kathryn," The name whispered in supplication.

Kathryn leaned forward and kissed her gently, before the other woman could pull away. Her delicate fingers reached to the skin exposed at the neckline of Anikka's sleep shirt. She slid her hands lightly down the firm body, dancing over the fullness of her breasts teasingly to the hem and tugged the shirt upward.

The blonde arched her back to allow Kathryn to remove the garment, and dropped it on the ground away from the bed.

Her nails raked along the waistband of Anikka's shorts, desperate in her hunger as the other woman ran her fingers over Kathryn's breasts with a combination of newness and curiosity. Skin so soft, nipples as dark as her lips.

Anikka reached to the peg-like closure of her own shorts. It gave at a touch and she spread the front closure flat across her abdomen with both palms. Her navel was a small, dark indentation that Kathryn wanted to touch her tongue to. She wanted to raise those narrow hips and peel away the cloth and kiss her way along both thighs, to taste and touch completely. But Anikka must be teasing her, because she seemed determined to strip her clothes away slowly. With a quick arch of her hips, Anikka freed the waistband.

Clean, precise leg movements let her slip the cloth off and kick it away. Then the blonde was sitting opposite her in nothing, the hair at the juncture of her thighs glistening wetly in t darkness. She crawled her way across the sleeping bag and straddled Kathryn's lap, wrapping arms around her neck and kissing her face. Kathryn's arms twined around the supple, muscular body, and she could feel the gorgeous woman soaking against her leg.

Anikka kissed her, undressed her, and kicked her underclothes away into the dark.

The touch of the full breasts to hers set off sparks of electricity behind Kathryn's eyes. She tried to keep her hands resting on the fur at her sides, wanting to give the other woman time to explore. Warm fingers touched her breasts, and then traced her spine to the tight buttocks, grasping her strongly and surging against her. A soft, wet tongue traced the delicate shell of her ear. Anikka kissed her there and whispered, "I love you," into the dark. Kathryn felt the words, and a shudder rippled through her body.

She rolled over to lie back against the padding and let the woman explore her. Short nails just barely brushed her nipples and vanished again before her palms ran down the body from shoulders to ankles, learning the texture of the sweet skin.

Anikka let her fingers slide between the slightly parted legs. She felt the difference in texture between rough hair and velvety wet skin. She was moving entirely by touch, having lowered her body to lie against Kathryn's flank and pressed her forehead against Kathryn's shoulder. She found the flooded line of skin that lead to the opening of Kathryn's body, and her fingers ran along the dark-tipped outer lips, spreading the soft moisture along them. "I love you." She whispered against Kathryn's neck.

As carefully as she could, Kathryn untangled their legs and settled herself into a kneeling position. She reached out and caught the slender hips in the palms of her hands. Anikka let herself be guided across Kathryn's knees, and settled her legs on either side. She clung to Kathryn's neck and shoulders, her face pressed against the red hair, careful not to rest her full weight on the smaller woman.

Kathryn whispered, "Relax, darling. I wont hurt you. I wont ever hurt you."

Softly reaching between them, she explored the tender skin of Anikka's inner thighs. It felt so good. Under the baby soft skin, the younger woman was still as strong as iron, her body tense with anticipation. Her fingers stroked up those legs until they rested against the stiff hair between them. It was wet, almost dripping, and the skin underneath was warm. Kathryn stroked her carefully, tilting her head up to kiss her gently.

Slowly she eased in a single fingertip, holding her gently with a hand on her back. The blonde whimpered for a moment, then exhaled slowly and pressed back so that Kathryn slid inches deeper. When her hand rested against the soft mound, she bent her finger a little and stroked the soft internal muscles, she watched gentle features her own eyes tearing at the pleasure she witnessed.

The younger woman thrust against her and Kathryn took the opportunity to press a second finger in and rotated them both a little to hear her moan, "Yes, please,"

She arched back to look Kathryn in the eye, wanting to see her new lover when she came. Her face by now was wide open, curious, and pleading, colorless in the pale light of the lamp. Rocking her hips strongly, she surged against the stroking fingertips trembling when they touched the right places.

Kathryn leaned close, catching the ends of the blonde hair, whispered, "I love you, Anikka."

She came suddenly, pressing close against Kathryn's shoulder. Tears slid down against Kathryn's neck while she cradled the beautiful, strong body against herself. She held her gently until she raised her mouth and captured Kathryn's lips in a searing kiss.

Anikka's tongue reached past her teeth and found her tongue. Kathryn opened her eyes and could make out the blue, electric eyes so close to her own as they focused again. She slid gently out of her grip and moved to explore her lovers body. Kathryn moaned as she was kissed from her shoulders and down to her breasts. She ran her hands through thick, golden hair holding it against her breast briefly before allowing the younger woman to continue her journey. Anikka's knee insinuated itself between her thighs as her fingers began exploring Kathryn's body. She pressed a kiss to the pale-skinned hip. "Beautiful, my Kathryn."

Anikka's tongue trailed from the lower belly to the source of heat between the legs. She pressed her lips between Kathryn's thighs and licked there; concentrating on the hard nub just enough to push her over the edge shed been riding.

When Kathryn could breathe again she was inside the sleeping furs and Anikka's warm body was curled around her. She worked at fitting their bodies more tightly together. "I love you, Kathryn. Sleep now," she covered them both and kissed Kathryn gently on the forehead. She lay down with her head pillowed on Kathryn's chest, and they both slept deeply, without troubling dreams.

***************

Anikka awoke the next morning as dawn was breaking in the east. She stretched languorously and smiled at the pull of muscles long unused. Her smile faded as a feeling of apprehension invaded her belly. Today was the day. Win or lose, this was it. She shuddered at the thought. She rolled onto her side and lay contemplating Kathryn's sleeping features.

What of us, love? What if I lose you, or you me? Just be happy for what we had? I don't know if I can do that. Not again. She leaned above Kathryn on her elbows and brushed back a lock of hair from her forehead. She rained small, light kisses on her eyes and soft cheeks. Kathryn stretched and opened her eyes with a smile.

"You can wake me like that everyday." She slipped her arms around Anikka's neck and sighed with contentment.

"I would be happy to oblige you." was the laughing response.

Kathryn saw the strain behind the smile and misunderstood the reason for it. "What is it? Are you sorry for last night?"

"Never, my love."  She took a breath before she responded. "I'm just worried about today. This fight is crucial but the outcome is far from decided. In the course of battle many things can happen. If something were to happen to you..."

"It wont."

"Please, listen. If it should, I'm not sure I could handle it. Understand, I'm not only afraid of losing what we have; I'm afraid of losing myself. I'm afraid of losing the capacity to care about anyone or anything, again."

Kathryn placed a palm against the soft cheek. "My love, you try to act so hard. As though nothing can touch you. But its just a wall to keep people from seeing what's really in your heart. You care so much about everything that it makes you special. There aren't many people who have that gift. I have a hard time believing you could lose that."

Anikka had no words for Kathryn's loving support. She could only kiss her deeply in gratitude.

Outside the tent, the camp was beginning to stir. Fires were being stoked for breakfast. Supplies and tents were being packed in preparation of breaking camp. Inside, Anikka took a few minutes to show Kathryn how special she had become. Finally, when Kathryn was breathless, the blonde pulled back.

"I have something for you. Even when I'm not with you, we will never be apart as long as you wear it."

"What is it?" Kathryn asked curiously.

Anikka got up and rummaged through her pack. She came back with something hidden behind her.

"Close her eyes." she said seriously.

Kathryn complied with a smile. When she opened them again, the other woman was holding a strip of blue cloth interwoven with brown triangular patterns.

"Your headband?" She had never seen Anikka without it except to sleep.

"It is my family symbol," she explained. "It has been passed down for generations. Kathryn, I do not open my heart easily, but when I do, it is completely. If you wear this, it is a sign of commitment. I will feel as though my spirit is with you, always. But maybe you think this is too sudden?"

"No." Kathryn said simply. "I would be honored to wear it. Thank you."

She felt the prick of tears at the back of her eyes as Anikka tied it around her head. The blonde placed a kiss in the center of Kathryn's forehead.

"I guess its time we got moving." The blonde said softly. "We have to get packed up."

They dressed and were just exiting the tent when a loud commotion began in the camp. They ran to find a group of warriors huddled around someone. Naomi was among the group.

"All right, everyone, back off!" She said taking command. "Give them some room to breath."

When the group moved back, Kathryn could see three people in tattered, dirty clothing; two men and a woman. They looked battle scarred and weary. Their faces were streaked with dirt, sweat, and blood.

"Get a healer over here!" Naomi shouted.

Gorman rushed to comply and dropped on his knees to examine his new patients quickly. Naomi questioned them while Gorman treated their injuries.

"Who are you? Where are you from?"

The taller of the two men, a large, dusky fellow answered. "I'm Jason, this is Ruth and Linier. We escaped from Cross Mountain." At his words there was a buzz of conversation from the onlookers.

"Escaped or defected?" Sirak questioned shrewdly with narrowed eyes.

The man named Jason gave Sirak a funny look before replying. "Both. What's the difference? Cross is losing people everyday. It started with the appearance of a strange female. People remembered the old stories. At first it was only one or two, then it became more. He is very angry. He put his demons to watch over the humans. Its only luck that we got away."

Naomi could smell the fear emanating from him and wanted to believe the story, but it was too dangerous.

"I want to believe you." she said honestly. "But we cant take the chance. You will be guarded at the rear of the formation, but you will not be bound."

It was the closest she could come to a compromise. They would leave them untied at the rear of the formation so they could defend themselves if necessary, but would be carefully watched.

The three looked relieved. They knew it was the best they could expect under the circumstances.

"No one seems to be badly injured." Gorman reported. "I'm going to arrange for some food."

Naomi nodded as he left. To Jason she asked, "How far do you estimate before we encounter opposition?"

"You're very close to the mountain, now; three, maybe four hours. Of course I don't know if he sent anyone after us. You could have less time."

Naomi looked quickly to Jonru. "Make sure we have sentries out." As Jonru ran to carry out her orders, Naomi shouted to those within earshot. "Get ready to move! Pass the word, we move out in twenty minutes."

Fires were extinguished and the camp packed as Naomi finished questioning the three renegades. When she had gathered as much information as possible, she had them escorted to the rear.

Anikka and Kathryn were just finishing their own packing when they saw Alex approaching.

"Hi, I'm here for bodyguard duty." His smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "You look good in buckskin, Kathryn."

The fear in his eyes was obvious, but he said lightly enough, "You cant fight without weapons, so I brought you a present."

The present he referred to was a falchion, a short curving sword. It was small and light enough that Kathryn could handle it with minimal trouble. The bulk of the weight was in the handle to allow better balance. Alex fit a scabbard to her waist to hold the sword.

"Good choice, Alex. Just right for a beginner." The commander approved. He blushed at the unexpected compliment.

Kathryn's heart was pounding in her chest. The battle was suddenly eminently real to her as she held the sword. With exaggerated care, she slid it into the scabbard.

Anikka took both of Kathryn's hands into her own as they looked deeply into each others eyes. She couldn't say what she wanted with Alex present. He didn't know of Kathryn's secret roll of infiltrating the mountain and gaining access to the computer room. Only a handful of people knew of that idea to keep it from making its way to their unknown assassin. Anikka felt her fear for Kathryn like a living creature taking up residence inside her chest.

"It will be all right." She said instead. "I know we will be victorious. Go with Alex. He will take care of you."

Kathryn turned to follow him. Suddenly, she turned and ran back to Anikka, throwing herself into her arms.

"In case I don't get the chance later-I just want you to know. I love you."

"I know." she whispered gruffly. "Now go." She pushed Kathryn gently away.

"Alex..."

"With my life." he promised as they turned back toward the rear.

Anikka threw their camping gear onto the supply skids, and then she ran to find her group in the column.

"Were one short, now." Naomi was saying as she arrived. "But Kathryn will be safe with Alex. Keep your eyes sharp. When we get into the fight, try to stay close together, and keep your partner in sight. Anikka, you're with me, Sirak with Martin. That leaves Chase, Barak and Grant. Try to stay with the group."

Ahead, Jonru gave the signal to step out. She used a small horn that was attached to a cord at her waist to sound the signal. The formation traveled four people abreast in a column that stretched three quarters of a mile long. When they encountered their target, the signal would be given to alter formation. The middle would swing to the right, coming up even with the front. The rear half would fall in behind them. They would form a crude double line for the actual attack.

They traveled much slower than they had the previous days, having no wish to rush into an ambush.

**********

The watcher was growing impatient. She had lost every opportunity to get rid of that slip of a girl. Anikka never let her out of her sight! Now she was in the rear. Since the traitor was so close to the front, she couldn't touch her. But maybe she didn't need to do anything to Kathryn anymore. After all, Naomi had Bluestone. If she could get the sword, everything else would fall into place. She knew she would find an opportunity as soon as the fighting started.

She fingered the scar on her face and thought again of Kathryn. Even if she didn't need to kill the girl, she still would if she got the chance. She had been looking forward to it for a long time and would not deny herself the pleasure if the opportunity arose.

**************

They had been walking about two hours when there was a shout from the front. Word was passed that the point sentries had begun to encounter scattered opposition. The full attack could occur at any moment. It was time to form the line. Jonru gave the signal with a sharp blast of her horn; neatly, the formation broke and began reforming. To Kathryn, they were so precise they looked as though they did this daily. With the new formation, Kathryn wasn't so far back. She could see Naomi's nucleus toward the front, and searched desperately for the familiar form of her lover. She saw her and took strength from the determined set of the narrow shoulders.

Along the front line, every other warrior carried a shield. This was a fall back to the Roman style of fighting. Should they be showered with arrows, everyone was protected while leaving half the formation free to return fire from crossbows, spears, and arrows.

Cross Mountain loomed very close, now, and Kathryn shuddered as a trickle of fear went down her spine. How she had hoped she would never see this place again! They walked slowly for about twenty minutes, carefully watching all around them. Jonru raised her arm and the formation halted. Something was wrong. It was too...quiet. Suddenly, from in front and all around nua, tokar and humans sprang from concealed trenches in the sand.

It was a trap! Warriors quickly grabbed for swords and knives. They were too close for bow and arrows. Some never drew a weapon before they fell writhing in agony. Kathryn drew her sword and prepared to die. God help me, she thought. But every time she turned to face an opponent, Alex was there fighting like a wild man. Kathryn's eyes were wide and her breath burst from her in gasps of terror. Finally, there were too many of them and Kathryn was fighting desperately. She lost sight of her protector after that.

Naomi's group forced their way toward the mountain. They kept in a loose circle defending each other as they progressed. A large wave of nua poured over them, and Anikka watched Barak fall as a sword ran him through the chest. Briefly, she lost sight of her group. She was attacked by a tokar that slashed at her with its deadly tusks, but she was well versed in this foes fighting techniques.

Anikka dodged as though going left. The clumsy beast moved to follow, but the blonde went right instead. Before it could regroup and turn back, she fired the projectile in her left vambrace into the beasts tiny brain. She all but severed its head in a two handed overhead strike from her sword.

When the blonde was attacked by the tokar, the traitor saw her chance and moved to take advantage of the opportunity. Anikka was occupied and no one else from their group was in sight while Naomi was fighting two nua simultaneously.

They were trying to throw her off balance by coming at her from opposite directions but she was using Bluestone with the skill of an expert soldier. She parried and threw herself on the other side of one of the nua. Now she had them on the same side and she saw Sirak running toward her. Backup!

Sirak raised her sword high and drew it down sharply, knocking Bluestone from Naomi's hands.

"What are you doing?" she cried.

Sirak snatched the sword from the ground as Naomi began fighting hand to hand with the nua. Sirak turned and ran toward Cross Mountain and her master, knowing she would be unopposed. The Arandile warriors thought she was one of them, and Cross minions knew she was one of them. She had just been lucky the three defectors hadn't recognized her.

Then the tall commander was barring her way.

"You!" Sirak grated. "I've looked forward to this! You're always in my way!"

Anikka rushed toward her in a fit of rage. A traitor right here! Pretending to be a friend! She thrust her sword, but Sirak had no intention of getting that close. She drew a long hunting knife from her belt and threw it. Her aim was true, and Anikka dropped her sword as she stared in disbelief at the knife in her chest. The young woman fell heavily to the ground, and just barely managed to hang on to consciousness.

Sirak quickly scooped Bluestone up and ran past the other woman, thinking her dead. With her last bit of strength, the determined younger woman grabbed Sirak's ankle and tripped her causing her to fall face first into the dirt. As the edges of her vision closed in, Anikka saw Naomi, Martin and Grant reaching for Sirak, and then she saw no more.

********************

Jonru could see they had severely underestimated Cross. They were overwhelmed. She knew they had to fall back to regroup, and hopefully encounter the reinforcements on the way. She tried to wait as long as possible to give Naomi's group the time needed to penetrate the entrance to the mountain. Finally, she could wait no longer. They were getting slaughtered! She sounded the retreat; the warriors still on their feet struggled to respond.

Naomi hearing the retreat signal retrieved Bluestone, pushed it into her scabbard and slung Anikka across her shoulders. Grant and Martin provided protection for them as they struggled to fall back with the others. They had been assaulted by a wave of nua when they tried to capture Sirak, and she had escaped into the mountains. At least they had regained the sword, and uncovered the traitor.

The warriors encountered surprisingly little resistance in escaping. It was too easy and they knew Cross had allowed for this. They made their way back to the staging area where they discovered that their equipment was untouched. Perimeter sentries were quickly dispatched while the exhausted fighters snatched eagerly for water and began searching for friends and loved ones.

Kathryn had been searching desperately for Anikka, but so far no one had seen her. Then she saw Naomi carrying someone and knew immediately who it was.

"I need a healer, now!" Naomi shouted hoarsely. She lay her burden gently on the ground as Kathryn rushed to her side.

Sobbing in anguish at the sight of the blood covering the sinewy body, Kathryn knelt and lifted the blondes head onto her lap. Blood trickled from the side of the injured woman's mouth, and ran freely down the leonine neck.

Holly knelt next to her and checked her pulse and respiration. "Phillip, Gorman, get that hospital tent set up right now!" They rushed to obey her, drafting several exhausted volunteers on the way.

Holly gently laid her hands on Kathryn's. "Honey, were going to do everything we can." she said gently. "I know you want to be with her, but right now we've got work to do. You just relax. She's going to be fine."

Philip and Gorman returned with a stretcher. "The tent is being set up." Phillip reported efficiently as they scooted the young woman onto it. Holly asked Naomi to organize a party to look for survivors and wounded, and to get them to the medical tents while she looked at the young woman's wounds.

Naomi placed her hands comfortingly on Kathryn's shoulder. "There now," she said, "She's pretty tough, shell pull through. Right now you need to keep busy and I need some help. It wont do any good for you to stay here and dwell on it."

Kathryn went with Naomi and a small group of fighters to look for wounded. They found a surprising number of people had only superficial injuries, and fatalities were few; losing only twelve was a testament to their skill.

They worked for the next few hours transporting all of the seriously injured patients to the hospital tents. There were only seven seriously injured. The other side had numbered substantially higher casualties. Of the human traitors, there were fifteen dead.

But of nua and tokar, the casualties were too numerous to count. The injured tokars and nua were put out of their misery. The warriors weren't heartless, but there was nothing they could do. They had no medical knowledge for these beings, they couldn't let them suffer, and they couldn't afford to be defending themselves against more of the enemy.

Kathryn immersed herself in trying to help the injured and in a few hours she was covered in grime and gore. Alex caught up with her to let her know the reinforcements had finally arrived.

"What happened? What took them so long?"

"They got lost." At her disbelieving look he added, "You have to remember, everyone who knew the location of Cross Mountain was in our group; they only had verbal directions."

"Any news on Anikka?" she asked abruptly changing the subject.

"Yes, that's another reason I was looking for you. Naomi asks you to come." He couldn't meet her eyes, and looked away with a slight flush.

"Tell me," she demanded.

"I cant." he insisted. "You have to ask her."

Kathryn sprinted toward the medical tent with her heart in her throat. Please, God...please...God...please...God, she chanted over and over as she ran.

She saw Naomi from a distance and took in the stiff set of her shoulders. She was standing outside the tent, leaning against it for support. Her head was bowed and her arms hung limply at her sides.

She heard Kathryn's approach and slowly raised her head. Her face was streaked with dirt and tears.

"Is she...?" Kathryn began.

"No. At least, not yet." Naomi looked at her with compassion in her cobalt eyes. "I'm sorry, Kathryn, but I felt it best to let you know; Holly says Anikka's wound is critical. The knife ruptured a lung, and it missed her heart by centimeters. In this crude setting, she doesn't have what she need to treat her. We don't think she has much time left."

"Can I see her?" she begged feeling the tears forming.

For answer, Naomi took her hand and quietly led her into the tent.

The acrid smell of astringent assaulted her as they entered the battlefield medical tent. There were injured people everywhere. Medics moved around examining and treating patients. Kathryn felt as though she was wading in a dream. She walked slowly toward the younger woman; Holly standing next to her.

Anikka lay very still upon the cot. Her shirt was gone and her chest was covered in stark white bandages. A tube protruded from the bandages on the left side to allow the air trapped in her chest to escape. Her chest rose erratically as she struggled to breath. Her complexion was gray and her lips were tinged with blue.

Kathryn stopped at the cot and looked up briefly into Holly's eyes. "I'm sorry, Kathryn. We did everything we could. Were just not equipped to deal with this."

"How long?" she asked raggedly.

"I'm not sure. A few minutes...a few hours. I don't think shell make it through the night."

"I'm staying." was the stubborn response.

The other two women left her beside Anikka; Holly pulling the curtain closed around them. She intended to give Kathryn as much privacy as possible.

"My love," she whispered as she knelt next to the blonde taking an ashen hand into her own. She lovingly whispered words with no meaning intended to provide comfort if for some miracle she could hear her. Her hope was that the younger woman would anchor herself to the sound of Kathryn's voice.

Eventually, Holly returned with a stool and informed her they would be launching another attack at first light.

"The only thing we need now, is someone to use Bluestone." Holly said dismally.

"I thought Naomi was using the sword." Kathryn was paying scant attention to the conversation, her eyes still on her lover.

"Not anymore. She says she wont do it."

"What, why not?" Now Holly had her full attention.

"She just wont. Refuses to talk about it. Says she doesn't care who carries it. Of course, no one wants to meet Cross face to face, so were having a hard time finding a volunteer."

Kathryn found out Naomi was in her tent, refusing to talk with anyone, and asked Holly to stay with Anikka while she went to talk to Naomi.

She stood outside the tent for a moment realizing there was nothing to knock on. Finally she just said loudly, "Naomi, I need to talk to you."

There was a pause and Kathryn started to think Naomi wasn't going to answer her. Finally she was given permission to enter. Naomi started talking as soon as Kathryn walked through the flap. "I'm not doing it and that's it. Don't waste your breath." She was laying on her sleeping bag, fully dressed with her hands folded under her head.

"Naomi, after everything we've been through, you cant just give up."

"What else can I do? You don't understand. Kathryn, I'm tired of losing people I care about. Its my fault Kami's dead, and now Anikka's going to die because of me." She stopped as her voice cracked. She sat up and began again.

"Tomorrow, Jonru is launching another attack. She's taking all the reinforcements with her but I wont be going."

"Coward," Kathryn said scathingly. "That's what this is all about. You're scared. Things got out of control so now you're just gonna run and hide."

Naomi's eyes flashed with anger as she stood up and stepped toward Kathryn. "You dare call me a coward? You who ran from everything and everyone and buried your head in the sand? You don't know anything about me."

"I know what fear is. But sometimes the stakes are too high to run away. You taught me that. Ill use the sword, myself." Kathryn was trembling with suppressed anger.

"You? You have no idea how to use a sword. You'll just get yourself killed. Besides, what about the computer? Who will deal with that?"

"Guess Ill just have to take care of both. Someone has to try." Kathryn stalked across the tent and grabbed the sword without waiting for Naomi's permission.

"Go ahead!" Naomi yelled. "See if I care. You think if you make me feel guilty, Ill change my mind?"

Refusing to answer, Kathryn left with Bluestone clutched in her hand and went directly to the tent she shared with Anikka. She sat on the furs with a bump and pulled the sword across her knees.

"Oh, God. What have I done?" She asked shaking in fear. "I don't know what to do."

She didn't want to use the sword. To tell the truth, she had hoped to goad Naomi into her role again, but she had allowed herself to get angry and was stuck with the consequences.

She stood up and went back to the younger woman. If she was meant to die, she wanted to spend her remaining time with this woman. They only woman she had ever truly loved.

She sat with Anikka for the rest of the night. Catching only fitful sleep with her head on the edge of the cot. Just before dawn, Holly shook her gently awake to let her know it was time to prepare.

Kathryn was relieved to see her lover was still hanging on, but couldn't help but wonder how much time they had left. She gently brushed her lips across the dry, cracked ones below her and brushed a lock of damp blonde hair from the forehead.

"Hold on, my love. Don't you leave me." was whispered before she rose to reluctantly leave the tent.

Kathryn grabbed a quick plate of food from the cooking fires. She had never felt less like eating, but it wouldn't do to pass out in the middle of the fight.

Before she knew it, Jonru gave the signal to fall into formation. Kathryn walked to the front with Bluestone strapped to her side. Outwardly, she struck quite a picture; she looked calm and confident in Anikka's buckskin clothing and blue headband and the other fighters took heart from the sight of her. This was the woman of the prophecy. They would prevail!

Kathryn didn't feel as confident as she looked. Her knees were shaking, her palms were sweating, and she still had no idea how to accomplish both parts of the mission. The computer she could handle, but if they encountered Cross first and he killed her, all was lost. They only other people who even knew of the computer were Anikka and Naomi which left Kathryn very much on her own. She took a deep breath, and looked at Jonru.

With a quiver in her husky voice she said, "Lets do it."

Jonru nodded and sounded the signal to move out. They began walking with Kathryn's heart jumping every time the wind blew. She calmed down as they continued without incident. The group slowed as they arrived at the scene of the previous days encounter, but nothing happened. Jonru gave the signal to reform as they had before.

Kathryn was suddenly surrounded by Martin, Chase and Jonru herself. She blinked in surprise as Naomi walked toward her from the rear.

"You made it." she whispered tremulously, imminently relieved. Reaching to her side she gladly offered Bluestone to Naomi.

"No," she said sheepishly. "You keep it. Ill make sure you get the chance to use it …for Anikka and Kami. Well take care of him and then go after your metal monster."

Kathryn nodded as she blinked back tears realizing that the formation was ready. They were only a quarter of a mile from their destination, and they began moving again. No sooner had they started when a large black wave seemed to pour from the mountain.

Weapons were drawn and shields put into place...the formation they hadn't had a chance to use the day before. Archers fired their arrows; nua and humans fell. There were very few tokars this time and it appeared that even Cross had limits to his resources.

The two groups continued to close the distance. Kathryn's palm was sweaty against the hilt of the sword and she worried it would slip from her grasp. The archers continued firing their bolts as fast as they could reload, trying to even up the odds as much as possible before the hand-to-hand fighting began.

All too soon, Kathryn and her group were fighting valiantly. The small group broke away from the main formation and the redhead could see the opening into the mountain proper. She couldn't see anyone or anything guarding the entrance, and knew chances were they were all engaged in repelling the attack. Her guards kept in a tight circle around her, allowing few of their foes to penetrate the circle. This allowed Kathryn to conserve her strength for the confrontation with Cross.

"There it is!" she shouted. "Its the entrance I remember."

She had been right, it was deserted. The five pushed their way to the cavern entrance. They carefully entered the mouth of the tunnel and paused for their eyes to adjust to the darkness.

"Go slowly." Naomi cautioned. "Something tells me this is too easy."

Jonru took the point while Martin and Chase flanked either side of Kathryn.

Naomi watched the rear in case they were followed in. As they eased down the tunnel, Kathryn's memories of the previous time came back to her. "Naomi," she whispered suddenly. "This entrance on the left is where the computer room is. Shouldn't we try to disable that first?"

"No," was the carefully considered reply. "Maybe that's why this has been so easy. He's expecting you to go in there first. Its probably a trap."

Kathryn considered her words as they continued quietly down the tunnel. If it was a trap, did that mean there were enemy fighters behind the door or was it some kind of magic booby trap? If it was magic… no problem. They wouldn't have to deal with it until they were ready to tackle the computer. But, if it was a more tangible threat, were they cutting off their only avenue of escape? She knew it didn't matter. They still had to make the attempt. With an effort, she took a breath and focused her concentration back to the front.

They stopped when they reached the end of the tunnel. Kathryn remembered this place, if only by the smell of death. It was the meeting chamber.

"Is that the pole he tied you to?" Naomi asked, indicating the bloodstained wood in the center.

Kathryn nodded, shuddering with the memory.

"There," She pointed at a darker patch on the other side of the chamber. "I think its another tunnel. That's where he came from last time so it stand to reason that he may have rooms down there."

"At least its a place to start." Martin observed. "Just don't get in a rush."

They had been speaking in a whisper in case there was any of the enemy lurking nearby. Slowly, they crossed the meeting hall. Everyone had their backs to Kathryn, keeping her safe in the center. When they were halfway across, demons suddenly rushed them; pouring from the four entrances.

"Kathryn, go! Well hold them off here!" Naomi bellowed.

The older woman shivered with a sudden sense of de ja vu, those were very close to the last words Firelake had said. Nevertheless, she ran toward Cross tunnel with Bluestone at the ready in front of her. She slowed as she entered the dark tunnel; heart pounding so loud it was all she could hear. Pausing to lean against the wall, Kathryn took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves. When her heartbeat slowed slightly she continued. She set her feet slowly and deliberately, trying to make no sound that would alert Cross.

There was a small glow of light from the end of the corridor. Just a strip of light showing at the bottom of a door; it was the only one she could make out along this tunnel. Kathryn knew the light was deliberate, it was meant as an invitation for her. The handle of the sword suddenly began to hum very lightly. It seemed to grow stronger as she edged closer to the door. Soon, it became a very distinct vibration. If this continued it would make her hands numb. Kathryn let go of the grip with one hand and reached for the door handle as though she were dreaming. As her palm made contact with the door, the sword abruptly ceased to vibrate.

Kathryn almost dropped it in surprise and she hesitated in caution. She strained to hear or see anything in the gloom, but everything was so quiet. Kathryn lifted the handle slowly and began to edge the door open. Nothing happened. Was he here? Was she going to have to search the entire mountain to find him? Kathryn used the door as a shield, staying firmly behind it as it opened incrementally. Then it stopped abruptly as though wedged. She peeked as far as she could around the door, but a great deal of the room was still concealed and very dark. There was no help for it; she was going to have to go in to clear the room.

From her vantage at the doorway, she looked for something she could hide behind. There was a large stone table about six feet from the door. She ducked down and ran into the room. Kathryn felt like a character out of a detective television show as she hid behind the table.

The heavy dust in the air made her nose tickle and she quickly pinched the bridge of her nose to prevent the sneeze she felt building.

"You do have a sense of the melodramatic, don't you?" Came a smooth, sarcastic voice.

Kathryn's heart was suddenly pounding again as she heard the familiar, mocking voice.

"Oh, really! Do come out and face me. After all, you have the sword. Or do you intend to cower behind the table all day?"

She peeked up slowly across the top. Cross was calmly standing by his cauldron. He was holding an open book; calmly scanning the pages. Kathryn could make out the details in the room now, as though a veil had been lifted from her eyes. The chamber was large with shelves of books lining the two sidewalls. The books appeared ancient, with some of the bindings crumbling away to dust. Dust was heavy in the air, and not just because of the dirt floor. This room was obviously frequently used, but hardly maintained.

Few small torches scattered throughout made leaping shadows along the walls.

The large, stone table was positioned roughly in the center of the room. Along one end were stacked more tomes, one open to a page Cross kept referring to. Numerous jars and tins were open on the table, the contents from which he kept adding to his boiling pot.

Kathryn had expected anything but this. She stood with both hands on the hilt of her sword.

Cross finally raised his head to look at her. "I am quite unarmed as you can see. Are you going to attack a defenseless man?"

"Defenseless?" she choked.

"You're referring to my army. They are out there. We are quite alone, I assure you." He assured her sarcastically.

"You're not defenseless." she grated. "Even if you were, you deserve to be slaughtered where you stand! All the people you've killed...."

"They were weak! They deserved to die. You're weak, too, daughter of cowards! You cant use that thing and you know it." More gently, he said, "Now, lower your sword and bring it here to me."

Kathryn's arms felt so heavy that she suddenly couldn't keep holding Bluestone aloft. Slowly, she lowered it to her side and took a halting step toward Cross. She couldn't look away from his eyes that were dark bottomless pits…void of human emotion, and filled with only hate and rage. A pit into which she could lose herself forever, He kept talking as she took one slow, hesitant step after another. He was mesmerizing her with his voice.

"Come...serve me. I am your master, now. I am all-powerful. My spells alone keep this world as it is. Soon I will have the key to lock it in ice; a continuous, swirling blizzard so cold it will divest itself of all life and all opposition. Only those who choose to serve me will be allowed to live. My power is complete. Join me… be the first. The others will follow you and I will reward you greatly."

She was almost in reach now, his litany fighting against her free will. "No!" her mind screamed. What of Anikka and all the people she had come to love?

How could she betray them? Yet, she felt powerless to resist. He said his spells were keeping this world barren. What of the computer banks she had found in the other room?

Weren't those the type that controlled weather satellites? Had she been wrong? Would everyone pay for her assumptions?

Bluestone began vibrating, again, harder than ever before. Then she saw it over his shoulder. A small table in the corner...with a computer sitting on it! That sight in combination with the sword broke the spell he had been weaving. His illusions were shattered before her.

"No!" she screamed, bringing the sword up over her head, preparing for a two handed strike. She slashed down where he had been standing only a moment before.

Cross dodged left faster than she could see knowing that his hold on her was lost. His hands shot out toward Kathryn and an arc of blue lightning flew from the tips of his fingers. Kathryn held the sword in front of her in an unconscious act of self-defense. The lightning refracted at an angle and struck the loaded bookshelves. Paper and leather exploded in every direction. Kathryn was struck in the temple by a flying projectile and felt the blood slip down her face, but managed to keep her feet. She followed Cross who was moving to the far, darkened end of the room.

She wasn't about to let him escape! He shot another bolt of lightning that connected solidly with her body. Kathryn convulsed as the bolt hit her, dropping to her knees. She felt like she was on fire. Her eyes watered unmercifully and she ground her teeth together so hard she thought her jaw would crack.

Cross was beginning to shake with fatigue. He wouldn't be able to continue this for long. It used a great deal of his strength for this magic. He could feel his grip on conscientiousness fading and desperately had to get away from her and rest…get back in control! He turned and ran for the hidden exit in the back of the room. One could hide in the maze of concealed tunnels, forever if need be.

Bluestone absorbed the energy blast from Kathryn's body. She slumped toward the floor, bracing herself on her knees and the palm of her left hand. She could see him trying to escape as she blinked the tears away to clear her vision. All at once, she knew the answer. It was the sword; the power had been in the sword all along. It only took a catalyst to activate the magic. Cross had unwittingly supplied that catalyst. Kathryn pointed the tip of the sword at him with both hands, planted on shaking knees. She directed all her conscious feelings into it…all the love she had for this world, and the desperate need to be free from this maniac,

She felt the power gathering as Bluestone vibrated so intensely she could barely hold on. The tip of the blade began to glow, first fire red turning quickly to cold, intense blue. An instant later, a blast of deep blue fire burst from the tip. It arced across the room and struck Cross in the chest as he was turning to look back at Kathryn.

She saw a brief flash of astonishment on his face before she was knocked backward from the force of the blast. Consciousness left her as her head struck the stone floor.

Kathryn came to with a start to find herself surrounded by two women and two men. All of the wore very worried expressions and for a moment she was at a loss as to where she was and exactly what was happening.

"Welcome back." Naomi smiled warmly. "How do you feel?"

"I've got a terrible headache," she said weakly as she struggled to sit up.

Naomi squatted down to help her, extending a hand to the auburn-haired woman and helping her into a sitting position. "What happened, Kathryn? We were fighting the demons when they just suddenly disappeared."

Kathryn explained that the metal in the sword had contained the power to defeat Cross. The spells woven into Bluestone were the channel to utilize the power. All it needed was something to trigger it; like a burst of electricity or lightning. When Cross had directed his blue lightning at her, it had impacted with the magics contained in the weapon, awakening them and saving the small woman's life.

"I didn't realize until it was almost too late. It really could have been used by anyone."

Kathryn looked slowly around at her friends realizing how much she had come to love this world! She had never felt so protective about anything.

"Your eyes..." Chase breathed.

They were all looking at her strangely and Kathryn was starting to feel a little uncomfortable under the scrutiny. "What?" she asked raising hand self-consciously to smooth her disarrayed hair.

"They've finally changed." Naomi answered her questioning look. Gently she touched Kathryn's cheek. "They are the deepest blue I've ever seen. Even the whites have a slight blue cast."

"So, I'm finally one of you." she breathed, closing her eyes in silent thanks.

With a hint of tears in her voice Jonru sought to comfort her friend. "You always were, Kathryn."

Suddenly wondering what had happened to their nemesis, Naomi stood and walked to a rumpled pile in the rear of the room. She squatted by the pile and began to move it about with the tip of her sword as though afraid of what would happen if she touched it. Curious, the others went to see what she had found.

"Just a pile of clothing. Bluestone destroyed him completely. Were finally free."

For a moment, the warrior leader could only bow her head in silent thanks. But she knew they weren't finished, and finally stood to face her companions with a smile. "Lets go see about Kathryn's computer."

The last thing Kathryn felt like doing was playing with a computer, now. It could take weeks to figure out the passwords, not to mention configurations of satellites, weather patterns, trajectory...

All she wanted was to see Anikka, if she was still alive. Bluestone was still humming with power, and she wondered if it could be utilized to help heal, not just destroy.

"If its all right with you, I think Id rather see Anikka. There's time for this later."

Bowing to her judgment, they turned as one and strode quickly from the room. Now that it was over they couldn't wait to get out of the eerie caverns. They didn't expect to encounter anyone, but were guarded just the same. The exit tunnel was directly in front of them, showing the brilliance of another scorching day. Hopefully, that would all change soon.

"What I don't understand," Martin was saying, "is what happened to the creatures."

"Cross," Naomi said. "When he perished, so did his spells. The nua were conjured by him, so they are no more. The tokar were enchanted, more victims in an endless line. They have returned to the earth from whence they came."

"But I thought we would regain control of the weather." Chase complained. "It is still as hot as always."

Kathryn explained not all of Cross power was magic. A great deal of it had been based on technology. As soon as she gained access to the computers, she would endeavor to change things back to normal. She also took a moment to explain how Cross had prevented that by the use of the orbital satellites.

"Once all the pollution of the years faded, the earth could have healed. Rain would have fallen, trees grown, and rivers formed. Everything could have returned to normal. Cross used the computer satellites to hold the natural course of things at bay."

Naomi placed a hand on her shoulder. "Go to Anikka. Your place is with her, now."

She started to leave, but Naomi stopped her once more. "Thank you, Kathryn. We owe you our lives."

Meeting her gaze intently Kathryn declared, "You owe me nothing, Naomi. You people gave me back my life." She embraced Naomi quickly then turned and jogged away, back to Anikka. Hopefully, she was still alive.

Kathryn stumbled through the dry, powdery sand. It was really hard to run with Bluestone banging against her leg, and she held on to the sword as she tried to run. In the distance, she could see the healers tent. It seemed deserted from the outside, then she was close enough to hear the people inside. She took a deep breath as she raised the flap to enter. The other woman hadnt moved, and Holly leaned over her with a worried look on her face.

She looked quickly up as Kathryn entered, and the sorrow in her blue eyes caused the smaller woman's heart to clinch in fear.

"Hurry! I think she's fading."

Kathryn rushed to her side, everyone and everything else forgotten. "No, Anikka don't you leave me." She begged as tears coursed down her face unashamedly. Shivering in fear she leaned over the other woman and placed a palm against her cheek. So hot! She was burning with fever, and seemed not to be breathing at all, so shallowly did her chest rise and fall.

"Please." she whispered throatily, her voice cracking in grief. "Don't go. I need you."

She could almost see the life slipping from this brave woman, and there was nothing she could do but be here at the end. Silent sobs shook her frame, her eyes riveted on the younger woman that had come to mean everything to her.

Her leg was getting hot, and reflexively she reached to move the sword without taking her eyes from Anikka's face. Her fingers made contact with the blade, and she drew her hand back with a hiss of pain, looking down at the sword in surprise.

"What....?" Her eyes widened in shock. She had forgotten that she might be able to use the sword. The power it contained was immense, and if she could harness the healing potential it held she might be able to save Anikka's life.

But doubt suddenly assailed her as she pulled the sword from the scabbard. What if it didn't work? Unfortunately, there was no other choice. She had to try!

"What are you doing?" The fear in Holly's voice was apparent, and briefly Kathryn was appalled that the other woman could think she would do anything to harm the blonde.

But Kathryn didn't look up, seeking only to reassure her friend with her voice. "Trust me."

She held Bluestone by the hilt with one hand, and grasped the blade in the center with the other. She felt it slice deeply into her palm, but didn't release her grip instinctively knowing that blood was needed to replace blood. Kathryn's eyes closed as she concentrated on her feelings for Anikka. From the first time they had met, through their fighting, lovemaking and through the time of her injury; all the feelings of love, trust, pride and belonging.

Bluestone vibrated urgently with the gathering power as Kathryn eased it across Anikka's chest. Resting the weapon horizontally over the blonde, blood dripped from her palm unnoticed onto the skin. Kathryn controlled the burst of power with her mind and body; somehow channeling it through herself.

Feeling it make contact with her lovers body through the back of her closed fist, slowly she poured the healing strength of the sword into the defenseless woman. Finally, the blade stopped glowing although it still vibrated slightly. It was enough.

Kathryn held her breath as she opened her eyes and looked at the blonde. Was it her imagination, or did her complexion look healthier? She seemed to be breathing easier, too. Kathryn looked at Holly for confirmation as she bent to examine Anikka, her legs trembling with exhaustion.

She listened to her chest, checked her pulse, respiration and blood pressure. The tube had fallen from the bandages as though the magical closing of the wound had forced it from the tender flesh. After a few minutes, Holly looked up with wonder and fear in her eyes.

"I don't know what you did, but her lung has resealed itself. Blood pressure is closer to normal, and her breathing is still a little shallow, but regular. She will survive."

Kathryn could still feel the healing power of the sword vibrating slightly, and knew there was more she could do before the weapon was completely drained. She stumbled around the healers tent, blindly touching the seriously injured. Channeling the power of the sword was exhaustion, draining the determined woman and causing her vision to swim. She was so tired, but forced herself on feeling that somehow she could atone for the selfishness and self-pity she had wallowed in for so long. She couldn't see clearly anymore, but suddenly it didn't matter as she felt herself supported by strong hands that allowed her to finish her work.

Finally, a kind voice whispered in her ear, "Its enough, child. Sleep, now."

Gratefully, and without question she fell asleep in Naomi's powerful arms.

Connie pulled to the curb across the street from Kathryn's small house. She couldn't get very close because of the fire engines blocking the street. Yellow police caution tape cordoned off most of the block.

She got out of her sleek new Jaguar XJ6 in stunned amazement. Smoke still bellowed from the remains of the dilapidated house. Curious, she wandered to the front of the crowd that had gathered to watch the spectacle.

A white coroners van was parked next to a police cruiser. Connie ducked arrogantly under the yellow tape and approached the young patrolman leaning against his car. He saw her and walked toward her holding up a warning hand. "I'm sorry, ma'am." He said firmly, but politely. "This is a crime scene. I cant allow you in."

"I'm a friend of the woman who lives here." she lied smoothly. "Is Kathryn all right, Officer...Nelson?" she asked seeing his nametag.

"Oh," he said, mentally switching gears to give comfort to someone he assumed would need it as he laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We're still investigating." he said in a gentler tone of voice.

"It looks like someone left an oil lamp burning. It set fire to the rest of the house. That's really all I know right now."

"Was anyone home?" Connie asked, perversely excited by the images that flashed through her twisted mind.

Officer Nelson seemed surprised by the tone in which the question was asked. A frown rested briefly on his face before he removed his hand from her shoulder and surreptitiously wiped his palm on his trouser leg. He felt like he had just placed his hand into something incredibly dirty and it would never be clean again.

"I'm going to have to ask you to leave, ma'am."

Gone was the friendly young policeman. Connie immediately sensed the shift in his voice and wisely decided not to push her luck. She was lost in thought as she strolled casually back toward her car.

Her plans had been ruined and it irritated her greatly. She had come to see Kathryn in an effort to get back in the older woman's good graces. She had no doubt that Kathryn would let her in, and Connie wouldn't have been here at all if she could get another date. San Diego might be considered a large city, but it had a very close-knit gay community. Word had gotten around how Connie had treated Kathryn and no one would have anything to do with the cocky blonde. Now it looked like Kathryn had gone and killed her fool self. Stepping into the street, she was lost in her own selfish thoughts.

The driver of the bus was so fascinated by the media circus of fire trucks and police cars that he didn't look up until it was too late. There was no time to react or even touch the brakes.

Connie never knew what hit her.

It was spring. The grass was lush and green, and wildflowers grew in the meadow, showing a colorful carpet of flowers that had fascinated the natives who had never seen such a thing. Nearby, a brook bubbled and sang merrily on its way to some obscure destination.

Kathryn and Anikka liked to spend as much free time by the stream as possible. Trafalgar Springs had become Trafalgar Creek after the demise of Cross, and they had decided to make their home there.

It was only a year since Cross defeat, but so much had happened. The younger woman had made a complete, albeit slow recovery, still appearing frail from time to time. Sami and Naomi had performed a commitment ceremony, to no ones surprise. Katlin and Danna also had a ceremony, to everyone's surprise.

It had taken Kathryn three weeks to break into the computer mainframe. Not so bad, really. It had taken another five weeks to access programs, determine angles of satellite alignment and correct them.

Weather satellites had originally been placed into orbit to monitor weather, not control it, and it hadn't been a great leap for Cross to fashion them for other things. After Kathryn had downloaded all the information from the computer core, she began to have an appreciation for the mind the evil man must have had. So much potential, and he had become corrupted with the idea of absolute power and greed.

After disabling those satellites, Kathryn created a feed back loop in the computer program that had finally destroyed the link. No one would ever be able to use the satellites for any purpose, at least, hopefully, not for many centuries to come.

Seasons had slowly returned to the land. It had been a surprisingly mild winter and a warm pleasant spring. Nature had started to reassert herself everywhere as people began building homes above ground. Homes of stone and mortar, but homes nonetheless.

Maybe somewhere down the road there would be homes of wood, then again, maybe not. These people had learned the hard way not to take their environment for granted.

Sirak had never been found. They presumed she had been killed somewhere amidst the fighting, but the body had not been located.

For Kathryn and Anikka, the people of Arandile helped build their home. Made of stone, it sat about five hundred feet back from Trafalgar Creek. It was large and handsomely made. It boasted large, carved pillars on each side of the front and rear exits. Inside there was a large formal dining area. Friends and admirers had donated large ornate tapestries and family heirlooms to decorate. Large sheets of lenami covered the stone floors to contain heat in the wintertime.

Through some barrier, she had crossed time to be here. Though the barrier might still be there, she had no intentions of trying to find it. She was finally home.

Today, they sat down by the creek. The only sound was the water rushing over rocks. Kathryn leaned back against the trunk of a tree with Anikka sitting between her legs, her head against Kathryn's chest enjoying the strong sound of her heart. Kathryn didn't seem to be the same person the blonde had met a year ago. She was strong now, both mentally and physically. She was calm, self-assured, compassionate and brave.

Anikka was remembering their victory over Cross. She hadn't regained consciousness until a week after their return to Arandile. When she opened her eyes it was to gaze into the bluest on blue eyes she had ever seen. To her surprise, they were Kathryn's.

Later, she had asked Danna why she thought it had taken so long for Kathryn's eyes to change. It was almost as though the sword had a delayed reaction. Danna's theory had made good sense.

"You have to remember that Kathryn was not completely well when she came to us. The mind can do incredible things to the body. When she met Bluestone, her eyes didn't change because she didn't believe in it."

"So why did they change later?"

"Because she began to believe. I think maybe she found something she loved more than feeling sorry for herself."

She came back to the present and turned her head to gaze at her soul mate, while she listened to a shout of laugher from the creek. Micah was splashing in the cool water, enjoying the sensation against his heated skin. She had been delighted when her lover had enthusiastically welcomed the boy into their home, loving him as much as she would have a child of her own and helping to heal another small hurt in Anikka's heart.

Raising her head to capture sweet lips in a tender kiss, she knew that truly the seasons had changed, for Kathryn as well as Arandile.

The End