Gabrielle, New Goddess In Town

"Xena, is it me or is it just hotter this summer?"

"Feels about the same to me. But I can’t remember when it was this dry. How long has it been since it’s rained — two, three months?"

"At least. I sure hope we come across a spring or something pretty soon. I don’t know about you, but my water skin doesn’t have but a few swallows left in it."

"Then you’re better off than I am. I finished mine right after breakfast this morning."

"You know you’re welcome to whatever’s left."

"I know, but you save it for yourself. We’ll find something pretty soon."

"I hope so. We’ve crossed how many dried up rivers so far?"

"Four or five. Not to mention the ones with just stagnant pools left in them. Sure wish it would rain."

"Look, Xena. Isn’t that a house up ahead? You can barely see it through the trees."

"You’re right. Sure is odd to see a house this far into the woods. Maybe there’s a spring or well on the property."

"What Luck!" Gabrielle exclaimed. "A well! Let’s just hope it has some water in it."

Dropping a wooden bucket tied to a long rope down into the well, the two thirsty travelers waited for the hoped-for splash. What they heard was a dull thud.

"Well, so much for the water." Xena said, sounding as disappointed as Gabrielle felt.

"Maybe someone’s home." Gabrielle said hopefully. "Surely if there is, they must have some water."

Tentatively at first, Gabrielle softly knocked on the door. When there was no answer, she knocked harder, then harder still.

"Looks like no one’s home, and from the looks of it, hasn’t been in quite a while." Xena commented.

"Do you think we should go in?" Gabrielle asked. "Maybe there’s something inside, like maybe a water skin, or a tub full of cool, fresh water."

"Why not? Can’t let all that good water go to waste." Xena said answering Gabrielle’s joking smile with one of her own.

Gabrielle pushed on the door but it wouldn’t budge. She tried harder, and harder again, but it stayed shut.

"Do you think it’s locked from the inside?" Gabrielle asked.

"It might be. Why don’t we see if there’s a back door?"