by
Editor
Bleu Gato
Xena: Warrior Princess is copyright MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. All original content of Xena: Warrior Princess 2.0 is copyrighted by the author and is not to be used or modified without permission. All rights reserved.
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TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. WILDERNESS GRASS FIELD LATE MORNING
Xena and Gabrielle are crossing a knee-high sea of green. Argo lags behind, pausing to sample the choicer bits of scenery. The early autumn sun does not disappoint it is a perfect day for travel or fishing.
Suddenly, Gabrielle slows down and tilts her head, as if listening to someone. They resume their pace shortly and Xena knows it won't be long before Gabrielle shares the news. She is partially right.
Gabrielle, grinning
GABRIELLE
Guess who?
Xena, not amused, gruffly
XENA
Can you be more cryptic?
Gabrielle, cheekily
GABRIELLE
Not on purpose. Guess what?
Xena, mock threatening
XENA
Do you know why bards have short lifespans?
GABRIELLE
Guess where?
XENA
Gabrielle
Gabrielle, going for broke, practically giggling
GABRIELLE
Guess
The expression on Xena's face indicates that she is one second from chasing the bard and exacting the full confession via nefarious warlord tactics.
Gabrielle, finishing impishly
GABRIELLE
not.
Fortunately, Athena appears behind them and catches up in few steps, squeezing between them. Placing an arm each on Xena and Gabrielle's shoulders, she brings them together. Gabrielle wraps an arm around the Goddess' waist, the action natural.
Gabrielle, affectionately
GABRIELLE
Missed you, love.
Athena, returning the sentiment
ATHENA
Love you, too. Ready?
Xena, gaining a measure of payback on the bard, sweetly
XENA
Gabrielle, your wife is nice to me for a change; bet she wants something.
Athena laughs and releases Xena, who looks disappointed, her plan backfiring.
ATHENA
Liar.
XENA
Champion.
GABRIELLE
Ambitious, aren't we?
ATHENA
Hitching your wagon to another God?
Xena, to Athena, turning serious
XENA
You know the difference between you and Ares?
Gabrielle, naughtily
GABRIELLE
I very much enjoy that difference.
Xena, under her breath but loud enough for Gabrielle and Athena to hear
XENA
Don't I know it.
Pause.
Xena, sincerely
XENA
Athena, you don't ask for loyalty, you give it. Gabrielle has not told me the details of the mission and it matters not. I go.
Gabrielle, correcting immediately, firmly
GABRIELLE
We go.
Athena, obviously touched by the commitment expressed from both, warmly
ATHENA
Thank you.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS GRASS FIELD NOON
Xena and Athena are sitting in the grass, in the middle of the field. Next to them, Gabrielle is on sentry duty, with a bow in her hand. She patrols the surroundings, focused on scouting and contributing little to conversation.
Athena, to Xena
ATHENA
An Athenian outpost near the mountains is under siege from the Horde. They are cut off and short on supplies and hope. There are other, powerful players here and the transportation is to a clearing in the forest about five hour's walk from the fort. Be careful, the woods are crawling with the savages. You have to run for it.
Pause.
ATHENA
One more thing: Argo stays, take what you need.
Xena, immediately and categorically
XENA
She goes where I go.
Athena, patiently explaining, reasonably
ATHENA
Xena, the garrison ate the horses, the dogs, the cats, and even the rats.
There is a neigh of outrage from Argo, matched by a look of revulsion on Xena and Gabrielle's faces.
Gabrielle, stopping her circling, wide-eyed, wondering
GABRIELLE
What are they eating now?
Xena, darkly
XENA
Don't ask.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. WILDERNESS OLD GROWTH FOREST - AFTERNOON
The tiny, open space hardly qualifies for the label of a clearing. It is nothing more than a break in the canopy. The woods are thick with green in all directions and bursting with insect and animal life.
Xena, eyes closed and other senses extended, lies on the ground cover, sword across her midriff. Gabrielle's furry backpack sits next to her. The picture of relaxation she paints is broken by the presence of naked steel.
Xena detects something out of place and slightly shifts her body, hand wrapping around the pommel of her weapon. Sure enough, Gabrielle appears and signals safe. Xena stands up, stretching the stiff muscles and yawning. Xena motions with her head in the direction of the fort and Gabrielle shakes her head negative.
Xena makes a quick decision and picks a different destination.
Xena, hushed
XENA
River.
Approval sought and gotten, Xena grabs the backpack and shoulders it. Xena and Gabrielle leave together and head for the river. They walk slowly and deliberately, keeping their voices low and their steps silent.
Gabrielle, right to the point, curious
GABRIELLE
Horde?
Xena, somberly
XENA
They have no spoken language and communicate in grunts and gestures. Every few years they invade and strip the land bare. Then they disappear, leaving nothing behind. No bodies, no animal carcasses, no survivors; they either take it with them or burn it. Locusts leave more behind.
GABRIELLE
Are they like us?
Xena, half expecting an argument, trying to forestall an objection, harshly
XENA
Giants are closer to us than those animals. Gabrielle, the Horde exists solely to destroy; whatever humanity they possess, it does not extend to outsiders.
Gabrielle gives Xena a weird look, but keeps her tongue. Xena files the reaction for later, already suspecting that Gabrielle overpowered one and interrogated him during the time she was gone. Now is not the time for disagreements.
Xena, going for another angle and staying on topic, neutrally
XENA
What did the wife say?
Gabrielle, going along with Xena due to their precarious situation, troubled
GABRIELLE
Something about lost, forgotten tribes and ancient Gods; she was vague and I had a feeling she was not supposed to talk about it. She really does not want to interfere. Or can't.
Pause.
Gabrielle, confessing, sadness prominent
GABRIELLE
You know, after that healing, I told her if she did that again I would leave her.
Xena, blindsided by the revelation, raising her voice inadvertently, crying out
XENA
Gabrielle!
Gabrielle, strongly, with conviction
GABRIELLE
We have a pact: normal, village life and adventures on the road. No powers, no ambrosia, and the fate is our own.
Xena, thoughtful, nodding
XENA
It is important to you.
Gabrielle, upset at the very memory it brings, softly
GABRIELLE
She knows, but her heart overrode her mind.
Xena stops and draws Gabrielle into a hug.
Gabrielle, sharing, tearfully
GABRIELLE
It was our first big fight and it hurt. I was physically sick for days and worried you both needlessly. I don't want to repeat that.
Pause.
Xena, caring
XENA
You feel beautifully; I love your heart.
Gabrielle gives Xena a squeeze and they break and resume walking.
Gabrielle, wiping the tears, fondly
GABRIELLE
Later, I apologized and told her that if I was her, I would have done the same. She would not hear of it, took the entire blame upon herself. I love Athena and don't want her to change.
Xena, words coming to her easily, sincerely
XENA
You belong together.
GABRIELLE
Thank you.
Pause.
GABRIELLE
Plan?
XENA
The Horde attack in overwhelming numbers and cutting a swath thru them is suicide; water is the safest option. We find a fallen tree, float it, and let the current do the work. Can you swim with the blood armor?
GABRIELLE
Long enough.
Xena, teasing
XENA
If you throw a bard into the river, does she sink?
GABRIELLE
She becomes a Fury.
XENA
Alecto?
GABRIELLE
Better looking but angrier.
XENA
Snake hair and bloody tears anything is an improvement.
Gabrielle, grinning
GABRIELLE
That will be you after Athena and I are done with you.
Xena, contritely
XENA
I will be good.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILL FORT RIVER DUSK
The hill overlooks the terrain, bordered by fields and surrounded by woods, with the river on one edge. The village spread below and around the fort is an ashen memory as are the fields and orchards. Tall embankment, palisade, and the men behind the walls are the only things keeping the scorched earth from spreading and consuming all. There is no trace of the Horde.
Lower, down by the grassy embankment, a large, leafed tree drifts to the shore and two figures scramble from the water in the dying light of the day. The danger is underscored when howls pierce the silence and three scores of BARBARIANS explode from the nearby forests.
Xena and Gabrielle take off, running for their lives as the stone axes whistle in the air around them. Ahead, the gate opens and ARCHERS sprout on the palisade. Soon, Xena and Gabrielle are in the middle of a fight, the air thick with arrows and weapons.
They barely make it inside and the doors shut behind them. The dull impact of axes on the wood behind them is testament to how close they cut it. Xena and Gabrielle do a quick equipment and wellness check.
Xena, high on adrenaline, exclaiming
XENA
What a rush; I feel alive!
Gabrielle, drolly
GABRIELLE
I will settle for being alive.
Xena, drinking from a waterskin and then passing it to Gabrielle
XENA
Admit it, you loved it.
GABRIELLE
As trills go, that one is at the top, provided we survive. People try to kill you often?
XENA
After a while I stopped taking it personally and enjoyed the experience.
GABRIELLE
And you say I am strange.
Water finished, they look around the place they find themselves in. Soldiers' barracks are to the right, smithy, armory, and storage to the left, and a large, multi-level stone building ahead of them, past an open space. There are SOLDIERS posted on the walls and activity at the blacksmith, plus the SOLDIERS that let them in, but otherwise the inside is empty. Their observation is cut shorty by an OLDER SOLDIER, a grizzled veteran by the look of him.
OLDER SOLDIER, radiating hope, happy
OLDER SOLDIER
Praise the Gods. How far out is the rest of the army?
Gabrielle, matter of fact
GABRIELLE
I'm Gabrielle, Athena's Chosen and this is Xena, the famous hero. We are the reinforcements the entire reinforcements.
OLDER SOLDIER, crushed, stuttering
OLDER SOLDIER
Y-y-y-you I I
While Xena smirks in the background, Gabrielle takes charge.
GABRIELLE
Xena has troop command; I run the hospital and the fort. What is the situation?
OLDER SOLDIER, trying again, managing to eke out a semblance of sense
OLDER SOLDIER
Two?
Affirmative nod is his answer.
OLDER SOLDIER, composing his bearing, pointing to the stone building
OLDER SOLDIER
Lieutenant Mercer. This way, you need to see something.
Xena, Gabrielle, and Mercer walk side by side.
MERCER
The polemarchos and lochagoi died evacuating the village. We lost a third of the men but we saved everyone. We could do no less.
Xena, sympathetically
XENA
The civilians?
Mercer, affirmatively
MERCER
Soldiers got homesick, families traveled here and stayed.
The three reach the door.
Mercer, opening the door and stepping to the side, emotion raw in his voice
MERCER
This is why we cannot lose; we protect ours.
The large hall is packed to capacity with WOMEN, CHILDREN, and ELDERLY, leaving narrow spaces between the bedding to allow passage. The atmosphere is one of desperation, starvation, and hopelessness. The innocent all look at Xena and Gabrielle and their pleading eyes bore into them. Save us, they implore.
Gabrielle, decision made, pledging
GABRIELLE
So do we.
Xena reaches out and touches the bard's arm in support; Gabrielle covers Xena's hand with hers.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. STONE BUILDING ROOM - NIGHT
Xena and Mercer sit at a table covered in maps. Gabrielle enters, dressed in bloody tunic, and joins them. Xena uncovers and slides a plate of gruel in front of the bard. The congealed, cooled mass has unidentified lumps and chunks of something in it. Gabrielle pays the texture and unappealing nature of her meal no mind, digging into it with relish.
Mercer, apologetically
MERCER
The families come first; the soldiers eat the scraps.
Gabrielle, patting her stomach and smiling reassuringly
GABRIELLE
Hardy peasant stock; important life lesson: when there is food you eat and don't ask what it is. Full belly is a happy belly.
Mercer, laughing
MERCER
Sound advice for a farmer and a soldier.
Xena, seeing exhaustion on Gabrielle's face, concerned
XENA
Rough?
Gabrielle, wearily
GABRIELLE
Typical temple vermin: feckless priests praying while the patients die.
MERCER
The way I heard, by the time you were done, they had a reason to.
Gabrielle, brightening considerably, wickedly
GABRIELLE
Oh yes, I imbued them with faith and spirit of hard work; especially the later. Mercer: put them on the same rations as the soldiers.
MERCER
And if the invoke their status?
Xena, cynically
XENA
Tell them they are welcome to partake in the bounty of the forest creatures and plants. Mention fishing: it feeds the spirit and the body.
Gabrielle, pointing at Xena with a spoon for emphasis
GABRIELLE
What she said.
Mercer, chuckling
MERECER
Might give the Horde stomachache.
GABRIELLE
Hey, eating here.
Xena, tweaking Gabrielle
XENA
Hardy peasant stock not hardy enough?
Gabrielle, pointedly
GABRIELLE
I went by the kitchens and I know what they put in this.
Gabrielle waves a spoon loaded with the grey, gooey, glue-like substance under Xena's nose. A mystery chunk of unknown substance makes a break for it and plops on the table. Mercer and Xena stare at it, unsure whether it is alive or how likely to attack. Unconcerned and oblivious, Gabrielle scoops it up with her other hand and pops it in her mouth; she masticates intently. The other two suddenly feel queasy.
Gabrielle, chewing for a few second and swallowing the escaped bit, then sweetly
GABRIELLE
Xena, do you want to know what is in this delicacy?
MERCER
Zeus have mercy, no!
XENA
There are things that are not spoken of!
GABRIELLE
Thought so. Hospital is sorted; Athena should be back any minute.
Mercer, puzzled
MERCER
When and how did she get here? Why is your wife following you into a war zone?
Gabrielle, mysteriously
GABRIELLE
Chosen's privilege.
XENA
I will say.
GABRIELLE
Shush you.
Mercer, abruptly cognizant of the late hour, standing up, politely
MERCER
I briefed Xena thoroughly and I want to stress again that the situation is dire: food is down to days, arrow supplies are low, and you already know that the wounded outnumber the healthy. We need a miracle. Good night, Chosen. Good night, Xena.
He departs, passing Athena in the entryway and acknowledging her presence with a bow. Athena closes the door and goes over to the table, taking a seat on Gabrielle's lap. The Goddess' matching, bloody tunic speaks of their work in the hospital. Athena gives her wife a smooch in welcome.
XENA
Fair warning: those lips were in that slop.
Gabrielle dips the spoon in the plate and feeds it to Athena, who eats the food promptly and gets a kiss in reward.
Xena, her stomach flipping in revulsion at the thought of eating that gunk, disgusted
XENA
You are both beyond help.
Giggles answer her as Xena heads to her bedroll, spread near the right side of the bed. Her stomach rumbles forlornly she takes off her boots and Gabrielle and Athena realize why Gabrielle's portion was supersized.
Xena, hesitantly
XENA
Gabrielle?
Gabrielle, warmly
GABRIELLE
There is jerky and dried fruit in the backpack.
Xena, relieved
XENA
Praise Athena.
Xena reaches out and drags the furry container to her sleeping area.
Gabrielle, mischievously
GABRIELLE
Oh, I will.
Xena, grumbling as she intently searches for the goodies
XENA
Rats another sleepless night; figures.
More merry laughter erupts at the table, followed by more sharing and the all-important kisses.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILL FORT PALISADE - DAWN
The fog blankets the land, hiding the scars on the land and leaving the terrain below the fort in a sea of clouds. A horn sounds in the distance and hundreds of howls answer, somewhere close. They are all around, surrounding the fort.
SOLDIERS pour out of the barracks and run to reinforce the walls. Out of the mist come the BARBARIANS, equipped with makeshift ladder. It begins with a single thud of the first one landing and grows into a constant noise of them, a drumbeat that signifies an all-out attack and bodes ill things for the defenders, already stretched thin.
The BARBARIANS, covered by a barrage of stone axes, scramble up the steps and to the top. They heedlessly throw themselves on the SOLDIERS, knowing that each one occupied is one less stemming the flow from below.
Xena is magnificent. The SOLDIERS give her space to work and she easily holds her ground, sending dead BARBARIANS tumbling to either side and kicking the corpses under her feet clear. Her performance inspires and heartens the SOLDIERS.
Unfortunately, she is only one and the constant stream of BARBARIAN reinforcements is pushing the SOLDIERS closer to the breaking point. There is no respite, no quarter, only the numberless Horde, howling and clambering up the ladders in unceasing numbers.
With the doubt highest among the thinning ranks come the arrows in relief, cutting the BARBARIANS down. Gabrielle is a vision in her blood armor, lit by the rising sun, high atop the stone building, smiting the Horde at an incredible rate. She is not holding back and each missile takes a life, builds morale, and turns the tide. In battle, the mental often beats the physical and when the tipping point happens it affects both sides.
It comes on the heels of one of the most incredible shot Xena and the soldiers have ever witnessed. Three BARBARIANS climb over the same section of the palisade, the ladders close together. Gabrielle switches the bow to horizontal and notches three arrows at once. She draws back farther than normal and releases. Three missiles head straight and true, spreading in flight. They strike and end three BARBARIANS at once, to the astonished gasps of the witnesses.
Gabrielle goes back to the normal shooting position, but the damage is done. The Horde's dreams for the rest of their days will be haunted by the blazing, red woman and the death she cradles in her hands. The BARBARIANS are visibly shocked by the skill and sheer daring of the shot and they fall back, demoralized. The horn makes the withdraw official.
Xena, raising a sword in salute to Gabrielle, starting the cheer
XENA
Athena! Athena!
SOLDIERS, picking up the chant, victoriously
SOLDIERS
Athena! Athena! Athena! Athena! Athena!
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS FOREST EARLY MORNING
Shrouded by the billowy white, a massive figure turns its head towards the source of the cheer, hidden by the trees and fog, silent by the distance, yet heard nonetheless.
It opens its mouth and roars defiance. The war cry echoes thru the woods gone still, racing past the animal hearts trembling in fear and out into the open, where it soars towards the fort and washes over the walls. The Horde has divine favor too.
CUT TO:
INT. STONE BUILDING HOSPITAL NOON
The second floor of the stone structure is converted into hospital. The WOUNDED SOLDIERS and VILLAGERS fill the rooms and cover the floor. Xena walks down the main hallway, threading carefully and looking into rooms as she passes.
Athena, changing a dressing on a YOUNG GIRL, catches Xena's attention and points with her head in the direction of her wife. Xena gives her a smile in thanks and enters the indicated room.
CUT TO:
INT. STONE BUILDING HOSPITAL SUPPLY ROOM NOON
Xena looks around the converted supply room. On one side WOMEN are busy boiling strips of linen and surgical tools in water heated over the fireplace as they chat amiably. Gabrielle sits at the table, her healer's kit out, poultices and mixes being prepared and notated in the scroll.
Xena grabs a seat and a welcoming, broad smile greets her. Gabrielle hands her the quill and slides the ink and parchment over, leaving her free to concentrate on the medicine. They work well together.
Xena, troubled
XENA
Why are there civilian patients?
Gabrielle, saddened
GABRIELLE
The Horde ignored the defenders and went after the families. Even dying they would try to kill them. The soldiers had to tackle and fight them hand to hand to protect the innocent, hence the high casualties. What kind of human monsters do that?
Xena, spitting out
XENA
Bastards! Sorry, that is unnatural. Warlords will slaughter entire villages and I am certainly guilty of it but only after securing the location. To go after the weak right from the start, that is not rational; the Horde is wrong in the mind.
GABRIELLE
You heard the thing in the woods this morning?
XENA
Whatever it is, I don't want to meet it. Knowing our luck, we will.
Pause.
Xena, gently
XENA
How is wife doing?
GABRIELLE
It is easy to watch from above, different when you have your hands on them and you feel their life pulse and ebb. I am proud of her.
XENA
She does not have to be here.
GABRIELLE
Life is best shared. Strictly between us: Lila left a void and she struggles to find her new place.
Xena, after a moment of silence, revealing
XENA
It was Athena's voice that called me back in Thessaly; her love that reached me. For her: anything.
Pause.
Xena, clearly uncomfortable, reluctantly
XENA
This makes what I am about to ask of you even harder.
Gabrielle, accepting the truth and trusting Xena's judgment, matter of fact
GABRIELLE
The hospital is the symptom, the Horde is the affliction, and the fort is stricken and unable to cure itself. What are we going to do?
Xena, with reservations
XENA
You are not going to like it.
Gabrielle, forging ahead, not one to run from responsibility, bravely
GABRIELLE
Plan?
XENA
The grind is not going to work; they bled the fort dry, the toll is already too heavy. I want them to think that the evil spirits walk the woods. Fear is our miracle.
Gabrielle, having guessed the request, hair's breadth from committing
GABRIELLE
I agree: primitive mind breed superstition. Yet do you know what you are asking?
Xena, tears falling, pain tearing her insides
XENA
Yes, yes I do. Gabrielle, I would rather die than hurt you but this is not about us. This is about them, about that little girl Athena is bandaging outside.
GABRIELLE
You can't?
XENA
I am a warrior, not an assassin.
Pause.
Xena, covering Gabrielle's hand with both of hers, quickly rushing the words out
XENA
Gabrielle, I am sorry, that came out wrong. I want, very; I don't have the skills to carry it out. You have, but not without a cost and that is my guilt to shoulder for asking. Not yours.
Pause.
Xena, looking Gabrielle in the eyes, honestly and openly
XENA
You are at one with the forest and that is what we need. They will spot me coming; not you. Please?
Gabrielle, adding her hand on top of Xena's, courageously sacrificing
GABRIELLE
For you, for Athena, for the innocents.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. STONE BUILDING HOSPITAL - EARLY EVENING
Xena hangs out near the stairs, waiting for Gabrielle. She does not wait long.
Gabrielle, ribbing
GABRIELLE
Expecting to help with camouflage?
XENA
Whether doing or watching, it is all good.
GABRIELLE
And if neither?
XENA
I take rejection well.
GABRIELLE
As if. If both fail, I rather think you hold out a vague hope of washing me afterwards.
XENA
I see at least three good things coming out of this.
GABRIELLE
You certainly don't give up.
XENA
Only when it comes to you.
GABRIELLE
I like that.
Pause.
GABRIELLE
Tonight
XENA
Yes!
Gabrielle, concluding, playfully
GABRIELLE
it's Athena's turn.
Xena, pouting
XENA
Teasing harlot you are.
GABRIELLE
Xena, behave.
Xena, pontificating with a straight face
XENA
It is my learned, warlord opinion that you should limit your outfit to nothing and apply the gunk liberally. Very liberally and with an assistance of experienced hands; I have reputable references. Sadly, I was not in the proper frame of mind to enjoy the Amazon session, but I have high hopes that this one will be exceptional.
Gabrielle, amused
GABRIELLE
Go hump a tree.
XENA
I rather Athena is behind me, isn't she?
Gabrielle, laughing
GABRIELLE
Yes.
XENA
I will be good.
Athena, walking up between them and throwing her arms around both, guiding
ATHENA
Hold you to it. Let's feast; mmm, gruel!
Xena makes a retching noise and Athena lightly bumps her with her hip. The three laugh as they head downstairs.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS FOREST - NIGHT
A BARBARIAN stands propped against the tree, dozing off; his head drops from time to time and then jerks up a few seconds later. He opens his eyes, heavy with sleep and he is no longer alone. A woman covered head to toe in black substance faces him.
Gabrielle puts a pinch on the BARBARIAN and when he drops, she ties the rope around his ankles. Slowly, she lifts the body and secures it, leaving it hanging at chest level. She melts back into the woods.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS HORDE OUTPOST - NIGHT
A score of BARBARIANS snore by the fire; they lie directly on the ground. Gabrielle threads silently among them, wielding a long stick she picked up. When she gets to the fire, she strikes the burning wood, sending the flaming pieces in all directions.
The BARBARIANS startle awake and panic, trashing around and screaming their primal fear at the natural force unleashed on them. Then Gabrielle drops the improvised staff and starts ducking and weaving with blades in hand and BARBARIANS start dying. Half of them are dead before they realize they are under attack and by that time, Gabrielle is gone, vanished without a trace.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS HORDE MAIN CAMP 1 HOUR BEFORE DAWN
The BARBARIANS from a fire nearest the outer sentries stand up, stretch, and scratch. One heads for the forest to relive his bladder. Oh his way, the BARBARIAN walks into an object and feels it blindly. Turns out, it is another BARBARIAN, strung up and dead. He turns and blindly runs, only to bump into another body. The commotion brings the other BARBARIANS rushing to his location, torches in hand.
The light reveals a grisly sight. Like a macabre and grotesque decoration, BARBARIANS swing by their ankles among the trees. Something killed the guards watching the camp during the night and left the remains where they would not be missed. Worse, there are no weapon marks on the corpses, just trickles of dried blood from the nose. Whatever is in the woods with them, it is enough to scare the Horde. They hastily abandon their friends and escape back to the camp.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS HORDE MAIN CAMP MORNING
In the background, the Horde is a dark mass of BARBARIANS, blending together. The assembled Horde watches the SHAMAN move ritually in front of the heavily smoking fire, pausing to toss things that make the flames change color.
The SHAMAN chants among the red clouds, thick and obscuring. Suddenly, a dark shadow appears in the smoke and appears to dance with the SHAMAN, who abruptly falls silent. The smoke flares into life with new addition to the flames and they disappear. Shortly, the smoke parts the SHAMAN lies dead on the ground, his neck broken. There is no trace of anyone or anything around him. The Horde backs in fear, glancing all about, afraid the evil spirit is about to strike one of them next.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILL FORT PALISADE AFTERNOON
Xena is on the walls, anxiously scanning the empty, destroyed scenery. Mercer walks up and joins her, making plenty of noise beforehand. Xena is jumpy, barking orders and chewing off heads for slightest transgression. Mercer guesses the source of her stress.
MERCER
No sign of the Horde. That is good, right?
Xena, noncommittally, not taking her eyes from the view
XENA
Maybe.
Pause.
Xena, starting to explain and then drifting off
XENA
She means
Mercer, putting his hands up,
MERCER
The world; I noticed. Xena, you feel down but there is another worse off. A bit of wisdom from an old man: two carry easier than one.
Xena, suddenly feeling bad for forgetting about the Goddess, exclaiming
XENA
Athena! Thanks.
MERCER
You are welcome.
Xena is gone, thundering down the stairs, on her way to hospital.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILL FORT RIVER - DAWN
It is a clear, crisp morning. The Horde is back, massing near the river. A huge party of BARBARIANS breaks off and marches for the gate. They are carrying a large tree trunk, no doubt a ram. Axes whistle thru the air, covering their approach. Soon, it impacts with a dull boom and the entire gate shakes; the end is coming.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILL FORT RIVER - MORNING
One of the BARBARIANS guarding the CHIEFTAIN catches something moving in his peripheral vision and turns towards the lake. A reed is slowly making its way towards the shore. The BARBARIAN who noticed this hits the other one on the arm and points at the object. They both heft their axes and wade into the water.
The water is up to their chests when they reach the reed. Looking at each other and confirming the timing, the BARBARIANS spring into coordinated action. One grabs the impromptu snorkel and covers it. The other gropes under the surface, looking for the body to go with the breathing apparatus.
Gabrielle surfaces between the shore and the BARBARIANS, knife in her teeth and one in her hand. She cuts the throat of the BARBARIAN clutching the reed from behind and when the other one turns, she drives the knife into his throat.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILL FORT PALISADE MORNING
Xena jumps down from the wall and runs to a wagon filled with replacement trunks for palisade. She picks up a torch on the way and lights the pitch-soaked contents when she gets there. Muscles straining, she puts her shoulder into the frame and drives with her legs. It creaks in protest and the wheels slowly turn. Inching ahead at first, it builds speed and momentum - a mass of burning wood on a collision course with the gate, pushed relentlessly and single-mindedly towards its destination.
The BARBARIANS deliver the final blow, breaking the crossbar and sending the damaged gate halves inward; with a shout of triumph they pour into the opening. Unfortunately for them, they arrive at the same time as Xena and are run over by a fiery wagon that is rolling at a good clip by then. Xena stops and watches as the massed BARBARIANS are scattered, crushed, and burned. Aided by the slope, the BARBARIANS' bodies are no match for the weight unleashed on them, destroying their ranks. They pressed tightly in an effort to rush the keep once the doors were breached and are now paying for that mistake dearly. And then Xena tears into them.
Behind her come the SOLDIERS, majority forming a construction crew and the rest going outside after her. The builders are dragging carts for impromptu barricade and forming a line to pass the dirt filled baskets to the spaces where they are needed.
With chakram and sword in hand, Xena falls on the demoralized mob of BARBARIANS and starts on the survivors. Many SOLDIERS join her, finding the going easy as the disorganized BARBARIANS are not putting much of a fight, initially. The BARBARIANS give ground for a time, leaving it covered with their own.
Soon, the fighting grows more intense as the BARBARIANS recover. Not even Xena's presence and skill can affect the outcome outside the walls, due to sheer numbers of the enemy. The BARBARIANS are back on the offensive, pushing Xena and the SOLDIERS back.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILL FORT RIVER - MORNING
The CHIEFTAIN, noticing his guards are missing while his attention was on the fight, looks around in surprise. He finds one BARBARIAN floating face down in the river and the other face up, with a knife sticking out of his throat. Immediately issuing a war cry and lifting the twin axes, he steps towards the river.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILL FORT GATE MORNING
There is a loud battle call away from the action and Xena notices that the bulk of the Horde is staying back and not reinforcing; strangely, the BARBARIANS face away from the battle and are looking towards the river. However, the ones storming the keep are more than enough.
XENA
Retreat!
The SOLDIERS break and Xena stays behind to cover their escape. Already, a temporary wall is being erected in the opening and the SOLDIERS scramble on top of it. Since the Horde's attention is divided and the nearest BARBARIANS focus on Xena, ARCHERS lean over the palisade and start raining arrows, covering her withdraw. The enemy is quick to respond and the axes fly again; Xena has to run and leap over the barricade in a hurry, chased by a swarm of deadly missiles. Their goal achieved, the ARCHERS duck behind cover, but not before paying the price as the deadly thrown weapons target and end a few of them.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILL FORT RIVER - MORNING
Gabrielle breaks the surface and stands up. She fixes her eyes on the CHIEFTAIN as she approaches the shore, still covered head to toe in camouflage. Adding to the confusion, affected by the gift of truth boring into his eyes, the CHIEFTAIN involuntarily backs up a few steps, unsure of what it is he is facing. Is this a woman the shape indicates or the spirit haunting the forest?
When Gabrielle walks out of the water and raises the knife, the spell is broken. With the BARBARIANS not engaged in the fight now watching the developing situation, it is clear to all what the gesture represents a challenge. This the Horde knows, this the Horde understands, and the CHIEFTAIN accepts it.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILL FORT GATE MORNING
A SOLDIER moves up and hands Xena a spear and a shield and she joins the front ranks, right behind the barricade. The formation is tight, nearly shoulder to shoulder. Spears are lowered and set. Xena and the SOLDIERS don't have to wait long.
The BARBARIANS charge screaming over the short wall; they flow like a wave of fur-clad bodies, right into the teeth of prepared defense. Greeting them is a forest of sharp spears and their attack falters on the cold steel. However, the BARBARIANS coming behind stop on top of the impromptu wall and lift their axes.
XENA
First three, kneel!
The SOLDIERS in the mentioned rows take a knee, including Xena.
XENA
Next three, throw!
Spears and axes trade live, with the SOLDIERS, equipped with shields, winning the exchange by a huge margin.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILL FORT RIVER - MORNING
The CHIEFTAIN easily exceeds Xena in size and the thick furs only increase his presence. The axes he wields are larger than normal; he is a supersized BARBARIAN with a painted face and bones, likely human, threaded into his hair. The CHIEFTAIN roars and the match begins.
Gabrielle feints one way, then another; the CHIEFTAIN does not bite on the first but the second gets him and the bard goes low the other way. She ends up behind the CHIEFTAIN and he tries to follow but his leg gives out and buckles; she got his hamstring, hobbling him. Powerful low kick to CHIEFTAIN's good limb costs him his balance. As the CHIEFTAIN falls, Gabrielle pounces and the last thing he sees is the knife heading for his eye. He lies on the ground twitching and then is still.
The Horde stands stunned, shocked into inaction. Only when the horn sounds is the spell is broken and to the men, the BARBARIANS prostate before Gabrielle. At the same time, the portion of the Horde attacking the fort begins withdrawing, heeding the call. The battle is over.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILL FORT GATE MORNING
One of the SOLDIERS up on the walls above updates Xena.
SOLDIER, shouting
SOLDIER
They are retreating to the river!
Xena drops the shield and spear and taking a running start, leaps onto the barricade. She spots Gabrielle in the middle of hundreds of prone bodies, with the CHIEFTAIN's body behind her. The BARBARIANS that she was fighting run up and join the others on the ground, growing the living fur carpet. There is something very strange about this behavior; it appears more akin to deity worship than paying respects to the victor of a duel. Without knowing why, acting purely on her gut, Xena explodes into action, sprinting even before her mind can process all the facts. This is why she survived eleven years on her own and she is proven right once again.
Behind Gabrielle, the unthinkable happens; the dead CHIEFTAIN rises, knife and all. Running all out, Xena realizes by the sudden appearance of tension in Gabrielle's body that the bard knows that the opponent she defeated is not so. Locking her eyes on Gabrielle and noticed in turn, Xena wills understanding of intent; she trusts in their bond. The chakram is unhooked and thrown with everything Xena has, whistling towards its target.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILL FORT RIVER - MORNING
The chakram rockets to Gabrielle's left side and she catches it with her right hand in midflight as she turns that way. Continuing the motion and the momentum, the arc of the traveling blade takes the CHIEFTAIN's head off in one clean strike.
The headless body collapses and the Horde howls in lament; their greatest warrior and favorite of the Gods killed for the second and final time. The BARBARIANS jump to their feet and run for the forest; in seconds the field of battle is clear.
Xena covers the distance between them in record time, she is there in time to catch the slumping bard. Hugging and supporting by half, she speaks her heart.
Xena, emotionally
XENA
I'm here. Forgive me?
Gabrielle stiffens and half steps back, still in Xena's arms. She tosses the bloody chakram aside and touches Xena's cheek tenderly with her hand. Xena closes her eyes and presses her cheek into the palm.
Abruptly, Gabrielle parts with a sad smile; she walks away, towards the fort. She does not look back. Xena looks crushed by withdraw of affection and rejection of hers.
Athena appears and puts a restraining hand on Xena's shoulder before she can chase down Gabrielle.
Athena, shaking her head, warningly
ATHENA
It's not yours to ask. It is not about your guilt; it's about hers.
Xena does not listen and tries to struggle free.
Athena, arresting her in place, insistently, projecting power
ATHENA
Xena, don't. Gabrielle has wounded to attend and work to distract her. Besides, wife is sending a want to be alone vibe. What about you? How you feeling?
Xena, weakly
XENA
I could use a friend.
Athena puts an arm around Xena and guides her to the keep.
Athena, amiably
ATHENA
Let's get you cleaned up and sorted, dear friend.
CUT TO:
EXT. HILL FORT RIVER 2 DAYS LATER/LATE MORNING
Xena and Mercer sit near the river, watching the currents. Xena smells rather than hears Gabrielle and turns her head to exchange smiles with the bard. Gabrielle is definitely in need of a wash and a scrub, looking like part of the forest stepped out for a stroll. Xena hands her smoked fish and Gabrielle tears into it. Mercer stands up.
Gabrielle, inhaling the food, contently
GABRIELLE
Tasty. Horde vanished.
Xena, pointedly
XENA
Not from you.
GABRIELLE
Tracked them for a day, they won't be back.
Mercer, gratefully
MERCER
Athens owes you a debt.
Gabrielle, humbly
GABRIELLE
The Chosen serves the Goddess.
Mercer, with great respect, worshipfully intoning
MERCER
Blessed be Athena, Goddess of War and protector of Athens.
GABRIELLE
Exalted be her name.
Mercer, bowing to both, respectfully
MERCER
Xena, the tales that reach here are few but thousands would not do you justice. You have this soldier's sword. Farewell heroes.
XENA & GABRIELLE
Farewell, friend.
Mercer leaves towards the fort, where below it a new village is rising from the ruins.
Gabrielle, sticking her grubby hand out, demanding
GABRIELLE
More.
Xena reaches to the side and produces additional food.
Xena, handing the fish to Gabrielle
XENA
We need to have a talk about your eating habits. Later, when my eyes are not watering from the stench.
Gabrielle staggers and Xena leaps to her feet. Before she realizes what is happening, they are both in the river. Both women come up at the same time, Xena spitting water.
Gabrielle, innocently
GABRIELLE
Better?
Xena, promising darkly
XENA
One day, bard
Gabrielle playfully dunks Xena and makes for the shore, only to be pulled back. A very vigorous bard scrubbing ensues, among the laughter and splashes.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS CAMP NIGHT
Gabrielle and Athena are on their sides, facing away from each other in their bedroll. They are close. Blankets cover them up to the neck. Gabrielle is crying and sobs and shivers shake her. Athena tries to draw Gabrielle closer again but the bard fights her, refusing contact.
Athena, her distress showing, tearing up and growing desperate, begging
ATHENA
I am going out of my mind here, please talk to me.
With supreme effort, Gabrielle pulls herself together. Unable to face the pain and worry in Athena's eyes, she lies on her back and stares at the night sky. Slowly her breathing calms and the tremors subside. And then Gabrielle takes the first step, still unable to face her wife.
Gabrielle, trusting and sharing, admitting
GABRIELLE
I'm hurting, love.
Athena leans in and kisses her tenderly. It is about being there and offering reassurance. Now Gabrielle meets her eyes.
Athena, fondly, with hint of sadness
ATHENA
You know, in as long as we are together you provide comfort and I cuddle up to you. You are only vulnerable when we make love. I want more; I want you to trust me completely.
Pause.
Athena, lightly brushing Gabrielle's bangs from her face, with great affection
ATHENA
Let me take you in my arms; let me share your pain. When you are weak, I am your source, your strength. Tell me when you hurt inside. I love you, Gabrielle.
Gabrielle captures Athena's looming face with both hands and returns the kiss, filled with need.
Gabrielle, surrendering, lovingly
GABRIELLE
I love you, too. Please hold me.
Athena takes Gabrielle in her arms and Gabrielle snuggles in. Love is being vulnerable in front of another.
Gabrielle, shakily, unburdening her guilt and shame
GABRIELLE
The Horde, they were different; savage, primitive, yet undeniably human. What happened what I did was murder men and string them like trophies. Cut them down without a thought, each strike a calculated killing blow. No mercy, no choice, just death and callousness. Me all on me
Athena, gently, lovingly
ATHENA
You are good and pure, unmarked by the sins you profess. I forgive you.
In the background, on the other side of the banked fire, Xena is propped up on her elbow, watching the scene from her bedroll. Her face is unreadable; her eyes full of sorrow and regret, bleeding tears.
Athena's eyes find her and lock onto Xena, as she holds her sobbing wife in tight embrace. She gives Xena a small smile, forgiveness and love brightening the night. Xena acknowledges gratefully and shifts to lie on her back. It is not enough to assuage her conscience, but it is a start.
FADE OUT: