FADE IN:

INT. ABANDONED BARN

A small area not used for some time, there is one door which is hanging off its hinges and no furniture except for a few small piles of hay. GABRIELLE enters the room and yawns hugely, she is very tired, but nevertheless surveys the room with disappointment.

Is this the best we can do? We must have passed through at least five villages today.

XENA enters carrying her pommel. She pushes past her and dumps it in the corner.

They were all deserted, at least this has a roof on it.

(looking up)

Yeah.

You're the one who wanted to stop remember.

(yawning)

Right, just point me to the bed.

Xena glances over at the hay piled up in one of the corners, Gabrielle follows her gaze and sighs.

I'll find something to eat.

Xena exits, Gabrielle shrugs her shoulders and pads over to the hay and collapses down over it. She curls herself up and quickly falls asleep.

CLOSE UP of a small spider slowly crawling down Gabrielle's spine.

CLOSE UP of Gabrielle's face. She is slightly disturbed by the spider's motion but she remains asleep.

BACK TO spider entering the back of her shirt.

BACK TO Gabrielle, who murmurs even more and gradually wakes up. She suddenly snaps awake and becomes aware of something tap dancing on her vertebrae. She screams and shoots up in the air and starts shaking her shirt to try and get rid of it. She dislodges the spider which falls to the ground and takes cover. Gabrielle spots it scuttling away and tries to stamp on it, with no success. Xena bursts in, ready for anything.

What? What's wrong?

(shouting)

I hate this place! I hate travelling all day! I hate sleeping on straw! I hate having to eat out of nature's lucky dip and I especially hate bugs!

Gabrielle picks up her staff and starts driving it into the hay which the spider crawled under. It is flushed out and makes a break for the other corner, Gabrielle stabs at it but misses.

(recognising it)

Don't worry, Gabrielle, it's not poisonous. There are probably quite a few round here, I saw a nest of them outside.

(exasperated)

A nest?

Xena nods.

(grabs the pommel and walks out of the door)

Right, we're leaving.

I thought you were tired.

(departing, irritated)

I'm not any more.

Gabrielle storms out of the room. Xena glances to where the spider ran and crouches down. Her hand shoots out and catches the spider which she brings up to eye level. As it crawls around on her hand a mischievous grin spreads on Xena's face.

(from outside)

Are you coming?

Be right there.

Xena takes one last look at the spider and then blows it off her hand.

EXT. ROAD CUTTING THROUGH THE WOODS - DAY

Xena and Gabrielle are on horseback, Gabrielle gently dozing against Xena's back. Xena hears ahead of them shouts and the crash of metal on metal, the sound of combat. She elbows Gabrielle awake who comes round gradually and then very quickly when Xena spurs her horse to a gallop. Up ahead she sees a wagon under attack by what appear to be bandits. Several guards' bodies are strewn around, the reins of the horses have been cut and the horses are no where to be seen. The bandits are concentrating all their attention on their last opponent standing, GAIUS. He is a young tall man wearing fine clothes and handling his sword with great skill, but he is already wounded and cannot fight off the four bandits attacking him. Xena charges in but just as she reaches the combat Gaius goes down. She scatters the bandits just before they can deliver the death-blow and she dispatches them, but with some difficulty. Xena manages to capture one and, as Gabrielle rushes over to take care of Gaius, she interrogates him. She pinches his carotid artery and then backs off him.

I've just shut off the blood supply to your brain, so you don't have long to tell me what you're doing.

The bandit pulls himself up onto his hands and knees and looks at Xena

HIS POINT OF VIEW - XENA

he then sees Gaius alive and recovering behind her.

BACK TO SCENE

The bandit pulls a concealed dagger, Xena instantly pulls back into a defensive posture. The bandit shoots forward away from Xena towards Gaius, no sound issuing from his lips. His dagger raised high, Gabrielle swings her staff up to block his arm and protect Gaius. The two clash and the bandit is brought to a standstill. His momentum lost, he crumples to the floor at Gaius feet. Xena rushes over and releases the pinch, but it is too late.

(surprised, softly)

Damn.

Gods... how did he do that?

(shaking her head)

These men weren't ordinary bandits, they were too well trained and equipped and ?

(she glances down at the body of the bandit)

You are correct, they are members of the Royal Guard of Cathage.

How do you know?

(struggling to get up, aided by Gabrielle)

My name is Gaius, I am a royal prince of the House of Carthage and those men were sent by my brother.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

EXT. AMBUSHED WAGON - DAY

As before, Gaius is leaning against the wagon, his wound is not serious and is being dressed by Gabrielle.

Carthage is a powerful kingdom, it was prosperous under my father, Octavius, but he is dying, slowly, bit by bit every day and Carthage is dying with him.

And your brother?

Octavius favours me over Hellenicus to succeed to the crown. But Hellenicus has much support in the highest circles to oppose me.

But why are these villages deserted? Why are people leaving their homes over a power struggle at court?

The court has become completely self-centred, divided between the warring factions. Without united leadership the rest of the country is wasting away because of his ambition. This was not his first attempt to remove me from the succession.

(beat)

I thank you, warrior?

Xena

(a flicker of recognition crosses his face but it disappears)

Xena. I fear if you had not chanced upon me, this time he would have succeeded.

If your life is in such danger why were you going with such a small guard?

I was conducting an inspection of our border fortifications. The neighbouring kingdoms have taken advantage of our internal struggle to increase their border attacks. But I received word that my father's health had taken a sudden turn for the worse. I have to reach the palace as quickly as possible. There wasn't time to gather a proper guard.

Gabrielle finishes off tending to the wound.

Thank you?

Gabrielle.

Thank you, Gabrielle. I doubt the royal doctors could have done any better, you have a healer's touch.

Gabrielle is flattered.

The palace is just a half dozen miles ahead, I had planned to reach it before nightfall, but I do not favour my chances of surviving even such a short journey without escort.

(smiling)

Then you shall have an escort.

EXT. PALACE - COURTYARD - DAY

The gates are open, Xena and Gabrielle are entering, leading their horse which has the wounded Gaius on it. A crowd of people rush around him, Xena and Gabrielle are ignored and buffeted around as the well wishers help Gaius off the horse, he evidently loves the attention he is receiving. HELLENICUS, a young man, barely in his twenties, appears off to the side and when he sees Gaius alive and well he storms off, Gaius, who had seen him, just laughs. He then goes up to LIVIA, his mother, who had been standing apart from the rest of the crowd. He presents himself to her and a thin smile appears on her face, she holds out her hand imperiously and Gaius gently takes hold of it and lowers his head to kiss it, a look of disgust flashing across his face just before contact is made. When he looks up again, however, he is all smiles and is carried off inside by the crowd. Xena, Gabrielle and the horse are left deserted in the middle of the courtyard left wondering what to do. A man, AGRIPPA sort of the major-domo, materialises behind them.

My name is Agrippa. I will show you to a room where you can rest and refresh yourselves. The prince invites you to a banquet this evening. May I confirm that you will attend?

(put off a little by his cold attitude)

We will.

Agrippa beckons over a servant who leads the horse away.

(walking off towards the main building)

Follow me.

Xena and Gabrielle, after exchanging looks, do so.

INT. PALACE - GUEST ROOM

An opulently furnished room, which includes most notably a window, a big comfy bed, a small table with a jug of water on it and a chest in the corner. The door opens and Agrippa leads Xena and Gabrielle in. Gabrielle's eyes almost pop out when they see the luxury of the surroundings. Xena briefly looks around the room and then her eyes return to Agrippa.

We are rather busy at the moment. This is the best we have available.

(sitting on the bed bouncing up and down, a big smile on her face)

We'll take it.

(indifferently)

Excellent, if there is anything else you require merely ask, when the banquet is ready you will be summoned.

(He looks Xena up and down)

There is suitable clothing in the chest.

Gabrielle rushes over to the chest and pulls out the first dress she sees, it's beautiful.

Xena, look at this!

Xena glances over at Gabrielle and nods at the dress, when she turns back Agrippa has disappeared.

INT. PALACE - GUEST ROOM

Some time later, Xena is staring out of the window at the sky. Gabrielle comes into view behind her wearing one of the fancy dresses, twirling the hem.

What do you think of this one?

(bored, without looking round)

It's perfect, you look great.

Gabrielle harumphs and stops twirling and goes and sits down on the bed.

Well I like it. Might need a little padding, here and there.

(beat, seriously)

Come on, what's the matter with you.

Nothing.

Gabrielle arches an eyebrow sceptically.

Don't do that, I do that.

And it works doesn't it?

It's nothing, I just want to get moving on.

(exasperated)

What is it? Are you missing the road already?

Xena stays silent.

We've haven't stopped in weeks, Xena, not anywhere comfortable. The whole point of coming here with Gaius was to try and put right...

There is a knock at the door.

Come in!

Gaius enters, he has changed into an exquisitely tailored outfit, he sees Gabrielle in her dress and his face lights up, then he sees Xena still in her travelling clothes and his face falls.

The banquet is ready, you should be changed.

I'm fine as I am.

(brittle)

This is a formal occasion, you can't wear something like that.

Gaius realises who he is talking to and clamps down on his anger. He tries to chuckle to hide his discomfiture.

You must excuse me. Of course you may wear whatever you wish. It's time to go.

INT. PALACE - THE GREAT HALL

There are long tables set out with courtiers crowded around them, sitting on benches. Entertainers are performing in a central space and waiters are moving between the tables with plates of food. At one end of the hall is a platform and a single table is set out where sits the royal family, Hellenicus (who is wearing a pseudo-military uniform), Livia, Gaius, CLODIUS wearing a napkin tucked in his collar and OCTAVIUS in the centre seat, he is in his 50s but looks extremely ill. Xena and Gabrielle are sitting on one of the lower tables, Gabrielle is happily taking pieces from each of the dishes on the table, Xena eats little more and drinks nothing, interested in the people on the top table. Gaius gets up and walks over to their table carrying a jug of wine and a goblet. When he reaches Xena he dismisses the person sitting next to her with a gesture and takes his place.

(referring to Gabrielle)

For such a small person she eats well. Are you not hungry yourself?

Food has been scarce this last week. I know better than to gorge after fasting.

Well at least have something to drink. Here.

(he holds up the jug)

I don't blame you for not bothering with the slop we give the others but I assure you that this is comparable to the nectar of the gods. If I may?

Gaius pours the wine from the jug into both his and Xena's goblets, he goes to drink it but notices that her attention is still fixed on top table. He lowers his goblet and indicates Hellenicus.

The man at the end is my younger half brother Hellenicus.

A plate of delicacies is put in front of Hellenicus, he takes one look at it and pushes it away, instead he satisfies himself with a plain loaf of bread. We see Clodius who was sitting next to him stand up and start to walk over to Xena's table, he walks almost doubled over with a limp and a stick.

(with amusement)

It seems the food doesn't agree with him.

Your half brother?

Yes, I am the natural son of Livia,

(indicating Livia who is eating delicately and looks disapprovingly at Hellenicus' actions)

and her previous husband. When she married the King, the prince as he was, Octavius

(indicating Octavius who appears cut off from the outside world, staring straight ahead and not touching any food)

adopted me into the royal house, that was before Hellenicus was born.

No other children?

Three other sons from the King's previous marriage, but tragically two of them died from childhood illnesses.

And the third?

Clodius is making erratic progress, he bumps into several waiters almost knocking them over before tripping over himself, he finally makes it over to the table and hovers expectantly behind Gaius waiting to be introduced.

(annoyed with the interruption)

Xena, my brother in law, Clodius.

(he stutters)

It's Dr-r-r-r?

(impatient)

Yes, yes, your name's Drusus really.

(raising his voice as if Clodius is deaf)

It's just a term of affection, Clodius. What do you want?

I j-j-j?

Spit it out!

Indeed Clodius does, the piece of expectorate accidentally sails from his lips straight into Gaius' eye.

Just wanted to thank the g-great w-w-w?

(wiping the phlegm from his eye, infuriated)

Warrior?!

There is a look of distaste on Xena's face as she looks at Clodius.

(quickly)

For your safe return, Gaius.

(trying to dismiss him)

Thank you, I'm sure she appreciates your sentiments.

(to Xena)

And now, a toast.

Gaius picks up his goblet and Xena does the same. A look of concern crosses Clodius' face.

To the restoration of Carthage.

They are about to drink when a waiter moves behind Clodius and he somehow falls forward, knocking over both goblets and almost taking the jug with him if Gaius had not had his hand on it and whisked it out of the way in time. Much of the wine ends up down Xena's front. Clodius splutters into an apology and tries to dab at her with his shirt cuff. Xena erupts from the table and Clodius falls backwards, before she can advance Agrippa materialises between the two and blocks her. Gaius too has got up from the table and looks about to lay into Clodius with his foot but a glance from Agrippa quells him.

(to Agrippa)

Get him out of here!

Agrippa helps Clodius up collects his stick and leads him away. Xena is standing there trying to clean herself up.

(extremely apologetic)

I'm very sorry. My brother, he's so clumsy?

(trying hard to keep her temper in check)

It's not your fault. If you'll excuse me.

I feel terrible. You didn't even try the wine.

Gaius quickly refills the goblets from the jug he is still holding, and offers one to Xena.

Just one glass.

Xena grudgingly takes it.

To the future, may it promise far more than the present.

The future.

They both drain their goblets in one swig, Gaius beaming.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

INT. PALACE - GUEST ROOM

The next morning, Gabrielle is lying on the bed still in her clothes from the night before. She is groaning gently. Xena walks in drying her hair.

(whispering, clutching her head)

Could you please dry your hair a little quieter? It's just that my stomach and my head were causing me equal amounts of pain before you walked in and it sort of balanced.

(going over to the window)

Fresh air helps, try sticking your head out of the window.

I tried it. The sun was too loud.

(pouring some water in a goblet)

You never listen, do you?

I always listen. It's just that I sometimes forget moderation when I'm half starved and presented with tables of hot, creamy ? oooh.

Gabrielle clutches her stomach.

Can't you do something, like cut my blood supply off to ? everywhere.

No. I can give you this, though.

Xena passes over the goblet of water.

(taking it)

What is it? Some secret potion you learnt how to make in some far distant land by an ancient priest.

It's water. Sip it slowly.

Water.

Gabrielle starts to sip it.

You know, I think I'm feeling better.

Gabrielle tries to sit up, gets half way and then groans and collapses back down.

No I'm not, I'm dying. Why is it always me who gets ill? When we go on a boat I'm the one who gets sea sick, when we have a meal I'm the one who gets food poisoning and you're the picture of health.

(beat)

Where did you get to last night?

I was cleaning up the mess that royal idiot made of me.

Drusus?

Yes, Clodius.

He didn't do it deliberately.

From everything Gaius has told me about Octavius, how he could be his eldest son is beyond me. A prince should be strong and capable and care about his people.

Like Gaius?

(beat)

Anyway you don't know that Clodius doesn't care?

She is interrupted by knock at the door. Gaius enters.

Good morning, Xena, Gabrielle.

(concerned, to Gabrielle)

Are you all right?

She'll be fine.

Good. I was planning to go hunting today.

Do you think that's wise, I'm sure Hellenicus could arrange a hunting accident easily enough.

Perhaps it isn't, but I'm not the sort of person who can stay locked inside for long. I would appreciate your company.

Are you going to be okay, Gabrielle?

Gabrielle moans theatrically from the bed.

(walking out with Gaius)

Good.

EXT. OUTSIDE THE PALACE GATES - DAY

Xena and Gaius go riding off together.

EXT. PALACE - COURTYARD - DAY

Gabrielle finally decides to venture outside. She takes a turn around the yard which is relatively peaceful, few are around. She sees Clodius scuttle off towards a small door in the side of the building. Gabrielle, wanting to reassure him about the previous night, desirous of company and naturally inquisitive, decides to follow him.

INT. PALACE - LIBRARY

which is in fact little more than a small storeroom with scrolls on the shelves instead, it has a small table in the corner under the window. Gabrielle opens the door quietly and pokes her head round. She slowly enters the room and sees the scrolls. She picks one up at random and unrolls it. With her attention fixed on the book she fails to notice Clodius appear from around the corner right next to her.

(very angry)

What are you doing in here?!

Gabrielle is taken by surprise and drops the scroll she was reading, it wraps itself up as it falls and Clodius' hand shoots out and catches it perfectly.

What are you doing with this? Were you following me?

(confused)

No! I mean yes, I mean?

(ignoring her, unrolling the scroll, he gasps)

The saga of Gilgamesh!

(turning back to Gabrielle)

Do you realise that this story was first told thousands of years ago? And that this copy is older than both of us combined? It took me years to get hold of it, I'm not going to have some ham-fisted youth damage it.

I'm sorry?

Well, what have you got to say for yourself? You haven't said one word of sense since you burst in here and started destroying my scrolls!

(finally regaining her composure)

I didn't mean to do any harm, I just wanted to talk to you.

Talk! And why would you want to t-talk to me?

After last night, I just wanted to make sure that you knew, Xena wasn't as annoyed as she looked.

(mollified)

Well, thank you, I admit I was a little c-c-concerned about it. Accidents will happen.

(to himself)

And it appears that they happen more to me than others.

Gabrielle did not hear his response, instead she is staring wide eyed at the scrolls around the room.

All these are yours?

(curious)

Yes, why?

(moving through the shelves)

Reading's a bit of a passion of mine. I don't get a chance to do it very often. When you travel with Xena you don't get a chance to join many book clubs.

Gabrielle strokes one of the scrolls but then pulls her hand back and looks questioningly at Clodius.

May I?

Yes, just be a bit more respectful.

Gabrielle lifts it gingerly down, and starts to unroll it.

Bring it over to the table, lay it out properly.

Gabrielle takes it over and unrolls it. Clodius recognises it as soon as she does so.

Ah, the Megabarian creation story, the one where the universe was created from their god's int-t-testines.

Urgh? cool.

EXT. TRACK LEADING UP TO A FARMSTEAD - DAY

Xena and Gaius are riding back to the palace after a successful hunting expedition, a dead animal is across the back of Gaius' horse.

You are a formidable hunter.

I have had a lot of practice. You're not so bad yourself.

You're very generous, but the truth is that I spend far too long cooped up, managing things to be able to get out as often as I like. I used to hunt more when I was younger. It was so... exhilarating. Sometimes I almost felt like letting the poor thing go after we'd ran it to ground. The chase was much more fun.

I hunt for food, not sport.

You forget Xena, I saw you just now. You can't deny that you were excited by it.

(beat)

Life was simpler then. There are always responsibilities, to my family, to my country, to my people. I'm afraid my duty to myself often gets buried beneath the others.

Now more than ever.

You must lead an incredible life. I find it quite tempting. But I could not stand to leave my countrymen.

They trot past the farmstead, it's still inhabited. Two children are outside but they do not have the strength to run around.

(indicating them)

It pains me to see them like this, but I can do nothing for the country until the situation at court is resolved.

(stopping her horse and looking at the children)

Maybe you can do nothing for your country at the moment, but you can do something for them.

Gaius looks confused for a moment and then realises that she's referring to the carcass over his horse. He directs the horse over to the children who can merely stare up at him with awe. He dumps the carcass in front of them but they do not react.

(with great majesty)

Take this, feed your family. When they are full, give what remains to your neighbours, and then their neighbours. You will not go hungry today.

The children do not react and continue to stare at him.

(more insistent)

Take it.

No reaction.

(hissing under his breath so Xena cannot hear)

Take it!

Gaius gives up on them and returns to Xena, as soon as his back is turned the children run into the house.

You see my people are in desperate need of help.

(beat)

I have heard stories of you, Xena, stories where you have defended the poor and the weak against their oppressors. Are they true?

I do not know which stories you have heard so I could not say whether they were true or not.

I know that I am neither poor nor weak but I am the best chance they have for a better tomorrow. Will you help me?

(pretending to give it a moment's consideration)

Yes, I will.

INT. PALACE - LIBRARY

Some hours later Clodius is reading a book while Gabrielle is looking through the shelves. She sees a little pile of scrolls separate from the others.

What are these?

(looking up)

What?

(he ambles over to her)

Oh that's just a something I'm working on.

You're writing something?

She picks up the scrolls and transfers them to the desk.

I'm sort of writing something, recording all the adventures Xena and I have, but it's not exactly like this. To be honest it's nothing like this, supplies are hard to come by and Xena? she doesn't exactly appreciate it.

That's a shame, too many accounts are written by people who never knew the people involved, in my writings I try as much as possible to rely on facts.

(looking through the scrolls)

What is this?

A history. Of C-Carthage. Right from its founding by Queen Dido.

Gabrielle looks through more scrolls, there are quite a few.

It must have taken you years. Where's the end? Ah, here we are.

Gabrielle reads the scroll she has picked out for a few seconds.

It's not finished. Why's there nothing about recent events here?

(he's lying)

I feel I'm? too close to give an objective judgement.

But didn't you just say that people should be writing about what they live through.

(worried, sits down at the table)

The truth is? the truth is I don't know what I should write.

Gabrielle, concerned, puts down the scroll and moves over next to him.

Everything's so awful at the moment, I can barely think it, much less record it.

What's happened?

It's my father, Octavius, he's dying, being poisoned by that witch wife of his.

What? How do you know?

It's obvious. The entire c-court suspects it. I'm sure she killed my elder brothers too. And now finally Gaius is strong enough to inherit and too impatient to wait any longer so she's finishing off my father.

Why hasn't anyone done anything about her? She can't simply get away with poisoning people.

My father was besotted by her, anyone who made allegations was punished, and there was never any proof. Nothing to hold against her. She eliminated everyone who stood between Gaius and the throne, she would have killed me if she didn't think I was some half-witted joke.

How could Gaius be involved with all this?

Him? He's worse than his mother. She's just ambitious. He's evil. Hellenicus is trying to fight him, but he's too young, too impetuous, too honourable to succeed.

There must be some mistake. Gaius, isn't like that.

Really? You haven't known him a d-day yet. I've known him since he was born. Believe what you like.

(suddenly realising)

But he's off with Xena, on their own.

The door bursts open, both Clodius and Gabrielle jump, but it is Agrippa. He hurries in and whispers into Clodius ear. Clodius sits back, stunned.

(agitated)

What? What is it?

Octavius, he's d-d-d-dead.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

INT. PALACE - GREAT HALL

where a crowd has gathered and there is much discussion. The platform is empty. Xena is standing against one of the walls, Gabrielle pushes through the crowd to her.

Xena! There you are.

We just got back, Gaius has gone to?

I need to talk to you.

Okay.

Not here, in private.

Can't it wait? They're just about to read Octavius' final testament.

No it can't.

Before Xena can reply Gaius and Livia appear on the platform. Gaius holds aloft the testament, with its seal unbroken and visible to all. The crowd are hushed.

(hisses)

Later.

My friends, a tragedy has occurred on this unhappy day. The greatest of us, he who was King Octavius, has departed this place and crossed the Styx to his eternal reward on the Isle of the Blessed. It is my duty, my honour and my sorrow to read to you this day his final wishes.

Gaius breaks the seal and unrolls the parchment.

(reading)

I, Octavius, King of Carthage, do solemnly testify on my immortal spirit to the truth of these, my final words. I thank all of you who have supported me during my long rule, there can be no compensation I can award for such loyalty that would equal the benefit. To my wife, Livia, who has been my strength for so many years, now twice widowed, I grant a pension, so that she may live out her remaining days in material comfort. All my other moneys, my titles, land, property and the sovereignty over Carthage, I bestow on her son, Prince Gaius.

At this there is uproar as half the crowd cheers wildly and the other half shout abuse.

(shouting to make himself heard)

Hereafter to be known as King Gaius, who is our greatest hope for future peace and prosperity.

Gaius stops reading and basks in the mixed acclamation of the crowd, until Livia steps forward and takes his hand and presents herself to the crowd as his equal. The smile vanishes from his face and he casts a murderous sidelong glance at her for stealing his limelight. The guards come out and clear a tunnel through the crowd as Gaius and Livia descend from the platform and walk out. Gaius makes his way over to Xena, and he reaches out and grabs her shoulder.

(shouting over the din)

There is something we must take care of, come outside.

Gaius pulls Xena through the wall of guards but Gabrielle cannot follow and is left behind.

EXT. PALACE - COURTYARD - NIGHT

the noise of the hall can still be heard behind them but Gaius can Xena can talk normally. In the courtyard waiting is Argo.

(appearing agitated)

Did you see Hellenicus there?

No I didn't.

It's just as I feared. No one has seen him all day. I've had reports that he plans to go to our nearest army camp and gather support. The situation is desperate, by tomorrow it could become a civil war. It would be terrible.

That can't be allowed to happen.

Exactly, I'm going to meet him, talk to him, try to persuade him from this madness and work out a compromise. There's just one problem. I don't know where he is. I've heard that he's stopped for the night in the woods a dozen miles west of here, but I can't go and confirm it myself, I'm needed here tonight, he has considerable support still among the courtiers. I can't send my troops because he might see it as an attack.

So you want me to go.

I only want you to find where he is so I can go straight there tomorrow morning before he has a chance to flee further. If there is anyone in this kingdom who can do it, it's you. Will you?

Of course.

Xena mounts her horse.

You have no idea how much this means to me. I am eternally in your debt.

Don't worry, if he's there I'll find him.

Xena gallops off. Livia approaches Gaius.

What are you doing?

She couldn't stay here tonight could she?

If you're that unsure about her then why didn't you just kill her? I don't know why you brought her here in the first place.

I was alone out there. I needed an escort. Or would you have preferred it if my head had returned separate from my body? Anyway, if she sees things our way she could be a powerful weapon.

The pertinent word being 'if'.

Don't worry, I've taken steps to ensure her loyalty.

Just so long as you don't jeopardise everything I've been working towards for some adolescent crush.

(reproaching)

Mother, now you know I could never love anyone but you.

What about her friend, the scrawny blonde one?

She'll be locked in her room. Don't worry, she won't see anything and anything she hears can easily be explained away.

Just make sure you don't foul this up.

EXT. WOODS - NIGHT

Xena arrives at the wood.

INT. PALACE - BEDROOM #1

It is dark inside, light floods into the room when a guard kicks the door open.

INT. PALACE - BEDROOM #2

The door is kicked open and guards rush in.

EXT. WOODS - NIGHT

Xena is searching through them for Hellenicus' camp.

INT. PALACE - BEDROOM #2

Courtiers slowly start rising from their beds, the guards grab them and drag them towards the door. They start screaming.

EXT. WOODS - NIGHT

Xena has dismounted and is searching on foot but nothing stirs.

INT. PALACE - BEDROOM #3

The door is kicked down and guards rush in. There appears to be a figure in the bed buried under sheets, a guard rips them off but it is only a collection of pillows. The camera PANS around to the corner hidden behind the door where, unseen by the guards, a panel in the ceiling is slowly being slotted back into place.

INT. PALACE - BEDROOM #2

Guards are dragging the courtiers out of the door. One of them manages to break loose and takes a swing at the nearest guard. He connects but another guard draws his sword and plunges it into him. His shout of pain is lost in the screams of others.

EXT. WOODS - NIGHT

Xena is crouches down on a track and examines the surface. There are no hoof prints that would suggest that a mounted party came this way. She looks up and stares into the distance, thinking, and then swiftly turns her head back in the direction of the palace.

INT. PALACE - CORRIDOR OUTSIDE

Courtiers, in their night-clothes, are being dragged from the surrounding rooms and down the corridor.

INT. PALACE - GUEST ROOM

The screaming from the corridor can be easily heard inside. Gabrielle is desperately pushing at the door to try and escape but it has been locked. She hears a bang on the ceiling above her and then a scuffling which makes its way across the room. She grabs her staff and follows it along until it stops. She sees a panel being gently lifted out of the ceiling. She stabs up into the hole with her staff and is rewarded with a cry of pain.

(in pain)

W-w-what in Hades did you do that for?

(relieved)

Clodius?

Clodius' head appears at the hole, he is rubbing where the staff hit.

Drusus!

(instinctively)

Sorry.

(seeing where she hit him)

Oh gods I'm sorry.

It's all right. I'm used to it.

(hearing the screams outside)

What's going on?

I d-d-don't know. The guards are grabbing people from their beds. Is it safe outside your room?

The door's locked, I can't get out.

Then they might be coming for you too. You'd better get up here.

Gabrielle can't jump up that high so she looks around the room for something to stand on. She sees the bed and drags it over so that it is beneath the hole, stands on it and hauls herself up.

INT. PALACE - CRAWL SPACE

is only a few feet high so Gabrielle and Clodius have to move on hands and knees. When Gabrielle hauls herself up she upsets a lot of dust and both she and Clodius sneeze.

(taking stock of her surroundings)

What is this?

Clodius replaces the panel behind her.

When the palace was built, these passages were put in between all the floors. G-gods know why. No one knows about them any more.

How did you find out about them?

I found the original plans in my library. They run all through the building.

So we can get out of the palace?

I'm afraid not. I've been exploring them for years and I've n-never found one that leads to the outside. Anyway, I need to find out what's happening, and I think I know where to go.

INT. PALACE - CORRIDOR OFF THE GREAT HALL

Gaius and Livia are talking in the room. Clodius and Gabrielle arrive at a place where they can see what's going on.

This obsession with that barbarian woman of yours is going too far. I don't care what you say, she is not going to stay here, we don't need her. When she returns kill her.

She could be useful, she is well known, even the hint that she supports me will be enough for people to think again before challenging me.

She does not need to be alive for rumours to spread. I have heard disturbing reports about her. If she becomes aware of what we've been doing she may turn against us.

What if she does? She is but one woman.

And so am I! Do you think Octavius' other sons dropped dead by themselves, or that Octavius himself just conveniently passed away? You would be no where today if it had not been for this one woman and any person who underestimates me is gravely mistaken. No, it is settled, you will kill her when she returns or I will do it for you.

Yes, mother.

(standing up and leaving the room)

Come, it is time to address your subjects.

Livia offers him her hand, he grudgingly takes it and she leads him out.

INT. PALACE - CRAWL SPACE

from which Gabrielle and Clodius had been watching. They see Livia leading Gaius out of the room and they shuffle along until they get to the next room.

INT. PALACE - GREAT HALL

A dozen or so courtiers have been brought in and have been herded into a group and surrounded by guards, all of whom have their weapons drawn. The courtiers are terrified, but their voices fall silent when Gaius appears on the platform, Livia appears behind him.

Greetings to you all. You have probably guessed why you are here. You will, no doubt, have noticed that you have been specially chosen. All of you have opposed me at one time or another. You have all thrown in your lot with my enemies in the hopes that I will be defeated. I can tell you now, you were wrong. But you need not suffer for your mistake. The kingdom is sick, it is divided, our people are suffering now because of our own failure to work together. It is we who are to blame not them. Now I am King are rivalries must be forgotten, our factions dissolved. Until we are united under one person our country will never recover. I am that person and you must all swear allegiance to me or face the consequences.

There is a pause, no one speaks.

Very well. Your leader will be the first of you to make his decision. Then you will realise the path to follow.

He someone over and two guards bring on the struggling Hellenicus. He is dumped before Gaius and he picks himself up.

You will be the first, Hellenicus.

One of the guards slides Hellenicus a dagger, he picks it up and holds it by the handle.

Forget your pride, forget your ambition. Hand me your blade and pledge your loyalty to me. Spare the land the destruction of a civil war.

(indicating the crowd)

Do it for those who trusted in you.

Hellenicus holds the dagger in front of him and turns it around in his hands so that the handle is pointing towards Gaius. He gazes around the room, at the courtiers, the guards surrounding them and finally back to Gaius.

(reflectively)

I was wrong, I was so wrong. I thought I knew how to play this game. And now...

Years of effort, building up support, forging alliances, making people see what you really are. And failing, my father, my brother.

(scornfully)

While I was winning points you were rewriting the rules. Now flattery replaces respect, cunning for bravery. The knife in the back and the poisoner's touch instead of an open challenge.

(disdainfully)

You talk of civil war, Hellenicus, of the deaths of hundreds for no greater prize.

(ignoring him)

So, now the most ruthless of us is victorious and that's you, Gaius, and you are welcome to the title.

(spitting back)

As you have shown yourself unworthy to it.

(regaining his posture)

But what of your followers, Hellenicus? Are you going to compound your irresponsibility by dragging them down with you?

(angry)

Even now my people still trust me. I do not need to instill them with fear to ensure their loyalty. And it would sully their trust to make them bow their head to an animal like you.

(resigned)

But, as I said, you won. You have a knife at our throats. I have no choice. To save their lives, Gaius, they are yours. But, my brother, you shall never have me.

His hands grip the handle tightly and plunge it into his own breast. As he dies a broad smile spreads across his face as he notes the anger on Gaius' face. There is uproar among the crowd. Gaius is absolutely incandescent with anger.

(shaking with fury, quietly)

Kill them.

(shouting)

Kill them! Kill them all!

The guards advance on the crowd and the screaming starts. CLOSE UP of Gabrielle, eyes and mouth wide open in silent terror at the horror of the sight in front of her.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

EXT. PALACE - COURTYARD - DAY

Xena is just dismounting her horse after an unsuccessful night. She is met by Gaius who is holding two goblets of wine.

I didn't find him, Gaius, as far as I could tell no one has been there for days.

That is unfortunate, especially as some of Hellenicus' supporters attempted an attack last night. Fortunately they did not succeed and the situation at court has? stabilised.

Glad to hear it.

You must be tired and thirsty, here have some wine.

Gaius offers her one of the goblets. CLOSE UP of the goblet as he hands it to her. She drinks it in one swig and he does the same with his and smiles.

INT. PALACE - CORRIDOR OUTSIDE GUEST ROOM

Xena walks along and tries to get into her room. She has some difficulty opening the door but it is not locked. She gives one big push and manages to get part way into the room.

INT. PALACE - GUEST ROOM

As she looks round the door she sees why it was so difficult to get in. All the furniture in the room except the chest has been stacked against the door. She gives another shove and manages to get inside.

Gabrielle?

Xena picks her way through the furniture and goes over to the chest and opens it. Gabrielle is sitting at the bottom curled up into a ball, shaking with fear.

Gabrielle!

It takes Gabrielle a second to even realise that the door has been opened. When she does she looks up and sees Xena and jumps into her arms, frightened out of her wits.

(crying)

You're alive!

(confused)

Of course I'm alive. What were you doing in the chest?

I didn't know how else to find you. I didn't know where else to go?

Gabrielle breaks down in tears. Xena holds her close.

INT. PALACE - GREAT HALL

Gaius is there conferring with one of the guard. Xena marches in, face like stone, Gabrielle following behind her, trying to compose herself.

Xena, Gabrielle.

(to Gabrielle)

Are you unwell?

What happened here while I was gone?

I calmed the situation.

You slaughtered half the palace!

Yes.

(taken aback by this frank admission)

Why?

Division cannot be allowed, whatever the cost to the court, as we agreed.

I never agreed to a massacre.

I thought you wouldn't be pleased which is why I didn't tell you.

(beat)

We are a rare breed, you and I, Xena. There are few of us who care, who really care, about the plight of their fellow man. You and I are supremely dedicated individuals, but you have one flaw. You think too small. You think that if I go around helping enough individuals eventually you'll make the world a better place. You're wrong. With this one stroke I have made Carthage at peace with itself, I have aided the entire country and helped the people to help themselves.

(beat)

If only you could understand.

(with disgust)

I don't think I understand anything about you. How dare you say that we are the same?

That is a great shame. But not wholly unexpected. It is a sign of the times that I cannot help but examine potential allies for flaws and I am seldom disappointed.

Xena suddenly sways and staggers a little, losing her balance.

(dead pan)

That's why I poisoned you.

What?

Xena sways even more dangerously, Gabrielle moves to help her but guards appear and restrain her.

(struggling)

Get off me!

(self-satisfied)

You can feel it, can't you? Your famous strength draining from your body. It was supposed to take effect several minutes ago, but you must have a formidable constitution.

Growling with anger Xena draws her sword, it takes more effort than usually. She holds it out at Gaius with two hands, still swaying, but she has trouble keeping the point up. She goes down onto her knees to stop the sword slipping but she can't hold it.

(screaming with frustration)

No!

The sword slips out of her grasp and falls on the floor.

It's quite an interesting poison actually. It's delivered in two parts. The first is harmless, on its own, I introduced it to you at the banquet to ensure your loyalty if necessary. But the second, when combined with the first, immobilises the subject and that you drank just when you returned.

(seeing that she's still trying to lift her sword)

You are better off just giving in, it'll be easier on both of us.

Never.

With one last burst of strength she grabs her Chakram and hurls it at Gaius. Unfortunately in her weakened condition it flies only about three feet and rolls to rest at Gaius' feet. Xena, seeing her failure, falls flat on her face.

Xena!

(to the guards)

Away with her.

As they bundle Gabrielle off Gaius crouches down over Xena and picks up the Chakram.

(lowering his voice)

You're a formidable woman, Xena, a lot like my mother.

(beat)

She won't beat me either.

INT. PALACE - LIBRARY

Clodius sits at the table, not cowering, but thinking. A shadow falls across him, he jerks his head around. It is Agrippa.

They've been taken.

What should I do?

We must escape to the nearest army camp, gather Hellenicus' troops...

I'm not like you were Agrippa, I'm no general.

Then I'll get the guard loyal to me, and we can bring him down in an instant.

And they will kill the King?

(idignant)

He is not the King.

In our eyes, old friend, but not their's. The crown is etched into the soul of Carthage. All it would take is a moment's hesitation and we would be lost. No, the warrior woman is our answer.

Her? She treats you with the basest contempt simply because of your... How can you consider...?

(sternly)

That is my decision!

(taken aback, submissively)

As you command.

(regretting his tone)

I've never thanked you, have I? For all you've done for me.

There's no need. I promised your mother a long time ago that I would look after all her sons. I failed with your brothers. They have no reason to thank me, and neither do you.

INT. PALACE - GREAT HALL

There is a small table laid out for dinner on the platform. Livia and Gaius are sitting there having just consumed the meal. Aside from them the room is deserted. Both are enjoying a pleasant conversation.

I still don't know why you kept her alive, but you were right, she can do no harm at the moment.

(beat)

She'll die of it or pull through eventually, you know.

I'll have found a use for her by them.

I'm sure you will.

You see I'm not the child you needs to be handheld anymore. I have the throne, I have the palace and only one thing impedes my acquisition of total power.

And what's that?

(completely serious)

You.

Livia laughs, thinking he made a joke, but his face remains straight. She stops laughing and glances down at the meal she's just eaten and then back up at him. He raises his eyebrows as if in confirmation.

You wouldn't dare.

(she laughs again)

Of course you wouldn't, I've taught you everything you know about the art of the poisoner and kept a few tricks up my sleeve.

I would never be so foolish as to try and beat you at your own game. But I've think I've found something that even your impressive knowledge of antidotes will be useless against.

(confident, her intellectual curiosity piqued)

What?

Gaius whips the Chakram from beneath the table and holds it up to the light.

Metal poisoning.

A look of shock, amazement and fear crosses Livia's face.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

INT. PALACE - PRISON CELL

Xena is propped next to the door, unable to move any more than the smallest amount. Gabrielle is trying to lever a bit of the lock open with a piece of metal.

Any ideas of what we're going to do when we get this door open?

I'm thinking.

I hope Drusus is still okay. Maybe he could find us a way out.

Him? He'd be lucky if he could find the way out of his own bedroom.

(angered)

Why did you say that? You don't know the first thing about him do you?

(taken aback)

What?

(very heated)

Just because he doesn't match up to what you think a prince should be like. Because he doesn't stand tall and doesn't swing a sword and doesn't have biceps as thick as my waist, you think he's the runt of the litter.

I never said?

(not listening)

I suppose I shouldn't blame you. Everyone we meet seems to be six foot and built like a demi-god. If you'd actually taken a second to listen to what he was saying instead of how he was saying it you might have actually learned something. But you were too busy with your Prince Charming. Drusus is the only half-decent person I've met since I arrived.

Gabrielle simmers down. She sits and lies in the crook of Xena's arm

I'm sorry. It's just that people can be so? unfair and blind and cruel without even knowing it. I just?

No, you're right. But I don't hate him, I'm scared of him. Throughout my entire life, even when I've had nothing else, I've had myself, the strength of my body. To lose it..., to be like him...

(reassuring)

You're not like that though. Gods, you accepted me didn't you?

It's not the same...

Well, Drusus didn't exactly make the best first impression, did he?

All that wine.

Gabrielle realises something.

The wine Gaius gave you?

Yes.

The poisoned wine?

Xena realises it too. Forgetting herself she tries to get up and growls when she remembers her situation.

(frustration overwhelming her)

I hate this place. Out there if someone wants you dead they come at you with a sword, or hire others to do it for them, but at least when you catch your own dinner you can trust the food. I failed, you, the people, myself. I've been so blind.

He fooled us both. I was there, you couldn't have known.

I'm sorry I wasn't here last night.

Gabrielle puts her arm around her to comfort her.

(softly)

It doesn't matter, everything's okay now.

Okay? We're trapped in a cell. There's no way out and even if there were I can't move. That's an odd definition of okay.

Xena, when I first met you I thought you could find your way out of anything, no matter what the odds. Later... when I got to know you better... I figured you were like the rest of us, that you weren't immortal or infallible. Then I realised that there really get out of anything... and, well, mortality really isn't your scene.

Xena laughs, releasing the pent up tension.

Think about it. How many times has we stared Death in the face since we met?

Literally or figuratively?

You know what I mean.

I never kept count.

More than a few, trust me. And how many times have you died since I met you?

None.

There you go. It's almost impossible, statistically speaking, for us to die.

(light-hearted)

You know something? You're mad.

P-p-p-p-pssst!

Told you. There's only one person I know who 'pssst'es like that.

Gabrielle stands up to the window and sees Clodius on the other side.

Drusus!

Ssssh!

(whispering)

Xena's been drugged.

I heard.

We won't be able to get her out of here.

There is something to counteract it. Gaius keeps it in his room. He always has the antidotes close by in case he has to take some himself to allay suspicions.

Can you get to it?

He holds up a vial of liquid.

I've already got it. Here.

He passes the vial through the bars of the cell door. Gabrielle takes it and crouches down to give it to Xena.

Told you it was impossible.

INT. PALACE - GREAT HALL

As before, Gaius is crouching over the out of shot body of Livia, holding the blood soaked Chakram in his hand.

The Queen Mother, while eating, was chanced upon by two escaping barbarian prisoners who cowardly murdered her without hesitation. Heroically she managed to sound the alarm and the escapees were caught and killed. Greatly loved by her people she will be missed most of all by her one surviving son. Goodbye mother. At least you die happy, knowing that your child has become all that you wished him to be.

(shouting)

Get them up here.

INT. PALACE - CORRIDOR

Xena and Gabrielle are being dragged along by guards towards the great hall. Gabrielle looks questioningly at Xena who shakes her head.

INT. PALACE - GREAT HALL

Xena and Gabrielle are brought in and held in front of Gaius, a guard either side of Xena holding her up. In the background we can see the dinner table and Livia's legs protruding from behind. Gaius waits expectantly for a moment and then says:

What? No vitriolic attack? No eternal curse that would no doubt haunt me to my grave. No? Ah well, you were being so frank earlier, never mind.

(holding up the Chakram)

It seems you've been a naughty girl. You killed my mother! How dare you? Fortunately my guards are here to make sure you do not escape.

(beat)

Ah. The final touch.

Gaius slots the Chakram into Xena's right hand where it hangs loosely.

I always pride myself on the small details. Still nothing to say? Very well. Guards!

Wait!

You've found your tongue at last. I hope you've put a lot of thought into it. You never get a second chance to make a last impression.

(softly)

Ever since I met you, in all the conversations we've had, I've always wanted to know one thing about you.

Xena's right hand grips the Chakram.

(leaning closer, intrigued)

What?

This!

Xena's knee buries itself in Gaius' groin, he squeals with pain and doubles over. Xena's eyebrows shoot up in mock surprise.

Oh.

Her hands move as a blur, the right despatching the guard to her left with the Chakram and then the one to the right, while her left hand draws the right guard's sword. Gabrielle also breaks loose and while Gaius hobbles towards the main exit the two of them swiftly overwhelm the surprised guards. As Gaius gets to the exit he bumps into more guards and he sighs in relief. The camera PANS up with his eyes as he looks at the guard's face. It is Agrippa. Gaius recoils but with Xena and Gabrielle behind him there is no where to run. The guards that came in with Agrippa draw their swords as one and surround Gaius.

Agrippa, you traitor! How dare you defy your king?

I was following the orders of the true king, the rightful successor of his highness Octavius.

Hellenicus is dead, who else could there be?

(obscured by the shadows)

There is me, G-G-Gaius.