Violence: This drama contains some violence, But hey! This is Xena we?re talking about here! Where Xena goes, violence ensues?

Subtext: This drama contains no intentional subtext.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: A big thank you to my good friend Initial01 for reading this story and helping me to be a little more creative along the way.

Known by neither man nor boy,

Until 'Solandis' is destroyed,

Good to evil, evil to good,

Only by the fairer is this understood....

SCENE ONE:

Fades in

Xena and Gabrielle are leisurely travelling through the woods on a warm day.

"....With an almighty crash, the giant fell. His strained groans, a cry for mercy. His wounds, a declaration of his final submittance...thus I sing the mighty deeds of Xena, Warrior princess!..."

Walking alongside Argo, Gabrielle leisurely swings her staff, adding emphasis to her story.

GABRIELLE: ...So, what do you think??. Good, huh?

XENA: ....You tell a good story, Gabrielle...but the only shred of truth I heard from your tale, was my name...

GABRIELLE: ...What's wrong with putting a little life into a story?...(Pausing, she smiles thoughtfully)... Maybe if I try and tell the story from a different perspective...

 Xena looks ahead into the woods, sighing in resignation as she patiently listens to Gabrielle repeat her tale...for the third time.

Suddenly they hear the sound of punches and groans in the distance.

GABRIELLE (with urgency): ...Sounds like someone's in trouble...

XENA (prompting Argo towards direction of scuffle): ...Well NOW's the time to get them out of trouble! (She quickly urges Argo onward)..Hya!!...

Fades out

SCENE TWO:

Fade in

Xena and Gabrielle enters a smouldering village to see a woman fending off six soldiers. The woman's high skill in combat momentarily captures Xena and Gabrielle in wonder. The three women eventually overcome the opponents. The soldiers who were still conscious, scatters.

Gabrielle runs over and helps the woman up.

GABRIELLE: Are you all right...?

 The woman dusts off her clothes, Her mind instinctly focused on a different matter.

GABRIELLE (inquiring): ...Why were you attacked?

The woman ignores Gabrielle's question, as she checks her wounds.

WOMAN (expressing concern): ...I'm wasting time....

The woman quickly walks past Gabrielle and heads for the woods.

Xena looks on and watches as Gabrielle stands looking shocked and eventually annoyed.

GABRIELLE (to Xena, astonished): Not even a THANK YOU?! We risk our necks to save her...(shouts loud enough for the woman to hear)...and she NEVER even BOTHERED to mumble a thank?.

Xena quickly touches Gabrielle on the shoulder.

GABRIELLE: ...you!...(distracted, she turns to Xena)....what!?

XENA: Let her go Gabrielle, she's got problems of her own.

GABRIELLE (mumbles under breath): I'll say, forgot the art of courtesy. Considering she was attacked, I'm not surprised.....

Gabrielle sighed as she picked up her staff.

GABRIELLE: .....Shouldn't we go after her and her problem?

XENA: Soon. (Xena pauses as she studies the tension sweeping throughout the woman?s body with each step she takes) She needs more time alone...for now.

Gabrielle and Xena watch the woman run swiftly into the woods.

Fades out

Opening Credits.

SCENE THREE:

Fade in

A group of people huddle together in fear within a dungeon as soldiers surround them. A man in armour enters the dungeon. With a voice of vicious authority, he commands a soldier to drag the elder from the huddled group. The soldier dumps the elder at the warlord's feet. The elder stares steadfast to the floor, trembling. The warlord paces casually around the elder, inspecting his own armour.

WARLORD: Now...I consider myself a patient man, and letting you all stay in this....(pauses as he carefully steps over a pile of slop, smiling innocently).... accommodation which for creatures like you is....well...(inspects his armour? again)....luxury even if I do say so myself.

The warlord suddenly becomes preoccupied with his armour, pleased at having viewed it in mint condition. He pats the nearest guard on the arm.

WARLORD: My armour bearer has done excellent work. Remind me to reward him.

The guard's eyes light up.

GUARD: I'M your armour bearer. You chose me after the last man died of an illness.... remember?

The warlord doesn't recall ever seeing this man within a few feet of him EVER. However, he widens his eyes in mock astonishment.

WARLORD: Of course! (Gives armour bearer a hearty pat on the back) A good job well done!

The warlord resumes to pace around the elder.

WARLORD (pleasantly): Now...it would save time and lives...(a few gasps escape from the group. The warlord reveals a brutal smile, realising the effect mere words has on these prisoners)....if you just tell me where the object of solandis is placed.

The warlord pauses, awaiting an answer.

The elder slowly lifts his head and gives the warlord a fixed stare.

ELDER (haggard breath): I've told you before, Toralus.... I, neither the people of Cilicia.... can tell you where the object of Solandis is....for we DO.... NOT.... KNOW!!

Toralus sighs, shaking his head in mock disappointment.

TORALUS (sweetly): Eliakim, I'm afraid that's the wrong answer, AGAIN. Why you continue to give the wrong answer to such a simple question, I'll never know....

Toralus gives a small nod to a soldier nearby. The warrior gleefully starts to kick and punch the elder, prompting a young man of considerable build to run out from the group and block the soldier's blows at the elder.

YOUNG MAN: If you love kicking so much.... (Glares at soldier).... Kick me.

The soldier ponders, realising that a punch from this man would cause him to crash to the floor, never to wake again....

The soldier, torn between fear and loyalty, looks towards Toralus for advice.

TORALUS (gives a nod): Let him speak...

The soldier slunks away from both the man and Eliakim. Toralus waits for the young man to talk.

TORALUS: .... Well?

YOUNG MAN: The elder has told you all he knows, why torture....

Toralus interrupts by quickly raising his hand to silence the man.

TORALUS: ....And what about you?

The young man pauses. Tenderly bending down, checking Eliakim's wounds.

YOUNG MAN: He has taught me all I know since my childhood....

TORALUS (rolls his eyes in disbelief): ....This is getting us nowhere!... (He turns towards his soldiers as he heads towards the door)....kill 'em!...

Another man quickly steps out from the petrified crowd.

MAN: .... WAIT!!

Everyone stops as Toralus turns.

MAN: .... Wait, I can help....

TORALUS (interested): At last, someone with sense. Where, my friend, is it?

MAN: I don't know....(Toralus begins to grind his teeth in frustration)....BUT I know someone who does....

YOUNG MAN: Paitlius....don't!

PAITLIUS: ....A young woman by the name of Sinthias. She's the only one who knows where the object of Solandis is....

TORALUS: ....Bring her out....

The young man interrupts.

YOUNG MAN: She isn't here. She....

TORALUS (to the young man, grimly): SHUT UP!! (towards Paitlius, sounding desperate)....where IS SHE!?

PAITLIUS (nervously): I....I saw her escaping from your guards....

Toralus clicks his fingers. The soldiers immediately stand to attention as Toralus' second in command steps forward.

TORALUS: ...Timotheus! I want 10 men to scout the woods and capture this woman, ANY woman.... ALIVE! I don't care if you come back with a hundred, we'll just have to sift them through the torture chambers 'til one of them squeals the right name.....now GO!!

The captain quickly nods and walks out the door.

Toralus also begins to walk out the door but is interrupted in his stride.

ARMOUR BEARER (cautiously): ....Oh great Toralus....

TORALUS (obviously irritated): YES!?

ARMOUR BEARER: ....Err....my reward?...You told me to remind you of a reward?

TORALUS (pleasantly): Of course! You have a sharp mind, an important skill for any soldier....(places his arm round armour bearer's shoulders)....plus add to the fact you had so conveniently interrupted me, you can have the choice of TWO gifts.... (Toralus turns towards another soldier, pointing towards his sword) ...You can die by the sword...(the armour bearer freezes, stunned)...or...

Directs armour bearer's gaze towards a soldier bearing a battle axe.

ARMOUR BEARER: ...Bu....but...

Toralus chuckles with evil intent as he strides towards the door.

TORALUS (casually): Dispose of him....

ARMOUR BEARER: ...NO! ...I beg for mercy!!......Aarrggh!.....

TORALUS: ....Is it me?...( cups his hand to his ear)....or did I hear someone ask for a request for mercy?

A soldier stands straight, wiping the blood from his battle axe.

SOLDIER WITH AXE: ...I didn't hear anything, Toralus...

Toralus strides towards the door.

TORALUS (with a sly grin): ....I didn?t think so!...

Fades out.

SCENE FOUR:

Fade in.

The sound of an  night owl attracts with a woman?s attention for but a moment kneels beside a fire. She contemplates over whether there could have been an alternative way than the current running of the day's events. Sorrow and regret wells up as tears within her, but she forces them back. She must stay alert? for the peoples? sake.

Suddenly, she hears a rustle behind her and immediately assumes a fighting stance. She still hadn't accustomed to the gloom, but could pick out a shadow making a poor attempt in keeping still.

WOMAN (cautiously): Friend...or foe?

"....We've come to help..." Remarks a voice, behind her. As the woman turns, she could discern an intrepid figure casually stride towards her, arm outstretched.

WOMAN (wary): ...Like I said, Friend...or foe?

GABRIELLE (softly): We've come as friends.... (The woman quickly spins round to see a younger woman step out from the shrubs)....we didn't mean to cause you alarm....

Gabrielle's reply convinces the woman to momentarily relax her guard.

WOMAN: come...(She kneels down next to the fire)....warm yourselves. The night's already cold as it is, it'll only get worse if you both stand there, so come? (Pats the ground).... and sit.

Xena and Gabrielle welcome the offer, and sit next to the glow.

The three sit in silence for several seconds, the woman staring absent mindedly into the warm orange glow. Xena looks intently at the woman scanning the woman's face for any sign of an answer.

Gabrielle, agitated by the long silence, picks up a large twig and begins to stoke the glowing embers.

GABRIELLE (with buoyance): I'm Gabrielle....

The woman is distracted from the flames and looks at Gabrielle.

WOMAN: ....Hmm?

GABRIELLE (lifts up an arm): ....I'm Gabrielle.

WOMAN: Sinthias. (she shakes Gabrielle's hand)

Sinthias raises her hand towards Xena. She solemnly locks arms with Sinthias.

XENA: ....Xena.

Sinthias quickly stood up. Xena and Gabrielle immediately tensed, expecting Sinthias' reaction, either of fear or fury. She began to gather straw for bedding, mildly suprising both Xena and Gabrielle?. She didn't react at all!

GABRIELLE:  Do you know who Xena is?

SINTHIAS (with ambiguity): Should I?

GABRIELLE: Xena? Mighty warrior princess? Amazing skills in.....(Xena nugdes Gabrielle in the ribs)....unngg!

XENA: .... she got your point....

SINTHIAS: I've heard stories, but never really listened. Had to do farm work to put food on the table....

XENA: ....You didn't acquire those skills back there from just farm work...

SINTHIAS:  A few years ago, my father and mother was killed by rogue bandits. My younger brother and I decided to defend ourselves against any further attack?.

GABRIELLE: Your brother's a warrior?

SINTHIAS: Was?he decided to leave the army to help out on the farm. I'm not really a fan of fighting, defending my family, yes, but not killing in combat or in revenge....

GABRIELLE: ....Enjoyed the simple life?

SINTHIAS: Don't we all? (Xena's eye glints with longing in response to her question).... But now, I have no choice but to fight for the people I love.... (Sinthias' voice becomes distant, convincing herself that the choice she made will now be the right one)

Xena listened intently. She could tell as Sinthias gazed absently into the ebon forest that she wasn't entirely sure of her decision. Xena vividly remembered when she was in the same predicament after Lyceus died. However, her situation was different... she had a choice; whether to kill or not to protect and fight for the ones she loved.... or did she? Whether she had a choice or not, she had obviously taken the wrong one. For her, it drove her away from the very substance she initially fought to sustain.

The fathers she killed.

Innocent children forced to become orphans.

Her friends.

Her family.

Peace....

Her anguished thoughts were cut short as Gabrielle spoke up....  Xena gave a faint smile. Gabrielle was her only reason to show whoever would take note that she could still change, or at least try....

Gabrielle's distinct voice sliced through the sombre silence.

GABRIELLE: ....Was that your village they attacked?

SINTHIAS(gives a small nod): ....They took the villagers captive, except for me.

GABRIELLE: So you managed to escape?

SINTHIAS: No, I had just arrived back from my hunting trip when a few soldiers attempted to also take me captive....

GABRIELLE: I guess they thought you were a maiden trying to escape....

SINTHIAS (with a sly smile): .... Well, they thought wrong.

GABRIELLE: But why would they attack a defenseless village....

XENA: ....And who.

SINTHIAS: A warlord named Toralus is after the object of Solandis, to put it simply....

GABRIELLE (excitedly): ....I've heard about it. Legend has it that the gods gave a ruler named Solandis a certain power so that he would rule and conquer fairly. But over the years, he abused it to a point where this power had become so great that the gods had great difficulty in destroying this power, let alone any mortal being able to control it....

SINTHIAS: ....Many people have now concluded that this power dosn't exist anymore, that it's just another tale, mainly because the object of Solandis hasn't been found and used ever since. When Solandis died, everyone assumed the object of Solandis died with him....

GABRIELLE: ....Obviously, Toralus thinks it still exists....

SINTHIAS: He's been after this object for some time now. Through threats and torture, he's managed to narrow down the field....

XENA: ....Do you think it still exists?

SINTHIAS: Think? Xena, I KNOW it exists and worse, I know where....

GABRIELLE (whispers in disbelief): ...You know?....

SINTHIAS: I found out through the usual.... (she puts on a mock voice of her mother as she continues)... Knowledge would be passed from Mother to daughter, from generation unto generation....

GABRIELLE: So your mother passed this knowledge unto you?

SINTHIAS: Yes, though I didn't care back then...(she paused, contemplating, with regret, upon ignoring her mother's advice)...I have to care now...

GABRIELLE: Why not pass it unto their sons?

SINTHIAS: My mother told me that it was tradition for the men to know nothing...and not to ask her that question again...

GABRIELLE: ....There must be a reason.... ( she pauses as she looks up) Maybe it's because men are more willing to kill others....

XENA: ....Or themselves...

GABRIELLE: ....Right, or themselves to gain ultimate power. Or maybe....

XENA: ....Or maybe they're just lousy at keeping secrets and can't help but to blurt it out to every living creature that crosses their path....

GABRIELLE: ....Yeah, maybe you're...(she begins to realise that Xena's statement was directed at her)....hey!

XENA (with a slight grin): ....Get some sleep...(She turns to where Sinthias sat).... Sinthias?

Xena looks on as a shadow slowly disappeared further into the woods...

Fades out

SCENE FIVE:

Fade in

Entering a small clearing, Xena finds Sinthias sitting dejectedly on a boulder, she strides up slowly to the boulder, diligently gazing towards the stars.

XENA (softly): ....Want to talk about it?

SINTHIAS: ....Talk about what?

XENA: If I could read minds,  you'd have an answer by now... if you ask nicely...

SINTHIAS: ....So what's the answer?

XENA (smiling): ....I said 'IF'

Sinthias let out a soft chuckle. A little humour can lift a poor soul sometimes.

Looking up, Sinthias closed her eyes, slowly sighing as she did so.

XENA (in a subdued tone): We're gonna help you rescue those villagers.... you know that....

SINTHIAS: ....I know....(Uneasiness slowly begins to etch across her brow)...the real problem would be if Toralus finds the object of Solandis and manages to unleash it's power.... you know that....

XENA (in assiduous thought): ....I know....

Their trail of thought was interrupted as the sound of metal against wood violently infiltrated the still night. Sinthias and Xena instinctly rushes back to the camp.

Fades out

SCENE SIX:

Fade in

Gabrielle parried and blocked each blow with increasing difficulty. How many of them were there?! When just two men stumbled into the camp, she decided to knock the two out and alert Xena. But as eight more thugs entered the camp, Gabrielle's plan quickly disintegrated. The men slowly closed in on her. She quickly decided to go through with plan 'B'.

GABRIELLE (with determination): ....BATTLE ON!...

Even before the last word fell from her lips, Xena burst into the fray. Gabrielle breathed a sigh of relief and the men gasped in surprise as Xena's battle cry pierced the chilled night air with Sinthias, sword drawn, close behind her.

Lapsing in concentration for but a moment, Gabrielle received a quick blow to the head, causing her to black out as the scuffle continued. Xena almost released her chakram, determined to provide Gabrielle's attacker with a permanent headache when a voice, loud and raucous, elevated from the crowd.

CAPTAIN: ....Don't kill her, he wants them back alive!

XENA: Sinthias!... (Xena blocks a soldier's sword whilst kicking him in the groin. The soldier doubled over in pain) ...drop your sword!

SINTHIAS (laughs in disbelief): ....You first!

Springing out of harms way, a supposed innocent smile fall upon Xena's lips, her sword and chakrum instantly falls unto the ground in complete surrender. Sinthias looked on in suprise, until she caught a glint in Xena's eye....

Reluctantly, Sinthias placed her sword on the ground before being tied up quickly and roughly dragged towards Toralus' war camp.

SINTHIAS (frustrated): ....I hope you know what you're doing....

XENA: .... Don't worry, it'll work...

It will have to....

Fades out

SCENE SEVEN:

Fade in

"We're all gonna die in here!...."

From within the doldrum corners of the dungeon, the faint whimpers of frightened children could be heard, heralding the entire villagers' hopelessness and dread.

In rebuke, a young man's eyes glares into a dark corner of the cell, the source of the panic-stricken whispers....

YOUNG MAN: ....Paitlius!...be quiet! Your braying mouth could have very nearly been the death of us all...what were you thinking?!...

Paitlius swiftly walks up to the young man, thrusting his face within inches of each other. As the man defiantly glares back into Paitlius' eyes, Paitlius hesitates before laughter bursts from his lips.

PAITLIUS: Me? Be quiet?!... (In disbelief, Paitlius shakes his head)...Omaris, please!...your heroics on Eliakim WAS the death of us all! Toralus would have killed us if I didn't....

OMARIS: ....But her name...(He sighs in despair)...was it really nesessary to mention her name?...

PAITLIUS: ....I had no choice....we all would have died for sure....

OMARIS: ....But you've only complicated her task further. We can just hope that....

PAITLIUS (he barks out, enraged): ....She's the ONLY hope we've got left!... That's if she hadn't already died upon reaching the gates!...

OMARIS (quietly, yet threatening): ....I'd hold my tongue if I were you, Paitlius....

PAITLIUS (challenging): ....Why!?...for placing false hope in a woman who's probably already....

OMARIS: ....SHE'S NOT DEAD!!.. I won't have you believe that my sister is.... (he hesitates before he approachs Paitlius, roughly gripping him by the forearm)... I swear, Paitlius, renounce those cursed words, or I'll make sure that you'll....

"....Omaris, Paitlius, please! Be still!....must we argue amongst ourselves?! The children are frightened, and since your bickering, our situation is no better than before!..." A voice pleads as a woman struggles to stand up. a few, delicate lines scattered across her face revealing her age.

PAITLIUS: ...But Tyana, Why must we....

Tyana's hand is raised high, silencing Paitlius.

TYANA: ....As much as you'd like to deny it, Paitlius, Omaris is right. What little hope we have left, is in Sinthias. She's a determined woman...she'll be here...(she glances towards Paitlius as he backs into the shadows of the dungeon)...Paitlius, if you continue to doubt like this, you might as well consider yourself a dead man....

Sombre silence permeated throughout the cell before being shattered by the sound of grunts of soldiers heading down the corridor.

PAITLIUS: ...Do you all hear that?...I guess Toralus couldn't wait....

OMARIS: ....Shhh! I think they're heading this way....

Fades out

SCENE EIGHT:

Fade in

"....Come on...Move it!...." A soldier impatiently thrusts his spear firmly into Xena's back. Failing miserably in ignoring his constant jabs, she slowly grits her teeth, her patience rapidly wearing thin...

XENA (mutters under her breath): ....If he pokes me with that stick one more time....

SOLDIER: ....What was that you said?....

Xena swiftly turned her head, her eyes silencing the soldier for but a moment.

XENA (teeth clenched): ....I said, shove that toothpick in my back again....(her electric blue eyes widens as she snarled).... and I'll shove it down your throat!...

Shocked, the soldier hesitates momentarily until he reacted, in a rage.

SOLDIER (furious): ....Whore!...I'm gonna skin you alive, you....

TIMOTHEUS (laughing): ....She's playing with you, Naxos...You can have your fun with them later, right now Toralus wants them alive, besides, you can drown your anger at the party Toralus has arranged... (the captain creaks a door cell open)....throw them in!...

All three are are untied and shoved into an empty cell. As all three are spawled on the floor, Sinthias sits up, wiping off what she can only pray was mud from off her clothes.

SINTHIAS: ....Was this part of your plan?....

XENA (impassibly): ....It comes as part of the package....

Hearing slurred voices in her head, Gabrielle tried to sit up, groaning miserably as she felt a stabbing pain in her head and a light pressure of hands on her shoulders, forcing her to sit as still as possible.

XENA: You look like you'll be alright....

Gabrielle tentatively rubbed the bruise sitting proudly on her head.

GABRIELLE: ....I sure don't feel alright....(Slowly realising where they were, her eyes suddenly flickers excitably in anticipation)....So Xena, what's the plan?

SINTHIAS (looking surprised): ....How did you know?

GABRIELLE: Xena? ...dungeons?....I, for one, know that they just don't mix.... unless it's part of a plan, of course....

SINTHIAS (in disbelief): ....Of course...

Fades out

SCENE NINE:

Fade in

CAPTAIN: Marcus!! Come over here!

The guard stands to attention in response to the captain's call.

CAPTAIN (chuckling) : ....Marcus, relax! I'm relieving you of your post....

MARCUS: ....Thankyou sir....(and prepares to leave)

CAPTAIN: ....But...(Marcus is stopped by the captain's firm hold on his shoulder)...before you go, tell Toralus that we have Sinthias and two others, and Xena is one of them....

Marcus salutes and begins to head towards Toralus' tent.

?Marcus!? Marcus!?

The soldier turns to see two men walking with great difficulty towards him

1# FRIEND  (slurred): ....And where do you think you're going my friend?

MARCUS: As soon as I've done what the captain ordered, I'll join you....

2# FRIEND: ....Awww come on Marcus, a little drink can't hurt....

Marcus hesitates, shrugs his shoulders and joins his friends as they enter the party.

MARCUS: I guess the captain wouldn't mind if I had a little break from work....

1# FRIEND: ....Of course the captain won't mind, come and enjoy yourself!...

Fades out

SCENE TEN:

Fade in

Xena?s sea blue eyes adjusts to the sunlight as its rays spills into the cell.

" Gabrielle, wake up...." Gabrielle continued to lightly snore, completely oblivious to Xena's firm nudge in her back. With a disgruntled sigh, Xena kneeled beside Sinthias.

XENA (firmly): Sinthias....

Sinthias slowly and grudgenly sat up, spluttering as the foul thick air enveloped around her.

SINTHIAS (miserably): How soon do we get out of this death hole? We're more likely to die in here of suffocation than by Toralus' sword....

Ignoring Sinthias' critical comment, Xena attempted to awake Gabrielle again.

XENA: Gabrielle!! Hordes!!

Gabrielle stirs slightly in response to her name but quickly stood up, wiping the sleep from her eyes with urgency. Eventually realising where she was, an ill humoured and irritated Gabrielle glared at Xena.

GABRIELLE (With scorn): Xena! I didn?t find that funny!

XENA: ....Sorry Gabrielle, but nothing could wake you any faster....

GABRIELLE: ....But...(Xena interrupts by lightly squeezing Gabrielle?s shoulder)

XENA: ....But now's the time to set this plan in motion....

With a quick nod, Xena motions Sinthias into immediate action. Leaning up against the prison bars, Sinthias cupped her hands to her mouth.

SINTHIAS: ....Hey boys!! we're hungry in here!...(The two soldiers glance towards her before turning back to their conversation)....Hey! At least get us something edible. Toralus would be pretty angry if we died of starvation in here!

Irritated, the first soldier offered Sinthias his undivided attention. A hint of an evil grin shot across his face, causing Sinthias to cringe in disgust at the repulsive row of deformed teeth.

1# SOLDIER: ....Hungry are you?!...(Pulling out his sword, he casually strolled up to the bars, intimidating her as he brandished his weapon)...well, eat this!...

XENA (with irony): ....Don't mind if I do!...

Before the guard had even realised the danger his friend had placed himself in, Xena had disarmed the 1# guard, roughly pulling his arm which held the sword while rendering him unconcious with a swift punch to his mouth. Sinthias, within a split second, had removed the keys from his belt and was already unlocking the cell door.

Seeing his friend slumped against the wall whipped the 2# guard up into a frenzied panic, causing him to instinctly dash for the exit. Three reproachful women were now free, one of them having the skills of Ares...and the fury of Hera...

With his mind and vision blurred with abject fear, the fleeing guard tripped up on what he at first assumed was a block of wood, until the 'block of wood' quickly moved upwards and painfully connected to his face, spawling him across the floor. Looking up to see a tall, dark woman innocently smiling down at him, he dreaded the outcome of this situation. Without a doubt, he thought, this was going to be painful?

XENA (sweetly) : ....Going so soon, Naxos?...But we haven't finished playing yet...

Swiftly, Xena lightly pinched the guard on his neck. His body froze, numb from the abrupt lack of blood, causing him to immediately slump to his knees. Kneeling behind him, with her mouth close to his ear, Xena spoke faintly, and slowly.

XENA: ....Just for the record, I've cut off the flow of blood to your brain. You'd be dead within seconds unless you tell me where the villagers are, and where you store your weapons.

NAXOS (choking): ....It's down!...down the!...

XENA (slightly frustrated): ....You don't exactly have all day!...

NAXOS: ....End of corridor!...(He gasped for breath, hoping it would relieve some of the pain... without success)...to the right!...

XENA: ....And the weapons?...

NAXOS: ....Storage room!...next to where we keep...the horses!...

His eyes slowly began to glaze over. For that moment, he was losing his fight for life.

XENA (smiling): ....Good boy...

She lightly pinched his neck . He gulped large volumes of air, gasping in relief before glancing up to see that Xena's expression had suddenly changed. With a grim smile, she stood up

XENA: ...Sorry, but playtimes' over....

She kicked him in the head, spawling him back unto the floor before joining Sinthias and Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE: What did he say?

XENA: The villagers are to the right, at the end of the corridor....

SINTHIAS: ....Okay!...(She quickly darted down the corridor)

XENA: ....Gabrielle, I want you to help Sinthias in escorting the villagers to safety....

GABRIELLE: ....No way, Xena!...I'm coming with you! And don't say it's too dangerous, 'cause I can take care of myself!...

XENA: ....Gabrielle, helping the villagers to escape is the reason why we're here in the first place. This is more important than fighting a few thugs right now....

GABRIELLE: ....Then why....

XENA: ....Once I've retrieved our weapons, I'll be making sure that there'll be a safe passage out of here....

GABRIELLE (subdued): ....Just don't get hurt, or I'll be after you, and you?ve seen me when I get mad....

XENA (surpressing a smile): ....Just go and help Sinthias.

Gabrielle hesitated before smiling slowly in agreement and rushing down the corridor after Sinthias. Xena smiled. She could always rely on Gabrielle to constantly worry for her, making her feel as if she's still precious to someone, somewhere, despite of her 'past'.  As far as Xena could recall....few people did.

Fades out

SCENE ELEVEN:

Fade in

" ....Omaris!...Omaris!..."

Upon hearing his name, Omaris gruffly stirred from his sleep. Obviously not a morning person, he swore under his breath and on the wet, putrid ground, turned on his side and clasped his ears to drown out the irritating sound.

OMARIS (mumbling): ....Sinthias, just let me...(His eyes shot open at the sudden recognition of the faint voice)...Wait!...Sinthias?!....

He sat up and listened. Maybe it was a dream he thought, he'd just woken up and....

"....Omaris!..."

He jumped up, the voice had startled him as it became louder and more urgent.

OMARIS (whispering): ....Sinthias?...

Repeating her name, he spoke even louder until he realised how loud he was as the others woke up abruptly from his shouts. He scrambled to the cell door, beating it forcibly with his fists.

OMARIS (excitably): Sinthias!...In here! We're in here!!

Within a few seconds, they all heard the key click viciously in the cell door as Sinthias and Gabrielle burst into the dungeon. Omaris and Sinthias embraced tightly, scared of letting go in case they'd lose each other again.

SINTHIAS (breathing a sigh of relief): I thought he had killed you all...

OMARIS : ....We're all still breathing...for now...(He turns towards Paitlius, his eyes dancing with pride)...I told you she'd be here! I do know my own sister!...

PAITLIUS (in bewilderment): ....But how did she manage to get this far, past all those guards?...

SINTHIAS: ....I had a little help along the way...(She gently pats Gabrielle on the shoulder)

GABRIELLE (quickly): ....Time's not on our side right now, we still have to get out of here. This isn't over yet...not by a long shot...

Fades out

SCENE TWELVE:

Fade in

Xena blinked in the bright sunlight while slowly, and cautiously peering out through the door. Scanning the area around her, she located the storage room across the other end of the courtyard, and as the guard said, right next to where the horses were tied up, casually chewing the hay without a care in the world. She smiled, seeing that Argo wasn't among them.

" ....That's my girl!...Just wait in the woods, and keep well away until I need you..." She thought as she glanced around for any danger. There were three, one guarding the weapon storage room, and two soldiers strolling round the courtyard keeping watch. Knowing that half the army had still passed out from last night's party, had made this escape plan easier to complete.

Standing patiently behind the door, Xena listened until the soldiers neared the door she stood behind.

1# GUARD: Check the guards and the prisoners, I'll wait outside...

2# Guard: ....Why do I have to go, why not you?...

The first guard unsheathed his broadsword, aiming the weapon between the 2# guard?s eyes. He smiled wickedly.

1# Guard: ....'Cause my sword's bigger than yours!... Now go and see what's going on!...

Mumbling under his breath, the younger guard opened the door and stepped within the darkness of the dungeons, closing the door behind him. As his eyes slowly adjusted to the dark, he saw a figure before him.

2# GUARD: I just came to see that everything's alright with you....

" ....You've been mistaken...." The guard heard a soothing yet manacious voice call from within the darkness, before feeling a fist briefly attach itself to his jaw, knocking him against the wall.

XENA: ....You should be asking him...

The guard slumped against the wall, before falling flat on his back on top of an unconcious Naxos.

The 1# guard, becoming impatient decided to enter and find out what was happening. While opening the door, he heard a sharp sound of metal slice through the air before Xena's chakrum brought a quick knock to his head, sending his body crashing to the floor.

The group of villagers had arrived just as Xena threw the last soldier into an empty cell. Sinthias turned the key in the lock, as a loud, satisfying click could be heard throughout. Xena started to head for the exit before Gabrielle [stopped] her.

GABRIELLE: Where are you going?

XENA: To get back our weapons...(she disappears out the door and within a few moments, comes back with an armful of weapons)

XENA: We have to move fast...Gabrielle, I want you and Sinthias to escort the villagers to safety....

GABRIELLE: ....And what about you?

XENA (with a sly smile): I?ll be making an unexpected visit....

Fades out

SCENE THIRTEEN:

Fade in

Gabrielle leads the group out into the warm sunshine as it's beams radiates upon the courtyard. Xena was right; the party last night had taken it's toll, there were barely anyone in sight.

SINTHIAS (notices Omaris sullen behaviour):  Omaris, are you alright? What is it?

OMARIS (takes a step back): I can?t go back to Cilicia and sit on my hide all day doing nothing while Toralus still lives!

SINTHIAS: What are you saying??

Omaris suddenly darts off towards Toralus' tent.

SINTHIAS (hissing loudly): Omaris where on earth are you going, you're going to get yourself killed!!

GABRIELLE: Omaris! Xena will handle the warlord for you?

OMARIS: ....I'm gonna help Xena out! Besides, if she doesn't kill that piece of scum...I will!...

SINTHIAS: ....Omaris, wait!...(But he had already darted across the courtyard towards the warlord's main quarters. She hesitates)

GABRIELLE (baffled): ....Why did he just do that! He?s going on a suicide mission!

SINTHIAS (cursing under her breath): ....I'm going after him....

GABRIELLE (shocked): ....What!?..You can't just....

SINTHIAS (incoherent): ....He's my brother! And though he runs himself into trouble, I've got no other choice but to be there to save his butt wherever he goes!...I'm going after him, whether you like it or not...

Gabrielle paused for a moment. She turned to Eliakim.

GABRIELLE: ....As soon as you lead the people out of here, wait for us at Cilicia. We'll catch up with you in a while...

ELIAKIM: ....I will,..but we can't just leave you all....

GABRIELLE: ....Don't worry about us...We'll catch up soon...

She quickly shook hands with Eliakim before catching up with Sinthias.

GABRIELLE: ....Let's go!...

SINTHIAS: ....I'd thought you'd never ask....

Fades out

SCENE FOURTEEN:

Fade in

The sunlight dimly shone through the lattice awakening the splendid colours of fabric and furniture that occupied Toralus' main quarters.

Toralus was pleased with his progress. His army has grown to immense proportions and now, he is even closer to finding that precious treasure... he could feel it! All those claims that the object of Solandis doesn't exist spurred him on even further, intent upon obtaining the myth and when he does, he'll make sure this power gets enough publicity so that even Julius Ceaser would think twice before attacking him, and by then... Toralus chuckled... it'll be too late!...

A knock on his door interrupted his fantasy, he turned.

TORALUS: Come in.

The captain entered the room. Toralus acknowledged him as Timotheus nodded slightly in greeting.

TORALUS (smiles): ....Ah, Timotheus!...Didn't enjoy the party last night?...You look like you haven't touched a drop of wine...

TIMOTHEUS: ....Oh, the party was good, sir...I'm able to hold my liquor well...

TORALUS (Laughing): ....Well, I'm grateful I can't!... All work and no play, Timotheus?... You'll end up on Cheron's boat sooner than you'd like!

TIMOTHEUS: ....I had to keep an eye out on the new prisoners. The women gave us a little trouble....

TORALUS (Smirking): ....You?re having woman problems?!

TIMOTHEUS: ....Didn't Marcus deliver the message?... We've captured Sinthias and two other women...

TORALUS: Good!... (Standing up, he strolls over to the window) ...Then bring Sinthias to me. And while your at it, get rid of the other two... they're taking up space...

TIMOTHEUS: ....Sir, how would you suggest us getting rid of the harpies?...

TORALUS (aggravated): ....Just kill them!!...

TIMOTHEUS: ....But sir, Xena fights with a...

Toralus froze, startled at the mention of her name.

TORALUS (gasps in disbelief): ....Xena!...It can't be!... you actually captured the warrior princess!?...

TIMOTHEUS (proudly): ....She's in the dungeon right now guarded by two of my best soldiers...

Toralus thought of the prospect of not only getting his hands on the object of Solandis, but to also have the envy of every warlord and king on this earth resulting from the capture and eventual death of the warrior princess. He would be known as the dauntless warlord who killed Xena! He smiled at the thought when kingdoms would fall and whole armies would beg to become part of his elite force! At every city he'd conquer, he'll place a palace just to remind others of his strength!... His list could go on!

TORALUS: ...Lead me to her!...

Striding towards the door, Toralus suddenly felt a minacious presence behind him. Too late, he saw an iron blade glint in the sunlight before it finally rested upon his throat.

" ....That won't be necessary..." The voice behind him softly said. Timotheus unsheathed his sword only to be stopped by the woman's menacingly raised eyebrow.

XENA: ....Don't!...

The captain slowly and reluctantly sheathed back his weapon... Her words were enough.

TORALUS: ....You're being very foolish, Xena! You're mad if you think you'd ever leave this room alive!...

XENA (nonchalantly): ...Whatever... now call off your guards from the main gates.

Toralus looked towards his captain. Timotheus cowered under Toralus' glare.

TIMOTHEUS (apologetic): ....But the villagers were guarded closely!...

TORALUS (enraged): ....Well, they're not now, are they?!!....(he suddenly felt the blade twinge and immediately fell silent)

XENA (exacerbated): ....I don't think you?ve been listening!..I said...

TORALUS (anxious): ....I heard you!..(he pauses) ...Timotheus, call off the....

SOLDIER (breathless): ....Toralus!...

A young soldier suddenly bursts into the room. Opening his mouth to speak, he quickly assessed and realised the situation he had thrown himself into. He instantly clamped his mouth shut.

TORALUS (becoming increasingly anxious): ....Soldier, you'd better have good reason!...

Xena would have used some means to shut Toralus up, but seeing this soldier enter the room in such an excitable state meant that a serious event had just occured, with Gabrielle most likely to be in the middle of it all. Good news for this piece of scum she's holding, but serious a problem for her...

SOLDIER: ....The prisoners have escaped...but we have recaptured Sinthias and two other prisoners...

TORALUS (voluptuous):....Well, that is a good reason!...Ahem!...Xena, if you please?...

Xena had an overwhelming desire to slice his throat anyway, but it would only endanger Gabrielle and the others even further. Someone's going to explain why they had to mess up an entirely good plan!

Toralus chuckled as Xena's eyes danced with fury at this unexpected misfortune. She flicked her knife to the floor and backed away from him. Timotheus immediately pulled out his weapon, and with glee was about to run his sword through her.

TORALUS: ....Wait!...(He turned round and faced her, smiling)...Not just yet, Timotheus. Besides, I want to have the pleasure to feel this woman's blood on my own hands...Take her outside!

Fade out

SCENE FIFTEEN:

Fades in

" ...There must be about fifty of them!...We've got no chance of beating these guys!..."

In the middle of the courtyard, they were surrounded. They were so close to escaping undetected! Gabrielle rolled her eyes at Omaris in frustration. This is another fine mess she had gotten herself into, though she wasn't surprised. Travelling alongside Xena has it's ups, like helping Sinthias and her village to escape, but it also has it's downs... like being caught, for example!

GABRIELLE: ...Now what?...

SINTHIAS (mocking): ....Nice work, Omaris!...

OMARIS: ....No one asked you to come along!...(he looks up towards the warlord's quarters) ...Hey look, they've got Xena!...

Held at swordpoint, Xena calmly stood her ground on top of the balcony.

TORALUS: Glad you could drop by Sinthias!...

OMARIS (Defiant): ....Don't think you'll get away with this, Toralus!...

TORALUS (enraged): ....Look around you, boy!...(He then grabs Xena by the arm, violently shaking her. Xena gritted her teeth, smothering her anger)...I already have!...

SINTHIAS: ....Release the others, and I'll tell you where to find the object of Solandis!...

TORALUS (seething): ....I don't take orders! Just tell me where the treasure lies!...

XENA (softly): ....Come now, Toralus, that's no way to treat a lady...

TORALUS (angry): ....Shut your trap!!...(Xena smiles calmly as he glares at her. Closing his eyes, he slowly began to chuckle)....Oh Xena! Killing you will make my day!...

Toralus turned again towards Sinthias, and slowly smiled.

TORALUS (mildly): ....Sinthias, just tell me where the object of Solandis is, then maybe I'd consider releasing your friends...

SINTHIAS: ....No!...Let them go first....

TORALUS (shaking his head): ....No can do!...You see...I don't trust you, and I trust Xena even less!...So, are you going to co-operate and tell me?...

Pausing, Sinthias slowly smiled.

SINTHIAS (bluntly): ....Not a chance in Tartarus!...

TORALUS (furious): ....Aarrgh!...(gradually, he rolled his hands into fists. He suddenly pointed his finger at Sinthias)... You think you're so smart!...Well, I'm one step ahead!...Bring that boy forward!!...

SINTHIAS (whispers with dread): ....Omaris....

OMARIS (in anger): ....Get your hands off me!...

His demands were ignored as two soldiers dragged him across the courtyard and threw him down before Toralus.

XENA: ....Toralus, you've got me. Let him go and you can do what you like with me...

TORALUS: ....This is none of your business, Xena!...

XENA (Suddenly turns and faces Toralus aggressively): ....If it involves my friends, it's very much my business!...

TORALUS (laughing): ...You should be asking Sinthias. The boy's fate lies in her hands!...

Xena fell silent. He was right. "Only Sinthias knew where it was, and she's risking her brother's life by keeping quiet...why?" She thought, "...Unless..."

GABRIELLE: ....Sinthias, as much as I'd hate to admit it, Toralus is right. Don't you love your brother?...Just tell him!...

OMARIS: ...Don't tell him Sinthias!...He's not worth it!...

SINTHIAS (becoming increasingly frantic): ....I...I don't know!...

GABRIELLE (confused): ...What do you mean you don't know?!...

SINTHIAS: ....What difference would it make if I did tell him?!...

GABRIELLE: ....It would save Omaris' life!...

SINTHIAS (snaps back at Gabrielle): ....No it wouldn't!...

GABRIELLE: ....You've lost me Sinthias!...You just said...

SINTHIAS: ....Omaris IS the object of Solandis!...(She looked across towards Omaris' sudden shocked expression)

GABRIELLE and OMARIS (utter bewilderment): ....What?!...

Toralus couldn't believe it! For years, he had been looking for this treasure...and this boy was it?! He fell into a frenzied state.

TORALUS (in a rage): Kill him!!...Kill the kid!!...

SINTHIAS (screaming): ....No!!...Please don't!!...

Omaris looked up as a soldier strode up to him. Sinthias could only watch helplessly as her younger brother looked to her, that moment, his eyes suddenly were that of a confused and frightened youth. Falling onto the soldier's sword, twisted in pain and overwhelming anguish, he died. Sinthias could only watch...

Xena tensed. No lighting ripped through the sky, no thunder roared through the air, everyone still looked like everyone else...nothing, yet something had changed though she coudn't quite grasp what. Though no one else seemed to have noticed, even the very air she breathed had changed somewhat, though only momentarily...

Sinthias screamed as she charged towards Toralus in a manic frenzy, slightly surprising him.

GABRIELLE: ....Sinthias!...Wait!...(she grabbed Sinthias by the arm, holding her back. She smiled, reassuring Sinthias)...All in good time, but not now?

Though her face twisted in hate and remorse from her younger brother?s death, Sinthias nodded in agreement to Gabrielle's advice. Gabrielle and Sinthias were about to charge recklessly through the circle of soldiers in an attempt to escape when a command from the balcony, though it sounded more of a plea, fell on everyone's ears.

TORALUS (in a gentle tone): ....Let them go!...They've suffered enough...

Xena looked to Toralus in bewilderment. This same ruthless warlord who thrived upon seeing others suffer, was being merciful?  The soldiers complied with the order, parting as Gabrielle and Sinthias ran out through the gates, into the woods. Xena took her chance, she swiftly elbowed the captain behind him, winding him. With a battle cry, she leaped off the balcony unto the courtyard.

" ....Good, they're heading back to the village..." Xena thought, escaping through the open gate.

Fades out

SCENE SIXTEEN:

Fade in

Xena's high pitched whistle filtered through the trees and almost immediately, Argo came charging up to her. Xena lovingly patted and rubbed Argo on her well defined and soft neck.

XENA (In admiration): ....Nice disappearing act... Come on girl, let's go back to the village and get Gabrielle...

Holding Argo by the reins, they both head towards Cilicia.

" Well, mission accomplished." Xena muses, yet she still felt that this whole venture was far from over. She still couldn't understand why Toralus had been so merciful to them now when only a few moments before, he was being brutally sadistic.

Whatever had just happened, seemed to had only affected Toralus and no one else, though she found the way Gabrielle had smiled towards Sinthias somewhat puzzling...

Looking down on the ground, she discovered that Gabrielle's and Sinthia's footprints weren't heading towards Cilicia, but had made a detour.

XENA (sighs in frustration): Now what!...

Mounting Argo, she pursues after the women.

Fades out

SCENE SEVENTEEN:

Fade in

Gabrielle and Sinthias are walking through the woods. Every now and again, Sinthias stops and looks back at the warlord's fort, seething with revenge. Suddenly, she sits down against a tree and pulls out her sword.

SINTHIAS (vengefully): ....Why didn?t you give me the satisfaction of slicing Toralus' neck!...

GABRIELLE: ....Sinthias, that...

SINTHIAS (angry): ....And who gives you the right to tell me what to do?!...

GABRIELLE (irritated): ....That method won't nearly be as painful than if Xena pinched him on the neck and I slowly cut out his heart! What I need is a sword...

SINTHIAS (smiling): ....I like that method!...(she pauses)...And why do you get to kill him? What reason do you have for Toralus' death?...

A smile forms on Gabrielle?s lips? a smile which seems to distort her whole nature.

GABRIELLE: ....What makes you think I'd need a reason?...

Suddenly, three men come out from behind the trees and confronts Sinthias and Gabrielle who immediately assume their fighting stances.

1# BANDIT: ....Two girls all alone in the middle of the woods! Lost are we?...

SINTHIAS (frustrated): ....I'm in a real bad mood right now!...

1# BANDIT (roughly): ....Well, I don't care!... (Snapping his arm towards the women, he motions his men into action) ...Get them!...

With a round house kick, Sinthias smiled as one of the men crumpled to the floor. Gabrielle swung her staff across the second man?s face, throwing him unto the ground.

Seeing his men lying face down in the dirt within seconds persuaded the him that now was a good time to escape. But it was too late as he was tripped up and felt the blade of a sword pressing into his neck, Gabrielle smiled, tantalizing his growing fear.

1# BANDIT: ?Please? Spare me!

Gabrielle slowly pressed Sinthias? sword against the bandit?s neck, smiling as she did so.

GABRIELLE: ?No, first, why don?t you apologize to us for interrupting our conversation?

Suddenly, a clash of metal rang through the air as the sword Gabrielle held, flew out of her hand. Sinthias and Gabrielle both turned to see Xena stride into view, her chakrum caught in midair.

XENA: ....I don't know what's going Gabrielle, but I don't want to see you pull that stunt again...

GABRIELLE: ....Ok Xena, just put the pinch on this bandit!

Xena raises an eyebrow.

XENA (With concern): ...Gabrielle, something has affected all of us! We have to get back to the village and...

GABRIELLE: ....Shut up Xena! Just put the pinch on him!...

Xena paused, startled. Offended by Gabrielle's words, she frowned.

XENA (defiantly): ....No!...

GABRIELLE: ....Xena!...This thug tried to kill me! At least kill him in revenge for a friend! An eye for an eye they say...

Xena walks over and grabs Gabrielle's hand.

XENA: ....Gabrielle, I've heard enough! We're going back...

GABRIELLE: ....And what would you do if we didn't go back?...(She snatches back her hand)...What if Sinthias and I plan to kill Toralus and take over his army?...

Xena knew Gabrielle enjoyed playing jokes, but this was one step beyond the boundary of sanity...

XENA (hesitantly smiles): ....You're what?...

GABRIELLE (smiles): ....You heard me!...

Xena noticed Gabrielle?s smile, and decided she didn?t like it. Something was definitely amiss, that smile just confirmed it. This isn?t the Gabrielle that she knows.

SINTHIAS:  Xena, will you help us?

XENA:  Sinthias, just wait and think about what you?re doing. Something?s happened and we can?t?.

GABRIELLE: ?.Are you saying you?re not going to help?

XENA (softly):  Gabrielle, what I?m saying is that we?ve all changed somehow, and we need answers?.

Sinthias suddenly lifts her sword towards Xena.

SINTHIAS: Sounds to me, Gabrielle, like your friend has just become your enemy?.

GABRIELLE:  So you?re not helping us Xena, is that what you?re saying?

Xena silences herself wary about Gabrielle and Sinthias? irratic behaviour.

Slowly backing Argo away from the women, Xena momentarily glances towards Gabrielle before she rides back the way she came through the woods.

Fades out

SCENE EIGHTEEN:

Fade in

Riding into Cilicia, Xena noticed the various groups of the villagers bustle within and around the village, rebuilding what Toralus' men had destroyed.

"These people don't seem to have been affected...but how?..." Xena was puzzled. A young girl hurried past Xena. She called out to the child.

XENA: ....Hey, girl! Where can I find your elder?

Hurriedly, the young girl pointed towards a large, derilict building. Xena could see that the place was used for town meetings or gatherings.

She leaned over close to Argo's ear.

XENA: ....Stay here...(she gently pats Argo on her neck)...Good girl.

She climbs off the horse as she heads over towards the hall.

The townspeople had all gathered around a man well advanced in his years, though he certainly moved like a man well before his years. Standing in the midst of the crowd, the elder spoke with authority and assurance as he stood. If he was experiencing any back ailments, he wasn't going to let anyone else know but himself.

ELIAKIM: ....Cilicia can, and will be rebuilt, better than before! But we need everyone's help, even the children would need to play their part!...

Sinthias, for our sakes and for her brother's, determined in her heart to help free us, but not without help along the way. She has acquired two friends who are as skilful in combat as Sinthias... and as lethal...(Eliakim pauses and breaks into a smile as he sees Xena leaning against a damaged door)...Xena! We thank you and your friend for helping Sinthias!

With a loud roar, the villagers cheered, to which Xena passively ignored as she walked through the crowd and stood by Eliakim.

XENA (in a low voice): ....May I speak with you?...

ELIAKIM (cheerful): Of course, but first...(Xena touches his arm,  interrupting him)

XENA: ....Outside... (Eliakim smile immediately [turned] solemn as he silently followed her out into the sunlight)

ELIAKIM (concerned): ....My child, you seem distressed... what is it?

XENA (with worry): This power...the object of Solandis...Do you know it's effects?...

ELIAKIM (confused): ....No, I don't know it's powers. For many generations, no one has known...Why?

XENA: ....Because the power of Solandis seem to have affected Gabrielle and Sinthias for the worse...

ELIAKIM (whispers in shock): ....It's been released!?...But how?...

XENA: ....Toralus killed Omaris... HE'S that object of Solandis.

ELIAKIM: ....By the gods!!...

XENA: ....I don't have much time to explain... I need to know how this power can be reversed...

ELIAKIM: ....I... I don't know how!

XENA (in disbelief): ....What?...(With time not on her side, her eyes widen in frustration)... Then who does!...

"?I do..." Stepping out from the hall and slowly heading towards Xena, An elderly woman interrupted their heated conversation.

ELDERLY WOMAN: I?m Tyana, the elder?s wife. This power was given by the gods so?.

XENA (interrupts Tyana): ?.Only the gods can reverse it! (Xena rolls her eyes away in frustration) ?Typical!

ELIAKIM: Tyana, how is it you never told me about this?

TYANA: ....This knowledge had only be passed down through the women of this village in the hope that this will never occur again?

Tyana had barely finished her sentence, when an explosion suddenly grabs their attention as a tall woman stands before them clad in shining armour.

XENA: Artemis!? (Xena spits out the goddesses? name with venom) ?So you?re behind all of this!

ARTEMIS (impartial): Xena, why is it that when us gods decide to help you mortals in time of trouble, we?re immediately accused of causing it!

XENA (bitterly): Because you have! It was the gods who gave the power of mount Olympus to a mere, selfish mortal, remember? Or would you like Tyana here to refresh your memory!

Artemis stopped. She didn?t openly admit it but she knew that Xena was right, and that made Artemis furious.

ARTEMIS: Xena, I?d destroy you in a heartbeat! But for Gabrielle?s sake, I?m here to help!

XENA: ?Oh, really? Or were you sent here to hide the fact that the gods had made a mistake!

ELIAKIM (whispers in fear): Xena, please! I pray you! Do not anger the goddess any further, or we may suffer the concequnces!

Tyana falls to the floor before Artemis.

TYANA: Oh great Artemis! Tell us what we must do to help you reverse this power!

Artemis fury lessens as she sees the fear on the elderly couple and has pity on them.

ARTEMIS: Bring all who were affected to this village?.

XENA: ?.But everyone who were affected are over at the warlord?s castle?.

ARTEMIS: ?.Well then bring them to Cilicia!?

And with that, Artemis? form shimmers out of sight before them.

Tyana gently touches Xena on the arm.

TYANA (quietly): Xena, we haven?t got much time?.

XENA: Tyana, just tell me this? why here?

TYANA: It was here in Cilicia when the power was given, and it will be destroyed from whence it came?

XENA: What if it?s too late to reverse the power? What then?

TYANA: Those affected will stay the way they are. The kind hearted will have uncontrolled evil intentions and those that are evil, the opposite will happen.

ELIAKIM: But how is it that Xena came out unscathed?

XENA: In the past I wasn?t exactly the perfect citizen?. But Gabrielle is helping me to?. (Xena pauses, silently cursing under her breath for talking too much already) ?Let?s just say she is everything I dream to become, one day. It hasn?t affected me because I?m making a U-turn in my life?.

TYANA (with concern): But Xena, there?s more. After a time, this power of solandis destroys from within those it had affected, and if your friend was in another city or a village at that time?.

XENA: It would affect those close enough to it. This power acts like a spreading disease!

Xena whistled as Argo trotted up to her.

XENA: ....I'm going to see Toralus...(Xena mounts Argo, holding the reins as she prepares to leave. She turns towards Eliakim and Tyana)... If he has changed, he'd agree to bring his army here...

TYANA (concern): ....But what about Sinthias... and your friend?...They've also changed...

XENA (with determination): ....I never said this'll be easy!...(She urges Argo forward as they gallop into the woods)... Hya!!...

TO BE CONTINUED!?

(Watch this space during August 1999!)