A Warrior’s Death

written by Satachrist (mail@satachrist.com) IIK1

Disclaimers: The usual. All the famous characters of the show do of course not belong to me (wouldn’t THAT be nice) but to RenPics. Same with the setting.

There will be acts of violence in this story. At least one person is going to die.

Due to my recent interest in screenplays this story is written in spec script form. It has the lenght of one episode.

A minute ago I thought about explaining why I wanted to tell this story and how my feelings are towards the official ending. But I now decide against it. Instead I suggest that you read and see for yourself.

Enjoy.

 

 

 

xena: a warrior’s death

ext. glen - day

A green and quiet place with some spots of bare earth. Xena is staring down at one of them as if reading the entrails of the Earth. There is a forest nearby and a village not too far away. It doesn’t seem like a special place. But it is.

Xena kneels down and starts digging with her bare hands, feeling the wet soil.

At a certain point she stops and looks at the hole in the ground. Then at her dirty hands. Her face is tired and melancholic. Weary.

As if summoned two young wannabe warriors arrive. Anytime soon they are going to boast with their names: LARIPIDES and PERICLES.

laripides

Xena.

It is neither a greeting nor a statement. It’s supposed to be threatening.

xena

And who are you?

She doesn’t even try to hide how much she isn’t interested in learning that.

laripides

I am Laripides, the legendary. This is my brother in arms Pericles, the powderful.

pericles

The powerful, Larry.

laripides

Indeed.

xena

So, what do you want?

laripides

We want your head, Xena. It will be a fitting trophy for aspiring warriors like us. Um. Get ready to die.

xena

Ah.

They both draw their weapons as Xena stands up and dusts off her hands.

xena

Look guys, you know who I am.

    1. off their nods)

So, you must also know that I fought alone against entire armies, that I survived the battle of Troy, defeated Callisto and killed an endless number of warlords of which I didn’t even care to take the names. How the damn Hades do you think that you are even remotely a match for me?

There was something impressive about this speech.

pericles

We don’t really have a choice. To get a reputation we have to kill other warriors. And if we kill you we will get the best reputation in a day.

laripides

Indeed.

xena

Makes sense. Except it doesn’t. Cause you will be reputedly dead.

pericles

Worth the attempt.

laripides

Enough talk. Let’s fight.

xena

    1. sighs)

All right.

Laripides makes a rude attempt of an attack. And is kicked into the head for it. Pericles, who idly waited for the attack signal, comes in after him and is grabbed by steel hands. One quick move and he’s flat on the ground.

With sword held high Laripides makes a second attempt and gets caught in a powerful hold. A scream escapes his mouth and his sword falls. A hearty knee kick sends him face forward into the dirt as something cuts into Xena’s arm.

Incredulous Xena looks at the small cut. Then at Pericles and his sword. The man stares at his sword, then at her. He realizes that he just signed his death warrant.

Before he can think about moving, her foot is in his chest and he’s already flying through the air.

From the direction of the village Gabrielle comes a running, weapons ready.

gabrielle

Xena, are you all right?

The remains of the two warriors take their swords and stumble away. Of course they turn for one last villain vow.

laripides

We will return, Xena! Stronger than before!

pericles

And with an army!

They’re gone. Gabrielle can’t help being amused.

gabrielle

Who were those nitwits?

xena

Pericles and Laripides. Both striving to become great warriors. They want my head.

gabrielle

You’re kidding me. Perry and Larry? Can this get any scarier?

Then she notices the wound.

gabrielle

You’re bleeding.

xena

It’s nothing.

gabrielle

How did this happen?

xena

I tried to draw my sword and...

    1. why lie?)

One of them hit me.

gabrielle

What? One of THEM?

xena

It’s not important.

gabrielle

How could this happen...

xena

Gabrielle. It was a coincidence. Can happen. It’s minor.

Gabrielle wants to be convinced.

gabrielle

Ehm, the leader of the village says thank you.

xena

Really.

gabrielle

Well, he meant to. But he’s so terribly busy and all. They are grateful, I sense that. They just don’t know how to express their gratitude.

xena

Right.

Now Gabrielle’s eyes fall on the hole in the ground.

gabrielle

I mean, that was why we came, right?

How subtle.

gabrielle

Who died?

xena

This is the spot where we first met, Gabrielle.

Gabrielle lays an arm around her friend. They share an intimate look.

gabrielle

I feel like I forgot a birthday or something.

xena

It is also the spot where I wanted to bury my armor twenty-six years ago.

gabrielle

Oh. And you found it again?

xena

Yes. It was easy. Everything here changed. This spot didn’t. It looks exactly the same.

garielle

Contrary to some other things. Come. North from here are some peasants who want our help.

int. olethros’ tent - day

A warrior’s tent, however unusual. There are heaps of scripts and scrolls everywhere. OLETHROS himself is sitting at his desk, studying a scroll. He’s young, ambitious and apparently quite clever.

JONOS, assistant warrior, enters.

jonos

Great Olethros.

The master doesn’t look up.

jonos

She’s coming.

olethros

I know.

jonos

    1. genuinely surprised)

How?

olethros

I know her. I’ve studied everything that was ever written or told about her. And I know what she’s going to do.

Jonos tries to lighten up the tension. Tell something funny.

jonos

You know, there’s a rumor that she alone fought the whole Persian cavalry. Hah.

olethros

The rumor is true. She fought them and won. Alone.

Olethros looks up from his scroll for the first time.

olethros

Jonos, it is a grave mistake to underestimate your foe and discard tales about her just because they’re inconvenient. There are even more fantastic stories about Xena that I believe are true. I believe in her. She is the greatest warrior of her time. No, of all times. She is a legend. And meeting her will be a pleasure as well as an honor.

jonos

So, you don’t want to kill her?

olethros

Of course not. I want to become like her. A legend.

ext. camp - night

Little more than a small fireplace and two blankets. The fire is out. Like so often before Xena and Gabrielle are lying on their backs, looking at the stars. There is a small bandage on Xena’s arm.

gabrielle

So, this is the big snake. That’s what the parents tell their children. When they’re alone at night they call it the big phall—

xena

Sorry Gabrielle, what did you say?

gabrielle

Not important. You haven’t been listening, have you?

xena

Sorry.

gabrielle

What is it with you lately? You’re so absent-minded.

A moment passes as Xena evaluates her reply.

xena

I feel like I’m getting old.

Gabrielle laughs. Xena doesn’t.

gabrielle

Oh come one, Xena, you’re not old. You’re barely...

    1. off Xena’s expectant look)

... old enough to... dye your hair. Um. That didn’t come out right.

xena

But I’m weary. A greater part of my life is gone. And what did I make of it? What changed?

gabrielle

Well, you defeated armies. And gods. You saved so many people. You changed everything.

xena

But how did it change me?

gabrielle

Oh, you did.

xena

Really? I still fight every day. I spent my nights on an old blanket. I’m getting sick of it.

Now Gabrielle is a little hurt.

gabrielle

But you always fought stuff. It is who you are.

xena

Exactly. I am the definition of warrior. But otherwise I’m no one.

gabrielle

Xena, that’s... uh... That’s so not true I don’t even know where to start arguing. You did so many things...

xena

But I didn’t create anything lasting. Anything beautiful. I just destroyed.

gabrielle

That’s not true, that’s...

New tactic. This won’t lead anywhere.

gabrielle

I know something beautiful you could do. That you like.

Her eyes dart to the left for a moment. Wink.

gabrielle

Come on, I know you want to.

Xena turns around, her back to Gabrielle.

xena

Not tonight, Gabrielle.

gabrielle

Oh yes. It always makes you smile and you’re less tense afterwards.

xena

No.

gabrielle

All right. Then I’ll do it.

She gets up, walks over to some bushes to the left.

There is the sound of rustling. Followed by two damp thuds.

Gabrielle comes back, dragging Laripides and Pericles with her. Xena turns around, eyes them wearily. Then she positions herself before them.

xena

You two. Shall I tell you something? You suck at threatening, you suck at stalking. And your fighting skills are not even worth mentioning. Did you ever think about a career change? I heard there’s a village not far from here that could use some protection. How about that?

laripides

We are warriors. Not nannies.

xena

Oh. You’ve just been beaten up by a blonde. Think again. Now get the Hades away before I have you for dinner.

They trot away. But again...

laripides

We will come back, Xena. You will never get rid of us. We will find your weak point. And then you’re dead meat.

Off they go. Gabrielle waves after them.

gabrielle

That really gets scarier every time we hear it.

xena

They’re right, you know.

gabrielle

What?

xena

How often have I escaped death already? Eventually they will get me. Well, maybe not exactly THEM. Their chances are minimal.

gabrielle

Closer to non-existent.

xena

But it sums up. They keep on coming. How long till probability works against me? I can kill hundreds of them but they just have to hit me once. What if one of them is just lucky?

They both look at the wound. Gabrielle wishes she didn’t. She tries to be soothing.

gabrielle

Maybe one distant day. When you’re an old warrior.

xena

But that’s what I am.

int. olethros’ tent - night

Olethros is welcoming his guest. Six warlords: Tarkon, Metrondir, Calaios, Xercarh, Kurio and Dala, the only female. Tarkon is the mightiest of them, a man known for his brutality, while Dala is the most beautiful. And the most dangerous.

olethros

Welcome to my humble lair, my lords. I hope you had a pleasant journey.

xercarh

I didn’t think that so many would come.

Kurio

None of us did, Xercarh.

The perfect host, Olethros hands out chalices with wine. Everyone sips.

olethros

Our ranks are growing. The times have passed when we were but few. A new age of war rises. And the land needs heroes.

tarkon

Oh stop babbling. I have men out there who haven’t eaten for days.

olethros

Your men will all be attended to. And why I’ve called you here... is because of a warrior. Xena.

metrondir

Xena? She is here?

olethros

She will be soon.

calaios

I’m gone.

xercarh

Who’s Xena?

kurio

I’m gone, too.

Tarkon’s fist shakes the conference table.

tarkon

Stop, you damn cowards! We have six

armies outside this tent. If there ever was a chance to send Xena’s ass to Tartarus, then it is now!

olethros

Well put, Tarkon. Don’t worry, my lords. There will be no fight. I don’t want to kill Xena, at least not at this state.

dala

What is it then you want?

Olethros unrolls a drawing on the table.

olethros

The chakram.

Everyone looks down at it.

metrondir

A powerful weapon. I heard that it alone can take out hundreds.

olethros

True. Of course none of us here is fit to wield it. Xena had years to attune to its powers. As a weapon it is useless to us.

tarkon

Then what the hell do you want with it?

There’s a moment of silence.

metrondir

What?

tarkon

Hell. It’s a modern thing. A lot like Tartarus.

metrondir

Ah.

olethros

The chakram is Xena’s weapon. But it is also the symbol of her strength. Her chakram, her sword, her armor. She will give them to us.

dala

    1. understands)

As a symbol of her defeat.

xercarh

And how do you want to perform this miracle? Tear them from her limbs?

Olethros is almost shocked.

olethros

The gods forbid, no. We will just ask nicely.

ext. battlefield - day

Xena and Gabrielle meet the warlords on open territory. The latter are accompanied by an army of extraordinarily grim and well-equipped warriors.

The warrior princess can’t help being impressed as her gaze wanders over them.

xena

Helpless peasants looked differently in my youth.

Olethros steps forward.

olethros

Welcome Xena. I am Olethros, the leader of this small army.

xena

Never heard of you.

olethros

I admit, very unlikely. But I don’t mind. Now, I demand from you to give us your weapons and your armor.

xena

Sure.

She starts to take out her sword...

xena

Oh wait. On second thought... no.

At this point Tarkon loses patience.

tarkon

You will die, Xena! Who do you think—

Olethros gestures him to stop. Tarkon stares at him with undisguised hatred.

olethros

I expected nothing less from you. As a noble warrior and legendary fighter you cannot accept defeat. Instead you will stand against us and probably take down many men. Before you eventually lose.

That hit home.

olethros

But see, we don’t want to kill you. Give us your weapons and you can go in peace. If I may advise you, leave Greece. Your time has passed, Xena. You don’t belong here anymore. It is time to make way for new heroes.

xena

You mean like you? Sorry, not interested. But you’re right with one thing. You won’t kill me. You won’t have the chance.

She turns and leaves.

olethros

I expected that, too. In this case we will kill and destroy everything you ever loved.

xena

Everything I loved is dead.

olethros

I’m sorry to hear that. Well, in this case we’ll kill and destroy randomly. And we’ll start with um...

    1. gestures north)

... this village over there.

Gabrielle and Xena exchange glances. Olethros registers that.

olethros

Of course I will give you time to evaluate my offer.

The two women go.

olethros

It was an honor to meet you, Xena.

ext. path - day

Xena and Gabrielle trod along. Xena is deep in thoughts.

gabrielle

What do you think?

xena

Hm?

gabrielle

What are we going to do?

xena

I’m not sure.

Gabrielle is a little disappointed but hides it well.

gabrielle

All right. We’ll think of something. You could leave the country for a while.

xena

Then they’ll burn it down.

gabrielle

But what sense would that make?

xena

It forces me to stay.

gabrielle

We could try to play them against one another. Get help from the amazons.

Xena stops to face her, unnerved.

xena

It won’t work. They are too many and their leader’s more dangerous than he looks. There are only two ways to end this. Either I die or they die.

gabrielle

The warlords?

xena

Everyone. The warlords, their army, every single one of them.

gabrielle

Xena, you can’t do that.

xena

It won’t be easy. But I’ll find a way. One after the other if I have to.

gabrielle

That’s not what I meant. It’s just not...

xena

You’re right. But it’s either them or me. Otherwise it will never stop. They will always keep coming. If not today, then the next day. I don’t want to fight them off for the rest of my life.

    1. beat)

You don’t have to follow me.

Gabrielle can’t help but laugh dryly.

gabrielle

I’m coming. I always will.

Xena loves her with one intense glance.

xena

We’ll need help.

int. temple of the war god - day

Xena steps into the halls. Alone. She notices the swords and shields that adorn the walls. In front of the iron throne she stops.

xena

Ares, I summon you.

Nothing happens.

xena

I beg for your help. Please come to me.

And there he appears: ARES. The usual show-off.

ares

You called?

xena

I need a favor.

ares

Hm. New sword? New armor?

    1. with a grin)

New lover?

xena

Something a little more substantial.

ares

    1. disappointed)

Go on.

xena

There’s an army north of here. Commanded by six warlords who follow the lead of a man called Olethros.

ares

Yeah, I’ve seen them. Beautiful.

xena

I want you to kill them all. Every single one. To the last man.

ares

Oh. Okay. Anything else?

xena

I’m begging you, Ares. I will owe you.

    1. thinks)

Give me an army. That’s what you always wanted.

ares

Xena, I can’t do that. And you know I can’t.

xena

That is the only thing you’re good at! You’re the god of war! Or at least you used to be.

ares

That’s the point. Even if I wanted to, I can’t help you. There are rules.

Ares can see that Xena is close to desperation now.

xena

They will kill me. Is that what you want?

ares

You know the answer. But the truth is, you chose this life. Being a warrior is dangerous. You accepted the risk. Now accept the consequences.

xena

Thanks for the smart comment. I’m in your debt, oh god of war.

ares

I can’t help you, Xena. I wish I could.

The god vanishes. Xena is alone.

int. olethros’ tent - day

The warlords are quite agitated. Olethros is a calm island in this ocean of storm. He has to be.

tarkon

What was that all about?

Olethros fills another cup with wine and hands it to Metrondir.

olethros

Which part exactly didn’t you understand?

tarkon

The part where you dare to give me orders! In front of my men!

olethros

Well, someone has to take command. And I’m the most fitting.

The warlords exchange gazes.

calaios

I’m ok with that.

metrondir

Me too.

tarkon

But I’m not!

With one swift movement Tarkon’s blade is at Olethros’ throat. The host doesn’t seem to mind and continues to pour wine into cups.

tarkon

Why should you command us? And make it sound convincing.

olethros

As you wish. How’s the wine, my lords?

kurio

It’s very good.

metrondir

I’ve had better.

olethros

So, you don’t taste the Nelzach in it then?

Everything falls silent in the tent.

dala

You bastard.

calaios

What?

tarkon

What is he talking about?

dala

He poisoned us. Nelzach is a drug.

calaios

Will we die?

olethros

Not as long as you keep drinking it at least five times a day. Should you stop for any reason the pain will become unbearable until you eventually pass away.

Everyone takes this in.

tarkon

Dala, send some of your men to the next big village and get that stuff.

dala

I don’t think that will work. It’s very rare.

olethros

Apart from that I took the liberty to administer it to all of your men.

tarkon

Dala?

dala

We were all out of supplies when we arrived here. God, how stupid.

olethros

Look at the bright side. If you fear to lose some of your men in battle, think of them as already dead.

Deliberately Olethros fills another cup of wine and offers it to Tarkon. He stares at it nervously. Then takes the cup and drinks, withdrawing the blade.

When he has emptied the cup his attention is back on Olethros as everyone else’s.

tarkon

All right. You’re in command.

olethros

An wise decision. Now if I may continue the briefing. We will destroy a village to the west as a start. Just to make our point. Xena will understand it.

calaios

And after Xena surrendered you really want to let her go?

olethros

Of course not.

calaios

But you said—

olethros

After Xena’s death no one will remember what I might have once said or not. Without her weapons Xena is nothing. Killing her will not be a problem. Then I will take her head. Understand?

Everyone nods.

Jonos enters.

olethros

Yes, Jonos?

jonos

Lord, there are two... men here to see you. They say they want to join our ranks.

Laripides and Perikles come into the tent, smiling nervously. All the heads turn to them.

Olethros fills another cup.

int. family crypt - day

Xena looks down at the graves of his mother and her two brothers. Her hand rests on the stone of her younger brother Lyceus. There are traces of dirt on it which she wipes away.

xena (v.o.)

Lyceus was the first. To die for my path. To perish in my stead.

flashback - past glory

Xena in her old garments, on her horse, watching houses burn, people running around. In her memory the picture is completely silent. Only her voice can her heard.

xena (v.O.)

Many were killed by my own hand.

A woman runs to her, pleading, crying, pulling at her leg. Xena just looks at her. Then without haste, draws her sword and cuts the woman’s head off.

xena (v.o.)

Some by others.

flashback - the others

A shot of Draco in his greatest moment, raising his sword to the sky while his men run before him, attacking.

xena (v.o.)

Draco.

Callisto with her evil grin.

xena (V.O.)

Callisto.

And last not least Livia/Eve in all her dark glory, peasants kneeling before her, awaiting their death.

xena (V.o.)

Eve. My daughter.

END FLASHBACK

Back to Xena. Her expression unchanged, as if the hardness of the stone reflected on her face.

xena (v.o.)

So many died because of me. And they still do. And they always will. Till the end of my days. What can I do?

xena

    1. whispered)

What can I do?

woman (O.s.)

What are you doing in here?

The WOMAN entered behind her. Xena didn’t hear her come in.

woman

Who are you?

The woman notices the weapons and the shining armor. She makes a careful step backward.

woman

We don’t want the likes of you here.

xena

I... I am Xena.

The woman eyes her doubtfully.

woman

You are Xena? I thought you were dead.

That’s too much. Xena leaves the crypt in a hurry.

ext. amphipolis - day

Xena’s hometown has changed considerably. Gabrielle was waiting for her.

gabrielle

Are you all right?

xena

Yes. No. Not really, Gabrielle.

Gabrielle sees her friend’s agony but feels unable to do anything about it.

xena

Gabrielle, I think I will do it. I’ll surrender my weapons and leave Greece.

    1. with a look to the crypt)

Nothing keeps me here.

gabrielle

But that’s... Xena, without your weapons you are...

Although Gabrielle stops just in time, Xena understands what she wanted to say.

gabrielle

Oh... I didn’t mean that.

xena

What does it mean then?

No way out for Gabby.

gabrielle

Is that your decision?

xena

Yes.

gabrielle

Then let us go.

ext. battlefield - day

Everyone is here again: Xena, Gabrielle, the warlords and their armies. With melancholy Xena notices Laripides and Pericles among her opponents. A chilly wind blows against her.

olethros

Have you decided?

Xena looks down. Gabrielle becomes aware of the soldiers behind them. They are surrounded.

gabrielle

Xena...

xena

I’ve seen them.

She looks Olethros in the eye. Then steps forward. But before she can reach the great leader she is met by Jonos. He holds out his hands to receive the weapons. Xena understands that Olethros will not take them from her in person.

Xena takes her sword out of the sheath. Her eyes are reflected in the steel. Sad eyes.

Then she hits Jonos in the face and runs away.

gabrielle

Xena!

Before Gabrielle can follow her friend she is surrounded by archers.

olethros

Let her go.

It is not quite clear whether he addressed Gabrielle or his army. But now he definitely turns to her.

olethros

You don’t plan to resist, do you?

The situation is hopeless.

gabrielle

Of course not.

ext. plains - day

Xena is running. Fear in her eyes.

ext. village caedros - day

Xena is out of breath. The wound on her arm is bleeding heavily. The dirty bandage sticks to the open flesh. Xena rips it off. She needs a new one.

xena

Excuse me...

But the villagers who walk past ignore her.

xena

Excuse me, I need a... excuse me... hey!

Actually everyone is avoiding her. Except for an old man who comes closer. His name is AENEAS.

xena

You... I need a new bandage...

aeneas

Go away. We don’t want you here.

At last she sees the drawing of her hanging on a wall behind the man. Looking around she sees many copies. Drawings of her adorn the walls of the whole village.

aeneas

Go. We’re all doomed if you stay. I have wife and children. Go away!

Trained by years of instinct Xena looks back the way she came. There on a far hill are the warlords. Olethros sword glistens in the sunlight.

The villagers have arranged themselves in a circle around the warrior princess, none of them closer to her than ten feet. No one dares to come any closer.

aeneas

Just leave.

Xena starts for the stables. The people make way for her.

With a simple brown horse under her she gallops away. Fleeing southward.

ext. the far hill - day

The warlords gathered. Behind them their army. Gabrielle is next to them. Nobody holds her. It’s not necessary.

tarkon

She saw us.

olethros

Of course she did. But there is nowhere to run.

tarkon

With this horse she can ride to the end of the world.

olethros

Indeed. Over there her world ends.

ext. glen - day

Xena rides at full speed. Her gaze is unfocused, deep in thought.

She blinks. Stops the horse. She gets off and looks down at the ground. Kneels. Her hand digs into the earth. This is the spot. She has came back.

With a slight clap she sends the horse away. It ends here. Not far from the spot is the village.

ext. village - day

All the houses were burned down systematically down to one hut. The ground is covered with corpses, burnt and slaughtered. No one was spared. Xena is the only one alive. On one house hangs the rest of a Xena drawing.

She walks through the sea of death, looking at the bodies that seem to accuse her.

There: one is still moving. She walks over to the badly wounded man. Touches him. He opens his eyes. She is not sure what he sees.

man

Xena.

Oh god. He knows her.

man

We didn’t let them. Break you. Your legend.

He takes her hand and smiles.

man

We would rather die for you.

The man coughs. Blood runs out of his mouth.

man

My daughter. Is she here?

Xena looks around. A few feet away lies the body of a young woman, face down. Three arrows stick in her back.

xena

No, she... she must have left.

The man smiles gratefully.

man

You know. She looked like you. A lot.

Then he just stops. Gone. Xena walks over to the other body. Turns it around. It was a beautiful woman, her figure not unlike Xena’s. The same hair.

Xena raises her hand to wipe away the tears. But her dirty hands burn in her eyes.

ext. village - later

A pile of bodies is burning in the waning daylight. She stands before it, singing the requiem. Her arms are covered with dirt.

The sun is setting. In the distance seven figures on horseback appear, followed by an army. Xena sees them.

ext. glen - night

The warlords are waiting. There are soldiers all around them. Everyone is getting nervous. Only Olethros is relaxed.

metrondirh

Where did you take the blonde?

olethros

Gabrielle. Her name is Gabrielle, bard of Poteidaia. She is in the back row. Showing her to the warrior princess would be like waving a red cloth in front of a bull.

tarkon

Attack?

olethros

No. We’ll wait. She will come to us.

As if triggered by this catchword two bombs come sailing, bursting into clouds of black smoke. In less than a second all sight is blocked. Olethros stays calm.

tarkon

We’re being attacked!

olethros

Swords forth.

Little can be seen but men charge forward. As two more projectiles come flying and burst into flames. Greek fire. Men start to burn, screaming.

tarkon

Olethros, what do we do now?

olethros

You can do nothing at all.

Xena arrives on the scene like a hurricane. Although she is surrounded by foot soldiers she takes down one after the other. Surprise is on her side.

She kicks one, slashes another, sends three of them flying with a roundhouse kick.

A yell and the chakram sails through the air, knocking down seven of them.

And there are Laripides and Pericles standing beside the warlords’ horses, too afraid to attack. However, Tarkon notices them.

tarkon

Attack, you worthless scum! Or I’ll kill you myself!

The two share a glance and move forward.

Xena’s blade cuts through two throats, sending her attackers reeling backwards. Instinctively she kicks to her left and brings down her sword, only to stop it an inch before Laripides’ nose.

Pericles throws himself on his friend’s body to protect him. They look at her. She can’t kill them.

Xena is brought back to reality by a blade that cuts deep into her leg. She reacts, strikes back. But she lost the edge.

She parries three swords at once as a fourth hits her from behind, cutting into her shoulder. She screams.

It is obvious that she is losing ground. When suddenly two of the men are hit by arrows. Xena looks up to see a dozen archers aiming in her direction.

olethros

Fire.

Xena ducks away. Another three men get hit. The last arrow penetrates her side. Xena collapses. She glares at Olethros who grins back at her.

A quick slide of her hand and the air is again cloaked in smoke. Seconds later Xena is gone.

tarkon

After her!

olethros

No. Stay. Take care of the wounded and the dead. Have patience.

tarkon

And when she attacks again?

Olethros turns his horse around and slowly rides to the back of the army.

olehros

I don’t think she will.

tarkon

Where are you going?

olethros

I think it is time to get ‘the blonde’.

ext. village - night

Gabrielle walks through the empty village, towards the last hut. It still stands. Untouched.

int. hut - night

Gabrielle enters to see Xena lying in the corner, digging with her hands. Her wounds are pretty bad and only barely tended.

gabrielle

What are you doing?

xena

Digging my own grave.

She forces a smile. Not very convincing.

xena

How many?

gabrielle

About three hundred.

xena

Don’t lie to me, Gabrielle.

gabrielle

I... I couldn’t see them all. Hundreds. Maybe a thousand. And many are still arriving. I’ve never seen an army that huge.

xena

Only makes it more interesting.

Xena starts cutting a reed mace.

gabrielle

They will attack, Xena. If you don’t surrender.

xena

There is no surrender, Gabrielle. If I have to die then like a warrior. Otherwise it wouldn’t make sense. My life would have no meaning. It is the least thing I can do. I deserve it.

Gabrielle looks at her for an intense moment. Then nods.

gabrielle

I understand. Then let us go out there and fight. Side by side. Like old times.

xena

I will fight. You will leave. They won’t harm you. I’m the one they want.

gabrielle

There’s no way I’m leaving you. We lived together. If necessary we will die together. But I will be with you.

xena

You have to survive, Gabrielle. You are the only person I know. If we both die, it will be like we never existed. Otheros will see to that. Make sure that he doesn’t succeed.

gabrielle

Xena...

xena

Promise me that you will survive and tell the tale of Xena and Gabrielle.

gabrielle

I can’t...

Xena

Promise me.

gabrielle

I promise.

It is done. In the darkness of the hut Xena starts to sob uncontrollably. Gabrielle is almost too stunned to react. She takes Xena into her arms, caresses her head.

xena

I don’t want to die, Gabrielle. I’m afraid.

gabrielle

Sh. It’ll be all right.

ext. glen - night

Gabrielle returns to the army.

tarkon

What took you so long?

Gabrielle doesn’t answer.

olethros

Well?

gabrielle

She will not surrender. She is waiting for you.

olethros

I expected that much.

tarkon

Shall we attack?

olethros

No. Even in her current state she would kill you by the dozen. Use the flaming arrows. Burn it down. And we won’t lose a single man.

Gabrielle is shocked.

gabrielle

You don’t want to fight her yourself?

olethros

Of course not. I know her strength. I’ve heard the stories. I will not put my life in jeopardy. She must die. How is of no concern to me. Of course...

    1. smiles)

... That’s not how you will write it.

The archers gather. It must be at least a hundred. Arrows are dipped into burning gel. Bend.

A second later burning death flies through the sky, raining down on the hut. It immediately catches fire.

Gabrielle can’t hold back anymore. She just cries.

gabrielle

Xena!

Metrondir holds her back. Gently. His face is almost as sad as hers.

Another rain of fire comes down. Nobody comes out of the hut.

ext. village - day

Gabrielle runs down to the hut. It is almost completely burnt down. She goes in.

Outside the warlords wait.

After a while Gabrielle comes out, carrying a charcoal body that wears leather armor. Xena. Her skin burned black. Five arrows stick in her. Gabrielle suppresses her tears.

Olethros steps forward.

olethros

That it had to end this way is unfortunate. She was a good warrior. She was my hero. The only one I ever had. Now, if I may ask for her weapons and her head.

gabrielle

Don’t you dare touch her.

Olethros is almost repelled by the force in her voice.

olethros

Excuse me. I have won. Now I will take what is rightfully mine.

gabrielle

You deserve nothing of it. And you won’t get it.

olethros

Do you want to stop me?

At this very moment Ares materializes at her side.

ares

She won’t have to. I will do it. Don’t touch her.

Aphrodite appears. Ares takes the body from Gabrielle as the bard collapses in Aphrodite’s arms. The goddess strokes her hair.

Olethros understands that this is not the moment.

olethros

Very well. Another time then.

He leaves. The other warlords still stare at the body for a moment before they follow him.

int. dark tavern - day

An old wooden pub, almost deserted. A man enters, looking like the personification of normality. His eyes search the room. There is a scroll in his hand. He’s a MESSENGER.

Finally he finds what he is looking for: an old but once handsome man, sitting in a corner, staring at his drink.

messenger

Excuse me, sir.

The old man doesn’t react.

messenger

Excuse me. Autolycos?

With astounding reflexes the man is up, a dagger in his hand.

autolycos

Who told you this name?

messenger

I am here to bring you a message.

The messenger hands him the scroll. Reluctantly the old man takes it. His eyes fly over the symbols. After a few moments he has to sit down.

int. temple of eli - day

The hall is filled with light. In its center sits Eve. Alone. Meditating. A beam of sunlight falls down on her from a hole in the ceiling.

A young acolyte enters. Patiently she waits a few steps behind her mistress. But then she decides to go to her anyway. Eve does not interrupt the meditation as the acolyte bows down to her and whispers something in her ear.

Since there is no visible reaction to the message, the acolyte bows again and leaves.

Seconds tick away. Tears run from Eve’s closed eyes.

ext. forest - day

Four amazons in a tree, waiting. They are led by VARIA, their Queen. In their crouching position they resemble true predators.

varia

Now.

With a series of yells they jump down the tree, surrounding their prey. It is the Messenger. Apparently he is not the least bit surprised. Actually he seems to have awaited them.

varia

Who are you? What are you doing on amazon territory?

He produces a scroll from his bag.

messenger

I have this for you.

Varia takes the scroll from him, reads it. Her expression turns from anger to sadness.

varia

Who gave you...

But when she looks up, he’s already gone.

int. heaven - day

A brightly lid hall, made of gold and white. In the midst of it is a large pool that is apparently filled with clouds. In truth it is a window to Earth.

At the margin of the pool lies a blonde woman... no, an angel. Another ANGEL enters the hall.

angel

The people down there are mourning the death of a great warrior.

CALLISTO, whose fingers are gently moving through the clouds, looks up to her..

callisto

I can hear them.

ext. hades - elysian fields - day

CYRENE is sitting on a rock next to a sparkling waterfall. Mist plays around her ankles. The waterfall is dreadfully silent. The dead woman is staring at her hands.

Two persons appear behind her: JOXER and EPHINY.

ephiny

It is time.

Cyrene nods. When she raises her head SOLAN is standing before her. He takes her hand.

solan

Let’s not keep her waiting.

Together they walk away.

ext. glen - dusk

A flaming red sun illuminates Xena’s funeral pyre. There is Gabrielle, alone, waiting for the sun to go down. She is unable to cry. In her hand she holds a burning torch. When the sun vanishes behind the horizon she throws the torch into the piled up wood. Very slowly the fire begins to eat into the pyre.

When suddenly it bursts into a ball of blue flame that touches the sky. Behind Gabrielle Ares lowers his head in respect. He’s wearing a black cloak with a hood. Aphrodite’s hand rests on Gabrielle’s shoulder. The goddess is also dressed in black. A veil covers her face.

Together they are watching the flame rising to the night sky.

A lone figure in a green coat arrives on the scene. The old man positions himself next to the mourning ones. Gabrielle acknowledges Autolycos’ presence with a smile.

Not long after that Varia joins them, followed by at least a dozen amazons. They all bow their heads before the pyre. Varia and Gabrielle exchange glances. Lament. Respect. In the shadows of a blue flame the amazon queen begins to sing the requiem for a warrior. An amazon.

int. heaven - night

The echoes of Varia’s voice are heard in the hall. Peaks of the blue fire lick through the clouds of the pool. With her delicate index finger Callisto touches the flame. It cannot harm her. But it hurts nevertheless. The angel’s eyes fill with tears.

ext. green hill - night

The dead, Cyrene, Solan, Joxer and Ephiny, have gathered on a far away hill. They can see the fire from here but it is very unlikely that someone will see them. Following the rules of life and death they may not touch any living being or one another.

They are listening to the requiem.

joxer

Where might she be now?

cyrene

Who knows. But she will come eventually. She just never liked to stay in one place for long.

ext. glen - night

Eve has come alone, in time to hear the last notes of her mother’s requiem. Hesitantly she approaches the pyre, then Gabrielle, not sure what to expect. But she knows when Gabrielle takes her into her arms. They hold each other tight for a long moment. They both have lost so much.

Finally seven unwanted guests arrive. The warlords. Olethros goes straight to Gabrielle who doesn’t even look at him.

olethros

Gabrielle. I am here to receive my trophies. I earned them. You can’t deny me what is rightfully mine.

He gets no reaction from her. A little shaken in his determination he turns to the god of war.

olethros

Ares, I demand your assistance. I followed the rules. You know I’m right.

ares

I know that I will personally incinerate you if you don’t leave now. You will get nothing from us.

olethros

You can’t do this. There are rules.

Turning to the other warlords for support he sees that they all bowed their heads before the pyre. The amazons tense as the six warlords draw their swords. And lay them down before the fire. Tarkon gives a grim nod to the amazons, then to Gabrielle. Then the six leave.

Olethros is too stunned to say anything. The only thing he can do is run after them.

on the way

olethros

What was that about?

tarkon

We had to pay our respects.

olethros

What? What is going on here?

tarkon

She died like a warrior, fighting against all odds. To the death. She was one of us.

    1. faces Olethros)

You are not. Now go away or we will chop you into pieces.

olethros

You can’t leave me. You’re bound to me.

jonos

Bound by lies.

Olethros’ second in command emanates from the darkness.

jonos

    1. to the warlords)

It was all a hoax. There is no poison.

olethros

Jonos!

jonos

    1. to Olethros)

You shamed our kind. I only wish I had reacted sooner.

tarkon

I am not surprised. I recommend that you leave Greece. ‘Cause if I see your face ever again I will slay you like an animal. You are not a warrior. You are nothing.

Thus they walk away, leaving Olethros alone. Cast down. Defeated.

at the pyre

The circle of mourners is complete.

gabrielle

Thank you all for coming. Xena would apprec... would have appreciated it. No words can express our loss, my grief or her glory. She was a great warrior. The best friend one could ever have. I’m looking forward to the day we’ll meet again. And a part of me hopes that this day will come soon. She embodied the best in all of us...

Gabrielle now notices the people standing in a distance around the pyre. It must be hundreds, from all classes of mankind: peasants, villagers, merchants and warriors. Among them are Laripides, Pericles and Aeneas from the village Caedros.

gabrielle

Xena may be dead. But her legend will live on.

the distant congregation

Laripides and Pericles draw their swords and ram them into the ground. Everything around is silent. Then Pericles starts to whisper.

pericles

Xena.

And it feels like magic to him.

pericles

Xena. Xena. Xena.

His voice grows stronger, becoming a series of shouts, as powerful as battle cries. Laripides understands and joins him. The call is spread and soon every voice in the congregation joins in the powerful chorus.

all

Xena! Xena! XENA! XENA! XENA!

The hundreds of voices thunder across the plain. It is their reference to a great warrior. Their tribute to her life and her legend. Their promise that they will never forget her.

ext. glen - dawn

Lasts rings of smoke arise from the burnt down pyre. A new day has come. The funeral is over.

Gabrielle receives Xena’s urn from Ares. They exchange respectful smiles. Aeneas carefully approaches them.

aeneas

Please forgive my intrusion. My name is Aeneas, leader of the village Caedros. I just wanted to ask if there will be a wake.

Gabrielle is visibly unprepared for this question. But she makes a quick decision.

gabrielle

Yes. There will be a wake.

aeneas

I know very well that neither me nor my people deserve the honor but I offer to use our village as the location of the festivities.

ares

It would only be appropriate to use my hall for the wake. It is the least...

gabrielle

Xena was human. She would have wanted it.

    1. to Aeneas)

I accept.

aeneas

Thank you. I am honored. I will go and see to the preparations.

gabrielle

    1. to Ares)

Will you come?

ares

Of course.

Aphrodite presents Xena’s sword and chakram.

aphrodite

What about her weapons.

gabrielle

After the wake we will put them where everyone can see them.

Everywhere people begin to roam into the direction of Caedros. Gabrielle watches them. Then she spots four figures on a far away hill.

ext. green hill - dawn

The four dead look back at her.

cyrene

Let us go. We can wait for her on the other side.

They descend the hill on the opposite side.

ext. the village caedros - day

There are camps and tents everywhere around the village. Many people are still arriving. They drink, eat and talk.

int. caedros tavern - day

The room is filled with people. Everyone who stood close to the pyre is here. The tables have been put together for the big banquet. There on the wall are Xena’s weapons. All are busy talking.

Varia and Autolycos...

varia

Who are you by the way?

autolycos

I’m an old friend of Xena and Gabrielle. My name is Autolycos.

varia

THE Autolycos?

autolycos

The same. You heard of me?

varia

Sure. You’re practically a legend. And a living one as I see now. Everyone thought that you vanished from the face of the Earth and went to Rome, Britannia or Tartarus.

autolycos

I didn’t, I was here all the time. But with all the guys who where after me and my head, I though it a good idea to keep a low profile. Like beneath ground low.

varia

I guess. Very valiant of you to surface like this.

autolycos

You have to set priorities.

Gabrielle and Ares...

ares

What will you do with her ashes?

gabrielle

Xena once told me she wanted to be buried beside her brother in Anphipolis. So, that’s where I’ll be heading.

ares

    1. finally)

I couldn’t have helped her.

gabrielle

I know.

ares

I would have died for her if I could. I wanted to.

aphrodite

If her death makes only half as much difference as her life then things are really gonna change around here.

Aeneas puts two more amphorae of wine on the table.

aeneas

Just call if you need anything.

He leaves...

ext. caedros tavern - continuous

... And is intercepted by Laripides and Pericles.

laripides

Wait, old man. Um. I am Laripides the Lege—

pericles

Just Laripides. I am Pericles. Hi. We heard that your village is in need of protection from violent forces?

aeneas

Well yes. There is a storm coming almost regularly, damaging our houses. And we could use help to fend off the rats that—

pericles

We would like to offer our services.

laripides

    1. aside to his friend)

Rats?

pericles

    1. to Laripides)

We have to start somewhere.

    1. to Aeneas)

What do you say?

aeneas

I would gladly accept. But I cannot pay much.

Pericles lays an arm around Aeneas’ shoulder.

pericles

A meal and a place to sleep will suffice.

aeneas

Fair enough. This can be arranged.

pericles

Really?

    1. with a side glance to Laripides)

And what about a hot tub?

int. caedros tavern - day

As the wine invigorates soul and heart, the talk becomes more vivid.

varia

I’m telling you, I almost got her. In the end she was just... better.

autolycos

No shame in losing against a superior opponent. Talking of which, you remember how she defeated Callisto?

ares

Ah yes. Now that was a fight. What a passion.

A little BOY shyly steps into the tavern. As everyone becomes aware of him...

boy

Excuse me, great lords...

    1. sees the amazons)

... and ladies. But you seem to be important people. Who are you?

autolycos

Well boy, we were Xena’s close friends and companions. I am Autolycos, king of thieves.

Varia

I am Varia, queen of the amazons.

eve

I am Eve, leader of the cult of Eli.

ares

I am Ares, god of war.

The boy is appropriately impressed.

boy

Wow... you really knew Xena? The warrior princess?

Everyone in the room is a little perplexed. Then they all start laughing.

ares

Right, boy. But actually... I knew her the longest.

Some boos head his way but Ares remains unimpressed.

ares

It’s the truth.

boy

Can you tell me of her?

eve

I guess we can do that.

ares

All right. So, where do we start? What about a Callisto story?

autolycos

Xena and Autolycos. Always funny.

varia

How Xena united amazons and centaurs. I always wanted to hear that one...

boy

Would you wait just a second? Can my friends come, too?

eve

Why don’t we tell the stories outside where everyone can hear them?

ares

Good idea. For a...

varia

Woman?

ares

A monotheist.

Like this they take off. Autolycos takes the wine with him. And no one notices Gabrielle staying back. Except for Aphrodite stops at the door. The bard gives her a sad smile. The goddess understands and leaves.

ext. a path - day

With the urn under her arm Gabrielle walks down the open street when she hears a cart approach from behind. It is an open wagon, drawn by two horses. The driver is most likely a middle-class MERCHANT.

gabrielle

Hello. Do you still have room for a traveler?

merchant

Not really, love. My cart’s packed.

gabrielle

    1. lovely smile)

Please?

merchant

Hrm. All right. Hop in.

Gabrielle hops onto the wagon.

insert: Scroll

A female hand paints delicate symbols on the parchment with a quill.

gabrielle (v.o.)

Many people attended her funeral. All of them were there to pay their respects to a person who was born a woman, lived as a hero and died as a warrior.

back to Gabrielle on the cart

She looks at the last lines she wrote. Then she adds another. It is the kind of line that eventually stands at the end of every story.

Then she rolls the scroll, binds it with a leather string and puts it in her bag. It is over.

int. athens - the great library - day

Closing hour. TOPOCLES, the director of the library takes his last notes for the day. Then he registers the woman standing in front of his desk.

topocles

How may I help you, young lady? Do you want to borrow something?

gabrielle

No. I want to give something to you. To the library.

She puts the bag with the scrolls on the desk. Topocles picks one, looks at it.

topocles

What is all this?

gabrielle

The story of a life. I will give you the rest of my money if you take it into the great library of Athens. Accessible to everybody.

topocles

Keep your money. We’re thankful for every piece of literature we can get. There’s still little enough of it. May I just note the name of the bard who composed it?

gabrielle

Gabrielle, bard of Poteidaia. And it is a true story.

Topocles writes it down.

topocles

Of Potei... Wait a minute. Did you say...

But when he looks up Gabrielle is already gone. He opens the scroll and starts to read. With every new line his face fills more with wonder. His WIFE steps into the room.

wife

I closed the doors, Topocles. Let us go home.

topocles

Yes. You go, my dear. I’ll be there in a minute.

But instead he continues to read, captured by the story.

ext. ship - day

Sailing the sea. Gabrielle holds to the urn, watching the waves. The ship is sailing towards the sun. East. Eventually she takes her weapons, glistening in the sun, and throws them into the sea. It symbolizes the end of a chapter.

ext. chin - harbor - day

Gabrielle gets off the ship. And start her long journey.

ext. a rice field - dusk

There is a giant tree in the midst, like an island in a golden ocean. Standing under the tree is a STRANGER, clad in a cloak and a big hat that throws a shadow on the face below.

Gabrielle moves into the shades of the leafs and sets the urn at the Stranger’s feet.

gabrielle

She is dead.

stranger

Good. Well done.

A beat.

stranger

Did you love her?

gabrielle

I think I still do.

stranger

Even after what she did?

gabrielle

No matter what she ever did.

stranger

Then tell me. What kind of a woman was she?

gabrielle

She was a great warrior, a beautiful woman, a wonderful person. A mediocre singer. And she was my best friend. I will miss her.

stranger

I heard she was an evil thing.

gabrielle

Only when necessary. You seem very interested...

stranger

Min Chen.

The Stranger raises her head. Eyes, blue as the sky look into green ones. A very familiar smile.

stranger

I just heard of her. People tell stories.

gabrielle

They really do. She is a legend.

A Chinese WARRIOR appears, leading a brown horse.

warrior

Forgive me, Min Chen, but your army is ready. A village not far from here is under attack by fire. The men await your orders.

stranger

Then we have to go at once.

Gabrielle strokes the horse’s nose.

gabrielle

Hello Argo.

The Stranger walks over to the horse. She limps. The warrior helps her onto the horse.

stranger

Thank you for bringing me the message of her death. It is a sad but inevitable ending.

gabrielle

You’re welcome, Min Chen.

stranger

I have to go now. There are some guys who obviously enjoy playing with fire too much.

gabrielle

Right. Good luck.

The Stranger rides a few feet. Then stops.

stranger

Are you coming?

Gabrielle shrugs.

Gabrielle

Sure.

Then she jumps onto the horse, landing behind the Stranger. She holds the Stranger with both arms like an old friend and smiles. Min Chen smiles back.

stranger

You didn’t tell me your name.

gabrielle

Uh... Min... La.

stranger

Min La. Sounds good.

They leave the tree behind. Before them the land falls down. And there in the plains waits an army of at least a hundred warriors, waving spears and banners.

As soon as the women are in view the army hails them. Off they ride. To another battle, another war. Another life.

FADE OUT.

THE END



The Athenaeum's Scroll Archive