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ROYAL SWORDS is a spin-off, featuring new characters that I created in
"Royal Rendezvous", which is a Xena script, but the four young heros of
ROYAL SWORDS live in a distant corner of the Xenaverse. Xena and Gabrielle
are not in ROYAL SWORDS; however, our beloved heros just may turn up in
future episodes of RS, if I write any. Should I?
Copyright © 1998, revised 1999, by Eddie A. Palmer. (The main title: Xena, Warrior Princess and the characters: Xena, Gabrielle, and Argo are the copyright property of MCA/Universal Studios and Renaissance Pictures). No copyright infringement was intended in writing this script. All other characters and the story itself are the sole copyright property of the author, and may not be used in any way without permission.
VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL CONTENT: The violence depicted here is relatively mild and not graphicly described. There is almost no sexual content in this script. Now, in my personal fantasies... well, I guess that doesn’t really matter.
Finally, let me say, I wrote these scripts out of love for the characters and the stars of XWP. I am posting them here as a tribute to those wonderful and talented people who mean more to me than I can fully express here.
Please send me your comments at: palmer555@juno.com
XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS
"ROYAL SWORDS"
By Ed Palmer
FADE IN:
EXT. A NARROW CALM RIVER - DAY
XENA and GABRIELLE are in a canoe, leisurely cruising down the gentle stream, not far from the bank. They are intermittently in bright sunshine and then cool shade of large overhanging tree limbs. It is Spring in all its glory. New green leaves are thick on the trees, various white and colorful blossom pedals float thick on the smooth surface of the deep dark-green water, and a variety of insects fly to and fro in the warm air.
Xena is in the back of the canoe, effortlessly rowing, while Gabrielle sits at the bow and enjoys the ride. They are happy and very relaxed. It’s a lazy day.
GABRIELLE
Spring was made for weddings.
‘Tis the season of love and
matrimony.
XENA
Yeah, there’s always a lot
of weddings this time of the
year. Of course, many people
just seem to go crazy in the
Spring, too. Spring fever.
GABRIELLE
(laughs)
Nice try, Xena, but you are
not going to bring me down!
No, way. I’m in a romantic
mood, and I’m very excited
about going to this wedding.
(she glances
back at Xena)
And you don’t fool me for a
moment! You are just as
excited about Tara’s and
Adam’s wedding as I am. Just
admit it!
XENA
(smiles)
Of course, I am, and it will
be good to see them again.
GABRIELLE
And Prince Markus and...
XENA
(breaking in)
And Princess Darcy, too! Yes,
I know, Gabrielle, but I’m
not sure you’re going to live
through all this enthusiasm!
I don’t know if I am going to
be able to live with you. I
bet the bride is calmer!
GABRIELLE
I bet she isn’t. We’re talking
about Tara here, remember?
XENA
(laughs)
Oh, yeah, good point.
GABRIELLE
It's too bad we can't take this
boat all the way to Hope Haven.
This is so much better than a
horse, don't you agree?
XENA
They both have their place, but
you know I feel bad about leaving
Argo behind, so don't keep on
reminding me how happy you are
that she isn't here!
GABRIELLE
(condescending)
Actually, I kinda miss her, too,
and she would have made a lovely
flower girl at the wedding.
XENA
(nods)
Right.
GABRIELLE
So how far can we take the boat?
XENA
We'll stay on the river the rest
of the day, then we'll make camp.
Tomorrow we cut across the
mountains on foot. By the time we
make the castle, you'll be ready
to kiss Argo full on the lips.
GABRIELLE
(grimace)
By the gods, Xena, that's a
horrible thought!
|
Xena merely smiles, as she pulls harder on the paddle, sending deeper ripples across the calm surface.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOPE HAVEN CASTLE - NIGHT
Although it is midnight, it looks almost like day. The castle gleams under a bright full moon hanging in a bluish-black sky.
Hope Haven is actually a large complex of many structures. The huge castle has several towers and three extended wings. It is surrounded by spacious lawns and gardens, large trees and open areas often used for exhibitions or official ceremonies. The castle and grounds are enclosed within a high stone wall. Spreading out from one side of the royal compound is a medium-sized town and a small military installation maintaining about one-hundred soldiers.
INT. PRINCESS DARCY’S BEDROOM - SAME
The elegant room is dimly lit by two candles in a wall holder and by moonlight filtering in through the white gossamer drapes covering the large windows and the balcony doors.
Darcy is sleeping, but it is a restless sleep. She turns her head from side to side, making LOW SOUNDS OF FEAR AND PAIN, as nightmares disturb her slumber. Finally, she is jolted awake. She sits up and looks at the thin white curtains flowing in the breeze from the open balcony doors.
Darcy gets out of bed and goes into the adjacent chamber, where she finds her five-year-old adopted daughter, RACHEL, sleeping soundly. She smiles at the child, then returns to her own room.
Darcy stops in the center of her bedroom and turns to stare at the balcony again. The fear and uncertainty is again evident on her face. She slowly walks through the thin white drapes onto the balcony.
EXT. DARCY’S BALCONY - SAME
Darcy walks to the railing and looks off in the distance. The disturbing feelings continue to cloud her expression.
DARCY
(a desperate whisper)
Who are you? What do you want
from me?
|
CUT TO:
EXT. A BACKWOODS VILLAGE - DAY
Xena and Gabrielle stroll into the little village, drawing only a curious glance or two from the few villagers that can be seen. The place is not much more than a dozen cabins constructed of timber from the surrounding forest.
GABRIELLE
I just have to find a wedding
gift, Xena.
XENA
From the look of this place, I
doubt you'll find a suitable
gift... for royalty.
GABRIELLE
You never know. Maybe I'll find
something rare and exotic!
XENA
Oh, sure. All right, you go look
for a gift, and I'll go check on
a few needed supplies. One of us
has to be practical.
GABRIELLE
(smiles)
That's definitely you, Xena! Always
sensible and practical. Only what
are you going to give them at the
wedding of the decade?
XENA
I'm thinking about it, okay?
GABRIELLE
Yeah.
|
Gabrielle hurries off on her own, and Xena walks off in a different direction.
EXT. ANOTHER LOCATION IN THE VILLAGE - SAME
As Gabrielle walks passed a small shop, a big MAN rushes from between two of the buildings and grabs her. With his hand clamped over her mouth, the mean-looking man easily drags the twisting and kicking woman back into the narrow alley.
CUT TO:
EXT. CENTER OF THE VILLAGE - SAME
A very upset Xena paces back and forth, surrounded by a dozen or so of the villagers. The Warrior Woman is a very strange sight to these backwoods people, you can see it in their faces, and you can hear it in their silence.
XENA
(angry)
What do you mean you didn't see
her? She came into this village
with me, only a little while ago!
(she points at them)
And I saw you... and you...
gawking at us! Now, I mean to
find my friend, if I have to tear
this place apart stick by stick!
|
A mumbling sound sweeps through the group, and they all look away from Xena, to some new interest. Xena follows their gaze, to see two men walking into the village.
XENA
What is it?
VILLAGER
Two more strangers. That's a lot,
all in one day. Months can pass
around here without seeing a new
face.
|
The two young men walking toward them look more like farmers than outlaws or warriors, even though they are armed with swords and axes.
The villagers, as is their custom, stand and gawk. Xena steps forward to face the two newcomers.
XENA
(projecting,
firmly)
Stop right where you are!
|
The two men stop... and just... gawk.
XENA
Are you sure they're not from here?
They look like they're from here.
(projecting)
State your business!
YOUNG MAN #1
We're looking for our sister. She
was taken from our farm three days
ago. We tracked them here.
XENA
My friend is missing, too. Who took
your sister?
YOUNG MAN #1
We don't know. The signs are, it's
a small band. They strike quick and
move fast. We heard of other women
being stolen, too. Just women.
XENA
Where is this farm of yours?
YOUNG MAN #1
Three days journey west.
XENA
So, they're probably moving east
along the river. Most likely they're
headed for Hope Haven, or farther on
to the sea.
(a beat,
thinking)
We can catch them before they reach
the mountains, maybe even before
they get out of this valley.
|
The two young men walk up to stand beside Xena.
XENA
(continuing,
to the villagers)
Well, are there any volunteers?
|
The villagers gawk some more, then quickly disperse.
VILLAGER
This ain't none of our business.
You're strangers here, now just
go away and leave us alone.
YOUNG MAN #2
It's our fight, not theirs.
YOUNG MAN #1
We don't need the likes of them.
XENA
(looking
at them)
I agree. Let's go.
|
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS TRAIL - DAY
The four horse’s hooves are rapidly digging into the ground and throwing up dirt. Darcy, Tara, Adam and Mark are riding abreast, at a full run. The royal quartet is dressed for action and armed with their swords.
EXT. A STREAM - SAME
They stop to rest and water the horses. They stand at the water’s edge as the animals drink. As usual, Adam and Tara move off to themselves and soon start hugging and kissing and sighing.... Darcy gives the pair a perplexed look and then turns away. Mark notices her reaction and he smiles.
ADAM
We still have a wedding to
get through, but I'm already
thinking about the honeymoon.
TARA
The rest of our lives is going
to be one big endless honeymoon.
|
Then, back with Darcy and Markus:
DARCY
I know it’s your sister and
my brother, but don’t those
two sometimes make you cringe?
MARKUS
Truthfully? I sometimes envy
them. I wouldn’t mind being
in love like that.
|
Darcy looks at him with surprise.
DARCY
Well, I never expected such an
admission from the tough, would-
be-Hercules Prince Markus.
MARKUS
(laughs)
Tough on the outside and
tender on the inside. Both
warrior and poet.
DARCY
Mark, have you actually ever
written poetry?
|
Mark looks away and doesn’t reply.
DARCY
(smiles)
You have! May I read it? I’ll
tell you some of my herbal
secrets.
MARKUS
(trying to sound
threatening)
Listen, young lady, don’t go
starting any rumors, or I’ll
show you just how tough I
can be.
|
Adam and Tara wander back to Darcy and Mark.
DARCY
Thank you again for coming
with me. I know we can’t
push the horses too hard,
but I feel a real sense of
urgency.
MARKUS
Exactly what kind of images
do you see?
DARCY
Funny you should ask. There
are no images at all, only
feelings. It’s like she’s
cut off from the world.
TARA
You said she?
DARCY
(smiles)
Yes, and her name is Althea.
MARK
She told you her name?
DARCY
No, it doesn’t work like that.
I can feel her feelings, and
just somehow know her name.
MARK
What are these feelings like?
DARCY
She’s afraid and crying out
for help.
ADAM
No images and cut off from
the world. Maybe she’s blind.
DARCY
Maybe. I don’t know.
TARA
Are you sensing anything now?
DARCY
Not really, but I’m sure we
are going the right direction.
|
Mark leads his horse away from the stream.
MARK
I suggest we get going. This
Althea could be running out
of time.
DARCY
(gravely)
Yes, I’m sure of it.
|
They mount up and quickly ride away.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROCKY TRAIL AT THE TOP OF A HIGH CLIFF - DAY
Xena and the two brothers are walking up the trail. Xena is slightly in the lead, scanning the ground, as well as their surroundings.
YOUNG MAN #1
I thought we would catch up
with them by now.
YOUNG MAN #2
(to Xena)
Are you sure they came this
way?
XENA
It looks like a whole army came
through here today. Can't you
see it?
YOUNG MAN #1
I'm a good tracker, and I can't
see their trail here. I haven't
seen it since we left that village.
YOUNG MAN #2
That could be because you've
been too busy looking at her.
(a beat)
We don't know this woman. How do
we know we can trust her? For all
we know, she could be one of that
gang!
|
Xena whirls and grabs the young man by his throat, then tightens her grip.
XENA
I'm going to find my friend, with
you or without you! Now if you
want to come along, shut up! I
don't have time to nursemaid two
pups, is that clear?
YOUNG MAN #1
(to his brother)
There you go again. I can't take
you anywhere.
(a beat,
then to Xena)
I think he's got the point. You
can let him breath now, if you
want to, that is.
|
Xena releases the man, then turns to his brother.
XENA
The same goes for you.
YOUNG MAN #1
(nods)
Sure. We just want our sister
back, that's all.
(a beat)
And your friend, of course.
XENA
All right, you can tag along, but
stay out of my way.
|
Xena turns determinedly away and walks quickly up the trail. The brothers glance at one another, take a deep breath, then hurry up the trail.
EXT. HIGHEST POINT OF THE CLIFF - SAME
The trail opens onto a flat spacious area at the top of the cliff. A green valley stretches out far below them. The shimmering river can be seen through the tall trees that reach up from the base of the cliff.
Half a dozen outlaws bolt from behind rocks and bushes. Xena jumps out of the path of a charging attacker, then spins and kicks him over the cliff. She immediately swaps blows with two more men, but she isn't too busy to see both of her companions be cut down by vicious killers with swords.
Xena reacts to the killings, letting it distract her for a moment. In that split second, a man savagely hits Xena in the head with a piece of heavy chain. The clanging links wrap tightly around her head like an iron snake. She spins away, blood pouring down the side of her face, almost blacking out.
A second outlaw attacks her with a big club, actually a log that he has picked up from the ground. The impact is at the base of her skull, and she pitches forward, flying off the cliff like a bird taking to flight.
Gabrielle, standing nearby in shackles and chains with several other women, screams as Xena tumbles in mid-air hundreds of feet above the valley below.
Gabrielle's desperate cry echoes from the surrounding hills, as Xena plunges downward. Like a limp rag doll, the Warrior Princess falls into the tops of the huge trees, then crashes down through the thick branches. The last large limb that she encounters breaks cleanly from the tree and falls with the woman. Entangled in the twisted branches, Xena at last plunges into the river. Badly injured, bloody, and unconscious, she is carried away on the large tree limb by the gentle currents.
CUT TO:
EXT. FOREST - DAY
as the royal four continue their quest. The trail has become almost nonexistent in this heavily wooded area. They stop when they see several objects nailed to some trees: a skull, other bones, and wooden signs with strange symbols.
TARA
What does it mean?
MARK
It means this is a place
haunted by the spirits of
the dead.
ADAM
Do you believe in any of
that stuff, Mark?
MARK
I can’t dismiss it. I’ve
seen some things in my
travels hard to explain.
DARCY
It doesn’t matter one way
or the other. This is the
place, and we’re going on.
|
Without hesitation, Darcy rides passed the ominous markers and heads into the thick forest. The others hurry to catch up.
EXT. DEEP FOREST - DAY
They come to an area that is rather dark because the sun is blocked by the thick trees, yet there are spacious clearings here and there. There are many small bushes and a thick blanket of leaves on the ground. They dismount, and Darcy walks off a few steps and then slowly turns around.
DARCY
(ominously)
This is the place.
ADAM
Darcy, there’s nothing here.
DARCY
This is the place. Something
has to be here.
|
Darcy slowly walks across one of the more open areas, as if drawn by some force. The others follow her, looking all around as they go. Suddenly, Darcy stops and stands very still.
DARCY
It’s here.
MARK
Where?
|
Darcy falls to her hands and knees. She sweeps the thick layer of leaves away, and then digs into the soft dirt with her hands. The others join in, and they soon uncover a wooden door. They pull it open to discover a shallow empty grave. Darcy walks away again, stops and looks around.
DARCY
Those graves, or whatever
they are, are everywhere.
Dozens of them, all empty.
TARA
But what about Althea?
|
Darcy walks back to the others and looks at the empty chamber in the ground.
DARCY
I’m certain she was in this
grave, but now she’s gone.
We have to find her, if
we’re not too late already.
And what is going on here?
|
They look at each other, then look back at the empty grave. Mark lets the door fall shut, with a loud slam and a swirling cloud of dust and leaves.
As the four royal warriors walk back toward their horses, savage war cries erupt several yards behind them. They turn to confront a half-dozen attacking, sword-wielding outlaws.
A group of young women in chains are huddled nearby, too frightened to do anything but watch the fight.
As the attackers draw near, Darcy moves to the left and Mark moves to the right, forcing the attackers to spread out. Adam and Tara spring high into the air, flip head over heels and tumble down behind the attackers. The royal four draw their swords and meet the challenge being forced on them.
The first man to reach Darcy gets too close before he draws his sword back for a swing, so Darcy backhands him, and then kicks the second man. Finally, there is a clash of blades, as the third man tears into her.
Mark is blocking and dodging blows from two men.
The two men that Darcy downed recover and go after Adam and Tara.
The forest is filled with the sounds of clashing steel, vicious kicks and groans of pain. At first, the royal four are only defensive, but their attackers give them no choice but to be more aggressive. They are forced to start killing.
As one of the outlaws charges toward Darcy, obviously bent on murder, another outlaw turns and stops him, saying:
GOOD OUTLAW
(firmly)
She’s only a girl!
BAD OUTLAW
Outta my way!
GOOD OUTLAW
No! Leave the girl alone!
BAD OUTLAW
(savagely)
You trader!
|
The bad outlaw pulls back and thrusts his sword into the good outlaw’s stomach. When he turns toward Darcy again, she wastes no time in cutting him down.
When the fight ends, the four young warriors are standing among the bodies of their enemies. Darcy kneels and lifts the head of the man who tried to help her. Near death, he stares at her and tries to speak, but he can’t.
The man continues to stare at Darcy, his face distorted with intense pain and fear, but his lips never move.
GOOD OUTLAW (V.o.)
(fear and pain)
Tras.
DARCY
All right, Tras. I want you to
tell me who’s behind this? Who
do you work for?
GOOD OUTLAW (V.o.)
Judge Xendar.
|
The man dies and Darcy lowers his head to the ground. She looks up at her friends with a very disturbed expression.
DARCY
He was working for Judge Xendar.
ADAM
There’s got to be some kind
of mistake, Darcy!
DARCY
The man was dying. He knew he
was dying! Why would he lie?
MARK
We can discuss that later.
Right now, we need to help
these women.
|
They walk over to the frightened women. All the women are wearing locked wrist cuffs and chains, with a long central chain connecting them together.
WOMAN #1
(afraid, but hopeful)
Are you going to let us go?
MARK
Yes. You have nothing to fear
from us.
DARCY
Where are you from?
WOMAN #1
They kidnapped us from our
village in the next valley.
TARA
Is there an Althea among you?
|
The young women look around and shake their heads “no”.
MARK
We need to find the key.
ADAM
Maybe not. Hold out your
hands, please.
|
The women raise their chained hands. Adam cups his palms over the bracelets one at a time and the locks release and fall free. The women are amazed and react with joy.
ADAM
Nothing to it really. It’s
just a little trick I do.
DARCY
Do you know where these men
were taking you?
The women again shake their heads “no”.
DARCY
Have you heard of any other
kidnapped women?
WOMAN #1
We’ve heard rumors of missing
women, but that’s really not
all that unusual, you know?
TARA
(truly concerned)
Can you get home on your own?
WOMAN #1
You just watch us! Thank you
all so much!
The excited group of women run back into the forest.
DARCY
(appalled)
Well, I think it’s obvious
what we’re dealing with here.
MARK
Slave traders.
DARCY
They snatch women from all the
villages around here, and bring
them to these holding bins. And
when they have their quota, they
take the lot on to somewhere
else.
TARA
(horrified)
Where they’ll be sold like cattle.
ADAM
And probably taken off to some
distant land, never to be seen
or heard from again.
TARA
What are we going to do about it?
DARCY
The only lead we have is Judge
Xendar. We have to return to
Hope Haven and see if he has
any of the answers.
ADAM
(critical, but unsure)
Darcy, we’ve known Judge Xendar
all of our lives. He and our
father were boys together. Do
you really think he could be
involved in this?
DARCY
(firmly)
His name was the last thought
of a dying man. Now, it’s up
to us to find out the truth,
whatever that truth is.
TARA
And we have to hurry. There
are other captives out there,
including your Althea.
MARK
You aren’t sensing anything
more from Althea?
DARCY
No. There’s only silence now. It
leaves a strange emptiness in me.
TARA
We’ll find her, Darcy. I know
we will. We won’t give up.
|
Darcy smiles at Tara, then nods. They sheath their swords and head for the horses.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE RIVER - DAY
Still unconscious and entangled in the large leafy tree limb, Xena continues to float down the river. Blood flows from her many wounds, and scarlet streamers swirl away from her in the dark water.
A MAN, at first glance obviously a MOUNTAIN MAN, stands on the low bank and stares silently into the deep water. There is enough chill left in the early Spring air, that he hasn't completely shed his crude fur garments. He holds a fishing pole in his hands, and his eyes are perhaps focused on the spot where his line vanishes beneath the surface of the water. The hardened expression on his deeply lined face suggests he isn't seeing the water at all, but instead some distant and sad memory. He has had nearly half a century to accumulate those dark memories.
Movement in the center of the stream draws his attention. The thick leafy limb slowly turns in the lazy current, finally revealing the woman. The man's expression changes from curiosity, to profound surprise, and then concern. He throws the fishing pole down and dives into the river, swimming toward the injured woman.
With only a few determined strokes of his strong arms, he reaches Xena. He holds onto the limb and quickly examines her. He then pulls her from the branches and drags her back toward the bank, at last coming aground on a wide sandbar. They lay together at the water's edge, Xena near death, and the man clearly more alive than he was only minutes before. Breathing hard, he looks down at her in disbelief.
CUT TO:
INT. GRATH'S CABIN - SAME
The mountain man, GRATH, has placed Xena on his bed at one end of the rectangular room. It is evident that he has made some effort to clean her up, attend to her more serious wounds, and make her as comfortable as he can. She is still wearing her wet clothing, but he has draped a blanket over her from the waist down.
Grath throws a log on the fire in the large fireplace, then stands looking over at the still unconscious woman. He seems completely uncertain about what to do next. After a long moment, he walks over and looks down at Xena.
GRATH
(quietly)
You just better be glad that I
decided to go fishing today.
(a beat)
I've never caught anything like
you before.
|
CUT TO:
EXT. A THICK FOREST - DAY
Gabrielle, shackled and chained to seven other young women, stumbles along the barely discernible path. There are four men in the lead, and two more bringing up the rear. No one is happy, neither outlaws nor captives. Nobody says a word, and the only sounds are their feet rustling through the leaves and the occasional patch of grass. The women are frightened and exhausted, and the gang is sullen and indifferent.
CUT TO:
EXT. A MOUNTAIN STREAM, ABOVE A WATERFALL - DAY
A very reluctant Gabrielle and her fellow travelers jump from rock to rock that extends above the surface of the water. The remnant remains of a toppled tree provides a convenient handrail halfway across, where it ends in mid-air. The stream gushes down the slope, sending white water foaming into the air. The strong rapids look and sound threatening, and they are a formidable obstacle that they must cross.
Mid-stream, the frightened women panic and freeze in their tracks. An angry and impatient man, who has already made it across, jerks hard on the long chain. Screaming, the women desperately try to leap to the next rock, but two of them don't succeed. Gabrielle and another woman manage to pull one of the fallen women from the water, but the last woman in the group flounders helplessly in the rapids, as the other women struggle to keep from plunging into the deadly stream.
One of the outlaws from the rear arrives and sizes up the situation. With one swift blow of his heavy sword he chops the woman's hands off. The remaining women watch in horror as the woman disappears over the waterfall. Nobody says a word, as they turn away and continue on across the stream.
CUT TO:
EXT. WIDE CLEARING IN THE FOREST - SAME
The men stop Gabrielle and the others at the edge of the clearing. Four of the gang walk out into the clearing and begin digging in the soft ground with their hands, then they open hidden doors and pull more women from the grave-like compartments. Once the occupants are removed, the doors are again concealed beneath a bed of soil and leaves. Now a total of fifteen chained women are herded on their way through the forest.
CUT TO:
EXT. TOWN OF HOPE HAVEN - SAME
The royal four ride into town, passing an array of buildings and a large open-air market. The citizens are clustered in various locations, while many others are walking about. The four ride passed a large fountain in the town square and dismount at a hitching rail in front of one of the larger stone-block buildings. The towers of Hope Haven Castle can be seen in the distance. They wrap the reins around the rail and slowly walk over to a nearby tree. They stand in the shade and look around for a moment. No one else is nearby, and no one is paying them any notice.
ADAM
(perplexed)
Just how are we going to do this?
TARA
If we watch him, who knows how
long it would take for him to
make a wrong move?
DARCY
Exactly. We don’t have time.
MARK
We could wait until dark and
break into his office.
ADAM
Oh, sure! And if we didn’t find
evidence, we would all be in
serious trouble with both Judge
Xendar and my father!
TARA
(sternly)
Mark, how can you even suggest
such a thing?
MARK
We’re up against some ruthless
scumbags, there are no rules!
DARCY
The point is, we don’t have time
to waste. I say we go in there
and confront him with what we know.
ADAM
What you suspect, Darcy.
DARCY
I have some questions, and he
better have some good answers.
ADAM
If he is involved, we could be
tipping him off.
DARCY
That’s a risk we have to take.
TARA
Darcy, since you and Adam know
Judge Xendar, perhaps you two
should talk to him. Mark and I
could just complicate matters.
MARK
Little sis is right. We’ll go
for a stroll through the market,
while we wait for you.
TARA
(firmly)
But if you aren’t out of there
within an hour, we’re coming in.
|
Adam squeezes Tara’s hand and gives her a kiss.
ADAM
We’ll be fine. See you shortly.
|
Mark and Tara head for the market, as Adam and Darcy pass through a gate into a walled courtyard.
EXT. ANOTHER STREET IN HOPE HAVEN - DAY
Two young women are walking along the otherwise empty street. They are talking and laughing, paying almost no attention to their surroundings. Suddenly, two rough-looking outlaws rush from an alley and grab the women, covering their mouths to prevent screaming. Both women try to struggle, but they are easily dragged away down the alley.
INT. JUDGE XENDAR’S CHAMBERS - DAY
JUDGE XENDAR is a bit more than middle-aged, yet he isn’t old. He is healthy and exudes a youthful vitality. He gets to his feet and walks around his large desk, as his man servant leads Adam and Darcy into the room.
XENDAR
(smiling
exuberantly)
Welcome, my young friends! And
to what do I owe the pleasure
of this royal visit?
(laughs)
I well remember you two running
and playing in this very room
when you were youngsters, but
now I rarely see you. Is there
a problem? How’s your father
and mother?
ADAM
They’re fine, Judge Xendar. And
how are you doing?
XENDAR
Never better.
DARCY
Excuse me, but that’s enough....
XENDAR
Enough?
DARCY
Enough small talk. We have a
very important matter to ask
you about.
XENDAR
(with a weak smile)
So, what can I do for you?
ADAM
(jumping in to
cut Darcy off)
We were attacked on the road
this morning by a group of men
who were obviously slave traders.
|
Judge Xendar appears to be shocked, and he doesn’t seem certain what to say.
XENDAR
Well, are you two all right?
Tell me what happened. Where
are these men now?
DARCY
We were forced to kill them,
but before the last man died
he told me his name was Tras,
and that he was working for
you. That’s why we’re here,
we need some answers.
XENDAR
(even more
shaken)
I see.
(a beat)
You killed Tras?
DARCY
(with remorse)
Actually, he tried to help
me, and he was killed by his
own men.
XENDAR
Yes, that figures. Tras was a
good man.
ADAM
(incredulous)
A good man? He was a slaver!
And he tried to murder us.
XENDAR
You don’t understand. Tras
told you the truth, he was
working for me.
|
Adam and Darcy look at each other, and their hands instinctively reach for their swords and rest there, waiting for the next sandal to drop.
EXT. ANOTHER LOCATION IN HOPE HAVEN - DAY
A young man and woman hurry across an almost empty street and turn the corner onto a narrow side street. They are confronted by three men with swords. The outlaws rush forward, kick the young man to the ground and grab the woman. When the young man recovers and tries to fight back, the outlaws run him through, and then drag the woman away.
EXT. THE MARKET - DAY
Mark and Tara are looking at various items piled on a long table. It is growing late in the evening, so the crowd is beginning to thin out. Tara walks away from Mark and hurries over to another display several yards away.
One of the outlaws slowly walks up to Tara, hesitates to quickly glance around, then he grabs the princess and drags her between two buildings. Mark looks up just in time to see his sister disappear, and he charges after her.
When Mark enters the alley he is confronted by two men, one with a sword, one with a club. Mark jumps high and kicks both men in the face, sending the men and their weapons flying in different directions.
Mark is immediately blocked by two more outlaws, both with swords. Mark pulls his sword and moves forward, then he parries their thrusts and kicks them unconscious.
Mark runs to the end of the alley and turns the corner, to see Tara being dragged toward a stand of trees. Before Mark can fully react, an outlaw smashes a large board into the back of his head and knocks him unconscious. The other outlaws rush over the fallen prince to join the one with Tara, and they all vanish into the forest.
INT. JUDGE XENDARS CHAMBERS - DAY
Adam and Darcy stare at Judge Xendar with growing suspicion.
XENDAR
What about the women?
|
Adam and Darcy pull their swords and glance around expecting trouble. Adam stands firm, as Darcy walks over and glances out the open door. Seeing nothing suspicious, she returns to her brother’s side.
ADAM
Who said anything about women?
XENDAR
What do you think you’re doing?
Put those swords away, before
I’m forced to go to your father!
ADAM
We never told you about the
women being there, so you
better explain how you knew.
XENDAR
This whole thing is about
women. I know what’s going on,
and you must have run across
them with women, or they
wouldn’t have attacked you.
DARCY
Are you saying you know what’s
going on, but you don’t know
who is behind it?
XENDAR
Precisely, my dear. Tras was
my agent. At last report he had
infiltrated the gang, and he
was confident that he would
soon identify their leader. My
investigation has been going on
for months, but all the leads
died with Tras.
ADAM
Maybe we can find out something,
and pick up where Tras left off.
XENDAR
(astonished)
You two? No, this is much too
dangerous for you two to get
involved with.
ADAM
We’re no longer those two little
kids that use to play here, and
disrupt your business meetings.
XENDAR
(laughs)
No, you most certainly are not!
But I still want both of you to
promise me you will leave this
matter alone. The great laws of
this land shall prevail, justice
will be served, I promise you
that, my young friends.
DARCY
Thank you for seeing us, Judge
Xendar, and please let us know
if there is anything we can do.
XENDAR
Please come back more often.
(beat)
Oh, I’ll see you at the
party tonight.
DARCY
(smiles)
Yes.
|
Adam and Darcy sheath their swords and walk out.
EXT. HOPE HAVEN TOWN SQUARE - DUSK
Adam and Darcy come through the gate from the walled courtyard and see Mark staggering near the fountain. They run to him, as he falls to his knees. Adam and Darcy sink to their knees and grab hold of Mark.
DARCY
(urgently)
Mark, what happened?
ADAM
(desperate)
Where’s Tara?
MARK
(pain and sorrow)
They have her.
ADAM
(demands)
Who has her?
MARK
The slavers. They escaped to
the forest south of town.
|
Two soldiers come running up, and Darcy stands to face them.
SOLDIER #1
What happened, Your Highness?
DARCY
Princess Tara has been abducted.
Report to your commander, and
then begin a search of the south
woods.
SOLDIER #1
Right away, Your Highness!
|
Both soldiers bow, then hurry away.
ADAM
(anger and fear)
They can’t mount a search
before morning, it’s getting
dark now.
|
Darcy again kneels and tends to Mark.
DARCY
She’ll be all right, Adam. They
want the women alive and in
good condition. We’ll find her.
ADAM
(trying to sound
confident)
Yeah, I know Tara will be okay,
it’s the bad guys I’m worried
about. There’s no telling what
she’ll do to them.
|
In spite of herself, Darcy smiles at Adam’s remark. Then, Mark collapses into Darcy’s arms, and the seriousness of the situation returns.
CUT TO:
INT. GRATH’S CABIN - DAY
Grath sits on the edge of the bed beside Xena. She is still unconscious. He slowly reaches out and gently turns her face toward him. He just looks at her for a moment, then gently brushes the long hair back from her face. After a long moment of thoughtful silence, he takes a wet cloth from a pan of water and tenderly baths her face for a while. Then, Grath sits back and looks intensely at the woman.
GRATH
You just rest for now. The
gods have brought you this
far. They have brought you
to me for a reason, so they
wouldn’t take you away so
soon.
|
CUT TO:
INT. GRATH’S CABIN - NIGHT
Grath throws a log into the fireplace and stands with his back to the bright, warm flames. He looks across at Xena, bathed in the soft glow of several candles placed near her. He has left the cloth folded across her forehead, and the blanket has been pulled up to her neck.
Grath walks back to the bed and again sits beside Xena. He again wets and wrings out the cloth, then places it back on her forehead. To his great surprise, she reacts to his touch and turns her head away.
Grath quickly, but gently, turns her face toward him again. She slowly opens her eyes, and struggles to focus on the man leaning over her.
From Xena’s P.O.V., Grath is only a shadowy blur at first, then the wavering image sharpens briefly. She clearly sees the big man leaning over her, and the concern on his face. She isn’t frightened at all, she even tries to smile, but then her vision blurs and everything goes black.
Xena has slipped back into sleep, but Grath is happy about this hopeful occurrence. He nods and almost smiles, but not quite. He just sits, unable to take his eyes off her.
CUT TO:
INT. GRATH’S CABIN - NIGHT
Xena is barely awake, propped up on her pillow. Grath is again on the edge of the bed, this time spoon feeding her chicken broth. Neither of them says a word, but their eyes are locked in silent communication. It is clear that his only concern is her well-being. She is perhaps trying to figure this strange man out, since his rugged appearance is such a sharp contrast to his behavior.
GRATH
I have pulled many a wild
creature from those murky
waters but, by the gods,
you are the prize.
|
Xena manages a weak smile, then she sips more soup.
CUT TO:
INT. GRATH’S CABIN - NIGHT
Xena is alone. She wakes up and throws the covers back. She slips her legs off the bed and strains to sit up. After a moment, she attempts to stand, at last making it to her feet. She looks across the room like it is a vast and threatening place, uncertain if she can traverse such a vast distance.
Grath comes through the front door, and he is shocked to see Xena standing. He drops the ax that he is carrying and rushes toward her, but Xena raises her hand to stop him. He immediately freezes in his tracks and intensely watches her. Xena is clearly still very weak, and every movement causes her body to tremble. She takes several unsteady steps, then she looks up at him and smiles, very pleased with herself. Grath is very pleased with her, too. He nods and returns her smile.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE OPEN AREA NEAR THE FORT - NIGHT
Gabrielle and the other fourteen young women prisoners are ready to drop in their tracks, as they emerge from the thick forest into a large area of cleared ground. There are several fires burning in the distance, campfires or maybe torches, or both.
There is a full moon overhead and only a few scattered clouds, so it isn’t totally dark. Gabrielle stares at the spots of light up ahead, then she makes out the outlines of various structures within a tall fence made of slender trees. The place is obviously a village, a military-like compound, or a wilderness fort.
As they approach the tall barrier, the gates swing open. As the women stumble into the fort, one of the men stops and motions for the women to keep moving.
OUTLAW
(giving orders
to his men)
Throw‘em in one of the holding
pens for the night, we’ll deal
with’em later.
|
Gabrielle and the others are herded into a large pen made of slender logs like the rest of the structures. Gabrielle looks around at the other women, who are falling to the ground, several beginning to cry. Gabrielle turns away from the other women and presses her face between two of the logs, and stares silently into the night. She looks like her whole world has come to an end.
CUT TO:
INT. HOPE HAVEN CASTLE - NIGHT
King Micha, dressed in ceremonial robes and crown, leaves his throne and quickly approaches the people standing before him: General Aram, Judge Xendar, several soldiers, Adam, Darcy, several dignitaries and several men and women who are obviously the elite members of society.
Queen Kara takes her husband’s arm to calm him.
KING MICHA
(angry)
This evening was supposed to
be a celebration of the high
standards of life we have
achieved in this community!
Instead, the unthinkable has
happened. General Aram, you
are supposed to have soldiers
on those streets.
GENERAL ARAM
(uncomfortable)
Our patrols were on the streets,
Your Majesty. They saw nothing.
KING MICHA
(anger and sarcasm)
Bodies in the streets and young
women, including Princess Tara,
being abducted in broad daylight,
and they saw nothing?
GENERAL ARAM
I will double the patrols at
once, Your Majesty.
KING MICHA
You do that. And, at first light,
I want every available man in the
south woods. You are not to stop
until those women are found, and
those animals in chains!
GENERAL ARAM
(bowing)
Yes, Your Majesty!
|
The general makes a fast exit. Adam and Darcy walk up beside their father and mother. Judge Xendar approaches.
XENDAR
(shaking hands
with the king)
We’ll bring these criminals
to justice, Micha. And when I
get them in my courtroom, I
will put an end to this terror.
|
The king doesn’t say anything, so Judge Xendar turns to Darcy. He reaches out and takes her hand.
XENDAR
Thank you for your visit today.
(to Adam and Darcy)
I hope you will come back more
often.
(a beat)
I’m sure Princess Tara will be
all right.
|
Darcy suddenly increases her grip on Judge Xendar’s hand, as a series of images flash through her mind: She sees half a dozen strange men climbing the back stairs of the castle, leading to her private chambers, and little Rachel’s bedroom.
Darcy cries out, draws back her fist and smashes it hard into Judge Xendar’s face. Xendar slides across the wide polished floor and lays unconscious.
DARCY
Don’t let him escape!
ADAM
(looking at Xendar)
Are you kidding?
|
Darcy turns and runs away, toward a flight of stairs.
DARCY
(afterthought)
Daddy, toss the good judge into
the dungeon.
KING MICHA
(slightly sarcastic,
raising his right hand)
Anything for you, Sweetheart!
(a beat)
After all, he's just one of my
oldest and dearest friends.
DARCY
(snaps)
Come on, Adam!
|
Adam dashes after his sister. The king and queen, along with everyone else, watch the pair run up the steps.
KING MICHA
(first looking at
Xendar, then to
his Queen)
Do you sometimes wonder if
maybe we made some big mistakes
in raising our children?
QUEEN KARA
(emphatically)
Never.
|
The king smiles at his wife, and she again takes his arm.
INT. HOPE HAVEN CASTLE, UPPER LEVEL CORRIDOR - NIGHT
The wide corridor is very spacious, lined with an array of large potted plants and various displays of weapons and related battle paraphernalia: lances, battle axes, swords and shields, and several designs of body armor. The area is a virtual museum displaying the history of Hope Haven Castle.
As Adam and Darcy reach the top of the stairs, the six armed men emerge at the far end of the corridor, carrying Rachel and dragging her frightened young nanny, TESSA, along, too. With drawn swords and high determination on both sides, they all rush forward to engage their enemies in battle.
The swordplay goes on for some time, then Darcy and Adam suddenly move in unison to parry and kick, parry and kick, taking out the first four men. The remaining two are holding Rachel and Tessa with knives at their throats. Darcy and Adam step toward them, and they move back against the wall, pressing their blades tight against their victim’s skin.
Darcy looks sternly at the two men, then stares intensely at the nanny for a prolonged moment. The young woman becomes calm, blinks a few times, then she collapses to the floor. Darcy quickly throws her sword into the surprised man’s heart.
Now, the last man is near panic, so he holds Rachel even tighter and attempts to move away. He backs into a nook between a large potted plant and a display of swords and shields. Adam and Darcy slowly approaches them, then they stand silently watching and waiting. Adam stares at the sword and shield display and the shield moves slightly, making a LOW CREAKING SOUND. The man with the knife reacts and glances around, but he quickly recovers. Adam stares at the display with more determination, making the shield spin and fall to the floor. The startled man drops Rachel and turns to face the noise. Darcy kicks the man against the wall, then steps forward and punches him hard in the face. With the last man out cold, Darcy quickly turns and kneels down to hug and comfort Rachel.
DARCY
You’re all right now, sweetie.
These bad men won’t bother you
ever again.
RACHEL
Momma, can I learn to fight
like you and Uncle Adam?
DARCY
(smiling)
When you get a little older.
|
Adam is attempting to assist the young nanny, as she slowly regains consciousness. She sits up and looks around, obviously still feeling faint.
TESSA
What happened?
ADAM
I guess the stress got to you.
TESSA
I’m a nanny, Prince Adam. After
the things I’ve seen, do you
really think a gang of murderous
maniacs would phase me?
|
They both laugh, as Adam helps her to her feet.
King Micha storms up the stairs with a squad of his guards.
KING MICHA
(barking orders
to his men)
Lock these men up, and then
post more guards around the
castle. I want two guards in
this corridor at all times.
(to Adam and Darcy)
I have no idea what’s going
on here, but I have a bad
feeling my son and daughter
are right in the middle of
it. And I want some answers
from you two right now!
DARCY
(standing)
That’s fine, Daddy. We’ll tell
you everything we know on the
way down to talk to the Judge.
|
The nanny takes Rachel away.
KING MICHA
What has Xendar got to do with
this matter?
DARCY
He’s involved with all these
abductions that have been
taking place throughout the
kingdom. He knew these men
were going to kidnap Rachel
tonight. I saw it in his sick
mind.
ADAM
(suddenly angry)
Let’s go question Judge Xendar.
If he knows anything about Tara,
I mean to get it out of him one
way or another!
|
Adam walks passed his father and goes down the stairs. Darcy and King Micha hurry after the angry prince.
INT. A CELL IN THE DUNGEON - NIGHT
Adam and Darcy are standing on opposite sides of the cell, staring at a very distraught Judge Xendar, who is seated at a small table in the center of the floor. A couple of flaming torches throw a flickering orange glow over the dismal scene.
Darcy steps up to the table and glares across at Xendar.
DARCY
Before you tell us everything
you know, let me tell you what
I know.
|
Xendar slowly looks up, revealing a twisted face and tearful eyes. Darcy is momentarily quieted by the man’s appearance. She glances away, but quickly looks back at the prisoner.
DARCY
(angrily)
You are a despicable liar, a
kidnapper, and a murderer!
XENDAR
No! No, that’s not true!
DARCY
I’m sure you didn’t abduct or
kill anyone yourself. You’re too
much of a coward for that, but
you had others do it for you!
XENDAR
No! You’ve got this all wrong!
I’ve been trying to stop this
terror and to bring the guilty
to justice. Tras was my agent,
just like I told you.
DARCY
You knew those animals were up
there abducting my daughter!
You can’t deny that, Judge!
|
Xendar lowers his head and weeps, the proud professional has been reduced to a weak and pathetic creature.
XENDAR
No, I can’t deny that. I’m
sorry, but I had no choice!
|
Darcy reacts swiftly and angrily, pulling her sword and cutting a long scar in the table between Xendar’s hands.
ADAM
Darcy!
DARCY
(to Xendar,
with revulsion)
Give me one good reason why I
shouldn’t end this right here
and now!
XENDAR
(looking at
Darcy)
Because that wouldn’t end it.
That would make no difference
at all. Tell me, young lady,
how did you feel when those
men went after your daughter?
DARCY
(perplexed)
What?
XENDAR
I’m serious, how did you feel?
DARCY
Angry and.. sickeningly afraid.
XENDAR
(nods his head
in agreement)
They have my daughter!
|
Adam and Darcy look at one another, shocked by the revelation.
INT. THE DUNGEON CELL - NIGHT
Adam and Darcy are silent, still not sure how to react to Xendar’s news about his daughter. Darcy’s anger has clearly been vanquished.
DARCY
The slavers have Sarenna?
XENDAR
(hanging his head)
That’s how they got to me.
(looking up)
They were trying to stop my
investigation, but Tras was
still on the job.
DARCY
Tras was trying to find out
who’s behind these abductions,
but he was also trying to
rescue Sarenna.
XENDAR
Yes. Now they may kill her.
ADAM
I don’t think so, Judge Xendar,
because there wouldn’t be any
profit in that. They’re taking
all these women somewhere, and
we’re going to find them.
DARCY
Why did they want Rachel? To
hold her for ransom?
XENDAR
Oh, no! They’re getting ready
to pull out of the country for
good, and they wanted your
daughter to assure them safe
passage to freedom.
DARCY
(firmly)
I’m going to give them safe
passage straight to Tartarus!
|
INT. KING MICHA’S PRIVATE CHAMBERS - NIGHT
The king has shed his ceremonial garb and now wears a simple house robe. He is seated on a low sofa amid an assortment of puffy cushions. Darcy is standing nearby before a large fireplace. She slowly turns to face her father.
DARCY
These abductions are such an
insidious crime. Obviously,
this has been going on for a
long time, but most people
don’t realize what’s happening!
One woman even told me that it
isn’t unusual for women to just
disappear.
KING MICHA
Well, it isn’t. Many people run
away or often are taken away for
many reasons. Women often run
away to marry, or to escape a
cruel husband, or whatever.
DARCY
Of course, but this is something
else entirely, and we have to do
something about it. And this is
only one problem, there are many
others. We can’t just sit here
and wait for the people to come
to us, we have to go to them.
It is our purpose to serve the
people, not the other way around.
KING MICHA
(laughs)
Just where did you get such crazy
ideas?
DARCY
(smiles)
From my father.
KING MICHA
Have I told you I’m proud of you?
DARCY
Oh, only a million times or so.
KING MICHA
It’s still not enough! You are a
wonderful daughter, Darcy, and a
wonderful person. I am proud.
DARCY
Well, I have wonderful parents.
KING MICHA
You and your brother have been
getting involved with some
dangerous situations lately,
don’t think I’m not aware.
DARCY
It’s a dangerous world out
there, but we can’t just hide
and hope it goes away. I also
learned that from my father.
KING MICHA
Where is your brother, and how
is he holding up?
DARCY
He went to check on Markus, I
think. They have a common bond
in Tara, and I’m sure they’re
trying to help each other deal
with this.
|
There are TWO KNOCKS at the door.
DARCY
(going to
the door)
I’ll get it. I know who it is.
|
Darcy opens the door to find Judge Xendar and a guard. She steps back and motions for them to enter.
Xendar takes a few uncertain steps into the room. He is haggard, with reddened eyes, and a large bruise on his left cheek where Darcy struck him earlier. He stops and stands, silently waiting, as Darcy walks back to the fireplace.
DARCY
Father, I sent for Judge Xendar
because I think he should hear
this.
(a beat)
Most people don’t
trust outsiders, and they want
to solve their own problems, but
sometimes that isn’t possible.
KING MICHA
I have always encouraged people
to be independent and to strive
for self-sufficiency.
DARCY
Of course, but we’re all very
much connected in many ways
that can’t be denied. We all
live in the same world.
KING MICHA
So, what do you suggest?
DARCY
We have to learn to trust and
help each other more. It seems
to me that the biggest problem
is a lack of communication. We
need to reach out to the people,
to let them know we’re here for
them. We have to show them that
we can be trusted and counted on.
KING MICHA
How do you purpose to do that?
DARCY
We need to go out and meet the
people, to show them we care.
We should have messengers
traveling regular routes, so we
can get reports of crimes or
unusual activities. If we had
had such a system before, these
abductions could have been
stopped months ago.
KING MICHA
I agree, but can it be done? On
the surface, this is a simple
plan, but in reality it would
be a massive undertaking.
DARCY
Yes, it will be, but we have
the manpower, horses, wagons
and other equipment, now all
we need is a coordinator.
KING MICHA
Oh, now, Darcy, I don’t see how
I can take on any more.
DARCY
(smiles)
You would be perfect, Daddy, but
I’m not asking you. That’s why
I sent for Judge Xendar. I think
he should do it.
|
Xendar is surprised, slightly shocked. He looks at them in amazement.
XENDAR
You would let me do this,
after what I’ve done?
|
Darcy walks over and stands directly in front of Xendar.
DARCY
I know you were still trying
to do your job, even though
you were terribly concerned
for Sarenna. If my daughter
was threatened, I might take
drastic measures myself.
|
Xendar touches his bruised face.
XENDAR
I can attest to that.
DARCY
(to the guard)
Escort Judge Xendar home.
XENDAR
You’re letting me go?
DARCY
We’ll talk more later.
(a beat)
When I bring Sarenna back, I
don’t want her finding her
father locked in the dungeon.
XENDAR
Do you really believe you can
bring her back, Darcy?
DARCY
We’ll find her, I promise.
|
Xendar turns and goes out, followed by the guard.
KING MICHA
That was a big promise, Darcy.
DARCY
(firm resolve)
Yes, but one that I fully intend
to keep, even if I have to go to
the ends of the Earth.
|
EXT. MOUTH OF LARGE CAVERN - NIGHT
Under a full moon, eight chained young women are being led by six outlaws along a narrow trail leading into the cave. Tara is at the head of the line, looking exhausted and extremely unhappy. The princess tries to stop at the cavern entrance, but one of the captors gives her a hard shove, and everyone enters the cave.
INT. LARGE CAVERN - NIGHT
The chained women are led into the enormous cavern, where there are several more outlaws waiting. There are two roaring campfires that cast a ruddy glow on all surfaces and leave the recesses in total blackness. The women are herded against the cavern wall only a few feet from one of the fires.
The women remain standing, fearfully glancing around. The girl beside Tara is struggling to choke back her tears, but she isn’t having much success. ONE OF THE OUTLAWS walks up and grabs the girl. She cries out in fear, and the man laughs in her face.
Tara kicks the man hard in the crotch. When he doubles over in pain, the princess kicks him even harder in the face. The outlaw flips backward into the fire.
ANOTHER OUTLAW rushes at Tara. She kicks him in the stomach, and then in the face. He flips backward and rolls through the flames. A BIG, MEAN OUTLAW appears carrying a whip coiled in his hands. With a flick of his hand, he uncoils the whip with a snap, all the time staring at Tara.
MEAN OUTLAW
You’re a real wildcat, eh? Let’s
just see how tough you are!
|
The man slings the whip behind him, reaching far back so he can strike with maximum force. The whip is suddenly jerked out of his hand by a somewhat younger and stronger outlaw, obviously the one in charge.
OUTLAW LEADER
Leave the women alone! They are
valuable merchandise that must
be delivered undamaged!
|
As the outlaws turn away and go about their business, the women slide down the wall into a sitting position. Tara attempts to comfort the girl beside her, who is still crying.
TARA
Everything will be all right.
We’re going to get out of this,
I promise. My friends will find
us soon, you’ll see. (beat) So,
what’s your name?
|
The girl manages to choke back her tears and find her voice.
MAGGIE
Maggie.
TARA
I’m Tara. I’m glad to meet you.
MAGGIE
I never seen a girl fight like
you. Where did you learn that?
TARA
I have a mean older brother.
MAGGIE
(nods and smiles
uncertainly)
That’s a joke, right?
TARA
(smiles, but
replies seriously)
Not really.
|
Maggie settles down, leans her head on Tara’s shoulder and immediately falls asleep.
Tara looks down the line of exhausted and frightened young women, and she is feeling their pain as much as her own. The Princess then slowly scans the cavern with a very different emotion on her face. She sighs and leans her head back against the stone, trying not to disturb Maggie.
CUT TO:
INT. GRATH’S CABIN - NIGHT
Xena is sitting on the floor near the fireplace, with a blanket draped over her shoulders. She is aglow in the bright firelight. It is a scene that any romantic artist might be inspired to paint.
Grath is seated in a chair not too far away, but far enough that his features are somewhat lost in the shadows. We can see him well enough to know that he is watching the woman at his hearth.
XENA
(softly)
So, you live here all alone?
GRATH
My Lydia’s been dead these
five years now.
(a beat)
One day I came home from the
hunt and I found her lying in
her rose garden out there.
(gestures slightly)
Not a mark on her. It was like
she just laid down among her
roses and went to sleep.
(a beat)
I buried her right there.
XENA
I’m...
(a beat, as she
turns to him)
I’m so sorry.
GRATH
You would have liked my
Lydia, Xena, and I know
she would have liked you.
|
Xena merely smiles.
GRATH
(continuing)
We were young when we met.
Our families had feuded for
many years, so our fathers
forbid us to see one another.
We didn’t care about their
feud. We were too much in
love to hate anyone, and too
much in love to stay apart.
So, we ran away, and we were
never sorry.
(a beat)
We had some bad times, but we
also had the best of times!
For years we traveled around
getting in and out of trouble
at every turn, it’s a wonder
that we survived.
(he laughs lightly)
Then we came into this valley,
and we both knew that we had
finally come home. We had two
glorious decades right here.
XENA
Will you show me her rose garden
sometime?
GRATH
With great pleasure.
|
Xena turns back to the fireplace and stares silently into the flames. There is a deep sadness in her, and it shows in her eyes.
CUT TO:
INT. GRATH’S CABIN - MORNING
Xena is obviously feeling much better. She picks up a cup of tea, takes a sip, then carries it to the cabin door. The door is open, and she stands there looking out.
The first rays of morning sunshine are illuminating the top of a nearby hill. Xena sees what appears to be a white pony just coming into view. The animal stops on top of the hill, then slowly turns its head to reveal a single sharp horn jutting from its forehead.
Grath walks up to stand near Xena at the door.
XENA
(continuing)
Are my eyes deceiving me, or
is that a unicorn out there?
GRATH
Yes, he comes every morning.
XENA
Every morning?
GRATH
Since the end of Winter, yes.
XENA
I wonder why he comes?
GRATH
Oh, I know why he comes.
XENA
Why?
|
Grath steps out the door, then holds his hand out to Xena.
GRATH
You can use some fresh air,
and the walk will do you good.
|
Xena puts the cup down and takes Grath’s hand, as she steps out the door.
XENA
Where are we going?
GRATH
I have something to show you.
|
EXT. EDGE OF THE FOREST, NEAR THE CABIN - DAY
Grath and Xena come walking around some thick flowering bushes. Xena’s face lights up, and she rushes a few paces ahead, where she stops and smiles.
They are standing beside a large cage-like pen constructed of saplings. Inside the pen is a somewhat smaller version of the unicorn on the hill. The little animal just stands quietly and looks at them.
Xena’s smile quickly fades, and her expression changes to one of concern.
XENA
That’s why he comes. You have
his mate.
GRATH
That’s right, and I intend to
have him, too, if I can.
XENA
By using her as bait.
GRATH
(defensive)
Why do you say it like that? In
Athens, this animal will bring a
fortune! Why, any king in the
land would give me a fair share
of his kingdom for this creature!
XENA
You’re right. It’s your business.
I have no right to tell you what
to do.
GRATH
I thought you would be pleased.
XENA
I’m pleased to see her. I think
she is beautiful and amazing.
GRATH
I’m a hunter and a trapper! It’s
what I do!
XENA
I know. Really, I know.
GRATH
Come on, I’ll take you back to
the house. You don’t want to
over do it.
|
Xena takes his arm and they walk back toward the cabin. On the way, Xena glances over to see the unicorn still standing on the hill. Then, she spots the rose garden, and the single grave, but she makes no comment about it. She glances up at Grath, and they walk on toward the cabin.
CUT TO:
EXT. GRATH’S CABIN - DAY
Xena emerges from the open cabin door and walks across the yard to where Grath is standing.
XENA
I feel like going for a walk.
GRATH
I could go with you.
XENA
No. I’m sorry, but I need
some time alone. You understand.
GRATH
(nods)
Don’t get lost.
XENA
(smiles)
I promise, I won’t.
|
Xena turns away, walks around the corner of the cabin and continues down the hill. It is a bush-covered gentle slope that goes all the way to the river.
Grath stands and watches Xena until she is out of sight. He appears to be in some distress, trying to make a difficult decision. Finally, he gives in and follows Xena.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEAR THE RIVER - DAY
Grath stands at a good vantage point on the hill, watching Xena below. She really isn’t far away, and he can clearly see her, except when she momentarily passes behind a bush or a small tree.
Xena stops among the bushes on the river bank. She immediately begins to undress. Grath reacts to this, and turns away for a moment, but then he looks back at her again. She is soon totally nude, and the smooth contours of her body are only partially obscured by the leaves and her outfit draped over some branches.
Xena slowly walks to the edge of the water and dives into the deep river. Grath has a brief view of the beautiful woman just before she vanishes beneath the surface. When she comes up the water cascades down over the black silk of her long hair and her face, and finally over her breasts. She stands waist deep and slowly turns around, then she springs up and dives down again. Her buttocks flash in the bright sunlight, just before she disappears again.
Grath is very pleased by it all, yet he also seems to be under some great pressure, perhaps from his conscience. He watches a moment longer, then turns and walks away.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE GRATH CABIN - DAY
Grath again stands silently in the yard, as Xena returns from the river. She is now fully dressed, but her hair is still wet.
GRATH
So, how did your walk go?
XENA
Wonderfully. I went for a
swim.
GRATH
(looking at her)
Yes, I can see that.
XENA
The water was wonderful. I
feel great!
GRATH
I have a confession to make.
(a beat)
I was watching you... down
there in the water.
XENA
You were?
GRATH
(uncomfortably)
Yes. Yes, I’m sorry.
XENA
I, too, have a confession to
make.
(a beat)
I knew you were watching, and
I’m not at all sorry.
GRATH
(surprised,
if not shocked)
You are a shameless woman,
aren’t you?
XENA
When I want to be.
|
Xena walks to the door and enters the cabin. Grath stares after her. After a moment, a smile slowly grows on his stern face.
CUT TO:
INT. GRATH’S CABIN - NIGHT
Xena is in the bed, propped on her elbow watching Grath go about his nightly ritual. He throws a couple of large logs on the fire.
GRATH
There! That should hold it
for the night.
|
Grath walks across the room and starts to blow the candles out.
There is a quality in her voice that says far more then her words. He leaves the candles lit, and turns to look at the woman in his bed, not sure what to say or do next.
XENA
That floor must be getting
mighty... hard by now?
|
Xena moves over slightly, and lifts the covers. Without a word, Grath joins her.
CUT TO:
INT. GRATH’S CABIN - DAY
Xena sits on the bed, and Grath stands across the room. There is a great tension in the air.
GRATH
I held you in my arms. I
felt your breath panting
warm in my face. The scent
of your body is like a rare
perfume. I drank the sweat
from your body as if it was
a fine wine...
XENA
You had my body, not my heart.
GRATH
No, I had far more than that!
(a beat, then
more intense)
Are you saying that it meant
nothing to you?
XENA
It meant a lot to me. You
mean a lot to me. I wanted
to...
(a beat)
I wanted to give you a gift.
Don’t spoil it now, by asking
more than I can give.
GRATH
No! I won’t let you go!
(a beat,
then firmly)
I will make you stay!
|
Grath bolts out the door, slamming it behind him. Xena looks devastated, but she merely lowers her head and sits there.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE UNICORN CAGE - DAY
Xena comes from the cabin and walks to the edge of the yard in time to see Grath open the gate and free the unicorn. The little animal trots away, toward her mate waiting on the nearby hill.
Grath is standing with his back to Xena, and he doesn’t turn around when she speaks.
XENA
Why did you let her go?
GRATH
Because I realized... that I
love her.
|
Xena slowly walks to him, places her hands on his strong arms, and leans her cheek against his back. It is a quick, heartfelt embrace, then she returns to the cabin. Grath continues to stand there, still not turning around.
CUT TO:
INT. GRATH’S CABIN - NIGHT
Grath and Xena are in the bed. She is laying with her back to him.
XENA
I leave at dawn.
GRATH
I know.
|
CUT TO:
EXT. GRATH’S CABIN - DAY
Grath has completely shed his furs now. He is dressed in an outfit of leather and light wool. He has a quiver of arrows on his back and a bow in his hand. He is target practicing on the trees at the edge of the thick forest.
XENA
(walking up)
Just what do you think you’re
doing?
GRATH
If you won’t stay with me,
then I want to go with you.
XENA
I don’t think that would be
a good idea.
GRATH
(insistent)
I can be useful to you. Watch!
|
He raises the bow and lets an arrow fly. The arrow sticks in a slender sapling at the edge of the forest.
XENA
How do I know that’s the tree
you were aiming at?
|
Grath looks at her in exasperation, pulls another arrow from his quiver, and implants it directly below the first arrow.
He quickly pulls three more arrows, one at a time in rapid succession, and shoots them toward the forest. Now five arrows are in a neat vertical row in the tree.
XENA
Well, is that the one you
were aiming at?
He looks at her, and they both laugh.
XENA
(continuing,
quietly)
If you’re sure, you can come
with me.
GRATH
I won’t take no for an answer,
Xena. I have to do this for you,
and for your friend.
Xena nods and smiles at him.
|
CUT TO:
EXT. THE RIVER AT THE CLIFF - DAY
Xena and Grath are in a rowboat, coming up the river. They look up through the tall trees at the high rock brow of the cliff.
GRATH
(sincere)
You are an amazing woman!
XENA
And don’t you ever forget it.
GRATH
Not a chance.
|
Grath smiles at her, as he rows toward the river bank.
CUT TO:
EXT. TOP OF THE CLIFF - DAY
Xena and Grath climb over the rim of the cliff and stand looking around.
XENA
(points)
I’m sure they were headed in
that direction. We should be
able to pick up their trail.
GRATH
It’s an old trail now, Xena.
XENA
Not for me.
GRATH
Your modesty is charming.
XENA
(snaps)
I’m not out here to be charming!
(a beat)
I’m sorry. I’m worried about my
friend.
GRATH
I know. We’ll find her, Xena.
|
Suddenly, back down the trail toward the backwoods village, a large flock of birds burst from the tree tops.
XENA
(rushing off)
Come on!
|
Xena leads the way up a rocky embankment to a point where they can see the trail coming up from the valley. Two men are walking up the slope.
XENA
They’re the two that put me
over the cliff. Maybe we can
follow them back to the others.
GRATH
(somewhat
sarcastic)
Since you can follow the trail,
why don’t we just throw them
off the cliff?
|
Xena just looks at him critically and remains quiet.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE RAPIDS, TOP OF THE WATERFALL - DAY
The two men make their way across the stream and hurry on into the forest.
Xena and Grath reach the rapids. Grath takes the lead, crossing the stream. He is almost across when one of the outlaws charges from the trees toward him. Grath’s bow is strapped to his back, so he is defenseless against the man with a sword.
Grath does as he is told, and Xena throws her chakrum, implanting it in the outlaw’s chest. The man flips back onto dry ground.
Grath’s evasive maneuver causes him to loose his balance, and he plunges into the stream. He manages to grab hold of a rock and hangs on, but he is almost invisible in the strong foaming rapids.
Xena rushes to him and grabs his wrist. She is barely able to hold him, clearly there is no way she can pull him out.
GRATH
Let me go! Xena, let go!
XENA
No! Never!
|
In a terrible strain, Xena continues to hold him. She looks up at the raging waterfall only a few feet away. Shear terror distorts her expression.
GRATH
Let go, or you’ll go with me!
XENA
No! I’ll never let you go! You
think you know me, but you
really don’t know me! I won’t
let you go!
|
Xena looks over at the old dead tree sticking out over the stream. Holding Grath with her left hand, she reaches out with her right hand. It is a desperate struggle, but she finally grabs hold of the tree.
Xena hangs on, looking at the tree. There is a large clump of roots on the other end, embedded in the bank. She looks hopeful, liking what she sees.
XENA
Now, listen! When I jump in...
GRATH
(frantic
shout)
What!? You’re going to jump in?
XENA
I said, listen! When I jump in,
grab around my waist, and hang
on tight!
|
With all her might, Xena pulls on the tree. At last the roots give and the bank caves in, dropping the heavy end of the tree into the rapids.
Still holding onto the tree, Xena jumps into the raging rapids beside Grath. He wraps his arms around Xena’s waist, just as the rapids swing the tree around and sends them flying through the air to dry land.
They are laying together in a tangled heap. Exhausted and in pain, at first they just moan and don’t try to move.
GRATH
You are an amazing woman!
XENA
And don’t you ever forget it.
GRATH
Not a chance!
|
CUT TO:
EXT. IN THE FOREST - DAY
The remaining outlaw is running for his life. He is tearing through the bushes and trees like a crazy man. Abruptly, an ear-piercing war cry shatters the silence. The man looks back as Xena is tumbling high over his head, and he doesn’t see her.
Grath is closing on him fast, so the man turns and starts to run even faster, only to encounter Xena in his path. She slugs him and he drops like a rock.
CUT TO:
INT. DARCY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Darcy is sleeping, but the strange mental impressions are again disturbing her slumber. She moves her head from side to side, softly murmuring unintelligible sounds. The dreams intensify, and she suddenly sits bolt upright, breathing heavily. For a moment she stares wide-eyed into the darkness, then she springs out of bed.
EXT. THE HOPE HAVEN CASTLE GATES - NIGHT
Darcy, Adam and Markus exit the compound on horseback at a full run. Two guards standby and watch them ride away, then they close the heavy wooden gates. It is still dark, and several blazing torches on the walls cast a bright light around the area.
EXT. WILDERNESS TRAIL - MORNING
Darcy, Adam and Markus ride fast down the trail. While darkness still lies ahead, a brilliant sunrise is blazing in the south-eastern sky.
EXT. WILDERNESS TRAIL - DAY
Darcy, Adam and Markus stop their horses in the shade of large trees. They remain mounted, looking around silently. Markus grabs his water skin and drinks deeply.
DARCY
I don’t hear you complaining,
Markus, but I can feel your
doubts loud and clear.
MARKUS
(unhappily)
I have faith in you, Darcy,
and in your powers, but this
time maybe your hunch is bad.
ADAM
We have been riding for half
a day, Darcy.
DARCY
(vexed)
It’s more than a hunch! These
impressions from Althea are
very real.
MARKUS
All I’m saying is the army is
heading south, following a
solid trail. You’re taking us
north, and so far we haven’t
found a trace of anything.
DARCY
(firm and
impatient)
We’re not there yet.
ADAM
Do you know where you’re going?
DARCY
No, I don’t, but I’ll know it
when we get there.
(a beat)
Look, if you two want to turn
back, then go ahead. Althea is
out there somewhere, and I’m
sure she holds the key to all
this.
(a beat)
Well, fine! I’m going on.
|
Darcy quickly rides away, leaving Adam and Markus to stare after her, and both are clearly displeased.
ADAM
Darcy can make mistakes, Mark,
but she rarely does.
MARKUS
It really doesn’t matter, we
can’t let her go it alone. What
makes me mad is that she knows
we’ll follow her!
ADAM
(smiles)
Careful, Markus, or some people
may think you aren’t as tough
as you pretend to be!
|
Adam laughs, and they ride off after Darcy.
EXT. BLUFF OVER LOOKING LOG FORT - SAME
Darcy, Adam and Markus are laying belly down on a stone ledge, staring at the crudely constructed fort. The place is enclosed within a high wall made of slender poles. A crude catwalk runs along the top of the wall, and several men are positioned there. The interior structures are merely fenced pens and several shacks. There is a single large tower where several lookouts and archers are stationed.
People can be seen moving about, mostly large groups of women, but they are too far away to make out details.
Movement draws their attention downward. Half a dozen men come into view, followed by a line of chained women. They are walking toward the fort.
Adam starts to jump to his feet, but Darcy and Markus grab him and pull him back down.
DARCY
(strong disapproval)
They will be inside before
you can get down this hill!
MARKUS
She’s right... again! We have
to get inside that prison.
ADAM
(doubtful)
And just how can we do that?
DARCY
(softly)
I don’t think that’s our
only problem. We’re about
to have a party, and the
quests have already arrived.
|
Darcy slowly rolls over and looks behind them. Adam and Markus quickly roll over to follow Darcy’s gaze. A dozen outlaws with drawn swords and no-nonsense attitudes are quietly standing over them.
Darcy focuses on the closest man, near the center of the pack. He quickly grows drowsy and his eyelids droop. The man falls asleep, leans forward, then stumbles several steps and pitches headfirst over the ledge.
The other outlaws stare in amazement, then look at Darcy. Darcy merely shrugs, and fairly exudes innocence.
Adam concentrates on the sword in his face. Suddenly, the sword violently swings around and slaps three outlaws across their faces. The three painfully surprised men flip into the others, throwing the whole pack into confusion.
Darcy, Adam and Markus are immediately on their feet, with swords in hand. As Adam and Markus plunge directly into the battle, Darcy flies high over the pack and lands behind them. Three surprised outlaws turn to face Darcy. She jumps and spins, kicking all three men in their faces. The three men drop to the ground, and two more jump over their bodies
to charge at Darcy. Darcy blocks and kicks the attackers into unconsciousness. Adam and Markus finish off the final few.
Adam reaches down and takes a large handful of shackles and chains from one outlaw’s belt.
ADAM
Let’s see how they like these.
|
Markus is at the other side of the unconscious men, where he reaches down and comes up with more shackles and chains.
MARKUS
There’s more here. Plenty to
go around.
DARCY
And gag them. The others in the
fort could hear screaming from
here. I just hope they didn’t
hear the fight.
|
EXT. WOODED AREA NEAR THE TRAIL - SAME
The gang of outlaws are gagged and chained to trees. Adam and Markus do a quick final check to make sure the prisoners are secure, then they walk through thick bushes to a large clearing.
Darcy is holding a piece of parchment against her saddle, as she scribbles a message. She reads it over, rolls it up, and ties it to the saddle. She then walks up and caresses the horse’s nose and face.
DARCY
Go home, girl, and hurry!
|
The horse bolts away and runs down the trail. Darcy quietly watches the animal for a moment, then turns to Adam and Markus.
DARCY
We can’t wait, you know. We
have to get inside that
prison as fast as we can, so
let’s talk.
|
Darcy hurriedly walks away. Adam and Markus look at one another, then turn their gaze back to Darcy. They quickly follow the Princess.
ADAM
Don’t say, here we go again.
MARKUS
I wasn’t going to.
ADAM
You were thinking it.
MARKUS
Oh, now you can read minds,
too, huh?
ADAM
Yours is fairly easy!
MARKUS
Well, it’s a good thing you
can’t read my mind, because
I don’t think you’d like it!
ADAM
If you’ve got something to say
to me, just spit it out!
|
They catch up with Darcy, who continues walking.
DARCY
(firmly)
Will you two just knock it
off? I know you’re worried
about Tara, but don’t take
it out on each other. Let’s
do something about it! Save
all your hostility for those
savage creeps.
MARKUS
(sarcastic)
And, of course, you have a
brilliant plan, don’t you?
DARCY
I’m open to suggestions but,
yes, I have a plan. We don’t
have time for brilliant, so
we’ll just have to hope they
are stupid enough to fall for
it. Now, come on.
|
They walk back through the bushes and trees.
CUT TO:
EXT. INSIDE THE FORT - SAME
Tara, Maggie and the other women are marched into the fort. They pass several holding pens full of frightened women, then they walk passed three buildings.
They approach several men standing in a close group, obviously more outlaws, but one of them stands out. He is a big man with a beard and scars on his face. From his demeanor and his manner of dress, he would look more at home at the helm of a pirate ship. There is no doubt that he is in charge here. He lifts his right hand, a signal for them to stop.
OUTLAW LEADER
(turning to stop
the women)
Aye, Captain!
|
The exhausted women stand in the hot sun, suffering with the burden of the shackles and heavy chains. The CAPTAIN steps forward to stand directly in front of Maggie. He grasps her chin and lifts her face, then he releases her chin and runs his fingers through her blonde curls. Maggie begins sobbing, although she is struggling not to cry or make a sound.
The Captain turns and notices Tara’s disdainful look, and he chuckles with amusement. He then steps back and motions them on. The outlaw leader jerks on the chains to get them moving again.
INT. A HOLDING PEN - SAME
Tara and her group are led inside the holding pen, a structure with log walls and a thatched roof. The shackles and chains are removed. Their captors then leave, locking the heavy door.
The women look around the place and stare at one another, but no one seems to know what to say or do.
CUT TO:
EXT. EDGE OF THE FOREST, NEAR THE FORT - SAME
Markus and Adam have donned coats and hats belonging to the outlaws. Darcy is in chains. Markus is in the lead, and Adam is bringing up the rear, as they leave the cover of the thick trees and walk across the wide open area toward the fort.
MARKUS
This plan of yours will
probably get us killed.
DARCY
What do you expect on such
short notice?
MARKUS
Well, one good thing is the
gate is on the west side of
the fort, so the sun will be
behind us, not in our eyes.
DARCY
I planned it that way.
MARKUS
(glancing
around)
How could you plan...
(embarrassed,
realizing it
is a joke)
Yeah, right!
DARCY
(laughs)
Markus, you’re too easy!
ADAM
We’re probably about to die,
and you two are making jokes?
MARKUS
Your sister is afraid.
DARCY
What does that mean?
MARKUS
Just what I said!
(a beat)
You’re laughing to keep
from crying.
DARCY
(angry)
Well, you should go chisel
that one in stone!
MARKUS
We’re all afraid, Darcy.
DARCY
(laughs)
You know, I think it’s these
handcuffs. They do something
for me, know what I mean?
MARKUS
Just try not to look and
sound so cheerful when we
get to the gate.
|
CUT TO:
EXT. EDGE OF THE FOREST, NEAR THE FORT - SAME
Xena and Grath, along with their tied and gagged prisoner, are concealed behind trees. They are looking at the fort, when Darcy, Adam and Markus come into view.
GRATH
Stay down!
XENA
Wait a minute, I know them.
They’re friends of mine.
GRATH
What are they up to?
XENA
They’re probably going to get
themselves killed.
GRATH
Should we stop them?
XENA
It’s too late for that now. We
will just have to go with their
plan, and hope it works.
(a beat)
Once they’re inside, we make
our move, whether they’re
ready or not.
|
Xena quickly scans all she can see of the fort.
XENA
(continuing)
Can you take out those archers
in the towers... from outside
the walls?
GRATH
Sure, no problem. You can count
on me.
(a beat)
What are you going to do?
XENA
I’m going right over the wall.
GRATH
Have I ever told you that you
are an amazing woman?
XENA
You’re an amazing man.
|
Xena smiles, leaning into Grath and kissing him passionately.
CUT TO:
INT. THE HOLDING PEN - SAME
Against the far back wall, several ragged blankets have been hung to form a cubicle. Tara walks up to the girl kneeling at the entrance. The princess then kneels down beside the girl.
TARA
Hello. What’s happening here?
SARENNA
You’re new. We have a woman
here about to have a baby.
TARA
Any complications?
SARENNA
No, but still I’m concerned.
TARA
I understand.
(a beat)
I’m Tara.
SARENNA
(smiles)
Sarenna.
(looking at
Tara)
You’re Princess Tara!
TARA
(bringing a
finger to
her lips)
Shhh. Please, just keep that
to yourself, for now.
SARENNA
Of course.
MAGGIE (O.s.)
(screams)
Tara!
|
Tara charges through the crowd of women, and sees Maggie being dragged out the door. The princess grabs the heavy door, but the lock clanks firmly into place. She looks through the cracks between the vertical logs. One outlaw is dragging Maggie away, and another one is double checking the lock.
MAGGIE
(desperate
cry)
Tara! Tara, please help me!
TARA
(demands)
Where are you taking her?
MEAN OUTLAW
Captain wants her.
TARA
Why?
MEAN OUTLAW
I think he’s having her up
for milk and cookies.
|
Both outlaws roar with laughter, as they drag Maggie away. Tara rushes around the large room, and the confused women scurry to stay out of her way. The princess paces around the walls like a desperate caged animal. Finally, she chooses a spot, then turns away. She quickly swings back around and kicks the wall, sending broken pieces of wood flying in all directions. Tara dives through the hole and hurries off to find Maggie, leaving the other women totally lost in astonishment, blankly staring at the hole in the wall.
WOMAN #1
Do you think we can escape
before the outlaws catch us?
WOMAN #2
Damn the outlaws, I think we
should get out of here before
that mad girl comes back.
|
The women rush over and begin climbing through the passage to freedom.
EXT. THE FORT GATES - SAME
Markus, Darcy and Adam approach the closed gate. Four guards are stationed on top of the wall. One of them shouts down to another unseen guard inside the wall.
GUARD ON THE WALL
Open the gate!
|
As the new arrivals enter, laughter erupts from half a dozen outlaws standing nearby.
GUARD ON THE WALL
(laughs)
Just one?
DARCY
That’s all it will take!
|
Silence falls over the crowd. Darcy stares up at one of the guards on the wall, and he pitches over the wall and crashes to the ground. Markus throws his knife and takes out a second guard. Adam grabs the gate keeper, who has just locked the gate, and rams his head into the gate.
Darcy is free of the chains, but she uses them as weapons, knocking the attackers in flying loops. Adam tosses his sister her sword, and the trio slice and dice their way through the savage gang.
EXT. EDGE OF THE FOREST, NEAR THE FORT - SAME
Xena and Grath leave their prisoner and run across the open area toward the fort. A hundred yards from the wall, Grath takes his position and starts shooting arrows toward the archers in the tower. Every time he shoots, a body falls to the ground. Unfortunately, they are shooting back, and there is no cover to be had.
Xena cuts loose with her battle cry, as she somersaults over the wall and lands on the catwalk between the last two guards left there. She backhands one over the railing, and kicks the other one outside the wall. She then tumbles to the ground inside the fort and joins the fight going on there.
INT. THE CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS - SAME
Tara slams the door open with a loud bang and charges into the large room, which is part parlor, part bedroom, and part warehouse piled full of junk. Maggie is gagged, and her hands are tied to the high ceiling with a leather strap. She can’t scream out loud, but her fear and pain is evident in her eyes.
The Captain is standing in the center of the room, while two of his men stand behind Maggie. Tara steps farther into the room.
TARA
I’ve come for Maggie, and
I’m taking her out of here!
|
The Captain turns and smiles at Tara.
CAPTAIN
Why don’t you come in and
join the party?
|
Darcy calmly walks through the door, with a sword in each hand.
Darcy tosses Tara a sword. Tara leaps and flips through the air, first cutting Maggie free, then coming down hard on top of the two outlaws behind her.
Darcy streaks across the room and kicks the Captain several times, then smashes the butt of her sword hard into his face.
EXT. THE HOLDING PENS - SAME
Xena finishes off several more outlaws as she makes her way to the caged women. She looks frantically through the wooden bars of the holding pens, quickly moving along the barrier toward the door. An array of pathetic faces are pressed into every crack, their eyes pleading for mercy and freedom.
XENA
Gabrielle!
GABRIELLE
Xena! Xena, I’m here!
|
Xena swings her sword as hard as she can, shattering the lock and releasing the chains holding the door. The door swings open and the women pour out.
Gabrielle emerges with the crowd and grabs hold of Xena.
GABRIELLE
Xena, you’re alive!
XENA
(smiles)
So are you!
|
They laugh and embrace, then Xena takes Gabrielle’s hand and leads her out of the place.
XENA
Come on, there’s someone I
want you to meet.
|
EXT. OPEN AREA JUST INSIDE THE GATES - SAME
Darcy and the others are trying to reassure the women, as they go about gathering up prisoners. Xena and Gabrielle make their way through the confusion of the survivors and maze of the dead.
XENA
(looks
around)
Grath! Grath!
|
Remembering, she looks toward the locked gate. She runs to the gate and swings it open. Her worst fears are realized, Grath is lying in the middle of the open ground.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE FORT - SAME
Xena runs to Grath and lefts his head to cradle him in her arms. There is an arrow through his heart. Tears stream down her face, but she is in too much pain to even cry.
Gabrielle walks up behind Xena.
GABRIELLE
(quietly)
Xena...
XENA
Get me a good horse.
GABRIELLE
But...
XENA
Now!
|
Reluctantly, Gabrielle turns away.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE FORT GATES - SAME
Xena and Gabrielle leave the fort, leading a horse with Grath’s body draped over the animal.
EXT. INSIDE THE FORT - SAME
As the new mother reclines nearby, Sarenna holds the new baby and shows her off. Darcy, Tara, Adam and Markus turn and walk away as Sarenna returns the baby to the mother. The royal four can hear the conversation behind them:
SARENNA
You have a beautiful new baby
girl, now you need a beautiful
name for her.
NEW MOTHER
Oh, I’ve known her name for a
long time.... it’s Althea.
|
The royal four are stunned, and they freeze in their tracks.
CUT TO:
EXT. GRATH’S CABIN, THE ROSE GARDEN - DAY
There are two graves in the rose garden now, one very fresh. Xena and Gabrielle stand and stare down at the graves, in a long moment of silence.
Gabrielle slowly looks up, as a movement draws her attention. The two unicorns are standing nearby, watching the women.
GABRIELLE
Look, Xena!
XENA
(looks up)
Yes.
GABRIELLE
You’ve seen them before?
XENA
Yes.
GABRIELLE
What do they want?
XENA
Maybe... to say goodbye.
(a beat)
Come on, we still have a
wedding to attend.
|
Gabrielle leads the horse, as they walk down the hill. Xena looks at the cabin as they walk passed it, then she turns away and walks on toward the river.
GABRIELLE
You know, Xena, this is really
a beautiful place.
|
Tears well up in Xena’s eyes, and it is difficult for her to speak.
XENA
(quietly, her
voice breaking)
Paradise.
|
Gabrielle looks at Xena with deep concern, silently sharing her friend’s pain, then she glances back to see the unicorns following them.
GABRIELLE
(softly)
Xena, the unicorns! I think
they’re following us.
XENA
Yeah, I know they’re back
there.... but those aren’t
just unicorns, you know.
GABRIELLE
(puzzled)
Then, what are they?
XENA
Royal wedding presents.
GABRIELLE
(smiles, excited)
Yeah! Princess Darcy loves
animals. Yeah, that’s really
a great idea!
|
Laughing lightly, the young women embrace one another as they turn down the path that runs along the river, the two wondrous creatures walking close behind.
FADE OUT:
THE END
