FADE IN

Resume scene. Zenobia holds Hairan at swordpoint. Pan around to show Hairan's face and Zenobia behind him.

ZENOBIA (shakes head, disappointed):
     If you're not with me, then you're against me.

HAIRAN:
     We've had our differences but I care about this city...and about you. (softly and sincerely, he slowly turns around; she still has the sword pointed at him) I don't want to be your enemy.

Close up of Zenobia's conflicted expression. Slowly, she lowers the sword as they stare at each other.

CUT TO

Outside the city limits. There are a few scattered homes surrounding the city walls near a small pool.

Standing beside the pool, Gabrielle pulls back from a hug with Xena.

GABRIELLE:
      I'm glad you're okay.

Xena smiles at her, then turns to look at Ares.

ARES:
      Thought you said you weren't going to get into too much trouble?

XENA (grins):
      Well, not like it was real trouble.

Ares grins, clamps forearms with her and gives her a quick kiss.

GABRIELLE:
     What are we going to do?

XENA:
     This isn't our fight. I offered my help, Zenobia refused. It's up to her now.

GABRIELLE (uncertain):
      What about the prisoners and Hairan?

XENA:
     We'll find a way to help them. As for Hairan...he had the opportunity to escape, but he wouldn't take it.

Gabrielle contemplates this for a moment.

GABRIELLE (changes the subject):
     Xena, Haimon is still at the Roman camp. Sabina stopped us from getting to him. (pause, thoughtfully) She did release Siran, though. (Xena gives her a surprised look) We have to--

XENA (cuts her off, putting a hand on her shoulder reassuringly):
     We will.

CUT TO

The Romans have stopped at the crest of a hill, Palmyra ahead. A few small tents have been set up--some of the men getting a quick meal before the battle. Haimon is pushed into one of the tents, two guards stand watch.

CUT TO

Sabina is walking back to her horse with a waterskin. She takes a drink. Titus walks up to her.

TITUS:
     Report?

SABINA:
     The ninth legion from Caesarea is prepared. We'll have the city surrounded by mid-day if not earlier.

TITUS:
     Good.

There is silence.

TITUS (not looking at her):
      I heard you released the girl. (Sabina quickly looks at him; he turns to her with a sideways glance) I didn't give you those orders.

SABINA (casually):
      It's one less prisoner to keep track of once the battle starts. She was of no consequence.

TITUS:
     Rumor has it she's a friend of yours.

Sabina doesn't respond one way or the other, and continues to look him in the eye, her face betraying no emotion. He moves closer to her, staring her down.

TITUS:
     You may have called the shots when you were leading your little army across Greece but here, you answer to me. Need I remind you that you are here only because the Emperor, my father, wishes it so. You go releasing prisoners without orders, you will no longer have his favor--and I will have no more use for you. (pause) (Titus turns to walk off, speaking as he does) Consider that a warning.

Sabina watches him leave, frowning thoughtfully.

CUT TO

The streets of Palmyra. The din of voices fill the city.

In the distance someone shouts "The Romans are coming! The Romans are coming!"

DISSOLVE TO

People are in a panic. We see mothers and fathers running down the streets carrying or leading their children; some men and women grabbing brooms and shovels to be used as weapons, others locking doors and windows.

CUT TO

The palace. A man in high-ranking armor, an officer, walks purposefully down a corridor and into a large room where Zenobia stands with several soldiers of lower rank.

ZENOBIA:
     Well?

OFFICER:
     The army is gathering as quickly as possible but... (Zenobia glares at him) our numbers are, at best, only half of what the Romans have at their disposal.

SOLDIER (blurts out):
      We don't stand a chance!

Instantly, Zenobia's look turns cold and she turns to him, grabbing a small dagger from a nearby table and ramming it into his chest. He gasps and falls over, dead. The other soldiers around him gulp.

ZENOBIA:
      Those that doubt me will die. Are we clear?

She stares at the soldiers and then the officer. They nod, intimidated.

ZENOBIA (to the officer):
      Let the guards know that if we have to surrender, I want every prisoner killed without exception. (the officer nods) I will meet the army outside in an hour. Make sure they are ready.

OFFICER (bows his head):
      Yes, your highness.

ZENOBIA (waves a hand):
      Now leave me.

The officer nods, then walks out. As he exits, we see Harian standing outside the door, his back to the wall. He had heard Zenobia's conversation. He thinks and then walks off.

DISSOLVE TO

Zenobia is in her bed chambers. She stands in front of a mirror, now wearing a gold breastplate (similar to Xena's from A Friend In Need) and a brown leather and gold chainmail skirt. She wears knee-high leather and gold boots. A small gold headband with a stone in the center adorns her head.

She grabs her sword. Pull back to show her looking at the blade and then her sliding it into the scabbard at her back.

DISSOLVE TO

Many soldiers are in the war room, being handed swords and shields.

DISSOLVE TO

Zenobia, in full battle armor, stands on the balcony, overlooking the city. Soldiers are gathered below.

ZENOBIA (raises her sword, shouts):
     The Romans are at our doorstep! They've come to take this city away from us. Well, I say we will not let them! When we are done here, the Romans will know that we cannot be enslaved--and I will forever be your queen!

The soldiers begin to cheer, raising their swords. Zenobia raises her sword, too.

DISSOLVE TO

Hairan is walking through the dark dungeon, the bared cells on either side of him. Most of the cells are empty. He comes to the cell where the group of prisoners Zenobia had re-captured are huddled. As he approaches, they stir and start to rise to their feet.

HAIRAN (unlocking the cell):
      You're free. Go back to your families.

The prisoners hesitate for a moment, exchanging wary looks that turn to incredulous smiles; then, in obvious relief, murmur their thanks and rush out of the cell, past Hairan. Nymphidius is the last to leave; as he does, Hairan stops him, putting a hand on his arm. Nymphidius turns and gives him a hard look.

HAIRAN:
      You're a Roman officer, I know that. (As Nymphidius scowls, he continues) And you know Xena. I know that, too.

NYMPHIDIUS:
      Where is Xena?

HAIRAN:
     Outside the city. Go, join her.

NYMPHIDIUS (nods):
      Thank you.

As he starts to leave, Hairan calls after him.

HAIRAN:
     There's a battle about to start. (bitterly) The Romans are here to take back the city.

Nymphidius stops and turns back, eyeing Hairan a moment.

NYMPHIDIUS:
      What the Romans are doing... (he pauses) it's not what I would choose to do.

HAIRAN (meets his gaze, nodding slowly):
     And what Zenobia has done is not what I would choose to do. I suppose that makes us even.

They watch each other a moment.

HAIRAN:
     Go. Go, before Zenobia finds out.

He looks on as Nymphidius leaves the dungeon.

CUT TO

Outside the city. Xena, Gabrielle and Ares are on their horses. From where they are positioned, they can see the army beginning to gather outside Palmyra, and they can see the Roman legion marching down the hill toward the city.

Then they see a man walking off to the side, away from the city. The man approaches the hill. As he gets closer, Xena realizes that it's Nymphidius.

She dismounts.

XENA (surprised):
      Nymphidius? You escaped?

NYMPHIDIUS:
      No, released--by Zenobia's cousin. He freed every prisoner.

Xena and Gabrielle exchange a surprised look.

GABRIELLE:
     Do you think he convinced Zenobia--?

NYMPHIDIUS:
     No, he was acting on his own. (pauses) Xena, I want you to know I'm not joining the Romans in this fight. (gestures toward the legion marching toward the city) There are many things I believe in, but this isn't one of them. (he smiles) Maybe this time, I've learned something from your daughter.

Xena nods, giving him a look of respect. She reaches out and the two of them clamp forearms.

GABRIELLE (realizing):
      You're Eve's old teacher.

Nymphidius looks up at her and nods.

XENA (thinks):
      If you're not going to fight with them, then maybe you could help us.

NYMPHIDIUS:
     To do what?

XENA:
     We need someone to Infiltrate the Roman camp and release a prisoner.

Zoom in on Nymphidius as he thinks.

NYMPHIDIUS:
     I know just what to do.

CUT TO

Palmyra. Zenobia's army has gathered outside the city gates. The soldiers are lined up, the line stretching the length of the wall on both sides of the entrance, several rows deep. Zenobia is riding back and forth along the line of soldiers until she finally stops in front of the gates.

ZENOBIA:
      For Palmyra!

SOLDIERS (raising their swords):
     For Palmyra!!!

The soldiers charge forward. Hairan watches from a window of the palace.

CUT TO

Titus gives the signal to charge.

Slow motion as the Romans charge toward the Palmyrans and they clash. The battle begins.

CUT TO

The small Roman camp.

The guards surrounding the tent where Haimon is being kept. Nymphidius walks into view.

NYMPHIDIUS (coming toward them):
      Orders from Titus, I'm to relieve you of your duty. You're to report to the battlefield at once.

The guards survey him warily, taking in his bedraggled appearance and his cuts and bruises.

GUARD #1 (cautious):
      Why would he want the prisoner to go unguarded?

NYMPHIDIUS:
     I'll keep watch.

GUARD #2:
     You. (looking him up and down) An officer of your rank?

NYMPHIDIUS:
      Can't you see I'm in no shape to fight? I've spent a long time in Zenobia's dungeons. I wouldn't be any good out there. Titus needs more men out in the field.

The guards exchange looks, then look back.

GUARD #2:
     Very well, sir.

He hands over the spear and Nymphidius takes it. The guards walk off. Nymphidius watches them as they disappear from sight, down the hill.

Nymphidius looks in the other direction and smiles.

XENA (off-camera):
     That was good.

Pan around to show Xena peeking out from behind some sacks with supplies. Crouching low to avoid being seen, she approaches the tent.

XENA (to Nymphidius):
     Keep watch. I'll get him.

She opens the flap and goes inside the tent.

CUT TO

Inside the tent. Haimon is chained to a pole. He looks up and sees Xena walking in.

Xena walks up and kneels down, grabbing the chains around his wrists. The chains are thick. She contemplates them for a moment.

HAIMON:
     You shouldn't have come.

XENA (looks at him sharply):
      You mean, just leave you here?

HAIMON:
      Don't you think it's better this way?

XENA (curtly):
     Nope. (she pulls out her dagger and starts working on the lock on his manacles) I think it's better for you to be with Gabrielle and your son.

Haimon looks down.

HAIMON (softly):
      I can never have a life with them. Not as long as the Romans are around. And since we both know they're not going anywhere... (He sighs and goes on, his voice breaking). At least if I'm dead, Gabrielle could move on.

Xena stops working on the manacles and glares at him.

XENA:
     Gabrielle would be heartbroken if you were killed and she could do nothing to stop it.

Haimon sighs and looks down guiltily as Xena goes back to her task.

XENA (her head down as she works on the manacles):
     Ever heard of Shark Island Prison?

HAIMON (surprised):
     I have. Why?

XENA:
     Once--years ago--I allowed myself to be sent there for life because I was tired of running from my past... (her voice drops) from my guilt. (Haimon nods, understanding) And because I thought that Gabrielle would be better off without me--that as long as we were traveling together, I would put her in danger. Well, she came after me--nearly got herself killed trying to help me. And that's when I realized that I had hurt her much more by giving up than I ever could have by staying at her side.

The lock clicks and the chains fall from Haimon's wrists. Xena looks up at him as he rubs his wrists.

XENA:
     So I understand what you're doing. You're willing to give yourself up because you think that if you do, the ones you love can live in peace. I've been there.

She bends down to unlock the chains around his feet.

XENA (not looking at him):
     I gave away my only son because I believed that it was the only way to protect him from the world I had created. (Haimon watches her silently, noticing the emotion in her voice) I thought I had no choice... (she looks at him) ...but I can never forgive myself for what I did. He died and I had missed most of his life. (Xena pulls the chains off his feet and stands up, looking down at him) You still have a choice.

Haimon looks up at her silently.

CUT TO

Dunes at some distance from the Roman camp. Gabrielle and Ares are waiting. Pan to the top of the dunes; Xena and Nymphidius come into view.

GABRIELLE (leaps to her feet):
     He's not here!

A moment later, we see Haimon come up behind Xena and Nymphidius. Gabrielle rushes toward him and hugs him tearfully, then pulls back.

GABRIELLE:
     I'm not letting you go again. (Haimon goes to speak but she holds up her finger) You've missed too much. I'm not letting you miss more.

Haimon looks at her, unable to say anything.

HAIMON:
     Gabri--

Before he can finish, Gabrielle kisses him. He's taken aback for a moment but when she deepens their kiss, he wraps his arms around her.

Behind them, Xena, Ares and Nymphidius avert their eyes to give them privacy.

Gabrielle pulls back and looks at him.

HAIMON (quietly):
     I'll stay with you.

She squeezes his hand.

ARES:
     Listen, I hate to break up a tender moment, but we're much too close to the Roman camp for my comfort.

GABRIELLE (nods):
     You're right. Let's get out of here.

They start to walk away from the camp--and, just then, a female voice rings out.

SABINA (off-camera):
     Going somewhere?

Xena and the others whip around, with Xena, Gabrielle, and Ares drawing there weapons. Sabina is at the top of the dune, astride her horse.

SABINA:
      Surprise, surprise.

XENA (walks out in front of the others):
      Sabina.

SABINA (looks past Xena, toward Nymphidius):
     And you've got a Roman working for you this time. (to Xena, somewhat mocking) You can turn anyone into your ally nowadays, can't you?

XENA:
      What are you doing here? You should be on the battlefield.

SABINA:
      I was. Until the men I left guarding your friend showed up and said they'd been relieved of duty. (she grins) I figured you had a hand in this.

XENA (studies her):
     And you came alone.

SABINA (with a mocking pout):
     You don't think I could take you all by myself.

XENA (bluntly):
     No, I don't.

SABINA:
     You're right. I have better things to do than fight.

She dismounts and walks toward the group.

I think I have a way to solve both our problem.

XENA:
     What problem?

SABINA:
     You see, if I let him escape... (nods toward Haimon) I get in trouble with Titus--and he'll still have the Romans nipping at his heels.

Haimon looks nervous.

SABINA:
     So, I think you'll agree that there's only one way out of this. He has to die.

GABRIELLE:
     What?

SABINA (unflappable):
     At least as far as Titus is concerned. (She comes up to Haimon, ignoring the others' watchful stares. ) Don't worry, bringing back your head is not part of the plan. (She reaches out to touch the pendant around his neck and takes it in her hand.) This'll do.

HAIMON:
     But that's--

SABINA:
     The last thing you have of your mother's. I know. (off his uncertain look) Do you want them to believe you're dead, or not?

Haimon hesitates for a long time.

HAIMON (sadly but determined):
     Take it.

Sabina draws her dagger, cuts the cord on which the pendant hangs, and clutches it in her palm.

SABINA:
      Thanks. I'll need some blood on it to make it more believable... but there'll be no shortage of that today.

Pan to Gabrielle as she winces.

HAIMON (looking into Sabina's eyes):
     I'm doing this for Gabrielle and my son. That's the only reason.

SABINA:
     And I'm doing it for myself. Life's a lot simpler that way.

GABRIELLE:
     Are you? You could have brought a squad of men to kill him.

SABINA (shakes her head):
     I'm not taking any chances, with Xena around.

HAIMON:
     Still--you helped me. Just like you helped Siran.

SABINA:
     That was--incidental. No need to thank me.

HAIMON:
     Thank you anyway.

Without a word, Sabina goes back to her horse and gets in the saddle. Before riding away, she turns away to give Xena a last look.

SABINA:
     Good-bye, Xena.

As she rides away, the camera moves in on Xena, Gabrielle, and Haimon, with Ares and Nymphidius standing in the background. Gabrielle leans against Haimon, who puts his arm around her. Xena squeezes his shoulder. The camera zooms in on her face as she mouths a silent "Thank you," then pans to show Sabina disappear over the ridge.

DISSOLVE TO

The battle. People are fighting fiercely, the clash of metal, the screams of men echoing in the air.

CUT TO

Zenobia gallops through the battlefield, cutting down Romans around her.

CUT TO

Titus, on horseback, surveys the battlefield. Sabina rides up to join him.

TITUS (not looking at her):
      Finish this, Sabina.

Sabina looks at him.

TITUS:
      Go after the queen. (looks at her) Win this for Rome.

CUT TO

A room in the palace in Palmyra. Hairan watches the distant battle from the window, looking worried. The servants, clearly frightened, huddle behind him.

CUT TO

Zenobia on her horse. Sabina rides toward her. As she approaches, Zenobia draws her sword.

SABINA (taunting):
     The great Palmyran Queen.

Sabina draws her sword.

ZENOBIA:
     We finally meet.

Zenobia dismounts, so does Sabina. They begin to circle each other.

ZENOBIA:
     By sundown, my people will be free. And you'll be dead.

SABINA:
     Or you will be.

They continue circling, eyeing each other, watching each other's every movement, every sound. Then Zenobia swings, Sabina dodges the blade and the fight begins.

Sabina pushes Zenobia back and swings. Zenobia dodges under the blade and whirls around, kicking out her foot and hitting Sabina in the side. Sabina moves back--Zenobia charges and jumps up, sending out another powerful kick that just misses Sabina's head as she ducks under it.

Their swords clash a few times, dancing around each other. Sabina lunges toward Zenobia and she moves out of the way.

Zenobia attacks her and Sabina parries the blow. Sabina kicks her back, but not without Zenobia's sword scraping her across her arm. Sabina looks at the wound, then back at Zenobia. Zenobia reaches down and pulls out two small daggers attached to her belt. She throws them at Sabina with lightning speed, but she dodges each one, using her sword to deflect them. Zenobia snarls and charges again. This time, Zenobia is able to knock Sabina back slightly, causing her to lose her footing. Sabina staggers and Zenobia charges again, pushing her to the ground. She punches Sabina in the face and Sabina kicks back, but Zenobia blocks her foot.

Zenobia, in rage, raises her sword and brings it down, cutting Sabina's other arm. Sabina cries out a moment, and tries to push back almost desperately but Zenobia has her firmly pinned to the ground, her foot on her chest.

Their eyes meet for a moment, then Zenobia raises her sword. Just as she's about to bring it down, she hesitates, staring into Sabina's eyes. It's enough of a pause to allow Sabina to regain herself. She pushes forward with her foot, kicking Zenobia in the stomach, knocking her backwards and losing the grip on her sword. Sabina stands up, looming over Zenobia.

There is uncertainty in Sabina's eyes as well; then, determined, she raises her sword and brings it down. The screen goes black.

DISSOLVE TO

The battlefield, some time later. The battle is over; soldiers, Roman and Palmyran, are gathering their dead.

CUT TO

Titus stands under the Roman banners, the city walls visible behind him. Sabina comes up; behind her, two soldiers bring a chained, silent Zenobia.

TITUS:
     Well done, Sabina.

Sabina nods in response.

SABINA:
     Just doing my job.

TITUS:
     And doing it well. We'll be bringing her back for the triumphal march--and that deserter.

SABINA:
     Not the deserter, I'm afraid.

TITUS (scowls):
     What.

SABINA:
     The Palmyrans must have helped him escape; I saw him on the battlefield, fighting on their side. Don't worry--he didn't get away from me.

She takes Haimon's pendant off her belt, now smeared with blood.

TITUS:
     The body...?

SABINA:
      Trampled by horses--there's not much left of it. But you'll know this. (She hands the pendant to Titus.)

TITUS (takes it):
     Oh yes--his mother's bracelet, was it? (he chuckles) Good work. (He hands the pendant back to Sabina) You can keep it as a trophy. Come on, let's pay a visit to the palace.

As he walks toward the city gates, with Zenobia led behind him, Sabina shrugs and drops the necklace in the sand before following Titus.

Pan down to show the necklace lying in the sand. The wind picks up and covers the necklace partially with sand.

DISSOLVE TO

The throne room in the Palmyra palace. As Titus strides in, with Sabina behind him and Zenobia led in chains, Hairan comes forward and kneels.

HAIRAN:
     General Titus.

Suddenly, Zenobia breaks free, bolts forward and springs toward him. He leaps to his feet. Zenobia manages to grab his throat.

ZENOBIA:
     Traitor! It's because of you that we've lost! You should have been by my side!

HAIRAN:
     What you were doing was madness!

ZENOBIA:
     I was fighting for freedom! You chose to be a slave to Rome!

With manacled hands, she manages to reach around his throat.

HAIRAN (terrified):
     Zenobia, stop!

ZENOBIA (hisses in his ear):
     Fool. What better way to show them you're loyal.

Understanding dawns in his face, even as the soldiers pull her off him.

HAIRAN (wheezing and rubbing his throat):
      I beg you, do not punish the people of Palmyra for my cousin's reckless actions! They too suffered at her hands. If you leave me in charge of the city as before, I swear I will keep the peace.

Zenobia snarls and spits toward him.

TITUS:
      I'm not taking any chances.

Out of his line of sight, Zenobia winces in disappointment. Hairan looks dejected.

TITUS:
      You can stay on as ruler of Palmyra. But you'll answer to a Roman procurator, and we'll keep a legion stationed here. (motioned toward Zenobia) She goes back to Rome, with the rest of our prisoners.

HAIRAN (bows):
     Thank you for your mercy. (to Zenobia) As much as you may hate me, I intend to take care of our people.

TITUS:
      Take her away.

As Zenobia is led away, she turns and gives Hairan one final look, a touch of wistfulness in her eyes. He watches her sadly.

CUT TO

Morning. The Elijans are camped outside the caves where they stayed before. Gabrielle is rocking Samuel in her arms; Haimon sits next to her, with Darion beside them. Xena is talking to some Elijans while Ares sits next to her, sharpening his sword (and occasionally catching disapproving looks from the Elijans).

DARION (to Haimon):
     So the Romans aren't after you anymore?

HAIMON (looks down at him):
     Not anymore.

DARION:
     And you'll stay with us?

HAIMON (pauses, looks at Gabrielle and smiles a little, then pulls Darion toward him):
     I'll stay.

Darion smiles and wraps his arms around Haimon's waist. Haimon looks at Gabrielle again. She squeezes his arm.

Pan over to Xena.

XENA (to the Elijans):
     I spoke to Hairan last night. He'll answer to the Romans, but he will have enough power to protect his people--and you. You'll be safe in Palmyra.

ELIJAN ELDER:
     Thank you for all your help.

ARES:
     I still can't believe you missed out on a good battle, Xena. (nods toward the Elijans) Those peace lovers must have rubbed off on you.

XENA (shakes her head as she replies in a serious tone, not a bantering one):
     It wasn't our fight. Zenobia had to be stopped--even if the Romans had to be the ones to do it.

Gabrielle turns toward her, pondering this.

GABRIELLE:
      It's strange... Zenobia waited so long to get her city back. And when she did...she lost it again because she could not let go of her hate.

SIRAN (off-camera):
     Xena! Gabrielle! Here they come!

Pan to Siran, looking back at Xena from the top of a dune where she is sitting. Xena and Gabrielle go to join her, Haimon and Ares following behind them.

An overhead shot of the Romans marching through the desert. Pan down to show Sabina riding next to a chained Zenobia, who stares stonily ahead.

PAN TO

Xena, Gabrielle and Siran watching from the top of the dune, lying low.

As if sensing their presence, Sabina looks up. Her eyes meet Xena's in silent understanding--and then Siran's. The two women share a long look tinged with sadness, each knowing that this is goodbye.

Zenobia, too, looks up and fixes Xena with a furious glare that Xena meets with an equally hard expression. Then, Zenobia turns to stare ahead, her face a mask of bitter resignation. Sabina casts one last look toward Xena, Gabrielle and Siran, then looks forward as she rides with her legion. There is no joy in her face, only a calm acceptance of duty and destiny.

The Romans march on. Haimon comes up with baby Samuel in his arms and sits down next to Gabrielle as we:

FADE OUT

THE END

[Zenobia's anger management problems were not helped during the production of this motion picture.]

Xena: Warrior Princess Shipper Seasons Season 10 Episode 8 Liberation Story By: Aurora Written By: Aurora Edited By: LadyKate Collage By: Aurora Images Gathered By: Aurora Cast Xena Lucy Lawless Gabrielle Renee O'Connor Ares Kevin Smith Darion Alexander Gandar Haimon Michael Vartan Siran Ebonie Smith Zenobia Gina Torres Sabina Jennifer Garner Titus Rich Harrmen Harian Tony Hopkins Original Airdate September 20, 2014 Zenobia's anger management problems were not helped during the production of this motion picture. DEDICATED TO KEVIN SMITH All characters and storylines that have appeared in the syndicated series Xena: Warrior Princess are a copyright and trademark of Universal and Renaissance Pictures. No infringement was intended during the writing of this script. All original characters and storylines are a copyright of the respective authors and of the Shipper Seasons. No script may be reproduced on a website elsewhere without the author's consent. © Shipper Seasons www.shipperseasons.com

This script is provided by GDev Resources.