FADE IN

Pan slowly through the bustling city of stone. The place looks very wealthy, with a cobblestone main street and a marketplace full of all kinds of fruit, spices, cured meats and other foods, vendors selling silk garments, jewelry and other exotic items. People are dressed simply but elegantly, the women's hair up in fashionable hairstyles and neatly trimmed, the men clean shaven. Most of the people are rather dark-skinned, though there is clearly a mix of different ethnicities.

There is an aqueduct that runs along the main street leading to a large pool in the center of town where it deposits the water. A large, ornate stone fountain with detailed scroll work is at the pool's center. People are around it, drinking and talking.

The buildings show the heavy influence of Roman architecture, in the subtle scroll work and colonnades--in fact, the place, from the buildings to the people's clothing, has a very Roman look.

Among the harmony of the city, there is one building that has been demolished and a group of people are working on cleaning up the rubble. Several guards stand around, watching, and as they do, some of the people working look up and don't look happy.

DISSOLVE TO

The exterior of a grand palace.

CUT TO

Inside the palace. The decorations are elegant and rich but not ostentatious. A few guards stand along the walls with spears, in uniforms of brown leather accented with gold.

The camera tracks down the hallway until the faint voices of a woman and a man in a heated argument can be heard.

CUT TO

Inside the main palace chamber. Pan around the wealthy room, tapestries on the walls that are made partially with gold threads, potted ferns in every corner. One side of the room opens on a canopied balcony with a grand view of the bustling city below.

A man comes walking into view and then turns abruptly to look at Zenobia, who is standing on the steps of a throne. He looks a few years younger than she is, but equally regal, with a small headband of gold around his head and wearing robes of gold, tan and purple.

MAN:
     You can't do this, Zenobia.

ZENOBIA (haughtily):
     I am the rightful queen of this city, Hairan. I can do as I please.

Zenobia goes to walk past him but he grabs her arm. She turns and they look into each other's eyes for a brief, tense moment. Hairan lets go of her arm.

HAIRAN (sighs):
     It's good to have you back, cousin. I didn't think... (looks down) ...I'd ever see you again. But you've been back for less than a month and already, you're trying to turn back time. You can't just pick up where you left off and expect people to accept it...It doesn't work like that.

ZENOBIA (angry):
     You let them (she says the word with contempt, pointing toward a bust of the Emperor Vespasian standing on a small pedestal by the balcony) colonize this city. I walk through the streets, I don't even see Palmyra anymore. I see Rome. (steps closer to him) I came back because my city needs me once again. And it will be mine as soon as Rome is gone from here...for good.

Zenobia turns to walk out, the fabric of her robe flapping behind her. Hairan stands silent for a moment.

HAIRAN (from behind):
     And are you willing to condemn your own people to achieve your goal?

Zenobia stops and looks back.

ZENOBIA (contemptuously):
      Because the Romans will be back with their armies?

HAIRAN (walks up to her, then stops):
     No, not just because of that. Roman influence has been good for this city. Trade, medicine, schooling for our children--everything has flourished. The Romans have done some good here, Zenobia.

ZENOBIA:
     We can do all this for ourselves. Face it, Hairan--you're afraid.

HAIRAN:
     All right--so I am. I don't want to see this city nearly destroyed again.

Zenobia stands silent, her expression unreadable.

HAIRAN (steps closer and puts a hand on her shoulder):
     I understand your hatred for the Romans, after everything they did to you. But you must think of your people.

Zenobia steps back and glares at him, then turns around abruptly and walks out.

ZENOBIA (as she walks away):
     I am thinking of my people.

Pan around to show Hairan's frowning, worried face.

CUT TO

Zenobia walks out into a courtyard of the palace, where a few guards are waiting with about a dozen Romans chained together. As Zenobia approaches, the guards push down the Romans, forcing them to kneel before her.

GUARD:
      The prisoners, my queen.

Zenobia surveys them arrogantly. Some of them look like common soldiers or citizens but one has the bearings of an officer, with an insignia on his armor. His face is bloodied but he looks vaguely familiar.

ZENOBIA (looks up at the guard):
      Take them to the dungeon.

The guards haul the men to their feet. They do not struggle but as they are marched past Zenobia, the officer suddenly turns toward her.

OFFICER (defiant):
      The Romans take care of their own. Remember that when they return, tearing down the city gates.

The guards start to drag him away but Zenobia gestures to them to stop.

ZENOBIA (to the officer):
          Have I met you before?

OFFICER:
      Perhaps. I fought against you at Moesia where you and your barbarian allies would have slaughtered thousands of innocents.

ZENOBIA:
      At Moesia. You fought at Livia's side? (off his silent glare) What is your name?

OFFICER:
      Nymphidius.

We now recognize him as Livia/Eve's old teacher.

ZENOBIA:
      I'll remember that name--if I need to make an example of one of the prisoners.

She gestures to the guards to take the prisoners away.

CUT TO

The desert, the sun beating down.

CUT TO

A Roman army is seen marching across the desert. Many of the men are on foot but there are cavalry as well. At the head of the line is Titus. Another horse comes riding up beside the group, a woman in bronze armor and a red and tan cape flapping behind her. She heads for the front of the line and slows her horse to meet Titus' pace. She looks at him. It's Sabina.

TITUS:
     Any news of the deserter?

SABINA:
     There are reports he was spotted not too far from here. I sent a squad of men. It won't be long before we have him.

TITUS:
     And make an example of him.

Sabina gives him a thoughtful look.

SABINA:
     The legion from Caesarea will join us tomorrow.

TITUS:
     Good. (firm) Zenobia must be stopped.

Sabina stares at him for a moment.

SABINA:
     For the glory of Rome.

TITUS:
     There is no other glory.

CUT TO

Xena, Gabrielle and Ares are walking along a road leading their horses. Darion is walking next to Gabrielle, who has Samuel strapped to her chest. Siran and the Elijans walk alongside them.

GABRIELLE:
     So Zenobia is really back... (doubtfully) Well, if she has reclaimed her city--that's good, isn't it?

XENA:
     She was ruthless at Moesia.

SIRAN (to Xena and Gabrielle):
     She was a good queen. (she pauses, reminiscing) My mother was a servant in her palace. Then, the Romans came, captured the queen and conquered the city, and I and many others were taken to be slaves in Rome. I was very young then, and I don't remember much about her; but I remember my mother saying how kind and wise and generous she was.

They walk in silence for a moment.

XENA:
     She is not the same woman she was, Siran. She was a prisoner for years.

SIRAN (quietly):
     So was I.

Xena and Gabrielle exchange a silent look.

GABRIELLE:
     It hasn't made you bitter and hateful.

Xena stops walking, her attention drawn away from them. Gabrielle notices she's stopped and looks in the direction Xena is looking.

XENA (suddenly points ahead):
      Look.

The camera pans for a long shot of a rider in the distance, galloping across the sand. He is wearing a brown cloak and a hood. It looks like his horse is getting tired and stumbling a bit. A group of Romans in hot pursuit come into view as well.

Pan back to Xena, Gabrielle, and Ares as they exchange a look and stop, as do Siran and the Elijans.

GABRIELLE (looks at Darion):
     Darion, take Samuel.

She hands the baby to Darion, then reaches down toward the sais in her boots.

XENA:
      Gabrielle. (Gabrielle looks up at her) Ares and I can handle this.

Gabrielle hesitates a moment, then looks at Darion and Samuel in his arms. She stands up and nods.

GABRIELLE:
      All right.

XENA:
      This won't take long.

She and Ares mount their horses and ride off as Gabrielle watches.

CUT TO

Xena and Ares ride toward the Romans, cutting them off from the man they are chasing and forcing them to a halt. A tall man who seems to be the leader of the group glares at them.

ROMAN OFFICER:
     What do you think you're doing? You are interfering in Roman affairs.

XENA (drawing her sword):
      Well--it's all in a day's work.

CUT TO

Gabrielle watches from a distance while Xena and Ares, still on horseback, engage the Romans. Then she looks at the man riding away.

CUT TO

Xena charges the Romans with a loud "Yah!" as Argo neighs. She flips off Argo and lands across from a few Romans.

Ares is fighting two of the Romans, dodging a swing from one and then the other.

The leader, who hangs back, nods toward two other Romans. They ride off while Xena and Ares are preoccupied with the rest. Xena glances up, grabs her chakram and is about to throw it at them but one of the Romans crashes into her, and they both go tumbling down into the sand.

CUT TO

The rider gallops near a dead tree.

Pan to one of his Roman pursuers shooting an arrow at him. Spooked, the horse rears, throwing the man to the ground, and then gallops off.

Pull back to show Gabrielle watching. She sees the two Romans quickly riding toward the fallen man. Xena and Ares are locked in a fight with the others and unable to help.

Gabrielle grabs the bridle of her horse, preparing to mount, when suddenly she stops, as if thinking for a second. She looks toward the group of Elijans standing with Darion. One of the men is holding a walking staff, ornate symbols and scroll work along the upper half of it.

Gabrielle comes up to him and nods toward the staff.

GABRIELLE:
     Can I borrow that?

The Elijan looks at her, surprised.

CUT TO

Xena swings at a Roman and he jumps back, his sword meeting her own. They get in a few good swings until Xena is able to push on his sword hard enough that she forces it downward and the two of them halt the fight for a moment, their blades locked.

ROMAN (breathing hard):
     Back off before it's too late. This is none of your business. The man we're chasing is a deserter from the Roman army.

Zoom in on Xena's shocked face. Then, with a harsh cry, she lifts her sword and charges again, and after sparring briefly runs the Roman through. She looks over her shoulder to see Gabrielle riding toward the Romans who've nearly caught up to the man.

DISSOLVE TO

The Romans riding toward the fallen man, who is not moving and seems unconscious. Gabrielle comes galloping toward them, holding the staff in one hand. She catches up to one of the Romans and raises the staff, swinging it hard and knocking the Roman off his horse. He tumbles to the ground and rolls as the horse continues to gallop away.

The Roman in front of him hears the noise and looks back, seeing Gabrielle behind him, the staff headed straight for his head. He quickly turns his horse around and stops. As Gabrielle swings toward him, he ducks out of the way. The Roman grabs the end of the staff and yanks on it, pulling Gabrielle off her horse. Still holding onto the staff, she flips through the air in a pinwheel motion; the Roman is also pulled off his horse and lets go of the staff as he makes a rather wobbly landing in the sand. Meanwhile, Gabrielle lands firmly on the ground between the Romans and the man who'd fallen off his horse, the staff gripped tightly in her hands and a look of determination on her face.

CUT TO

Roman #2 draws his sword while Gabrielle watches him closely. When he swings, she counters the attack with the middle of her staff, then does a move similar to her staff-wielding days of the past: swings it left and right, under arm, and then punches him in the stomach with the end of the staff. The Roman staggers back.

CUT TO

The fallen man in the sand. Regaining consciousness, he slowly looks up and we see that it's Haimon. Through his eyes, we see the blurry scene of Gabrielle facing off against the Roman, swinging the staff. Haimon blinks and the scene becomes more clear.

HAIMON (bewildered):
      Gabrielle...?

CUT TO

Behind the Roman Gabrielle is fighting, the other Roman that she had knocked off his horse charges forward. The two Romans attack her at once and she kicks out, using the staff to block their blades. She swings the staff over her head, spins around and with a powerful force, knocks both Romans down at the same time. They fall, unconscious.

Breathing hard, she looks at the Romans and then at the staff in her hands, thoughtfully. Then she turns toward the man on the ground and meets Haimon's stare. The camera zooms in on her face; she looks stunned.

GABRIELLE (whispers):
     Haimon...

Recovering from shock, she rushes toward him and kneels at his side.

HAIMON (weakly):
      It's really you...I thought I was seeing things...

Gabrielle reaches out to touch his hand. When she does, they freeze for a brief moment, looking at each other, her eyes expressing mixed emotions: relief, surprise and tenderness.

GABRIELLE:
     Let's get you out of here.

She stands, and holds out her hand to help him to his feet. He gets up but then immediately bends over, holding his hand to his side. Gabrielle frowns with concern. She pulls his hand back and finds it bloody.

HAIMON:
     I'll-- (weakening, his knees give out and he collapses, Gabrielle catching him before he hits the ground) --be all right.

GABRIELLE (concerned but trying not to show it):
     As soon as we get you fixed up, you will be.

Xena's battle cry sounds and Gabrielle and Haimon look up. Xena and Ares are fighting the Romans in the distance.

CUT TO

Xena and Ares are fighting the Romans back to back; simultaneously, and in a similar graceful, fluid, but ferocious motion, each strikes down a Roman soldier. Two other soldiers start to back away, holding out their swords to keep Xena and Ares at bay.

Zoom on Xena and Ares. They are breathing hard, their eyes glittering, clearly caught up in the fight.

Xena whips around to see two more Romans galloping straight at them. With a yell, she launches herself into a leap, flips and does a V-kick, knocking both men out of the saddle.

As they land in the sand, the camera pans up to show Ares standing over them pointing a sword at each--his own, and one obviously taken from a Roman.

ARES (nonchalant):
     Had enough?

The terrified men back away, then scramble to their feet and run to their horses. The other Romans who are still standing get on horseback as well and ride away.

Xena and Ares exchange a look.

ARES (grins):
     Like you said, all in a day's work.

Xena grins back at him.

CUT TO

Under the lone dead tree that provides little shade, Gabrielle and Haimon are sitting together. The staff is propped up against the trunk of the tree. Haimon's shirt has been removed to expose the cut at his side. Gabrielle puts some water from a waterskin on a wet cloth, dabbing it lightly against the wound. Haimon winces.

GABRIELLE (as she tends to the wound):
     Sorry...I wish I'd--we'd found you before they did.

HAIMON (gives her a puzzled look):
     What do you mean?

GABRIELLE (sighs):
      Xena and I...we heard that the Romans were on your trail.

HAIMON (surprised and moved):
     You were coming to help me.

Gabrielle looks up, meeting his eyes.

GABRIELLE:
     I had to. You're--

There is a long pause during which both of them look at each other and then avert their eyes in the uncomfortable silence. Gabrielle takes a bandage and wraps it around his torso, covering the wound and tying the bandage on the other side.

GABRIELLE:
     That should help for now but we need to clean it properly and stitch it up before it becomes infected.

Haimon grabs his shirt lying beside him.

HAIMON:
     Thanks.

Gabrielle gives him a small nod, and they stare at each other as if wanting to say more.

XENA (off-camera):
     Gabrielle.

Gabrielle turns to see Xena and Ares walking up. Ares is leading his own horse and Xena's, while Xena is leading one of the Romans' horses.

XENA (in a neutral tone):
     Hello, Haimon. (after a pause, gives the horse's bridle a slight tug) Thought you could use this.

HAIMON (nods):
     Thank you...Xena.

He and Ares exchange a silent nod.

DISSOLVE TO

Xena, Ares, Gabrielle, and Haimon stand with the group of Elijans. Darion is still holding Samuel.

XENA:
     There's a village not far from here. We can stop there to get the medicines we need.

GABRIELLE (to Haimon):
     We should go.

Gabrielle turns to look at the Elijan man she'd taken the staff from, and holds it out to him.

GABRIELLE:
      Thanks for the loan.

The Elijan man looks at the staff and then back at her.

ELIJAN MAN:
      Keep it. (Gabrielle opens her mouth to speak but the man preempts her) I saw you fighting with it. It was like it was made for you.

GABRIELLE (surprised):
     You'd give it to me, as a weapon? But the Elijans don't believe in violence.

ELIJAN MAN (smiles):
     We may not like to admit it to ourselves, but in the world we live in, sometimes those who do not fight only have their lives, and their freedom, thanks to those who do. You and Xena have defended us many times over the years. Perhaps this is the least we can give back.

Gabrielle, moved, pulls the staff back.

GABRIELLE:
      Thank you.

The Elijan man nods warmly. Gabrielle looks at the staff. Pan around to show Xena watching her thoughtfully.

DISSOLVE TO

A long shot of the group of travelers: Xena and Ares riding ahead, Gabrielle and Haimon behind them, with Samuel in a sling strapped across her chest. Darion, Siran and the Elijans are walking.

Medium close-up of Gabrielle and Haimon riding side by side.

HAIMON (softly and a little timidly):
     So...how have you been?

GABRIELLE (glances at him):
     Same old, same old, I suppose.

HAIMON (looks at Samuel):
     He's getting big.

GABRIELLE:
     He is. (after a pause) And how have you been?

HAIMON:
     I've been doing a lot of thinking.

Gabrielle nods and then turns her head away. There is a long silence.

GABRIELLE (quietly):
     You've...missed a lot. (pause) Your son...

HAIMON (looks down):
     I know.

GABRIELLE (finishing):
     ...doesn't even know his father.

HAIMON (raises his eyes with a guilty look):
     Do you think I don't regret that? You know why I had to stay away; if we had been together, the Romans would have been a danger to you, too. (pause) And to him. I had to leave.

Gabrielle sighs and looks down.

GABRIELLE (reflective):
     I guess we've all had to make hard choices.

Haimon gives her a long, heavy look. They continue riding. Samuel wakes up and starts to whimper; Gabrielle rocks him and shushes him.

CUT TO

Overhead view of the desert. From a distance, a camp can be seen set up near an oasis, tents positioned around scattered trees and small pools. Zoom in to show that there are men walking around in armor, swords and shields glinting in the sunlight. Two large purple and gold banners are staked into the ground on the outskirts of the camp with letters that read "S. P. Q. R." This is a Roman camp.

CUT TO

The Romans that Xena and Ares fought are standing before Sabina in front of her tent. Most have cuts and bruises, some hastily bandaged wounds.

SABINA (twirling a dagger in her hand):
     You failed.

ROMAN (his head down):
     They were too much for us.

SABINA:
     Really? How many were there?

The Romans exchange nervous looks; at last one of them speaks.

ROMAN #2 (nervous):
     Two. (Quickly continues) Who fought like two dozen! A fierce warrior woman and a man in black leather. (A touch of admiration in his voice, despite his nervousness) They were amazing. I've never seen anyone fight like that.

Sabina stops, contemplating this. Then she looks at the Roman and nods.

SABINA:
     Go. Take a dozen reinforcements and go after him before the tracks go cold. We're too close to let him get away again.

The Romans nod, salute and then exit the tent.

Once they are gone, Sabina turns around.

SABINA (with a small smile):
     Xena. We meet again. What a surprise.

CUT TO

Xena, Gabrielle, Ares, Darion and Haimon are riding. Siran and the Elijans are walking beside them. Haimon begins to smile as he sees the village in the distance.

CUT TO

As they approach the village, the smile on Haimon's face begins to fade, giving way to a look of shock, then dismay.

Pan to a charred pile of blackened wood and sand, the remnants of where a house once stood.

HAIMON (whispers):
     No...

He pulls his horse to a stop, then dismounts and runs toward the house. Behind him, Gabrielle can be seen doing the same.

Haimon turns and looks toward the center of the village. The camera pans to show about two dozen villagers gathered around a dying funeral pyre, while others are walking away, their heads hanging in sadness. A young couple walks past Haimon; the woman's head is resting on the man's shoulder, her cheeks stained with tears. The young man comforts her by wrapping his arm around her as they walk.

GABRIELLE (to Haimon):
      What happened?

He shakes his head silently and slowly walks toward the group of people. Some of them pass by him and look up. Their expressions suddenly turn from sadness to hostility; a man, two women, and a little girl give him nasty, silent stares as they pass him by. He sees their looks and is unnerved by them but continues forward.

As the crowd thins, Haimon stops near the pyre to watch. From the back, he sees the family he had stayed with by the pyre, minus one. He sees the grandmother kneeling, and Orren in her arms. Orren has buried his face in her shoulder, crying uncontrollably. A middle-aged woman stands next to the grandmother. Faintly, Haimon can hear her speak.

MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN:
      You've said your goodbyes. (bends over, putting a hand on the grandmother's shoulder, gently) Come on. My home is open to you for as long as you need. We'll get through this.

The grandmother nods and stands, picking up the boy slowly. He wraps his arms around her neck and rests his chin on her shoulder--and sees Haimon standing there, watching them.

Suddenly, the boy's tear-stained face is distorted with rage. He struggles and the grandmother puts him down.

GRANDMOTHER (startled):
      Orren, what--

Without a word, he races past the grandmother and she turns, as does the middle-aged woman next to her. They watch as the boy rushes toward Haimon and starts hitting him with his fists. Haimon backs away, startled and distressed. The grandmother stands in shock, looking at Haimon.

ORREN (through tears):
     It's all your fault! You killed him!

Gabrielle walks up next to Haimon. She grabs Orren's hands as he continues to thrash about and kneels down so that she's at eye level with him.

GABRIELLE (trying to understand):
     What happened?

ORREN (still crying):
     He brought the Romans here!

He looks up at Haimon and throws something hard at him. It's a metal object that hits his chest and Haimon catches it. He holds it up. It's the Roman medallion he'd lost before when he left the house in a hurry. Haimon's face falls.

ORREN (off-camera):
     They came, destroyed our home and killed my dad because he would not say where you were. (quick shot of the boy's face in close-up) It's all your fault!

CUT TO

Xena, Ares, Siran and Darion watch the scene from a distance. Close up of Xena's sympathetic expression and then of Darion who looks almost as if he could cry himself and lowers his head.

CUT TO

Gabrielle looks at Haimon. Haimon turns to look at the grandmother who hasn't moved from her spot. Her look is bitter and heartbroken.

HAIMON (sincere):
     I'm sorry.

She stares at Haimon, shakes her head silently, and turns away without saying a word.

Pull back to show Haimon as he looks back toward Gabrielle. There are tears in his eyes.

DISSOLVE TO

Close-up of the medallion in Haimon's hand, and then his fist closing around it, clenching tightly.

Pull back to show Haimon turn around and walk quickly past Gabrielle and away from the house. She turns to look after him.

DISSOLVE TO

Under the branches of a tree, Haimon sits on the ground, holding the medallion in his hands.

A shadow falls on him but he does not look up. Pan around to show Gabrielle standing there.

GABRIELLE:
     I'm sorry, Haimon.

Haimon doesn't respond. Gabrielle kneels down.

HAIMON (looks at the medallion angrily):
     I should have gotten rid of this thing the moment I left the army.

Gabrielle reaches out to touch his hand. He lets her do so for a brief moment then moves away, suddenly upset.

HAIMON:
     Now you understand.

GABRIELLE:
     What?

HAIMON:
     That this is exactly why I had to leave.

GABRIELLE:
     Haimon--

HAIMON (stands, angrier):
     I've sealed my fate by joining the Romans. They will never stop looking for me. Never. I will always be a wanted man.

GABRIELLE:
     What are you saying?

HAIMON (looks her in the eye, his anger giving way to regret and sadness):
     That we can never be together. I'm sorry.

Before Gabrielle has a chance to say anything, Haimon walks off. Gabrielle watches him go, her expression uncertain, wistful, and worried.

CUT TO

Gabrielle and Xena are standing inside a house. There are small jars of medicines on the shelves; clearly, the person living here is a healer. In the background, an elderly woman can be seen kneeling before a large chest and rummaging in it.

Gabrielle looks out the window. The destroyed house can be seen from where she stands. Haimon is sitting on the ground, obviously lost in thought.

GABRIELLE (to Xena but still looking out the window):
     It's my fault.

XENA (startled):
     What?

GABRIELLE:
     Haimon. If I had only told him I was with child..

XENA:
     Gabrielle--

GABRIELLE (finishing):
     ...none of this would be happening now. He never would have joined the Romans, he would have been there when our son was born...

XENA (sighs):
     Gabrielle...there are many what-ifs in the lives we lead, we both know that. What matters is making the best of what we've got.

Gabrielle sighs and then looks at Xena, smiling a little.

GABRIELLE:
     Sometimes you know just what to say.

XENA (tilts her head affectionately):
     A gift I got from you.

The woman gets up and comes toward them carrying a vial and a roll of thread.

GABRIELLE:
     Thank you.

WOMAN:
      Now I suggest you be on your way. (bitterly) Your friend has brought enough trouble. We don't want any more.

Gabrielle nods, looking out the window again.

CUT TO

Xena and Gabrielle come out of the house. Gabrielle stares at the charred remains of the house, then at Haimon sitting under the tree.

GABRIELLE (pensively):
      I wonder...

XENA:
     What?

GABRIELLE:
      Making the best of what we've got... What if that isn't good enough?

Xena gives her a worried look and puts a hand on her shoulder.

CUT TO

Xena, Gabrielle (with Samuel), Haimon, Ares, Darion, Siran and the Elijans are leaving the village, their horses in tow.

DISSOLVE TO

The sun is low in the sky. Xena, Gabrielle, Haimon, Darion, Ares and the Elijans are making camp near a cliff with natural arches, scattered caves and spires. Shrubs, low to the ground, grow out of the rocky red soil surrounding the cliff.

CUT TO

Gabrielle is filling a flask from a spring nestled amongst a few rocks under a shady arch. She takes a drink and then soaks a cloth in the water.

CUT TO

Inside one of the larger caves. There are several interlocking caves to the right, left and back, some smaller and more inaccessible than others, one of them leading out into a cluster of stone arches outside.

Gabrielle is sitting on a stone with Haimon beside her; she is stitching up his wound with the thread she'd gotten from the healer. Some rays from the dying sun are shining into the cave from cracks in the cliff wall, bathing parts of it in a soft glow. Samuel is lying on the ground on a blanket, sleeping.

Close-up on Haimon as he flinches at the pain from the needle. There is silence as Gabrielle takes the wet cloth and presses it to the wound.

HAIMON (quietly, his mind far away):
     Thank you.

GABRIELLE (looks up at him):
     Of course. (nods toward the wound) You're good to go. (trying to be lighthearted) Maybe ease up on the fighting for a while, though.

Haimon nods. He looks down at Samuel.

HAIMON (distant):
     Must be nice to have no cares in the world..

Gabrielle gives him a long, sad look, then her gaze follows his and they look down at their sleeping child together.

GABRIELLE (quietly):
     It must be...

DISSOLVE TO

Outside. Haimon is kneeling beside a few shrubs, digging a small hole in the ground. He takes the medallion and puts it in the hole, then covers it up. Pan back to show Gabrielle watching him; then she slowly walks up.

GABRIELLE:
      We're going to stay here for the night, then head out in the morning.

HAIMON (not looking at her):
      I should leave.

GABRIELLE (gives him a startled look):
      To go where?

HAIMON (still not looking at her):
     It doesn't matter. I'm nothing but a danger to you.

GABRIELLE (sighs, losing her patience):
     You can't keep running from your problems, Haimon!

HAIMON (stands and turns to her, exasperated):
     Yes, I can, when my problems happen to be wearing Roman uniforms! Do you want to end up dead like that boy's father?

GABRIELLE (vehemently):
     That is a risk I have dealt with every day since I left my home to join Xena. I've realized that I cannot be so afraid of losing my life that I let it pass me by.

HAIMON:
      And what about the life of our son?

Gabrielle holds silent for a moment, the thoughts sinking in. She can't answer and looks down, conflicted. Finally she raises her eyes.

GABRIELLE:
     Let's just talk about this tomorrow morning, all right?

HAIMON (sighs listlessly):
     Sure.

DISSOLVE TO

The sun sets; night; dawn breaks out.

CUT TO

Morning, just before sunrise--the light has only just begun to show over the horizon.

Inside the large, spacious cave. Siran and the Elijans are camped out on the ground, sleeping on their blankets by a smoldering fire.

Ares is sitting on a rock by the entrance, looking out toward the desert. His sword is at his side, propped up against the rock. He yawns and slumps forward a bit, obviously making an effort to stay awake.

CUT TO

A smaller cave near the back, where Xena is sleeping on her bedroll.

CUT TO

Another cave where Gabrielle, Samuel and Darion are asleep together on the ground.

Pan to a man standing over them, his back to the camera.

Pull back to show that it is Haimon. He is holding a pack, looking down at them. He stares at Gabrielle for a long moment, sadness in his eyes; then his gaze slides toward Samuel, who is sleeping peacefully, sucking his thumb. Haimon gets down on his haunches and lightly strokes the child's head, careful not to wake him. Then he sighs, rises, slings the pack over his shoulder and tiptoes toward the outer cave.

CUT TO

Haimon walks past the sleeping Elijans and stops, looking at Ares from the back. Ares' head is leaning against the wall and he's snoring lightly. Haimon sets his pack down behind a boulder and walks up to Ares.

HAIMON (whispers):
      Hey.

Ares opens his eyes with a start, jumps to his feet and whirls around, instinctively grabbing his sword. Finding Haimon standing in front of him, he breathes a sigh of both relief and exasperation.

ARES (in a loud whisper):
     Sneaking up on the God of War? Not a good idea. Could be hazardous to your health.

HAIMON (with a bitter chuckle):
     Ex-God of War.

ARES (rubs his eyes):
     Whatever.

HAIMON (shrugs):
     Thought I'd give you a break. I can't sleep anyway, and you looked like you could use some more shut-eye before we have to get up.

ARES (defensively):
      Yeah, mortality's kind of exhausting. (yawns) Thanks.

He walks past Haimon and ducks to pass under an arch leading to a connecting cave.

Haimon turns and grabs his pack from behind the boulder and turns toward the entrance, walking out.

Zoom in on Siran. She stirs and sits up, frowning as she sees Haimon walk away.

CUT TO

Outside, the horses are standing near the entrance. Haimon unties one of them, then pauses and looks back.

HAIMON (whispers):
     Goodbye, Gabrielle. Take good care of Samuel.

He turns and walks away with the horse.

CUT TO

Haimon walking, leading the horse. The cliff can be seen at some distance behind him. Dawn is breaking out.

SIRAN (off-camera):
     Haimon!

Haimon stops, whirling around to find Siran coming toward him.

HAIMON:
      What are you doing here?

SIRAN:
      I know what you're doing. (pauses) You're running away. (Haimon goes to speak but Siran cuts him off) You can't. Your child--.

HAIMON:
      You know very well why I'm doing this.

SIRAN:
     But shouldn't you at least--

HAIMON (bitterly):
     I've made up my mind. Stay out of this.

SIRAN:
     I saw you with Gabrielle and your child. I know you care about them...

HAIMON (exasperated):
     Yes, and it's for them that I'm doing this! Go back to camp, Siran.

SIRAN (forcefully):
      No. Not unless you come back with me.

HAIMON:
      Dammit--

SIRAN (points suddenly ahead):
     Look! What is that?

Haimon turns to look. A cloud of dust is approaching down the road. There are riders coming; as they get closer, it is obvious that they are Roman soldiers.

SIRAN (grabs Haimon's arm):
     We must get back to camp!

HAIMON:
     And lead them there so that all your friends can get slaughtered? No, Siran. You go back. I'm going to deal with this on my own.

SIRAN (shocked):
     No!

HAIMON:
     Are you even listening to me?

He gives her a forceful shove, causing her to fall in the sand. She gets up, glancing fearfully at Haimon.

HAIMON (shouting):
     Go!

Siran begins to walk away reluctantly. She hears the Romans ride up and looks back. Haimon stands still as the Romans ride forward. He watches, indifferent and hollow. Siran looks torn.

CUT TO

In the cave. One of the Elijans opens his eyes, stirs and sits up. He looks around, then frowns and nudges one of the other Elijans, who wakes up as well.

ELIJAN #1:
      Where's Siran?

CUT TO

A Roman officer pulls his horse to a halt in front of Haimon, the other Romans stopping behind.

OFFICER (looking at Haimon):
     Are you Haimon, the Greek deserter from the Roman army?

HAIMON (indifferently):
      I am.

OFFICER:
      Then you're under arrest.

In the background, we see Siran running toward Haimon.

HAIMON (steps up and throws down his sword):
     Go ahead and take me. It doesn't matter anymore.

SIRAN (running up):
     No!

Haimon whips around, shaken and angry.

HAIMON (yells):
     Just stay out of this!

CUT TO

The cave. Xena stirs awake as one of the Elijans approaches her. The camera pans up to show that it's the elder who gave Gabrielle his staff.

ELIJAN ELDER:
     We can't find Siran.

Frowning, Xena looks around and sees Ares, fast asleep beside her. She sits up and nudges Ares in the back.

XENA:
      Ares...

Ares sighs and turns over, looking up at her.

XENA:
      Why aren't you on watch?

He sits up on his elbows.

ARES:
      Haimon said--

GABRIELLE (off-camera):
      Xena!

Xena quickly stands and turns. Gabrielle comes walking briskly out of the cave she had been sleeping in, holding Samuel in her arms.

GABRIELLE (concerned):
      Haimon's gone.

Xena looks down at Ares, giving him a disappointed look. Ares looks down, guiltily.

CUT TO

The Romans dismount from their horses, one of them holding some rope. Siran quickly steps between them and Haimon.

SIRAN (holding her hands out, pleading):
     Don't take him. Please, he has a family...

HAIMON (hisses at her):
      Shut up! (to the Romans) She's lying; I have no one.

ROMAN SOLDIER # 1 (rolls eyes):
     I don't really care, one way or the other.

He goes to tie Haimon's hands but Siran tries to stop him. Another Roman grabs her from behind and pulls her away.

ROMAN SOLDIER #2:
     Help a deserter, huh? Well, maybe we'll crucify you right next to him!

Siran struggles and screams.

HAIMON:
     Leave her alone! She hasn't done anything!

ROMAN SOLDIER #2 (grins):
     Too late.

Haimon pushes aside the soldier who was going to bind his hands, picks up his sword which is still lying on the sand, and charges forward to help Siran. A fight breaks out. Haimon kicks one of the Romans and then doubles over in pain from the wound in his side which is bleeding again.

FLASH TO

Inside the cave, by the entrance. Gabrielle, still holding Samuel, and Ares are standing, facing each other. Xena is beside them. Darion is nearby.

GABRIELLE (to Ares, livid):
      How could you let him leave?

ARES:
     I didn't let him do anything. He said he was going to keep watch.

GABRIELLE:
     And you believed him? (scoffs) I thought you'd lost your godhood, not your brain.

ARES (glares):
     Hey.

Xena steps between the two of them, holding a hand out toward Gabrielle and Ares to keep them at a distance.

XENA:
     Come on. We don't have time for this. (looks at Gabrielle) If Haimon was determined to leave, there was nothing we could do. What's important is finding him now.

Gabrielle sighs and nods. She gives Ares an almost apologetic look.

ELIJAN (shouting, off-camera):
      Gabrielle! Come quick!

Gabrielle turns and runs outside, toward the shout. Xena and Ares follow.

FLASH TO

Siran struggles with another Roman who grabs her and is easily able to tie her up and haul her toward a horse, setting her down in front of the saddle. A Roman lands a hard kick to Haimon's face, sending him down and unconscious. They tie his hands and feet and haul him toward a horse as well.

FLASH TO

Gabrielle, Xena, Ares and Darion run out in front of the cliff, where several Elijans are standing. Samuel has begun to cry in Gabrielle's arms but Gabrielle's mind is focused elsewhere.

GABRIELLE (worried):
      What is it?

ELDER ELIJAN:
      The Romans--they took Haimon and Siran. We saw them as they disappeared over those dunes.

Xena and Gabrielle look ahead. There are several rolling sand dunes in the distance.

Zoom in on Gabrielle's face.

GABRIELLE (whispers):
     Haimon...no!

FADE OUT

END OF ACT ONE