FADE IN

With a determined look and no words, Gabrielle turns toward Darion who is standing the closest to her. She urgently pushes Samuel into his arms with a forcefulness that surprises him, and then she runs past Xena and the others, grabs her staff and goes toward her horse. She gets up in the saddle and races after the Romans.

Xena watches a moment, then sprints toward Argo, jumps in the saddle and follows. Darion is left watching them leave, rocking Samuel, attempting to calm him down as he cries.

CUT TO

Gabrielle speeding across the sand in the general direction the Elijan woman had pointed, Xena on her heels.

XENA:
     Gabrielle!

Gabrielle ignores her. The wind begins to pick up, causing the sand to take flight and make visibility more difficult. The shape of the dunes ahead all begin to look the same but Gabrielle presses on.

Xena catches up to Gabrielle, riding alongside, and finally reaches out and grabs the reins of Gabrielle's horse, pulling the horse to a stop.

GABRIELLE (upset):
     Xena! I have to go after them!

XENA:
      We're not even sure which way they went.

GABRIELLE:
      I'll figure it out.

Gabrielle grabs the reigns from Xena but Xena puts a hand on her arm.

XENA:
     What are you going to do? Take them on by yourself?

Gabrielle breathes heavily, looking into the distance. She can't tell which direction they might have gone. Her determination suddenly crumbles into hopelessness. As she turns to look at Xena, her eyes fill with tears.

GABRIELLE:
      I have to get him back, Xena. I can't let them--

XENA (gently):
      We have to get him back. And we will.

She squeezes Gabrielle's hand.

DISSOLVE TO

Xena and Gabrielle ride up to the caves and dismount. Darion and Ares come walking out of one of the caves. The Elijans are off to the side. Gabrielle looks at Darion. He's still holding Samuel. Xena walks up behind Gabrielle and stops.

DARION (coming up):
      He won't stop crying...

Gabrielle looks at the baby.

XENA (softly):
     Your son needs you.

Gabrielle, looking a bit guilty, takes Samuel in her arms and begins to rock him.

CUT TO

The Romans riding over the sand. The camp by the oasis is in front of them.

Siran is walking behind one of the horses, still tied to the rope. Across from her, Haimon walks behind another horse, also tied up. He has a bleeding cut on his forehead from the kick he received. He looks glumly at Siran.

HAIMON:
     I'm sorry. (sighs) You shouldn't have stepped in.

SIRAN:
     I couldn't stand by and let them take you. Eli teaches us to help others.

HAIMON (shakes head):
     I'm not worth helping.

SIRAN (gently but passionately):
     You're wrong.

Haimon looks at her silently.

DISSOLVE TO

At the camp, two Romans lead Haimon toward a large tent. Behind him, another Roman is leading Siran; three others follow.

CUT TO

Inside the tent. One of the Romans pushes Haimon forward. Sabina turns around. Her mouth curves in a small grin.

Haimon watches her silently. Sabina nods toward the other Romans.

SABINA:
     Leave us.

One of the Romans nods in acknowledgment; they head out, leaving Sabina and Haimon alone.

Sabina begins to circle Haimon as if he were a prize stag that had just been killed on a great hunt.

SABINA:
     You didn't think you'd be running forever, did you? (Haimon is silent. ) No matter, we have you now and this time, there is no escape.

She walks toward a table, her back to Haimon.

SABINA:
     So... (turns around) ...we finally get to have a face-to-face talk. (walking toward him.)

CUT TO

Outside the tent, a Roman waits with Siran, whose hands are bound. Siran's eyes widen and she flinches at the sound of Sabina's voice.

SABINA (off-camera, inside the tent):
     It's been a long time coming.

CUT TO

Inside the tent. Sabina walks up to Haimon.

SABINA (continues):
      To think that, years ago, you were chasing me across Greece with a band of wannabe warriors, hoping to capture me and bring me to justice. And look at us now.

HAIMON:
     Look at you. A lackey to a Roman emperor.

SABINA (smiles imperturbably):
     A general in the Roman army. Not quite the same as being my own boss, but still--pretty impressive.

CUT TO

Outside the tent, Siran listens intently.

SABINA (voice from inside the tent):
     You're a fool.

CUT TO

SABINA:
     You deserted from the Romans. What did you think they'd do? Send you a thank-you note.

HAIMON:
     I realized this was not the place for me.

SABINA:
     Then why join them.

HAIMON (thoughtful):
     Because I thought I could do some good--find a purpose. I thought that, with the new Emperor, they really were going to use their power to build a better world. After Jerusalem...I knew I'd been wrong.

SABINA (wryly; it's not clear whether she's being sarcastic or not):
     You know, maybe you're just not looking at the bigger picture. Maybe the Romans are building a better world--it just needs to be built on the wreckage of the old one. Look at everything they've got going for them: wealth, knowledge...power. And if they have to break a few heads or burn a few temples along the way--well! Who said the path to a great future has to be rosy?

HAIMON (stares at her incredulously):
     And you really believe that.

SABINA (laughs lightly):
     Me? When did I say that? I'm not fighting for a better world, or for Rome and her glory. I am always out for myself.

CUT TO

Siran is outside the tent, listening to the faint conversation between Haimon and Sabina. She looks thoughtful.

CUT TO

HAIMON:
     Perhaps you and I are not that different after all.

SABINA (tilts her head with a sarcastic look):
     Really.

HAIMON:
     We both stand by the choices we've made.

Sabina looks down, suddenly thoughtful. There is a long moment of silence.

HAIMON:
     Do whatever you will with me. I deserve it. But let the Elijan go.

SABINA (looks up):
     What Elijan?

HAIMON:
     She was captured when they came for me. I believe she's an old friend of yours.

Slow zoom on Sabina's face as she realizes who he's talking about, a look of surprise and uncertainty in her eyes. After a moment she strides briskly toward the exit, throws the flap aside and looks out.

Pan to Siran as their eyes lock for a brief, intense moment. Before either of them can say anything, a voice off-camera interrupts them.

TITUS (off-camera):
     So. The deserter's been caught.

Pan to Titus approaching, then to Sabina as she flinches slightly and looks at him.

SABINA (curtly and with barely disguised antipathy):
     Yes; he's in my tent.

TITUS (looking pleased):
      Bring him out.

Sabina motions to one of the Roman soldiers. He goes inside the tent and comes out with Haimon, holding him by the arm. Titus steps closer, paying no attention to Siran, and looks Haimon over.

TITUS:
     Welcome back. (pauses) The question is...should we have you executed right here and now as an example to the other soldiers... (he reaches out, grabs Haimon's collar and pulls him closer) ...or save the spectacle for the masses in Rome--and for the emperor.

As he yanks harder for emphasis, the leather string of a necklace around Haimon's neck snaps and the necklace comes off in Titus' hand while Haimon staggers back. Titus examines the object in his hand with puzzlement and distaste; it is a leather band with a woman's bracelet attached to the end of it--the same pendant he had in The Inheritance.

HAIMON:
     No!

Titus gives him an amused, curious look.

HAIMON (his voice a mixture of pleading and defiance):
     Kill me if you must--but do not take this from me.

TITUS (mockingly):
      A gift from your sweetheart?.

HAIMON (with quiet defiance):
     It's the only thing I have left of my mother.

After a moment Titus laughs, looking back at Sabina. Sabina gives a small, forced laugh.

TITUS (looking at Haimon):
     A sentimental sap. More worried about some trinket than the neck it's on. No wonder you couldn't make it in the Roman army.

He drops the necklace at Haimon's feet, then nods toward the Romans.

TITUS:
     Take him away and keep him secure. (noticing Siran) Who's this?

ROMAN SOLDIER #2:
      Some girl who tried to stop us from taking the deserter, Sire.

TITUS:
     She tried to help him, eh? Very well; she'll share his fate.

Pan to a close-up of Sabina. Her face remains hard but there is a flicker of emotion in her eyes.

Titus turns around and walks away. Sabina looks after him, her expression unreadable. Then she turns to the soldiers.

SABINA:
     Put them in one of the storage tents.

ROMAN SOLDIER #1 (nods):
      Yes, Sabina.

Sabina looks at Haimon, then at Siran, obviously pondering something. Then she motions her head toward the necklace lying in the sand.

SABINA:
      Put it back on his neck.

Haimon exhales in surprise and relief. The Romans eye Sabina, obviously taken aback; then, Roman Soldier #3 shrugs, bends down, picks up the pendant, ties the string in a knot and puts it around Haimon's neck. Haimon gives Sabina a small nod of thanks. Sabina turns away; once again, her eyes meet Siran's.

Haimon and Siran are marched away, each of them led by two Romans. Siran turns back to give Sabina one last look.

DISSOLVE TO

Xena, Gabrielle and Ares are riding their horses along a stone road through a rocky landscape.

XENA:
      They'll probably take Haimon to an outpost in one of the nearby villages. We just have to find out where.

GABRIELLE (distracted, after a moment of silence):
      Is it right that I left Samuel back there with the Elijans?

XENA (business-like):
     You wanted to track the Romans. He's better off with them than with us right now. They'll take care of him, and Darion will be there to make sure they do.

Gabrielle nods.

XENA (seeing Gabrielle's hesitation; speaks gently):
     You did the right thing.

GABRIELLE:
     Sometimes, I don't know if I did. (pause) I was so desperate to help Haimon, I made my son cry. What kind of mother does that make me?

XENA (sighs):
      A good one. You love him more than anything, don't you? (Gabrielle nods) You protect him, you make sure he has everything he needs. You'd save him before you'd save yourself. (Gabrielle nods, a little emotional) You're a good mother, Gabrielle.

They ride in silence.

Then, in the distance, they see a large group of people coming toward them.

CUT TO

Close up of the group of people traveling over the sand, at least a few dozen. There are men, women and children. They are all simple townspeople, traveling with a few mules and livestock, a wagon packed to the brim with bags and crates. Some of the people look like they have been in fights, with scratches, bruises but no serious wounds.

Xena, Gabrielle and Ares ride up.

GABRIELLE:
      They look like they've been traveling for a while.

XENA:
      And away from something.

WOMAN (off-camera):
      No, I can't do this anymore!

Xena and Gabrielle look to see a woman in her mid-thirties in a long tan dress and shawl, her brown hair pulled back behind her head under a scarf walking briskly toward the wagon. She's frantic and gets more frustrated searching until she finds the right pack among the pile, pulls it out and turns around to head back in the direction she had just come from.

An elderly woman stands in her path, puts her hands on her shoulders and they begin to talk but we cannot make out the words. The young woman begins to cry and the elderly woman tries to console her until their exchange finally ends when the younger woman breaks down and the elderly woman pulls her into a hug.

Gabrielle, affected by their emotion, dismounts and walks up to them.

GABRIELLE (gently):
     What's wrong?

The two women don't hear her.

MAN (off-camera):
      Her husband is marked for execution.

Shocked, Gabrielle turns around to see a man in his 50's standing behind her.

MAN (continues):
      He's the Roman high priest of Palmyra; to Zenobia, that makes him a public enemy. He and more than a dozen others are to be executed in the palace square at sunset. (nods toward the young woman, with sympathy) She had to leave him behind, to save herself and the children.

Gabrielle shakes her head in dismay.

XENA (off-camera, behind Gabrielle):
      So. Zenobia's going after Roman colonists in high positions. (while she speaks, the camera pans over to her.)

MAN:
      Not just in high positions. All Romans; even natives of Palmyra who have married Romans or adopted their customs. They have no place in Zenobia's city now. It's either leave--or die. And not everyone gets a chance to leave.

GABRIELLE (shakes her head):
     I'm...very sorry.

MAN (bitter):
     Well, good riddance. We'll find a better life somewhere else. (looks back at the two women and sighs) Most of us, at least.

GABRIELLE:
     Where are you headed?

MAN:
     Damascus.

A young boy, about three years old, and a young girl about five years old walk up to the elderly woman as she pulls back from her hug with the younger woman. The boy looks up at them.

YOUNG BOY:
      When will daddy be here?

The elderly woman looks at the younger woman, who has to avert her eyes as she begins to cry again. The elderly woman kneels down in front of the boy and the girl, shielding them from their distraught mother, and puts her hands on their shoulders.

ELDERLY WOMAN (flatly, with a smile that to anyone else but the kids is clearly forced):
      He'll be here soon, darlings. Promise.

Pull back to show Gabrielle and Xena standing side by side, watching.

GABRIELLE:
      Zenobia... (shakes her head) Someone has to stop her.

XENA (grimly):
     Yes, someone does.

Gabrielle gives her a quick look. Xena turns around and walks toward Argo, who's waiting in the background. Gabrielle watches as people continue to walk on.

GABRIELLE (calls out):
      Good luck to you!

Some of the refugees turn to look at her. A few nod or murmur in acknowledgment.

Gabrielle turns to see Xena already in the saddle. She walks over and mounts her own horse.

GABRIELLE:
     So. You're going to Palmyra.

XENA:
     Those people need my help.

GABRIELLE:
     And Haimon needs mine. (thinks, then looks toward the sun) You don't have much time. (looks back at Xena) Go on to Palmyra without me. I'll catch up with you later.

XENA:
     Gabrielle--

GABRIELLE:
     I'm going to track the Romans and find out where they've taken Haimon. The longer we wait, the further away he gets and the closer to death he is. (Xena gives her a look but Gabrielle pre-empts her before she can speak; vehemently) I know I may not be able to save him. But that doesn't mean I'll stop trying as long as there's hope.

XENA (nods reassuringly):
     We'll save him.

GABRIELLE:
     You have to be in Palmyra before sunset. And I cannot afford to wait.

XENA (concealing her worry):
     You're sure you want to do this on your own?

ARES (off-camera):
     She won't be on her own.

Xena turns back to see Ares riding up.

ARES (grins at Gabrielle):
     I'll come with you.

GABRIELLE:
     You...want to come.

ARES:
     Don't act so surprised. Tracking Romans is as good a way as any to spend an evening. If we're lucky, we'll even find some ass to kick... (glances at Xena) while she's out there saving innocents.

Xena thinks about it a moment, then nods.

XENA:
     All right. We meet up at the caves where we stayed last night. (after a pause, looking at Gabrielle, then at Ares) Stay safe.

ARES:
     Don't get into too much trouble without me.

XENA (chuckles):
     Can't make any promises.

She and Ares exchange a brief look that is both tender and playful.

DISSOLVE TO

Xena riding quickly over the stone road.

CUT TO

Inside the tent at the Roman camp. Siran is sitting on the ground, her head down, her hands folded in prayer. On the other side of the pole, Haimon is leaning back, looking up at the roof of the tent.

The flap of the tent opens and light floods in. Haimon turns to look but is unable to see around far enough to recognize who walked in.

Zoom in on Siran, who continues to pray. Then she lowers her hands and looks up, and finds herself looking at Sabina, who is standing over her.

There is a long moment of uncomfortable silence.

SABINA:
     You shouldn't have helped him.

SIRAN:
     You know I had to.

There is another moment of silence as Sabina comes closer and sits down on her haunches so that she's at eye level with Siran. Siran watches her, unafraid.

SABINA:
     Well, look where your good intentions got you. I don't know if I'll be able to get you out.

SIRAN:
     I don't expect you to. It was my choice, and I accept the consequences.

Sabina sighs and stands. Then she whips around abruptly, the cape at her back flapping behind her, and strides toward the exit.

SIRAN (from behind, softly):
     I missed you, Sabina.

Sabina stops in her tracks and turns back to look at her. Their eyes meet for a moment. Then Sabina turns and leaves the tent.

CUT TO

Sabina strides out of the tent briskly and walks away. The two soldiers guarding it follow her with their eyes, then exchange a puzzled look.

CUT TO

ARES:
     Admiring my rugged good looks?

GABRIELLE (chuckles; then, after a pause):
     It wasn't the Romans, was it?

ARES:
     What?

GABRIELLE:
     The reason you came with me. You could have gone with Xena. (She chuckles again) Chances are, she'll get to kick more ass than we will.

ARES:
     And your point is--?

GABRIELLE (teasingly, with a small laugh).
     You wanted to help me.

ARES (makes a theatrically disgusted face):
     Watch it! You even think about putting that in your scrolls, and-- (points a finger at her) no more Mr. Nice God!

GABRIELLE (still teasing):
     Ex-God.

Ares harrumphs and gives her a mock glare. Gabrielle grins at him brightly. Then, after a moment, her grin fades.

GABRIELLE (softly, more serious now):
     You know, I never could have imagined this. You and Xena together... She's been good for you. And you-- (there is a slight pause as he slowly looks toward her) I can see that she's happy with you, and that makes me happy.

ARES (mocking):
     Yeah, yeah, I love you, you love me, we both love Xena--are we done with the sappy stuff yet?

Gabrielle gives him a smile; after a moment he smiles too, almost contentedly, and shakes his head. They ride in silence for a moment.

ARES:
     So once we find him, do you think he'll stick around this time?

Gabrielle shoots him an annoyed look and Ares holds up his hands in surrender.

ARES:
     Hey, it's an honest question.

GABRIELLE (shakes her head, facetious but also somewhat annoyed):
     Well, some things haven't changed--you're as sensitive as ever.

ARES (grins):
     And you just changed the subject.

GABRIELLE (not looking at him):
     It's Haimon's choice. (after a moment she looks up, resolutely) First we'll find him and rescue him, then we'll figure out the rest.

They stare ahead at a small village in the distance.

GABRIELLE (businesslike):
     We'll stop there and ask if they've seen the Romans.

She speeds up and Ares follows.

DISSOLVE TO

The village. Gabrielle and Ares ride up to a woman drawing water from a well.

GABRIELLE (stops):
      Excuse me. (the woman looks up) Have any Romans passed here recently.

WOMAN:
     Romans? You're looking for Romans? There's a whole camp of 'em, not an hour's ride east of here. (waves her hand, pointing in the direction) My husband saw it not two hours ago, when he was out hunting.

GABRIELLE (shocked):
      A--camp.

WOMAN (nods):
      Gotta be at least a thousand men, so he said.

Gabrielle nods, thinking.

GABRIELLE:
      Thank you.

WOMAN:
     Glad I could help. (Measures Gabrielle with a curious look) You looking for someone?

GABRIELLE (thoughtfully):
     Yes. Yes, I am.

WOMAN:
     Well, if that someone you're looking for is with the Romans, you'll find them there unless they've moved on already. Good luck.

She picks up the bucket of water and starts walking away. Gabrielle turns to Ares.

GABRIELLE:
      You know what that means.

ARES (nods):
      A Roman legion.

CUT TO

The city of Palmyra from a distance. Xena comes into view, riding toward the city with her back to the camera. The setting sun illuminates her back.

CUT TO

Overhead view of the palace courtyard bordered by a stone wall on all sides, four small towers positioned in each corner of the length of the wall. A large crowd is gathered. Zoom down to show about a dozen men lined up on a wooden platform, their hands tied behind their backs. There is a beam above them; each man has a noose around his neck. Some look defiant, others terrified or dazed.

The camera pans up to the balcony of the palace overhanging the square, positioned on a single stretch of wall between two towers. Zenobia is standing there, a proud look on her face.

ZENOBIA (raises a fist in the air):
     People of Palmyra! We are proud and free once again! Death to the Romans and their lackeys!

A chorus of cheers goes up from the square but it sounds somewhat reluctant. When the camera pans down to the crowd we see that many people are not cheering and some look rather glum.

Pan to the back of the crowd where we see Xena standing quietly.

Pan to a long shot of Zenobia, bringing her hand down.

ZENOBIA:
     Proceed with the execution!

A man in a long dark brown robe, a hood over his head, walks toward the end of the platform and reaches for a large wooden lever. He grips it with both hands. As he begins to pull it down, there is a buzzing sound that grows louder.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, the chakram appears, slicing the rope on each noose, one after the other--just as the Executioner releases the lever and the people drop through the trap door and land on the sand below.

The crowd gasps. They watch the chakram as it ricochets off the side of the building and heads back in the direction it had come. Meanwhile, Xena gives an ululating battle cry and soars over the heads of the crowd, somersaulting off some people's shoulders, catches the chakram in mid-flight, and lands near the platform, hooking the chakram back on her belt.

Pan up to Zenobia, who sees Xena; her eyes narrow and her mouth twists in anger.

Pan back to the square. Two guards try to tackle Xena but she grabs them and knocks their heads together, taking them down. As they fall, she grabs a dagger from the belt of each guard and throws the daggers, cutting the ropes binding the hands of two of the men who were going to be hanged and who have just struggled to their feet under the platform. They flinch and turn around, staring at her in shock.

Pan up to the balcony. Zenobia motions to several guards and they disappear into the building. She watches Xena intently.

Pan down to Xena, by the platform.

XENA (shouts to the men she freed):
     Free the others and follow me!

They do as she says and they dash across the square. There is rumbling in the crowd and some shouts of “Stop them!”, but no one makes a move to actually stop the escape.

Pan back up to show Zenobia watching as Xena leads the prisoners toward the archway leading out of the square, and then she turns, disappearing inside of the building.

CUT TO

Xena runs through the street along the other side of the wall, the escapees following her.

A few guards appear at the end of the street, blocking her path and Xena comes to a halt, drawing her sword. The guards charge and Xena is drawn into a fight. While Xena exchanges blows with the guards, the people escape past them.

Xena kicks behind and knocks one of the guards down, then swings around, and spin kicks another guard. A small, feathery dart suddenly shoots out from nowhere and we watch as it zooms through the air and hits Xena on the right side of her neck. She jerks from the impact and immediately pulls the dart out. She looks at it and then tosses it to the ground, turning back to the guards.

She swings at one of them but misses. We see through her eyes as her vision becomes blurry and she shakes her head and blinks, trying to focus. She glances up at the tower, seeing someone, concealed, standing in the shadow of the doorway. Before she can realize who it is, a guard charges toward her and as she turns to see him, the scene is shown in slow motion. Seen through her eyes, the scene darkens, her knees give out and she lowers to the ground as the guard reaches her, fist raised. The screen goes black and the loud smack of the punch is heard.

FLASH TO

The Roman camp. It's dark now.

Sabina is standing beside her horse, mindlessly tugging at the bridle. Titus walks up.

TITUS:
     We join with the legion from Caesarea in the morning. From there, we head for Palmyra.

Sabina doesn't respond; Titus stares at her.

TITUS (firmly):
     General.

Sabina turns to him as if snapping out of a slight daze.

TITUS:
     Once we storm the city, your task is to capture Zenobia.

SABINA (clutches at the reins of the horse):
     Understood.

TITUS:
     Good. (after a pause, he steps closer to her) We cannot afford to have any distractions, Sabina. Remember that.

With that, he walks off. She watches him go, a thoughtful look on her face.

CUT TO

The screen is black. We see through someone's eyes as they flutter open, the scene in front blurry. A person appears to be standing in front; when focused, the face is recognized as Zenobia. She stands, twirling a blowdart gun in her hand, smirking toward the camera.

ZENOBIA:
      Have a nice nap?

Pan around to show Xena slumped on a bench by the wall, in a hall of the palace. Her hands are manacled; her armor and weapons have been removed, leaving only the leather tunic and boots. Four guards are standing a few steps away. Xena squints, then glares at Zenobia.

ZENOBIA:
          I didn't think I'd see you again.

XENA:
     The feeling is mutual. We thought you were dead.

ZENOBIA:
     Well, it seems you're not the only one with nine lives. (looks out a window toward the city) And I intend to make the most of this one.

XENA:
     By killing or banishing anyone who doesn't follow your way.

ZENOBIA (harshly):
     Romans and wannabe Romans. They deserve whatever they get.

Before Xena can answer, Hairan steps up.

HAIRAN:
     So this is the legendary Xena. (nods toward Zenobia) I'm the Queen's cousin, Hairan.

XENA (sarcastically, lifting up her manacled hands):
     You'll excuse me if I don't shake hands.

ZENOBIA (sharply):
     Cut the small talk. (looks at Xena) You'll regret coming here.

XENA:
     Well, then, it won't be the first or the last thing I regret. (pauses, narrowing her eyes in disgust) Did you think I'd stand by and let you kill people just because they're Romans?

ZENOBIA:
     Did you think I'd let them take my city and get away with it? I am not the enemy here.

XENA (cutting her off):
     You keep doing what you're doing, and you'll make enemies of your own people.

ZENOBIA (sarcastic):
     Unless you stop me. For my own good.

Xena slowly stands. The guards step closer.

XENA:
     I couldn't care less if it is for your good or not. But I will stop you.

Zenobia is silent for a long moment. Then, she nods to the guards. Two of them grab Xena's arms.

ZENOBIA:
     Take her to the dungeon until I decide what to do with her.

The guards nod and lead Xena out. Xena gives Hairan a glance before departing. He looks thoughtful and then turns back to Zenobia who stares ahead, outside her window, looking down over the city with pride. Zoom in on the moon as it shines over the city.

CUT TO

Pan down from the moon toward the desert, where Ares and Gabrielle are riding their horses across the sand. They slow when they see a shape in the distance: the camp of the Roman army surrounding an oasis and the lights flickering from the campfires.

They hold still for a moment, looking at the camp.

GABRIELLE:
      It's larger than I expected.

ARES:
      They must be heading toward Palmyra.

GABRIELLE (nods):
      Then the city's in danger. (pauses) We have to warn them.

ARES:
      First things first.

Gabrielle nods. She grips the reigns and gallops forward. Ares watches her, surprised for a moment, then follows.

CUT TO

The edge of the oasis. Ares and Gabrielle's horses are a distance behind them, while the two of them lie crouched on the ground behind a small dune, looking at the camp ahead. Several soldiers are patrolling the edge of the camp. Gabrielle scans the area, looking intently. Her eyes soon fall on a tent on the edge of the camp; there are barrels and sacks piled near it, and two guards sitting on sacks, clearly keeping watch, a fire burning in front of them. Gabrielle's eyes narrow as she takes this in.

GABRIELLE:
     That's where they are.

ARES:
     So what's the plan?

GABRIELLE:
     Get them out.

ARES:
     Oh, yeah. Charge in, take no prisoners-- (Off Gabrielle's eye-roll) What, what? I do look for a little fun now and again.

Gabrielle stares ahead, at the backs of the patrol as it fades into the distance.

GABRIELLE (gets up, her face serious):
     Then you've found it. Let's go.

ARES (taken aback):
     What, now?

CUT TO

Near the tent with supplies. The two guards are sitting on the sacks playing dice. Behind them, Gabrielle and Ares peek around from behind a barrel.

Pan around to show Gabrielle and Ares in their hiding place. She is holding the staff while Ares draws his sword. Gabrielle looks at him.

GABRIELLE:
     Remember--no killing anyone.

ARES:
     Always the spoilsport.

Gabrielle shoots him an exasperated look.

ARES (sighs):
     Yeah, yeah. No killing.

Gabrielle looks around for any signs of other soldiers and then moves forward, crouched low.

Pan around for a close-up of the guards playing dice. There is a thud as one of them is hit on the head with Gabrielle's staff. His mouth slackens and his eyes grow dim. As he falls over, the other guard jumps up, only to find himself facing Ares.

ARES:
     Hello.

He hits the guard on the head with the hilt of his sword. The guard falls.

GABRIELLE (coming up next to Ares):
      That wasn't so hard, was it?

Ares chuckles. They start walking toward the tent.

Suddenly, the tip of a sword is placed between them, the tip of it touching their shoulders. Pull back to show Sabina standing behind them.

SABINA (quietly, almost in a sing-song):
     I see you.

Slowly, Ares and Gabrielle turn to face her.

SABINA:
     I figured you'd show up sooner or later. But without Xena? That's a first.

ARES (casually):
     She had business elsewhere.

SABINA:
     And you're playing the sidekick's sidekick. (Shakes her head, smirking) The things...mortal men will do for love.

Ares glares. Sabina looks past him toward the tent.

SABINA:
     Oh. You're here to rescue your deserter friend. (taunting) What is it again--Simon? Timon? (clicks her fingers) Oh yes--Haimon.

Close-up on Sabina, then on Gabrielle as they stare at each other--Gabrielle looking defiant, Sabina thoughtful.

SABINA:
     You've got thirty seconds to get out of this camp.

GABRIELLE (shocked):
     You're letting us go?

SABINA:
      Yes. And I've got someone to take home with you. Wait over there. (motions toward the dunes where Gabrielle and Ares were hiding before. )

GABRIELLE (in shock):
     You mean, you're--

SABINA (mockingly):
     Don't get your hopes up. Not too high, at least. (Gabrielle opens her mouth to say something else but Sabina cuts her off) Now go, before I change my mind and call the guards!

Sabina turns and walks into the tent. Gabrielle and Ares share a bewildered look.

CUT TO

Siran and Haimon are inside the small supply tent. Both of them are sleeping. The tent flap is lifted and Sabina walks in.

Close in on Siran as she sleeps, leaning back against the tent wall, in the moonlight that pours in through the opening at the top of the tent.

Pan around to show Sabina standing in front of her. She pulls a dagger from her belt and moves toward Siran. Siran stirs and opens her eyes, startled.

Sabina kneels down in front of Siran, holding out the dagger, and slashes the ropes that bind her hands and are attached to the rope fastened to the post. Siran watches her, quietly surprised and grateful.

Once she is released, Sabina steps back. Siran looks down at her hands, then up at Sabina.

SIRAN (sincere):
     Thank you.

There is a long moment of silence. Sabina reaches out to touch Siran.

SABINA:
     Come on.

Siran turns back to look at Haimon who is still sleeping.

SIRAN:
     What about Haimon?

Sabina lowers her eyes.

SABINA:
     He's a Roman fugitive. He stays here.

Siran lowers her eyes.

SIRAN:
     I can't leave without him.

SABINA (anxious):
     Of course you can.

Sabina goes to grab Siran's hand but she pulls it away, looking firmly at Sabina.

SIRAN:
     You're my friend, Sabina, but I can't let someone die without trying to help.

Sabina gives her a frustrated look, then looks at Haimon, struggling with herself. Finally, she takes Siran's arm and hauls her forcefully to her feet. Siran gasps. The commotion wakes Haimon and he opens his eyes.

SABINA (leaning in so that her face is right up against Siran's, harshly):
      This is your only chance.

HAIMON (off-camera):
      Listen to her, Siran.

Siran turns to look at him, conflicted.

CUT TO

Outside the tent. Sabina opens the flap and nearly runs into one of the guards that had been knocked out by Gabrielle and Ares. He staggers up to the tent, still groggy and rubbing his head. Seeing Sabina, he does his wobbly best to straighten up and salutes, fist across his chest.

GUARD:
      General! I must report an attack--.

SABINA:
     I know. They tried to free the deserter but I chased them off.

She moves past him, pulling Siran by the hand behind her. He looks at her curiously and opens his mouth to speak, when she turns to look at him, firmly.

SABINA:
      The girl is of no consequence. She's been punished enough.

Sabina leads Siran past him. The guard frowns but then shakes his head, obviously willing to take her word for it.

CUT TO

The sand dune. Gabrielle and Ares peer over the ridge. Pan down to show Sabina and Siran walking toward the edge of the camp.

Close-up on Gabrielle's face; she looks surprised and happy, then disappointed--she clearly hoped Sabina would release Haimon.

CUT TO

Sabina and Siran at the edge of the camp. Sabina stops.

SABINA:
     Your friends are waiting over there. (points to the dune) Go quickly.

SIRAN:
     Promise me you'll try to save him.

Sabina hesitates for a moment, glancing back at the tent, then shakes her head. Siran sighs, her eyes reflecting sadness.

SIRAN (pleading):
      We could leave here together. You still have that choice.

Sabina looks at her thoughtfully, then gives a bitter laugh with a hint of regret.

SABINA:
     So I can end up hunted like him? You're such a child.

Siran holds her gaze silently. Then she turns and walks away toward where Gabrielle and Ares are waiting. Sabina watches her go, then hangs her head in thoughtful silence.

CUT TO

Outside the caves. Darion and a young Eliijan woman are sitting by a small fire.

DARION:
     Look!

Pan to show Gabrielle and Ares riding up in the moonlight, Siran riding behind Gabrielle. Darion jumps up, running toward them.

DARION:
      You're back!

Gabrielle dismounts, Siran following close behind. In the background, the Elijan woman jumps up and runs into the cave, shouting, “They're back! Siran is back!”

Gabrielle hugs Darion.

DARION (looks at Siran):
     Hi, Siran.

He thinks a moment, then frowns and is about to ask something when the Elijans come running, with shouts of "Siran!" "You're back!" "Thank Eli you're all right!" They surround her, patting her shoulders and hugging her.

ELIJAN ELDER (to Gabrielle and Ares):
     We are in your debt.

GABRIELLE (sighs):
      We...didn't do all that much. Sabina, the Roman general, caught us by the tent with the prisoners. She let Siran go.

ELIJAN ELDER (shocked):
     The Roman general! (thinks a moment) What about that man? Haimon?

Gabrielle shakes her head, her lips tight. Pan to a worried-looking Darion.

An Elijan woman comes up to Gabrielle carrying baby Samuel, who is now awake. He giggles happily when he sees Gabrielle, and her expression changes to a smile as she takes him.

DARION:
      Are you going back after Haimon?

GABRIELLE (emphatic):
      Yes. (She pauses a moment, clearly struggling) But it's not just about him now. It's about stopping a war. The Romans are heading to Palmyra.

ELIJAN:
      Are you sure?

ARES:
      Why else would thousands of Romans be camped in the desert? They never have been big on letting others take back what they took first.

GABRIELLE (looks around):
      Is Xena back?

ELIJAN WOMAN (the one who was holding Samuel):
     No, she hasn't returned.

GABRIELLE (determined):
      Then we need to warn her, too.

ELIJAN ELDER:
     You can go first thing in the morning.

GABRIELLE (firmly):
      We're not waiting 'til morning. We go now.

Samuel starts to cry in her arms. She looks torn as she hugs him.

GABRIELLE:
      Hush, now. Mama will be back soon.

Medium closeup on Gabrielle rocking Samuel in her arms while Darion stands by her side, looking worried as we:

FADE OUT

END OF ACT TWO