ACT FOUR

FADE IN

The campsite. Polyeidus is still asleep; Theias is sitting beside him, with a scroll in his lap. Gabrielle is nowhere to be seen. Theias is frowning in concentration, reading in a halting murmur.

THEIAS:
     ...The price--uh, prince--said to Kse--to Xena... The prince said to Xena. Thank you for s--for sa--saving oh--our... Thank you for saving our city, Fro--... no, Thank you for saving our city from--

GABRIELLE (off-camera, in a mock deep voice):
     "Thank you for saving our city from certain disaster, Warrior Princess."

Theias looks up to see Gabrielle carrying a loop of fishing line with several fish on it. He gives her a lopsided grin.

GABRIELLE (laughs):
     Not the most original dialogue, I'm afraid. (indicating the fish) Lunch.

THEIAS:
     It's a great story! (ruefully) I keep wishing I could read faster, to find out the rest of it!

Gabrielle looks over at the scroll.

GABRIELLE:
     You've almost finished a scroll already?! Wow. You learn quickly.

Theias looks a little embarrassed by the praise.

THEIAS:
     Uh--I've kept the fire going, shouldn't be long before we can eat.

Gabrielle flops down gratefully, letting Theias take the fish. He reaches into his pack for a knife.

GABRIELLE:
     Thanks. (looking over the scroll) It's one of my early ones... (cringes) I like to think my writing's improved a bit since then. (reads) "Thank you for saving our city from certain disaster..."

There is a sound of beating wings off-camera, the camera follows Gabrielle and Theias' eyes to where Pegasus lands beside the campsite. Xena is hanging on to his bridle grimly, looking very pale. She winces, jolted by the landing. Off to one side, Polyeidus stirs and mutters.

GABRIELLE:
     Xena! (gasps, noticing Xena's wounded hand) What happened?

XENA (groans):
     If that scroll is what it sounds like, you might want to hang on to the laurels... (grimaces in pain) But keep the certain disaster part, that was good.

Gabrielle helps Xena off the winged horse, while Theias takes Pegasus' bridle and fixes the reins expertly to the tree where the other two horses are tied.

GABRIELLE (appalled):
     Xena... Your arm! (accusing) You said killing the Chimaera would be the easy part!

XENA:
     I take it back.

POLYEIDUS' VOICE OFF-SCREEN:
     Is that the Warrior Princess? She returns?

He sits up on the blankets; Theias is immediately at his side to help. Polyeidus leans on his arm to get to his feet.

Xena allows Gabrielle to lead her to the fireside, then shakes her off gently. Xena's arm is badly swollen and bloody, there is blood on her face, neck and clothes. She sits down; the others follow.

XENA:
     It's worse than it looks. There's salve in Argo's saddlebags...

THEIAS:
     I'll get it.

He gives his father's cane to him and goes over to the horses.

POLYEIDUS:
     You have failed then, Xena? The monster lives.

XENA (tired):
     Go on, rub it in.

GABRIELLE (to Polyeidus):
     This wasn't supposed to happen! You said you saw visions...

POLYEIDUS (clearly upset):
     Visions. Visions are not truth. Only...what should be. What I must do to make it happen. (shakes his head) It is not the Warrior Princess who failed, but I.

THEIAS (returning with the salve):
     You mustn't blame yourself, Father--it wasn't anyone's fault. There has to be another way.

GABRIELLE:
     But we only have Pegasus until tomorrow...

XENA:
     Well, if you've got any ideas... (she winces, applying some salve to her wound)... I'd love to hear them because this thing has scales like diamonds, and three very-- (she grits her teeth against the pain) --very unfriendly heads.

She nods at the spot where Pegasus landed. What is left of her sword is lying in the grass. Gabrielle goes to pick it up.

XENA:
     I've had that sword for years--it's the best steel there is. And against that thing's eye, it could as well have been glass. (looks over the hilt regretfully) It was a good weapon.

GABRIELLE:
     Forget the sword, you're in no shape to get back out there.

XENA:
     I just need some time to...rest... (she puts down the salve pot) I'll be all right in a minute. This is potent stuff.

GABRIELLE:
     No. You're staying here. I'll go.

XENA:
     What? Go where?

GABRIELLE (defiant):
     To kill the Chimaera.

XENA:
     Did you wake up feeling suicidal?

GABRIELLE:
     You don't think I could do it?

POLYEIDUS (sputtering):
     What utter nonsense! The Warrior Princess must be the one to...

GABRIELLE (decisively):
     The Warrior Princess is on sick leave. I'm taking this call, like it or not.

There is a pause as Xena and Gabrielle look at each other. Xena shakes her head.

XENA:
     I'm not going to talk you out of it...

GABRIELLE:
     Good.

XENA:
     ...but you're going to need a new strategy.

THEIAS:
     I think I know a way. The Chimaera may not be quite as tough as it looks.

Gabrielle looks at him curiously.

GABRIELLE:
     What are you getting at?

THEIAS:
     What if we could kill it...from the inside out?

XENA:
     And how do you propose to do that?

THEIAS:
     Lead.

XENA (frowns):
     Like the balls of lead they shoot in Ch'in from exploding tubes? Even if we had the black powder, which we don't--you shoot one of those at the Chimaera, and it'll bounce right back at you.

THEIAS:
     No, no--I don't mean to shoot it. (he glances at his father uncomfortably) I heard a story when I was little about a hero who wanted to kill a dragon...

POLYEIDUS:
     Pah! Old wives' tales, Theias! When are you going to learn?

GABRIELLE:
     There's a lot to be learned from stories--from the past. (to Theias) Go on?

THEIAS:
     Well... What he did was throw a hunk of lead into the dragon's mouth, and when its fiery breath melted the lead, it trickled down its throat, searing its vitals. (he pauses) At least, that's how the story goes.

XENA:
     Hm. That might work--if we had some lead. And a way to get it into the creature's mouth... At least one of them.

GABRIELLE:
     We could tie a ball of lead onto the end of a pole, or a spear and throw it in.

XENA:
     If we had a pole.

POLYEIDUS (grudgingly):
     You do.

The other three look at him in surprise.

GABRIELLE:
     Is this another vision?

POLYEIDUS:
     No. (grunts) This is quite solid reality, I assure you.

He gropes for the staff at this side, then holds it out to Gabrielle.

POLYEIDUS (gruffly):
     Here. Take it.

THEIAS:
     Father, your cane!

POLYEIDUS:
     I'll get another one. (to Gabrielle) Well, go on then. Don't keep an old man waiting.

Gabrielle takes the long cane uncertainly, then gasps.

GABRIELLE:
     It's heavy! (she notices a ball at the bottom of the stick, it's mounted on a joint to roll freely) Lead?

POLYEIDUS:
     I use it to find my path. (almost kindly) It's useful for that. Finding one's path.

Gabrielle holds the metal-tipped cane turning it over in her hands.

GABRIELLE:
     Polyeidus, thank you.

XENA (looks around):
     Do you smell something?

THEIAS:
     Oh--the fish!

Xena and Gabrielle exchange a look.

XENA:
     You take the monster, I'll deal with the fish.

Gabrielle nods, takes the cane and mounts Pegasus, stroking his mane as she frees his reins. She takes the bridle and Pegasus rears slightly, preparing to fly.

GABRIELLE:
     Wish me luck!

She turns Pegasus and he rises into the sky, beating his wings. Xena and Theias watch as the shape grows smaller.

XENA (quietly):
     Good luck, Gabrielle.

CUT TO

Against the backdrop of clouds blazing with the colors of sunset, Gabrielle on the winged horse is approaching the Chimaera. Pegasus flies over the monster, circling it several times as before.

GABRIELLE:
     Here we go... (loudly) Hey! You want to pick on someone your own size, huh?

The monster stirs, lifting its serpent head, then the others. Gabrielle flies just out of reach of the lion head. The jaws snap with a crack.

GABRIELLE (yells):
     Open up!!!

Fire bursts from the Chimaera's lion mouth, trying to catch Gabrielle, but she dodges every flame. She flies Pegasus high above the monster's head and raises the staff. The Chimaera opens its mouth, ready to strike her again and instantly, Gabrielle thrusts the staff down into the Chimaera's mouth.

The Chimaera screeches and lets out a blast of fire, almost catching Gabrielle, but she swerves to the side again and watches as the monster begins to roar with pain, the lead obviously melting and scorching its insides.

A few moments later the Chimaera sinks down to the top of the cliff. Lifeless, it sprawls on the rocks above the mountain pass. Gabrielle breathes heavily, one calming hand on Pegasus' neck.

GABRIELLE (whispers):
     It's over. (to Pegasus, grinning) We did it!

Pegasus rears and neighs, obviously proud of what they accomplished, then flies off.

CUT TO

Back at the campsite, Polyeidus and Theias are finishing their meal. It is now almost dark. Xena is sitting nearby, fixing a bandage around her arm. There are cuts and bruises on her face, but the worst of the blood has been cleaned up.

THEIAS:
     Xena?

XENA:
     Hmm?

THEIAS:
     Do you think Gabrielle would mind if I...

Xena looks up, curious.

THEIAS (determined):
     What I mean is, I'd like to buy one of her scrolls.

Xena raises her eyebrows--it's not what she expected to hear.

XENA:
     What for?

THEIAS:
     To read. Gabrielle's been teaching me...

POLYEIDUS (looks up):
     Read? (getting angry) Do you listen to nothing I tell you?! You know very well what all those stories mean to a seer. They dull your Sight, they confuse your dreams--you will never know if your vision is a true one, or if you have merely conjured it from your reading! (adamant) Absolutely out of the question!

THEIAS:
     But that's just the point, Father. I'm not a seer! You know I don't have the Sight, never did. What's the use of denying it?

Polyeidus looks stunned by this outburst.

XENA (to Theias):
     I'm sure Gabrielle would be happy to let you have one of her scrolls. After all-- (she looks at Polyeidus) --we all find our own path, right, Seer?

After a long pause, Polyeidus nods. A tear runs from one unseeing eye, Theias reaches to wipe it from his father's cheek. Polyeidus catches his son's hand.

POLYEIDUS:
     You're a grown man now, son. You must do what you think is best.

Theias squeezes his father's hand.

THEIAS:
     I will.

A loud neighing comes from above the trees; Xena and Theias look up.

POLYEIDUS (to himself):
     And thus she returns, victorious.

The camera shows a white blur in the sky, flying toward them.

GABRIELLE (waves):
     Xena!

Gabrielle glides down and lands Pegasus near them. Her face is lit up with a sense of accomplishment and Xena smiles, knowing how it went just by reading her face.

GABRIELLE (dismounts):
     Lycia is safe--the Chimaera is dead. (to Theias) It worked out just like you said. Thank you, Theias--Polyeidus. Couldn't have done it without you.

POLYEIDUS:
     Perhaps when your spirits have calmed a little, you would be so good as to replace my cane. (to Theias) My job here is done. I must be on my way.

THEIAS:
     Of course, Father. I will make you a new cane...

POLYEIDUS (grumpily):
     I said, my job. Did you hear anything about your job? No, I thought not.

Gabrielle shoots a surprised look at Xena, who merely shrugs.

POLYEIDUS:
     Perhaps the slayer of the Chimaera could oblige me?

Gabrielle nods hastily, looking around at the trees. She sees a suitable one, walks over to break off a branch. Theias rushes to her side to help. Polyeidus and Xena watch.

POLYEIDUS:
     My son wanted a scroll that belongs to that young woman. See that he gets it.

Before Xena can reply, Gabrielle and Theias return with the branch, stripped off its leaves.

POLYEIDUS (taking the rough staff):
     It will do for now. Warrior Princess--Slayer of the Chimaera... Son.

He nods in their general direction, then begins to walk away. All three watch him. Theias has a distant look on his face, almost regretful.

XENA:
     Gabrielle--Theias wanted to buy one of your scrolls. (she grins at Gabrielle's slight embarrassment) To read.

GABRIELLE:
     Um--which one?

THEIAS:
     Whichever is your favorite. (he pauses, then smiles) How about the story about a beautiful bard who saves a city from certain disaster?

Gabrielle flushes a deep scarlet, looking at Xena helplessly. Xena nods in the direction of the horses.

GABRIELLE:
     Okay... Um--just a minute.

She goes over to the horses, and looks through the bags. Theias and Xena walk up to her, and Gabrielle hands a scroll to Theias. He stashes it carefully in his pack.

THEIAS:
     It was...wonderful, meeting you. Both. (to Gabrielle) I can't thank you enough for teaching me to read. I feel so free. Like I can do anything at all.

XENA:
     So, what are you planning to do?

THEIAS:
     For now, I have to return to my father's side... (corrects himself) No. I don't have to. I want to. He still needs me, whatever he may think. (he looks at Gabrielle carefully, suddenly shy) But I hope we will meet again, soon?

Gabrielle nods.

XENA:
     Thank you, Theias.

Theias disappears in the direction his father had taken.

GABRIELLE (softly):
     Bye.

Xena looks at Gabrielle, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. Gabrielle ignores her and looks at the horses.

Argo, who is standing near Gabrielle's horse, walks up to Pegasus and they exchange soft whinnies. She then rubs noses with Pegasus.

XENA:
     Looks like you aren't the only one who's found a new friend.

GABRIELLE:
     But neither of us gets to keep them.

XENA:
     Hm. That's true.

Xena unhooks the golden bridle from Pegasus' head and he shakes his head once it is off, obviously relieved about being freed from it. Xena rubs her hand over his mane, petting him gently.

XENA:
     You're free to go, Pegasus. You've helped and I'm grateful. (she looks at Gabrielle) We're grateful.

Pegasus whinnies and nudges his head against Xena's shoulder, then Gabrielle's. Xena steps back and so does Gabrielle.

Pegasus looks at them, paws the ground a few times with his hoof and then rears up on his back legs, pawing the air and neighing. He starts to flap his wings, returns to all fours and after a quick gallop, he rises into the air.

XENA:
     Slayer of the Chimaera, huh?

CUT TO

King Iobatas is standing in the throne room, looking out one of the castle windows. It is a bright moonlit night. The sound of the door opening is heard. He looks back to see Xena and Gabrielle walk toward him.

IOBATAS:
     Xena!

GABRIELLE:
     The Chimaera is dead. Lycia won't be tormented by the monster anymore.

IOBATAS (a large smiles crosses his face):
     Thank you! Thank you! I'm so grateful. If there's anything at all I can do for you in return...

XENA:
     As a matter of fact, there is. It will be a while before normal trade is restored in Lycia--there are many people who have been hit hard by this disaster. You have money in the treasury, Iobatas. See that it finds its uses in the right hands.

IOBATAS (catching the implied threat):
     Of course, of course. Consider it done. The last thing I want are people starving in my city.

XENA:
     Excellent. You're a good king, Iobatas. (she turns around and starts to walk out the door followed by Gabrielle)

IOBATAS:
     Xena... (she looks back) ...how did you defeat the Chimaera? I've sent many heroes to kill him but to no avail and yet you were victorious. How?

XENA:
     Oh, I didn't.

IOBATAS (gapes):
     Then how... Who? Gabrielle?

GABRIELLE (smiles, glances at Xena):
     Let's just say...I was able to rise to the challenge on the wings of trust.

Xena and Gabrielle leave. Iobatas watches them go and then walks back to the window and looks up at the sky. A short distance away from the castle, in the moonlight, Pegasus can be seen flying freely like a bird, swerving through the sky...

IOBATAS (whispers, astounded):
     The wings of trust...

The camera zooms in closer to see Pegasus rear up and let out a neigh that echoes through the sky as we:

FADE OUT

THE END

[Argo was depressed for weeks after the production of this motion picture.]

Xena: Warrior Princess Shipper Seasons Season 7 Episode 12 The Wings of Trust Story By: Aurora and LadyKate Written By: Aurora, LadyKate and Tango Collage By: Aurora Images Gathered By: Aurora Cast Xena Lucy Lawless Gabrielle Renee O'Connor Iobatas Robert Temms Polydedius George Harmenss Theias Matt Von Priestess Carol Jefferson Priest Paul Goten Athena Paris Jefferson Male Merchant #1 Ian Frans Male Merchant #2 Josh Camels Female Merchant #1 Kate Sans Original Airdate January 26, 2002 Argo was depressed for weeks after 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.