FADE IN

A wide shot of a stone castle sitting on the top of a lush green hillside, a town surrounding the bottom of the hill.

CUT TO

The doors of a room fly open and the two men from the forest strut in, proudly carrying a brown bag tied at the top. Man #1 opens the bag and pulls out the golden horn.

HUNTER #1:
     We got it, King Meliadus. Just as you asked.

The camera pulls back to show a man in dark robes sitting in a throne on a low pedestal, across from where the two men are standing. The throne is hewn of grey stone, with carvings of gods, heroes, and monsters, and covered with a bearskin.

The two hunters approach the throne, and Hunter #1 hands the horn to the king. A close-up of the king's hands, adorned with many rings of gold and silver, as he takes the horn and runs his hands over it. The camera pulls back to show Meliadus' face. He is a rather handsome middle-aged man, bearded, with medium-length wavy dark brown hair that is only starting to show traces of silvery gray. He looks at the men.

MELIADUS:
     Excellent. But only one? Did you only see one beast?

HUNTER #2:
     As a matter of fact, my lord, there were more. We only pursued one of the creatures but we saw others among the bushes and trees.

HUNTER #1:
     Probably at least ten.

MELIADUS:
     And it didn't occur to you to get the horns from them as well?

HUNTER #2 (hesitantly):
     My lord...Princess Isabella insisted that we only bring back one.

HUNTER #1 (nervously):
     As a sample.

HUNTER #2:
     Yes, that's exactly it. She said that you had to look at it first, and then if it met with your approval we would go back for more. (he stammers as the king glares at him angrily) Sh-she was--very persuasive.

MELIADUS (sighs):
     I bet she was. (to Hunter #1) Tell me, Oswald, was she reluctant to help you to hunt down the creature?

OSWALD (hesitantly):
     She was, my lord. There were several times before we reached the creatures' grazing grounds when she wanted to go back instead of going on into the forest.

MELIADUS:
     I thought she might. (sighs) I'll have to have a talk with her about it. Tomorrow, you will head out for another hunt. Take two more men with you. This time, capture every creature you see. (waves his hand toward the men) For now, you may leave.

The men exchange uncertain looks.

HUNTER #2:
     Wh-what about our reward, my lord?

MELIADUS:
     Reward?

OSWALD:
     My lord...you said there would be a reward--ten shillings for each horn that was brought back from the hunt.

MELIADUS (sarcastic):
     Oh, that's right--I did. Well, I'm taking out one shilling for each creature you missed. On your way. (off their crestfallen look) Go on to the kitchen--you'll each get a fine steak and a glass of mead. And don't disappoint me tomorrow.

Both men bow and head toward the door.

HUNTER #2 (mutters to Oswald, grumbling):
     You had to tell him we saw ten more of them, you dolt!

OSWALD (in a similarly low voice):
     You're the one who had to open your big mouth and say we saw more of them!

The camera zooms in once again on Meliadus as he turns the golden horn over in his hands, grinning.

CUT TO

A bedchamber, modestly but beautifully decorated. While candles are placed in nooks in the stone walls, a bouquet of freshly cut roses in a vase sits on a nightstand near a large oak bed with a white canopy and sheer white curtains. The young woman we saw in the forest stands in front of an ornate, polished wooden dresser across from the bed. She is slowly brushing her long black hair and staring almost absent-mindedly into a mirror.

There is a knock on a door and the young woman breaks out of her thoughts.

WOMAN:
     Come in.

As the woman continues to brush her hair and stare into the mirror, we hear a door open off camera. Then Meliadus comes in, his image reflected in the mirror as he walks toward the young woman.

MELIADUS:
     Isabella.

ISABELLA (continues to brush her hair without turning):
     Father.

MELIADUS:
     My men tell me that you were reluctant to help them capture the unicorn--and you only let them take one.

Isabella hesitates and looks down, slowly nodding.

ISABELLA:
     It's true. (she pauses for a moment, then sets the brush down and turns to Meliadus, a pleading look on her face) Father...I really don't want to be a part of this. I don't want to help you kill them. It isn't right.

MELIADUS (puts his hands on her shoulder):
     Isabella. If we can get these horns, do you understand what it means for this kingdom and for people everywhere? (Isabella looks away) They can cure so many illnesses. They can purify unclean water. They hold the antidote to nearly every poison known to man. Think of all the deaths and miseries they can prevent. With these horns, we will save the land. Don't you understand? Don't you want to help all the people who are suffering?

ISABELLA:
     Oh, Father, of course I understand! Don't you think I don't feel this guilt choking me every time I see a sick child on the street, or a man brought back from battle with half his side turned black from a poisoned arrow? How can anyone turn their face and their heart from such suffering? (sighs) But, when I think of raising my hand to call the creatures of the forest, running wild, knowing nothing of our sorrow... Calling them to slaughter. That breaks my heart, too. How can we destroy such innocence, such beauty?

MELIADUS:
     What does beauty have to do with it? Do you think that a cow or sheep is more deserving of death, because we don't see their beauty? (Isabella looks ashamed). Need is a harsh mistress, child. We are but human, we must kill beasts for our food, and clothing, and shelter. None of them deserve death, that is true. But the people who starve for lack of meat or freeze for lack of tallow to burn or hides to wear, or perish from illness--do they deserve death? It is never easy, to allow the death of another. But sometimes there is no other way, Isabella. You will rule this city one day, and when the time comes for me to go, I want to go in peace. I want to know that you will be strong enough to make these choices for our people.

ISABELLA:
     Don't talk of that! You are not old, you will rule for years to come! (they embrace) I'm sorry I make it so hard for you, Father. It's just that these unicorns... They have always been special to me.

MELIADUS:
     And you to them. You are the only one who can call these creatures--lure them toward our hunters. You know they will answer to no one else.

ISABELLA (anguished):
     But that's just it! They trust me not to harm them, they come to the sound of my voice thinking I am a friend, because I call them as friends... And then they are betrayed, even to their death. Don't you see how it shames me?

MELIADUS:
     Not that again! Isabella, we have been through this time and time again! You know this is right. It is for the good of the people.

ISABELLA (getting angry too):
     Is it? Is it really? I heard you talking to your counselors about the unicorn hunt. Selling those horns is going to make you quite a profit.

MELIADUS:
     You were eavesdropping?! My own daughter, a spy--for shame!

ISABELLA (lowers her eyes):
     Not on purpose. I came to the throne room looking for you and I heard your conversation. All you were thinking about was how much money the trade in the horns could bring into the treasury. And how you could become the most powerful of all the kings in Britannia by offering to share the horns with those kingdoms that would bend to your will.

MELIADUS (barely suppressing his rage):
     So you would have us live in disease and poverty? Gods! Some queen you will make. This is what I have come to, this is to be the comfort of my old age: to watch my daughter bring my people to ruin for the sake of a few horses!

ISABELLA (trembling with guilt and anger):
     I wish you'd realize that life is not about greed and power. It seems these days that's all you think about!

In a burst of rage, Meliadus slaps Isabella across the face. She flinches but does not turn away.

MELIADUS:
     How dare you talk to me like that! I am your father!

ISABELLA:
     You're not my real father.

MELIADUS (softly):
     That is true. Your parents died of the plague, in a house boarded up as warning to the neighbors, with red paint on the door so that none may enter and fall ill with them. Would it comfort them much, do you think, to know their only daughter would not raise her hand to help others in pain?

ISABELLA (looks down, in a whisper):
     I don't know.

MELIADUS:
     And what about my men who saw you wandering alone in the forest, with no home nor family, and brought you to me? Is this how you would repay their kindness, with your obstinacy?

Isabella looks up at him. She has tears in her eyes.

ISABELLA:
     I don't know that, either. I don't remember them. (she sighs) I barely even remember my real parents. (she touches a pendant on her neck) This is the only thing I have left of them. It was so long ago.

MELIADUS:
     Yes; more than fifteen years now. And ever since, I've cared for you as if you were my own daughter. (he sighs and puts his hand on her cheek, stroking her face; she looks down again) I've never asked anything of you before, Isabella. But I do now. I need your help, my daughter. As do our people.

Isabella hesitates and steps back from him. Her face expresses a complex mix of emotions--gratitude, affection, sadness, anger.

ISABELLA (softly):
     I know you're right, Father. I shouldn't disobey you. You've done so much for me and I should be forever grateful to you for that.

Meliadus smiles and moves toward her, taking her hands.

MELIADUS:
     There, that's more like it! I knew you would come to see it my way.

Isabella's face turns cold again; then, she turns around and walks toward the window, looking out over the town and the countryside below, at the rolling green hills and the ocean to the west.

ISABELLA:
     I may have agreed to do your bidding, Father, but I don't see it your way. The unicorns will always be special to me, and I won't stop grieving for them.

MELIADUS:
     Grieve if you must. Just don't let it get in the way of your duty.

Isabella nods slowly. Meliadus watches her for a moment, then leaves the chamber without another word. Pan to Isabella, still standing at the window. The camera zooms in on her face, full of regret.

DISSOLVE TO

A dense, lush green forest, thin blue mist hanging in the air. Xena, Gabrielle and Darion are traveling along a path at a slow trot, Xena riding ahead, Gabrielle and Darion behind. Gabrielle looks around her, enchanted by the beauty of the forest.

GABRIELLE:
     Darion, look!

The camera pans in the direction where she is pointing and zooms in on a hanging branch with silvery beads of dewdrops on it, in which a ray of sunlight is refracted.

GABRIELLE:
     Isn't that beautiful?

DARION (uncertainly):
     It's...it's a branch.

GABRIELLE (sighs, then chuckles):
     Maybe you should try riding with Xena. You two have no appreciation for the beauty of nature. Just look at how beautiful and peaceful everything is. (dreamily) Perfect harmony.

There is a loud slap; the camera pans to Xena who opens her palm ruefully.

XENA:
     It's just a mosquito.

GABRIELLE:
     Okay, not quite perfect. But-- (sighs blissfully) --near enough!

Xena and Darion exchange a grin, then look abashed at Gabrielle's accusing look. She rolls her eyes and nudges her horse forward.

CUT TO

A large clearing in the forest with a sparkling lake surrounded by shrubbery and flowers of many colors. Neighing and the pounding of hooves is heard, and three unicorns come into view, galloping at a desperate speed trying to evade their pursuers. The air is filled with the terrified neighing of the unicorns and the rough cries of Oswald and three other men, who are pursuing the unicorns on horseback. Zoom in on a lasso flying through the air and then wrapping around the neck of one of the unicorns, bringing it down. An arrow whizzes through the air, striking another unicorn in the side. It rears up and neighs in terror and pain.

CUT TO

Xena, Gabrielle, and Darion riding through the forest.

DARION (after a brief pause):
     Gabrielle? I'm bored. Can we play our guessing game?

GABRIELLE:
     Hmm... Sure.

Gabrielle looks around for a moment and her eyes land on a tree ahead of them with a large, intricate spider web, beads of dew on it.

GABRIELLE:
     All right. Start guessing.

DARION:
     Okay. (Darion looks around; the camera focuses on a large round stone by the side of the path) Is it round?

GABRIELLE:
     Yeah, actually it is.

DARION (points to the rock):
     Is it that rock?

GABRIELLE:
     Nope. Try again.

DARION (to himself):
     It's round... (he looks around again; zoom on a bird's nest in a tree) Is it--made of twigs?

GABRIELLE:
     Nope.

DARION (looks at a cluster of berries):
     Does it grow on a tree?

GABRIELLE (shakes her head):
     Nope.

DARION:
     Gabrielle, give me a hint.

GABRIELLE:
     Okay. It's made by a tiny forest creature.

DARION (vexed):
     Oh--like that's gonna help. Lots of things are made by tiny forest creatures... (starts pointing around) That nest--that burrow--that... (he sees the spider web and his face lights up) ...spider web. (looks at Gabrielle) Is it a spider web?

GABRIELLE (smiles):
     Yep. You got it.

DARION (pumps his fist in the air):
     Yay! Okay, it's my turn. And I'll make it really hard to guess.

GABRIELLE (smiles affectionately):
     Go ahead.

Darion looks around, then smiles to himself.

DARION:
     Okay. Start guessing.

GABRIELLE:
     Hmm... (she looks around; the camera zooms in on a squirrel sitting on a tree branch, cleaning itself) Is it a living thing?

DARION:
     No.

Zoom in on a large log by the side of the path.

GABRIELLE:
     Is it wood?

DARION:
     Nope. (mischievously) I can give you a hint: it's round.

GABRIELLE (thinks a moment, then sighs):
     All right, I give up. What is it?

DARION:
     There. (he points forward, to Xena)

GABRIELLE:
     What? Xena? But you said--

DARION (almost bursts out laughing):
     No, it's not Xena. And it's not Argo, either.

GABRIELLE (thinks):
     Round... (zoom in on the chakram swinging on Xena's side) The chakram?

DARION (grins):
     Yeah! (suddenly worried) It was okay for me to pick the chakram, right? I mean, it's something I saw on our way. It counts, doesn't it?

GABRIELLE:
     Of course it does, sweetie. It's just that I would have never guessed it--I was looking at all the things around us in the forest.

DARION (pleased):
     That's why I picked it! I knew you'd be stumped.

GABRIELLE (smiles):
     I was. I guess when you see something every day, you don't really think about it. (suddenly looks pensive)

DARION:
     Hey, let's do this again! Now you think of something!

Gabrielle smiles at Darion and then looks ahead. The camera pans over to a bush covered with berries, then back to Gabrielle, who is frowning in puzzlement. The camera pans slowly back to the bush and we see that the flowers and many of the leaves have shriveled.

GABRIELLE:
     Xena, look at this.

Xena turns around abruptly, reaching for the chakram, and rides up to Gabrielle.

XENA:
     What?

GABRIELLE (points to the bush):
     It's dying.

XENA (rolls her eyes):
     That's what you wanted me to look at? Gabrielle, I may have many skills but gardening isn't one of them.

DISSOLVE TO

Another part of the forest. Xena, Gabrielle and Darion are still riding. Xena looks ahead of her, staring intently; then she pulls out a parchment with a map and looks at it. Meanwhile Gabrielle looks around, puzzled and somewhat alarmed. The camera pans over a tree; some of its branches are dying, the wood drying up and the leaves withering.

GABRIELLE:
     Here's another one.

XENA (still stares at the map, without looking back):
     Another what?

GABRIELLE:
     A tree that seems to be dying. Something is happening in this forest.

XENA (stops and turns around):
     I'll tell you one thing that's happening in this forest. I'm not sure we're going in the right direction.

GABRIELLE:
     How can that be? We have a map.

XENA:
     Well, according to this map we should have been out of the forest by now and approaching this town, Eborac. (points to the map) But it's nowhere in sight.

GABRIELLE:
     Let me see that.

She takes the map from Xena and looks at it, studying it carefully.

GABRIELLE:
     You're right. We're way past this lake--we should be out of the woods already. You think we took a wrong turn somewhere?

XENA:
     Maybe. (rolls her eyes) I knew we shouldn't have gotten that map. Much better to trust your instincts than some fancy piece of parchment with trees, lakes and rivers scribbled on it.

GABRIELLE (chuckles):
     So...what are your instincts telling you now?

XENA (sighs):
     We can try and trace our way back to the lake.

CUT TO

Another part of the forest. It is turning darker. Darion is slumped against the horse's neck, dozing off.

GABRIELLE:
     Xena, I think we're going in circles. I swear I've seen that tree (points at a large moss covered oak) three times already.

XENA (wryly):
     Leave it to you to recognize a tree.

Darion stirs and sits up.

DARION (rubbing his eyes sleepily):
     Are we there yet?

XENA (chuckles):
     Depends on where "there" is.

DARION (looks around):
     We're still in the forest? What's going on?

XENA:
     I hate to say this but, I think we're lost.

DARION (puzzled):
     Really? I didn't think you could get lost.

Gabrielle chuckles and Xena gives her a rather displeased look.

XENA:
     Well, there's a first time for everything.

DARION:
     Can we stop and get some rest?

XENA (looks up at the darkening sky, then sighs):
     Sure. It's getting pretty late in the day. Let's make camp and we'll figure out what to do in the morning.

CUT TO

The clearing with the lake, the same one where we saw the unicorns being hunted before. It's dusk. Xena and Gabrielle are clearing an area of the ground to spread out their bedrolls.

GABRIELLE:
     Look at all those twigs. There's enough of them to weave a dozen decorative baskets.

XENA (grins as she spreads out her bedroll):
     Why don't you do that, Gabrielle. We could sell them to a crafts shop once we get to Eborac.

GABRIELLE:
     If we get to Eborac.

XENA:
     We'll get there. (smirks) Don't you have any confidence in my sense of direction?

GABRIELLE:
     I used to, before we circled the same oak tree three times. (off Xena's glare) What? Can't you take a joke?

XENA (with a smirk):
     Maybe the problem is, I can't tell if you're joking.

Gabrielle shakes her head, then straightens up.

GABRIELLE:
     Darion, we're all ready for bedtime! (getting no response, she looks around) Darion? (she's obviously getting worried, and Xena looks up anxiously as well. Gabrielle raises her voice) Darion?!

DARION (screams off-camera, sounding terrified):
     Gabrielle! Xena! Come here!

Close-up on Gabrielle's frightened face. She takes off running in the direction of Darion's voice as we:

FADE OUT

END OF ACT ONE