FADE IN

Xena and Ares stand on a dock at the foot of a gangplank. The skies are gray and there is a slight drizzle. In the background Gabrielle can be seen with her arm around Darion. Ares reaches out and takes Xena's hand.

ARES:
     Normally, of course, I'd jump at the chance to go running into the middle of a war with you.

XENA:
     Aphrodite needs you right now. Being mortal can't be easy for her.

ARES:
     Tell me about it. (with forced joviality) Besides, I don't think your friends would appreciate help from the go- (he pauses and corrects himself) ex-God of War. (shakes his head.) I just don't get these one-god types. These are some strange times we live in.

Xena squeezes his hand, smiling indulgently.

XENA (tenderly):
     Take care of yourself.

ARES (barely able to contain his emotion):
     You too.

XENA:
     And thank you for taking care of Darion. He needs a male role model.

ARES (nods):
     Right. Tavern wenches, kicking ass and belching contests.

Gabrielle approaches with Darion, who is pouting.

DARION:
     But why can't I go?

GABRIELLE:
     Darion, it's going to be a long trip and it might be dangerous.

DARION:
     But what if something happens to you? You might need me.

GABRIELLE:
     Sweetie, nothing is going to happen to me.

XENA:
     I'll take care of her, Darion. I promise.

Gabrielle squeezes his shoulders.

GABRIELLE:
     I'll be back before you know it. We'll only be gone the summer.

XENA (to Ares):
     Gabrielle's baby will be just about due then so I want to get her back to Greece.

GABRIELLE (to Darion):
     You see? You'll have a baby brother or sister to look forward to as soon as I come back.

Darion shrugs listlessly.

DARION:
     Whatever.

He wanders off and Gabrielle starts after him.

GABRIELLE:
     Darion--

XENA:
     He'll be all right. He might not understand right now but he will.

Ares turns to Gabrielle.

ARES:
     So if the father shows up you want me to kick the crap out of him for you?

GABRIELLE (frowns):
     Thanks for the offer, but I'll pass.

XENA (smirks):
     And you said chivalry was dead.

Xena turns to Ares, her expression suddenly soft and tender. She smiles and touches his cheek. Then, after a moment's hesitation, Xena leans in and they kiss tenderly.

They pull apart and stand still for a moment, their eyes locked.

XENA:
     I'll see you in the fall.

Ares places his hand over hers.

ARES:
     Right. The fall.

Xena turns around and begins to walk away with Gabrielle. Ares stands still, watching them walk away; the camera follows them, from Ares' point of view.

CUT TO

A montage of images aboard the ship. Xena helps Gabrielle onto the deck, a sailor releases a mooring line, another climbs the mast.

The ship sails farther out into the harbor. Xena turns to look back towards the dock and lifts her hand, waving to Ares.

GABRIELLE (smiling softly):
     You'll miss him, won't you?

XENA:
     Sure. An extra sword would have come in handy--especially now with you out of commission.

She pats Gabrielle's belly good naturedly and Gabrielle smiles indulgently but shakes her head.

GABRIELLE:
     That isn't what I mean, Xena....you'll miss him. It's okay--you can admit it.

Xena says nothing for moment, gazing back towards the dock. Finally she smiles softly and gives a slight nod.

XENA:
     Yes--I suppose I will.

CUT TO

Ares on the dock, waving back. He lingers a moment longer until the ship is little more than a dot on the horizon, then takes a deep breath.

ARES:
     Okay, Darion--let's get moving. (he looks around.) Darion?

Almost panicked, he moves swiftly down the dock, calling for Darion. He spots a dockhand and runs over to him.

ARES:
     You! Have you seen a kid--about ten years old--he's about so high (he holds his hand chest level.)

DOCKHAND:
     Oh--the young fella that was hanging around you and the two women? He was first onboard.

ARES:
     He got on the boat?

DOCKHAND:
     'Course he did! Can't say I blame him either. If I didn't have a wife and four little ones at home I'd follow that tall one in all the leather to Hades and back.

ARES (frowns and sighs):
     Great.

DISSOLVE TO

Fade to the ship. They are out in open waters and it is later. The sun is beginning to set and Gabrielle is laying on the bed in the cabin. Xena enters, offering a mug of tea.

XENA:
     How are you feeling?

Gabrielle takes the mug and sips carefully.

GABRIELLE:
     Fine. It's funny but I don't feel at all seasick. It must be the baby.

Xena sits beside Gabrielle on the edge of the bed, laying one hand on Gabrielle's stomach. She is obviously giving her friend a cursory physical examination. A small commotion is heard above them on deck.

GABRIELLE:
     What do you suppose that's all about?

Xena presses her palm to Gabrielle's forehead, checking for fever.

XENA:
     Couldn't say. I'll go check it out once I'm done here.

Gabrielle lays her hand over Xena's.

GABRIELLE:
     You are done, Xena. (she smiles gently) I'm fine.

Xena looks a bit apprehensive.

XENA:
     Well, if you're sure...

GABRIELLE:
     I'm fine. (she pats Xena's hand tenderly) Please stop worrying.

A knock is heard on the cabin door and Xena gets up to open it to find the captain of the ship standing there.

XENA:
     I didn't realize the captain personally greeted all his passengers. This must be a pretty swank ship.

CAPTAIN:
     Unfortunately this isn't a social call, Xena. We've caught a stowaway.

Xena shakes her head, unsure what this has to do with her.

XENA:
     I hope you're not thinking of giving us a roommate. This cabin isn't big enough for three.

CAPTAIN:
     Actually, he says he knows you.

He pulls Darion into the doorway and Gabrielle leaps to her feet, surprisingly nimble for her size.

GABRIELLE:
     Darion! What are you--?

CAPTAIN:
     So you do know him. Caught the little beggar stealing food in the galley.

GABRIELLE:
     Stealing?

DARION (muttering under his breath):
     It's not like anyone else would want to eat that stuff.

Gabrielle glares.

CAPTAIN:
     We're too far out to turn back at this point. He's going to have to make the voyage with us.

XENA:
     Thanks. We'll make good on his passage.

The captain exits and Xena shuts the cabin door. She turns back to Gabrielle and Darion, her arms folded resolutely. She remains silent, waiting for Gabrielle to speak, who is still staring at Darion in both shock and anger.

GABRIELLE:
     What are you doing here? You were supposed to stay with Ares.

He shrugs sullenly.

GABRIELLE:
     Darion, I asked you a question. You sneak onboard, you were caught stealing--and now Xena and I are going to have to come up with your passage. You know better than this. What were you thinking?

Darion is silent a moment. Finally he speaks.

DARION:
     Something bad could happen to you while you're gone and I would never know. But if I was there with you maybe I could... (he trails off, biting back tears.)

XENA (softly):
     You thought if you were with us you could help if anything went wrong.

Darion nods and moves away from them towards the window, obviously in an attempt to hide his tears.

Gabrielle glances at Xena, clearly moved. She goes to Darion and lays her hands on his shoulders.

GABRIELLE:
     All right. I understand, Sweetie. Don't cry.

DARION:
     I'm not crying!

Gabrielle takes him in her arms and he buries his face in her side.

GABRIELLE:
     I know you're not. Don't worry, we'll figure this out.

DARION:
     You're not mad?

She strokes his hair soothingly.

GABRIELLE:
     No, I'm not mad--anymore. (She pulls back and smiles) But since you're coming with us, you'd better do something useful with all the time you'll have aboard this ship.

DARION (looks at her, puzzled):
     What do you mean?

GABRIELLE:
     Your lessons, of course. I have some scrolls with me that I expect you to know by heart by the time we get to Jerusalem.

DARION:
     But--

GABRIELLE (gently but firmly):
     No buts, young man.

Darion looks helplessly to Xena, who shrugs a little and spreads her hands as if to say, What can I do.

XENA (chuckles a little):
     Now, don't you wish you'd stayed with Ares?

She ruffles his hair, then sits down on the bunk between Gabrielle and Darion, putting her arms around their shoulders.

DISSOLVE TO

A montage of a ship sailing over the sea, an image of a map superimposed on top of it and a red line moving through the water, toward Jerusalem.

DISSOLVE TO

An overhead view of Jerusalem. The camera begins to zoom in on the majestic temple.

A view of the temple's imposing facade. The doors at the top of the stairs are guarded by four warriors, seen from a distance. Xena (seen from a distance) is talking to them.

The camera pulls back to show Gabrielle and Darion standing in front of the building, watching Xena. Gabrielle's hand is on Darion's shoulder.

Pan for a medium close-up on Gabrielle and Darion.

DARION (fascinated):
     Wow. That must be the biggest temple I've ever seen.

GABRIELLE (awed):
     It's amazing, isn't it? (Becoming the "bard") They say that all the people of Israel came together to build this temple to their God.

As she speaks, the camera pans to show Xena turn and walk down the stairs while one of the guards goes inside the temple.

GABRIELLE (continues, off-camera):
     The princes of the land paid to build the Northern wall, and the pillars and the great stairs; the priests, the Southern wall and the altar...

Pan back to Gabrielle and Darion.

GABRIELLE (continues):
     ...the rich merchants, to build the Eastern wall and supply oil for the eternal light that burns inside.

Xena comes over to stand next to Gabrielle and Darion.

GABRIELLE (continues):
     The rest of the people had no money to pay. But, with their own hard labor, they built the Western wall and wove the curtains inside the temple.

DARION:
     Can we go inside?

XENA (glances at him with a smile):
     No, we can't. Only those who belong to the faith of the Israelites are allowed in. (off Darion's crestfallen look) It's the house of their God.

DARION (thrilled):
     He's actually in there?

GABRIELLE:
     It's--hard to explain. Some believe he is.

Darion stares at the temple in awe.

DARION:
     So how come it has guards?

Xena gives him a rather grim look and sighs.

XENA:
     I don't think God is the one who needs them.

Pan to the temple entrance as the doors open and John of Giscala comes out, with Eleazar at his side. As they come down the steps, John pauses for a moment, looking at Xena and her two companions; he is clearly slightly taken aback by Gabrielle's obvious pregnancy and puzzled by Darion's presence. Eleazar glances back at him and John resumes his stride, smiling as the two men approach the visitors.

JOHN:
     Xena.

He extends his hand; after a moment she responds with a firm handshake.

XENA:
     So, you're John of Giscala. The one that wrote asking for my help.

JOHN:
     On advice from my friend. (Motions toward Eleazar) Eleazar Ben Jair.

ELEAZAR (clasping hands with Xena):
     It's an honor.

XENA:
     This is my friend Gabrielle--

ELEAZAR:
     The famous Battling Bard. (inclines his head) I've heard a great deal about you.

Gabrielle nods somewhat uncomfortably and lowers her head, her hand going toward her pregnant belly.

XENA:
     And-- (she hesitates for an instant) her son, Darion.

Darion steps forward and extends his hand for a handshake; John chuckles indulgently and shakes his hand.

JOHN:
     Come--we'll take you to your quarters. You must be famished from your journey.

CUT TO

Xena and John are walking down a crowded, bustling street, with Gabrielle and Eleazar behind them. Darion is running ahead, making his way through the crowd.

GABRIELLE (shouts out):
     Darion! Be careful! Stay close to me! You don't want to get lost in this crowd!

DARION (shouts back):
     That's okay, I can take care of myself!

GABRIELLE (shakes her head, growing more impatient):
     Darion! Come here!

Darion returns, looking sulky. Gabrielle takes his hand.

DARION (mutters):
     I'm not a baby.

Pan to Xena, talking to John.

XENA:
     This sure doesn't look like a city on the brink of war.

JOHN:
     It looks like a city on the brink of a big holiday. We're about to celebrate Passover. The city's filling up with pilgrims.

Xena gives him a thoughtful look.

XENA:
     So, tell me more about this Bar-Giora. (Off John's grim look) Doesn't he want freedom from the Romans, just as you do?

JOHN (with sudden vehemence):
     He doesn't want freedom! He wants to rid us of the Romans, yes--but only to put us under the tyranny of fanatics like himself. Men who would kill anyone that they believe has strayed from the true faith. And the lies they spread about me, saying that my men prowl the streets at night killing people for sport-- (he shakes his head)

Xena gives him a long look, then nods.

XENA:
     So--you want me to help you cement an alliance with the son of Matthias.

Before John can answer, screams and a commotion are heard off-camera.

TEENAGE BOY (off-camera):
     Help! Somebody help! They're ransacking my parents' shop!

Pan to Gabrielle, who looks shocked.

GABRIELLE:
     A robbery in broad daylight?

Pan to Xena, who looks at John's troubled expression and shakes her head.

XENA:
     I don't think this is a robbery. Come on.

They speed up, with Eleazar, Gabrielle and Darion following behind them.

ELEAZAR (to Gabrielle):
     Shouldn't you and your boy stay back? It may not be safe--

GABRIELLE:
     I just want to see what's going on. (laughs self-consciously) I guess I'm not used to staying on the sidelines...

They approach a crowd gathering around the boy, about fourteen. He is clearly terrified and out of breath.

BOY (to John and Xena):
     Please help! My parents' shop, down the street--(shaking with fear) It's the Sicarii!

John and Xena exchange a look, both drawing swords, and stride forward, pushing their way through the crowd.

CUT TO

The outside of a shop. A man and a woman, both middle-aged, their faces bloodied and bruised, their clothes torn and their hands tied behind their backs, are being restrained by two Sicarii warriors. Sounds of mayhem and destruction are coming from inside the shop, men shouting in glee as they smash things. Two Sicarii come out carrying heaps of scrolls, which they dump on the ground.

John and Xena approach. John motions to Xena to stay back and comes up to the men.

JOHN (holds out a hand to halt them):
     What are you doing to these good people?

SICARII WARRIOR #1 (looks up at him):
     These good people? You mean these infidels! Look at the heathen filth they're selling! (He kicks at the heap of scrolls on the ground, then picks up a few and looks them over fastidiously) Sophocles--Homer and his fables about Greek gods--tales about that Greek harlot they call the Warrior Princess--

A hand taps him on the shoulder. He whips around to find himself facing Xena.

XENA:
     Didn't your mother ever teach you not to gossip about a lady when she's standing right behind you?

The man stares at her in disbelief.

SICARII WARRIOR #1:
     No--it can't be!

XENA (grins wickedly):
     Oh yes, it can.

Before he can recover from shock, she punches him and sends him flying backwards.

Several Sicarii charge at Xena, drawing their swords. John rushes forward as well.

SICARII WARRIOR #2 (to John):
     So the great defender of Israel has a pagan murderer on his side. Should've known!

JOHN:
     You're the murderers.

John and Xena spar with the men. Eleazar joins them.

As Xena spars with two of the men and downs a third with a side-kick, she glances over to see Gabrielle and Darion in the front of the crowd of onlookers. Gabrielle looks as if she can barely hold back from joining the fray.

XENA (yells):
     Gabrielle! Get away from here!

She is momentarily distracted and one of the Sicarii manages to slice at her shoulder. She kicks the sword out of his hand and catches it with her left hand, then uses both swords to run through a man who is attacking her from behind.

XENA (yells):
     Darion--take her inside one of the shops!

Pan to Gabrielle, who opens her mouth in shock. Darion tugs at her arm.

DARION:
     Come on. It isn't safe here.

He pulls at her arm and she reluctantly follows.

GABRIELLE (mutters):
     You'd think I was a baby...

Gabrielle and Darion duck inside a shop.

The camera zooms out for a long shot of Xena, John and Eleazar fighting the Sicarii. The teenage boy who called for help runs up to his parents and unties them.

Zoom in on Xena fighting another Sicarrii warrior. She spins around and kicks him in the chest, then knocks away his sword as he staggers back, and downs him with another kick. She points her sword at him. The camera pans from a shot of Xena holding the warrior at sword-point, from his point of view, to the warrior's face. He is both enraged and scared. Finally, he makes a decision and turns his head slightly toward his comrades.

SICARII WARRIOR #3:
     Stop! Let's get out of here.

XENA (with a sneer):
     Good boy.

She withdraws her sword, allowing him to get up.

XENA:
     Tell your boss there's a new Greek harlot in town.

He glares at her hatefully as he scrambles to his feet.

The Sicarii retreat, helping along a couple of their injured comrades and leaving two dead bodies and three unconscious men on the ground.

John and Eleazar stand still for a moment, looking after them. Xena comes up to stand next to them.

XENA (to John, sheathing her sword):
     You know--having me on your side might be a problem for you.

ELEAZAR (with a dry laugh):
     I'm sure whoever you're against will have the bigger problem.

The shopkeepers and their son come up, still shaken.

SHOPKEEPER (HUSBAND):
     How can we thank you?

SHOPKEEPER (WIFE):
     Those thugs would have destroyed everything we have--probably killed us, too!

XENA:
     Let's just hope they don't come back.

In the background, Gabrielle and Darion are seen coming out of the shop where they took refuge.

XENA (to John):
     So. Where were we? Oh yeah. You want us to talk to the son of Matthias.

JOHN:
     Josephus. His garrison is in Yodfat, in Galilee--a few hours' ride to the north.

XENA:
     Then I ride out first thing tomorrow morning.

Pan to Gabrielle, who stands next to her, her hand on Darion's shoulder.

GABRIELLE:
     We ride out first thing tomorrow. (off Xena's dubious look) Xena, we're not going into battle.

XENA (pats her shoulder, resigned):
     Okay.

CROSS-FADE TO

Xena and Gabrielle are riding through a sparse, almost desert-like landscape with some palm trees in the background. Both are wearing the same robes they wore in Legacy.

DISSOLVE TO

A long shot of the fortress of the Yodfat garrison.

CUT TO

Xena and Gabrielle wait in the courtyard of the fortress. A man--Josephus--comes out of the building. He is in his thirties, of medium build, with light brown curly hair and a beard, with a fine, intelligent face. He approaches Xena and Gabrielle, smiling, and stops in front of them.

JOSEPHUS:
     My men said you wanted to see me.

After a moment's delay, he extends his hand and he and Xena clasp forearms.

XENA:
     So--you're Josephus, son of Matthias.

JOSEPHUS (inclines his head in agreement):
     And you're the legendary Xena of Amphipolis. I have heard a great deal about you from my father--and others. (pauses) Good things, of course.

XENA (wryly):
     Of course.

Josephus turns to Gabrielle, looking at her with visible fascination.

JOSEPHUS:
     And your companion must be--Gabrielle.

Gabrielle nods with a small smile, and they shake hands.

JOSEPHUS (continues, to Gabrielle):
     You know--I have always wanted to meet the Battling Bard. (Off Xena and Gabrielle's curious looks) Oh yes, I am a great fan--of your scrolls-- (he gives her hand a slight squeeze) and of you.

Xena and Gabrielle stare at him, Xena scowling a little, Gabrielle smiling warily as we:

FADE OUT

END OF ACT ONE