ACT II

XENA

GABRIELLE
(Shooting Xena an extremely deadly look)

XENA

GABRIELLE
(a little overly dramatic)

GABRIELLE - (con'd - in an annoying tone)

XENA
(to herself)

(beat - her eyebrow cocked)

GABRIELLE

(beat)

XENA

GABRIELLE
(playfully hitting Xena in the stomach)

You are SO funny today!

Xena chuckles.

I mean whatever it was that was carrying around those chains?

The ghost of course!

Actually Gabrielle, I don't know, but I intend to find out. We need to get a closer look at that castle.

Um, er...are we going to go now or can we at least wait till it gets light out first?

Why Gabrielle, if I didn't know better...I'd say the big strong Amazon queen was scared...

I am NOT scared...I'm just being careful, is all...

Okay, we can wait a few more candle marks till daylight.

Sounds like a plan.

Thank you, Xena.

Xena puts her arm around Gabrielle, and smiles warmly at her partner.

Anything for you...

How about we get you something to eat before we head out?

Have I told you how very much I like your plans recently?

CUT TO:

8. EXT.- SEAPORT - THE ROAD TO THE CASTLE - EARLY MORNING -

Xena and Gabrielle are walking towards the castle, both enjoying the peace and quiet. The sound of leaves crunching can be heard at a distance. The pair continues on their way as the crunching sound grows closer and closer. Just as Gabrielle turns around to see what the noise is, Do jumps on her chest, knocks her backward on her butt, and begins to happily lap his tongue all over Gabrielle's face.

I think someone's got a fan...

I'm so glad that you're getting such a kick out of yourself these days...

Gabrielle playfully ruffles Do's furry head. Do backs off Gabrielle, allowing her to get up and dust herself off.

Wanna come with us to the castle, Doo?

The dog looks up at Gabrielle with big happy eyes indicating that he indeed wants to join them.

Okay, you can come with us... but you have to be careful, and please Doo...stay outta trouble!

Domingo looks up at his new friend with such a grateful look in his eyes, that both Xena and Gabrielle can't help but start laughing.

I believe someone mentioned something about breakfast...

Domingo immediately starts jumping up and down with lots of excitement at the mention of food.

And it seems that I'm not the only one who's hungry.

Come on, let's go see if this town has enough food for the two of you.

Gabrielle just ignores Xena's comment as she and Domingo walk down the street towards a few shops. Xena follows a few steps behind the duo. Most of the shops have been abandoned, but they notice a large billowing of smoke escaping the chimney of one building. The smell of freshly baked bread floats through the air, and does not go unnoticed by the dog. Domingo runs off in that direction as Gabrielle chases after him. Xena just continues to stroll down the street, in no particular hurry.

CUT TO:

9. INT. BAKER'S SHOP - MORNING -

The shop is small with a bookcase set up on the left side. The shelves contain a few loaves of bread and some pastries. There is a counter in the middle of the room, sticking out from the right side of the wall, and covers about three quarters of the width of the room. The very back of the room contains a large fireplace and oven with a table to the side covered in flour, with all kinds of cooking utensils and bowls resting on it.

Xena enters the shop a few moments later to see Gabrielle, leaning on the counter, chatting with a hefty little man in a white apron, covered in flour, as he leans down to give the dog a piece of bread.

Xena, you have to try this nutbread.

It's delicious.

The baker hands a piece of bread to Xena, who tastes it, and nods her approval and agreement with Gabrielle's opinion. Domingo taps his paw against the baker's leg, requesting more of this scrumptious treat.

Doo, behave.

I think you've had enough.

Domingo turns his sad eyes towards Gabrielle, and then hangs his head in shame.

Nonsense. I'm used to Doo. He comes in to visit me every morning. He's my very favorite critic.

The baker rubs Doo's back, and then tosses the dog a large piece of nutbread.

So, what brings you ladies 'round here? We don't get too many visitors.

The baker heads back toward the fireplace in the back of his store.

Just passing through town on our way home.

We're also interested in learning more about that castle and your ghost problem.

At the mention of the ghost, the little man shivers and then tenses, and is quiet for a few moments before turning around and facing them.

Well, it has been a problem, scared a lot of people away, but the town still seems to be a safe place.

I'd watch out for that castle though...don't know what kind of danger could be lurking there. No one's been there for years...last time someone tried, they never returned.

What happened?

A young man trying to impress his friends said he was going to spend a night in the castle, and he was never heard from again.

Thanks for the warning, we'll be careful.

Do you think we could trouble you for a little nutbread for the road?

Umm...sure, and I'll even make sure there's extra.

I know Doo's appetite.

CUT TO:

10. EXT.- SEAPORT - THE ROAD TO THE CASTLE - MORNING -

Xena, Gabrielle, and Domingo continue on their way out of town towards the castle, passing a few people on their way. As they reach the outskirts of town, the distinct sound of metal hitting metal can be heard coming from a small building. Nearing the entrance, a large, burly man steps out, tossing a few horseshoes in a bucket of water.

Lousy merchant!

Orders new shoes from me, and then disappears.

Seeing the man, Doo slinks behind Gabrielle, just peeking his head around her legs to look at him. The blacksmith takes a look at the two of them, and stalks off into his store.

Wow... what a friendly guy.

Xena just shrugs her shoulders, as Do continues to cower behind Gabrielle. The three of them continue on their journey, still hearing the sounds of metal clanging and the pound of the blacksmith's hammer against the anvil.

CUT TO:

11. EXT. CASTLE - NOON -

The castle looks as if it's seen better days. The gray stone walls are crumbling, and sections of it are completely missing due to the damage inflicted by enemy catapults. Part of the gate is coming off of its hinges with one door hanging on sideways, and all that remains of the other one is a few splintered boards. Looking up at the tower windows, a few tattered curtains blow in the breeze. Xena and Gabrielle stand back from the castle trying to completely take in their surroundings.

What do you think we'll find?

Cobwebs, dust, and probably some bones...

At the mention of bones, Domingo's ears stand at attention, and the pup looks very happy.

Calm down there, boy. I'm not sure you'll be too interested in these bones...

these ones come from people.

The dog looks at her, confusion in his eyes for a moment, until the light bulb finally goes on. He sticks out his tongue in disgust, and then lays down on the ground, waiting to see where they go from here.

I am interested to see if we can find why that warlord left so soon after winning the war.

You don't waste all that time and those men for nothing. It has got to be something more than a ghost.

I don't know, Xena. I'm sure those ghosts can be pretty convincing when they want to be.

Only one way to find out.

Xena walks toward the castle, and disappears after passing through the gate. Gabrielle looks down at Do still lounging on the ground.

Well Do, this place certainly is creepy.

But I guess we should see what's going on.

At that moment, the two of them hear the distinct sound of chains rattling coming from down the road. Domingo immediately jumps to his feet, moving closer to Gabrielle. Gabrielle looks toward the castle, not seeing any sign of Xena. They both start running towards the entrance.

Xena, wait for us!

CUT TO:

12. INT. CASTLE - DINING ROOM - AFTERNOON -

The inside of the castle does not look much better than the outside. There are old weapons and furniture scattered around the first room they enter. The tapestries and paintings on the wall are dingy and covered with a layer of dust. It appears to have been some sort of dining room, and a few of the guests are still waiting for their seconds.

Xena, Gabrielle, and Domingo pass through the room, slowly and carefully, as to not disturb anything or anyone. Xena spots an old torch on the wall, and reaches up to remove it. She places the end of the torch against the stone wall, and removes her chakram from her hip. She clashes it against the wall producing a spark to light the torch. The additional light allows them to see the dank rooms of the castle in better detail. Xena leads the way with the torch, as Gabrielle and Domingo follow closely behind her. At the back of the dining hall, they discover a pair of stairs, and head to see what is upstairs.

CUT TO:

13. INT. CASTLE - HALLWAY - LATE AFTERNOON -

The three of them begin walking down a long corridor. The walls and ceilings are covered in cobwebs. From the torchlight, shadows of Xena, Gabrielle and Domingo flicker off the walls.

I hope we'll be able to put these angry spirits to rest.

Me too.

First we need to find out what has got them so upset. It doesn't look like anyone has been here for quite awhile.

As they walk down the hallway, they pass several portraits hanging on the wall. All of the people have a crown or tiara of some sort adorning their heads, leading one to believe that these are members of the king's family.

Domingo walks under a picture of a man wearing a dark green robe, white shirt, and a golden crown upon his head. As he does, we see the eyes of the picture move to look at him.

The dog stops, and looks up at the picture with the eyes having returned to their normal place. He shakes his head, and starts walking again, as the eyes turn once again to look at him. Domingo turns quickly to once again look at the picture, but the eyes are back where they belong.

The baker mentioned something about a young man visiting the castle. He might have disturbed something when he was here.

Good point, Gabrielle.

Well, whatever it is, let's hope we can get it fixed quickly.

Gabrielle also begins to take a closer look at the paintings, but does not notice anything out of the ordinary.

Xena, do you get the feeling that we are being watched?

Yeah, I noticed that a few minutes ago, but I'm certain we're not being followed.

Gabrielle looks behind them, and just sees Domingo tagging along a few steps back. The dog stops to sniff around the floor a bit, seeming very interested in what was last there. He feels a tap on his back and turns to see the ghost of the king staring at him, all in white except for the red coloring on his neck and the streaks on his face, and a golden crown encrusted with different gems sitting on top of his head.

Domingo's hair stands up on his back, as he tries to bark, but no sound escapes his mouth. He carefully backs up behind Gabrielle, never taking his eyes of the ghost. He taps Gabrielle's leg with his quivering left forepaw.

Do, what do y...

She freezes as she comes face to face with the ghost.

Run!

Gabrielle and Do go racing down the hall, startling Xena, and she soon begins to chase after them. A few moments later, she has caught up with Gabrielle.

Why are we running?

Gabrielle stops, and looks at her, pondering the question before her.

It just seemed like the right thing to do.

The ghost was right behind us...

You saw the ghost?!

Yeah!

And?

He was white, and there were some red markings...

What else?

Ummm...

Well, I wasn't about to stand there and ask his name and about his hobbies.

I'm sure that's not the last we'll be seeing of him.

Xena turns and goes to open the large wooden door in front of them.

Just great...

What?

Oh nothing.

CUT TO:

14. INT. CASTLE - LIBRARY - EVENING -

Entering the unknown room in front of them, Xena, Gabrielle, and Domingo stumble upon the castle library. Three of the four walls are covered with bookshelves that are completely filled with scrolls. On the left wall, there is a giant fireplace with two plush high back chairs situated on either side of it. In the very back of the room is a small window with a green frayed curtain covering it. All of the scrolls and chairs seem to be in perfect condition except for the layers of dirt and dust that time has allowed to collect there.

Xena walks over to the fireplace, and sees that there is still a fair amount of wood left. Using the torch, she is able to get a blazing fire going in just a short amount of time. Gabrielle begins to examine the scrolls on the shelves in front of her with Domingo staying close at her side. Suddenly, the door slams shut causing Domingo to jump into Gabrielle's arms. Xena looks at Gabrielle and Do and can't' help but chuckle.

You two should take your act on the road.

While you two quake in your boots, I'm gonna go and see exactly what made the door slam shut.

Gabrielle...you're gonna tell me that you're afr...

Xena stops mid-sentence noticing the petrified look on Do's face, and the strain in Gabrielle's arms from holding him up for such a long time.

On second thought...you two stay here. I'll be right back.

A look of complete relief washes over Doo's face. This doesn't go unnoticed by Gabrielle, who puts him down ruffling his furry head and giving him a little hug.

It's okay boy. She'll be right back and then maybe we can get something to eat and some rest.

Domingo's ears perk up at the mention of food. He smiles wide, and his tail begins to wag rapidly.

I didn't see anything.

Let's see if there's anything in these scrolls that can help us out.

Xena and Gabrielle each walk over to a different bookcase. Xena picks up a scroll, and blows the dust off of it sending it in Do's direction. This causes him to sneeze a few times. Hearing the sound, Xena looks over, just realizing what she did.

Uh...sorry about that boy...

Domingo looks at Xena, walks over to her, and licks her leg signaling that it's no big deal. Xena grimaces at the leg washing from the dog, while Gabrielle chuckles to herself.

Xena shoots Gabrielle a dirty look, and Gabrielle just sticks her tongue out at Xena. She then blows the dust off of her own scroll, opens it, and then begins reading. Gabrielle finds nothing of interest, and returns the scroll to the shelf. Next she selects a scroll tied with a green ribbon, and untying it, she scans the contents.

Xena, I think I found something.

Xena walks across the room, and peers over Gabrielle's shoulder to see what she's discovered.

It appears to be a history of the town.

According to this, the seaport was once a thriving successful city with a bustling marketplace and lots of people.

Looks like it would make this a pretty rich kingdom, no wonder it was attractive to raiders.

Any mention of the war...

Let me see.

Gabrielle continues to read down the page of the scroll, getting closer to the end.

Hmmm...right here...mentions the negotiations with the warlord Adriano. They promised to give him supplies and money if he left them in peace.

That never works...

they always want more.

Yes, he accepted their deal, only to double cross them a day later.

It seems that the war dragged on for about a year...here's the last entry...

CUT TO:

15. FLASHBACK - INT. CASTLE - THRONE ROOM -

The castle is back during its time of glory. Servants are hustling about, bringing food and any assistance necessary to the soldiers and the king. The walls are adorned in colorful and vibrant tapestries and paintings. The gold goblets and plates are still bright and shiny, as if brand new. The King is seated on his throne with a few army leaders and advisors standing around him.

The warlord's forces were advancing on the castle. The town only had a small army to begin with, and most of the townspeople had to join in the fight.

A servant brings in a message for one of the generals, he quickly opens the parchment, as he reads a look of despair washes over his face.

Sire, our forces are retreating. I'm not sure how much longer we can hold out.

The enemy catapults have already inflicted great damage to the castle walls.

I am not giving in to that monster!

He betrays us...kills our citizens...destroys our town...

I will not let him take what we've all worked so hard for!

The king begins to pace back and forth. It is plain to see the stress he has been under, the bags under his eyes from lack of sleep, and added wrinkles from stress. The rest of the people in the room just watch him, wondering what his next decision will be.

If we give him what he wants, then he'll leave the rest of us in peace.

How can you be so sure he won't kill us all anyway? Or sell us as slaves? He lied once... what's to keep him from doing it again.

The king goes to the window staring out at the town below, seeing the fire and destruction. He leans down, resting his elbows on the windowsill, and rests his head in his hands. He stands there for a few moments before turning to look at his advisors and friends.

Let's make sure that all the townspeople are safe inside the castle...

and secure the walls the best you can. We have enough food and supplies for a while longer...hopefully we can out last them.

A loud crash is heard as it echoes through the castle.

What?

A soldier comes running into the throne room. His uniform is torn and dirty, his face is bruised, and a long cut adorns his left arm.

Sire, general...

Adriano's forces have broken through the gate.

We have to push them back and regain control of the castle.

The soldiers and the king rush out of the room to join the fight to save the castle, the town, and themselves.

CUT TO:

16. INT. CASTLE - LIBRARY - EVENING -

Xena and Gabrielle continue to pour over the scroll, learning what they can about the war. Domingo has settled down nicely next to them, falling asleep at their feet.

That's the last entry.

Adriano must have gained control not long afterwards.

I wonder what happened after he gained control. According to Esteban, they were gone not long after the victory.

Maybe we can find a clue in another scroll.

Xena goes to move, and is met with an unhappy growl from Domingo.

I see he has your wonderful morning disposition.

Must be pick on the bard day...

and the last time I checked, you are a lot grumpier than me.

Domingo finally moves, and Xena examines some more of the scrolls. Gabrielle walks over to join her with the dog on her heels as usual.

This one isn't as dusty...

As Xena begins to pull the scroll from the shelf, a 4' x 4' trap door tilts opens underneath them, sending all three of them sliding into a dark abyss...