FADE IN:

7. EXT. DOCKS - NIGHT

Two soldiers run toward Xena. Xena deflects their swords. She does a somersault and lands in front of them. They charge her again. She deflects the sword of the one on the right, then catches the blade of the one on the left. She uses it as leverage, does another somersault and lands behind him. She kicks him in the back, causing him to fall on the other soldier.

The four remaining soldiers attack Xena from behind. Xena elbows one soldier, then plunges her sword into the ground and uses it as leverage when kicking the other three, causing them to fall on each other. She then takes her sword back in her hand. The two first soldiers attack her again. She catches their heads and forcefully bangs them together. The soldiers fall. The soldier that was elbowed before attacks Xena from the front. She kicks the sword out of his hand, then kicks him in the stomach. The captain and the remaining soldier are now attacking her. Xena charges at the captain. She punches him first from the left, then from the right and finally kicks him away. He falls but soon recuperates.

While Xena is fighting the soldiers, Polixenes and Camillo crawl from behind a couple of large barrels. Using her as a distraction, they run in the shadows, keeping low, until they reach the ship.

Gabrielle arrives running. She pulls her sais out and takes on two soldiers. She skillfully uses her sais to deflects the soldiers' swords. Then she swings and kicks one of them in the face with her heel. He falls. The other soldier attacks her again. She sends a right uppercut. A stream of blood flows from the soldier's mouth. He passes out. Gabrielle runs closer to Xena. Behind her Polixenes's ship is pulling away, but none of the combatants seems to notice that. Xena and Gabrielle fight almost back to back. A sword swings very close to Xena's belly. Gabrielle deflects it with her left sai but it scrapes her forearm. Xena looks at her worriedly for a split second and then charges at the solider who wounded her.

A messenger comes running. The fighting stops, though the soldiers still surround Xena and Gabrielle. The captain is listening intently. Xena is trying to listen too.

Can you hear anything?

Xena gestures for Gabrielle to keep quiet.

The captain nods and sends the messenger away.

Gabrielle starts attacking the soldier in front of her, but is stopped by Xena, who pushes Gabrielle's right forearm down.

Forget it. It's over.

Gabrielle turns to look at Xena, completely bewildered.

Over? Xena, we...

Xena puts a hand on Gabrielle's mouth. She then places her sword back in its sheath and steps forward.

Let her go. She had nothing to do with it.

Xena, that's not...

Xena ignores Gabrielle and keeps talking to the captain.

Do it, and I give you my word that I will come without a fight.

The soldiers look at the captain, who thinks for a moment before agreeing. The soldiers surrounding Gabrielle step back. Gabrielle does not move.

One soldier takes Xena's weapons and ties her hands together.

Gabrielle rushes forward but is stopped by one of the soldiers.

Xena!

Xena turns her head to look at Gabrielle.

I'll be all right, Gabrielle. It's not me you need to worry about.

Xena is led away by the captain. The soldiers follow them. Gabrielle remains on the docks by herself.

It's not me you need to worry about... It's not me you need to worry about... Oh, of course.

Gabrielle runs in the direction of the palace.

CUT TO:

8. INT. A PRISON CELL - NIGHT

Xena is led inside the prison by the captain and two prison guards. One of the guards tries to push her. She turns her head slightly and stares at him silently. He pulls his hands back as if burnt.

On her way to her cell, Xena sees Hermione, also in a prison cell. Hermione is holding her belly and breathing heavily. As she hears the approaching footsteps, she raises her head and notices Xena.

Xena? What are you doing here?

Don't worry about me. When did it start?

Just now.

Are you okay?

It's too early, Xena. The baby wasn't supposed to be born yet.

The guards are about to carry Xena away.

Wait!

What is it?

This woman.. your queen is in labor. Let me stay with her.

The captain hesitates. Xena gazes straight into his eyes.

She needs help.

She will get the help she needs.

The captain turns to a skinny young prison guard.

Emilio, go get the queen's midwife. Hurry!

Emilio rushes away.

She might be too late. The queen is in labor now.

Xena looks at Hermione who is breathing more heavily, droplets of sweat forming on her forehead.

Xena turns back to look at the captain.

Regardless of what you think of the queen, this is your prince or princess's life we're talking about. Can you really just stand here and let this baby die?

The captain glances at Hermione, then nods. One of the prison guards unlocks it and leads Xena in. Xena rushes to Hermione.

CUT TO:

9. INT. KING LEONTES'S THRONE ROOM - NIGHT

Leontes is sitting on his throne, surrounded by a few lords. Two guards stand on each side of the throne. A male servant leads Gabrielle in. There is murmuring. Leontes turns to her.

Well, what do you have to say now?

Leontes looks at his lords before continuing.

Polixenes has fled. Camillo has joined him. Your friend has been caught trying to help them. This is solid proof to what I have known all along.

Gabrielle stops a few steps from the throne.

There's still your son to think about.

He's better served not having such a traitorous snake for a mother.

Gabrielle is clearly trying hard to keep her calm.

But she's the only mother he's got, and if you act rashly, you'll regret it some day. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but one day, when your son grows up and comes to you for answers, then you'll regret not making certain before you acted.

Not making certain?

Leontes stops and looks at his lords, before he turns back to look at Gabrielle.

What more proof can you possibly need?

Antigonus, one of Leontes's lords, a burly man in his forties, moves closer to Leontes.

She might have a point, my lord.

Leontes looks at him angrily. Antigonus notices, but he keeps talking.

There is something else you can do. Something that no one will be able to contest.

Leontes' angry look turns into a questioning one.

Send for a word from the oracle.

Leontes ponders the idea for a moment.

Very well, then. I know exactly what it is going to say, but if this will help ease all of your minds, so be it.

Cleomenes, Dion, go to Delphi. Leave now.

The two lords leave the room.

Leontes stares at Gabrielle coldly. Gabrielle turns to leave.

CUT TO:

10. INT. PRISON - NIGHT

Gabrielle enters the prison. A tired prison guard blocks her path.

I have orders not to let anyone in.

I need to talk to Xena.

I'm sorry. I have my orders.

Gabrielle rubs her forehead, trying to think.

Can you bring Xena out here, then?

The prison guard shakes his head.

Gabrielle starts pacing.

Well, then can you at least tell me how the queen is doing?

The queen went into labor shortly after she had arrived.

Gabrielle turns abruptly.

Is she okay?

She seems to be feeling well.

And the baby?

It's fine.

The baby begins to cry. Gabrielle seems relieved.

Is it a boy or a girl?

A girl.

Gabrielle's look softens and she smiles.

A princess... May I see her?

The prison guard deliberates for a short while before answering.

Well, I guess there are no orders forbidding that.

Emilio!

Emilio appears.

Go to the queen's cell and tell her that her friend wishes to see her baby.

Emilio goes out. Gabrielle tries to listen to the distant voices of Emilio and Hermione.

Emilio returns with the baby.

Gabrielle takes the baby from Emilio's hands. She holds her gently and places her finger in the baby's fist.

Hello there, little one. You are so beautiful. So perfect.

The baby's hands move. Gabrielle smiles at her. Suddenly, she has an idea. She turns to the prison guard.

Tell the queen that I have taken the baby to show to the king. The sight of her might succeed where everything else has failed.

Gabrielle goes out of the prison, the baby in her arms.

CUT TO:

11. INT. KING LEONTES'S THRONE ROOM - NIGHT

Leontes is sitting on his throne. Around him are a fewer lords than before, and the two guards. Gabrielle comes in carrying the baby.

One of the lords hurries to Gabrielle.

You mustn't come in. He is tired and distraught. You had better leave it till tomorrow.

No. This has gone on too long already.

The lord remains standing in Gabrielle's path, but when she bypasses him, he makes no effort to stop her.

The other lords step back and Leontes sees Gabrielle.

You again. I've already sent for a word from the oracle. Now go away.

Not before you see what I've come here to show you.

Gabrielle extends her arms.

This is your daughter, born prematurely in prison.

Leontes refuses to look at the baby.

Go away, and take this bastard with you.

Your grace...?

This is not my child. It is the loathsome fruit of Polixenes's loins.

Gabrielle is stunned, but she soon recuperates. She steps forward, causing one of the guards to draw near. She pulls the baby's blanket down, revealing the baby's face and upper body. There is a dark red birthmark on her chest.

You're mistaken. Look.

Leontes peeks at the baby, in spite of himself. Encouraged by his reaction, Gabrielle places the baby on his lap.

Look at her nose, so small and yet so similar to yours. Look at the dimple in her chin. Can you honestly tell me you don't see yourself in that sweet tiny face?

My wife put you up to it, didn't she?

I haven't even seen your wife.

Leontes holds his head between his hands, as if trying to get rid of a horrible headache.

Liar! All of you! I'm surrounded by nothing but liars!

Leontes grabs a goblet from a tray that is placed on a table beside his throne and throws it forcefully on the floor. His lords back away.

Kill her!

The lords move toward Gabrielle, although it is clear they are reluctant to follow his orders, as they are baffled by his behavior. Gabrielle is getting ready to fight.

No, not her, the child. I want her dead before dawn.

The lords are shocked. Gabrielle tries to move forward but is stopped by the guards. She fights to break free from their hold.

But my lord...

Do you take me for a fool? Am I supposed to let this bastard live and grow up to call me 'father'? I'll have none of that.

Antigonus steps forward.

Nor should you, my lord. But killing a baby? Is there no other way?

Since you are so interested in this creature's fate, you'll be personally in charge of executing it.

Aye, my lord.

Antigonus exits with the baby in his arms. Gabrielle, who has in the meantime freed herself, is about to run after him, but is stopped by Leontes.

I'm warning you. Try to stop my man from performing his duty and I'll kill you.

CUT TO:

12. INT. PRISON - DAY

Xena is sitting on the floor, her back leaning against the wall, her hand on her belly. Hermione is sitting next to her, her head resting on Xena's shoulder. She seems to be asleep, but suddenly she starts speaking.

Do you think it's my fault? Maybe I shouldn't have been so nice to Polixenes, maybe I shouldn't have acted so free with him.

None of this is your fault. You did what you were supposed to do. Polixenes was your husband's best friend. You treated him like family.

Hermione looks up at Xena, her eyes glistening with tears.

Then why?

I don't know. Can you think of anyone who'd have something to gain by poisoning Leontes's mind against you?

No. No one.

There is silence. Then Hermione begins to sob.

My baby. My poor, innocent baby.

You'll get her back. Everything will be all right, I promise.

Hermione is about to say something when in comes a lord, and exchanges words with the prison guard. Xena and Hermione keep quiet and try to listen in. The prison guard nods and approaches Hermione and Xena's cell. He opens the door.

Come, my queen. You have been summoned to your trial.

The prison guard leads Hermione out of her cell and is about to close the door on Xena, but Xena places her hand on the bars.

I'm coming too.

The prison guard looks at the lord, who is shaking his head.

Only the queen has been called for.

She's still too weak.

She'll be taken care of.

She's just now given birth and lost her baby. She's in no condition to be facing a trial. But if it's going to take place anyhow, I would at least like the opportunity to speak for her.

The prison guard is hesitant. The lord is urging him with piercing looks.

I wish I could help you, but my hands are tied.

Xena grabs him by his clothes and bangs his head against the bars.

Okay. Have it your way.

The prison guard falls down. Then she runs out of her cell and knocks the lord unconscious with one accurate punch. She ties their hands together and rushes out, leading Hermione by the hand.

CUT TO:

13. INT. LEONTES'S THRONE ROOM - DAY

Leontes is sitting on his throne. A young male servant comes in, shaking his head.

What the hell is taking them so long?

As he finishes asking his question in comes Xena, holding a sword in her hand. The chakram is back on her belt.

What? How did you...? Where is...?

Your wife and son are on their way to a place far away from you.

Leontes gets up, stunned.

You can't... I'm the king.

You are king of nothing. Your insane jealousy cost you everything in your life that was worthwhile.

Leontes, annoyed, calls for his guards. The two guards closest to him attack Xena. Xena punches the first guard and kicks the second. Three more guards come in. They attack Xena. Xena slashes through a rich velvet curtain with her sword. It tears and falls on the guards. Two lords join the fight. Xena catches one of them by his clothes, swings him a few times and tosses him toward the throne. He almost knocks Leontes down. She elbows the second lord. The guards who were buried beneath the curtain get up and attack Xena again. Xena climbs onto the throne and exchanges a few sword blows with two of them. She climbs down the throne, using her balance to make it fall back, crashing onto one of the guards. Another guard joins the attack. Xena climbs onto the tipped throne. She jumps down with a kick, pushing her attacker onto two lords. Xena is now attacked by three guards. She throws her chakram to the wall on their left. It bounces back from that wall at the wall on their right, the throne, and finally to the wall behind them right before it turns in their direction. It then breaks the sword of one of them and disarms the other two. The three escape. All the lords escape too. Two guards are left. They try to attack Xena again, but she runs between them, turns around to punch one of them and kick the second. They fall down. She then runs toward the door. When she gets to the door she turns around and looks at Leontes.

You better pray to the gods to remain as ignorant and blind as you are now, for not even they will be able to help you if you ever realize what you've done.

Xena shakes her head and rushes away, leaving Leontes baffled.

CUT TO:

14. EXT. A VILLAGE IN BOHEMIA - TWILIGHT

Xena and Gabrielle are standing next to each other. Opposite them stands Hermione, dressed as a commoner. In her hands she is holding the sleeping baby. Mamillius, also dressed as a commoner, is clinging to her leg.

You'll be safe here. Leontes wouldn't dare look for you in Bohemia.

I know.

There is a short silence. Everybody looks very grave.

Don't worry about me. I'll make a good life for us here.

Xena pats Mamillus's head, while looking at Hermione.

I have no doubt you will.

There is another short silence. Xena and Gabrielle exchange looks.

I guess this is goodbye.

Not for long. We'll be back soon to see how you're doing.

Thank you, Xena, for everything. You proved to be a true friend. I never realized how hard they are to come by until now.

And thank you too, Gabrielle, for bringing my baby back to me.

You should thank Antigonus, too. He was very eager to cooperate.

Gabrielle tenderly touches the baby's face. Then she looks at Xena and both look in the direction of a sailor who is wildly signaling to them to come.

Gabrielle starts walking toward the sailor, leaving Xena and Hermione to exchange final words.

Hermione places her hand on Xena's belly.

Come visit us with your new baby.

Perdita can't wait to meet her new playmate.

I will.

Xena gives Hermione another quick hug and joins Gabrielle. Gabrielle and Xena board on the ship.

CUT TO:

15. INT. LEONTES'S THRONE ROOM - DAY

Leontes is sitting on his throne. A guard and two servants are surrounding him.

Dion and Cleomenes enter the room. Dion hands a sealed parchment to Leontes. Leontes opens the parchment and reads silently. His expression suddenly freezes. He signals for everybody to exit the room. The guard seems hesitant, but he leaves with the rest. When all leave the room Leontes lets the parchment fall to his feet and places his face in his hands. He is crying.

FADE OUT: