ACT I

FADE IN:

8. EXT. SHIP'S BOW - DAY

The ship starts to turn.

Xena whips the spyglass round to face the shore and gazes into it. Through the haze she glimpses a carpet of solid ice stretching across the sea. Beyond lies the Greek coastline. She steps aside to let Gabrielle look.

I've heard tales of this happening before. That's sea ice, that is.

Sea ice?

It's when the temperature drops so low that the sea's surface freezes solid. The air is warmer out here so the ice floes around us have broken apart.

Can you force a way through it?

This is a cargo ship! She would break up if we tried!

If you can't get in, then I take it other ships can't get out?

That's right. Even if I could make it through, I'd be stranded in port. I can't take that risk. We're turnin' back.

As he turns away, Xena grabs his arm.

Look, we have to get to shore. Can you drop your anchor and let us off?

The captain glares at her, pulling away from her grasp.

You've got to be kidding! You can't walk across that ice! It'll be thinnest at the edge and you'd have to get across the ice floes first! It's too risky.

We'll take that chance, right Gabrielle?

I'll get the rest of our things.

She disappears below deck.

I'll need some kind of oar...

She searches the deck until she finds some crude weapons in a wooden crate. She rummages inside, pulling out a spear and a battered wooden shield. Grabbing some loose strands of twine lying around the deck, she secures the shield to the spear. She strolls back towards the astonished captain.

Now, can you drop anchor or do we have to jump right now?

The captain hesitates, sees her resolve and gives in. He shouts instructions to his crew.

Hold our position! Drop anchor!

We can only stay a moment so you'd better be quick. I can't risk us getting trapped here.

Thanks! Gabrielle?

Gabrielle emerges from below deck carrying a large bundle. She sprints back to Xena and crouches to unwrap it. It contains her and Xena's winter coats. Hurriedly, she tosses Xena her coat then dons her own.

I hoped we'd seen the last of these for a while!

Me too. You ready?

As I'll ever be. Do we have a plan?

I suggest we use one of the ice floes as a raft and paddle to the edge of the ice. Once we're on it, we'll need to stay close together.

What course did you set for Piraeus?

North, northwest. Try to head north and land further down the coast though. You've a very slim chance as it is in this fog.

Right. You first!

Can you hurry it up?

Without another word, Xena secures a rope to the ship's rail and drops over the side.

9. EXT. SHIP'S RAIL - DAY

Xena lands on a nearby ice floe, balancing precariously on the edge.

Xena, be careful!

She sighs with relief as Xena steadies herself with the spear. The captain shakes his head.

Madness! Complete madness!

Slinging her bag over her shoulder, Gabrielle grasps the rope, steps over the rail and lowers herself onto the ice floe. As she turns towards Xena, it bobs around unsteadily. She sways but Xena catches hold of her arms tightly and smiles.

I gotcha.

I know.

The captain unties the rope, throws it to Xena and moves away. We hear him bellowing at the crew.

Weigh anchor! Hoist the sails!

Seconds later, the ship heads away through the mist and into the distance.

CUT TO:

10. EXT. ICE FLOE - DAY

Xena edges to the center of the ice floe, dipping the roughly fashioned oar into the water. She pushes against the current and slowly they begin to move towards the sea ice. Unsteadily, Gabrielle joins her.

I'll try to balance my weight against yours so we don't tip over. I can see you need to concentrate.

Thanks, I appreciate it. It's tough enough trying to see through this thick fog.

After a grueling half-hour of heavy paddling with the oar, the ice floe bumps against the edge of the sea ice.

Gabrielle, you'll have to jump first but remember, the ice is very thin. If it starts to give way, keep moving. Once you're safe, I'll follow. Ready?

Gabrielle nods, takes a deep breath and jumps.

The ice immediately cracks beneath her feet. Swiftly, she jumps and strides away until she's standing on solid ice.

CUT TO:

11. EXT. ICE FLOE - DAY

Xena unties the spear, secures it to her back and makes a giant leap onto the ice.

As the ice cracks beneath her, Xena flips through the air and lands on her feet. Using her forward momentum, she springs onto her hands and flic-flacs across the ice towards Gabrielle.

Show off!

We've got to keep moving. This ice won't hold our weight for long. We'll use this spear to check the ice as we go.

She takes the lead, jabbing at the ice with the spear as they move towards land. If the ice breaks, she changes direction until she finds a stable part of the ice again. Gabrielle follows closely behind.

CUT TO:

12. EXT. THE SHORE - DAY

As Xena and Gabrielle wander through the fog, they hear screams and gasps of horror from the shore.

Ghosts! I see two ghosts walking out of the sea!

It's the shades of the dead come back to haunt us!

We're doomed. The gods have truly deserted us!

The two companions glance at each other and frown.

As Xena and Gabrielle emerge onto the shore, a small group of frightened villagers cower away from them. They are wrapped in warm furs against the bitter wind. The surrounding landscape is covered in ice and snow.

We are not ghosts! Just flesh and blood! My name is Xena and this is Gabrielle. We're here to help!

The villagers back away in fear.

They're terrified of us! What's happening, Xena?

I don't know. Let's find out.

As Xena advances, the villagers scatter. Xena gently catches one of them by the arm. He whimpers softly.

I'm not going to hurt you! Tell me: where's the nearest tavern?

The villager wordlessly points in a northerly direction. When Xena moves forward, he shrieks and runs away.

CUT TO:

13. INT. A TAVERN - DAY

The tavern is almost empty. The few patrons present are sitting at the far side of the bar. Everyone is dressed in warm winter clothing. The atmosphere is somber and unwelcoming. All eyes stare at the strangers as they enter.

The innkeeper is a portly man, short in stature and round of face with a ruddy complexion. Unlike his customers, he welcomes the newcomers anxiously.

Welcome, welcome my friends! What can I get you folks? Ale? Mulled wine? A warm bed to sleep in? I think you'll find my prices very reasonable.

Gabrielle sits on a stool at the bar. Xena leans casually on the counter.

Well...a glass of water would be good. I'm quite famished too...I...

Xena arches her brow. Gabrielle holds up her hands in defeat.

Okay, okay...I can wait.

Nothing for me, thanks. What's going on here and where are we?

Where've you been the past eighteen months?

Up north, actually. The weather wasn't much better there either.

You haven't come from up the coast or inland?

No. More from outland. We came in a ship...

The patrons mumble excitedly. The innkeeper looks astonished.

But...but...how did you get through the ice?

We walked across it. The ship's captain turned his vessel around and left. We decided to stay.

A disappointed groan comes from the patrons.

What brave souls you are!

Can you tell us where we are? We were heading for Piraeus so I assume we're on the west coast of Attica somewhere?

And can you tell us what's going on?

You're in the village of Aexone, south of Phaleron. As for this, it began about a year ago. It just seemed an unusually cold winter but time passed and spring never came.

Go on.

When winter stocks ran out, people got desperate. They began to kill their livestock. Now our crops have perished and people are fighting over scraps of food. Everyone's on rations but there's barely enough to go round.

Aren't traders bringing food in from overseas?

Haven't you heard? All of Greece has been affected by this winter freeze.

All of Greece?

That's what we've heard. Where possible, messengers were sent out to warn people of the coming hardship. Then the ice struck and our ships got frozen in place at the docks. Those that left port beforehand haven't been able to get back in.

Exactly the problem our captain had.

Our fishermen tried to cross the ice to cast their nets but they had to turn back. Stratius over there nearly drowned in the attempt.

He indicates one of the patrons, a light-haired man who looks up on hearing his name. Stratius glances at Xena and Gabrielle admiringly.

How you managed to walk across that ice is beyond me!

Xena gives Gabrielle a wry smile.

We have many skills.

What's happening inland?

The situation is much worse. They were hit first and hit hardest. Even if we could get food in, it would never reach the villagers.

Why not?

It's rumored that many have become bandits and rob those foolish enough to travel. Certainly, those who've tried to reach their loved ones inland have not returned.

I suspect only the coastal villages have any chance of survival at all.

I wouldn't count on it! Where do you think the bandits will head to, once supplies run out?

The innkeeper's mouth drops open in shock. His patrons look helplessly at one another, too stunned to speak.

You think they'd strike here?

What do you think? Once food gets scarce out there, they'll head to the coast and raid your villages!

Gods help us! They'll murder us all or, if they don't, we'll starve to death!

Not if I can help it.

We'll need food and transportation for our journey inland. Can your village spare either?

I'll see what I can do but I wouldn't advise you to travel. Bandits are on the lookout for people like you.

Oh, really? I can't wait to meet 'em.

Xena, shouldn't we spend the night here? We didn't get much sleep on the ship and it'll be dark soon. I could do with the rest.

Okay, you rest up here.

She turns to address the tavern patrons.

Stratius and the rest of you, come with me. We're going fishing.

Whilst Gabrielle organizes a room for the night...

CUT TO:

14. EXT. THE SHORE - DAY

...to the amazement of the villagers, Xena and her entourage venture onto the ice with her spear and a net.

Several hours later, they return with a huge catch of fish in their net. Xena has several tied to the end of her spear.

CUT TO:

15. INT. THE TAVERN - DUSK

Xena enters the tavern, followed by several curious villagers. She slaps her supply of fish down on the counter in front of the innkeeper.

Here, get these in the pot and share them round. Your fishermen are distributing their catch throughout the village. I've shown them how to fish through the ice so you'll have no more problems.

How can we ever repay you? You've saved us from starvation!

We'd appreciate some journey rations and a couple of horses, if you have them.

CUT TO:

16. EXT. OUTSIDE THE TAVERN - MORNING

It has snowed heavily overnight and it is bitterly cold outside.

Xena and Gabrielle leave the tavern armed with bread, cheese and wine and a supply request note written by the innkeeper. This enables them to collect two horses from the village's stables for their journey.

So, where to now?

We're going to pay a visit to Demeter at her temple in Eleusis.

Eleusis? That's where the Eleusinian Mysteries originate from! Demeter's cult is famous; its mysteries shrouded in secrecy.

Do you think she's got something to do with this?

We can probably count on it.

CUT TO:

17. EXT. OVERLAND - MORNING

Xena and Gabrielle gallop away from the coastal village and across hilly country for several miles. On reaching the edge of a forest, they slow to a brisk walk. They continue in silence for a while, until they reach a small clearing.

CUT TO:

18. EXT. A FOREST CLEARING - MORNING

Xena, do you know the story of Demeter and Persephone?

Yep, but you're gonna tell me about it anyway.

Gabrielle ignores Xena's barbed comment.

The legend says that Hades was so entranced by Persephone's beauty that he stole her away from her mother and took her to dwell with him in the Underworld. Demeter was so full of sorrow, she neglected the earth so the seasons never changed and it was always winter.

Uh-huh.

At Demeter's request, Hercules braved the Underworld to get Persephone back. He had to fight many adversaries, including Cerberus the three-headed dog, guardian of the Underworld.

I thought Cerberus had five heads.

Hercules battled every obstacle in his path until he came face to face with Hades himself. They fought and Hades was defeated, but Persephone had eaten food whilst in the Underworld so she had to remain there...

The suspense is killing me!

Xena, let me finish! Anyway, Hercules made a deal with Hades and Demeter that Persephone would remain in the Underworld for three months and return to the upper world for the rest of the year. That is why Greece is barren for three months, when Demeter mourns Persephone's absence.

Suddenly, the two companions scan the trees for signs of movement. They can hear a rustling noise coming from some nearby bushes! Xena reins in her horse, her hand surreptitiously going to her sword. Gabrielle also brings her mount to a halt.

Gabrielle, let's rest here for a while. I'll get some wood for a fire.

Gabrielle plays along with Xena's deception.

I'll search for fresh water.

They pretend to walk off in different directions but maneuver themselves into position, each circling around the back of the bushes where they heard the noise.

We hear a yelp and then Xena emerges, dragging someone out of the bushes. Gabrielle is close behind.

Who are you? Why are you following us?

The terrified man struggles weakly in Xena's grasp. His clothes are torn and grubby, his hair unkempt. He looks pleadingly at the two women as he shivers from the cold. Deciding he is harmless, Xena releases him.

Please, I meant no harm. I...I only hoped you might spare some food. Our village is starving but no one dares go for help lest they be robbed and left to die on the road. I beg of you, don't kill me.

So why didn't you just ask instead of skulking around in the bushes?

The man doesn't answer but looks around nervously as if expecting something to happen. Xena motions to Gabrielle who strides over to her horse, reaches into her bag and tosses some bread and cheese to Xena who passes it to the villager.

Take this to your village. It's not much but we'll get help to you once we've...

She stops in mid-sentence as a horde of shabby villagers emerges from the trees. The villagers are armed with heavy wooden clubs and pitchforks. They approach Xena and Gabrielle, their faces desperate, a savage look in their eyes.

Three villagers lead the group. One stands to the left and is heavily muscled with deep-set eyes. The man on the right is short and stocky. The third stands slightly in front of the others and appears to be the leader. He is lean-faced, tall and thin. All three carry vicious clubs slung over their shoulders.

The captured villager seizes this opportunity to escape. He quickly conceals the food given to him and disappears into the bushes.

The man on the left addresses the lean-faced man.

Cassio! Santos is escaping! Shouldn't we go after him?

Let the coward go! There are better pickings to be had here!

He sneers at Xena, wiping his arm across his grubby face. He looks past Gabrielle to where the horses are and stares at them hungrily.

Xena draws her sword. Seeing several villagers edging towards the horses, Gabrielle grabs the reins and pulls the animals toward her.

As the crowd advances, Xena moves to join Gabrielle. They stand half facing away from each other with the horses directly behind them.

Gabrielle grasps Xena's fishing spear and stands ready in a defensive position.

Xena twirls her sword threateningly.

Stay back!

The villagers continue to approach, seemingly oblivious to the dangerously whirling blade.

Gabrielle glances back at Xena.

Xena, we can't hurt them! They're desperate and starving. They've been driven to this!

I know. Get the rest of the rations!

The mob is almost upon them. Gabrielle backs towards the horses and grabs Xena's pack. She hands it to Xena who hangs it on her sword, brandishing it in the air. All eyes follow the swinging pack.

Now listen up, all of you. We have food here but take one more step and you won't get to sample any of it!

Careful not to sever the straps, Xena whirls the pack on the edge of her sword.

The mob stops.

Gabrielle lets out a sigh of relief.

Get them!

The villagers shout, menacingly waving their weapons in the air. They seem about to rush forward.

Xena brandishes the pack, ready to send it spinning through the air into the bushes.

Gabrielle struggles to control the horses who are becoming skittish and ready to bolt. Desperately, she looks over her shoulder at Xena.

FADE OUT:

END ACT I

ACT II