ACT I

6. EXT. OUTSIDE MOUNT OLYMPUS - MIDDAY

FADE IN:

You failed in your attempt last time we met, Xena. What makes you think you can kill me now?

Xena shifts uncertainly.

Maybe I can't but that won't stop me trying.

She lunges at him. He parries, twirls and makes a return thrust. She jumps back, out of weapon range. Her sword clashes with his as she advances with a second attack.

Gabrielle moves to protect Xena's flank.

You've been practicing, I see.

You can't defeat me, Xena. Eli won't allow it.

Eli sent you?

I bring a message from him.

Xena hesitates, weighing the truth of his words. Gabrielle lightly touches her arm.

Xena, we should at least listen to what he has to say.

Xena glares at Michael, glances at Gabrielle then slowly lowers her sword. Michael does the same. He sheaths his sword.

Okay, Michael. Spit it out. What do you want?

Michael folds his arms.

You must abandon this quest to resurrect Hades. It is forbidden to meddle with the destiny of the old gods. Their time has passed and soon, they will fade into obscurity as foretold.

Eli said that? Sounds more like your kind of spiel to me!

Michael, Eli was a man of forgiveness. I can't believe he wouldn't show compassion for Persephone and her child.

Eli is a servant of my god, as I am, Gabrielle. He speaks on his behalf and obeys his will. You are forbidden to complete this quest.

So this is about proving a point?

I'm merely a messenger, Xena. I don't make the rules.

So, don't shoot the messenger is what you're saying?

Gabrielle looks thoughtful. She steps forward.

Michael, we'd like to plead on Hades' behalf if we may.

You may do so, if you wish.

Michael, your god teaches love, forgiveness and, above all, compassion. That was Eli's message and is Eve's message too, right?

Yes.

Xena turns away. She begins to pace up and down.

And Xena was right to protect Eve against the gods who attacked her?

As the mother of the messenger of Eli, she was destined to fulfill that role, yes.

Xena stops pacing. She narrows her eyes at Michael.

I protected Eve because she's my daughter not because I was destined to!

There is a tense silence. Gabrielle hastily intervenes.

So, is it right for a mother or father to protect their child against danger, no matter the cost?

Of course. No good parent would do any less.

So, if I can forgive Hades for what he did, surely your god can forgive him too, right?

That's not the point, Xena. He tried to kill Eve and could do so again. How do you plan to stop him this time, without your power to kill gods?

He won't try again. For him, the danger has passed. Hades failed to kill Eve and the fact some of the gods survived proves they brought about their own downfall. Hades will see that, I know it.

You haven't convinced me.

He starts to leave.

Wait! Michael, what about the thousands of souls who have lost their way because of Hades' death? Surely, you wouldn't condemn them too!

That's not my concern...

Not your concern? You hard-hearted...

She moves angrily towards Michael. His hand moves to his sword. Gabrielle swiftly places herself between them, halting Xena with a look that says "let me handle this". She turns to face Michael.

Remember when I fought for you against the legions of Hell, even though it meant going up against Xena? You risked everything to protect Heaven against those demons, didn't you?

I did, and would do so again without hesitation.

Then surely you can see Hades did exactly the same to protect the souls who came to him! How is that any different?

Michael ponders Gabrielle's words for a moment.

Very well. You have a reprieve, on one condition. You may continue your quest for the time being while I consult my god. I will return soon with an answer and you will abide by his decision. Agreed?

Do we have a choice?

No.

Agreed.

Michael nods and leaves.

Well, I guess we'd better get moving. We'll secure the horses, then enter Hephaestus' forge.

CUT TO:

7. INT. CAVE ENTRANCE - EARLY AFTERNOON

They enter the cave, which is no more than a hollowed-out cavity carved from the mountain. Huge stone steps lead downwards as far as the eye can see. They appear to be made for oversized feet.

We'd better watch our step. These stairs are quite deep and it's a long way down.

They halt at the bottom of the stairs. A stone archway marks the forge entrance. As they approach, they spy a fiery red glow within.

Xena, what's that? Is someone in there?

Hush. Listen!

They fall silent. Gabrielle hears the ringing of metal and the thunk thunk of a heavy hammer.

Someone's working at the forge!

Let's find out who!

They sneak forward and peer within.

CUT TO:

8. INT. OUTSIDE HEPHAESTUS' FORGE - EARLY AFTERNOON

To the left of the huge cavern is the forge itself; a vast hearth in which a large fire burns. Above it a huge chimney stretches upwards and continues beyond the roof of the cave. A giant pair of bellows hangs over the hearth.

On the left side of the forge is a weapons rack. It contains several swords, axes and shields. To the right is a large metal bucket that holds a giant pair of tongs. On the wall hang several coils of rope, some iron spikes and a massive hand-axe.

Before the forge stands a giant anvil. Working at the anvil is a Cyclops, intent on his creation. He is positioned side on to Xena and Gabrielle and slightly in front of them. He wears a leather apron and is humming to himself.

The Cyclops is lifting a huge hammer and beating a sword into shape. The ringing of his hammer echoes loudly around the cavern.

A Cyclops! I'd heard they worked as servants of Hephaestus but I never really believed it!

Will we have to fight him for the stone?

Probably. We can sneak in and take him by surprise though. He won't hear us over that din. You circle behind him. I'll attack from the side.

Okay. Where do we look for the stone?

The rhyme said something about a burning pit. It's probably hidden in the forge itself.

Right.

Without another word, they creep into the cave and maneuver themselves into position as planned, weapons drawn.

CUT TO:

9. INT. HEPHAESTUS' FORGE - EARLY AFTERNOON

The cavern is dusty and hot. As Gabrielle reaches her position, she breathes in some of the dust. Unable to stop herself, she gives out an almighty sneeze, just as the Cyclops pauses in his work. Startled, he spins round to face her. She prepares to attack but the Cyclops just stares at her, open-mouthed.

Xena is now behind the Cyclops. She hollers at him, trying to turn his attention away from Gabrielle.

Hey, you big, ugly, stupid brute! Come and get me! I'm right here.

The Cyclops whips round. On seeing Xena, he backs away.

Why you attack? Maliacus not harm anyone. Maliacus not want to fight.

Maliacus not want to fight, eh? Well, I've got to admit that's a first!

Maliacus got no one. Master is dead, killed by warrior woman. Maliacus stay at the forge to continue master's work.

You wanna be friends?

Gabrielle joins Xena.

Maliacus, my name is Gabrielle. We don't want to hurt you. We're looking for...

Xena shoots her a warning look.

...er, we're looking for a place to stay the night. It's cold out there and we saw this cave so we thought we'd rest up here.

Gabrielle? That's a pretty name. I like you. You're pretty too.

Great! That's all we need! A Cyclops with a crush!

Xena, shush. He might be willing to help us find the stone!

Keep him talking. I'll have a scout round; see if I can spot it.

She sneaks towards the forge.

So, um. What are you making?

A brand new sword made from best metal! Hephaestus showed me how! Told me I was the best helper. Learn fast.

There are more of you?

Not any more. Only poor Maliacus is left.

Gabrielle pats Maliacus' leg.

I'm sorry.

CUT TO:

10. INT. AT THE FORGE - EARLY AFTERNOON

Xena investigates the area around the forge. There is no sign of the Cronos Stone. She returns to Gabrielle.

Where you been?

Just taking a look around. Quite a cozy setup you've got here.

No sign of the stone in the hearth. It's got to be around here somewhere though!

But the riddle...

We must've got it wrong.

It's home. Can be your home too. You rest. I must work.

He wields his hammer again. As he does so, Xena detects the glint of a pale, circular crystal set in the hammer's shaft. As it catches the firelight, it glows brightly. Xena nudges Gabrielle.

Gabrielle! Look! The Cronos Stone! That's got to be it!

I see it!

Of course! "Where the glowing hammer toils night and day"!

Strange, that only explains half the riddle!

The rest of it could be a ruse.

Maybe, but how are we going to get the stone from him?

Somehow I don't think he's going to hand it over! We'll have to steal it.

We can be out of this cave and on our way before he even knows it's gone.

Are you sure about this? It doesn't seem right somehow. He's so lonely and I kind of feel sorry for him. I feel like we're betraying him.

Gabrielle, we need to get that stone, no matter what. We can't abandon our quest for the sake of some dumb Cyclops!

Shush! He might hear you!

Okay. I don't like it but I'll do it.

CUT TO:

11. INT. HEPHAESTUS' FORGE - NIGHT

Maliacus finally puts down his hammer and yawns. Xena and Gabrielle stir from their light slumber to see Maliacus extinguishing the fire in the forge.

Maliacus needs sleep. Will continue tomorrow after breakfast.

Xena and Gabrielle glance at each other, both wondering the same thing.

I hope we're not on his menu!

Maliacus! Just what is it you eat anyway? Not human flesh, I hope!

Ugh, no! Hate human flesh. Too salty. Much prefer mutton. Too bad no food left. Hard to come by so eat rabbit stew instead!

A Cyclops that doesn't like the taste of human flesh! I've heard everything now!

Don't knock it, Xena. At least we know he's not going to eat us!

Just let him try!

CUT TO:

12. INT. AT THE FORGE - LATER THAT NIGHT

Maliacus is snoring loudly beside the cooled forge. His hammer lies dormant on the nearby anvil. Xena sneaks over to it whilst Gabrielle watches Maliacus for signs of him stirring.

Xena reaches the anvil. She braces herself to lift the huge hammer but it is surprisingly lightweight. As she touches it, the hammer shrinks to fit her hand. Relieved, Xena pries the stone carefully out of the hammer. It comes out easily. Released, it appears ordinary and dull. On inspection, Xena notes it is the size of her palm.

Xena stares at the stone in disbelief. Cursing softly, she makes her way to Gabrielle.

You know what? I think we're being played for fools.

She shows Gabrielle the stone.

Where's the other half?

That's what I'd like to know. I thought it was way too easy getting this stone from a Cyclops. Anyone could have done it.

So, what now?

It seems half the riddle gets us half the stone. What was the rest of it?

Something about a guardian and "jaws that crunch upon bone." I wasn't going to forget that bit!

No. It was a line or two before that.

Gabrielle puzzles for a moment. She looks panicky.

I can't remember!

Relax, Gabrielle. Think carefully!

I've got it! "Deep in the pit of burning heat lies the sparkle of the stone!"

I assumed that meant the forge!

So did I at first, but think about it Gabrielle. Where are we right now?

Under Mount Olympus, in Hephaestus' forge. Why?

Where did Hephaestus traditionally build his forges?

Of course! That's what the burning pit refers to! There must be a volcano inside the mountain. I didn't think that was possible!

I'm going to climb the chimney and take a look. Can you watch Maliacus?

What if he wakes up?

Keep him busy. Tell him a story or something. Just don't let him start work again, whatever you do.

Here, you take the stone and keep it safe. If he discovers it's missing, he'll not suspect you took it.

How can you be sure?

Trust me. I'm sure.

She returns to the forge. Peering up the chimney, she notes it is large enough to scale. Grabbing the spikes and a length of rope from the wall, she hoists herself up and begins to climb.

Be careful, Xena.

CUT TO:

13. INT. THE CHIMNEY ABOVE THE FORGE - NIGHT

Halfway up, Xena discovers a wide gap on the right-hand side of the rock-face. It opens onto a short corridor. As she levers herself into it, her chakram catches against the rock and comes unhooked. It clatters down the chimney, falling into the forge below. The sound echoes throughout the cavern below, instantly waking Maliacus.

Uh...Wha...? What was that?

He sits bolt upright, his sharp eye going instantly to the forge. Seeing the fallen weapon, he leaps up with a bellow and runs to the forge. He grasps the nearby tongs and pulls the chakram out of the coals.

He looks up the chimney but sees no one. He turns to see Gabrielle smiling tentatively at him.

Er...hello, Maliacus. Did you sleep well?

Maliacus looks far from appeased.

Where your friend gone? What's that weapon doin' in my forge? Could've spoilt my work!

Maliacus slowly works out where Xena has gone.

What she climb up there for?

Er...she's curious like that!

Maliacus doesn't look convinced. He grunts, walks over to the anvil, picks up his hammer. Gabrielle tries to distract him.

Maliacus, have I got a great story for you!

Intrigued, Maliacus puts down his hammer.

Maliacus like stories. Master told good stories too. Tell me the one about... er...

Baffled, he scratches his head as he tries to remember the story. Gabrielle improvises.

What about this one? Once there was a great Cyclops called...er...Acteon.

Never heard of a Cyclops called Acteon. Where he live?

In a cave. One day, he was foraging in the forest...

No Cyclops's forage except me! You make this up!

...when he came across the most beautiful creature he had ever seen...

Maliacus sighs, settling down on the anvil to listen. With a yelp of pain, he leaps up and moves the sword aside. Gabrielle hastily continues before he picks up his hammer.

CUT TO:

14. INT. A CORRIDOR ABOVE THE FORGE - NIGHT

Xena works her way along the corridor. It ends abruptly in a narrow ledge. She is standing on the edge of a vast circular chamber that stretches above and below her. The stars in the night sky can be seen overhead.

This has got to be the central vent of the volcano.

The air is extremely hot and dry, causing Xena's throat to burn. She breaks out in a sweat. Wiping her brow, she peers downwards. Below her is a sheer, vertical drop of 120 feet. The chamber ends in a deep pool of boiling lava.

The voices of Gabrielle and Maliacus can be heard. She must hurry before Maliacus discovers his stone is missing.

CUT TO:

15. INT. HEPHAESTUS' FORGE - NIGHT

...and Acteon immediately fell in love with this creature who was actually a dryad...

What a dry-yard?

A dryad is a tree spirit. She was called Ilona but when she saw Acteon she ran away. The Cyclops was taller than the trees and Ilona had never seen such a huge creature before. Acteon searched for Ilona in vain until, one day, he saw her sitting by a stream.

I know why she scared. She scared because Acteon ugly. Like Maliacus. That's why Maliacus is lonely. He scare people.

Maliacus shifts on the anvil, knocking the hammer to the floor. Gabrielle draws in a sharp breath.

CUT TO:

16. INT. THE CHAMBER ABOVE THE FORGE - NIGHT

Xena spies a small recess in the rock-face of the chamber, two-thirds of the way down. Thrusting a metal spike into the floor of the corridor, Xena secures her rope to it and tugs it violently. It holds. She abseils down the rock. The rope is too short for her to reach the recess but she can just about peer into it. She sees a small pit of lava and, bobbing gently on its surface, a sparkling crystal. The Cronos Stone!

CUT TO:

17. INT. HEPHAESTUS' FORGE - NIGHT

This time, Ilona didn't run because she realized Acteon wasn't going to hurt her. From that day on they became great friends and shared many adventures...

Maliacus leans over to pick up his hammer, smiling wistfully.

Maybe Maliacus will meet beautiful dry-yard too! Like Gabrielle...

Maliacus stops in mid-sentence as he stares at the hammer. He lets out a great roar that shakes the foundations of the cavern.

Gabrielle backs away slightly, reaching behind for her spear.

My stone! My pretty stone! Gone!

He looks up the chimney.

She stole it! I get it back!

CUT TO:

18. INT. THE CHAMBER ABOVE THE FORGE - NIGHT

Xena swings the rope back and forth, trying to reach into the recess to grasp the stone. It's no use - the recess is several arm-lengths away. The heat from the lava is intense.

Suddenly, Xena hears Maliacus' shout. She groans.

CUT TO:

19. INT. ON A LEDGE ABOVE THE CHAMBER - NIGHT

A shadow appears and descends towards Xena at a frightening speed.

Sensing danger, she looks up as a huge, gray, winged creature swoops down towards her head, talons extended.

It is the size of a small wyvern and has the smooth, elongated body of a giant serpent, ending in a snake-like tail. Its triangular head is like that of a roc; its leathery wings those of a dragon. Its forelegs and hind-legs end in cruel-looking talons.

Xena ducks, instinctively reaching for her chakram. She remembers - it's not there! No time to reach her sword. She bats at the winged serpent with her hand, trying to scare it off. It digs its claws into her. It's jaws open, revealing vicious fangs.

Arrggh!

CUT TO:

20. INT. HEPHAESTUS' FORGE - NIGHT

At the sound of Xena's voice, Maliacus hoists himself up the chimney. Gabrielle grabs her spear and the remaining coil of rope from the wall. After tying her spear to her back, she follows Maliacus but has to wait until he has maneuvered himself through the gap.

Maliacus! Hurry! Xena's in trouble! I have to get to her!

Xena? That's Xena! She killed my master! I kill her for revenge!

FADE OUT:

END ACT I

ACT II