ACT I

4. EXT. MARKETPLACE - PRESENT DAY

So, that was Argo? What happened then?

Well, that was just the beginning. Let's find a tavern and I'll tell YOU a story for change!

Xena the Warrior Princess Bard! I'll even buy!

You've got a deal!

CUT TO:

5. INT. TAVERN

Xena and Gabrielle are sitting at a small round table.

What'll be ladies?

Two ales and what's the house special?

Venison stew, fresh baked bread, and apple tart. All you can eat for a dinar. Drinks are extra.

Gabrielle's eyes light up.

Make it two!

Hmmm, I have a feeling they won't be offering that deal in the future.

Awww, Xena, it's nearly noon and breakfast was HOURS ago.

I know and since it's been such a LONG time, you of course are starving!

That's right and the price is sure reasonable.

Yeah, let's hope the food is edible!

So, what happened next?

Ah, let's see, the horse had just escaped that sadistic trader. Well, Borias and I headed back to our camp, gathered a couple of ropes, some supplies and our horses, and headed out to catch us a steed.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

6. EXT. TENT CAMP - MANY YEARS AGO

Xena, be reasonable. It's snowing harder. We won't be able to track that horse for very long.

Borias, I am going to get that horse. I want her and I am going to have her. If you're afraid of a little bad weather, then stay here!

Borias shakes his head, gathers up his gear and puts it on his horse. Xena finishes stowing the last of her gear and scrambles up into the saddle. Both have large coils of rope looped over the fronts of their saddles. A man comes over to Xena and hands up a small cloth bag. She puts the sack in one of her saddlebags.

What's in the sack?

Bait for a war horse, apples and carrots.

Let's ride!

Putting heels to her mount's sides, Xena gallops out of the camp, Borias in close pursuit.

CUT TO:

7. EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NOON

The wind has picked up. Blowing snow slashes across the plains half blinding both humans and horses. A howl is heard off in the distance.

Uh, oh, sounds like wolves are hunting.

Another howl is heard, then another.

Come on! They sound like they've cornered something. It might be that horse!

Urging her mount on, Xena gallops off in the direction of the howling, Borias in close pursuit.

8. EXT. SMALL HILLOCK - NOON

Xena and Borias come across a bloody sight. A small foal is laying on the ground, barely moving. A snorting and plunging palomino is fending off a pack of wolves. The horse has gashes across her forelegs. Blood spatters her shoulders and flanks. Several wolves lay dead, their skulls crushed in by horse hooves. One after another, the wolves dart at the enraged equine. Fearlessly she kicks out at them.

One particularly large wolf leaps up and lands on the mare's back, trying to get a grip on her throat.

The mare rears up, twisting.

Seeing the horse in serious trouble, Xena spurs her mount forward. She whips out her sword and plunges the blade into the wolf on top of the horse. It cries out and drops to the ground.

Xena pivots her mount around and dashes into the wolf pack. She slashes first at one furry body, then another. Howls of pain and fear emit from savage throats.

AIIIIYAAAH!

Putting heels to mount, he charges forward as well, taking on two more of the pack.

Seeing their pack mates falling to the long metal teeth of the humans, all but one of the wolves snarl and fall back.

The one wolf, braver or less wise than his fellows makes a dash for the cowering foal.

Xena sees the foal's danger before the mare does. In a move too quick to follow, Xena pulls a dagger and flings it at the wolf. The blade pierces the wolf's right eye, sinking to the hilt. The beast collapses.

The rest of the wolves flee, Borias in pursuit. Xena reins in her horse and slides off its back. She wipes off her sword and sheathes it before getting her crutch and saddlebags.

Talking soothingly and moving slowly, Xena inspects the still hostile horse.

Well, no wonder you didn't want to be captured. You have a little one.

The warrior princess smiles at the foal and then holds out her hand.

You need to let me look at both of you. Your baby is hurt and so are you.

As though the horse understood her words, she backs up and allows Xena to come closer, still maintaining a protective stance.

Bending down, Xena carefully inspects the small foal. The little horse is shivering and has some small wounds but nothing apparently life threatening. Xena reaches into her pack and gets some rags, a small jar, and her water skin.

Pouring some water on a clean rag, she proceeds to wash away the blood and put some salve on the wounds.

Standing up, she hobbles over to her horse and unties a blanket from the back of the saddle. Carrying the blanket she drapes it over the little animal who looks up with almost human gratitude.

Xena inspects the foal who looks like a carbon copy of her mother in miniature, same golden coloring, slightly lighter mane and tail.

Well, you sure are your mother's daughter.

She pats the foal reassuringly then turns to the mare.

Okay girl, your turn for some attention.

The horse again seems to understand Xena's words. She stands quietly while Xena cleans her wounds, applies more healing salve and bandages a couple of particularly nasty cuts.

Wrapping a bandage around the hock, Xena ties it off and stands up. She surveys her work and gives a nod of satisfaction.

Well, at least you don't have anything that needs stitches. I don't think either of us would have enjoyed that.

The horse snorts and jerks her head, the reins whirling around. Xena looks more closely and sees a little blood around the horse's mouth.

She reaches up and unfastens the bridle. It drops to the ground along with the reins, the bit showing bloodstains.

That sadistic bastard. If I ever get my hands on him again, I'll put him in one of his own bridles and whip him until he screams for mercy.

Horse hooves are heard above the now howling wind.

Xena is just putting away her gear as Borias gallops toward her. She gives him a quick once over and notes he and his horse are unscathed.

Ho, Xena! Good hunting for us both!

Slung across the withers of his horse are several large wolf pelts. He dismounts and drags the other wolf carcasses off to the side. Working quickly he removes the hides. He cleans Xena's dagger and returns it to her.

These furs will keep you nice and warm during the cold winter nights when I am not there.

Yeah, and they might even smell better!

Ah, you have never complained before!

If I had then it would have been even longer between baths!

Ah Xena, you know you like the rugged type!

The mare and her foal have been watching the two humans. The mother looks up anxiously at the sky. The snow is falling even harder.

We better get these two to shelter and quickly. This storm is only going to get worse.

You think the little one can walk?

No, I'll have to carry her on my horse. Boost her up.

As Borias moves toward the foal, the mare bares her teeth.

It's all right. He's just going to put your baby up here so I can take it to someplace warm.

Again, the horse looks at Xena as though she understands her words. She backs up and allows Borias to approach her foal and pick it up.

Moving carefully, he drapes the now drowsy foal in front of Xena's saddle. The foal struggles a bit but calms down at the touch of Xena's hand. Borias adjusts the blanket over the shivering animal.

CUT TO:

9. INT. - TAVERN

Wow, even then Argo understood what you were saying!

I think both horses knew we were trying to help them.

The tavern maid puts down two bowls of venison stew, two tankards of ale and a freshly baked loaf of bread.

Enjoy! I'll bring the apple tart when you're ready. I've got one ready to come out of the oven shortly.

Gabrielle smiles and takes up a spoon and begins to eat.

Xena, it's delicious!

Yep, they are sure going to regret offering all you can eat for a dinar!

Xena dips her spoon into the stew and samples it. Her eyebrow arches in surprise.

Hmmm, guess the rest of my story will have to wait until after dinner.

She breaks off a piece of bread and dips it in the stew.

Even better than mom used to make!

For someone who had a really good cook for a mother, you sure didn't inherit her skills in that department.

Hey, I have many other skills!

Yeah, and there's some I wish you would share with me!

Oh, and what might those be?

Gabrielle starts to answer but is interrupted by the tavern maid.

Ladies, how's the food?

Great! I'll have another bowl. And some more bread.

Make it two.

Gabrielle looks over at Xena in disbelief.

Well, it is good!

Apparently!

So, what happened next?

Well, just as Borias predicted, the storm got worse.

CUT TO:

10. EXT. WINTERY PLAIN - EARLY AFTERNOON

Heads ducked down against the cold, Borias and Xena guide their horses across the plain. Half blinded by the snow, they still set a fast pace, knowing they need to find shelter soon.

The mare stays near to her foal, often nuzzling it in assurance. Suddenly, she raises her head and canters off to the right.

Hey, come back!

She starts to follow.

Xena, let her go. She won't stray far, not with her foal here.

Okay, I guess you're right.

Xena and Borias continue on through the deepening snow. From time to time drifts impede their progress.

After about 20 minutes, a sharp whinny is heard from the direction in which the mare disappeared. The foal gives an answering nicker.

Xena looks off in the distance and then down at the foal.

Hmmm, guess your mother wants us to go after her.

Borias! Follow me.

Urging her horse in the direction of the mare's call, she canters off.

Xena! Come back!

Muttering under his breath, he follows them into the ever-increasing storm.

I can't believe we are following a dumb horse off into the wilderness. I sure hope we don't regret this.

Xena! Wait up!

The warrior kicks his mount forward, huddling down against the driving wind. Muffled hoof beats are heard in the distance.

FADE OUT:

END ACT I

ACT II