The following episode written for The Xena Warrior Princess Virtual Season is a work of fiction based upon the television series Xena: Warrior Princess. The original characters are used strictly for fan purposes and not for profit. There is no intent to infringe upon or violate any copyrights held by Studio USA, Renaissance Pictures, Universal Television or any other organization that owns the rights to this series. 

The script, story ideas, and any characters created by the authors that are not part of the original series are copyrighted and remain the sole property of those authors. Also, any original artworks are copyrighted and remain the sole property of those artists. Permission to use any of the written or drawn works herein must be submitted to the original author(s) and artist(s).

1. EXT. SMALL VILLAGE MARKETPLACE - LATE MORNING

The calls of vendors echo through the square.

Pots, jugs, jars, cups! None finer in all of Greece!

Pouches and purses, belts and gloves, great prices!

Come buy my fresh apples, sweet and juicy!

Xena and Gabrielle look at each other and give a sigh. Each has a faraway look in her eyes.

Remember how Argo loved apples?

Yeah, I think that's why we finally became friends. She found out that I'd give her apples.

Yes, I used to see you sneaking apples to her when you thought I wasn't looking.

Xena, you never told me, just how did you and Argo meet?

It was a long time ago, Gabrielle.

Before I met Lao Ma, but not long after my encounter with Caesar....

Borias and I were walking through a marketplace in a small town just outside of Abdera. We were scouting it out with the purpose of sacking the town and re-supplying our men.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

2. EXT. MARKETPLACE - MANY YEARS AGO

The agora is busy. Peddlers in furs, meats, pottery, linens, and foodstuffs are boisterous and competitive, bickering with potential customers. Borias and Xena are moving through the square, noticing possible defenses.

The weather is cold and both are dressed in heavy furs.

A light snow is falling.

You are insane, Xena. There is no way we can take this village with the few men we have!

Xena stops and leans on the makeshift crutch, her steel blue eyes surveying their surroundings.

If there is one thing I've learned over the years, Borias... I can do anything I set my mind to and my army will conquer anything I set my goals on.

By this time next week, there will be nothing but cinders left of this village. We will take what we need and we will move on, growing stronger.

I swear... since your betrayal by Caesar and your obsession for revenge... your mind is not right.

On those words the warrior princess swirls on Borias and grabs him by the throat.

That son-of-a-bitch crippled me! We are going to raise an army and we are going to go after him. By the time I'm through with him, he'll rue the day our paths crossed.

The whinnying of a horse catches Xena's attention. She releases Borias and turns.

Borias rubs his throat.

I could almost pity Caesar,

almost.

CUT TO:

3. EXT. MARKETPLACE

A merchant is unloading a young horse from a cart. The mare is golden in color with a white mane and tail. In front of the cart is a small stall. The merchant is yelling at the horse. Using a whip to beat it. Trying to force it into the small stall.

The horse rears, whinnies, stomps the ground.

Xena hobbles toward the merchant, Borias tagging not too far behind.

You there!

The man ignores her and continues to use the whip against the horse. The man pulls down on the reins, struggling with the spirited creature.

The people are scattering as the horse is becoming more frantic.

What are you doing?

Xena puts a firm hand on the man's shoulder. The horse rears. The whites of its eyes are showing as they roll around.

I'm talking to YOU!

The man turns angrily and addresses Borias.

Handle your woman, or do you need a man to do it for you!

Xena raises a brow.

You can't handle a horse; you think you can handle me?

Before the man can respond, a fist smashes into his face, sending him sailing into the small stall.

The reins are released; the horse escapes, racing through the town, knocking down stalls in its wake.

Let me know if you need any help, my love.

He crosses his arms and prepares to enjoy the next few moments.

The man shakes his head and gets to his feet. He snatches his dagger from its sheath at his hip, and with arm raised charges toward the warrior princess.

Xena sticks out her crutch straight into the oncoming horse merchant. Unable to stop his momentum, he runs into the end, ramming the tip into his stomach. Wheezing, he collapses on the ground. Xena slams the crutch down on the man's hand containing the dagger. Hearing a satisfying crunch, she smiles and turns away.

AHHHHHHH! My hand! She broke my hand!

In the distance, the horse gallops off, headed out of town.

C'mon Borias, we've got a horse to catch. Isn't she magnificent? What a war horse she'll make!

FADE OUT: