ACT I

FADE IN:

6. EXT. CEDAR FOREST, LEBANON - DAY

It is some time later. The sun hangs brilliantly in a cloudless sky. From above, the forest now seems completely peaceful. Yet within, the forest looks no friendlier in daylight than at night.

FADE TO:

7. EXT. FOREST TRAIL - DAY

The soil of the trail is dry and dusty. Even so, it shows an abundance of footprints and signs of the recent struggle.

Xena kneels nearby, features set, studying the tracks and marks. She pokes a bit at the sandy soil, eyes narrowed.

A shadow falls over her from behind. It is Gabrielle.

More tracks?

A lot more. Signs of a struggle, as well. A recent one from the look of it.

Curious at her tone, Gabrielle likewise kneels and examines the ground. Xena nods at the ground as Gabrielle approaches.

There's some bloodstains there, dried. Plus those branches over there were felled by something a lot sharper than the wind.

Gabrielle studies the area as Xena had, then looks at the tracks once more.

They were running... fleeing from... something?

Xena nods and stands, walking to the small rise a short distance ahead. Her eyes remain fixed on the ground.

Definitely something.

She takes up position where Michael was standing in the teaser, carefully placing her feet so they mirror Michael's wide stance.

Or someone.

Gabrielle looks up at her, then where she stands. Something catches her eye. Moving slowly forward, she seems to focus on Xena's boots.

Gabrielle stands and nods with Xena.

Somebody very familiar.

The ground at Xena's feet is slightly scorched.

FADE TO:

8. EXT. FOREST EDGE - DAY

Xena and Gabrielle walk back to their horses, tethered at the edge of the forest. Neither looks terribly pleased with their discovery.

What in Eli's name is going on, Xena? Elijans abandoning their homes from Greece to Gaul, all fleeing to Lebanon? Fleeing Rome I can understand, but all the way out here?

Xena presses her lips tight and struggles for a moment to control herself as she mounts her horse. Gabrielle sees this as she mounts her own. She reaches out and places a hand lightly on Xena's shoulder.

We'll find her, Xena. I know we will.

Xena can't look at her.

We'd better! We should never have let her run off on her own like this.

Like we could have stopped her?

Xena nudges her horse into a short trot along the edge of the forest. Gabrielle can only sigh and shake her head, nudging her own mount to follow.

CUT TO:

9.EXT. FOREST EDGE - DAY

The two warriors proceed along the edge of the forest, eyes and ears alert for any clue.

CUT TO:

10.EXT. FURTHER ALONG THE FOREST EDGE - DAY

As their horses pass a dense clump of woods, Gabrielle pauses a moment and looks over her shoulder as though hearing something. She sees nothing amiss, though this is clearly not comforting, and nudges her mount to continue on.

Unseen behind them, a shadowed form detaches itself from the rest of the shadows and moves deeper into the woods.

FADE TO:

11.EXT. CEDAR FOREST CREEK - DUSK

They have found a small creek and are watering the horses. Gabrielle crouches near hers as it drinks, patting its long mane. Xena stands nearby on guard.

After a moment Gabrielle stands and calls over to Xena. Her eyes are alert for trouble.

What do you think? Should we camp here tonight?

Dunno. Should we?

I asked first.

Xena looks back at her, confused, until she sees Gabrielle's grin. She can't help but return it and shrugs.

It's as good a place as any.

CUT TO:

LOW POINT OF VIEW

Through a low shrub someone watches the pair removing their supplies from the horses. Both appear completely unaware they are being spied upon.

CUT TO:

12. EXT. FOREST CREEK - DUSK

As they move about, Xena and Gabrielle share covert, knowing glances. They are quiet in their exchanges, their lips hardly moving when they speak.

Just one?

Just one. Right behind you.

Going to toss the chakram?

Absolutely not! That's a terrible idea.

Knew you'd say that. So, do you chase or do I?

You chased the last one.

Gabrielle throws her an annoyed look as she lays out the bedrolls.

That doesn't count. You'd already brained him with a rock.

It does count.

Doesn't.

Now Xena is starting to look annoyed with this line of argument.

It does count as you still had to chase him.

Xena, the idiot could barely hobble properly and I never had to break into a run.

I... Look, this pointless.

Gabrielle nods with a grin.

Completely. On three?

On three.

Xena palms the chakram off her belt.

One...

Two...

Before either can make another move, the shrubs rustle just a little, barely more than a whisper.

The pair of warriors share a long-suffering look. Gabrielle gets to her feet with a sigh and brushes the dirt off her legs. She turns to follow the commotion.

I'll be right back.

Right. Try not to hurt him too much, this time.

Gabrielle turns back to her for a moment, mouth open to protest, but instead shakes her head and moves off at a brisk trot.

Xena watches her go. She resumes setting up camp.

CUT TO:

13. EXT. CEDAR FOREST - DUSK

The spy is a young boy, maybe no more than eleven. He runs wildly yet silently through the underbrush. His face and clothes are artfully streaked with dirt and mud, giving him a sort of camouflage.

As he runs, he glances back every few steps, watchful for sign of pursuit. He is equally careful not to trip himself.

Eventually he slows down, confident now that he's escaped. His breath is coming in deep gulps.

He takes one last look back towards the direction of the creek, then turns back.

In a hurry?

The boy's eyes go wide and he wipes his chin with one hand.

CUT TO:

14. EXT. FOREST CREEK - DUSK

Xena lights a small fire with a flint and stands up. The shadows have lengthened all around and she seems a tad bit tenser than before.

She stands and turns in a circle. Her hand hovers near the chakram, ready to send it flying.

As she turns, a shadowed figure quickly slips away, barely seen.

Xena senses this, glancing in its direction, but sees nothing. She pulls the chakram from her belt and holds it at the ready.

The forest has gone unnaturally quiet.

Xena spins as she senses more movement. It is Gabrielle returning with the boy. Xena remains tense for a moment more, then relaxes and nods towards them.

This our spy?

Yup.

For his part, the boy appears slightly dazed at the sight of them. He drops to the ground. Xena eyes him carefully, trying not to look too threatening as she does.

Have a name?

The boy nods after a moment's hesitation. Xena and Gabrielle wait expectantly, but he offers nothing further.

Care to share it?

The boy blinks, stares for a moment, then shakes his head.

Now it's Xena and Gabrielle's turn to blink and stare, this time in disbelief. Xena takes a step forward, clearly irritated.

Now look...

Gabrielle places a hand on Xena's shoulder, halting the oncoming tirade, and steps forward. She kneels down to bring herself eye-to-eye with the boy.

Do you follow the teachings of the prophet Eli?

The boy eyes her, then nods.

We also follow him. Can you show us where the others are?

Xena rolls her eyes, still frustrated. The boy continues to eye them both. Gabrielle gives him a small, inviting smile.

You're Xena and Gabrielle, yes?

Again, Xena and Gabrielle blink and stare in surprise.

Uhm... Yes. Yes, we are.

The boy glares at them, accusing and angry.

Why are you looking for us?

The warrior women exchange a look.

Uhm... Because... Well...

Because we know something is hunting you, and we want to protect you.

The boy scrunches his face, mulling over this claim for a bit.

Gabrielle stands and gives Xena another look. Xena simply gives a one-shoulder shrug, the only indication of her anxiety, however mild.

The boy looks up at Gabrielle.

I'll take you to our sanctuary.

Xena nods and moves to repack the campsite. She speaks quietly to Gabrielle as she passes.

Stay close to him.

Gabrielle doesn't argue, instead turning back to the boy and offering another smile.

The boy doesn't return it, watching them both warily. He quickly glances over his shoulder a bit nervously. There is nothing there but the silent and shadowy trees of the forest.

CUT TO:

15. EXT. DEEP FOREST - DUSK

From some distance back, another figure watches the activity in the campsite from behind a tree: Xena quickly repacking the bedrolls and supplies, Gabrielle watching the boy, and the boy watching the pair of them. None appear to know they are being observed, even the boy, who glances about here and there.

FADE TO:

16. EXT. FOREST PATH - NIGHT

Night has fallen, every bit as frightening as before. There is no wind and little noise, which only makes the silence and darkness all the more unnerving.

The boy confidently leads Xena and Gabrielle through the darkness. He leads Gabrielle by the hand, Xena trailing close behind leading both horses. There is no sign of anyone or anything following them.

How much further?

Just ahead. Not far.

Xena is in an uncharacteristic hurry, nearly stumbling over a large fallen branch. She mutters darkly to herself.

Here's hoping.

FADE TO:

17. EXT. DEEP FOREST - NIGHT

As the trio moves further and disappears into the darkness between the trees, a figure materializes out of the emptiness behind them.

It is Michael, his handsome features still wreathed in shadows, his form stiff as stone. Beside him is another figure; this one is completely wrapped in darkness.

Michael does not so much as glance at the second figure.

Prepare, minion.

The shadowed figure gives a small bow and fades from sight.

FADE OUT:

END ACT I

ACT II