ACT II

FADE IN:

18. EXT. TUNNEL ENTRANCE - NIGHT

The boy guides Xena and Gabrielle to the mouth of a cave at the base of a small mountain just beyond the forest. Xena looks around dubiously.

This is it?

It is.

Xena shakes her head, making a point not to notice Gabrielle's very noticeable grin. Xena simply leads the horses to a small copse of trees near the cave entrance and tethers them there.

This done, Xena lets the boy and Gabrielle go in first. She gives a final look back into the forest, then draws her sword and follows them.

FADE TO:

19. INT. TUNNEL ENTRANCE - NIGHT

The boy leads the pair into the cave. Just inside he picks up a half burnt torch and strikes flint to it. It ignites, casting a dim light upon the expansive cave walls.

The tunnel narrows after only a short distance, their progress slowing as a result. The boy's pace doesn't slow, though he motions for the two warriors to hang back.

Xena and Gabrielle follow the unspoken command, Xena sheathing her sword while her hand remains near her chakram.

The boy takes no notice and simply calls down the tunnel.

Hamid. They are here.

Hamid appears out of the gloom ahead. He looks even more tired and travel worn than before, and surprisingly holds a sword in hand. He carefully scans the warrior and the bard.

Xena and Gabrielle share a surprised look at an armed Elijan.

Hamid gives them both another once over, then grunts and nods for them to follow him. Seeing no alternative, they squeeze around the boy and follow Hamid, squeezing into a narrow passage in the rock.

FADE TO:

20. INT. PASSAGE TUNNEL - NIGHT

Hamid leads them further and further into the cave. The tunnel slowly widens, making it easier to move.

As they march, they occasionally come across families huddling in alcoves or another Elijan or two standing guard along the wall. These guards nod towards Hamid and glare with open hostility towards Xena and Gabrielle.

The warriors are unsure what to make of all this, particularly the armed guards. Gabrielle addresses Hamid.

How long have you all been hiding here?

The first of us arrived a full moon ago, most only in the past few days. Our leader had this place prepared long ago...

Your leader? Is she here?

Hamid nods, unsurprised by the question.

Yes. She has been waiting for you.

CUT TO:

21. INT. MAIN CAVERN - NIGHT

They arrive at the central cave, a wide area where families congregate around small fires and sleeping mats. There are torches fixed on the walls providing ample light, though the atmosphere is anything but comfortable.

Xena looks around, eyes carefully studying the layout and design of the shelter. Gabrielle remains focused upon Hamid.

How many of you are hiding here?

Over a dozen families now, many bringing their cousins and other relatives.

This way.

Hamid leads them towards a small area with a curtain over its entrance. Xena follows without hesitation, Gabrielle trailing behind.

Hamid nudges the curtain aside and speaks to those behind it.

They have arrived, as you said.

The response is either silent or unheard, but Hamid nods and motions for the warriors to enter. Xena surges forward, Gabrielle following after.

CUT TO:

22. INT. SMALL CAVE - NIGHT

Xena and Gabrielle enter and wait silently for their presence to be acknowledged by the solitary occupant there.

Three torches light the small area. It sparsely furnished with only a table covered with various maps and a sleeping mat like those in the main chamber.

A familiar helmet sits atop the table. An armored figure with back toward the entrance stands hunched over the table, evidently studying the maps. The figure straightens, apparently with a bit of difficulty, and turns to face them.

It is Eve.

The three study each other. Eve's appearance is shocking: left eye swollen and lower lip split. Bruises cover her arms and there's a shallow two inch long cut on her left hand. She's clearly been in quite a fight.

Eve politely nods to them.

I was expecting you a little sooner.

Xena gives her daughter a small smile.

We were a... little delayed.

To their surprise, Eve simply nods and turns back to her maps. Xena takes a step closer.

Eve...?

Eve holds up a hand and remains fixed on the table before her.

I'm rather busy right now, mother.

Xena looks stunned at Eve's behavior.

Hamid?

Hamid pokes his head in. Eve doesn't immediately notice him.

Hamid?

She turns, as does Xena. Eve nearly starts at seeing him there.

Oh... good. Take them to the communal room. Do we still have food left?

Yes. Plenty.

Good. See that they have something to eat.

She turns to her mother.

We'll speak shortly.

Xena reaches out to cup Eve's battered cheek, only to have her hand brushed aside as Eve turns completely away. Xena and Gabrielle both stare at Eve's stiff back.

Xena clenches her teeth, spins on her heel, and marches out. Gabrielle hurries after her, Hamid close behind.

When they've all gone. Eve lets herself hunch completely over the table. For the first time, we see her eyes have become heavy with tears. She's taken her bottom lip between her lips, biting hard.

She looks at the tabletop, seeing maps and her helmet. Her face loses all expression for a moment.

With a sudden, almost desperate movement, she sweeps both maps and helmet off the table. Her legs give out from under her and she crumples to the floor.

Eve can only draw her knees up and hug them to herself as she rocks slightly. A muffled sobbing can be heard from her as despair seemingly overtakes her.

23. INT. MAIN CAVERN - NIGHT

Hamid, Xena and Gabrielle sit at a long table, plates of fruit and bread in front of each. Only Xena is eating however.

Rather Hamid watches Xena carefully, his sword sitting beside his plate. Xena meanwhile studiously ignores him and chews a piece of bread as she studies their surroundings. She seems particularly interested in the layout of the cave, the racks of weapons in the far corner, and how unusually orderly everything is laid out.

Gabrielle likewise is looking around, but she is studying the people. There are many families visible, the children huddling close to their parents. She spies a few who are with only one parent. There is also a pair of siblings, neither more than six or seven years old, who are entirely alone and sit apart.

All of them, families and orphans, appear weighed down with fear and confusion. Gabrielle has to look away after a few moments, nearly overcome herself.

Xena looks directly at Hamid and swallows her bread.

How long has this all been going on?

Nearly two seasons now. It became truly bad only a moon ago.

What happened, exactly?

Hamid looks about, suddenly uncomfortable. After a few moments of contemplation, he shrugs.

Many things, and all at once. The Romans persecuting us, chasing us from our homes and into the wilderness. The other nations condemning us out of hand. Then we hear of your disappearance across the ocean going west... and our prophet suddenly becoming...

He waves a hand helplessly towards the small room where they left Eve. Xena and Gabrielle exchange an uneasy look between them.

When did she...?

Pick up the sword again? Just before it became bad again.

Michael?

Yes. The archangel suddenly appearing and attacking our pilgrims. Some took it as a sign.

Of what?

That Eli had deserted us.

Gabrielle snorts aloud.

Oh, come on.

Truth! How else were we to understand all this?

Xena, who has watched this exchange silently, narrows her eyes at the Arab.

What else has happened, Hamid? What else makes you think Eli has deserted his people?

Hamid remains silent, clearly wrestling with some private burden. Xena however has no patience for that. Her fist impacts on the table, causing both plates and people to jump.

All about the cave, others look up and over at them, not a little disquieted by the disturbance. Gabrielle herself looks a bit nervous now.

Xena continues to glare at Hamid, virtually willing the man to speak. Hamid bravely returns the glare.

Ultimately, the Arab bows his head in defeat.

Two nights ago... the archangel attacked a group I was leading here.

Who stopped him?

Instead of answering, Hamid looks over his shoulder towards the side room Eve presently occupies. Xena follows his eyes and sighs heavily.

That's what I thought. How badly is she hurt? Really?

She was barely conscious by the time she made it here. We feared she had led the archangel here.

Eve would never...

We... we all know she would not do so... at least not deliberately...

But if she were injured badly enough... not realizing it...

But there was no sign of the archangel, so we assume she drove him off.

You said you were expecting us?

Hamid again nods back towards the side room.

She said you would come... and here you are.

Here we are.

Xena sighs again and stands.

Stay here, both of you.

She marches around the table and towards Eve's small cave.

Hamid rises as she brushes past him, only to have Gabrielle clamp a hand down on his arm.

Better we stay here.

Hamid looks at her, slightly aghast.

CUT TO

24. INT. SMALL CAVE - NIGHT

Xena tears aside the carpet covering the entrance to Eve's small cave. Her face is all business, no softness present on her features.

Recognizing her mother's step, Eve sighs and turns to face her, not the least intimidated. She has already righted the table and replaced the maps. She leans back against the table and folds her arms, raising one eyebrow at her mother.

Instead of speaking, Xena marches up and cups Eve's chin, being none too gentle about it. She moves her daughter's head from side-to-side, as if inspecting her injuries. She even nods to herself, as though pleased with what she sees.

Eve tolerates this for a few turns, then shakes herself free, now irritated.

Something you want to ask, mother?

I take it you gave as good as you got?

What? Yes, of course.

Of course.

They stare at one another.

Oh, for Eli's sake. Ask whatever it is, will you?

Very well...

Xena suddenly looks on the verge of tears, her vulnerability catching Eve off-guard.

What in Hades' name happened to you?

Mother...

Prophet! Prophet!

Mother and daughter both growl in frustration.

Yes? What?

Hamid pushes his head past the curtain and enters, the whites of his eyes showing. His hands shake and his voice quavers.

It, it, it's the archangel! He's here!!

CUT TO:

25. INT. CAVERN TUNNEL - NIGHT

Michael strides into the tunnel, sword held at the ready. Two Elijans standing guard there rush forward, their own weapons held ready while a third hangs back and screams over his shoulder.

It's Michael!

Michael hefts his sword with a lethal-looking sneer and commences swinging.

FADE TO BLACK:

END ACT II

ACT III