10. EXT. LEGIONARY CAMP - CIRENCESTER - MORNING

The Roman camp swirls with activity. Vapor escapes the mouths of soldiers digging ditches in the frosted ground.

Horses whinny and neigh as they stand for shoeing. The farrier's hammer adding to the din of noise. 

A cohort forms, and a centurion marches the rank out the front gate. 

An officer wearing a burnished breast plate watches the movement of the camp. A well dressed man walks up the main camp road and waves at the officer.

Good morning Paulinus. I trust you had a better night's sleep with victory behind you.

The two men walk along the road, side by side talking.

Good morning Decianus. Yes, I've had little time for sleep since the Kalend of Septembris. Last night was exceedingly restful.

Paulinus I wish to discuss a rumor traveling through the ranks, that the rebellion has spread west to Hibernia. The astrological advisor has warned me that the Iceni will return with a force that cannot be defeated.

What does she know of war? She drank too much wine and passed out. Then had the nerve to claim she killed Boudicea with her own hand.

Paulinus scoffs and waves a dismissive hand.

You must admit Paulinus, it was convenient timing for you. The old battle axe dying when she did. Without an experienced leader on the field, it turned into a walk in the forum.

Your mouth is foul. No battle is a walk through market stalls, Decianus. Boudicea was hindered by illness. You could see it when she threw her spear. Her chariot swerved and she nearly fell off. If she had not lacked her health, our heads would now be speaking to each other from the tops of pikes.

Decianus shudders and rolls his eyes.

CUT TO:

11. EXT. CAMP - MORNING

A woman watches closely as Decianus chats with governor Paulinus. She secrets herself against the outbuilding as the men enter the tent. She turns and walks away smiling.

12. EXT. CAMP - OUTSIDE OF PAULINUS' TENT

Both men have come to a stop before a large tent. They continue to talk.

Don't banish that image from your mind too quickly Paulinus. If the Iceni gather reinforcements in Hibernia, you may find yourself watching the sunset from that pike.

Come, join me in my tent where we can discuss this over wine and cheese. 

Paulinus looks up at the morning sky, that has gathered gray clouds.

It is much too cold in the mornings to stand outside, idle. 

I expect the snows will be coming soon.

Paulinus holds the tent curtain for Decianus who enters.

13. EXT. VILLAGE - MORNING

Xena stands beside a horse tightening the cinch on its saddle. She gives it a pat on the withers and hops up. 

She leans down and helps Gabrielle sling herself up behind her.

The frosty ground crunches under the horse's hooves. 

Xena slaps the reins and moves the horse into a trot for a few strides. She slows and waits for the Iceni to catch up.

Ivonne on her own horse, Jules and Ceanard riding the other, pull up beside Xena.

Have you done anything like this before? Just walk into a Roman garrison.

Xena leans around to look at Gabrielle. Gabrielle has a huge grin on her face.

It's worked on a few occasions.

The riders urge their horses faster through the forest.

14. INT. DECIANUS' TENT - DAY

A woman smiles, and twirls around the tent swinging a Roman sword. 

Decianus throws the curtain open and storms in. She drops the weapon and slides up to him. She rubs his temples seductively, to calm him. Decianus brushes her off and paces the tent. He walks to his desk and slumps into the chair.

Tell me again Ethne, why we must attack Hibernia? Paulinus has more than enough victories to secure a triumphal parade and a posting to Rome!

She strolls across the tent and takes a seat on a lounging chair.

Have I not explained it clearly enough for you? The Iceni fled the field like mice before a grass fire. As we speak, they gather a mercenary force in Hibernia to retake Britannia. This I have foreseen.

Paulinus will not move the Legion before it is reinforced from Gaul. He demands more than your vision as proof. I was only able to convince him to send out more patrols today.

You will be Governor Catus Decianus when he leaves for Rome. You will be wealthy when he leaves for Rome. You need to get him to Rome!

Maybe he'll be in a better mood tonight after the tribunal.

Ethne rises from the chair and approaches Decianus behind the desk. She slides her fingers up the back of his neck and through his hair. He shudders and pulls her into his lap. He looks into her eyes and she leans in to meet his lips.

15. EXT. ROMAN ROAD - AFTERNOON

Four peasants scavenge in a field. They watch patrols swarm out of the camp and head up the road. 

The peasants pick up their baskets and walk to the camp gates. 

The tallest peasant approaches a guard and shoves her basket at him.

Turnips, leeks, onions, apples. Would you buy them?

See the quartermaster. Seventh tent on the right. 

He ushers her past and turns his attention to the shorter blonde behind her.

You! Step forward.

The woman does as bid, a seemingly innocent look upon her lips.

Show me your basket.

Gabrielle pushes a basket of fish at the guard. He screws his nose up and turns away.

They're fresh today! Humph!

Gabrielle stands aside, as the guard searches Ivonne and Jules. 

He waves them through the gate and up the main road. Xena's eyes dart around as she scans the layout. 

They walk pass the seventh tent and continue through the camp.

The officer's quarters should be near the middle.

A soldier steps out from one of the tents and notices the peasants on the road.

You there! What are you doing in here?

Xena speaks and sounds out every syllable to the soldier.

Se add-icere ad Titus, centurion.

I'm not a centurion.

The soldier looks Xena up and down carefully. He looks carefully in her basket. 

When will you people ever learn our language. Addicero. Not that I think he's going to want you. You're a little old.

He looks in Gabrielle's basket. 

Although he might like your little friend.

He beckons the peasants to follow him. He stops two tents down and yells at the tent.

Concubines with offerings for Titus.

He snickers and turns abruptly, leaving the peasants standing in front of the tent. 

A young man steps out and looks around. He sees the peasants and rolls his eyes.

Weren't you told to see the quartermaster. The seventh tent?

He holds up his hands, showing seven fingers, and points at the tents.

We haven't come to sell fish or flesh.

Xena moves her hand from her basket and draws it up slowly. A leather gauntlet containing a small dagger is visible beneath the tattered peasant garment sleeve.

Ivonne quickly moves forward, brushing past Xena, and unties the scarf from her head. Her hair falls over her shoulders and Titus' eyes widen.

You're Boudicea's daughter!

16. INT. TITUS' TENT

Titus paces and stops with a finger raised at Xena. He looks at Xena glowering and quickly lowers his hand. He continues pacing. 

You have no idea dangerous this is. For all of us.

In the garrison at Camulodunum, the only kind words I heard were from a man named Titus. I thought you might help me.

The battle against the Iceni was won, yet the legion continues to be unmerciful to the survivors.

You know the truth. This was not a just war. Decianus lied to the Governor and to Rome. 

Titus stops in front of his desk, picks up a writing tablet and waves it in the air. 

I sent dispatches to Rome in regards to the injustices, months ago. My father has since been posted to Judea and no longer has influence with the Senate.

He drops it back on the desk.

There has to be a way to give clemency to the Iceni.

I sympathize, but there is nothing that can be done. My advice would be to continue resisting.

Gabrielle is rocked by confusion

I don't understand! There has to be something... someone who can rectify this!

What Titus says makes sense Gabrielle. Harass and harry, confuse, and unbalance. Rome would eventually have to take notice of the unrest. 

Look at Gaul.

I'm so tired of war. I never hated the Romans. I just want to be free. Will the violence ever stop?

Titus faces Ivonne and bows his head.

I pray everyday for peace, but you must understand the balance is tipped. 

Decianus' astrological advisor led us all down a dangerous road. 

Stop her and you stop the killing!

Where is she now?

You can't get at her here in the garrison. You'll have to get her out of the camp, into the open.

Titus and Xena turn at the same moment, listening to a commotion outside of the tent. 

Titus goes to the curtain.

17. EXT. TENT - AFTERNOON

Titus steps from the tent and approaches two soldiers.

What is going on here?

Four locals selling food, were allowed into the camp Tribune. 

They have disappeared.

Yes, yes... they were brought here earlier by one of the men. I've since sent them to the quartermaster's tent. Check there. 

Next time be mindful of where you are shouting.

Titus eyes and nods toward the row of officers' tents.

Yes Tribune.

The soldiers hurry off and Titus returns to his tent.

18. INT. TENT

Titus glances around an empty tent.

19. EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - LATE AFTERNOON

A Roman patrol of nine men, walks along a road near Cirencester Camp. Their sandals make a distinctive crunching sound on the light dusting of snow, as they march.

The squad leader wears a helmet with a red plume, his cape draped over his shoulders. He carries a walking stick that beats the cadence every third step. He looks up the road and sees a blonde woman in peasant attire on a horse riding toward them.

Patrol halt!

Gabrielle pulls her horse up short of the Romans. She remains mounted and waves at the squad.

Hurry! Please! My father has found Iceni hiding in his barn. 

You must help us! Please! They were caught trying to steal our horses.

Gabrielle points up the road and reins the horse around quickly. 

The squad leader pauses, a look of indecision passes briefly across his face.

Quick march! Now!

Gabrielle bolts ahead as the Romans jog up the road behind her. 

She rides across a farm field to a run down farm, where she waits for the patrol to catch up. 

In a frenzy, she points and gestures at the barn.

In there! My father saw them in there!

Jules bursts out the door, his clothing is torn and what appears to be blood, streaks his face. He wildly waves his arms.

Iceni rebel thieves are stealing my horses! They've killed my son! Help me!

Half the squad stay outside and watch for an ambush. The rest of you, with me. NOW!

The patrol splits in two. Four soldiers nervously watch Gabrielle and Jules as the squad leader takes the other four men into the barn. 

20. INT. BARN

The soldiers pour through the door into the small space and find nothing. The squad leader turns around just as the door slams shut.

IYIYIYIYIYIY...

Xena leaps from the rafters sword in hand. She lands in front of the senior soldier and cuffs him hard with her fist. 

He raises his sword to deflect Xena's next thrust. 

Ivonne steps out from the hay rack and swings at the closest of the four soldiers. 

Xena parries with the squad leader and backs him into his own men. 

In the close confines he stumbles and Xena slashes his sword to the ground. She holds her sword to his throat, indenting his flesh a bit.

Tell your men to surrender. 

The squad leader looks up into Xena's eyes and spits onto the dirt floor.

Xena jabs the sword harder.

Cease fighting.

Ivonne collects weapons from the men and throws them in a pile. She motions for then to sit on the floor.

Virilis femina! Canis Iceni!

He's calling you names Xena.

She smiles at Ivonne.

He can call me anything he likes. I'm not the one sitting on the floor with a sword to my throat.

Xena kneels down and gets close to the Squad leader's face.

I'm not a hairy woman or a dog. 

Surprise, I know Latin. 

So you'd better mind your manners Roman.

She gets up as the door swings open. 

Gabrielle prods the other four soldiers into the barn. 

She points to the ground and they flop to the floor and sit quietly. One soldier gingerly rubbing his jaw.

21. EXT. BARN - LATE AFTERNOON

Jules closes the barn door on the Romans, lying tied and gagged on the floor. He slides a board between the handles and joins the women.

Now we have some bait.

We can't ambush an entire Legion, Xena. They won't all fit in that barn!

They laugh. 

Xena pats Gabrielle on the back and drapes her arm over Gabrielle's shoulder, as they walk across the field toward the farm house.

What we're going to need is a distraction. All Hades is going to break loose when this patrol is late. 

Won't that make the legion think Iceni are behind it?

I sure hope so! We have to get the legion out of the camp.

Xena, I don't want to antagonize a whole Roman garrison.

It's just a diversion to make the legion believe something is up.

But this could be exactly what the witch wants. An excuse to wipe the Iceni out completely.

We don't know what she wants. And that's what we've got to find out. Titus said, we have to get her out of the camp. This might be one way to do it.

They nod in agreement.