FADE IN:

6. ROMAN CAMP - DUSK

A bedraggled line of Amazons stumbles wearily into a well ordered Roman encampment. The soldiers march them into a set of 5x8 cages, lashed together to form a pen about 20' wide and 16' long. Chains are placed on their wrists and the ropes are removed.

They collapse from exhaustion. Effie manages to tear a piece of cloth from her garment and ties it tightly just above Varia's wound, helping to stop the bleeding.

The Amazon dragging Gabrielle's litter staggers and slumps down too spent to move. The ropes that bind her hands to the litter are cut.

Rest, you're going to need it. We march at dawn for Rome.

Please, give us some water and cloth so we can tend the wounded.

The patrol leader turns to a solider.

Get them what they need. The Emperor wants them to be able to put up a good fight in the arena.

He walks away.

A soldier brings in a couple of buckets of water. Another brings a bolt of linen. They drop them at the feet of Eve.

Thank you.

The soldiers look a bit startled, grunt, and back out of the cage.

As the guards back out of the main door, a chain is put around the bars and snapped shut with a heavy lock.

Eve bends down and looks at a wan Gabrielle. She shakes her head in dismay, and glances over at one of the Amazons watching her.

Effie... Tend to our wounded. I'll take care of Gabrielle.

The Amazon wearily obeys. She nears Eve and tears some of the linen from the bolt and takes one of the buckets of water. She starts with Varia.

How's your leg?

Effie managed to stop the bleeding...

But if we plan on escaping, I'll only slow you down...

Eve rips a piece from the bolt and dips it in one of the buckets. She gently dabs the face of the unconscious woman. The Bard moans softly.

Not if I can help it...

How did they know? How'd they know where we were? How?

I don't know...

Unless there's a traitor among us...

A voice speaks out from the crowd of Amazons sitting in the pen.

I thought the only traitor among us, was Livia.

This is NOT the time or place, Tae. The traitor will be known soon enough.

Eve chooses not to respond. A tear forms in her eyes as she looks down at the paling Bard. With a gentle touch, she carefully peels the garment from Gabrielle's wound.

The Bard moans.

Eve winces at the sight of the pierced flesh, oozing life. With a deft hand, she attempts to cleanse the wound, and when it is as clean as she can make it, she takes a wad of cloth and presses it to the wound.

Eve begins to pray.

CUT TO:

7. MOUNT OLYMPUS - ZEUS' SCRYING POOL - DUSK

Apollo angrily watches as Eve meditates. His face is set as stone as he raises a hand and waves it over the reflection in the water.

I think not, dear Eve... It would be best for your dear mother if her friend did not survive...

CUT TO:

8. ROMAN CAMP - THE HOLDING PEN

The bleeding of Gabrielle's wound grows more pronounced, as her life's blood oozes out between Eve's fingers and the now crimson cloth.

You will NOT die!

She closes her eyes in prayer. Beads of perspiration form on her brow. Her hands begin to glow softly and grow warm. The bleeding begins to slow.

CUT TO:

9. MOUNT OLYMPUS - ZEUS' SCRYING POOL - DUSK

The Sun God looks on, appalled that he, a god, did not have the power to prevent Eve from healing Gabrielle.

What's this?! How is she doing this?!

CUT TO:

10. ROMAN CAMP - HOLDING PEN

Unseen by the god, behind Eve, stands the ghostly silhouette of Michael, bathed in a deep golden glow, his hand placed gently upon Eve's head.

FADE OUT:

11. HEPHAESTUS' FORGE - DUSK

Aphrodite watches a worried Xena pacing back and forth.

Hey, Girl, take a chill pill. Cupie'll be back soon.

Xena glares at the Goddess of Love and continues to pace, muttering under her breath.

He's gone too far this time. I am gonna make him sorry he ever got his godhood back.

I'm going to give him a real war!

With me!

Aphrodite flutters her hands.

No! That's exactly what he wants, to get you back on the road to war!

Why else do you think I sent Gabrielle to you?

Xena turns around, expression stunned and stares at Aphrodite.

What do you mean, you SENT her to me?

The goddess of love claps a hand over her mouth.

Nnnothing!

Xena advances on the goddess, a steely glint in her eye.

Suddenly she grows dizzy. Her knees give way and she clutches her side.

Xena!

She rushes to the warrior's side. Xena shakes her head.

Cupid pops in, sees Xena on the floor, his mom bending over her.

Hey! What's going on?

I dunno, the warrior babe just grabbed her side and went boneless.

Something must have happened to Gabrielle. I saw her and Eve in Zeus's window. She was badly wounded. Eve looked okay, just a few bruises and cuts. They and the Amazons are prisoners of the Romans!

Xena looks at the two of them and smiles.

They look back at her, thinking she's lost it.

The Warrior Princess looks up at them; her lips begin to curl into a warm smile.

She's all right, Gabrielle is all right! Her wound's been healed!

Cupid looks skeptical.

Uhmm how do you know that?

Aphrodite gives her son disbelieving look.

DUH! And you call yourself a god of love? Haven't I taught you anything about the power of love?

They're bonded, linked, soul mates.

Now do you get it?

Cupid looks abashed.

Yeah, I get it.

But who healed Gabrielle? You know Ares wouldn't do it!

CUT TO:

12. ROMAN CAMP - HOLDING PEN - DUSK

The Bard moans softly. Her eyes flutter open. With a bloodstained, trembling hand she reaches up and touches Eve's cheek.

Eve's eyes open and she stares down at her mother's dearest friend and as tears flow freely, a smile crosses her lips.

Eve...

Gabrielle...

Effie stops tending the Amazon before her and turns, a stunned look on her face. Her Amazon sister inches her way closer to look over at the weak, but smiling Amazon Queen. Varia, her leg bandaged and bloodstained, makes her way to Gabrielle and Eve's side.

Varia removes Eve's hands and bloodstained linen from Gabrielle's wound. The wound is not completely healed, but it is closed and no longer bleeding. She looks at Eve with questioning eyes.

How? How did you do that?

Only a god can heal a wound like this...

Is this a gift given you from the One God we've heard about?

Eve says nothing. She bends down and places a kiss on the Bard's forehead.

What happened? Is everyone all right?

Sssshhhh... Rest, you need to regain your strength. You've lost a lot of blood...

As memories return, Gabrielle moves her hand down to the wound.

A Roman soldier, who'd been watching, turns away and walks toward his companions gathered round the campfire.

CUT TO:

13. ANOTHER SECTION OF THE ROMAN CAMP - EVENING

The camera pans across the camp, following the young Roman's shaky progress to the campfire. The other soldiers, lounging around the fire, stare curiously as the youth, Justus, stumbles into their midst.

The expression on the young man's handsome, aquiline face is stunned, his large, dark eyes look a little wild.

LIVIA!

One of his comrades, a battle-scarred veteran, Glavian, leers drunkenly.

Feeling itchy, Boy? Itchy for The Bitch of Rome? Can't say as I blame you, she's a juicy little baggage, wouldn't mind a go with her myself...

Justus rushes forward, and grabs Glavian by his throat, half pulling the bulkier man to his feet, and shaking him like a rat.

No! She's not for the likes of you! She is Holy!

Two other Romans hurriedly stand and drag Justus off Glavian.

Glavian sits down heavily, gasping a bit for breath. He rubs his bruised throat, and glares at Justus, who glares defiantly back.

Have you gone mad, Boy?

Justus shakes his head, still glaring, and lunges again toward Glavian. The two soldiers holding him back are hard pressed to control the slim youth.

Take it easy, Justus! What in Hades is wrong with you?

You're talking like a crazy man!

But it's all true...

True? What's true? What are you babbling about?

She healed the blond woman, the Amazon leader, the one who was dying.

Glavian and the other Romans stare at Justus.

You ARE mad! I struck the death-blow for that blond bitch myself! There is no way in Hades she could recover from that! I skewered her through the gut! The blood just poured out of her! It is a mortal wound!

Not even an Amazon healer could save her now.

She is healed I tell you!

Too much wine, that's more like it, Justus! It's befuddled your brain!

No! It is TRUE!

I don't believe you! You crazy fool!

You expect us to believe this so-called "miracle" was performed by that traitor, Livia? That she is now some sort of "holy woman" who can heal?

We're talking about LIVIA, The Bitch of Rome! LIVIA, who exulted in destruction and death! Whose hands are stained red with the blood of thousands!

A miracle worker? LIVIA?

The others gathered round the campfire can't help but join Glavian in laughing.

She is not...

Livia anymore...

The young man pauses, and his eyes shine with an awe that silences his companions and leaves them with a troubled look.

She is of the One God.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

14. AMAZON PRISONER PEN - EVENING

It is dark, and rather chilly in the prisoner cage. The moon shines palely on the shadowed occupants, washing them in silvered shades of gray and lavender.

There is just enough light for Eve and the Amazons gathered close around Gabrielle, to see the Bard's bare midriff.

The wound, only moments ago a gaping obscenity oozing blood, is now completely healed. There is only a faint, puckered scar to show where it had once been, white against Gabrielle's golden skin.

The Bard stares up at Eve, her expression concerned.

Are you all right?

Eve smiles fondly at Gabrielle, and nods her head.

Shouldn't I be asking YOU that?

Um... I suppose so - But you look exhausted, and sort of - stunned.

Where are we?

Roya, one of Varia's lieutenants, leans down close to Gabrielle, her eyes intense.

The Romans have captured us... They've got us in a holding pen until we leave tomorrow for Rome...

Do you remember anything?

Yes - the battle - The sudden, horrible, piercing pain, like lightning exploding in my body -

I must've blacked out -

I thought I saw wings... and Michael... a glowing white light around you...

I ... I felt comforted, and loved... the pain went away ... and I felt at peace...

The Bard breaks off, staring up at Eve.

Then opening my eyes and looking up at you...

Nothing more than a parlor trick she's learned from Ares or some demon!

Gabrielle, still weak from blood loss, rises to her elbows and glares at the young Amazon.

You are a blind fool guided only by hatred, Tae! Open your eyes and learn to see with your heart...

The Bard turns toward Eve. Slowly Gabrielle reaches out a gentle hand, and caresses her daughter's cheek. Tears glisten on Eve's beautiful face.

It was Eli's One God, wasn't it?

Wordlessly, Eve nods.

The Amazons mutter, clearly at a loss of what to think, or believe. With the exception of Tae, they all start to excitedly speak at the same time, their voice blending into one.

But how? You put your hands on her as you prayed ~ I saw you heal the wound!

Yes, we saw you do it! You have the powers of a god!

You healed her!

We saw the golden light streaming from your fingers!

No, I am only the Channel. Eli's God... the God of peace, love and hope is who healed Gabrielle. He simply heard my prayers, and healed her through me.

Please, tell us of the One God, and of this Michael!

She will - but now, Eve needs to rest.

We will both tell you more of our experiences in Jerusalem, and you can judge for yourselves. We ALL need to rest. We'll need every bit of our strength if we are to escape.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

15. HOLDING PEN ~ LATE EVENING

Several Roman soldiers noisily make their way to the prisoners' cage.

Some are carrying rations ~ A large, corroded metal pot of some sickly looking gruel, loaves of stale bread, and a clay amphora filled with water.

Two of the soldiers look decidedly drunk, their walk wobbly.

In the group is the surly Glavian, and the youth, Justus both carrying swords in case the prisoners try anything.

The two men stare stonily at each other as the little procession halts before the cage.

One guard unlocks and opens the cage door, while his companions, their swords ready, warily keep an eye on the prisoners.

The rations are hurriedly placed inside the cage, and the door is banged shut, and locked again.

One of the drunken soldiers, Maximus, leans in close to the cage, and blearily grins at the captives.

Well, you bitches better enjoy your "stay" here with us while you can. Later on, it's gonna seem like this was Paradise!

Gabrielle, Eve, and the Amazons stare silently at the Romans, their expressions contemptuous.

Don't you wanna know what we've got planned for you?

It's gonna be fun, but not for you!

C'mon, why don't you ask us?

Glavian scowls at his comrade. His run-in with Justus has effectively sobered him up, and he is now brutally in control of himself. There is a dark bruise on his throat.

Shut up, Maximus.

He scans the interior of the pen, staring nastily at each defiant, captive face.

YOU! Come forward, I want to look at you.

The Bard, resting on Eve's shoulder, doesn't budge.

And why is that?

I think he fancies you, Blondie!

The prisoners bunch closer together, ready to defend their Queen, with no weapons but their bare hands. They are Amazons, strong and proud.

Only Tae stands a little apart from the others, her eyes wild and hate filled. But her daggered expression is not directed at the Romans. Its glittering intensity is focused on Gabrielle and Eve.

What do you want?

Not your virginity, if that's what's worrying you.

I'm sure you lost THAT long ago.

Again ~ what do you want?

We don't have time for your games, Maximus OR yours -

She's lost a lot of blood and needs her rest. So, if you've got something to say, say it and be done with it.

Justus, pushes his fellows aside, and steps forward.

Leave them alone!

You've gone soft in the head, you miserable pup! What do you care about these scum anyway?

They are innocent people! We have no right to do this to our fellow human beings! It is WRONG!

Shut your trap, Justus! Or are you another traitor like Livia here? I've a good mind to turn you over to the Commander for high treason!

The commanding officer, Virgil, of less vicious temperament than the others in the group, utters an oath, and pulls Glavian away from the pen.

Leave the boy alone, Glavian! Justus is probably just smitten with a pretty face, and thinks he's "in love" or something. Livia always did have that effect on a man, gotta give her that.

And he's probably drunk too! How else would you explain all this crazy babble of this One God and His miraculous healings?

Come away now, let's get back to the fire, and have a little game of dice before we turn in, eh? And some more wine while we're at it! We'll leave the prisoners to themselves. Gods know, they have a lot ahead of them.

Yeah, who cares what happens to these bitches anyway? Let's go have another drink! My throat is as dry as Caesar's tomb!

Eve stares curiously at Justus, her expression puzzled. There is something unusual about him, but she isn't certain as to what it might be.

Glavian grabs one of the bars on the cage and rattles it.

Think just cause you're a bunch of females that you're gonna get put on the auction block and sold off as slaves to the highest bidder? Think again!

I don't think anyone is going to mistake any of US for harem girls.

The Romans turn and move away, clearly tiring of the repartee with the prisoners. They are anxious for their wine and bedrolls.

As they disappear into the night, Glavian's malicious voice calls out, disembodied, from the darkness.

Remember the Games, Livia? I know you must have missed them! You and your little friends will enjoy the Arena -

Only THIS time you'll all be the main attraction!

As Glavian's sadistic laughter fades, Gabrielle, Eve and the Amazons gaze helplessly at each other.

Tae looks a little disturbed, as if a new and very unwelcome thought has suddenly occurred to her.

Gabrielle reaches for Eve's hand, and gives it a reassuring squeeze.

Eve's face is rigid. Slowly, a tear trickles down her face, as she stares blindly at the Bard.

I know it's bad - but we'll find a way. We have to. Xena is going to need our help.

See what you can do to heal the most serious wounds. We'll need everyone in good form...

Eve nods her understanding and makes her way toward Varia.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

16. ROMAN CAMP - OUTSIDE THE HOLDING PEN - 30 MINUTES LATER

A slight figure approaches the holding pens cautiously. The Amazons appear to be asleep. The figure taps lightly on the bars of the cage.

It is Justus.

Please...I want to help...

The pallid moonlight illuminates his face, which looks a little frightened, and very young.

Varia and Effie are the first to open their eyes at the sound of his voice. Eve and Gabrielle follow suit, and soon, many eyes are focused on the youth.

He pushes a small, clay bowl filled with soup, and a narrow loaf of bread, freshly baked, through the bars of the cage. Effie roughly grabs them from his hands.

What is this? Are you trying to poison us now?

Justus shakes his head.

No, not poison. It's only a vegetable broth, with some healing herbs ~ from my own private supply - my people were healers in the hill country, and my granny, the village wise woman, taught me the ways. It tastes pretty good, actually - the soup, that is.

It's for her - to get her strength back. I know she's been through a lot.

Justus flashes a grin, showing even white teeth.

The bread is good too - freshly baked -

I snagged it tonight from the regimental cook -

Effie stares from the food to the young man's handsome, kindly face, and suddenly feels her heart start to beat rather fast.

No...Not poison?

Eve leaves Gabrielle's side to take the bowl of broth from Effie. She looks deep into Justus' eyes.

Why would you want to help us?

Justus turns to look behind him, then side to side to ensure his words won't be overheard.

He turns and looks up at Eve.

I was in Jerusalem...

He smiles gently, and makes the Sign of The Fish on the floor of the cage. Eve smiles and quickly erases it as Justus turns to leave.

He turns back to look at them when he is a few feet away.

I'll be back later - when the others are asleep -

I am your friend. Please believe me.

He throws an unreadable look at Effie, then hurries away.

Can we trust him?

Yes, we can.

How can you possibly know that? It could be some sort of trick.

Eve, with the bowl of broth in hand, makes her way back to Gabrielle.

I just do. I feel it -

Here.

Tae rudely shoulders her way forward, stopping only inches from Eve's face.

Of course YOU know! You're a Roman too! Did you put them up to this, Livia? Did you? It's just a sadistic trick to quell any suspicions before you help them kill us all!

The outraged young woman turns toward Varia, and the other Amazons. Tae's eyes glitter strangely.

We're all going to die! Don't listen to this bitch, or to our so-called "Queen" Gabrielle either! They're both lying!

Shut up, Tae! Keep your voice down! We don't need the Romans to hear this. If we keep our heads, and listen to Gabrielle and Eve, we may all just come through this alive.

Eve sighs, her expression sad.

I am sorry for you, Tae.

I don't need your sympathy, Livia!

My name is Eve. Livia was declared dead by the Amazon nation years ago. So get used to it. It's EVE!

Tae whirls away, and goes to the furthest corner of the cage.

She squats on her haunches, glowering at her fellow prisoners.

Gabrielle, leaning tiredly on Eve's shoulder, has been watching everyone closely. She ignores Tae's outburst.

Eve sits beside Gabrielle as does Effie. Effie breaks off pieces of bread into the broth, and Eve begins to spoon the broth to Gabrielle's mouth.

Gabrielle takes several spoonfuls before she looks up into Eve's eyes.

That young man IS one of us. And somehow I know he witnessed the healing - You saw him make the Sign of the Fish ~ He is a follower of the One God.

You're right, Eve. He is going to help us.

FADE OUT: