ACT I

4 EXT. ON THE ROAD – NIGHT

FADE IN.

Xena and Gabrielle are only a couple of days ride from a port and a ship that will take them to Crete. They camp early so they can get a prompt start the next morning. Xena sits on a log sharpening her sword whilst Gabrielle, next to her, prods the campfire with a stick.

GABRIELLE

Xena.

XENA

Hmmmm?

GABRIELLE

Do you think we’re gonna be in time?

XENA

Sure we will. From what bullyboy said, this time around it’s gonna be one heck of a party.

GABRIELLE

What makes you say that?

XENA

The Athenians are objecting to being the chosen ones……

GABRIELLE

Right.

XENA

Back at the tavern, I heard that some big shot by the name of Acastus is trying to buy high office and is willing to pay to save the Athenians by making sure the victims come from elsewhere.

GABRIELLE

So…

XENA

So, he plans to make a big show. Rituals, feasting, you know the kinda thing. But it’s gotta be perfect, so I figure he’ll take his time putting it all together; gathering people from as far apart as possible so the abductions won’t be connected.

Gabrielle nods.

GABRIELLE

So how long do we have?

XENA

That, I don’t know. They are supposed to meet at Knossus when they have completed their part in the scheme. Leah and Kostas were taken seven or eight days ago. They’ll be in transit now.

Xena replaces her sword in its scabbard and turns to face her friend.

XENA

It’ll take a while to get everyone together at Knossus but if he starts the sacrificing before that…

She shrugs.

XENA

(continued)

…who knows? We just have to get there as soon as we can and hope we’re in time.

CUT TO:

5. EXT. ON THE ROAD – DAY

Xena and Gabrielle are back on Argo and travelling at break neck speed.

XENA

Don’t grip so tightly, I can’t breathe.

Xena wriggles a bit within the saddle.

GABRIELLE

Sorry, Xena… but I need a good grip on both you and my horse or we’ll lose him and all our gear. As it is, my arm’s being wrenched from its socket. We’ve been at it since yesterday, we’ve hardly stopped. You’ll do Argo in!

XENA

(Chuckling)

Don’t know why you don’t ride that horse, that is what it’s for you know.

GABRIELLE

(Sarcastic)

Xena, there is just not enough room for all our gear and me. What do you want to do, kill it?

XENA

Good point. Argo’s all right, she’s tough. Besides, they can have a good rest while we’re on Crete. We can pick ‘em up on the way back.

Xena pats the hand fastened around her waist.

XENA

Nearly there. Why don’t you play a game or something? Take your mind off travelling.

GABRIELLE

I’ m fed up with ‘Who am I?’ I never win, you always cheat.

XENA

Do not! Well, try something a bit less taxing, something like………ummm…… I have to guess what you’re looking at as we ride along.

GABRIELLE

You mean something I spy along the road?

XENA

Yeah, like that.

Gabrielle lurches backwards as the horse behind struggles to keep up.

GABRIELLE

Whoooa! Hey! Well all I spy is the ground passing by at an alarming speed……

She tightens her grip on both Xena and the lead rope.

GABRIELLE

…so thanks, but no thanks.

Xena chuckles.

XENA

What am I gonna do with you?

CUT TO:

6 EXT. THE APPROACH TO PIRAEUS - DAY

Shortly after noon they approach Piraeus and Xena slows and finally stops Argo near a large grassy meadow a little way out from the port. The two women dismount. Gabrielle unloads the horse and dumps their gear in a heap. Xena leads Argo on to the grass and removes her tack.

XENA

Now listen to me girl. I’m sorry I pushed you so hard, with a double load and all but you know we’re in a hurry. You stick around here and have a good rest and we’ll be back soon. Oh, and take care of your friend. I’d like him to still be here when we get back.

Argo snorts, relieved of her burden. She trots off, lies down and rolls in the lush grass. Xena bends to pick up the saddle but turns to her horse again.

XENA

No hanky-panky though, you hear?

Argo whinnies. Xena lifts the saddle and calls to her friend.

XENA

Hey, Gabrielle! Get those muscles working; let’s hide all this stuff in those bushes.

Gabrielle is very quiet as the pair trudge the road into Piraeus. She muses on why, these days, they always seemed to be in a hurry to get somewhere.

GABRIELLE

Xena, have you ever noticed that these days we always seem to be in a hurry to get somewhere?

XENA

(smiling)

I don’t think it’s that we always seem to be in a hurry. Our pace is pretty much as it always has been… I think it’s just ‘cause we’re getting older.

GABRIELLE

(laughs)

I guess that means that time flies as you get older.

(beat)

I just wish sometimes that we could go back to the days when you rode, I walked and the pace didn’t seem so hectic.

Xena glances at Gabrielle and sees a far away look in her eyes.

XENA

Gabrielle! Are you Okay?

GABRIELLE

Huh, yeah, yeah. I’m fine.

XENA

Where were you just then?

GABRIELLE

Err, nowhere, just thinking. So, how long did you say we’d be on this ship?

CUT TO:

7. EXT. THE DOCK AT PIRAEUS - DAY.

At the dock Xena and Gabrielle split up.

XENA

Gabrielle, I gotta go find us a ship.

GABRIELLE

Okay Xena, I’d like to do a bit of shopping so meet me back here when you’re done.

XENA

Catch ya later.

Xena disappears among the throngs on the quayside.

CUT TO:

8. EXT. PIRAEUS MARKET PLACE - DAY.

The market is stuffed with items from all over the known world, from bolts of fine silk from the east to trinkets and knick-knacks and everything in between. Gabrielle’s fingers itch to get a bargain. She hurries over to the first stall. It’s not often she gets to shop and since she gave the wooden lamb Xena had given her to Hope, she has hopes of finding another one, someday.

GABRIELLE

How much for these?

She waves a handful of quills at the stall keeper.

STALL KEEPER

Six dinars, dearie, and cheap at the price.

GABRIELLE

Six! I’ll give you four.

The stall keeper glares, grabs the quills back and bangs them on the table.

STALL KEEPER

Six it is. No more, no less!

GABRIELLE

Please yourself. They’re nearly bald anyway.

She drifts from stall to stall finding several things she would like to buy but when she inspects her purse, she finds there is not enough to cover anything but essentials.

GABRIELLE

(mumbles to herself)

Hmmmmm……wonder if I’ve got time to tell a few stories before Xena gets back?

She scans the quayside and sees Xena pushing her way towards her.

GABRIELLE

Guess not. Ah well, sharpening stones it is then.

CUT TO:

9. EXT. THE DOCK AT PIRAEUS - DAY.

Xena and Gabrielle walk along the quay to the ship that will take them to Crete.

Xena points to a ship moored further along the quay.

XENA

There she is!

(a beat)

That’s The Hydra. I talked to the captain. He agreed to give us passage. We gotta hurry; she leaves with the afternoon tide.

Gabrielle’s stomach begins the familiar churning and she groans in exasperation.

GABRIELLE

Oh Gods, not again! I’m not even on board yet……

XENA

Did ya say something Gabrielle?

GABRIELLE

No, no, just thinking aloud.

She frantically jabs at her wrist and, by the time they reach the bottom of the gangway, to her utmost relief, she feels well enough to go find something to eat.

GABRIELLE

I’m suddenly feeling a bit peckish… I wonder what marvels they carry on this ship……squid? No……what I really fancy is some fat, squishy winkles boiled up in carrot juice. Yum.

Xena’s brows rise and she rubs her own stomach with a queasy expression, as she turns to stare at her companion.

XENA

Considering your track record, do you think that’s a good idea?

CUT TO:

10. EXT. ON BOARD THE HYDRA. - DAY.

Xena leans against the bow rail and talks with the captain.

CAPTAIN

That’s right, Amnissos is the main port of Crete. We’re picking up wine and olive oil there. Then it’s on to Carpathus, Rhodes, Cos, Delos and back to Piraeus. You’re leaving at Crete you say?

Xena nods.

CAPTAIN

Going to watch the sacrifices at Knossus at a guess?

XENA

You could say that.

The warrior glances round trying to locate Gabrielle. She spots her amidships; bowl in hand, trying to ignore a group of sailors swinging on the rigging, leering at her.

CAPTAIN

With favourable winds we should land at Amnissos in a day or so.

The captain wets his finger and sticks it in the air.

CAPTAIN

(continued)

Yeah, should be about right. It’s 12 miles from the port to Knossus. If you’re in a hurry, it’s quicker to ride than go by boat up river against the flow.

He jerks his head towards the stern.

CAPTAIN

You and your friend there should be able to find something suitable.

XENA

Thanks for the information. You’ve been very helpful.

Xena pushes away from the rail and wanders over to Gabrielle, glaring at the ogling group. The sailors exchange nervous glances before quickly dispersing to go about their duties. Xena smiles at the reaction her look has on them.

GABRIELLE

What’s so funny Xena?

Gabrielle stops shovelling a foul looking and evil smelling bowl of Hades knows what, into her mouth. Whatever it is, it drips in glistening globs off her chin and stains her top a putrid looking orange.

The smirk vanishes from the warrior’s face as she excuses herself and hurries away rapidly jabbing her own wrist. Xena has never in her life been seasick and she isn’t about to start now.

FADE TO:

11. EXT. ON BOARD THE HYDRA. - NIGHT

The pair sit on deck, enjoying the sea breeze and talk. At least Gabrielle does most of the talking, whilst Xena is content to listen and watch another of her friend’s characteristically animated monologues. She is well used to following Gabrielle’s grasshopper-like thoughts and answers her every question, albeit to herself, since she never can get a word in edgeways.

GABRIELLE

You know, I ache in places I didn’t know existed……

XENA

(half listening)

Yes, Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE

…aches within aches within aches, will it ever end? I swear I will never sit on a horse again, whether you like it or not. Xena, are you listening to me?

XENA

Yes, Gabrielle

GABRIELLE

The sky looks beautiful tonight, don’t you think? Like diamond studded black velvet……

XENA

Beautiful, Gabrielle

GABRIELLE

…but if I sit here much longer I’m gonna seize up. If I weren’t so tired I’d say a turn around the deck would be in order. And you’re not listening to a thing I’m saying, are you Xena?

XENA

Whatever you want, Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE

(laughs)

I thought as much… I guess…

(beat)

……if I shift myself round here……

Gabrielle shuffles between Xena and the bulwark.

GABRIELLE

…and sat against this……

She leans against a coil of thick rope.

GABRIELLE

…I might just get comfortable enough to get some sleep… ’night Xena.

Xena smiles.

XENA

‘night, Gabrielle

In no time at all Gabrielle is snoring quietly. All is peaceful on deck; the only sounds are the soft lap of the waves, the singing wind in the sails and the gentle creak of the rigging.

Xena looks across at her sleeping friend.

XENA

(to the sleeping figure)

You’ll have a stiff neck in the morning if you stay like that.

She eases Gabrielle round and lays her on the deck with her friend’s head in her lap. Gabrielle doesn’t stir.

XENA

Wanna know something Gabrielle? Bet I could flip you over my shoulder and run a mile and you wouldn’t wake up. How do you do that?

Xena rests her head against the planking and wallows in the rare luxury of uninterrupted thoughts. Time to decide how to tackle the Minotaur.

The warrior is jerked abruptly from her musings. Gabrielle, in her sleep, begins to pummel Xena’s thighs as if they are a pillow. The warrior smiles faintly and sinks back into her thoughts as Gabrielle settles again.

Thump, thump, thump, Gabrielle begins to batter her pillow again, harder this time. Xena winces.

Thump, thump, thump.

XENA

For Gaea’s sake, Gabrielle! I’m gonna have big bruises in the morning. Just don’t ask me how they got there, please.

Finally Gabrielle settles down and eventually Xena too falls asleep, one arm under Gabrielle’s head and the other resting protectively across her chest.

FADE OUT.

END ACT I

ACT II