| ACT II
9. EXT. CAMPSITE NIGHT
Glowing coals barely illuminate the figures of several men seated
around the fire. Xena and Jakkor have their heads close together, poring over a map held
in place by small stones, on the ground between them.
XENA
How long would it take to reach Norania? I want to check on this
gathering of an army and you'll need information to give the king. If I can find out how
big the army is and where they're headed....
JAKKOR
Excellent idea! I can have two of my men leave immediately.
XENA
No. It would be better if Gabrielle and I go. There might be more
attempts on the caravan. You need all your men. Some of those sorry wanna-be warriors did
escape. They'll be back.
Jakkor thinks for a moment.
JAKKOR
It would take too long to go on foot. I can have two of our swiftest
horses readied. Riding, you should reach Norania before sunrise. And here...
Points to a section on the map.
JAKKOR
(continued)
...after you get the information, there is a rough road through the
mountains that will bring you directly into Elandia, saving a half-day's ride.
Xena studies the crude map closely, memorizing the landmarks that
would guide her on the rough and little traveled mountain route.
XENA
Very well. We should leave in a candlemark or so. Can you have the
horses and supplies ready by then?
JAKKOR
Of course.
(turns to one of his soldiers)
Ready two of our best steeds for the Warrior Princess.
(turns back to Xena)
Will you not need to rest before setting out?
A slight smile touches Xena's lips.
XENA
That's what the time delay is for.
She glances across the campfire and notes that Gabrielle is
half-asleep. She stands, stretches and joins Gabrielle. Finding a comfortable place to
sprawl in the warmth of the campfire, she gazes into the flickering coals. Her mind turns
over the information she has at hand, and what she needs to learn. Finally, she just gazes
at Gabrielle.
FADE OUT:
10. EXT. CAMPSITE - ONE CANDLEMARK LATER
FADE IN:
Xena rouses and reaches over to her sleeping companion. She shakes
her.
XENA
(softly)
Gabrielle, time to go now.
The green eyes lose their far away look and focus on Xena for a
moment. Then, without a word, Gabrielle gathers up her gear and stands ready.
CUT TO:
11. EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
Xena and Gabrielle gallop along a moonlit road, Xena holds up her
hand. They slow and walk the horses.
Gabrielle had not asked questions back at Jakkor's camp, but knew
more was going on than met the eye. Her curiosity nags at her until finally she can't keep
quiet any longer.
GABRIELLE
Just what was that little disappearing act in the woods all about?
XENA
Ares.
(beat)
He's up to his old tricks, stirring up trouble. Robbing the caravan
from Gregor's kingdom was only a small part of it.
They ride further in silence.
GABRIELLE
What's the plan?
Xena is silent for several moments.
XENA
First, we need to see how many men this Harl has gathered up. We
also need to try and find out what he intends to do. If we can discover where his first
strike will be, Harl's warlord days may be very short indeed. Enough rest! Let's travel!
Spurring her horse forward, Xena gallops on down the road, with
Gabrielle close behind.
CUT TO:
12. EXT. VALLEY - EARLY DAWN
Looking down into a valley below, we see a medium sized village to
the left, tents and campfires to the right. Xena and Gabrielle lie on a small ridge
overlooking the valley. As they watch, a small group of villagers and several carts make
their way from the village square to the camp.
GABRIELLE
How do we get close enough to find out anything?
Xena studies the layout.
XENA
Not dressed as warrior women! And not this early in the day.
Strangers would be noticed too easily. We need to wait until more people are moving
around.
They watch a few minutes longer.
XENA
I haven't seen any women in the camp. We need something else to wear
if we want to get into the camp unnoticed. Our best move is to wait until the marketplace
is open.
Xena takes another look at the scene below, then motions Gabrielle
back to where the horses are tied.
XENA
(continued)
Let's find a safe place to hide the horses and give them a chance to
eat. We could use a little rest ourselves before we get to the next part of this mission.
GABRIELLE
(loosening her saddle)
Those villagers bringing supplies into the camp, do you suppose we
could work with that?
XENA
We could. Not a bad idea. We'll need to work around to the far side
of the village to come in without tripping over any of the troops. Maybe we can work out a
deal with some of the villagers.
The expression on Xena's face shows the troops are not likely to
appreciate the "deal" she has in mind.
CUT TO:
13. EXT. VILLAGE EDGE - EARLY MORNING
The few people seen are carrying bundles or pulling carts of goods
toward the marketplace. Xena and Gabrielle are afoot, wearing cloaks against the morning
chill. They look cautiously around. The sun is still low, and shadows fill the streets.
Xena looks down the street warily, expecting to see soldiers any
moment.
XENA
We need information...fast. I'll wander around the inns and see what
the talk is. You might do your favorite thing....
(smiles as she looks at Gabrielle)
And go shopping at the market. It looks like stalls are opening now.
Meet me at the well in the market square in half a candlemark.
Xena pulls the hood of her cloak over her head, obscuring her
features and hiding her armor and weapons. Gabrielle does the same, and moves toward the
marketplace.
Xena watches until she is certain no one took note of Gabrielle,
then, close to walls and in the shadows, walks toward the nearest inn.
CUT TO:
14. INT.TRAVELER'S REST TAVERN - EARLY MORNING
In a dimly lit room, several men are sitting at tables eating
breakfast. Others, with cups of ale, sit grumbling. One table, close to the back wall, has
a lone, dark figure watching attentively all that is happening.
It is obvious to the Warrior Princess that many of the patrons have
been in the tavern throughout the night, airing their dissatisfaction at their plight.
Much grumbling and little laughter was the first thing she noticed. She sips her ale
slowly and listens. The warlord, Harl, is not greatly appreciated by the locals.
Several men shake their heads at the latest demand, four casks of
wine, a great deal of food, and one especially irking demand.
MAN
My eldest daughter, she's no harlot, but they said send her to the
camp, or pay the price.
He downs his ale and slams the cup down on the table. Wiping his
mouth on his arm, he scowls.
MAN
(continued)
Ain't gonna do it!
SECOND MAN
They want both of my daughters! And Bethada only twelve summers.
More grumbling around the table of drinkers. Another man pounds his
cup on the table, but before he can speak, one of his companions grabs an arm and urgently
whispers in his ear. Still scowling, the man leans back.
Xena leaves unnoticed, and moves on to another inn. Much of
the same feelings are found there, and slowly, a plan begins to form
in her mind.
CUT TO:
15. EXT. MARKET - EARLY MORNING
Marketplace, several stalls are open for business, other merchants
are still setting up their wares. At a food stall, Gabrielle nods agreeably while eating a
small piece of nut bread, the woman across the rough table from her is talking animatedly.
WOMAN
I tell you, it's as if any ruffian too lazy to work declares himself
a warlord and then expects you to fetch and do for him. Worthless scoundrels!!!
Brave words, but her eyes were watchful for any ‘scoundrels'
that might be listening.
GABRIELLE
Um...hum. Don't they pay for anything?
Gabrielle inspects the last bite of nut bread before popping it into
her mouth.
WOMAN
Pay? PAY!! It's a favor they take things from us and not kill us
besides. Honest folk... well... honest folk are having a hard time lately.
Wiping her hands, the woman glances suspiciously at Gabrielle, then
reassured by the openness of her face.
WOMAN
(continued)
Dearie, I'd be gettin' home if I were you. Pretty thing like you...
you don't want to meet up with some of that lot. Rough and mean, they are.
She busies herself unpacking more of her goods.
Gabrielle drifts on to another stall, where a man is unfolding
materials and spreading them on display. She watches for a few moments, then notices a
pretty square of emerald green and soft brown color. Thoughtfully, she feels the material.
GABRIELLE
How much is this?
The merchant turns to her, a look of surprise on his face.
MERCHANT
Three dinars... why aren't you over at the west end of the village?
Sensing this could be a tricky question Gabrielle looks up at the
merchant with a slightly vague expression.
GABRIELLE
Why?
MERCHANT
Why? Because, girl, that's the orders of the high and mighty
warlord! Best get yourself there quickly, before there's trouble!
He takes the material from her hands and drapes it across a trunk.
MERCHANT
(continued)
You best be getting along now!
Turning his back, he ignores her.
CUT TO:
16. EXT. VILLAGE - MORNING
Public well, low wall, with trees and shade. Two figures move toward
the well.
GABRIELLE
(softly)
Xena?
XENA
Not here, follow me.
Xena moves between two buildings and angles back to where they had
entered the village. When they have safely reached the edge of the village, she pauses.
XENA
So, what did you find out?
GABRIELLE
Something is going on. They seem to be gathering most of the village
girls and taking them out to the camp.
Gabrielle pushes the hood back from her face.
XENA
A big celebration of some sort, it seems. Some of the men were
talking about having to haul food and wine out to the camp. Either they have just won a
victory, or maybe, just maybe, getting ready to go out on a campaign. In either case, we
don't have much time to put a stop to this nonsense.
Xena paces back and forth for several moments. Stopping abruptly,
she digs out a small bag of coins.
XENA
I want you to go buy another horse...
GABRIELLE
Another horse? How does that fit into the plan?
XENA
If I pull this off right, we're gonna need one more. And Gabrielle,
you aren't going to like the next part....
CUT TO:
17. EXT. VILLAGE – MORNING
The village can be seen in the background. In a shadowed area under
some trees, Gabrielle waits anxiously, not at all sure what to expect.
Xena comes gliding out of a narrow alley, dressed as a villager,
with a coiled rope over her shoulder. She looks approvingly at the horse Gabrielle has
bought.
XENA
He should do just fine. Now, here's the next step.
Gabrielle's eyebrows climb as Xena lays out her plan.
GABRIELLE
You want me to just WAIT??? Xena, the last time you had me wait, I
had to cut you down like a slaughtered animal. I think this would be a better plan if we
both go in.
XENA
No, Gabrielle, it wouldn't. One person can get into that camp
without too much difficulty. Timing is critical on this, and if you aren't where I expect
to find you, the plan could fail right there! I need someone I KNOW can get there, and
that I KNOW I can depend on. That's you. We have a chance to stop this whole mess right
now.
Xena looks at Gabrielle, almost but not quite pleadingly.
Reluctantly, Gabrielle nods agreement at last.
GABRIELLE
All right. I'll be waiting on the ridge.
(her voice catches)
Be careful.
XENA
Good! Have the horses ready, because when I arrive, there may be
quite a bunch of people right behind me!
(pauses, laying a hand on Gabrielle's shoulder)
Gabrielle, you're my back up. I can't do this alone. You know I'm
counting on you.
Gabrielle looks up with a wan smile.
GABRIELLE
I know. It just felt too much like... before... you know....
XENA
Yeah. I know. I'm sorry. Just wish me luck... and Gabrielle, be
there!
With that, Xena turns and blends into the shadows.
Gabrielle watches for several minutes, then mounts the horse and
carefully works her way out of the village. Picking up speed, she makes good time to where
they have stashed their horses and gear. It takes only a few minutes for her to get the
horses saddled and their gear gathered. Then, moving carefully to avoid being seen, she
makes her way to the ridge where they first looked down on the village and camp. There,
she waits.
FADE OUT:
END ACT II
ACT
III
|
