| The following episode written for The Xena Warrior Princess Virtual Season is a work of fiction based upon the television series Xena: Warrior Princess. The original characters are used strictly for fan purposes and not for profit. There is no intent to infringe upon or violate any copyrights held by Studio USA, Renaissance Pictures, Universal Television or any other organization that owns the rights to this series.
The script, story ideas, and any characters created by the authors that are not part of the original series are copyrighted and remain the sole property of those authors. Also, any original artworks are copyrighted and remain the sole property of those artists. Permission to use any of the written or drawn works herein must be submitted to the original author(s) and artist(s).
Xena Warrior Princess Virtual Season
Episode 7.19: Go West Young Warrior
Written by: CN Winters
Story Editing by: Heather Creeley
Illustrated by: Rich and Gina of earth-spirits
TEASER
1. EXT. KINGDOM WATCH TOWER - DAY
FADE IN:
A soldier stands atop a watch tower, one of several that guard this kingdom. Suddenly an excited expression crosses his face.
GUARD
They're here! They're here! Inform the King they are here!
The gates of the kingdom open up and we see Xena and Gabrielle ride in atop Argo. The tending guards at either side give them a salute as they trot in. As they come to a stop Gabrielle slides off first followed by Xena. The watchman is seen coming out of the tower while another goes up to take his place.
GUARD
(continued)
It's a pleasure to see you and so quickly. The King will see you immediately.
Wordlessly, Xena and Gabrielle enter the castle and both begin to smile. King Gabriel wears an equally large smile as he walks up offering his forearm in a warrior shake - - first to Xena then to Gabrielle.
KING GABRIELE
I'm so glad you've arrived.
XENA
(grinning)
You should know there are not many kings I would drop everything for to visit.
KING GABRIEL
I'm pleased to see I'm one of them. Please come to the throne room.
The trio starts to walk and King Gabriel turns back as they continue their strides.
KING GABRIEL
(continued)
After such a long journey would you like some food, something to drink? We have plenty.
GABRIELLE
Curiosity has the better of me right now. Why did you send for us? You said it was urgent.
KING GABRIEL
And it is.
As they enter the room two guards close the door and stand outside. Inside the king motions for them to have a seat while he seats himself on his throne.
KING GABRIEL
(continued)
When King Toledo came to me and asked me if I'd like to be involved in a joint venture with Hispania, I was intrigued. When I learned just what the venture entailed I knew of only two warriors who could pull it off.
Xena and Gabrielle exchanged a confused look.
KING GABRIEL
(continued)
Perhaps I should explain?
XENA
(grinning with a nod)
Good idea.
KING GABRIEL
He wants to fund a campaign to find a quicker way to get to Chin and the Eastern World.
XENA
Where do we come in?
KING GABRIEL
I want you to spearhead the effort. I trust you Xena. I trust your judgments and those of Gabrielle's. If anyone can go east by traveling west it's you.
XENA
But how is that possible? By sea you mean?
King Gabriel just nodded but didn't add more.
XENA
(continued - chuckling)
That's ridiculous! Your ship would fall right off the earth.
GABRIELLE
(muttering)
The earth is round.
XENA
The earth is what?
GABRIELLE
Haven't you ever just sat and watched the ships sail from port.
Xena gives her a 'what do you think' look.
GABRIELLE
( continued - grinning)
Sorry. Forgot who I was talking to.
(beat)
Look, the earth is round, trust me.
KING GABRIEL
Tell her why you think so, Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
Because as I said, the ships,
(beat)
when they go out to sea, they don't just 'disappear'. You can see it moving further and further away, getting smaller. But that's not the only thing that happens. Parts of it begin to 'fade away', -- first the stern, then the sails, then the crows nest, until -
(beat)
- it's gone. If the earth was flat it would fall right off immediately, but that never happens.
KING GABRIEL
Precisely,
(beat)
so that has to mean that it's round.
XENA
(teasing)
Unlike my beautiful colleague here - - I can't say I've paused to enjoy the splendor of the sea.
GABRIELLE
You sound like quite the bard.
XENA
After 32 years, things rub off.
Gabrielle and the King both chuckle.
XENA
(continued)
But seriously, what's to say that if we travel west we will arrive in the east?
KING GABRIEL
Good question.
(beat)
Chin is also located on the sea like Hispania. If we travel west we would eventually end up in the east because ...
(beat)
...as Gabrielle pointed out, the world IS round.
XENA
Not that I'm doubting your scruples King Gabriel, but what's in it for you?
KING GABRIEL
Not just me, but everyone. Just think of it Xena! Spices and silks quicker and more readily available to the public. Herbs that are desperately needed for the sick could be here in half the time. I tell you the possibilities are endless.
Xena and Gabrielle exchange a look of uncertainty.
KING GABRIEL
(continued)
Don't give me an answer now. Stay for a few days - - consider it carefully.
(beat)
I've read all of Gabrielle's adventures and I know if anyone could succeed it's you two. Please say you'll consider it and stay as my guests.
Xena looks to Gabrielle who gives a shoulder shrug.
XENA
Okay King Gabriel...
(beat)
for you...
(beat)
we'll consider it.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
ACT
I
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