| ACT I
3. EXT. CLEARING – LATE AFTERNOON
FADE IN.
Gabrielle, still shaken slowly turns and sees Xena approaching.
XENA
You okay? Did you get hurt?
Gabrielle appears to be dazed. Xena inspects Gabrielle's body for injury. Queen Guila approaches, hand outstretched for her weapon. Slowly Gabrielle turns to face her. Reflexively, Gabrielle hands the Queen the weapon.
QUEEN GUILA
Quite powerful is it not? A gift from my god.
Gabrielle nods unable to trust her voice. Part of her is shocked by the powers of the weapon, part of her is sickened by the knowledge she’s gained, and part of her knows any violent move toward the queen could cost them their lives.
XENA
Gabrielle, what's wrong?
Gabrielle shakes her head, noticing the troops around them. This was not the time or place to tell Xena what she’s discovered. Now was the time for silence. Not wanting to appear to be a threat to the Queen, she pulls herself together, and turns her gaze to the warrior princess.
GABRIELLE
Nothing.
(beat)
The weapon just takes a lot out of you.
QUEEN gUILA
Make no mistake.
(beat)
It is not for the timid or the weak.
XeNA
(curiously)
What does it do?
Gabrielle turns and locks eyes with the queen. The Queen deftly changes the subject.
QUEEN GUILA
I am grateful that you have returned to aid us against our enemy. But I am curious to know how...
The queen finally breaks her gaze on Gabrielle to look at Xena.
XENA
Someone told us what the drums were saying.
QUEEN GUILA
I see you have made new friends in this new land. But I caution you. There are many you cannot trust. And as Amazon sisters, we must stick together...
(beat – to Gabrielle)
Right, Gabrielle?
Gabrielle looks at the warriors surrounding them, then to Xena before turning to the queen.
GABRIELLE
(nods)
Absolutely.
XENA
(looking around at the gathering women)
You’re pretty far from your village.
QUEEN GUILA
They attacked us shortly after you left. Our homes were destroyed. We were simply tracking them down to ensure they would not return.
(beat)
You are welcome to return to our temporary camp if you like.
Before Xena can answer Gabrielle speaks up.
GABRIELLE
I think we’d like that.
The queen gives a brief nod.
QUEEN GUILA
It is this way.
CUT TO:
4. EXT. JUNGLE CLEARING - NIGHT
Dotted here and there are small lean-tos, pallets visible. Xena, Gabrielle and the rest of the Amazons are seated around a small campfire. Gabrielle has just finished telling the Amazons of their adventures up north in the Olmec village. To the untrained eye, Gabrielle appears comfortable and relaxed. However, Xena can sense an uneasiness emanating from her companion.
QUEEN GUILA
So, do you think this god of yours, this Ares, will show up again?
XENA
With Ares, anything is possible. Especially if he wants something.
QUEEN GUILA
(musingly)
The gods can be most helpful if you know how to deal with them.
GABRIELLE
(eyeing the Queen suspiciously)
Ares isn’t exactly a god you can deal with.
(beat)
At least, not rationally.
QUEEN GUIL
(condescendingly)
There are always methods a mortal can use to their advantage when dealing with a god.
XENA
(interrupting – addressing Queen Guila)
You still haven’t told us why the Chibcha attacked you again. We thought after our last encounter with them, they would leave you alone.
CHENA
They are trying to get back the sacred weapon.
The queen glares at Chena. A look that does not go unnoticed by Xena and Gabrielle.
QUEEN GUILA
(changing the subject)
It is late and you must be tired. I know my warriors are. Chena, show Xena and Gabrielle where they are to sleep.
CHENA
(rising)
Come, a place has been prepared for you.
Chena leads Xena and Gabrielle to a small lean-to near the edge of the camp. There are small woven pallets laid out side by side.
CUT TO:
5. EXT. CAMPFIRE - NIGHT
The queen motions to an Amazon who approaches and kneels beside the Queen. The Queen whispers something in her ear. The Amazon’s eyes widen slightly as she nods. She rises and looks in the direction of the departing women.
CUT TO:
6. EXT. XENA AND GABRIELLE’S LEAN-TO - NIGHT
CHENA
Sleep well and thank you again for your help today.
As Chena turns to leave, Gabrielle gently grabs her wrist.
GABRIELLE
Tell me about that weapon, Chena.
The snap of a twig is heard in the brush several feet from where the three women stand. An Amazon warrior steps out into view.
AMAZON WARRIOR
(coldly)
There is nothing to tell.
(beat – staring at Chena)
Chena. Get some rest.
Chena nods, turns and smiles slightly then leaves. The warrior eyes both women coldly then follows several paces behind the departing Chena.
XENA
All right Gabrielle, what’s bothering you? You’ve been acting strange since the battle. What’s going on?
GABRIELLE
Xena, that weapon, it showed me things.
XENA
Gabrielle, don’t be ridiculous... it’s just a weapon.
GABRIELLE
No. You don’t understand. The Chibcha are NOT the enemy. They aren’t taking the land from the Amazons...
XENA
(doubtfully)
What are you saying?
GABRIELLE
Xena, I think the Chibcha are innocent! It’s the Amazons who started this war! We’re helping the wrong side!
XENA
(shocked)
Gabrielle, what are you talking about?
GABRIELLE
Xena, that man I killed. I saw his life, I saw the queen issue the order to kill his wife and child, I saw the men of the tribe at a council meeting...
XENA
Gabrielle, do you know what you’re saying?
GABRIELLE
(tears brimming)
We fought AGAINST the greater good!
XENA
(wraps an arm around Gabrielle’s shoulder)
Try to get some sleep. Once the camp settles down, we're going to pay a little visit to the Chibcha and find out the truth.
CUT OUT:
7. INT. QUEEN'S TENT - NIGHT
Chena stands before Queen Guila. Two Amazon guards stand by either side of the tent flap.
QUEEN GUILA
Do you not think before you speak?
CHENA
(head bowed)
I am sorry, my queen...
QUEEN GUILA
That does not take back the words you spoke.
(beat – pacing)
Though they are our friends, they are not our people! They are strangers! They do not know our ways and our customs.
(beat)
Perhaps they are even Chibcha spies!
CHENA
(looking up – defiantly)
They would not have helped us against them if they were.
QUEEN GUILA
Silence!
(beat - leaning forward)
Be warned... Speak unwisely again and I shall have your tongue!
The queen straightens and looks coldly at the Amazon Warrior standing by the door and then back at Chena.
QUEEN GUILA
They do not need to know our business!
CHENA
I don't understand. Why shouldn't they know why we are fighting the Chibcha? They can help us. They are strong. Stronger than even we are. They have much they can teach us.
(beat)
You yourself call them our sisters. We have even taken the name of Gabrielle's tribe as our own!
QUEEN GUILA
You are dismissed.
CHENA
My queen...
Queen Guila looks at the guards before turning her gaze back to Chena. One of the Amazon warriors nods and opens the flap of the tent, ushering a puzzled Chena out into the night.
CUT TO:
8. EXT. XENA AND GABRIELLE'S LEAN-TO – MIDNIGHT
The campfire still burns in the center of camp. The Amazons are asleep on their palettes around the fire; thin cloth covers them as a protection against mosquitoes. Two Amazon warriors guard the perimeter.
Xena, who has been watching and timing them, awakens Gabrielle. She motions for her to be silent. Gabrielle nods her understanding.
When the two guards are at the far end of the encampment, Xena takes their palettes and creates ‘sleeping forms’ beneath the thin coverlets, then quietly the two take their gear and move stealthily into the brush.
CUT TO:
9. INT. QUEEN’S TENT - NIGHT
Queen Guila is in her tent pacing. She is alone. On a makeshift alter sits a carving of a jaguar god. In front of it is set a small gourd. A flame dances within.
The queen is pacing, obviously agitated. She pauses before the carving, airing her thoughts.
QUEEN GUILA
They have returned. The one with eyes as blue as the sea… and the other… with eyes like emeralds…
(beat)
The green eyed one held the ‘chibchadah’...I’m sure she knows its secret...
A ghostlike man-beast, resembling the wooden carving on the makeshift alter, begins to shimmer into view.
JAGUAR GOD
You were warned against stealing the chibchadah… and against trusting strangers, Guuuuuuuui-la.
QUEEN GUILA
(averting her eyes)
Yes, I know. But as allies it meant more land for you, my lord... and the chibchadah was necessary for me to accomplish my mission... without it I would not have known where the infidels who would deny you their worship lay hidden... Nor could I have avenged the murder of my champion...
(beat)
But the price of saving their lives and accepting their help may be higher now.
The Queen turns to face the jaguar god.
QUEEN GUILA
I was wrong my lord.
(beat)
But I seek your counsel. What would you have me do? The fair one has used my weapon. She knows of our campaign to rid the area of the Chibcha who turned their back on you.
(beat)
I need your advice.
The Jaguar god raises his hand and makes a ‘come hither’ motion with his clawed fingers. The Queen’s spear, which had been leaning against the wall of the tent, just feet away, falls at her feet.
JAGUAR GOD
Kill them.
Queen Guila gives an obedient bow.
QUEEN GUILA
It will be done.
CUT TO:
10. INT. QUEEN'S TENT - NIGHT
Chena and two Amazon guards burst into the Queen’s tent.
ChENA
Guila, Xena and Gabrielle are gone!
QUEEN GUILA
What do you mean, gone!? How did they escape with guards around the perimeter?!
AMAZON WARRIOR 1
My queen, they were asleep, when last I checked them...
QUEEN GUILA
Incompetents! You could all learn something from those two! They must be found and stopped! Gabrielle used the chibchadah!
Chena looks shocked.
CHENA
My queen... I did not realize...
(beat)
What do we do? If they join the Chibcha, they could be a threat to us. They know war. They know our inner workings. They -
The queen stops her short and turns to the two Amazon guards.
QUEEN GUILA
Track them. If they are on their way to the Chibcha, our enemies will destroy them... if not, we will destroy them all. Either way, they will not make it out of the jungle alive.
AMAZAON WARRIOR 2
(nodding respectfully)
As you command.
QUEEN GUILA
(to Chena)
Go with them.
Chena bows and turns to leave with the other warriors when the queen reaches out and takes her arm lightly.
QUEEN GUILA
(continued - softly)
Make certain your scouts leave markings for us to follow.
Chena nods and leaves.
CUT TO:
11. EXT. JUNGLE - NIGHT
Xena and Gabrielle are moving through the jungle by moonlight. Gabrielle is deep in thought, following after Xena who occasionally stops to listen before moving onwards.
XENA
(pushing through the flora)
Your vision didn’t happen to give you directions, did it?
GABRIELLE
(catching a branch and pushing it out of the way)
I just got the impression we should keep going east…
XENA
(rolls her eyes)
Good... at least we’ve got something to work with...
They journey on in silence.
Gabrielle
(whispering)
I'm a murderer.
Xena stops and closes her eyes briefly before opening them and turning to face Gabrielle.
XENA
What?
(beat)
You are not a murderer. You helped the people that helped us.
GABRIELLE
I jumped in too soon.
XENA
You were deceived. We both were.
Gabrielle shakes her head. Xena pulls her over to a tree stump and sits her down, then kneels before her, their hands clutching each other’s.
XENA
(continued)
Listen to me. You thought you were doing the right thing.
A silence passes between them as Gabrielle looks at their intertwined hands.
GABRIELLE
She'll come for us. You know that don't you?
XENA
Who? Guila?
Gabrielle nods.
XENA
(continued - smiling)
Not if she knows what's good for her she won't.
GABRIELLE
(seriously)
We're too dangerous, Xena. She'll try to kill us. I could feel it when I gave her back her weapon.
(beat)
It wasn’t easy acting as if I was comfortable back in their camp with what I know… What she suspects I know…
(beat)
I have to get to the Chibcha and set this right.
XENA
You bought us some time by acting as well as you did back at the camp, so don’t worry… We'll get there.
(beat)
Now, come on. Let's go.
Xena pulls back to look at Gabrielle. Gabrielle nods.
Xena
(continued)
We'll travel as close to the Chibcha village as possible. Then at first light we'll go in. Agreed? It will give us time to plan what to say.
(beat - grinning)
Assuming it really lays east like you think.
(beat)
Now, let's put some distance between us and the Queen. Whadda ya say?
She stands and helps Gabrielle to her feet. They continue their trek Eastward.
CUT TO:
As they head off down the path an Amazon steps out from the thicket and watches their progress. She stoops and makes a marking on the ground with a stone before turning back into the foliage.
FADE OUT.
END ACT I
ACT II
|
