15. INT. QUEEN’S CHAMBER - DAWN

The sun is just starting to rise as the first rays of the day enter through the chamber window. Xena is standing in the bedchamber waiting for Gabrielle’s response. She has an annoyed, but concerned look on her face, as she sits down on the edge of the bed.

GABRIELLE

(a little annoyed)

Yes, this is my plan.…

XENA

Telling him a story?

GABRIELLE

Yes, a story, if told correctly by a great bard…

(pause – flashes Xena a smile)

…can be used to stir strong emotions. Xena, he’ll be so moved by the courage and love of this woman, that he’ll realize that what he’s doing is wrong.

Gabrielle moves and sits down next to Xena.

XENA

Well, he didn’t look very moved.

GABRIELLE

I have only told him the first part of the story...give me time.

XENA

Maybe what he needs is to be smacked around.

She punches her fist into her hand and then flashes Gabrielle a smile.

GABRIELLE

(with a huff)

Xena, this is going to work, trust me.

XENA

Ok, we’ll see how tonight goes, but I am going to see if I can find out what has caused him to start killing all these women.

GABRIELLE

That royal servant, Majeed, had mentioned something about a betrayal.

XENA

Well, I intend to find out what that is all about. Maybe the other servants will be of some assistance.

GABRIELLE

Good idea, you should go make friends with your fellow servants.

XENA

You’re really enjoying this servant thing, aren’t you?

GABRIELLE

(smiles and gives Xena a little nudge)

Yes, indeed.

XENA

I’ll let you know what I find out.

GABRIELLE

(yawning)

Ok, I’m exhausted, I think I am going to take a nap.

Xena nods, and heads out of the Queen’s chamber, making sure to close the door behind her.

CUT TO:

16. INT. SCHAHRIAR’S THRONE ROOM - MORNING

Several soldiers are standing around as Schahriar grumpily enters the throne room and plops down on his throne, which is golden and encrusted with jewels of all kinds. The soldiers are a bit startled not to find his new bride following behind him. They had become accustomed to the morning ritual of his wife’s execution. They didn’t like it, but had little to say in fear for their own lives.

SOLIDER

We are ready to proceed your majesty. Where is Scheherazade?

SCHAHRIAR

(bitterly)

There will be no execution today.

SOLIDER

(surprised)

Sire, have you decided to stop all the killing?

Schahriar jumps out of his throne, and grabs the soldier by his neck. He is looking very annoyed that anyone would question him.

SCHAHRIAR

(angrily)

I’ve decided to pardon her for the day, which is my right to do so, as the king, but make no mistake about it, she will die. She deserves to be punished just like all the other women. The men of this kingdom should be grateful to me for sparing them from the torment that these creatures bring. So, no, the punishments will continue, do you have a problem with that?

SOLDIER

(swallowing hard)

No, sire, not at all.

Schahriar removes his hand from the soldier, and turns to return to his throne. The soldier, still a little stunned, falls to the floor, and begins to rub his neck.

SCHAHRIAR

So, if there are no other questions, I must continue with the important matters of ruling this kingdom.

He claps his hands.

From a doorway to the right of the throne, three men enter carrying many scrolls. They are dressed in long colorful robes all accented with gold. They stand in front of Schahriar and bow, then begin to open up their scrolls.

SCHAHRIAR

Ah, my advisors, tell me what is the current status of my treasury?

CUT TO:

17. INT. PALACE KITCHEN - MORNING

Servants were hustling about the kitchen trying to get everything prepared for the king’s morning meal. We can hear the clang of dishes and goblets on the golden trays. Everything is a bit chaotic as Xena stands in the doorway, observing. She enters the kitchen and stands by a small round wooden table near the fire. She is the only woman in the room, except for an old gray-haired woman who is standing over a large pot seemingly not bothered by the congestion and madness of the kitchen.

OLD WOMAN

(not turning from the pot)

Let’s get going, you know that the king doesn’t like to wait for his meal. Now move.

All of the other servants gather what they need, and exit the kitchen. Only Xena is left, as she walks over towards the old woman.

OLD WOMAN

(smiling at Xena)

Well, child, you certainly took me by surprise. Although, it is nice to see another female face.

XENA

Are all the king’s servants men?

SHARIFA

Yes, except for me. I am Sharifa.

XENA

That’s interesting...

SHARIFA

Well, it wasn’t always like this...

(she sighs with sadness)

…just since the beginning of all this killing. Schahriar married and killed them one by one.

XENA

Why are you still alive?

SHARIFA

(laughing sadly)

Oh, I’m too old.

(beat)

Plus, I have known the king since he was a baby. I’m the only woman that he trusts.

Xena moves to sit at the table as she looks into the old woman’s eyes.

XENA

Does this have something to do with the betrayal?

SHARIFA

(slowly and quietly)

What do you know about that?

XENA

I know that it’s the cause of all this bloodshed, and that no one wants to talk about it. I just don’t want to see Scheherazade or anyone else killed.

SHARIFA

To be honest, I was a bit surprise to see that she was granted another day to live. That has never happened before. Although I heard Schahriar screaming at someone saying that she would die. I was hoping that all this would end...

(Pause)

Is it true that your mistress has a plan?

XENA

Well...yes... but she needs to know more about what happened.

SHARIFA

(staring off into space)

He wasn’t always like this. Schahriar was a good man and a good king, but he has just become so bitter and angry ever since the situation with his wife. I will tell you what happened, but only for the good of these poor women. The king has forbidden anyone to talk about it under the penalty of death, but if Scheherazade can stop this, it will be worth the risk.

(beat)

Schahriar was married to a beautiful woman that he loved with all his heart. He gave her lavish gifts of gold, jewels, clothing... she needed or wanted for nothing. However, she was not as she seemed. She betrayed Schahriar by having many affairs behind his back with his generals and advisors. When he discovered this, by law, he was forced to put her to death. Ever since he has been convinced that all women are of the same stock...that they are incapable of love, and only truly care about themselves.

XENA

That explains why he is angry.

(concerned)

But, how many people know that Scheherazade has a plan?

SHARIFA

Only Majeed and myself. He had mentioned to me that there might be someone who could stop all of this. I figured when Scheherazade didn’t die this morning that she was the one.

XENA

(standing)

Well, for everyone’s safety, I think we should keep this plan between the four of us.

SHARIFA

(nodding in agreement)

(beat)

Wish her luck for me...she’ll need it to soften his heart.

CUT TO:

18. INT. QUEEN’S CHAMBER - DUSK

Gabrielle is nervously pacing around the Queen’s chamber in a brightly colored silken outfit. She glances out the window, and notices that the sun is just starting to set. Gabrielle begins to talk to herself quietly as she is practicing tonight’s tale. She is so deep in thought that she does not even notice Xena entering the room.

XENA

(clearing her throat)

AAAHHEMM

 

GABRIELLE

(startled)

Oh... Xena, it’s only you.

 

XENA

A little jumpy, are we?

GABRIELLE

No, I have everything under control.

(beat)

I’m just expecting Schahriar to be here shortly. Were you able to find out anything?

XENA

Well, it wasn’t easy. He has everyone here tight-lipped, with death as the punishment for breaking their oath of silence.

GABRIELLE

Oh…

XENA

The reason for these killings is that his wife, that he loved dearly, betrayed him by having many affairs behind his back. Now he thinks all women are selfish and evil.

(beat)

Gabrielle, his heart has been hardened for quite some time. It's not going to be easy to change his mind.

GABRIELLE

Xena, I know it’ll be hard, but it is possible. If he loved before, he is capable of love again. I just need to show him the way.

XENA

(shaking her head)

I just don’t know about this.

 

GABRIELLE

Just trust me.

Xena walks over to Gabrielle, and puts her arm around her. She leans down and gently kisses Gabrielle on her head.

XENA

I always trust you, Gabrielle...

(pause)

...but you know that I won’t let anything happen to you.

GABRIELLE

I know, Xena, but it is not going to come to that.

Schahriar bursts into the room, and plops himself down on some pillows near the bed.

SCHAHRIAR

(irritated)

Well, let’s get this story going, and it had better be good.

GABRIELLE

Of course, your majesty.

Xena moves towards the corner of the room, and Gabrielle sits down on some pillows across from Schahriar.

GABRIELLE

Now, where were we last time?

SCHAHRIAR

The entrance to the cave.

GABRIELLE

Ah yes, the entrance to the cave.

FADE INTO:

19. EXT. CAVE ENTRANCE - DAY

The Genie, Sabiha, and Aladdin stand at the mouth of the cavern. The sun is just starting to set behind them.

GABRIELLE

(voice over)

Sabiha and Aladdin stood at the mouth of the cave. They could see a small flicker of light from the inside.

The genie looks nervously into the darkness before them.

GENIE

Me leave to take nap, if need give rap.

SABIHA

No, thank you for your help.

GENIE

If you need me, just rub the ring.

In a giant puff of white smoke, the Genie disappears.

ALADDIN

Let’s get this show on the road. The treasure awaits.

CUT TO:

20. INT. CAVE - DAY

Sabiha and Aladdin slowly walk into the cave. On the right-hand side of the wall, there is a blazing torch. Aladdin walks over and removes it from the wall as they continue through the cave. The small cave opens into a larger chamber. The room is full from floor to ceiling of every treasure imaginable - gold, silver, and many jewels. Aladdin stops and stares in amazement.

ALADDIN

(stuttering)

Oh my...I...have...could...this just can’t be possible.

He walks over towards a large pile of gold coins and starts to reach down to grab some. Sabiha comes over and smacks his hand away.

ALADDIN

Oww! What do you think you’re doing?

SABIHA

The gypsy warned me not to touch any of the treasure. We can only touch the lamp and the treasure in the garden.

ALADDIN

(sighs)

Fine, but this has to be some cruel joke of fate. More loot than I could have ever imagined, and I can’t touch a thing.

Aladdin continues to just stand there and stare in amazement at all of the treasure. Finally Sabiha grabs his arms, and begins to pull on him to continue.

SABIHA

Come on, we must continue.

(beat)

Be careful, there are suppose to be traps and some sort of guardian around here.

ALADDIN

Just wonderful, traps and guardians and no gold.

SABIHA

Don’t worry you will be rewarded when this is over. I did promise.

SCHAHRIAR

(voice over)

A promise from a woman is worth nothing!

GABRIELLE

(voice over)

Aladdin and Sabiha continue through the chamber only to exit into another room that is even bigger and filled with treasure...

CUT TO:

21. INT. SECOND CHAMBER - DAY

Aladdin looks as if his heart has been broken, and he shuffles his feet as they leave this room, and come across just one more giant room full of gold and jewels.

ALADDIN

I’m not sure how much more of this I can take.

SABIHA

Hopefully we are almost there.

(beat)

I did want to say thank you for all your help. My husband and I are very grateful.

ALADDIN

Well, don’t thank me yet, we don’t have the lamp.

CUT TO:

22. INT. LAMP CAVERN - DAY

Aladdin and Sabiha exit the last room of treasure, and enter a huge room, much bigger than any of the others. In the center, there is a small island with many sparkling trees and a small lamp sitting on a pedestal. Only one narrow stone bridge leads from the main cave to the island. Sabiha immediately starts to run at the sight of the lamp.

SABIHA

(shouting for joy)

There it is!

ALADDIN

(running after her)

Wait! We have to...

At that moment, Sabiha’s foot steps on a large stone that immediately begins to sink into the ground. Arrows come shooting from both walls, and Aladdin is able to tackle her just in time to avoid the barrage.

SABIHA

(shocked)

Thank you.

ALADDIN

(breathless)

You’re welcome...

(beat)

…but you must watch out. People go to a lot of trouble to protect valuable things. Trust me, I know. I’ve become a master at avoiding these nuisances. So, follow me, and do what I do.

Sabiha nodded in agreement and waits as Aladdin stands up first. Then she carefully rises to her feet and brushes the dirt off her dress.

ALADDIN

(brushing himself off)

You must really love that husband of yours to go through all this.

SABIHA

Yes, he is my life. Ever since he became ill, I’ve spent all my time trying to make him better. None of the herbs and medicine seemed to help, and he just got worse. I couldn’t imagine life without him, so it was either this or nothing.

ALADDIN

(smiling)

Well, I guess he’s a lucky man. What do you say we get this lamp, and get out of here. I don’t want to have to deal with that guardian.

The two continued to walk slowly towards the bridge. Aladdin pointing out all the trip wires and stones to avoid. Sabiha is careful to walk exactly where he walks, never taking her eyes off his feet. They finally reach the bridge, which connects them to the island of the lamp. When Aladdin and Sabiha are half way across, they hear this very loud sound, almost like breathing. Aladdin bends down, and looks over the side.

SABIHA

(nervously)

What was that?

ALADDIN

(looking down)

I don’t know. I can’t see anything down there. The pit is so deep.

He turns to look at a very frightened Sabiha.

ALADDIN

I’m sure it was only the wind.

(beat)

Let’s keep moving...the lamp can’t be far ahead.

Sabiha nods in agreement, and they finish crossing the bridge to view a breathtaking sight. The island is full of tall, vibrant trees with big green leaves as far as the eye can see. In the place where the fruit should be, there are gems: rubies, diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.

ALADDIN

(with eyes widened)

I’m allowed to touch these, right?

SABIHA

(smiling)

Yes, of course.

Aladdin eagerly begins to pick the gems off the trees, while Sabiha searches for the lamp. She sees it sitting all alone on a stone pedestal, and walks over to retrieve it. It is nothing special, just an old lamp, a little dusty and just sitting there.

SABIHA

(reaching to grab it)

I found it!

ALADDIN

Wait! Be careful! The lamp could be booby trapped!

As Sabiha picks up the lamp, the pillar the lamp had been sitting on slowly starts to rumble, and sink into the ground.

SABIHA

(shocked)

What!?

ALADDIN

(grabbing her hand)

We’d better get out of here.

GABRIELLE

(voice over)

Just as the two of them begin to run towards the bridge, the guardian appears. The guardian was a giant serpent, whose sole purpose was to protect the lamp. Aladdin and Sabiha stood only a few steps away from the scaly beast with its pink forked tongue hissing at them.

CUT TO:

23. INT. QUEEN’S CHAMBER – AFTER DAWN

Gabrielle has been sitting comfortably on some colorful pillows for quite some time, while Schahriar sits with his legs folded Indian style across from her, focusing on the story very carefully. Xena is standing in the corner of the room watching the situation unfolding with one hand resting on her chakram that is hidden under her silken robes.

SCHAHRIAR

Well?

GABRIELLE

The muses have left me… I cannot continue any longer.

SCHAHRIAR

Finish the story!

GABRIELLE

I’m sorry, sire, but I cannot, my inspiration has left me, if you only give me one more day...

Schahriar jumps up and pulls a dagger on Gabrielle, pressing it against her neck.

FADE OUT.

END ACT II

ACT III