ACT ONE

FADE IN:

6. TRIP MONTAGE - ALL TIMES

The trip to a well-located port city is a long one, punctuated by roving bands of thieves and word that another section of Canaan had been seized by Egyptian soldiers. Their nights were silent with the exceptions of a whetstone grinding hypnotically against a well-tended blade or the grunts of exertion during weapon drills, each woman otherwise occupied by her own thoughts.

With increasing frequency, Xena would wake up in the middle of the night, her head throbbing, and would take a short walk to clear her mind of the pain and of her dreams. Inevitably, she would find herself crouching by their saddlebags, sifting through the amazing amount of belongings they carry with them. Just as inevitably, the warrior accidentally wakes up the bard and ends up with her head cradled in Gabrielle's lap as the bard massages her temples in an attempt to quiet the throbbing that makes Xena feel the pulse right behind her eyes. The bard does this without complaint, always long enough for Xena to feel better so they can push on.

DISSOLVE TO:

7. EXT. DOCKS - POST-DAWN

The port city is pulsing with the to-and-fro movements of the transient crowds that walk through their city on a daily basis. As they walk out of the stable master's hut and into the throng, Xena raises her hand to her head. The crowds, however, give wide berth to the disheveled warrior. Xena hasn't slept properly for days, her head not letting her rest. The shout of street venders and the conversational buzz makes the warrior's head ache that much worse, but she picks up shredded pieces of conversations about the Egyptian occupation of Canaan.

8. EXT. XENA'S DREAMSCAPE - TIMELESS

The winged creature from her dreams stands before her, his eyes glowing brightly.

CTHULHU

(telepathically)

Sekhmet is causing wars among the mortal tribes that have no reason to be fought, sending her people into the land of Canaan to conquer those lands.......

9. EXT. DOCKS - DAY

Xena comes back to the present when she feels a gentle, though calloused, hand on her arm.

GABRIELLE

Xena, are you okay?

XENA

Yeah, fine...

Concerned, but knowing this isn't the time or place to go into it, Gabrielle rubs the warrior's upper arm then turns back towards the front of the dockmaster's line. An already dour Xena stands back to meditate, trying to filter out the noise to give her head a chance to heal, trusting the bard to not only handle the fares, but to handle any trouble that might pop up. The warrior feels comparatively better today as each beat of her heart wasn't followed by a sharp pain to her eyes.

The dockmaster looks up from his books and smiles when he sees the blonde woman with the bright green eyes and pretty smile walk away from a dark warrior woman, her onyx hair tousled and wild. He sees Xena glaring at him and loses his composure for a moment before turning his gaze back to Gabrielle.

DOCKMASTER

Good day to you, ladies. How may I be of service?

GABRIELLE

We need two tickets to Alexandria, please.

The dockmaster flips through his books as he talks. Xena comes to attention when she hears the word Alexandria, but she quickly dismisses it as the conversational buzz of the throng of people around her quashes any hope of hearing more than a few scattered words between Gabrielle and the dockmaster.

DOCKMASTER

Ahh...Alexandria. Very beautiful and romantic this time of year...ever been there before?

GABRIELLE

(cautious)

Not exactly...

He finds what he's looking for.

DOCKMASTER

Well, at least you're going now... Making up for all that lost time.

(turns professional)

Would you like round trip or one way?

GABRIELLE

Well, let's just go one way...one never knows what will happen.

DOCKMASTER

That's true, miss...especially not while you're in Alexandria...such magic....

(turns professional again)

Two one way tickets to Alexandria are forty five dinars a piece.

GABRIELLE

(pleasantly surprised)

Really?

DOCKMASTER

(sotto voce)

Well, it's supposed to be ninety, but I get such a pleasant feeling from you...and perhaps Alexandria can work its wonders on your sullen-looking friend there.

They look back at the brooding warrior princess.

GABRIELLE

(thinks, preoccupied)

Maybe...

Gabrielle turns back to the genial dockmaster and smiles, having warmed up to the man who reminds her of Salmoneus.

GABRIELLE

(continued)

You've got a deal, sir.

They smile and he quickly writes up their passes, then hands them to the bard.

DOCKMASTER

There you are, young lady. Two one-ways to Alexandria via the passenger ship the Athirat, which is docked on the end there.

(points so Gabrielle can see it)

It leaves in about one candlemark. You should arrive in Alexandria just before sunset...

GABRIELLE

Passenger ship?

DOCKMASTER

Oh yes...newest thing in comfort and convenience. No more getting trampled by unruly goats as you sit in a cramped hold...

GABRIELLE

Isn't that dangerous, slave-trader wise?

DOCKMASTER

That's a risk a few of the more daring travelers are willing to take for a little more room. It's a growing business...

GABRIELLE

(sarcastically)

It's a great idea...all the dangers of home as you travel on the sea.

(smiles wanly)

Thank you!

Gabrielle walks away and Xena follows.

DOCKMASTER

Thank you, young lady...take care and enjoy Alexandria!

Gabrielle turns around and waves at him as she and Xena walk towards the market main.

XENA

How do you do it?

They stop as Gabrielle searches through her bag for something as she puts their passes in a safe place.

GABRIELLE

Do what?

XENA

Barter the toga off someone then proceed to leave them like you're their best friend?

GABRIELLE

I didn't barter, Xena. Ah! There it is!

Gabrielle takes out the list Xena had her write and rips it in half, then gives Xena one part.

XENA

You didn't barter?

GABRIELLE

No. I'll explain later. The ship leaves in less than a candlemark so I've split up the list of supplies. Meet back here in three quarters of a candlemark, okay?

Gabrielle leaves the stunned warrior princess.

XENA

(disbelieving)

She didn't barter?!

Xena walks off looking at her list, pinching the bridge of her nose all the while.

DISSOLVE TO:

10. EXT. DOCKS - LATER

Xena and Gabrielle meet up and climb the gangplank to board the Athirat bound for Egypt. The ship is a dark, rich mahogany colour, standing out beautifully against the bluish-green of the Mediterranean. One of the crewmen bows, takes their passes, and shows them to a cabin below decks.

CUT TO:

11. INT. CABIN - SAME

They walk into the small cabin and the crewman smiles and leaves, politely shutting the door behind him. There are two mesh hammocks hanging side-by-side; each end hangs from beams supporting the ceiling. An iron oil lamp sways very gently in the middle of the small room. They stow their things in a small wooden crate that's nailed to the floor.

XENA

Gabrielle...why didn't you barter with the dockmaster?

GABRIELLE

He'd already lessened the price by half for each of us.

XENA

You did that to him without saying a word?

GABRIELLE

No...actually, YOU did. He said he hoped the magic of Alexandria would do wonders for you...

XENA

There are other ports in Egypt...why Alexandria?

GABRIELLE

Well, we didn't get to go to the library there last time...

(pauses)

Why?

XENA

Nothing...just a funny feeling.

GABRIELLE

What's the matter?

XENA

I don't know. Something from my dream, I guess. Don't worry, it's not important.

Before Gabrielle can press for more information from the reticent warrior, there is a knock on their door. Xena smiles and walks over to open the door, finding the captain of the ship, Taj, and a weasly-looking man, his first mate Malik.

TAJ

Mmm...I am Taj, mmm, the captain of the, mmm, Athirat, mmm. This is my, mmm, first mate, Malik. Mmm...may we come in? Mmm?

Xena looks at Gabrielle briefly before letting them in. Taj sees Gabrielle and gives a stiff bow. Malik follows his captain's gesture. Gabrielle frowns momentarily, but returns the bows with a smile, afraid of being rude, and gives Xena a brief look.

TAJ

(continued)

Mmm...well, we just wanted to, mmm make sure you were all, mmm, settled and had no, mmm, problems, mmm...to introduce the crew, as it were, mmm. If you need anything, mmm, please do not hesitate to, mmm, ask... Mmm... Good day, ladies.

Taj and Malik leave. As they close the door behind them, Xena closes her eyes in pain. Gabrielle walks over and massages the warrior's temples. Xena gently pulls Gabrielle's hands away from her. The bard sighs, concerned.

GABRIELLE

C'mon, Xena...let's watch the docks fade away...the salt air might do you some good.

CUT TO:

12. EXT. OF DECK - DAY

Gabrielle and Xena walk out of their cabin and head up to the deck to stand at the intricately carved rails along the sides. The crewmen are rushing to raise the gangplank and raise the anchor to set sail. They raise the sails quickly and Gabrielle gawks openly at the stunning image that can be seen on them. Gabrielle turns to one of the crewmen who unfurled the sails and catches his attention.

GABRIELLE

Excuse me, but what is that picture?

The crewman smiles with equal parts pride and melancholy.

CREWMAN

She is Athirat, the lady of the shore. She gave birth to the pounders of the sea, the gracious gods of Canaan.

Other crewmen collect the ropes that tie the Athirat to the docks and are then pushed off. People wave to the departing ship, the good will making Gabrielle smile. They're off at a good clip.

XENA

So...what do you want to do?

Gabrielle turns and looks at Xena, the smile still gracing her lips.

GABRIELLE

I want to go down...to our cabin...and grab my sais. I need to practice.

Gabrielle walks away, a smirk bending her lips into a bow. Xena watches her walk away, then turns toward the sea, leaning on the rail, rubbing her throbbing forehead. Before heading to their cabin, Gabrielle makes a detour to ask Taj for permission to practice her movements on the deck.

GABRIELLE

(continued)

Excuse me, Captain Taj?

The captain and first mate turn. They bow towards her and hesitantly she returns the bow.

GABRIELLE

(continued)

Why do you bow to me?

TAJ

It is a...mmm...custom in our country that...mmm...workers bow to their...mmm...masters, customers or...mmm...royalty.

GABRIELLE

I'm not royalty, really.

TAJ

Mmm but the way you carry yourself says mmm otherwise. Mmm...in any case...Mmm...how may I help you? Mmm?

GABRIELLE

I was wondering if I may use your deck as a place to exercise and meditate.

Taj smiles.

TAJ

Mmm...whatever you, mmm, desire, you may, mmm, have, my lady, mmm.

The captain and first mate bow and Gabrielle returns the gesture, then heads downstairs to her cabin to get her weapons.

MALIK

Do you think she can handle Cthulhu, my lord?

TAJ

(odd speech is gone)

She's handled more than her fair share better than she should have... She'll be fine.

CUT TO:

13. EXT. DECK / GABRIELLE'S PRACTICE GROUNDS - SAME

Gabrielle comes out, her sais in her boot loops, and puts herself in the middle of the open deck. She stands still and closes her eyes, centering herself. She then opens her eyes, draws the sais from her boots and puts herself in the first position, legs bent at the knees. Slowly at first she begins the movements, the kata, training her body to move with fluid grace. Xena turns from the rail and watches her soulmate slice and spin faster and faster.

CTHULHU

(V.O., filtered)

(whispers)

Perhaps you'd better spar with her. It's one thing to fight against the breeze, but quite another to fight against an opponent...

Xena frowns, recognizing the voice, and shakes her head. She doesn't make a move.

CTHULHU

(continued)

(V.O., filtered)

(whispers)

You can't go for too long without practice yourself, Xena...when I call on you to fight for me, you need to be as fluid as the weeping willow in the midnight breeze and as hard as the ruins of a forgotten temple.

CUT TO:

14. EXT. TEMPLE RUINS - NIGHT

There is a flash as Cthulhu shows Xena where they're to meet: it's a cliff at midnight overlooking a body of water that seems to glow due to the light from the full moon and the sparkling stars that reflect on the surface. There is a willow tree billowing gracefully with the breeze. Ruins of a forgotten temple stand next to the tree, still strong in its age and state of disrepair.

CTHULHU

(continued)

(V.O., filtered)

(whispers)

Go there your first night in Alexandria. There is where I await you.

DISSOLVE TO:

15. EXT. DECK - DAY

Xena shakes her head to rid herself of the voice and vision, then heads down to their cabin.

XENA

(sotto voce to self)

Maybe some exercise would do me some good...

Meanwhile, Gabrielle finishes her kata in the first position, then stands up straight, sheathes the sais and closes her eyes. Slowly, she sinks to the floor in a sitting position, unaware of the impressed applause from the crewmen and other passengers, and begins to meditate.

DISSOLVE TO:

16. INT. GOLDEN TEMPLE - TIMELESS

Gabrielle is having a vision of the temple dedicated to the god Ra. There is a large slit in the ceiling where the sun can be seen speeding through the sky repeatedly. Seated in a golden throne under the slit is a hawk-headed man. This is Ra.

RA

Do not be afraid, Chosen One, for I am the light. I am Ra. The way is full of treachery and deceit. Trust not whom you want for they are being deceived and led like a sheep to the slaughter.

CUT TO:

17. EXT. DECK - DAY

Gabrielle comes out of her meditation when she feels a presence come towards her. It's Xena, sword in hand. The bard, alarmed, looks around and jumps to her feet.

GABRIELLE

What's the matter? Are we under attack?

XENA

No, no...everything's fine...I just thought you could stand to spar with someone. Y'know, it's one thing to fight against the breeze, it's quite another to fight against an opponent...

Xena smiles and there's something off about it. It's almost cold and calculating...and Gabrielle feels the difference.

GABRIELLE

I don't think it's a good idea, Xena.

XENA

Why not?

GABRIELLE

Because you don't look like you're feeling too well...and-

XENA

I feel fine, Gabrielle...like a million dinars. C'mon! I want to see how good you are...

GABRIELLE

No.

Gabrielle tries to walk by, but Xena blocks her movement.

XENA

Yes.

Gabrielle frowns as she sees Xena tense her sword arm in preparation to strike. The warrior's sword slices at the bard's head in a crossing motion; however, Gabrielle ducks allowing the blade to pass harmlessly over her head. A quick twist of Xena's wrist brings the sword back toward the bard who brings her right arm up and blocks the edge with her gauntlet. Xena aims a kick for the bard's left side which Gabrielle blocks with her left arm. The bard then ducks inside the warrior's guard, punching her on her support leg. Xena flips backward, slashing at Gabrielle's right arm and opens up a slight wound just below her shoulder. Gabrielle staggers backwards as Xena positions herself, ready to resume the fight, a deadly smirk on her face.

FADE TO BLACK.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT II