by
Editor
Bleu Gato
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TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. SHU HAN KINGDOM VILLAGE 9 YEARS AGO/SUMMER/AFTERNOON
The INHABITANTS sift thru the charred, smoking rubble, scavenging supplies and meager possessions. There are no human bodies in the dusty streets or the surrounding, former millet and wheat fields, but everything animal or plant is dead. The raid either did not target the people or they escaped unharmed.
Lead by a three MOUNTED SOLDIERS, a column of SPEARMEN marches into the village. Stopping, they spread out to secure the place and interact with villagers. The MOUNTED SOLDIERS stay in place.
MOUNTED SOLDIER #1, surveying the damage, frustrated
MOUNTED SOLDIER #1
Third village today yet not in a row; absolutely no rhyme, reason, or pattern. They hit at random and melt away.
MOUNTED SOLDIER #2, joining the ranks of the confused
MOUNTED SOLDIER #2
Always the same: scorched, salted earth and no casualties. What warlord or invader does not take spoils?
MOUNTED SOLDIER #3 appears their senior, by them addressing their ideas to him and the richer state of his equipment. MOUNTED SOLDIER #3 absently nods each observation, lost in contemplation of the situation.
MOUNTED SOLDIER #1
We have units chasing ghosts in the countryside without reporting the nature of the attacks; just their occurrence.
MOUNTED SOLDIER #2, discouraged
MOUNTED SOLDIER #2
Week after week without respite or let up
MOUNTED SOLDIER #3, interrupting, shouting triumphantly
MOUNTED SOLDIER #3
That's it!
MOUNTED SOLDIER #1 & MOUNTED SOLDIER #2, at once
MOUNTED SOLDIER #1 & MOUNTED SOLDIER #2
General?
MOUNTED SOLDIER #3, excited
MOUNTED SOLDIER #3
Refugees are the weapon deployed against us. Thousands upon thousands of homeless and hungry civilians, swelling daily like Yangtze in the spring.
MOUNTED SOLDIER #2, shrugging
MOUNTED SOLDIER #2
They go without.
MOUNTED SOLDIER #3
What happens when there are hundreds of thousands of starving peasants? A million?
MOUNTED SOLDIER #1, turning pale
MOUNTED SOLDIER #1
Rebellion.
MOUNTED SOLDIER #3, joy at discovery fading fast, feeling sick, somberly
MOUNTED SOLDIER #3
They are going to destroy us from within.
Pause.
MOUNTED SOLDIER #3
We ride to the capitol and warn the Emperor.
Taking initiative, MOUNTED SOLDIER #1 breaks away and heads for the SPEARMEN to issue new instructions.
MOUNTED SOLDIER #2
There are rumors of a storm gathering in the north. Could this be their doing? This campaign finds no prior or equal in its cruelty among us, the Eastern Wu, and Cao Wei. Conquest not death motivates the Emperors.
Pause.
MOUNTED SOLDIER #2, afraid of the answer
MOUNTED SOLDIER #2
Is there time enough?
MOUNTED SOLDIER #3, reality hitting him hard, scared
MOUNTED SOLDIER #3
Whatever yaoguai (Chinese: demon) leads them, Gods save Shu Han.
MOUNTED SOLDIER #1 reaches the nearest SPEARMAN.
MOUNTED SOLDIER #3, looking at MOUNTED SOLDIER #1 talking, ordering
MOUNTED SOLDIER #3
Kill the peasants. Kill them all.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. SHU HAN KINGDOM LAKE 9 YEARS AGO/MIDSUMMER/MORNING
The wall and towers along its length are empty of defenders and wounded by numerous breaches. An enormous Mongolian camp squats on the northern side. Going roughly by the fires, tents, and massed horses, close to ten thousand warriors call it home.
CUT TO:
INT. MONGOLIAN WAR CAMP BORIAS' TENT - MORNING
Borias, now plus a few extra pounds, enjoys a feast spread out before him. Midbite, the tent flaps part and Xena joins his repast.
The warlord salutes Xena with a piece of bread which he promptly stuffs in his mouth.
Borias, amiably
BORIAS
How goes the war, Xena Khan?
Xena, dryly
XENA
The way I see it, the breakfast ordered general retreat and the trousers are crying mercy.
Borias, sending crumbs flying, roaring
BORIAS
Hah!
Pause.
Borias, staring at Xena's lips, playfully
BORIAS
You have a mouth on you.
Xena, suggestively
XENA
And you should put yours to better use.
Xena starts removing her armor and weapons, tossing them aside without care where they land.
Xena, animated
XENA
Emperor Ming cannot slaughter the refugees fast enough; civil war rages in quarter of the provinces. Imagine that: they think he's the one attacking them and are fighting back.
Borias, sighing
BORIAS
You are a brilliant general but a lousy lover.
XENA
Monogamy agrees with you.
BORIAS
Breathing agrees with me.
Xena, adding kaftan to discards, growling
XENA
I don't share.
BORIAS
Prepare to: Empress Lao Ma requested a meeting.
Xena, kicking the boots and dropping her trousers, waving off any concerns
XENA
Handle it.
Borias, unsure
BORIAS
She has an earned reputation and there are credible rumors regarding the origin of Emperor's illness.
Xena, stalking towards Borias in her underwraps like a big cat spotting prey, fierce
XENA
The campaign needs to intensify; the additional men will foster breakdown of order in remaining provinces. When our Cao Wei allies press in late winter next year, the victory will be total and complete.
The Warrior Princess kicks the table aside, leaving Borias sitting on a low stool without a meal. Food goes all over the place, including the bed.
Xena, straddling Borias, in no mood for arguments, strongly
XENA
Handle it.
Wisely, Borias heeds the warning. They kiss passionately.
Borias, breaking from lip lock, glancing at the bed and food strewn on it, lightly
BORIAS
Guess I don't have to stop one thing to have another.
Xena, springing up eagerly, purring
XENA
Come Borias Khan, let's satisfy all your hungers.
Borias, joking
BORIAS
And you worry about my negotiating.
Xena rolls her eyes and grabbing the warlord, pushes him towards the bed as she assaults him with aggressive kisses and gropes, ripping his clothes off down to underwraps in the process.
Once near the bed, Xena makes sure they stumble and fall on it together. They crash and Borias comes up laughing, coaxing a smile out of Warrior Princess as well. For the first in a long time, Xena almost feels happy.
CUT TO:
INT. CAO WEI KINGDOM MEETING TENT EARLY FALL/NOON
Borias and Lao Ma sit at a table carpeted with variety of food and drink, common and exotic. From the general good mood and evident indulgence, things are going well.
Lao Ma, toasting
LAO MA
Gan bei (Chinese: cheers)!
Borias, touching glasses
BORIAS
Gan bei!
They drain and set the empties down.
Lao Ma, concerned
LAO MA
Xena carves her legacy, alone. The repeating pattern does not bode well for our future.
Borias, defensively
BORIAS
Her crew abandoned her, her Roman lover sold her out, and her friend left her to die. Asudai paid for it; I won't.
Lao Ma, bluntly
LAO MA
Short line from Prince of First Rank to the throne.
Borias, refusing to bite, deflecting with humor
BORIAS
And her official title?
LAO MA
Warrior Princess.
BORIAS
Fitting yet lacking dimension.
Lao Ma, out of the blue
LAO MA
Condolences on the loss of your harem.
Borias, shaken
BORIAS
She won't cannot stop. That's what makes the best Khans and the most terrible human beings. Xena is what she is, mix of good and bad. Sometimes the bad is really bad.
Lao Ma, refilling the glasses, inquiring unobtrusively
LOA MA
Do you love her?
BORIAS
Yes.
LAO MA
Does she?
Borias, shaking his head negative, sad
BORIAS
No. One day maybe.
Lao Ma, rattling Borias again, casually
LAO MA
She is pregnant with yours.
BORIAS
What?! How?
Lao Ma, keeping her sources hidden, succinctly
LAO MA
Spies.
Pause.
Lao Ma, dropping all pretenses of civility, all business
LAO MA
Cao Wei will prevail. I am Cao Wei and I will be Chin.
The Empress stands up.
LAO MA
Us or her.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAO WEI SUMMER PALACE 8 YEARS AGO/EARLY SPRING/EVENING
Xena leads the column of MOUNTED HORSEMEN, thousand strong. Muting the menacing image, the NURSEMAID traveling to the side and slightly behind Argo carries a tiny bundle wrapped in cloth. Inside, infant Solan sleeps peacefully in NURSEMAID'S arms.
CUT TO:
INT. SUMMER PALACE EMPEROR'S QUARTERS LATE EVENING
Xena barges into the room, sending the doors banging into the walls. The baby in her arms awakes noisily. Annoyed, Xena throws the wailing infant none too gently into a pile of pillows and rounds on Borias.
The warlord cowers before her rage. Behind, Xena's SOLDIER steps in and discretely closes the doors, giving the couple privacy.
Xena, furious, yelling
XENA
Emperor!? EMPEROR!!!?
Borias, frightened, pleading
BORIAS
The price of alliance please be reasonable.
The stab is only the first of many, many more.
CUT TO:
INT. SUMMER PALACE EMPEROR'S QUARTERS LATE EVENING
Xena drops the stained kindjal on the mutilated remains of Borias and shakily proceeds to gather alcohol.
Returning to the warlord, she plops down heavily and commences drinking.
Solan cries his lungs out, mourning his father without knowing so.
CUT TO:
INT. SUMMER PALACE EMPEROR'S QUARTERS NIGHT
Xena is drunk and out of it, morosely sitting on the floor in stupor; the same place where she began her binge earlier. There is no reaction to the entrance of Lao Ma.
The Empress delicately picks up Solan and walks over to the Warrior Princess. Blank, dull gaze greets her.
Lao Ma, to Xena, with great pity
LAO MA
You stupid, stupid woman; your hatred destroys you more surely than any opponent.
The Empress turns and leaves, taking Solan with her.
CUT TO:
INT. SUMMER PALACE EMPEROR'S QUARTERS NIGHT
The door opens and reveals a dozen kindjal-wielding, masked ASSASSINS stepping over the bodies of four Xena's SOLDIERS. The walk inside and part, revealing Lao Ma among them.
Xena, despite her condition, tries to fight and utterly fails, losing her balance before planted firmly on her two own feet. She lands on Borias, absorbing more crimson.
An ASSASSIN approaches and sends Xena rolling towards the Empress with a swift kick. This time the Warrior Princess opts for all fours. The effort is cut short by another attack, delivered to the ribs. Xena can only lay there, moaning in pain, and look into the face of the woman who betrayed her.
Lao Ma, pronouncing the sentence, gravely
LAO MA
I am going to take your army.
I am going to take your wealth.
I am even going to take your son.
Pause.
LAO MA
However, I am going to preserve your miserable life, Xena Khan.
Xena, croaking hoarsely
XENA
You take everything.
Lao Ma, smiling benignly
LAO MA
No. I leave you with hope.
Pause.
Lao Ma, quietly
LAO MA
Trying to govern the world with force
I see this not succeeding
The world is a spiritual thing
It can't be forced
To force it is to harm it
To control it is to lose it
Sometimes things lead
Sometimes they follow
Sometimes they blow hot
Sometimes they blow cold
Sometimes they expand
Sometimes they collapse
Sages therefore avoid extremes
Avoid extravagance
Avoid excess
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. MERCHANT SHIP HALLWAY EARLY EVENING
Gabrielle closes the door with finality and rests her forehead on it. The bard presses both palms flat against the wooden surface as her body sags wearily. Her face is puffy and wet from crying. Inside the cabin, the Athena laments loudly.
Gabrielle, in great emotional pain, sounding stricken
GABRIELLE
Gods, my heart is about to break.
Xena stands off to the side. Both women are dressed for fast travel, keeping their weapons, armor, gear, and provisions light. The bard reunites with her furry backpack and the Warrior Princess carries saddlebags over her shoulder.
Xena, highly uncomfortable with uttering the name that cuts, quietly
XENA
Athena
Gabrielle, sad
GABRIELLE
Cannot go; must not go.
Xena, sympathetically
XENA
True.
Gabrielle sniffles wetly and then gathers herself. Kissing the door, she pulls back and steps away.
Gabrielle, firmly
GABRIELLE
I will return, love.
Abruptly pivoting on her heel, she strides past surprised Xena, who has to rush to catch up. The walk to the stairs is short yet weighs heavy on the resolve.
Slowing to a halt at the foot of the steps, Gabrielle's iron will breaks and she turns back towards the cabin. Anticipating with outstretched arms, Xena is there to swallow the bard into a bone-crushing hug.
Gabrielle, blithely sinking into the offered comfort, gratefully exhaling
GABRIELLE
Thanks, friend.
After the long moment, the embrace breaks and Gabrielle gulps a few deep breaths while Xena smirks. Unable to help self, the bard shakes her head at the Warrior Princess' self-satisfied visage.
Gabrielle, cheered up a bit by her best friend's antics
GABRIELLE
You are bad.
Growing somber as she shifts her gaze, Gabrielle gives the cabin one last, wistful look and then faces the stairs again. Together, the heroines start the ascent.
Xena, after a few steps, thoughtfully
XENA
Wife did let you go again.
Gabrielle, meaningfully
GABRIELLE
Yes?
XENA
Thermopylae.
Gabrielle, glancing at Xena, wisely
GABRIELLE
What are you implying?
Xena, innocently
XENA
Nothing.
Pause.
Xena, avoiding bard's suddenly probing eyes, evasively
XENA
Nothing at all.
Gabrielle does not have the mind to press the issue, hurting as she is.
CUT TO:
EXT. TYRE HARBOR MERCHANT SHIP'S DECK LATE EVENING
The city worships commerce. The walled monstrosity sprawls the bay like a giant bazaar, overflowing with color, activity, and noise. Numerous languages and foreign manner of dress lend the mosaic an exotic flavor.
A stiff breeze facilitates this, carrying the impressions of the city out onto the water. Playing ambassador, it welcomes the Xena and Gabrielle to the harbor and whispers of the wonders awaiting discovery.
Gabrielle devours the local scene, her artistic senses on overload. Xena indulges her best friend and keeps own council. Ignoring both women, SAILORS swarm the deck, busily preparing the ship for docking.
CUT TO:
EXT. MERCHANT SHIP'S DECK PLANK - TWILIGHT
The visuals dominate with gradual transition to artificial light. Tyre magically transforms into a shining jewel by the sea.
Xena and Gabrielle wait patiently as the SAILORS maneuver the plank into place.
Below, DAY LABORERS and a PERSIAN PORT OFFICIAL mill about, eager to execute their particular duties.
Xena, tossing it out there, offhandedly
XENA
Think the Persians remember the pass?
Gabrielle, easily settling into familiar, comfortable banter
GABRIELLE
Absent you.
Xena, grinning
XENA
Exactly.
Gabrielle, pointedly
GABRIELLE
That was not your crowning moment.
Xena, smugly
XENA
Still not at the pass.
GABRIELLE
New perspective?
XENA
No witnesses save one.
Gabrielle does a fair imitation of Xena's raised eyebrow.
Xena, nonplussed, confidently
XENA
I know you.
GABRIELLE
You think.
Xena, gently asserting her conviction
XENA
I know.
Gabrielle reaches out and affectionately touches Xena's elbow.
CUT TO:
EXT. DAMASCUS GRAND BAZAAR 2 DAYS LATER/MORNING
Xena and Gabrielle steadily progress the human current towards the camel pens. The extremely slow going makes the Warrior Princess grit her teeth; her hands twitch in frustration.
Xena, pleading
XENA
Reconsider violence.
Gabrielle, succinctly, clipped
GABRIELLE
Did.
Xena, hopeful
XENA
And?
GABRIELLE
No.
Xena, grumbling
XENA
You underestimate the value of a well-placed punch.
Gabrielle, piously
GABRIELLE
Another reason not to invite warlord you to parties.
XENA
Keep this up and I will introduce you to a bard tossing game I invented. It is quite a hit with crowds.
Gabrielle, dramatically
GABRIELLE
How quickly you forget. Another beating is in order.
Xena, haughtily
XENA
I won that fight fair and square, despite your best efforts to bleed on me to death.
GABRIELLE
Melosa saved you.
XENA
From drowning.
Pause.
Xena, adding triumphantly
XENA
Ha, you got nothing. I win.
The Warrior Princess punctuates her victory with a straight to the jaw of a SHORT MAN, sending him flying backwards into unconsciousness. Instantly, the way ahead clears.
Gabrielle, protesting
GABRIELLE
Xena!
Xena, straight faced, lying thru her teeth
XENA
Pickpocket.
Xena picks up the pace to avoid bard's prying eyes digging into her soul for the truth. Gabrielle lingers behind upon reaching the SHORT MAN, halting to check his vitals and condition.
CUT TO:
EXT. BARADA RIVER - CAMP EVENING
Four camels graze on the vegetation by the flowing water. Far in the distance, Damascus beacons travelers.
Xena is a mess, in posture and appearance. She walks like a condemned woman, carrying a metallic-clinking sack. She walks up to Gabrielle and drops it at her feet, cringing at the sound. Her head hangs in shame and her eyes are downcast. She can't even look at her best friend.
Gabrielle is barefoot and dressed in tunic. She has no visible weapons or even a belt. It is unusual to see her so vulnerable out on the open road.
Gabrielle, softly
GABRIELLE
Pick them up.
Feeling the tightness in her chest grow, Xena reaches down and inside the bag. She brings out two metal pieces and stops, frozen. Tears splash the cold iron.
Gabrielle, gently
GABRIELLE
Put them on.
Xena stands before Gabrielle, sobbing. In her hands are matching iron shackles and they rattle with the shaking of Xena's hands. The chains are presently not attached.
Xena, pale and stricken, whimpering
XENA
I can't I can't do it. Please Gabrielle, my heart is about to shatter.
Xena looks close to panic attack; she is trembling, sweating, and her heart is hammering the ribs from the inside.
Gabrielle takes Xena's hands and captures them, shackles and all, between hers.
Gabrielle, calmly
GABRIELLE
This is us.
Gabrielle brings their joined hands to her lips and drops tiny kisses on Xena's hands, granting forgiveness for the actions they are about to take. Gabrielle demonstrates beyond the shadow of doubt what while the act of enslavement is itself vile and reprehensible Xena herself is loved and not held accountable.
Gabrielle, tenderly
GABRIELLE
Together then.
Xena calms down; the words wrap her in acceptance and spread a balm on her tortured soul.
Slowly and deliberately, with Gabrielle's assistance, Xena secures the two sets, one on the wrists and the second on the ankles.
Gabrielle, encouragingly
GABRIELLE
The collar.
Xena bends down again and retrieves the last piece. Biting her lip till she draws blood, to stop the scream from coming out and glad for the distraction of pain, Xena locks it in place around Gabrielle neck. It is the last straw.
Xena collapses against Gabrielle, sliding down her body until she is on her knees, arms around the bard and her weeping face pressed into her stomach; Gabrielle reciprocates the embrace. They hold on to each other tightly, the ordeal over for now.
Gabrielle, stroking Xena's hair, warmly
GABRIELLE
I am proud of you, Xena. Thank you.
CUT TO:
EXT. SILK ROAD STEPPE WEEK LATER/MORNING
Xena and Gabrielle ride close together, dressed in a local manner. Two camels follow. In the distance, a herd of wild horses roams.
Gabrielle, sharing her musings
GABRIELLE
Freedom frolics here. I see the beauty and attraction.
Xena, with sorrow
XENA
I remember only death.
Gabrielle, philosophically
GABRIELLE
We create memories with our choices.
Xena, perking up, with a shy smile
XENA
I pick you.
Gabrielle, reciprocating the sentiment
GABRIELLE
Always.
CUT TO:
EXT. SILK ROAD GOBI DESERT 2 WEEKS LATER/AFTERNOON
Xena and Gabrielle are alone in the hilly ocean of sand. Bundled completely against the sand fortified wind, they make their way across the desolation. No other life or even sign of it exists, just quartet of camels and couple travelers atop two of them.
CUT TO:
EXT. SILK ROAD/CHIN CAMP 1 WEEK LATER/NIGHT
Gabrielle jingles iron taking a seat by the fire. Xena steadfastly refuses to engage, remaining locked on flames.
Gabrielle, with sorrow
GABRIELLE
The iron changes you.
Xena, attempting humor, joking
XENA
Not the first time in chains for us.
Gabrielle, placing a hand on Xena's shoulder and gently rubbing with thumb, gently
GABRIELLE
Shackles imprison the heart.
Xena lifts her watery eyes, acknowledging the angry abrasions left on bard's limbs from prolonged wear of restraints.
Xena, suffocating with guilt and shame, whispering the truth
XENA
They do.
Gabrielle gathers her best friend into a forgiving embrace. Xena weeps openly.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. FORBIDDEN CITY IMPERIAL PALACE - DAYS LATER/MORNING
The enormous courtyard is designed to intimidate the visitors, from the oversized gates leading in, thru the barren expense, and on to the imposing main structure culminating the stairs.
Xena and Gabrielle cross this space on foot. Warrior Princess walks first and the chained bard follows, head held high.
The only GUARDS in the open expense are stationed above, by the palace doors. Their armor and weapons are decorative and they give the impression of ornate human statues.
Deliberately not engaging in the world around them, the GUARDS reinforce the sense of isolation.
CUT TO:
INT. IMPERIAL PALACE THRONE ROOM - MORNING
Clanking Gabrielle behind her, Xena moves powerfully towards the Empress. Numerous CEREMONIAL GUARDS lining the decorated walls make no attempt to stop her.
Lao Ma, in greeting, calmly
LAO MA
Xena, Warrior Princess.
Xena, making it sound like an insult, curtly
XENA
Lao Ma.
Interestingly, Lao Ma lets it go and focuses on Gabrielle, who stopped next to Warrior Princess and in fact, slightly ahead. The defiant gesture does not go unnoticed.
Lao Ma, directed at Xena while looking at Gabrielle, cataloguing the inconsistencies
LAO MA
I see power where stands the slave. I see a question where appears the obvious. I see a warrior where scholar dresses. I see death where light shines.
Lao Ma, deeply curious
LAO MA
Who are you, little dragon?
Gabrielle, neutrally
GABRIELLE
Gabrielle: Queen of Thrace Amazons and bard of Potidea.
Lao Ma, turning to Xena, expectantly
LAO MA
Price searches for a buyer.
XENA
Yuan buys any tongue but not honesty.
Pause.
Xena, hiding nothing, sincerely
XENA
She is truth.
Hearing her cue, Gabrielle gazes into Lao Ma soul and reads her for several seconds; certainly longer than her usual, but not excessively so.
Gabrielle, pronouncing the conclusion gravely
GABRIELLE
Good heart, black soul.
Lao Ma, blinking confusion out of her widening eyes, amazed
LAO MA
Her weight in gold.
Xena, countering immediately, strongly
XENA
Solan.
Lao Ma considers the request for long moments. Reaching internal consensus, she nods approval and summons an ATTENDANT with a fancy wooden box.
After taking the box, the Empress leans over and whispers into the ATTENDANT'S ear. Giving proof to his high station, the ATTENDANT signals the CEREMONIAL GUARDS and they file out quickly. The ATTENDANT bows and departs as well, leaving the three women alone. Not for long.
A BOY of about eight enters the room and comes to stand beside his mother. The resemblance to Lao Ma is expected; Borias' features are not. Xena gasps in recognition; Gabrielle stays impassive.
The BOY observes Warrior Princess intently; realization dawns on him as well.
BOY, angrily addressing Xena, with hatred
BOY
Xena Khan, you killed my father! You killed Borias!
Xena flinches as if struck; there is no effect on Gabrielle.
Lao Ma gestures silence and the BOY immediately obeys. Instead, he seethes in place, shooting daggers at Warrior Princess.
Lao Ma, showing her cards, evenly
LAO MA
Your flesh is my flesh; your blood is my blood. Meet Teng, half-brother to Solan. The one you love suffers permanent exile in a monastery, lest he rule as firstborn.
Lao Ma, tossing Xena the box, imperiously
LAO MA
Week hence, Xena Khan becomes mortal enemy of Chin. Enough time to save one, not both; lost son or precious songbird.
Xena squeezes the container so hard, the wood creaks and splinters in protest.
Lao Ma, to Xena, dismissively
LAO MA
Don't return.
CUT TO:
INT. IMPERIAL PALACE THRONE ROOM - MIDMORNING
Four armed MEN enter, dressed in black. MAN #1 bows to Lao Ma and removes Teng, guiding him out. The other three set to freeing Gabrielle from the chains and shackles.
Done, the three MEN step back and draw swords.
The bard looks around for suitable weapons, disregarding the fancy blades on wall display. Settling on beautiful, obsidian staff, Gabrielle makes her selection.
No one interferes with acquisition and shortly she is testing the balance and motion of her new toy. To their detriment, the MEN are overly confident and show it.
The attack flows out of practice. One instant Gabrielle plays and the next her offense takes out MAN #2. It happens lighting fast, unconscious MAN #2 and his sword hitting the ground simultaneously.
Relentless, the bard presses MAN #3 and MAN #4, engaging both at once due to sheer reach. They last mere seconds, no match for the skill of a grandmaster.
Lao Ma claps rhythmically and steadily as Gabrielle advances on her, congratulating the victor.
MAN #3 and MAN #4 struggle to their feet and bow to Gabrielle. Picking MAN #2 up between them, they exit.
Canceling the applause, Lao Ma rises from the throne and meets Gabrielle halfway. They size each other up, the bard spoiling for a fight. Or at least she gives that false impression by rapping Lao Ma on the chest with the end of the staff.
Lao Ma, non-confrontational
LAO MA
That is not our way.
Gabrielle, tapping one of the discarded blades with the end of her weapon, challenging
GABRIELLE
They are the best?
Lao Ma, allowing reluctantly
LAO MA
Personal guard, yes.
Gabrielle, stating a fact
GABRIELLE
You are better.
LAO MA
Win but don' be proud
Win but don't be vein
Win but don't be cruel
Win when you have no choice
This is to win without force.
Gabrielle, smartly
GABRIELLE
Teach me.
The Empress begins to circle Gabrielle, who continues to stare ahead, peaceful as stone.
Lao Ma, testing, shrewdly
LAO MA
Does the bird sing on orders?
Gabrielle, matching wits, profoundly
GABRIELLE
Ask the water why it flows; ask the bird why it flies.
Lao Ma, easily parrying verbally
LAO MA
It sings because it flies and it flies because it sings.
Gabrielle grunts agreement.
Lao Ma, impressed
LAO MA
How did Xena tame you?
GABRIELLE
She didn't.
Lao Ma, frowning
LAO MA
She bedded you?
Gabrielle, half-truthfully
GABRIELLE
We are not lovers.
Lao Ma, stopping her orbital pacing, confused
LAO MA
Who has hold over you, little dragon?
Gabrielle, honestly
GABRIELLE
My heart is my wife's; the rest is yours but you have to ask.
Lao Ma, respect creeping into the tone
LAO MA
You won't give it willingly?
Gabrielle, firmly
GABRIELLE
I am free.
Lao Ma, watching the reaction to her words closely, factually
LAO MA
You are a slave.
Gabrielle, turning to face Lao Ma, serious
GABRIELLE
When you lock yourself in a room with a tiger, are you safe, Lao Ma?
LAO MA
Are you a tiger Gabrielle?
Gabrielle, grinning, mischievously
GABRIELLE
Little dragon.
LAO MA
That you are.
Gabrielle hands the black staff to the Empress.
Lao Ma, drawing the wrong conclusion, authoritatively
LAO MA
If I order, will you obey?
GABRIELLE
No, Empress.
LAO MA
If I ask, will you follow?
GABRIELLE
Yes, teacher.
Lao Ma, puzzled
LAO MA
You consider yourself equal.
Gabrielle, proudly
GABRIELLE
I seek wisdom, reserve judgment, and renounce dominion. I will not harm you or yours but I will soar free.
Lao Ma, admiring
LAO MA
You see truth, you speak truth, you are truth.
Pause.
Lao Ma, deciding
LAO MA
You will marry Teng on his tenth and continue the dynasty. You match Xena in potential and far exceed her in will. You will rule as I have ruled: strong woman behind a weak man.
Gabrielle, simply
GABRIELLE
Sacred vows bind me to another woman. That, which you ask, is not mine to give.
Lao Ma, correcting
LAO MA
Mine to take.
Gabrielle, warningly
GABRIELLE
The divine is not the province of man.
Lao Ma, arrogantly
LAO MA
The Emperor is God, little dragon.
CUT TO:
INT. IMPERIAL PALACE OUTSIDE THRONE ROOM - MIDMORNING
Further down the hall, MAN #1 guards Teng. Nearer, an ATTENDANT blocks approaching Gabrielle's way.
ATTENDANT, oily
ATTENDANT
Chief Minister Zun, first among the court. Empress Lao Ma entrusted Master Teng to her closest advisors and favored servants. We raise him, not her. Your position and status in the royal household depends on allies, future more so. I so desire to work intimately.
Zun reaches out to cop a feel and painfully fails.
Gabrielle, smiling as she crushes Zun's hand in an iron grip, pleasantly
GABRIELLE
You sell poison.
Pause.
Gabrielle, brightly
GABRIELLE
I offer hope.
The bard releases her grip. Gabrielle walks thru the Minister, her powerful frame sending Zun crashing to the ground. His fall does not warrant a second glance.
Zun, indignant, cursing
ZUN
Laowai!
Watching the entire exchange unfold is a strange OLD MAN. His white beard reaches to the waist and he wears a blue silk tunic. He has eyes entirely for Gabrielle.
OLD MAN, chuckling
OLD MAN
Told him splendid; spirited little dragon.
FADE OUT: