Amphipolis Under Siege
This transcript is dedicated to the memory of Kevin Smith.
Guards stand watch on the road.
Hi.
BOARDER GUARD
I don't want this watch. Nothin' ever happens.
Huh? Who goes there?! Step forward!
Well, well. You know this is Prince Dameron's
road. You'll have to pay the toll.
ILAINUS
Toll? Oh.
Dear me, I seem to be a little short at the moment.
BOARDER GUARD
Well I'm sure we can sort something out.
Oh, I'm sure we can.
Take cover!
EXTRA
Look out!
Get her!
Sh-h-h-h. You'll give us away.
Mommy's working.
That should ease the pain. Can you stand?
BOARDER GUARD
Yeah.
Xena are you all right? Who were those archers?
BOARDER GUARD
It doesn't make sense. I mean who wants to
seize the road to Amphipolis?
XENA
Ares.
Hey Xena, have a change 'o heart? Well my offer
still stands. I'm willing to protect you and your child,
at no small amount of personal risk I might add.
XENA
And what if I decline? You ransack my hometown?
Hold my mother hostage until I agree.
ARES
Oh, you've got the wrong god. There's another
who deals in mortal blood.
Like all the gods, she knows your bundle of joy
portends the demise of the Olympians.
Athena.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report.
ILAINUS
It is done. We used your arrows as you ordered
and spared the border guards to tell Xena that
we're heading for Amphipolis.
Don't tell me one of those toll collectors laid a
weapon on you.
ILAINUS
Xena was there.
You have my favor Ilainus, always. But take care.
It doesn't make you any less mortal.
ILAINUS
I saw the child. I could have killed her for you.
ATHENA
You're a fine warrior Ilainus. The most dangerous
animal on Earth is a mother protecting her young.
In the name of Zeus, I will kill the child myself.
ACT ONE
Mom.
Here.
Xena!
Well, it's about time you brought my new little
granddaughter for a visit.
XENA
Listen Mom, there'll be time for a family reunion
later. Right now we've got to get you to safety.
Come on!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The army moves along.
We allowed Xena to enter the village before cutting
off the road behind her. Amphipolis is completely
surrounded.
ATHENA
Excellent. You know my mind better than I do Ilainus.
ARES
Who was it who said, "An army is a terrible thing
to waste"? I think it was me. My, my. Legions from
Rome standing with Cleopatra's royal guard.
Knights from Brittania and of course Athena's own elite
archers. The best of the best. I am all a-tingle.
You should attack here-
-and here now...
...before Xena can rally her defenses.
ILAINUS
Athena, doesn't need your help.
ARES
Nor any man's, it would seem.
ATHENA
Why are you here Brother?
ARES
My survival is at stake too. The child must die.
ATHENA
Oh!
Really? Rumor has it that you made Xena an offer
to spare the child, if she gave you one of your own.
ILAINUS
And rumor has it, that she turned you down.
ATHENA
This isn't one of your little games to try and make
Xena your plaything. Zeus is dead Ares, our father.
The prophecy is coming true and Xena's child
is the key.
ARES
And why not attack now?
ATHENA
People of Amphipolis are loyal to me. Give them
time and they'll deliver up the child, without the
need to spill blood.
ARES
Perhaps, but where's the fun in that?
All right listen up! The last thing I wanted to do
was to bring an army down on your heads, but
I'm not sacrificing my child. Not for the sake of
a selfish pack of gods who don't give a damn about
the human suffering they cause.
VILLAGER
We've heard stories Xena, about Eli and his teachings.
How his god raised you from the dead, that the
age of the Olympian gods is over. Is that true?
GABRIELLE
It is true. The gods ruled us in fear. Eli fought
them with love. I was with Eli when Ares struck
him down.
VILLAGER
We're not soldiers Xena, but if your daughter is
the one to bring about Eli's word, we'll do our best
to protect her.
Xena.
XENA
Athena, I would say it's an honour but considering
you're here to kill my baby, I'll skip the formalities.
ATHENA
I am not unsympathetic Xena. Consider the
consequences of your actions. You would deprive
these people of their gods? Their faith? For
the life of one child?
CYRENE
Hasn't this village given up enough of its children?
I've already lost a son and a grandson I never
even met. Well I won't give up this child. Not
even for the gods themselves.
ATHENA
And all of you...are you that eager to die for this child?
I don't want any of you to suffer. Give me this child
and you will receive my blessing.
The armies of Athena lay siege to this town. You
think you can fight them with a song?!
I've protected you for years, watched over you
and this is how you repay me?! So be it. You
have chosen your fate.
Fi-i-i-i-ire!
Cover-r-r-r-r-r-r!
Char-r-r-r-rge!
They're trying to break out here.
ATHENA
Frontal assault onto one of our best units? It
doesn't sound like a move Xena would make.
ILAINUS
Could be a diversion.
ATHENA
I considered that, but Gabrielle is leading the attack.
Xena would never risk her second-in-command
on a suicidal feint.
ILAINUS
If Xena commands half the loyalty you do my
goddess, Gabrielle would surely lay down her
life to insure Xena's escape.
ATHENA
I don't doubt Gabrielle's willingness to die, only
Xena's willingness to lose her. But what if Xena
has no intention of losing her? Remember Ilainus,
a great commander always looks beyond what
their opponent is doing, to see if there's a
deeper strategy.
These tunnels will take us beneath the battle.
With Gabrielle attacking, we'll come up behind
the enemy and crush them between us.
A fine battle plan Xena...but I'm afraid your friend
Gabrielle won't be getting any reinforcements.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where is she?!
GABRIELLE
She'll be here! Hold the line!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very clever, using these tunnels to try and flank
our positions.
XENA
You know I'd love to stay and compare strategies
with you but I'm in a bit of a hurry.
ILAINUS
Oh, there's no rush Xena. You see you're too late
to save Gabrielle now.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena-a-a-a!
ACT TWO
I know who you are. You're Athena's new champion
Ilainus of Mycenae. You heal quickly, or was that
divine intervention? You know it's a shame that
you had to run off last time we met. I'd like to finish
what we started.
ILAINUS
Nothing would make me happier but very regrettably...I
have my orders...to seal these tunnels.
Greek fire. Run!
You don't wanna do that.
(to villagers) Get out!
Some people just don't listen.
Not what I expected.
Back to the trenches!
EXTRA
Come on everyone!
Back to the trenches!
Hold the wounded over there. Let me see.
GABRIELLE
The wounded can still keep watch. They're all
committed Xena but we're down to half-strength.
XENA
Half-strength or full-strength, we don't have the
manpower to break the siege. Athena could just
sit out there until we starve to death.
GABRIELLE
They're might be another way. Xena we can get
Eve out of here. Xena we captured some of their
armour in the last attack. If you put it on you can
slip through these lines after dark.
XENA
Forget it. It won't work.
GABRIELLE
If Athena thinks that Eve is gone, she will pull
out. This whole thing will be over.
XENA
No it won't. Don't you see? Athena has chosen
Amphipolis because she knows I'll try to save
these people. She is ransoming their lives for
Eve's and every drop of blood that she spills is
on my hands.
EXTRA
Incoming!
Get down!
GABRIELLE
We should be out of the range of those arrows.
Get dow-w-w-w-w-w-w-wn!
You all right sweetheart?
Sad isn't it?
To be mortal.
They can't see me. I came to talk to you.
XENA
Very well then, let's talk. Why are you doing this
Athena? Ares I could understand. He's always
out for himself. And Zeus was just clinging to
power but you. Of all the Olympians you were
the only one who ever seemed to deserve my respect.
ATHENA
I have no choice. The Fates have decreed it.
XENA
Warriors like us make our own fate. I have a proposal
for you. A fair fight. No tricks, no godlike powers
and if I win, you spare Eve and leave these people
in peace.
ATHENA
Tempting...but no. The people need their gods
Xena. They need something to believe in.
XENA
They have something to believe in. If you
listened to them you'd know that.
She laughs.
The cult of Eli? Do you really believe love will win
this battle? I've poisoned your water supply.
What will you give them when they're dying of
thirst? Love?
Eve?!
CYRENE
Don't panic, she just needs changing.
XENA
Hey Eve, you're all right. I worry about her though Mom.
CYRENE
Listen, no matter what happens, thank you for
letting me see my granddaughter. She is so perfect.
XENA
No Mom it's me who should be thanking you.
Standing up to Athena like that was very impressive.
CYRENE
Please, facing down a god I can handle. Well I
raised you remember? Terrible twos, terrible
threes, terrible fourteens.
XENA
Sorry I made it so tough for you.
CYRENE
Oh, now look, just listen for once. You know in
the end it's worth all the heartache in the world
just to see your child grow up strong, proud. I'd
like you to know what that's like Xena.
XENA
I will Mom. I will.
Ares! Ares!
ARES
Ow.
Athena is beatin' you like a dog out there. Put a
poultice on it. It's gotta sting.
XENA
Thanks.
ARES
Hey don't feel bad. After all you're fighting the
Goddess of Wisdom and Warfare.
XENA
Don't forget weaving.
ARES
So...
XENA
Ares...
ARES
Hmm?
XENA
I believe we discussed a deal.
ARES
Deal, deal, deal, deal, deal, I don't know. Did we?
XENA
Cut the crap. I'm ready to bargain. You fight beside
me and we can defeat Athena.
ARES
Maybe we can. Of course if I side with you against
my sister, then I become a pariah on Olympus.
So by helping you, my own fate is sealed. Oh, I'm
still interested. I just wanna know, what's in it for me?
XENA
What's in if for you? Me.
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
You help me defeat Athena and I'm yours.
ARES
You're mine.
XENA
For years you've been wanting me to be your
Warrior Queen. Well, I'm offering you my sword
and the body that wields it.
ARES
That's, um, that's very tempting. But what about Olympus?
XENA
Olympus is doomed. Zeus is dead. And whatever
happens here their reign is over. Look, you want
immortality? A child is immortality. A legacy, a
lineage. You help me save my daughter and you
will be her father. Through her we can live forever.
ARES
Xena, uh...
XENA
I'm offering you everything you ever wanted. Take it.
No. No you don't.
XENA
What?
ARES
You're up to something. I have desired you from
the very time I saw you in battle. And now? After
all these years, after all these games, the cat
and the mouse, will I, won't I? "Ares I'm yours.
Take me." Well, I'm sorry, it's too easy.
XENA
I am offering you a deal. And I don't go back on
my promises.
ARES
No. No you don't. But you always come up with
some way to mess with my head.
This is crazy. I'm a pig farmer, not a soldier. How
am I supposed to fight Athena?
VILLAGER
So what are we supposed to do? Just hand over
her little babe to get killed?
VILLAGER #2
If the gods will it, who are we to stand in the way?
Athena's always protected us. What do we know
about this Eli and his way? All I know is he wound
up on the end of Ares' sword.
VILLAGER
What about the Twilight?
VILLAGER #2
It's a myth. Athena's the Goddess of Wisdom for
crying out loud. If she wants the child I say we
give it to her.
Do you want to give Eve to Athena?!
Does anybody else feel that way?! We give up
the baby and go back to our fields in peace...until
the next god comes along and they want your child,
or yours. We're not fighting for Xena. We're fighting
for ourselves. For our right to be treated like human
beings, not game pieces. If anyone of you is
willing to give up their own child, then speak up!
'Cause I will not have you fighting next to me!
Back to your posts.
Ares! Ares I need to talk to you.
Well aren't I Mr. Popular?
GABRIELLE
I'm not here to play games. I know that Xena
made an offer to you.
ARES
You're telling the story.
GABRIELLE
If you lay a hand on her, I sw-
ARES
What? You'll do what?
GABRIELLE
If you accept, you will destroy Xena. You will turn
her into exactly what she used to be, a vicious killer!
ARES
Yeah well, I kinda liked that Xena.
GABRIELLE
Did you? Then why are you so obsessed with
who she is now? Tell me you don't feel anything
for the real Xena, the good Xena. Ares if you make
her do this she will never love you.
ARES
You think she'd really give herself to me to save Eve?
GABRIELLE
Has she ever said anything she doesn't mean?
ARES
Thank you.
GABRIELLE
(whispers) Don't do it.
ARES
Hm-m-m-m-m.
So Sis, how goes the siege?
ATHENA
I'm about to start catapulting dead cows into the village.
ARES
And a classic it is. But as much as I love the smell
of rotting cow carcass in the morning, have you
considered there might be another way to break
the stalemate?
ATHENA
Hm-m-m-m?
ARES
I might be able to convince Xena, to leave our
realm. To take Eve where she can do no harm.
And where would that be? Oh, you're thinking
with your codpiece again Brother. Do you really
think Xena will be yours if you can save the child?
Have you considered that maybe this prophecy
is fulfilling itself?! Think about it. What can Xena's
baby do to us? Really? Yet the more we fight amongst
ourselves about the future of this one tiny child,
the more vulnerable we become.
ATHENA
Because of this one tiny child, Zeus is already dead!
ARES
If he'd let well enough alone Hercules wouldn't'a
killed him.
ATHENA
And what if you're wrong Ares? Is it worth the risk
for one child? Or for one woman? There will be
no compromise.
Hello Ares.
Thought I might find you here.
ARES
Oh, yeah.
So, are we going to seal this deal?
Or what?
Sounds like a plan.
One thing. Can I trust you to keep your end of
the bargain?
ARES
Yeah, sure.
Because I wouldn't want there to be any confusion.
ARES
No. No confusion. Uh, I side with you, against
gods, save Eve. Gotcha.
XENA
Excellent.
Whoa!
Uh, didja hear something?
ARES
No.
Uh, no, no. No, I heard fighting.
ARES
Perfect. Now, where were we?
Are you all right?
XENA
Mom?
ACT FOUR
Xena!
XENA
This is not what it looks like!
ARES
Yeah, it is.
I suppose it could be worse. I mean, after all, he
is a god. Although I would have preferred Apollo
or--or maybe Hermes.
ARES
Excuse me Hermes? With the wings on the feet?
Oh, please.
CYRENE
Xena, Gabrielle has launched an attack on Athena's army.
Hey, hey. Wait, wait, wait, wait. What are you doing?
I couldn't have planned this better myself. I promised
to help you and your daughter. Now if Gabrielle
is attacking, she's providing us with the perfect cover.
XENA
What are you saying?
ARES
Leave her. Now. While Athena's distracted and
I'll take you and your daughter someplace else.
XENA
No.
ARES
You're making a mistake. I would have kept our bargain.
XENA
I know you would have. I've got to do this my way.
What a surprise.
Gabrielle tried to charge our line. We have her trapped.
ATHENA
They're getting desperate. End it for me Ilainus,
before all of Amphipolis is destroyed. Put an arrow
in the young bard. We'll see how long Xena will
resist while her companion slowly bleeds to death.
Stop the attack.
ILAINUS
Stop the attack!
No! Hold it!
EXTRA
Halt! Halt!
Xena, what are you doing?
XENA
Get outta my way Gabrielle. I'm going to save
these people and you.
A wise decision Xena.
XENA
Pull back your army.
ATHENA
Of course. (to Ilainus) You heard her.
ILAINUS
Pull back!
(whispering) Okay.
ATHENA
It's for the best Xena.
XENA
Don't make it worse with your platitudes. Do it,
while she's asleep. Do it.
ATHENA
You might want to look away.
XENA
If my daughter's to be sacrificed to save these
people the least I can do honour her is to remember
every detail.
Not so fast Sis.
ATHENA
Ares get out of my way!
ARES
You know what they say? Blood is thicker than
water, but blood runs hardest when love is involved.
ATHENA
You're really whipped, aren't you?
ARES
Oh, no, that ain't nice.
Gabrielle now-w-w-w-w-w!
GABRIELLE
Atta-a-a-a-a-ack!
Yah-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h!
Let's see you do without your goddess' back up.
Not bad.
What's the matter Bro? Worried about your girlfriend?
ARES
Me? No.
Worried about yours?
Ilainus!
Pull back!
EXTRA
Retreat!
EXTRA
This way!
EXTRA
Retreat!
Your wound is beyond my healing.
ILAINUS
Do I still have your favour Athena?
ATHENA
Always. Take a good look Ares. We're next, all of us.
Retreat!
Yah-h-h-h-h-h-h-h!
Xena, are you okay?
XENA
Yeah I'm fine.
GABRIELLE
Did you and Ares-
XENA
No.
GABRIELLE
Do-
ARES
Not yet. Shall we conclude our transaction Xena?
XENA
Y'know it's really kind of you Ares but I don't think
I'm gonna have to take you up on your offer after all.
ARES
I saved-
-your child.
You saved my dollie.
ARES
Wh...why do you continue, to deny us? We had
a deal. When we were fightin' side by side, it was
like we were one. Back there in the temple...can
you tell me you didn't feel anything?
XENA
I felt nothing.
ARES
This isn't finished. As long as your child lives
they'll keep coming and then you're gonna have to
come to me for help.
(to herself) I felt something.
Xena, you all right?
Hey Eve. Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. You guys cut it pretty
fine with that attack.
GABRIELLE
Huh.
XENA
Nearly ran out of foreplay. Just about had to go
through with it.
GABRIELLE
Xena when someone invents an accurate time-keeping
device then I can synchronize the plan better.
XENA
Yeah and that bomb was a little much you know?
It wasn't like I was wearing anything. I mean, armour.
CYRENE
I don't understand. Gabrielle, you blew up Ares' temple.
GABRIELLE
We had to start the battle somehow. Otherwise
you would have had to have gone through with
the deal, right?
CYRENE
So you two planned the whole thing?
XENA
Oh-h-h-h.
CYRENE
Oh, what am I gonna do with you two?
XENA
Come on.
Xena.
XENA
Hm-m?
GABRIELLE
Did you say that you felt something?
XENA
No.
GABRIELLE
No I think I heard you. You--you said you felt something.
XENA
Gabrielle I said no such thing.
GABRIELLE
Oh, really?
XENA
Maybe a little something.
GABRIELLE
What?
STARRING
Lucy Lawless as Xena
Renee O'Connor as Gabrielle
GUEST CAST
Kevin Smith as Ares
Paris Jefferson as Athena
Darien Takle as Cyrene
Musetta Vander as Ilainus
Crawford Thomson as Villager
Ben Brown as Villager #2
Douglas Kamo as Border Guard
Stuart Thorpe as Infantry Commander
??????????????? as Eve
Written by: Chris Black
Directed by: Mark Beesley
Disclaimer: Post Production was under siege during the production of this motion picture.
