9.18 The Monarch


ACT TWO

FADE IN

The rebel camp. Xena is sitting on a tree stump cleaning her sword.

Callisto approaches. Xena looks up.

CALLISTO:
     That was--brilliant.

XENA (curtly):
     Thanks. You did your part well.

CALLISTO:
     You were the brain, Varinia. I have some ideas of my own, though.

Xena stops cleaning her sword, gives Callisto a wary look and gets up.

XENA:
     Go on.

CALLISTO (mocking):
     You want me to spill the beans just like that?

XENA (impatiently):
     Callisto, I'm not in the mood for games.

CALLISTO (pouts):
     Spoilsport. All right, then. (she lowers her voice conspiratorially) Imagine if we had a valuable hostage.

XENA (her face hard):
     What are you talking about?

Callisto grins playfully and beckons to Xena with her finger, inviting her to lean closer.

XENA:
     Come on--spit it out.

Callisto

CALLISTO (sighs):
     Okay, okay. (mysteriously) Rumor has it, the Monarch's got a kid stashed away somewhere. If we--

XENA (brusquely, her face impassive):
     Forget it. We're not using anyone's child as a weapon.

CALLISTO (offended):
     Well, that's very high-minded of you, Varinia. You think she would have such scruples?

XENA:
     Exactly. If we're no different from her, then what are we fighting for?

CALLISTO:
     But --

XENA:
     I said, forget it. We're not stooping to that. And besides-- (zoom in for a close-up on Xena) we're not wasting time on a wild goose chase looking for some child who may not even exist.

DISSOLVE TO

Xena in medium close-up, staring ahead at something as she stands in the woods.

Pan to the scene Xena is watching. A large meadow on the edge of a village. Some children, Centaur and human, are playing together, laughing and kicking around a ball.

Pan back to Xena, watching them. The look on her face is impassive, clearly concealing deep emotion.

Suddenly, she becomes alert, hearing something behind her. She whips around to see a boy of about 15 who has just jumped down from a tree. Close-up on the boy; then on Xena. There is a look of recognition, tenderness, and anguish in her face.

Xena

XENA (whispers almost inaudibly):
     Solan...

SOLAN:
     Who are you? (looks her over warily) You don't look like an Amazon.

Close-up on Xena. Her face reflects a struggle. Finally, she speaks.

XENA:
     I'm not.

SOLAN (warily, resting his hand on the hilt of the sword on his side):
     What are you doing here?

XENA:
     Just passing by. I didn't mean any harm. (nods toward the sword) Aren't you a little young to be carrying that?

SOLAN (indignant):
     I'm almost sixteen! (off her skeptical look) All right, fifteen. I'm not a real warrior yet, but I can use it if I have to. (He grips the hilt of the sword) This was my father's.

Xena nods, holding back tears.

XENA:
     I'm sorry. I'll be leaving now.

She walks past Solan and heads into the woods.

SOLAN (off-camera, behind her):
     Wait! I know who you are!

Xena stops abruptly and turns.

SOLAN (comes up to her, looking excited):
     You're that rebel, aren't you? Varinia? (with awe) People say you can leap ten feet into the air. And that your weapon (he gestures toward the chakram on her belt) can cut through the strongest armor and shatter swords--

XENA (with a wan smile):
     Don't believe everything you hear.

SOLAN (with resolve):
     Take me with you. Please!

XENA (shocked):
     What?

SOLAN (passionately):
     I want to join the rebels. My uncle won't let me--he thinks I'm still a kid. But I'm not! I'm a real good hunter--I killed a huge bear last month. And --

XENA (interrupts):
     Fighting in a war isn't like killing a bear, Solan. (sighs) You have no idea --

Solan

SOLAN (interrupts):
     I want to fight the Monarch. (angrily) My father Borias tried to stop her, years ago--and she killed him.

Pan to Xena, who seems about to say something, then remains silent.

SOLAN (continues):
     I want to carry on his legacy.

XENA:
     And get yourself killed, too? (she puts her hand on his shoulder) Your uncle is right to protect you. Go back to him. (after a brief pause) I promise I'll--avenge your father.

Solan looks disappointed for a moment. Then, he nods and smiles at Xena.

SOLAN:
     Good luck.

Xena nods back, squeezing his shoulder. After a moment she turns and begins to walk away. Now that Solan cannot see her, her face crumbles and tears well in her eyes.

The camera pulls back to show Solan standing behind her, watching her walk away. Zoom in on Solan. Something is obviously bothering him.

SOLAN:
     Varinia--hold on!

Quick pan to Xena, in medium close-up, as she stops in her tracks and tries to regain control. She does not turn around.

XENA (in a level voice):
     What is it?

SOLAN:
     How did you know my name's Solan?

For a moment Xena looks anguished and helpless. Her lips quiver.

A slow-motion shot of Xena turning around.

Facing Solan, Xena now looks composed again.

XENA (manages to sound casual):
     You told me yourself, just before.

SOLAN (skeptical):
     I did?

XENA:
     Sure you did. How else would I know?

SOLAN (nods, unsure):
     I guess... Bye, Varinia.

XENA (quietly):
     Good-bye, Solan.

CUT TO

Xena is walking through the woods alone, her expression grim. Suddenly she stops in her tracks. She has a strange look on her face, as if sensing a presence. She looks around.

Xena

There is a flash of blue. Ares, God of War, materializes standing by a tree, leaning casually on its trunk.

For a moment they stare silently at each other.

XENA (coldly):
     You.

The God of War comes closer to her and stops, eyeing her with obvious curiosity.

Ares God of War

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     You know who I am.

XENA (snorts):
     Ares, God of War. You don't exactly keep a low profile.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     Then you're one-up on me. I have no idea who you are--except that you look and fight like--Xena. (admiringly) That was quite a stunt you pulled at Klios.

XENA:
     Thanks.

She starts walking again, only to find Ares standing in her path.

XENA:
     What do you want?

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     You still haven't told me who you are.

XENA (chuckles):
     Her evil twin.

Ares, God of War bursts into a hearty laugh.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     I think I'm going to like you.

Xena and Ares God of War

XENA:
     Yeah? Well, I don't plan to reciprocate.

She turns and starts to walk away again.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     You haven't even heard my offer yet.

Xena stops, her back to the camera. Quick pan to show her face in medium close-up. She looks wary.

XENA (her eyes narrowing):
     What offer?

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     You've done a pretty good job turning that ragtag bunch of Amazons and peasants into an army. Imagine--

He is suddenly right behind her, his arms around her waist, his mouth at her ear.

Xena and Ares God of War

ARES GOD OF WAR (continues):
     --how much better you could do with my help.

Xena shivers and closes her eyes, leaning back against him a little; then, she opens her eyes and shakes herself slightly to snap out of it.

XENA (brusquely):
     Why would you want to help me? You're her patron god.

In an instant Ares is in front of her again, his eyes locked on hers.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     She has ruled much of the known world for five years. Oh, she's great, but she's gotten a little--lazy. She doesn't have that--fire in her eyes anymore. (gazes into Xena's eyes intensely) You do.

Xena is clearly affected by his proximity but is trying not to show it.

XENA:
     So that's your game. You want to pit the two of us against each other and watch the action. Well, forget it--I'm not playing.

She walks away with a resolute stride.

Ares, God of War watches her and shakes his head, laughing indulgently.

ARES GOD OF WAR (shouts after her, still chuckling):
     Call me when you change your mind!

He vanishes in a burst of blue light. Xena slows down and glances back, looking thoughtful; then turns and walks on.

CUT TO

Night. The rebel camp. Gabrielle stands in front of campfire, a crowd of people sitting on the other side of the fire. The audience erupts in enthusiastic applause and calls of encouragement--it is obvious that she has just finished a story.

VOICES IN THE CROWD:
     Another, Charis! Another!

Gabrielle blushes and smiles.

WOMAN IN THE CROWD:
     Oh, come on! Just one more!

Gabrielle looks to the back of the crowd, catching Xena's eye.

Gabrielle

GABRIELLE:
     Thanks, but I don't think I could tell one more story tonight. I need some sleep. (the crowd groans in disappointment and she holds up her hands.) Hey! Tomorrow is another night!

The people begin to rise and disperses until it's just her and Xena left. Xena approaches, carrying a mug of ale.

XENA:
     You look like you could use this.

GABRIELLE:
     Thanks! (exhaling loudly, she drops onto the log before the fire.) I haven't done that in ages!

XENA:
     How did it feel?

Gabrielle thinks a moment, as if assessing herself, then smiles and nods.

GABRIELLE:
     It felt good. (she looks up at Xena and grasps her hand.) Sit with me awhile.

Xena does and Gabrielle inches closer to her with a soft laugh.

GABRIELLE:
     It's cold tonight!

Xena nods and holds her hands out towards the fire.

XENA:
     The fire feels good.

Both women stare silently into the fire for a long moment.

Xena

XENA:
     I was so proud of you tonight, Gabrielle. You have such an amazing gift. The stories are like a piece of your soul that you share with the audience.

GABRIELLE (gasps):
     How could you know that that's exactly how it feels to me?

XENA (in a hushed tone):
     I know everything about you.

Gabrielle looks at Xena a moment then clears her throat and looks away.

GABRIELLE:
     It's thanks to you, you know. After Joxer, and then Perdicus and my father...I thought the stories were dead inside me. But then I met you and I feel...

Xena smiles lovingly and brushes the hair from Gabrielle's eyes.

GABRIELLE:
     I wish I could just... (Xena watches her, waiting patiently for her to complete her thought. Finally, Gabrielle takes a sip of ale and sighs.) Thank you, Xena. For everything.

Xena smiles and lets out a small laugh.

XENA:
     Right back at you.

Gabrielle squeezes Xena's hand companionably.

GABRIELLE:
     I'm tired. I think I'm going to turn in.

XENA:
     I'll be right behind you.

Gabrielle turns toward the hut. Xena watches her a moment, then:

XENA:
     Gabrielle?

Gabrielle stops and turns back.

GABRIELLE:
     Yes?

XENA:
     Gabrielle, I want you to know that I... (Xena frowns as if in thought and Gabrielle watches her expectantly. Xena smiles softly.) I'm glad you're here with me.

GABRIELLE (smiles):
     I'm glad you found me. Good night, Xena.

XENA:
     Good night.

Gabrielle enters the hut and Xena hunches closer to the fire, blowing into her hands.

CUT TO

Conqueror Xena and Ares sit at a table laden with dishes and drinks. Two servants, one male and one female, stand silently in the background.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     You can't sit with me at the games tomorrow--I'll be up in the imperial box... (she pauses for a moment, as if searching for words)

ARES (glances at her wryly, sipping his wine):
     With your Ares?

CONQUEROR XENA (calmly):
     Probably. The games will be a sacrifice in his honor. Don't worry, you'll get a good seat.

ARES:
     Oh, I'm not--

He's interrupted as the doors of the dining room fly open and a guard comes in, looking perturbed.

GUARD:
     Conqueror--a man with an urgent message!

A man in an officer's leathers staggers past him into the room and almost falls. He looks dirty and bedraggled; there are blood-stained bandages around his head and his arm.

OFFICER (panting):
     Conqueror--

He nearly collapses and the guard has to hold him up.

The Conqueror rises swiftly to her feet.

CONQUEROR XENA (brusquely):
     Give this man some wine!

One of the servants takes a goblet of wine to the officer, who drinks avidly.

OFFICER (still panting):
     I've ridden for days...

CONQUEROR XENA (impatiently):
     What news?

OFFICER:
     The rebellion...they've--they've destroyed our regiment--and taken Klios!

CONQUEROR XENA (shocked and furious):
     What!

OFFICER:
     There was this--warrior--an amazing woman, in black leather--

Pan to Ares, a quick flash of recognition and hope in his face; then to the Conqueror, whose face shows a flash of fury and fear.

OFFICER (continues, off-camera):
     --by the head of Ares--she couldn't have looked more like you if you had been twin sisters! She fought with the strength of a dozen men--and--

Pan to Ares, as the hopeful look in his face becomes one of incredulous joy.

CONQUEROR XENA (coldly):
     Leave us. (to the guard) Make sure this man gets food and fresh bandages--and some rest. (to the officer) You'll give me a full report later.

The man nods and salutes her feebly, then leaves, leaning on the guard.

CONQUEROR XENA (to the two servants):
     Wait outside.

The servants bow and leave wordlessly. The Conqueror turns to face Ares. He stands up.

ARES:
     She's here. (off the Conqueror's silence) You've known for a while, haven't you?

CONQUEROR XENA (contemptuously):
     Since the morning after you spent your first night in my bed.

Ares purses his lips, staring at her, then nods silently.

CONQUEROR XENA (sarcastic):
     Do I sense your devotion--flagging?

Ares stares at her thoughtfully, then finally speaks.

ARES:
     Just out of curiosity--if I did decide to look her up... (wryly) you know, just for old times' sake?

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Well. (She raises a hand and strokes his face) Far be it from me to stand in the way of true love. However, if a close confidant of mine were to go off to join the rebellion...well, I couldn't very well allow that to happen, could I? (off his grim look) Nothing personal.

Ares stares at her intently.

CROSS-FADE TO

The sound of clashing swords and cheering crowds gradually fades in as we see a Roman amphitheater. Two gladiators are fighting. The camera pans up to the imperial box where the Monarch sits in red dress and Tiara. Ares, God of War stands behind her, a hand on her shoulder.

Pan down to the arena, where one of the gladiators runs the other through, then roughly yanks out his sword. The defeated gladiator sinks to his knees, then falls dead. The audience erupts in a mix of cheers and cries of disappointment.

Pan up to the imperial box for a medium close-up of the Conqueror, who is applauding. She glances up at the God of War.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     A fitting sacrifice, my lord.

ARES GOD OF WAR (shrugs with a condescending smile):
     Not bad, my dear. But hardly a replacement for--a real battle.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Oh, I'll show you something real.

She rises and raises her arms, commanding silence from the crowd. As the noise of the arena dies down, the camera pulls back for a wide shot of the arena. We see the dead body being removed. The gladiator who won the match remains standing, leaning on his sword.

Quick pan to a medium close-up of Ares sitting in the audience, wearing the same brown leathers he did in the scene at the cross. He is leaning back, thoughtfully watching the Conqueror and the God of War.

Zoom in on the imperial box. The arena is now quiet.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     People of Rome! For today's final event--a special challenge. Behold--Arnskell, a ferocious barbarian from the North!

She points to the gladiator in the arena. The camera zooms in on him. He is a tall, blond, bearded, fierce-looking man.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     This man has never had a bad day in the arena--though he considers it a bad day if he doesn't get to kill his opponent. (She looks around the amphitheater.) Is anyone here brave enough to challenge him? If you fight him, and win--I will grant any request you make. (She smiles coldly) Well--within reason. The best horse from the palace stables. Wealth from the treasury of Rome. Mercy for a condemned criminal. If you're a slave--freedom.

Close-up on Ares, who stares at the Conqueror intently. The camera pulls back for a wide shot of the arena and the imperial box, from Ares' point of view.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     But remember--a fight with Arnskell will probably be a fight to the death!

Zoom in on the Conqueror and Ares, God of War, standing next to her.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Now--will anyone step up?

Pan to Ares as he stands up.

ARES:
     I will.

Pan to the Conqueror for a close-up as she stares at him, her expression a mix of shock, anger and anxiety.

There are murmurs in the spectator rows as he walks down into the arena.

Down in the arena, Ares stops and looks up at the Conqueror.

ARES:
     I'll fight.

CONQUEROR XENA (after a brief pause):
     You're prepared to fight to the death. Your death.

ARES:
     Come now, Conqueror. Have a little faith.

The murmurs in the audience grow louder, with people exchanging puzzled looks.

Ares, God of War glances curiously at the Conqueror.

ARES GOD OF WAR (wryly):
     You're--concerned for this man's well-being? (after a pause) I take it he's a--friend of yours?

CONQUEROR XENA (reluctantly):
     Yes, it's--Aristos of Miletos. He--he used to serve in my army. He's at my court in Corinth now.

ARES GOD OF WAR (curious):
     Really. (he gives her a sarcastic and somewhat suspicious glance) I wonder in what position. (He pauses, looking down at Ares.) I'm sure you've noticed a--resemblance?

The Conqueror turns and smiles at the God of War, having regained self-possession.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Yes--quite remarkable, isn't it? I have wondered if you were--related.

ARES GOD OF WAR (dryly):
     Hmm. Fascinating. Well, then--give the man a sword and let's see what he's made of!

The Conqueror gestures to one of the attendants behind her and sits down, her face a mask of composure.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Very well, then. Good luck.

An attendant comes out into the arena and hands Ares a sword. He swings it a few times, then steps up and raises the sword.

ARES (raises his voice, a touch of sarcasm in his tone):
     To the glory of the Conqueror--and the God of War!

ARNSKELL (raises his bloodied sword):
     All hail!

The Conqueror looks expectantly around the arena. After a moment's silence, the audience erupts in a chorus of "All hail!"

After the cries die down, the Conqueror glances at Ares, God of War.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Will you--do the honors, my lord?

ARES GOD OF WAR (waves his hand lazily):
     Proceed.

Ares and Arnskell both turn around simultaneously, their swords clashing hard.

Ares

They get in a few good moves: Arnskell swings above Ares' head and Ares meets his sword; he swings lower and to the side and Ares meets his sword, again. Arnskell swings toward the right and Ares dodges out of the way, meeting Arnskell's sword with an underhand motion. Arnskell snarls and charges with powerful force, slamming into Ares, pushing him back. Ares shakes himself off, regaining balance.

Arnskell attacks again. Ares narrowly escapes the blade as he jumps out of the way. During a moment's pause, he looks at his left shoulder and realizes the blade had nicked his skin and there is blood running down his arm. He attempts to counterattack Arnskell's next blow but when their swords meet, the strength behind the impact nearly knocks Ares off his feet. Arnskell punches him in the face and he staggers back.

The Conqueror tenses up, clutching the armrests of her seat as she leans forward slightly. Ares, God of War eyes her with curiosity and suspicion.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     Looks like the suspense is killing you.

CONQUEROR XENA (with a somewhat forced laugh):
     Well--you have to admit it's an exciting fight.

With a bloody nose, Ares shakes himself off, ready to attack again. He twirls his sword with bravado and grins. He meets his opponent's sword and kicks him, once in the side, once in the left leg. This time it's Arnskell who staggers back. Ares charges forward, swinging toward Arnskell, hitting his sword so hard that it throws Arnskell off-balance.

ARES GOD OF WAR (glances curiously at the Conqueror):
     He's quite a fighter, your Aristos. Did you--teach him some of the moves you learned from me?

The Conqueror and Ares God of War

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Yes, I did. He's a natural learner.

ARES GOD OF WAR (folds his arms on his chest as he watches):
     Ah. Well, that explains it.

Regaining the advantage again, Arnskell kicks the sword from Ares' hand and kicks him in the midsection, sending him sprawling on his back. There are gasps in the audience.

Pan to the Conqueror, who struggles to remain impassive. Ares, God of War looks on curiously.

Arnskell stands over Ares, his feet planted wide on both sides of Ares' torso, and raises his sword, preparing to run him through.

Pan up to the Conqueror, whose face flinches slightly. The audience falls silent.

Pan back to the arena. With a quick move, Ares manages to slide between his opponent's legs. Then, he flips over and slams his boots into Arnskell's back, knocking him down. The crowd erupts in cheers as Ares jumps to his feet.

Pan to the Conqueror, who exhales slightly.

Ares dives to grab his sword. Then, just as Arnskell gets to his feet and charges at him, he thrusts his sword forward. Close-up on Arnskell's face in a grimace of shock and pain. Blood bubbles at his lips.

Pull back to see Ares yank his sword out of the man's gut. Medium close-up on Ares. His face is harsh and determined.

Ares steps back as Arnskell falls dead. After a moment the crowd erupts in cheers.

Ares stands still for a moment, panting. Then he walks over to the end of the arena where the imperial box is, and raises his sword in a salute.

ARES:
     Conqueror and Monarch of the Empire--great God of War--I dedicate this victory to you!

After a moment of silence, Ares, God of War claps his hand slowly.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     Well fought. Step up and claim your reward.

The camera pulls back to show Ares walking up the aisle in the spectator rows. He stops a few rows below the imperial box, facing the Conqueror and the God of War.

ARES GOD OF WAR (contemplates him curiously, stroking his beard):
     Remarkable. (To the Conqueror) Why do I have a feeling that there is something you're not telling me about this man?

CONQUEROR XENA (laughs casually):
     There's nothing to tell.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     A fighter like that should be one of your generals.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     I don't think he's got the right--attitude. (raises her voice) All right, then.

She pauses, staring at Ares, then finally speaks again.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     What do you want?

Ares

ARES:
     A good horse--and permission to travel back to Greece--immediately.

The Conqueror stares at him heavily.

ARES:
     Your pledge, Conqueror. And a parchment with your seal--safe passage to travel in the empire with no trouble from your soldiers--and to carry a sword. (He motions with the sword) I'll just keep this one, if you don't mind.

A brief pause. Ares, God of War, glances expectantly at the Conqueror.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     With Ares, God of War as my witness...

She pauses and glances up at Ares, God of War; then, back at mortal Ares.

CONQUEROR XENA (continues):
     ...I grant your request, and pledge that you shall have safe passage back to Greece.

She motions to a guard behind her, who approaches.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     A parchment and a quill. (motions toward Ares, brusquely) And get him a horse.

Ares gives her a look of barely concealed triumph. Then, as he shifts his gaze, his eyes meet those of the God of War, and he fidgets slightly.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     Leaving so soon?

ARES (coldly, concealing his nervousness):
     I'm in a hurry.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     Too bad. Well, I'm sure I'll have another chance to get to know you. (looks him over) Are you sure we're not family?

ARES (jovially):
     Not unless dear old Mom was more adventurous than I ever knew.

Ares, God of War bursts out laughing.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     Family or not--I like your style.

Ares bows his head slightly in acknowledgment.

DISSOLVE TO

Ares is riding down a road, the hills and buildings of Rome behind him, as we:

FADE OUT

END OF ACT TWO