In a peaceful valley where settlers have joined together to build a new barn, thugs under the command of the evil Cycnus suddenly swoop down in chariots and destroy the structure. Xena rides up just in time to pull a young boy to safety before he is crushed by the collapsing timbers.
For saving the boy's life, Sphaerus, Cycnus' son and the leader of the thugs, strikes her down with an arrow and rides off.
Darius, the young boy's father, nurses Xena's wound and insists that she stay with him and his children until it is healed.
That night, however, Sphaerus and his henchmen ride out of the darkness to attack again. The next day, Gabrielle meets Sphaerus and, unaware of what has happened, reveals the woman warrior's identity.
Later, Darius and the other townspeople meet with Sphaerus to arrange a peace, though none of the townspeople know that Cycnus has given his son orders to slaughter them all. Suspecting the worst, Xena insists on accompanying Darius to the meeting, though she lays down her warrior gear and is beautifully disguised in a dress that belonged to his late wife.
Before Sphaerus' hidden thugs can launch their attack, however, Xena discovers their hiding place and launches a fierce fight. Startled, the townspeople flee and Sphaerus, beginning to question his father's cruel plan, orders his men not to follow.
Fearful of Sphaerus' revenge, Darius prepares to move away before he returns. Xena tries to convince him to stay and fight, but when Darius refuses, she dons her warrior tunic and vows to continue the battle herself. At the same time, Cycnus, accusing his son of cowardice, leads the thugs in one last chariot raid against Xena and the townspeople.
Sending Gabrielle ahead to act as a decoy, Xena takes out several of Cycnus' men before commendeering a chariot and facing Cycnus and Sphaerus with her sword and chakram. Seeing her bravery and that Darius has returned to help her, Sphaerus turns his sword against his own father, vowing that the killing must end.
In the end, Xena slays Cycnus before he can kill his son. Sphaerus then promises that the townspeople shall live in peace and Xena and Gabrielle bid farewell to their new friends before continuing on their journey.
Cast
Lucy Lawless as Xena
Renee O'Connor as Gabrielle
Nick Kokotakis as Darius
Jeffrey Thomas as Cycnus
Stuart Turner as Sphaerus
Nigel Godfrey as Tynus
Robert Harte as Ugly Ruffian
Dane Jerro as Homesteader
Patrick Morrison as Lycus
Ruth Morrison as Sarita
Morgan Palmer Hubbard as Argolis
Disclaimer
No disclaimer.
Quotes
"So Zeus, in his appreciation, turned the two lovers into oak trees. And then do you know what happened?"
"Somebody built a boat out of them?"
"No, their branches intertwined and they spent the rest of their days in each other's embrace."
"What's the point?"
"Come on, Xena. I believe everyone will find their tree in the forest someday. Even you."
"I find the strongest trees in the forest stand alone."
"You don't have to be strong all the time, Xena. Sometimes it's good for the soul to be soft."
-- Gabrielle and Xena
"Are you so brave that you fear somebody caring for you?"
-- Darius
"You call that a jump?"
"No, it was a frantic leap."
-- Xena and Gabrielle
Trivia
This episode is the first time the name Chakram is used.
Story Recommendation:
Another Amazon Princess by My Osage - 19 pages
Let's step back again to a time where Gabrielle is a content, competent Amazon Princess and Xena is every amazon's fantasy. Can they can ignore their instant mutual attraction? I think not
http://www.academyofbards.org/fanfic/m/myosage_amazonprincess.html
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