ACT 5
FADE IN
Ext. Corinth. Hedda, now wearing a cloak and pulling it tightly around her for warmth, is perched in the trees watching the back wall of the city. When a small trail of smoke, illuminated by the moonlight, begins to rise over the wall, she smiles before climbing higher into the tree so that she is higher than the top of the wall. Once firmly perched again, she takes out a small metal tube, which she extends into a miniature telescope, and aims it down behind the barricading wall. THROUGH THE TELESCOPE we see four guards standing around a bonfire, warming themselves and laughing heartily at a dirty joke.
Hedda:
(whispering) That's right; laugh yourselves to death, Fools.
Hedda leaps into another tree, and then another, each one putting her closer to the wall. When she is in the tree closest to the wall, about twenty feet away, Hedda stops and pulls out a long but tightly bound length of rope from the inside of her cloak. She secures the rope to a sturdy limb, testing its strength before sliding down to a slightly lower branch. Then taking a deep breath, she steps back and swings Tarzan-style out of the tree, over the wall, flipping mid-air, before landing behind the huddled guards. The sound of her boots hitting the ground startles them, but by the time they turn around Hedda is already lunging at them with her sword. With Xena's trademark feral smile adorning her lips, Hedda quickly takes the guards out, slicing two open, snapping ones neck, and slitting the final one's throat to keep him from sounding an alarm. After taking a second to savor the sight of her carnage, Hedda turns around and scurries off into the city under the cover of night.
CUT TO:
The Queens Hut in the Amazon Village. Gabrielle lights a candle and then turns around. Varia sits at the table, a succulent meal before her, waiting for Gabrielle. When Gabrielle returns to the table, she carves into the roastbeef and begins placing some on Varia's plate.
Gabrielle:
Say when.
Gabrielle continues piling on the roast beef, and Varia finally raises her hand.
Varia:
When.
Gabrielle smiles good naturedly, and begins serving herself. When she finishes, she sits and they both dig into the side dishes individually. They are trying their best to pretend this is just another ordinary meal, but each has a lot on her mind.
Gabrielle:
So, you and Hedda seem to know each other well?
Varia:
Yes, since we were little. The moment we met we were inseparable. So much so that when Artemis used to take her hunting Hedda would throw a tantrum if I wasn't included in the bargain. She's a dynamo!
Gabrielle:
That she is. I'll sleep well tonight knowing she's out there patrolling. It seems her loyalty to the Amazon Sisterhood even outweighs her hatred of me.
Varia shifts her position, uncomfortable with her half-truth about Hedda's whereabouts.
Varia:
Hedda told me this afternoon, before we went out searching, that while she can never forgive you for your role in the Twilight, she knows that you're the best hope to lead us to victory over the Christians.
Gabrielle:
Forgive me?! I wasn't the one hunting an innocent baby down in cold blood!
Varia:
An innocent baby that grew up to become Livia: Bitch of Rome and kill your Amazons Sisters, but who you still protected and in doing so robbed Hedda of most of her blood family. No, no, you don't need to say it; Eve was no longer Livia by then, and the gods wanted to kill her for merely being born. I get it. I get it… but Hedda doesn't. She feels hurt and betrayed! When we were kids, Hedda looked up to you and Xena. I remember, I once asked her where her mother was, and she said that her mother had been the greatest of all warriors and that her Mom's best friend had been an Amazon Queen but that they both died when she was a baby. The way she said it, you'd have thought her mother and her best friend were gods.
Gabrielle:
(getting angry) Wait a minute… you knew Hedda was Xena's daughter and you didn't say anything?!
Varia:
I never made the connection! Hedda rarely spoke of her mother, maybe three or four times in all the years I've known her, and she never mentioned a name. My mother said that Hedda was just making up stories to feel important and more like an Amazon, since she wasn't born of one of us. I swear, if I'd even suspected I would have told Xena immediately! I owed her too much not to!
Gabrielle:
I know you would have, Varia. I'm sorry. I know you'd never lie to me or Xena again.
Gabrielle's words sting Varia and the inner struggle to tell Gabrielle about Hedda's going to Corinth wrenches Varia out of her chair. She turns from Gabrielle, unable to look at her. Finally, Varia makes a decision and turns back around.
Varia:
(softly) Hedda isn't out patrolling, at least not on Amazon lands.
Gabrielle:
(struck with fear) She's not? (angry) Where is she, Varia?
Varia:
She's gone to Corinth to rescue Minera and Callia. She ordered me not to tell you until sunrise. She said that she'll either be back by then or she and our sisters will be dead.
Gabrielle:
(furious) How could you let her go?! She'll be killed! How could you let this happen?!
Varia:
Hedda said it was a trap. They knew you'd organize a rescue party of our best and brightest and when we entered Corinth, the Christians would be waiting in ambush to slaughter them, leaving what remains of the Amazon Nation vulnerable. Hedda had a plan to rescue Callia and Minera, but it had to be a one-woman operation to succeed, otherwise we'd be playing right into Christian hands.
Gabrielle:
(near her breaking point) Varia…
Varia:
(cutting Gabrielle off) I know she can do it! If I didn't I'd have never let her go by herself, orders or no orders. She's the best fighter I've ever seen; she's smart, and she knows how to do things only the gods have ever known how to do. (smiling, before going in for the kill) She's her mother's daughter, Gabrielle. Trust in her abilities like you'd trust in Xena's! Don't go after her till morning. Please!
Gabrielle sighs loudly, then turns to stare into the blazing fire in the hearth.
Gabrielle:
(defeatedly) We couldn't get properly organized and moving till sun up anyway. (authoritatively) But one second after sunrise, I want a rescue team on the road! Take Perin, Lettali, Mara, and Sacalla. The rest of the team I'll leave up to you.
Varia:
(confidently) We'll be ready to move before dawn. I'll go start making the preparations.
Gabrielle:
What about dinner?
Varia looks at the table, takes a roll, cuts it open, and quickly stuffs her roastbeef inside. She grabs an apple as well, and leaves. Gabrielle smiles briefly, despite herself, before getting an idea.
Gabrielle:
Ares!
After a brief moment, Ares appears.
Ares:
Yes?
Gabrielle:
Hedda's run off! She's gone to Corinth!
Ares looks stunned.
Ares:
(confused and concerned) Wait up! Back up here! Why would Hedda go to Corinth? She knows they'll kill her!
Gabrielle sighs, realizing that she needs to calm down and explain.
Gabrielle:
This afternoon, three Amazons I'd sent to deliver a message to Eve and Hercules didn't return when they were supposed to. Hedda volunteered to lead a search party and I reluctantly let her go. They found one of the three dead, with your personal rune carved into her neck. Hedda believed that this was the Christians' attempt at trying to break up our alliance and to force my hand into sending a rescue team, so she convinced Varia to cover for her while she went into Corinth to rescue the two remaining Amazons herself. I just found out. She told Varia she'd be back by sunrise, so she's probably already inside Corinth by now.
Ares:
(sighing) Great. So you want me to go to Corinth and rescue her and the other two Amazons?
Gabrielle:
No, that would be foolhardy. If you were captured and killed by the Knights of the Faith, this whole operation would go down the tubes. I can't rally your warlords. I just thought that maybe you could keep an eye on her, you know, with your powers, make sure she doesn't get into any trouble. A rescue team will be on the road by sunrise one way or another, but I need to know that we're not running into the trap Hedda believed we'd be.
Ares:
(sighing) I can try, but I can't promise anything. Gods can shield their followers from the prying eyes of other gods if they are so inclined. If Hedda is inside the city and Eli's god doesn't want me peeping into his burg, there is little I can do.
Gabrielle:
Well, do whatever you can.
Ares:
Alright.
Ares raises his arm, palm up, and opens a window on Hedda, who is pulled up into a corner as a group of Christian men pass by. When the men are gone, Hedda hides herself deep inside her cloak and leaves her hiding spot to approach the door to the prison. She knocks loudly three times. When the sound of scuffling footsteps is heard, she lowers her head to appear timid. The slotted window at the top of the door opens and a man's face peers out.
Jailer #1:
What are you doing here at this time of night, Woman! Go home! We are all pious men. There is no business for you here!
Hedda:
(in a soft, humble voice) I am not that kind of woman, Sir. I have come to see my husband, Cleonus; he is to be burned tomorrow. He is misguided in following the way of that Eli man and I have come to comfort and counsel him. The magistrate said that if he converts of his own free will and signs a statement denouncing Eli's word to be published in the square that his sentence would be commuted and he would only spend a few days longer in confinement. Please Sir, isn't a good man's soul worth the loss of a little sleep?
Jailer #1:
Why didn't you come earlier, during visiting hours?
Hedda:
I did, but there were so many women here I never got in. Please! I can not bare to go on without my husband! If I could just make him see the error of his ways!
Hedda makes weeping sounds from beneath her cloak and the guard shakes his head in indecision. He moves away from the window and a second later we hear the sound of the door being unlocked. Hedda enters the prison.
Jailer #1:
My relief arrives in just under three hours. You will leave here in two no matter what.
Hedda nods, still keeping her face hidden.
Hedda:
Thank you! Cleonus is a wise man. I am sure he'll see the light. You truly walk with Christ this night! May all of Gods' blessings be upon you and your family!
Jailer #1:
(sheepishly) I'm merely a servant of our Lord, Ma'am.
Jailer #1 turns and leads Hedda deeper into the prison. Once they reach the cells, the jailer turns back to Hedda.
Jailer #1:
So, which one is your husband?
Hedda looks over the cells, spotting the one with the two Amazons and one man, who is sleeping. Hedda points to the sleeping man.
Hedda:
Cleonus.
Jailer #1 lets Hedda into the cell, then locks the door behind her.
Jailer #1:
He's a lucky man. Any wife who would go to such lengths to save her husband, body and soul, must surely be a daughter of God. I will pray for your success, Ma'am. Yell if you need anything.
Hedda:
(in a syrupy sweet voice) I will, and thank you again for your assistance. It is only because of your kindness that I have this opportunity.
Jailer #1 smiles and leaves. Once he is gone, Hedda moves to stand before the two Amazons and throws back the hood of her cloak.
Callia:
Hedda!
Minera:
Are we glad to see you. They were going to burn us at dawn!
Hedda:
And they still might, along with me, if we don't get out of here!
Hedda pulls a set of lock picks from her cloak and begins to work on Callia and Mineras' manacles.
Minera:
Did Dalen get away? Is she alright?
Hedda:
(trying to break the news gently) They killed her. I'm sorry, Minera.
Minera's bottom lip trembles, but she doesn't cry. Instead, she straightens her back and her eyes turn cold.
Minera:
I want them all dead, every last Christian! I want them all DEAD!
The Minera's manacles give way and fall to the ground.
Hedda:
So do I, but if we're going to live to see vengeance,
we have to get out of here first. You
both go sit down on the cot. (picking up the manacles and handing them to
Callia and Minera) Turn towards each other, keep these out of sight, and above
all, watch me and follow my lead when I give the signal. Got it?
Callia:
Got it.
Hedda looks around, finds the man she told the guard was her husband, and approaches him.
Hedda:
What's your name?
Francis:
Francis.
Hedda:
What you in for Francis?
Francis:
I spoke out against the burnings and the hangings.
Hedda:
So now you're going to burn or hang along side those you tried to save. Very noble. How would you like to help us bust out of here, Francis?
Francis:
I will not take up arms against another. I will not perpetuate the cycle of violence that pollutes the Earth.
Minera overhears Francis' words, stands up, and approaches menacingly.
Minera:
(between clenched teeth) Then maybe you should be consumed by it! What kind of man are you that you will not fight for your own freedom?!
Hedda raises her hand to silence Minera, who shuts up reluctantly.
Hedda:
Francis, are you an Elijian?
Francis:
Yes. I met Eli himself when I was a small child. He was so gentle, so full of love.
Hedda:
(rolling her eyes) Have you ever heard of Eve?
Francis:
Ofcourse! Our Messenger! The Bringer of Twilight! The Prophecy Made Flesh!
Minera:
(under her breath) Killer of the Amazons.
Hedda casts her a warning look and turns back to Francis.
Hedda:
(going into an Ares-like sales pitching mode) Well, when my friends and I leave here, we are going to rendezvous with her and Gabrielle. I could arrange a personal introduction for you… In fact I insist on it.
Francis considers this for a moment, but shakes his head.
Francis:
You will not tempt me from my way. I will not take up arms against another.
Hedda:
I promise you won't have to. All you'll have to do is nod a little for the guards, then just follow us out of here and back to our village. Your Prophecy Made Flesh is currently camped in a glade not far from there.
Francis thinks it all over and finally nods his consent.
Francis:
Alright, I'll help you.
Hedda nods then turns to Callia.
Hedda:
Minera, I'm going to need you to punch me, and make it hard enough to split my lip. Then put me in a headlock, but not too tight. It has to look real but I need to be able to breathe.
Callia:
Excuse me?
Hedda:
I need the guard to think she's attacking me. He already believes I'm some docile Christian matron. His protective male ego will make him enter the cell to defend me, and then we can subdue him and take his keys. (turning to Francis) It would also help if you started calling for the guard as well. (back to Minera) Now hit me.
Minera:
But, Hedda…
Hedda:
Don't force me to make it an order.
Minera decks Hedda good, and as directed her lip starts to bleed. She then helps Hedda off the floor and puts her in a headlock.
Hedda:
(looking up at Minera) I knew I could count on you. (shouting) Guard! Guard! Help me! One of those crazy harlots is trying to kill me! Help!
Francis:
Guard! Guard!
Jailer #1 arrives with FOUR OTHER GUARDS behind him. He pauses for a moment in indecision, but when Hedda falls to her knees and appears to be losing consciousness, he leads his men into the cell.
Jailer #1:
Get off of her!
Minera:
Whatever you say!
Minera charges the five men, Callia by her side. The guards draw their swords and attempt to surround Callia and Minera. Suddenly there is a loud crash and all eyes turn to Hedda who has pulled the cell door shut, trapping them inside. She smiles feraly as holds up Jailer #1's keys and throws them outside of the cell. Then she pulls her own sword and the three Amazons make quick work of the frightened prison guards. Francis sits on his cot frozen in fear and revulsion.
Hedda:
Callia, Minera, take their weapons. We may need them on the way out of the city.
Jailer #1 begins to stir and lets out a soft moan. Hedda takes her sword and swiftly decapitates him before he can even open his eyes. She then sticks a sword into each of the guards' chests to make sure they are all dead.
Francis:
(horrified) Those men were unconscious! You said we were only going to subdue them! You promised we would not have to take up arms!
Hedda:
(annoyed) Dead men tell no tales. And all I promised was that YOU would not have to take up arms, and you didn't. You sat there like the passive little sheep that you are. Good work. Now, you can either come with us and meet your Messenger or you can stay here and meet your Maker tomorrow morning. Your choice, Francis. Choose fast.
Francis stands, still in great distress. Hedda, followed by Callia and Minera, proceed towards the door. Hedda pulls out a thin dagger from her cloak and uses it to pick the lock. She opens the iron door easily, but when she tries to cross the cell's threshold, she is violently thrown backward by a forcefield. Shaken and winded, she gets up off the ground with Callia and Minera's assistance.
Hedda:
What in the Hell?!
Suddenly Michael appears outside the cell, smiling victoriously.
Michael:
Funny you should mention Hell…
Realizing she's been set up, Hedda gently pushes her two sisters away and stands defiantly on her own.
Hedda:
(confidently) Michael I presume?
FADE OUT
END OF ACT 5
READ ACT SIX