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“Death in Chains” Episode 9/12 [TEASER] Karis [K]: “Only a fool would challenge the gods this way, Sisyphus.” Sisyphus [Sis]: “Don’t worry, Karis. I’ve taken care of everything.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Guard1: “Sorry, sweetheart. The king doesn’t want any visitors, today. But, stick around. I’ll show you a good time.” [Guards laugh] “Hey, I said no--” Guards: “Hey! Oh! Run! Don’t touch her! She killed him!” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- K: “How can you eat at a time like this? It’s a trap, isn’t it?” Sis: “Patience, Karis-- you’ll spoil the surprise. [Knock at front door] Come in. We’ve been expecting you. I guess you know who I am. And this is my wife--” Celesta [Cel]: “-- Karis, hello.” K: “You know my name?” Cel: “I know everyone’s name, though few know mine. It’s Celesta. Are you ready to begin your journey, Sisyphus?” Sis: “Of course. But first, there’s so much I wanna know about you.” Cel: “You’re not afraid of me.” Sis: “On the contrary, I’m fascinated. And how about you, Celesta? Are you not the least bit curious about _my_ world? Sit. Enjoy a sumptuous feast of earthly delight.” Cel: “All right, Sisyphus-- but this doesn’t change things. As soon as we’re finished, we will go.” Sis: “Splendid. After all, a visit from you happens only once in a lifetime. A toast-- to a long life, and a peaceful death.” Cel: “My flame! What is the meaning of this?! I wasn’t told you were a sorcerer.” Sis: “No sorcery, my dear-- a simple trick-- devised with wires and [boards?]-- an illusion I created-- to deceive you.” Cel: “But, do you realize what this means?” Sis: “Of course-- and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- G: “Looks like they’re having fun-- not that I envy them, or anything. I mean, what does she have that I don’t have? OK-- love. But what about the important things in life? Travel; adventure; meeting interesting people? And as for the apple, I can pick my own.” Toxeus [Tox]: “Well, well-- if it isn’t the legendary Xena.” G: “I lost my appetite” X: “Do I know you?” Tox: “I’m Toxeus. I saw you fight Nestor[?] awhile back. My army could do with a-- warrior like you. How about it?” X: “Join a band of worthless, lowlife scum-- I think I’ll pass.” Tox: “Pity-- I have a strict recruiting policy-- join or die.” [Fight-- Xena “kills” Toxeus] X: “Another wasted death.” [Toxeus comes back to life] [Laughs] ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- [ACT I] G: “I don’t get it. Toxeus knew your reputation. So, why would he wanna fight you?” X: “Becuase he knew my reputation.” G: “Oh. You mean, he wanted to be known as the man who killed Xena.” X: “Argo[?]” G: “That’s not a smart goal.” X: “What’s up?” G: “What’s happening?!” X: “I don’t know. Take cover. Go!” Hades [H]: “Always ready for a fight. That’s why I like you, Xena.” X: “Hades.” H: “God of the underworld-- at your service.” X: “What do you want?” H: “Hey, relax. I’m a big fan-- though for a while, you were working us pretty hard down there. I need your help. My sister’s been captured by King Sisyphus. He holds her at his castle. I want you to rescue her. X: “Why me?” H: “You know him. You’ve seen the deadly tricks he’s capable of. But you have to act quickly. Time is short, and the price of failure is high.” X: “What are you talking about?” H: “In a few hours-- Celesta’s eternal flame will burn out. If you don’t release her before that happens-- eternal suffering will be the fate of all mankind. You know who my sister is-- don’t you?” X: “Death.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- G: “I’ve been thinking. If Sisyphus gets his way, and nobody ever dies, people will have to watch how they word things. I mean, if you tell someone that you’ll love them forever, it means forever. Xena!” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- X: “Let me take a look. Take this. It’s for the pain.” G: “Is his leg broken?” X: “Among other things. Gabrielle-- take this. Go help the others.” Man1: “Save your medicines. There’s nothing you can do for him.” X: “What happened here?” Man1: “Rockslide in Ketamus[?] The others are old or sick. We’re heading for the hospital in Corinth.” X: “Let me help.” Man1: “Suit yourself; but you’re wasting your time with that one. Only death will give him release.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- G: “Hold still.” Man2: “Ahh-- get away from me.” G: “I, look-- I’m trying to help you.” Talus [Tal]: “Here.” G: “Thanks. I’ve gotta stop his bleeding.” Tal: “Easy, easy-- you’ll be OK. So, where you from?” Man2: “Carthage.” Tal: “Carthage? Well, we have your great city to thank for the weather. There was once a young man, Lepidus. And he met the beautiful Io in Carthage. They fell madly in love. The gods-- they grew jealous of their-- great love-- and condemned them to separate destinies-- Lepidus to live only in the summer, and Io, only in the winter. Luckily, Aphrodite-- she took pity on the lovers and, uh-- thought of a way to reunite them.” Man2: “How?” G: “What’s it gotta do with the weather?” Tal: “Well, Aphrodite turned Lepidus into snow, and Io into rain. So, in the winter, when snow falls, it’s really Lepidus, blanketing his love, Io. And in the spring-- well, the gentle rain-- that’s Io caressing Lepidus. You’ll be all right.” Man2: “Thanks.” G: “Where did you learn that?” Tal: “Ah, books-- I read a lot about medicine.” G: “No, I meant the-- the great bedside manner.” Tal: “Oh-- well, I guess a good story-- always helps me through the hard times. Hi, I’m Talus.” G: “Gabrielle. Where are you headed?” Tal: “Well, I was on my way to Corinth-- when I met these people. Never seen so much suffering.” X: “Gabrielle?! Get me some more water.” Tal: “There’s a pond not far from here.” G: “Let’s go. And I’ve got a story for you.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- G: “And so, until we release her, nobody on earth can die.” Tal: “Well, that explains it. You know, awhile ago, I would’ve been glad to hear that Death had been taken. But now--” G: “I know. It’s like, after seeing all this suffering, I understand how important she is.” Tal: “You know-- not everyone would risk so much for the sake of mankind. You’re very brave, Gabrielle.” G: “Well, I have a lot of help.” Tal: “When I was a small boy, my mother worked for King Sisyphus.” G: “Really?” Tal: “I practically grew up in the castle. I could-- show you the way.” G: “That sounds great. What’s this?” Tal: “Jasmine blossom-- it’s a rare beauty-- just like you.” G: “Talus! Wait! No! Stop it!” Tox: “Where is she?” X: “Some guys never give up. You look good.” Tox: “Like I said Xena, I don’t take ‘no’ for an answer.” [Fight] Tox: “I could get used to this. Give it up, Xena! You can’t kill me. I’m a god.” X: “You’re no god, Toxeus. Death’s capture has kept you alive. And when I release her, you will die.” Tox: “That’s not gonna happen! Just where I want’cha!” X: “I’m not that easy.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Sis: “I know I can’t blow out your candle, Celesta. But I’ve noticed, when you’re not holding it, it burns down very nicely.” Cel: “If it burns out, I will cease to exist.” Sis: “Well, that’s the point. You should’ve thought of that before you came to my castle.” Cel: “I had no choice. You should not have angered Zeus.” Sis: “I _can’t_ concern myself with Zeus’ petty jealousy. My kingdom needed water. I made a deal. It’s not my time, and you know it.” Cel: “That is a decision for the gods.” Sis: “Not anymore.” K: “It isn’t like you to be so cruel, Sisyphus. What happened to the compassionate man I married?” Sis: “My compassion brought death to my door. If I release her now, it’ll be all over. What else would you have me do?” K: “I want you with me, my love.” Sis: “And I will be. In a few hours, the candle will burn down, and extinguish-- so will Celesta. And you and I will be together for all eternity.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Seerus: “Men-- follow me to the next village. There, we’ll make our own conquests.” Tox: “So, you’re the new leader, huh, Seerus?” Seerus: “Toxeus?” Warrior: “But, Xena killed you!” Seerus: “You’re still alive.” Tox: “Very observant. There is no death anymore.” Seerus: “But how?” Tox: “That’s not important. What I need is an army-- to stop Xena, before she ruins it for all of us. Who’s with me?” Seerus: “Xena’s a powerful woman. I mean-- look what she did to you.” Tox: “Cowards! Maybe this will make you change your minds!” [Toxeus “kills” his men] Seerus: “So-- what did you have in mind?” [Warrior in background: “We should be dead, but we’re not.”] Tox: “I knew you’d come around. Saddle up! We’ll follow Xena to Corinth-- and capture Death for our own safe-keeping.” Seerus: “What if she tries to stop us?” Tox: “How can she? We’re immortal! And if she tries-- we’ll make her one of us.” [Cheer] ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- [ACT II] G: “So, what do you think of Talus?” X: “He’s nice.” G: “’Nice?’ Hah! You’re kidding, right? You didn’t hear the story he told. It was warm and sensitive. And it cheered up that poor man. He’s perfect, Xena. He’s funny; he’s smart; he’s--” X: “All right. All right. He’s more than nice. I’m glad you’ll have some company.” G: “Why? Where you going?” X: “You two head to the hospital. I’m going on alone.” G: “But, what if--” X: “Gabrielle, the hospital should be full of people looking for relief. Tell them about the injured people on the roadside. And stay out of trouble.” Tal: “She’ll be all right.” G: “I hope so.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Tox: “They’ve split up. We’ll do the same. One of them will lead us to where Death is held prisoner. Follow them closely! And report back to me.” Warrior: “Yes, Toxeus.” Tox: “Remember, your deaths depend upon it.” [They laugh] ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Warriors: “Faster!” “Lead the way!” [Xena wards off two horsemen following her.] ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- [Xena gains access to the castle] ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- X: [Knocks out sword-wielding guard] “Nice try.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Sis: [Laughing] K: “What is it?!” Sis: “Xena is here to rescue Death.” K: “Xena, why?!” Sis: “She’s a warrior. Without death, Xena has no way to defeat her opponents. [Laughs] This makes things much more interesting. [Laughs] ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Old woman: “Water. Water. Please. Someone?” Tal: “You see what you can do for her. I’ll fetch water.” Old woman: “Thank you. Don’t be afraid when I tell you this. I died this morning. But as I was crossing to the other side-- a strange thing happened-- and I wound up back here. Where is Death?” G: “King Sisyphus has captured her. But don’t worry-- my friend, Xena, will make everything all right again.” Old woman: “Oh-- is your friend a god?” G: “No-- but she knows Sisyphus, and she can take care of herself.” Old woman: “But what of Death? How will she handle her?” G: “What do you mean?” Old woman: “Come closer. If your friend touches Death, or allows Death to touch her, she will die.” G: “Xena’s in trouble. I have to go to her, Talus.” Tal: “Sisyphus has guards posted at every gate.” G: “It doesn’t matter. You know the castle. Now tell me how I can get in.” Tal: “I’ll do better than that. I’ll show you.” G: “You don’t have to go, Talus. We may come in contact with Death herself.” Tal: “I assure you, Gabrielle, I’m not afraid of her.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Sis: “Welcome back, Xena.” X: “Always the grand entrance. We need to talk.” Sis: “What should we talk about? Relive old battles?” X: “Let’s talk about Death.” Sis: “Why must you be-- so depressing?” X: “Don’t you realize the pain you’ve caused?” Sis: “Nonsense. My subjects are overjoyed. Their king has given them eternal life.” X: “You’re blinded by your selfish desire to live, Sisyphus. Now, tell me where she is-- or I’ll make your eternity a living Hell.” Sis: “Still favoring brawn over brains, Xena? Think about it. You must have loved ones-- somewhere. You never have to leave them-- never have to watch them leaving you. You’d have eternal bliss. Perhaps you should take some time-- mull it over a while.” X: “Sorry, Sisyphus-- time is the one thing I don’t have.” Sis: “On the contrary-- time is the only thing you have.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- [ACT III] Tal: “I found an escape tunnel-- back when my mother worked in the castle. Nobody knew about it, except us children. Here it is. Come on.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- G: “Not much of a housekeeper, is he?” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Toxeus’ goons: “This way.” “Yeah.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- G: “Talus, this could be dangerous. You should go back.” Tal: “And leave you alone.” G: “There’s no reason for both of us to risk our lives. Look, Xena’s my friend. It’s got nothing to do with you.” Tal: “I’m not leaving you, Gabrielle. I’ve never met a girl who knows every line of Sophocles by heart. I’m not gonna let anything happen to her.” G: “Thank you. Actually, I’d rather not be alone in a place like this.” Tal: “Well, there’s no need to worry about that.” G: “You, you know-- there’s-- there’s a high rate of infection in wounds left untreated.” Tal: “Right, uh-- maybe we should find you a doctor, uh-- you can’t be too careful.” G: “Then again, we could just--” G and Tal: “Run!” Toxeus’ goon: “Get them!” G: “Which way?! Talus?!” Goons: “Forget him! Get the girl!” “Get her!” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Tal: “Wait, it’s me.” X: “Talus? What are you doing here?!” Tal: “Gabrielle wanted to tell you not to touch Death.” X: “Of course not. Where is she? I told her to stay out of trouble.” Tal: “She was concerned about you. I-- I don’t know where she is now. We ran-- and there were these tall, ugly guys who looked like they were dead. And then I fell in here.” X: “They were Toxeus’ men. We’ve gotta get out of here.” Tal: “Ah, it’s all my fault! I should never have let her come!” X: “When Gabrielle has her mind set on something, nothing can change it. You’ll learn that soon enough.” Tal: “We’ve got to find her. I’ve never seen this part of the castle before. It must be in one of the king’s traps. We’ll _never_ get out.” X: “Shh! Listen.” Tal: “It sounds like water.” X: “It must drain somewhere. I found it. Let’s go.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Warriors [Off-screen]: “I want her!” “Hey!” “This way!” “Find them!” Tox: “Where are they?!” Warrior: “We cornered the girl, but the guy fell down the trap door.” Tox: “You lost them?! Fools! Search the castle! Find Death, and bring her to me!” Warriors: “Right! Let’s go!” “Come this way, quickly!” “Check behind those arches!” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- X: “Come on.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- [ACT IV] X: “Rats!” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- X: “Stay right behind me, Talus. Talus?” Tal: “I’m OK. I guess I’m just not-- used to this much excitement.” X: “Why were you headed to Corinth?” Tal: “I grew up in Corinth. I-- guess I just wanted to see it.” X: “One last time. Is there anything I can do?” Tal: “No-- thanks.” X: “Does Gabrielle know?” Tal: “I should’a told her-- I know.” X: “How long have you known?” Tal: “I started getting the pains-- about a year ago. And they’ve been getting worse ever since.” X: “This makes my job a lot tougher.” Tal: “What you’re doing is right. There are too many people who need her.” X: “I can see why Gabrielle thinks you’re so special. Come on.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- K: “Sisyphus-- I need to talk to you.” Sis: “Not now, Karis. Xena has proved more of a challenge than I thought.” K: “What we’ve done is wrong. I realize that, now.” Sis: “We’ve cheated death. How can that be wrong?” K: “What about those who need her?! The people who are in pain?!” Sis: “I’ve given them life. Isn’t that what they want?” K: “If I were to give myself a mortal wound, would you have me suffer as well?!” Sis: “Enough of this nonsense! If Xena wins, I die.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Tal: “This hall leads to the king’s private chamber.” X: “Good.” K: “Xena.” Tal: “Your Highness?” K: “Talus. I want to help you.” X: “Why?” K: “Because what my husband has done is wrong. Look, you can’t defeat him without me. Enough if you survive his traps, you’ll never reach Celesta in time.” X: “Thanks for the advice.” K: “Wait! Please. I know another way.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Sis: “Well, Xena. It seems, finally, the spider has caught the fly. What’s the meaning of this?” K: “It’s time for you to listen to reason, Sisyphus.” X: “I agree.” Sis: “Xena.” X: “It’s time to let Death go, Sisyphus.” Sis: “Not without a fight-- draw your weapon.” X: “No weapons-- there’s someone you should meet.” Tal: “Do you remember me, your Highness? My mother and I lived in the castle when I was-- a small boy.” Sis: “Talus-- how are you, my boy?” Tal: “Not good, your Highness. I’m dying-- or at least, I should be. You were very good to my mother and me. Now, I ask you for one more act of kindness. Let Celesta go.” Sis: “You don’t understand. If I let her go, I will die.” Tal: “You shouldn’t fear it. I did for the longest time. But now my suffering has-- grown so-- real-- and deep. Now I know-- death can be a friend-- a resting place.” Sis: “You must understand, Talus, that-- I’m not suffering. My life can still be good.” Tal: “I don’t believe that. When the good King Sisyphus sees all the pain and misery he has caused the world, he’ll die inside a million times in regret for what he has done. Don’t you see? It’s not how long you live that matters. It’s how well you live. Please, let her go.” X: “You’re a great king, Sisyphus. Be remembered that way.” Sis: “I was so concerned with my own life, I forgot about the rest of the world. I’ve been such a fool.” K: “Oh-- it’s not too late. I will miss you.” Sis: “Don’t count me out yet.” X: “Sisyphus-- there’s not much time.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- G: “Xena! Talus! They’re right behind me!” Tox: “Stay away from those chains! Or this young thing-- will be Death’s first victim.” Tal: “Let her go!” X: “Talus-- let me. Shouldn’t you be looking for a shallow grave somewhere?” Tox: “Just a few more minutes.” X: “Come on, Toxeus-- wouldn’t you rather have me by the throat than that scrawny little girl?” Tox: “Are you offering to join me?” X: “Run me through, and I’m yours.” G: “No, Xena!” X: “You unlock Celesta. I’ll handle the others.” [Fight] Warrior: “Die, Xena!” X: “Not today!” Tox: “Get away from those chains.” X: “You all right?” G: “That was a little close.” Sis: “I’m ready, Celesta.” Cel: “Your time will come. First, someone else needs me.” G: “Wait. Wait. There’s been some kind of mistake.” Tal: “No, Gabrielle, it’s-- no mistake. I have to say goodbye.” G: “’Goodbye?’ I don’t understand.” X: “Talus is very sick. He has been for a long time.” G: “But I didn’t know.” Tal: “I’m ready.” G: “No. You don’t have to take him. We saved you. You owe us. Please.” Tal: “I should’ve told you. Forgive me, Gabrielle. All I wanted was a memory of you.” G: “This can’t be happening.” Tal: “We’ll meet each other again, someday-- on the other side.” G: “You won’t forget me?” Tal: “How could I?”Click here to return to the DEATH IN CHAINS page.
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