This episode opens on the beautiful countryside of New Zealand in a small remote village. The village is being threatened and raided by Ceasar's regiment. A soldier, Flanigis, a Greek mercenary, attempts to negotiate with the regiment. Negotiations fail as swords are drawn for battle. Suddenly Xena's trademark, her chakrum, appears cutting off the spears of the attackers as Xena with her trademark style appears on the scene. Introductions are swift as Xena and Flanigis begin battling the regiment until they are out of view. Xena and Gabrielle soon discover that Flanigis has a wife and son in this village and this is his homeland. A plan quickly develops as Xena discusses the split of Pompeii & Caesar (who previously served together along with Crassus) causing two armies to flood the countryside. Xena begins to orchestrate her plan to change the direction of the armies as they are heading for Greece. Xena plans to divert the armies to her advantage and conquer both Caesar and Pompeii. After talking with Flanigis, he agrees to assist Xena with her plan. The recruitment process is initiated as well as making the appropriate battle uniforms. At a distance these uniforms mark a sharp resemblance of both armies, thus blending in with their armies so both will follow. Gabrielle recruits an eager Temaculus to be the signal messenger. Men in the surrounding villages are recruited as well. Xena holds a village meeting to discuss the future of the people's village. Her strong recommendation - burn it to the ground, kill all the cattle and poison the meat, leaving no resources for the armies to benefit from. (Having such a history with Caesar, Xena knows this is the only thing that can be done to save them all. Knowing that once everything is destroyed the land will be of no use to Caesar). Xena realizing the impact of what she is saying to the villagers insists that this is "the only way". Xena informs the villagers that they will hide out in a cave beyond the mountains until the battle is over. As the villagers begin burning their village Xena and Gabrielle look on in a somber tone. (During this moment one of the events will happen that Xena envisioned during her battle with Alti in Sin Trade II). Xena's army appears on the horizon having planted what appears to be Caesar's banner firmly in the ground as a sign to Pompeii that the land has been claimed. However, the other side of this banner holds Pompeii's crest so Caesar will see that Pompeii has claimed the land. (Xena knowing that both leader wants what is the other's). Word is sent back to Pompeii as Xena's plan begins to unfold. Pompeii pursues the hill as does Caesar. Caesar discovers after picking up the banner that he has been tricked by Xena. Xena discusses more of the plan with Gabrielle - to distract Pompeii and Caesar so they will not witness nor participate in their own war. As Xena puts it " pity they won't be there to see it". Pompeii discovers that Xena has stolen their artillery. As Gabrielle and Flanigis' wife prepare for battle as they discuss the pitfalls of war. Tamacula admits to Gabrielle that he has never killed before, thus leading Gabrielle to admit that "it changes everything" when it happens. Xena and Flanigis sneak into Caesar's camp to eavesdrop on Caesar's plan. Xena hears a portion of his plan but is interrupted by the capture of Flanigis before all is heard. The last words she hears are " there's another part of my plan I want you to put in action that even Xena won't expect". Leaving knowing only half the plan Xena rescues Flanigis and returns to the village. Meanwhile Tamacula has sent word to Pompeii that Xena will meet with him. Xena pulls Gabrielle aside to discuss her plans and her hesitancy to know only half the plan. Xena explains to Gabrielle that once the battle ensues, she will not be there and wishes for Gabrielle to take lead of the army. Gabrielle refuses stating, " I can't give the command. I cannot lead these men to their deaths". Xena trusts Gabrielle's judgement knowing her strong code for life as well as Gabrielle's understanding of Caesar's motives and how Xena thinks. Xena discusses the plan with Flanigis having secretly told him to listen to Gabrielle's orders. Xena arrives to meet with Pompeii as Caesar appears on the scene. A smug Caesar feels he has the upper hand until Xena informs him otherwise. The signal for battle erupts as catapults burst into the air. A battle ensues with Xena, Pompeii and Caesar as Gabrielle's somber tone is reflected in the explosions overhead. The ground breaks free under Xena, Pompeii and Caesar as they fall into a pit - a private battle of their own ignites. Shortly thereafter, Tamacula arrives with news that Caesar is "pulling back", the war is over, as Gabrielle realizes this is a trap. Gabrielle finds Flanigis to break the news. Flanigis gives command to Gabrielle. A hesitant Gabrielle gives the command, " GO TO WAR", as they charge the battlefield. Everyone is brandishing a sword including Gabrielle as well as her trusty staff. Meanwhile Xena escapes the pit to leave Pompeii and Caesar to fend for themselves. Xena approaches the battlefield, relentlessly cutting down all in her path in search of Gabrielle. ( These events also lead to another vision from Sin Trade II).Gabrielle , after ferociously fighting off soldiers with her staff, finally starts to feel the effects of "real" war as she stops to view the horror surrounding her. Gabrielle freezes temporarily while witnessing Flanigis being attacked. Quickly picking up a nearby spear she throws it off center, unable to make her true aim. To Gabrielle's horror she is left to witness Flanigis brutal murder as an arrow suddenly strikes his enemy in the heart. Tamacula's aim was successful, his first kill. Gabrielle rushes to Flanigis side and watches an honorable man die. Gabrielle overtaken by grief screams relentlessly. Meanwhile Pompeii and Caesar growing tired from fighting hear silence as they drop their swords to enter the battlefield. Amazed at the carnage - Pompeii and Caesar see that both armies have been defeated - Xena's plan worked. (of course). Xena approaches Gabrielle still near Flanigis and notices that she is visibly shaken. Xena reaches to console her as Gabrielle clings to her warrior friend. Tamacula, faced by the reality of his actions, sits dazed. The funeral dirge is sung eloquently by Xena as the funeral pyre burns. Xena comforts Flanigis' widow and son stating that " he gave his life so your son could live without fear". Gabrielle informs Xena that she could've saved Flanigis and doesn't know how to cope with that knowledge. Xena's words reflect her love and concern to Gabrielle, having summed it up with " it was a good day of fighting".
By Jennifer
