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“Death Mask” Episode 23/123 [TEASER] G: “I don’t get it; I’ve seen speeding arrows come right at you, and you just-- you catch ‘em before they hit you. No-- nobody can do that. I mean, even when you don’t see them coming, you do it. Now, I can’t figure this out.” X: “Stop trying.” G: “Huh?” X: “Stop trying to. It’s not something you can think your way through. It’s your body that has to listen.” G: “What if my body doesn’t hear the arrows?” X: “Then they’ve got you.” G: “I did it!” X: “Yes, you did. Now, get back!” G: “Now, how did I do that?” [Fight] X: “I guess you don’t need my help.” G: “Not this time, but stay close.” X: “Where’d you get this mask? Who sent you? That pinch to the neck cuts off the blood to your brain. If I don’t relieve you, you’ll be dead in 30 seconds. Now, who gave you the mask? His name-- say it.” Assassin [Ass]: “Cortese.” G: “Who’s Cortese?” X: “Where is he? Where?” Ass: “He’s attacking the village-- across that ridge.” X: “Cortese.” G: “Who is he, Xena?” X: “The men who attacked and razed my village to the ground wore the mask of Cortese-- this mask. I have never stopped looking for him.” G: “So, he’s the one who made you so-- you know-- aggressive?” X: “It was fighting him that twisted me into what I became. But now-- I have him.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- [ACT I] Warriors: “Take no prisoners! Kill the men! Kill them all! Goodbye, woman! This village is ours! You won’t get away from me, witch! Hah-hah!” Sera [S]: “Leia! Where are you?!” Leia: “My dollie!” G: “No!” S: “Leia! Leia!” G: “Are you OK?” S: “Thank you! Thank you!” War: “Easy, girlie!” Malik [M]: “Retreat! Everybody out!” War: “Let’s go and retreat!” Soldiers: “We’re too late, again!” “They’re into the border woods!” We’ll never catch them!” G: “What are you doing?! Go after them!” Aescalus [Aes]: “I’d love too, believe me. But those woods mark the border I can’t cross. Nor do I even have enough men to keep our boundaries secure. You fought well.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- War: “Let’s go-- hurry!” Toris [T]: “Whoa.” War: “This way! Over here!” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- Aes: “It’s Cortese, all right. He’s always one step ahead of us.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- T: “Xena.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- T: “Malik! Malik! Malik! Malik! I know that woman. Take me to Cortese. I can tell him everything he needs to know about her.” M: “You? Newcomers don’t meet Cortese, until they’ve earned the privilege. You speak to me. I speak to Cortese.” T: “Her name is Xena. She’s a-- a warrior from Amphipolis.” M: “I’m sure Cortese will be grateful for the information.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- M: “My lord, Cortese.” Cortese [C]: “Malik, my friend-- there’s no need for my right arm to kneel before me.” M: “My lord-- we had no time to gather the loot before the king’s soldiers arrived.” C: “Why not?” M: “A woman-- I’ve never seen anyone like her-- with the fighting skill and strength of--” C: “Xena-- the Warrrior Princess, Xena-- my two assassins must have failed. Get up!” M: “You already know of her?” C: “I created her.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- G: [Reproduces sounds arrow made when she blocked it with her staff] “And I hit it! Did you see that?” X: “Mm-hmm.” G: “Yeah-- of course you did. Even while you were explaining it, my whole body was listening for that arrow. I can still feel that warrior fever just coursing through my blood.” X: “Do you think you could do it again?” G: “Yeah. I think so. I mean-- most of the time. Well, if you shot ten arrows at me, how many do you think I’d miss?” X: “Only one.” G: “Uh, that could be a problem, huh? What’s he doing?” X: “I don’t know.” G: “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” X: “He’s one of Cortese’s raiders-- alone. Still, I don’t like it. Keep back. All right, I’m close enough.” T: “Then stop-- unless, of course-- you wanna kill your brother?” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- [ACT II] G: “I thought you said your brother was killed by Cortese.” X: “No, that was my younger brother. Gabrielle, this is my older brother, Toris.” G: “Huh, you’re full of surprises.” X: “Toris has some surprises of his own. That’s the mask of Cortese.” T: “That’s right. It’s the only way I can get close enough _to_ Cortese-- to kill him.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- G: “It’s just about ready. Of course, it’s missing my sister’s 17 secret herbs and spices. You know? My sister and I used to argue. Yeah, yeah-- we would just go for hours without talking to each other. Come on! This is supposed to be touching. Uh, uh, uh-- I mean-- a brother and sister who haven’t seen each other for years should have more to say to each other than just--” X: “So, you’re an assassin, now, huh? G: “It’s a start.” T: “It’s taken me years to find Cortese. Now that his raiders are starting to trust me, I’m almost close enough to kill him, which is why I want _you_ to stay out of this.” X: “I can help you bring him to justice.” T: “He’ll find justice at the end of my sword.” G: “Wing, thigh, breast? Who wants what?” X: “He likes drumsticks. Gabrielle, go and see if Argo needs to be fed, would you?” G: “Argo? He can-- right-- checking on Argo.” X: “I want Cortese just as much as you do. But murder is not the answer. I learned the hard way about justice since--” T: “Learned the hard way? Are you bragging? What I saw of you when I left our village, Xena, was not something to be proud of.” X: “And what did you see? Someone had to step forward. Cortese would have slaughtered us all if we hadn’t fought.” T: “If our people had followed me to the hills--” X: “Cortese would’ve hunted us down like dogs! I had to make a stand, and I wasn’t the only one who believed that!” T: “That’s right. Our brother believed it. Lyceus stood by you to the end. And it was his end-- remember?” X: “I said ‘fight’ because it was _our_ village. Lyceus believed in that, and I would say it again.” G: “Argo is-- fed?” X: “Gabrielle, that mother whose baby you saved the other day--” G: “Yeah.” X: “Ask her to put you up for a few days. You know, guard the village.” G: “Huh-- oh no. No, no-- that’s your way of saying, ‘It’s too dangerous to be around me right now, Gabrielle.’ Well, have you ever considered that there _isn’t_ a safe time to be around you? Now, that village doesn’t need my help, but you might-- and I’m going with you. Now, if that’s all, I’ll just be practicing with my staff-- end of discussion. Sorry you had to witness that, Toris.” X: “How close are you to Cortese?” T: “I’m new. I have to earn their trust. My leader is his lieutenant-- a butcher named Malik.” X: “Then we’ll start there. I need to look around Malik’s campsite.” T: “No, no, no, no, no, no, no-- too dangerous. You don’t know what these monsters do to women.” X: “No-- I’m counting on it.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- [Warriors sparring and conversing in the background] M: “Well-- look what I’ve captured, boys! Cortese will be very pleased to see my gift to him.” T: “This time, you have to take me to Cortese. I brought him the warrior.” M: “’Have to’?! I don’t have to do anything. This prize is mine. And I will take the time that I need.” T: “I’m the one who has to take her to Cortese.” M: “There seems to be some confusion about who I am, and who you aren’t. There are two types of men who question me-- the dead! and the dying! Which one do you wanna be, boy?” T: “I’m not questioning anything. I just think Cortese should hear how I managed--” M: “He’ll _hear_-- he’ll hear whatever I tell him. Now, go away. The woman and I have to, uh-- talk-- before she meets our master.” T: “Very well-- you’re in control-- [Aside] for now.” M: “You keep walking, boy! And if I ever see your face again, I’ll hang it over the cooking fire!” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- M: “Now, my dear-- let’s not waste time with, uh-- senseless pleas of mercy or, silly games. Right to it, shall we?” X: “Have it your way. Right to it-- I like that.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- T: “It shouldn’t take this long. Where is she?” G: “She’ll be here.” T: “It’s a stupid idea-- she’s outnumbered and alone.” G: “How many warriors in that camp? T: “15, maybe 20.” G: “She’ll be here.” T: “What are you doing?” G: “I’m listening with my body. See, Xena says that you have to listen for the attack before you see it. She’s just-- she’s amazing. I mean-- I’ve learned so much about inner strength just from watching her. When we first met, I was this little girl from Poteidaia.” T: “She’s doing to you what she did to our village.” G: “Excuse me?” T: “She turned our simple villagers into warriors and got them killed. She’s doing the same thing to you. She hasn’t changed. I can’t believe we share blood.” G: “If you hate here so much, then why are you worried about her now?” T: “What do you mean, worried?” G: “Xena! Are you all right?! You took so long? You see, now that’s worry. Hey! Hey-- how’d it go?” X: “It went fine.” T: “By the luck of the gods, you could’ve destroyed everything I’ve worked on.” X: “I still might. Did you know that Malik uses messenger pigeons?” T: “Sure, he uses them to communicate with the other raiding parties.” X: “Then, why do they carry the Royal crest?” T: “Malik must have a spy inside the king’s household.” X: “Well, if he does, he’s reporting everything straight to Cortese.” G: “No wonder they can’t catch him. You know, the king should be told.” T: “He doesn’t just see anybody. And the castle’s pretty well guarded.” X: “I have my ways of getting in. Hey.” G: “Oh, I know. It’s-- easier to get two in than three. I’ll just go-- guard some villagers or something-- even if they’re not in danger.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- Aes: “What’s the problem? How did you get this far? I had guards posted.” X: “Oh, they’re lying around somewhere. I need to talk to the king, and I don’t like formalities.” Aes: “You were in that village earlier. Tell me what you have to say to the king, and I’ll see what I can do.” X: “I’m not that trusting.” Aes: “Neither am I.” T: “The bandit Cortese has a spy inside the castle!” Aes: “Come.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- Aes: “Your weapons. Wait here.” X: “It was dangerous speaking out like that, Toris.” T: “It got us in here.” X: “And what if Aescalus had been the spy?” C: “But, Aescalus, isn’t the spy. The king is the spy. Recognize me, Xena? It’s been a while.” X: “Cortese.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- [ACT III] C: “Oh, come now. You must have something to say-- after all this time and effort-- just to see me.” T: “Yes, Cortese-- You’re dead!” X: “No!” C: “That’s just one of the surprises in this room. Don’t try it again! So-- what do you think of my little operation?” X: “It’s very cunning. You rule over a kingdom threatened by raiders, and your people tolerate huge taxes, because they think it goes to the war effort.” C: “I become incredibly rich off the taxes-- not to mention, the pure fun of being able to put my mask on, go out and slaughter a few dissident farmers, and come back to a warm bath. I’m glad you like it.” X: “I said it was cunning; I didn’t say I liked it.” T: “You murdering harpie!” C: “Careful! You’re talking to the legal regent of this land. Cortese-- now-- he’s a murdering harpie.” X: “So, what’s next? You haven’t killed us, and you’re not talking just to hear the sound of your own voice.” C: “The people are getting tired of my army losing. My army is getting tired of losing.” X: “Your army doesn’t know who you are.” C: “They’re loyal to the king. But, they need a victory. And, they can’t have Cortese, of course. So, I’m gonna give ‘em the next best thing-- his second-- in-command-- the evil Warrior Princess, Xena. Guards!” Guards: “Open the doors!” “Knock it down!” T: “I can’t hold them!” X: “Then let them in.” T: “What?!” X: “Open the door. Let’s go!” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- Sold: “Halt!” T: “I think we can take ‘em out.” X: “No, we can’t kill them. They’re the good guys, remember? That window behind them.” T: “How do we get to it?” X: “Remember this, Toris? Come and get it! Let’s go.” C-as-King [C/K]: “I want them for execution by morning!” Aes: “What time?” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- M: “He wants them for execution by the morning. Avoid the soldiers-- they’ll be looking, too. Move!” Warriors: “All right!” “Come on.” “Come on.” “Let’s go.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- G: “OK-- let’s try it again. OK. Xena! I’m glad you’re all right. Hey, Sera-- this is my friend Xena who I told you about-- and her-- her brother-- Toris. This is my little friend and warlord, Leia.” X: “Sera, I need to speak to your village elders. Can you bring them back here? It’s very important.” S: “I’ll try.” G: “What’s going on, Xena?” X: “The good king and Cortese are one and the same.” G: “Not happy news. What are you gonna do?” T: “We could’ve murdered him-- but we didn’t.” G: “Murder-- you can’t just murder someone.” Toris: “As if you know the difference between murder and justice!” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- X: “Toris.” T: “How do you put up with that girl?” X: “Why? She knows more about wisdom and justice than you’ll ever know.” T: “At first, I thought she was just blindly following your lead-- and that you were gonna do the same thing to her that you did to our village-- use their fear to manipulate them-- but that’s not it! She’s brave because that’s the way she is! I was so sure that I had you figured out-- that I never bothered to figure myself out. All these years, I’ve been trying to convince myself that I knew what was best for our village.” X: “Toris, we all made decisions based on what we thought was right. We did what we had to do, because we cared about our friends.” T: “No, no, no, no-- you don’t get it! You stayed because you cared for us all! I left because-- because I was--” X: “-- because you were afraid.” T: “I was afraid I would die! That was all I could think of! I mean, I cared about you, and Lyceus, and Mother, but-- I was a coward.” X: “Murdering Cortese will not ease that guilt.” T: “You don’t know that. When I found out that you and the others had turned him back-- when I found out that Lyceus had died-- my life meant nothing anymore. There was only one thing left to do-- that was to take Cortese to the grave-- the grave that I should have had-- the grave that Lyceus has now. I have to find Malik-- and force him to take me to Cortese.” X: “You listen to me-- I already lost one brother to that madman, and I’m not gonna lose another.” S: “Xena? The elders are gathered. You better come quick.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- G: “Now, now-- think for a minute. When Cortese and his bandits were about to obliterate this village, who stopped them? Elder: “The two of you did.” G: “Two of us-- yeah, well-- right-- but, mostly Xena--her.” Elder: “And we are truly grateful. But still, she may not stay here.” X: “The king and the raider, Cortese, are one and the same.” Elder: “But, that’s impossible. The king is at war with Cortese.” Woman’s Voice: “This can’t be true.” Elder: “Now we hear that the army is searching for you, as well as the raiders. You’ll get this village destroyed!” G: “We’ll stay, and we’ll help you fight-- whatever it takes, we’re with you.” X: “No, Gabrielle-- he’s right. Cortese will only come here if he knows I’m here. We only stand and fight when we have to.” Elder: “And we appreciate it.” G: “Where’s Toris?” S: “He’s gone. He said he had a debt to pay and that you’ll understand.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- T: [Moaning] X: “Toris.” T: “It’s a trap.” X: “I know. The wood is soaked with oil.” M: “There she is! One arrow, and your brother dies in a ball of fire. Oh, yes-- I know he’s your brother. You’d be surprised what a man will say when he’s been tortured. You’re going to Cortese-- but first, there’s something that I owe you. Wait! This is Cortese’s pleasure-- and when he’s done with you-- I’ll spit on your burning carcass.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- [ACT IV] X: “Well, it wasn’t too difficult getting back into the castle. But it sure is gonna be hard to figure out our escape with you not talking to me.” T: “Why’d you have to follow me? This is my time-- I told you that.” X: “Your time? What’s that supposed to mean?” T: “It means you should’a stayed out of this! Do you know how long I planned the moment when Cortese and I face off?!” X: “Things don’t always work out the way you want.” T: “What did it feel like-- after you had beaten Cortese?” X: “Feel? I didn’t have time to feel anything. Maybe, that was the problem. I knew that he’d come back, so I decided to form an army for defense. And then I figured to take the surrounding villages for a buffer. And then somewhere-- I don’t know where-- I changed. I didn’t have time to feel anything. And I promise you, Toris-- if you murder Cortese, you’ll become what I was.” T: “I’ve seen you kill, Xena. What’s the difference?” X: “Maybe it’s just a difference in my head, but the pure evil of murder is that ist’s premeditated. It’s not in the heat of battle. And it’s not for self-defense. You have been planning this for years. When the guards come back, we’ve gotta move. Is something funny?” T: I’m sorry I got you into this mess, Xena-- but I’m glad you’re with me.” Aes: “The king has ordered your burning tomorrow. I don’t believe in such executions, so if you can find me where I can find Cortese, I’ll try to make your death quick and painless.” X: “Very well-- go to the throne room. You’ll find him seated on the big, comfy chair. Your king is Cortese.” [Fight] Aes: “You’ll never get out of the castle alive!” X: “Oh, no? Oh, we don’t have any intention of leaving. First, you’re going to show me where the messenger pigeons are kept.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- S: “Gabrielle! Gabrielle! Gabrielle!” G: “What is it?” S: “Gabrielle! Your friends! The king has them!’ ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- T: “Why don’t we just find Cortese?!” X: “’Cause I wanna stir the pot a little. Now, where is the king?” Aes: “I’d rather die.” X: “That can be arranged. Now, where is he?” Aes: My king practices at the archery range outside the west wall-- but you’ll never get there.” X: “We’d better split up. Can you handle this?” T: “I’ll take care of him.” X: “Now we both know-- that you are protecting the king. So tell me where he really is.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- M: “On your feet! We’re to attack the castle immediately in full strengh! Go!” Warriors: “Yes, sir.” “Come on.” M: “At last.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- T: “Cortese! Where are you?!” Sold: “Huh?” T: “The captain lied, and Xena knew it!” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- M: “You are dead!” [Fight] G: “Where’s Xena?!” T: “Xena!” G: “Xena!” X: “Go get your men. Go!” T: “You deceived me!” X: “Fight now-- talk later. Cortese, order the raiders to drop their weapons.” C: “Someone, kill her! Take a good look at my chakram, Cortese. It’ll be the last thing you ever see, if you don’t tell them now. C: “Wait! Give your weapons to the soldiers. Surrender!” War: “Surrender?” C: “I’m ordering you!” M: “No!: X: “There’s only one man with the power to make them do that!” Aes: “Cortese.” M: “No! You betrayed us!” T: “You knew he was lying, didn’t you? You wanted him to yourself.” X: “You’re so hungry for that blood you’ll never wash off-- here he is. Everything I hated about me, you’re determined to make of yourself. Go on-- do it. And then tell me how much better you feel about yourself. Lyceus would have been proud.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- T: “I feel, ah-- so free-- after so long. In all the rush, I forgot to tell you something. I missed you.” X: “I guess you had other things on your mind.” T: “The wrong things. Thanks for setting me straight.” X: “Oh. What now?” T: “It’s time I came full circle. I’m going back home-- to see Mother.” X: “That’ll make her very happy. Tell her I said-- just tell her you saw me.” T: “Maybe you could come with me.” X: “No, not yet-- besides, Gabrielle and I are headed the other way.” T: “I understand. After so long, I should bring Mother some kind of gift.” X: “You already are.”Click here to return to the DEATH MASK page.
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