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On the charge of evading your taxes,

I find you both guilty!

And I sentence you to ten years hard labor.

If you won't pay what you owe,

then, by Hades, you'll work it off!

As to the charge of

celebrating the Winter Solstice,

I find you guilty of singing carols

and decorating a tree

twelve more months!

Take them away.

Yes, sire.

You heard King Silvus.

Remove the prisoners.

to the poor house

with you-- move it.

But we're too old to

live in a poorhouse.

Then you'll die there.

Senticles.

Yes, your Majesty.

Have you prepared the

eviction lists for today?

Today?But,sire today is, sol

Yes?

Today is so late.

So late looks nearly dark.

Then I suggest you hurry.

Unless you want to add your

name to that parchment!

Court adjourned!

Now, no spying.

And if one of us sees

the other shopping in a stall,

then she turns

and walks the other way-- agreed?

Yeah.

No peeking into other

peoples' bags, too.

I mean, being surprised

is half the fun-- right?

Right.

Ah, nothing can cost

more than five dinars.

Then why don't I just give you five dinars,

and you can buy something

that you really like?

Because, then it wouldn't be a gift.

Hey! What was that about?

He stole my chakram.

I'll meet you out back.

Pardon me.

Coming through!

Now all we need is a Solstice pudding.

And a goose.

Don't forget the goose.

Lynal, can you get us a goose, too?

One goose?

We'll need more than that.

The round thing looks like the king's crest.

In honor of his cold heart.

Nice tree.

It's all right it's all right

May I help you?

Yes-- that's mine.

Lynal.

I just borrowed it for the tree.

I was gonna give it back.

Funny how the ribbons bring out its shine.

It's not an ornament.

Flashy thing like that?

What else could it be?

Yeah, what else?

Hear ye! Hear ye!

Children, children.

Settle down.

By order of King Silvus,

be it known you have until

midnight tonight to pay taxes

in the amount of 1000 dinars

or face eviction.

No wait, look around.

They're violating the prohibition.

I say, arrest them now!

Gabrielle!

I didn't know you did gift-wrapping.

What did he mean,

'violating the prohibition'?

The children were just enjoying Solstice.

Yes, but here,

celebrating the winter solstice is a crime,

and anyone who gets caught

can expect to pay a price.

How could you work for

a man who would put orphans on the

street on Solstice Eve?

I like to eat.

When King Silvus outlawed toy-making,

I had to take whatever job I could.

You were a toymaker?

Nice try

Let's throw him in

the cell with the guards.

No, wait, wait.

Senticles, Senticles.

Of course!

When I was a little girl,

I had a toy made--

It was this wooden lamb

whose mouth would open

when you pulled its tail.

Oh, I love that toy.

I remember that one.

You know, it took me two days to

figure out that mouth joint,

and weeks to carve his fleece.

Oh yes, he was a real challenge.

So, now you work for the man

that put you out of business.

King Silvus sounds like quite a guy.

Well, he's always been a hard man.

But the Queen used to temper him.

And one solstice eve,

about-- thirty years ago,

Queen Inalia suddenly died.

He hasn't been the same since.

I understand his loss,

but that's no excuse for banning Winter Solstice.

That's true.

But as hard as his laws are on others,

I imagine the loneliness in him

has caused the king to be even worse

That reminds me of a story I heard once.

A story? Tell us!

OK, OK, OK-- OK, sit down.

Once in a land far away,

there was this rich,

but miserly man named Cresus.

And his heart was so hard,

that his servants begged the gods to intervene.

They sent the Fates to separate

the strands of his life,

so that he might see himself more clearly.

Unfortunately,

- Cresus didn't mend his ways. - What? Why not?

So the gods turned him into a spirit,

doomed to walk the Earth forever

as invisible to others as

they were to him in life.

I don't like this story.

Actually,

I didn't like the end to that story, anyway.

And I bet we could change it

Maybe.

if we tried?

Look, if we can change

the king's mind without changing his anatomy,

think of the example it'll be to the children.

Gabrielle,

the eviction notice is set at midnight.

If we don't stop it,

these kids are out on the street.

I know, but it will work.

And what if it doesn't?

We clobber him.

Please, just try it my way

just this once In honor of the Solstice?

All right

if it means that much to you.

But we're going to need disguises

and access to the castle.

Hi.

33, 34, 35-- that's it.

You'll have to stretch it as far as you can.

We need everything on

the list to make it work.

Trust me, Xena.

If there's one thing I know,

it's how to bargain.

You just worry about getting to King Silvus

without cracking heads.

Deal's a deal.

Yo!

Right, Senticles?

I'll take you to him all right.

It's just that, well,

how do I know you're not an assassin?

Because if I was,

he'd be dead already.

Works for me.

Good.

You get everything we need,

and I'll meet you back at the orphanage.

You stubborn ass!

You've been nothing but trouble the

entire time we've been together.

Now, move!

Excuse me, sir.

That's quite an animal you've got there.

You want him? He's yours.

Fifty dinars.

Fifty?

That's what the tannery will give me for his hide.

You're taking him to be skinned?

Look... How about I do you a favor?

I'll take him off your hands for say, 25 dinars?

25? That's half of what he's worth at the tannery.

Yeah, well you have to get

him there first, right.?

45.

30-- Not a dinar more.

Let's face it.

I've seen healthier hides on a used couch

Nothing personal.

What do you say?

35, and you got yourself a deal.

You're a lucky man, Silvus.

Now, surprise me,

and be smart, too. Wake up!

Ahh! Who are you?!

How did you get in here?!

What do you want?

My name's Xena.

We need to talk.

Listen

anything you want.

Take it.

Jewels, money,anything

take it, take it.

Just

have mercy on an old man.

The same kind of mercy you showed

that orphanage you're closing?

Orphanage?

You signed the order yourself.

Maybe so.

I issue so many

time's being what they are.

And whose fault is that?

Did you ever stop to think that

maybe if you eased up

on your people a little

let them celebrate Solstice perhaps

the times might ease up, too?

Wait a minute.

You're one of those Solstice lovers aren't you?

One of those rebels who thinks that everything and

everyone should stop once a year

just to raise a glass,

eat a goose, unwrap gifts!

Well, you know what I say to that?

Bet I can guess.

Guards! Guards! Quick!

Coming, Sire!

You petty tyrants so predictable.

But heed my warning, Silvus.

Change your ways

or suffer the consequences.

No! Inalia's gone for good

and so's the Solstice.

Break it down!

This isn't over, Silvus.

The truth is, it's just begun.

Stop her!

Inalia.

I'm sorry

there's nothing I can do.

I'm afraid you have to leave.

Look, I know it's not fair,

especially on Solstice Eve,

but what can I do?

Look, I know, I know,

but Melana said

you can't stay inside.

And the place is hers

until midnight.

Look, I guess,

I guess it's bunking under

the stars for you, my friend.

Now, let's go.

Come on, I'll stay with you,

so you won't get lonely.

Come on. Tobias, come on!

You know,

I'm beginning to understand your former owner.

Come on, you rugrats

time to wash up

Well, I'll be

Just like Argo.

I wonder what Xena will say to this.

Nice work.

You just saved someone years

in prison changing

the sentence like that.

It's nothing.

I change a letter here,

a number there.

Hoping to do a little good.

believe me it's nothing.

So's your part in my plan.

It's nothing.

All you have to do is No!

I won't risk being arrested

I can't. I'd die locked up in a cell

closed in like that.

I couldn't face going to prison.

What do you think would happen

if the king found out about

these changes you made to his orders?

Found out?

But, surely,

you wouldn't you couldn't

Of course, not.

But the point is,

if he did find out,

you'd be thrown in prison anyway.

You're braver than you give

yourself credit for.

So don't deny your courage

or the children.

And from that day on,

we've honored and celebrated

it-- as a time of rebirth

for our wishes and our dreams.

The time of coming together in joy and peace.

It's the shortest day of the year

and the longest night.

But on this special night,

a new light,

a new chance is born to us all.

So, it's a time for miracles

and goodwill towards all living creatures.

That's why the Winter Solstice

means so much and touches us all so deeply.

I have a Solstice wish.

Me too!

Let's hear it.

I wish we could have a big Solstice dinner

with all the trimmings.

Me too. Yeah.

I wish we could each have a

Solstice present of our very own.

I wish everyone in the world

could be as happy as we are right now.

I think those are all fine wishes.

Now, why don't we go

and gather our stockings

and put them by the fireplace?

Come on, let's go.

You'd better hope this plan works.

Otherwise I'll do

whatever it takes to keep

those kids from getting hurt.

She's a very physical person.

I completely agree with you.

If the plan fails, we punch faces.

Until then, we do it

peacefully in the spirit of Solstice.

Who's your friend?

Xena, meet Tobias.

Now, isn't he sweet?

And he's trained just like Argo

you just whistle.

He cost me all of our money

but

I couldn't let him go to a tannery

not on Solstice Eve.

It's all right.

I got everything we need at the castle.

Now, all we have to do is figure out the details

And then hope

I can restrain myself

long enough to pull it off.

Silvus wake up.

Silvus, arise. Open you eyes.

Silvus, wake up!

Oh, what is this, the town square?!

Who are you?

What do you want?!

Mankind calls me Clotho

First of the Fates, whose

province is the past.

Nonsense!

You're nothing but a dream,

probably brought on by indigestion

a fatty piece of beef a bit of gristle.

Get out and let me sleep!

Your commands have no sway over me.

Rather, I command you

to arise, and walk by my side.

How do I know you're really a Fate?

For all I can tell,

you could be a thief,

or another of those Solstice cracks.

Hmm, perhaps this will

convince you that time is

mine to rule as I will.

I am the Fate of the past.

Long past?

Your past, which I will show you

then you will

turn to the present with my sister.

And as for your future

All right, I believe you.

What now?

Come!

Where are we going?

To a place you have forgotten

though it haunts

your every thought.

Silvus-- Silvus.

Dear husband.

Inalia?

Stop! Come no closer.

I am but a shadow from your past.

Sent to beg you

turn from your narrow, greedy ways

before it's too late.

Too late? Great Zeus.

Here, drink this.

Easy, big fella.

Steady-- steady, big boy.

Hey, check this out.

A warning

that our time is nearly up.

No-- not yet.

Don't leave me, Inalia

please

not again.

I'm sorry, Silvus.

You've grieved long enough.

You must forget my death

on that Solstice Eve so long ago.

Death? What do you mean?

You-- you didn't die.

You you-- you walked out on me.

I don't understand.

I was speaking metaphorically.

We-- we shadows from

the past tend to do that.

Yeah.

Meta, metaphor.

Wait-- what's-- what's going on here?

What's happening? Who-- who are--?

- Is he all right? - Fine

but that sleeping herb I put in his wine won't last long.

We'd better get moving.

I thought Senticles

said his wife was dead.

He also said he'd handle Tobias.

We start Phase 2.

You get changed and see what happened.

I'll meet you back at the orphanage.

OK.

Come on, King.

Senticles. Senticles.

Where are you?

Senticles.

Tobias

Good job, boy.

Now where's Senticles?

What?

Are you trying to tell me something?

Do you know where Senticles is?

OK-- let's find him.

Smart donkey.

Silvus, wake up!

Am I to understand that you are--

Lachesis-- second of the Fates.

Here to show your present.

Now, arise and dress.

Put on these?

But I'm the king.

Why would I wear

something common as this?

Tonight, we go among your subjects

as anonymous to

them as they are to you.

The better to show you how your cruel

laws and harsh judgments affect them.

To what point?

In hopes I'll change my life?

In the hopes that you might change theirs.

Unless you'd like me to find a more

forceful way of persuading you.

You won't be needing that.

Hello Senticles.

Are you in there?

Hello! It's me,Gabrielle.

Senticles.

What happened?

You were supposed to

stay with Tobias.

You know, Xena and I were nearly caught.

So was I.

Two guards came by.

If I hadn't run,

I don't know what would have happened.

You ran away?

Well, what else could I do?

You didn't expect me to

stay there and get caught, did you?

No-- no-- but what about us?

What about Tobias?

You forget I've seen your warrior friend in action.

I knew you'd be OK.

As for the donkey

What are they gonna do to a donkey?

Whereas me

they could lock in prison for the rest of my life.

It's like I told your friend,

I can't do that.

I can't.

Shut up in a small space.

I'd die.

Look-- I'm sorry if

I let you down But,

I warned you I'm no hero.

So, why don't you just go,

all right,just leave me alone!

Go!

What is all this?

It's nothing.

I shouldn't have left them out.

Are you crazy?

It's amazing.

Look at all these toy.

Her eyes open and close.

Yes, well that's because

I use this little

Oh, look at this.

This is exactly like the toy

I had growing up remember?

I told you how much it meant to me.

Oh, all these toys.

They'd mean so much to the orphans too

Don't you think?

Every child could have a toy of his very own.

That would be true if they were legal

which they aren't.

Well-- don't worry about that.

By the time we're done with King Silvus

he'll be handing them out himself.

We could use this

We could take the toys to

the orphanage and hide them.

And, I'll have to disguise you,

just in case we do run into guards.

We don't want them to recognize you.

No, I won't risk going to prison.

Look you say you're afraid of small spaces.

Well,

that's exactly how you live your whole life

in a small space afraid

to stand up for yourself or anyone else.

Don't you see?

What you're most afraid will happen,

has happened?

The question is,

what are you going to do about it?

I know-- I know it's-- it's late.

slam the door if you want to.

Wouldn't surprise me a bit.

Slam the door?

On Solstice Eve?

That's a good one.

Come in.

How can I help you?

Well-- We are-- we're-- we're

Strangers.

Strangers-- right.

We're strangers.

We've been,

uh, travelling all day and we-- we--

Need a bit of food and drink?.

Well, we don't have much.

But, you're welcome

to share what we've got.

The charity of your king

and country is legendary.

Our king? Charitable?

You really are strangers here.

What's that supposed to mean?

Just that, King Silvus is the meanest,

most tight-fisted ruler this side of the Aegean.

Is that so?

Absolutely.

You've heard of Midas, right?

Greediest man in the world,

until Hercules helped him.

Well, our king makes him look like Lady Bountiful.

Surely, you exaggerate.

I wish! This is an orphanage.

And, 'cause we can't pay our taxes,

King Silvus is kicking us out of here at midnight.

What kind of king does that to kids on Solstice Eve?

Good question.

Coast is clear.

Let's go.

Come on, Tobias.

Remember the king's command.

Any resistance, we storm in full force.

Look

they're headed straight for the orphanage.

We have to warn Melana.

How? They'll be guarding the doors.

Well, then, we'll find another way inside.

OK? Come on.

Stars tonight,

oh skies in sight

On Solstice night,

on Solstice night.

Chestnuts spark

the hearth is bright.

Solstice night is here.

Snow so white casts winter's light

On Solstice night, this quiet night.

Our song so light sends hope of light

This longest night of the year.

Time of wonder, time for cheer,

The greatest time of all.

Can't help it when

The love we share

Shines bright in everyone.

Take me home.

I've seen and heard enough.

Enough to stop your eviction?

Enough to bring back Winter Solstice?

Enough!

I won't be lectured especially when it's all your fault.

My fault?

If you Fates hadn't separated Inalia and me

I might have been a different man a better king.

But you did

you let her leave.

She walked out on me,

just as I'm walking out on you right now!

Happy Solstice!

Halt! You're under arrest

by order of the king.

Don't be absurd.

I am the king.

Right, and I'm the Queen of the Amazons.

Seize them!

Hold it, boys.

Where's your Holiday-- Spirit?

What are you waiting for?!

Arrest them!

Did you see that?

They attacked me!

Me, their king!

You and your friend better go.

I'm not going anywhere.

Xena!

Thank the gods it's you!

The guards in the

basement have escaped!

Believe me, Lynal,

that is the least of our worries.

Attention, everyone in the building.

Either you come

out voluntarily

or we're coming in to get you.

But, either way,

you're gone!

Are you sure he'll be all right?

His pulse is strong.

Once the shock wears off, he should be fine.

Dear gods, I hope so.

On second thought,

maybe you should stay with him just in

case anything develops.

But, I can't.

I mean, what about the children?

Lynal will look after them.

Right?

Well, sure,

but who's gonna help you?

Go and see to the kids.

The reinforcements have arrived.

I did it!

The gods be praised!

I did it!

That chimney is dark and cold as a grave.

But I just grabbed my

sack of toys and-- Ho-ho-ho!

Down I came! And, you know what?

I liked it!

I did-- it was fun!

By Zeus! I'm gonna do that

every Solstice Eve!

Just see if I don't.

That's great, Senticles,

but we've got a problem, here.

Xena, there are a troup of guards outside.

I know.

I guess my plan didn't work after all

So I guess we have to slash and crash.

But thanks for trying.

Back to business as usual, right?

All right, we gave 'em a chance.

Now, in the name of King Silvus,

attack!

Let the games begin.

Boys! Come and get your Solstice present.

You wanna help me play with it?

Senticles!

Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho!

The gods defend me.

You're the third one-- the Fate

of the future, am I right?

Atropos come to show me my

What is it? What is this place?

Tell me-- Why am I here? It's dark

and-- cold as a-- grave?

Is that it? Is this my-- tomb?

And

that-- that noise like-

- souls-- crying out in pain.

Is this my future?

No, no, don't leave me.

Just tell me Does it have to be?

This place, my death?

Can it change if I change my life?

Please, I-- I don't want to die alone.

I've lived that way for thirty years.

I can change. I know I can.

No! I won't go with you not yet.

You'll see-- I'll show you.

I'll prove to you, I'm not the man I was.

I'm not!

This way!

Great stocking stuffers.

Go ahead

make my day.

Thanks.

Gabrielle, get me a sword.

This guy's driving me nuts!

Come on.

Load your weapons!

Ready! Fire! Yeah!

You call yourself soldiers?

Getting beaten by women

and children?

Right, come on!

We'll make them pay.

You're pathetic!

Now, tighten your ranks!

Look sharp!

Come on.

Charge!

Did you see them run?!

Like rabbits?!

Yes, sir! Ha-ha!

There'll be no evictions here!

Not tonight! Not ever!

Your Majesty,

this is the woman who runs the orphanage.

Her name's--

Inalia.

Yes.

Oh, my dearest wife.

Can you-- ever forgive me for

closing my heart to you--

and to our people?

For wasting thirty precious years

in bitterness and greed?

I know I don't deserve it,

but please,say you'll try.

I heard what you said

and I forgive you with all my heart.

I guess you got that happy ending you wanted.

And then some.

Excuse me, please.

Could you tell us which is the road going west?

You're on it.

There's a town on the way if you're looking

for food and shelter.

We'd be happy to help you get there.

you're very kind but, we're in a hurry.

Come dear the caravan won't wait.

Yes, we're coming.

Wait a minute.

If you're in a hurry,

then, wouldn't it be faster if your wife

and child rode the distance?

Well, of course,

but we don't have the means to

You do now.

For us? But, it's too much.

We can't accept it.

Sure you can,

if you can whistle.

Call it a , call it a

Solstice gift for the baby.

May God smile on you always

for your kindness.

Thank you.

Tobias

Now take good care of these people,OK?

Don't be stubborn.

I'll miss you, too.

That was a nice thing you did back there.

What would I do with a

silly old donkey, anyway?

They needed him more than me

Besides, they seem pretty nice.

After all, it is Solstice.

Oh, that's right.

Happy Solstice.

Well-- what? Oh.

I don't have a gift for you.

Gabrielle, you are a gift to me.

Captioned by Grantman Brown