The queen leaned down to kiss her husband on the cheek. "I heard the excitement, and wondered what it was. How is it that she was caught? I have heard that she is like the wind, that nothing can touch her."

"It was her own men who did the deed for us, a deceitful group to be sure."

After a short wait, several soldiers entered the room, each one with a length of rope tied to a different part of a dirty, beaten and blood-stained woman. A rope around each wrist, each ankle and her neck. With each jerk of the ropes Xena staggered, struggling to stay on her feet.

As they approached the king, she was struck from behind and knocked to the floor. She slowly regained her feet and stood to her full height. She was taller than most, and even though injured and bleeding, she stood as though she was the sovereign, and not King Belos.

Her eyes were full of murderous rage, and her lips carried a contemptuous sneer. Her expression was full of hatred and loathing as she stared into the eyes of the king. Then slowly her gaze shifted to the woman at his side. As their eyes locked, the Queen was both fascinated and repulsed by the disgust that assaulted her.

The guard struck again, this time to the back of her knees, and again Xena was driven to the floor.

"You WILL bow down to King Belos and Queen Gabrielle!" he roared, and struck her a third time.

Finding his voice, King Belos ordered that she was to be shackled by the arms and legs in the most secure cell of the dungeon. Her fate would be decided when he had time to reflect on her punishment.

"My Husband, I must confess, that woman frightens me."

"As well she should," he said laughing. "She frightens everyone, even me, although I wouldn’t want anyone to know it."

"But — at the same time she fascinates me."

"My Dear, THAT is the seduction of Evil. You would do well to stay away from her, she has only malice in her black heart."

"What will you do with her?"