THE SIGNAL
700 Words
INT. AYINLA PALACE — PRINCESS’S CHAMBER — NIGHT
The feast had barely begun when Xena quietly slipped away from the hall.
The gathering was unfamiliar to her—too grand, too crowded.
She entered the Princess’s chamber and found the dress she had worn earlier.
As she picked it up, the small purse the old wizard had given her slipped from the fabric.
It hit the floor.
The contents spilled out.
Xena crouched and gathered them.
The strange chain.
The compass.
She pauses.
Her fingers linger over the compass.
Then she picks it up.
She studies it.
Nothing about it looks unusual.
She places the chain around her neck.
Then slips the compass into her palm.
CUT TO:
EXT. AYINLA PALACE — GARDEN — NIGHT
The palace celebration fades behind her.
Xena looks up at the stars.
Peaceful.
Quiet.
Then she remembers the compass.
She opens it.
Nothing.
The needle points nowhere.
Xena turns it in her hand.
Nothing.
She taps the glass lightly.
Still nothing.
She gives a small, confused smile.
XENA
What are you?
She looks at it again.
The needle suddenly twitches.
Xena freezes.
It stops.
She waits.
Nothing.
She slowly turns toward the north.
The needle moves again.
A tiny vibration.
CLICK.
Xena’s expression changes.
She takes one step north.
The needle follows.
She takes another.
CLICK.
Stronger this time.
The chain around her neck suddenly grows warm.
Xena grabs it.
A faint glow appears beneath her dress.
She looks down.
The glow disappears.
Silence.
Xena exhales.
Then—
CLICK. CLICK. CLICK.
The compass begins trembling violently in her hand.
Xena almost drops it.
The needle spins wildly.
North.
East.
South.
West.
Then..
It stops.
Dead still.
Pointing directly ahead.
Xena slowly looks up.
There is nothing there.
Only darkness between the trees.
The wind stops.
Even the sounds of the feast seem to disappear.
Xena takes a cautious step forward.
The compass gives one final, sharp—
CLICK.
Xena’s eyes widen.
She takes another step.
And another.
Almost unconsciously, she begins moving toward the darkness.
CUT TO:
INT. AYINLA PALACE — GRAND HALL — NIGHT
The celebration continues.
Guests present gifts to the Prince.
Greetings.
Laughter.
Music.
Pleasantries.
The King sits upon his throne, wearing a convincing smile.
The Queen sits beside him, pretending everything is perfectly fine.
The Princess enjoys herself with her friend, Princess Tiara.
Across the hall, the Prince sits impatiently.
His eyes move through the crowd.
Searching.
Gideon notices.
He approaches.
GIDEON
You need something?
PRINCE
Have you seen Xena?
GIDEON
She stepped out.
PRINCE
Do you know where she went?
Gideon shakes his head.
GIDEON
No.
The Prince looks toward the garden doors.
PRINCE
I’ll be standing up from here soon.
A beat.
PRINCE
Don’t follow me.
Gideon gives a knowing nod.
CUT TO:
EXT. AYINLA PALACE — GARDEN — NIGHT
Xena is still walking.
The compass remains open.
The needle points ahead.
She stops.
Something is different.
The glow from the chain returns.
This time, brighter.
Xena touches it.
XENA
What is happening?
Then—
PRINCE (O.S.)
Xena.
The glow disappears instantly.
The compass goes completely still.
Xena’s eyes widen.
She quickly closes it and hides it beneath her dress.
She turns.
The Prince approaches.
PRINCE
Why are you alone out here?
XENA
Nothing.
A beat.
XENA
I was tired of everything going on in there, so I decided to take a stroll.
She gives an awkward smile.
XENA
I didn’t know I’d meet you here.
PRINCE
Neither did I.
Xena glances toward the darkness behind her.
For a moment, she looks torn.
Then she turns back to him.
XENA
Please, can you excuse me?
The Prince looks disappointed.
XENA
I need to be somewhere.
PRINCE
Oh.
A beat.
PRINCE
Okay.
Xena turns and walks away.
The Prince watches her.
Almost to himself.
PRINCE
You look so beautiful tonight.
Xena doesn’t hear him.
She disappears down the path.
The Prince remains still.
Then—
From beneath Xena’s dress…
CLICK.
She stops.
Her hand slowly moves to the compass.
She opens it.
The needle is pointing directly toward the darkness ahead.
And this time…
It isn’t moving.
It’s already found its destination.
Xena looks into the darkness.
CUT TO BLACK.
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