Xena and Gabrielle stop by a stream to treat the bard’s sprained ankle when a young man, Phiddipides, appears. He says that he just ran from Marathon where combined forces of Greeks and Spartans were unable to defend against a foreign invasion. From the description he gives, Xena realizes that it’s the Persian Army. The warrior sends Phiddipides on to meet the Athenian Army, while she and Gabrielle find a way to divert the Persians.
As the two women are discussing the plans, another man appears wearing a Spartan uniform. Dorian tells them that he was injured and ran from the battle. He agrees to help them. Persian scouts appear, and Xena sends Gabrielle away to safety. When the bard realizes that Dorian is just standing and watching, she turns back to convince him to take cover. But before they can get very far, Gabrielle is struck in the back with an arrow.
written by Gene O’Neill and Noreen Tobin
directed by Paul Lynch
music by Joseph LoDucaGuest Cast: Douglas Kamo (Dorian), Nick Kemplen (Phiddipides), and Argo
LogBook entry by Mary Terrell