Hercules (Kevin Sorbo) learns that his enemy, the beautiful warrior princess Xena (Lucy Lawless), is building her power and territory by raiding villages throughout the land. Hercules' anger grows as he and his cousin Iloran (Dean O'Gorman) follow the marauders' bloody path of destruction, which is headed towards the town where Iloran's mother lives. Meanwhile, Xena's command is challenged by her cruel and ruthless lieutenant Darphus (Matthew Chamberlain), who goes against her instructions and code. He orders a merciless slaughter of a defenseless community, demanding they kill even women and children. When Xena stops the slaying of an infant, Darphus denounces her act of compassion as weak, and forces her to endure the deadly warrior ritual known as the Gauntlet, a series of trials in which she is first punished by the fists and feet of her former soldiers, then by their staffs and clubs, their knives and short swords, and finally, their spears and long swords. Beaten within an inch of her life, Xena survives by her formidable skills and staggers alone into the wilderness.
Hercules and Iloran are joined by Spiros (Peter Daube), a man who is seeking revenge for the murder of his wife and children by Xena's troops. They also come upon Salmoneus (Robert Trebor), the bumbling traveling salesman, who has latched onto Hercules during several prior adventures. Salmoneus tells of being held prisoner by Xena's army and explains that although the warrior princess is dangerous, she is much less brutal than her heartless lieutenant Darphus. He also reveals that Darphus, now in control of Xena's army, is headed for the city of Parthis, Iloran's hometown. Suddenly, Xena steps out from the brush in full battle garb and challenges Hercules to a duel. Both warriors put on an astounding display of swordsmanship, but it is Hercules who ultimately triumphs. Xena is shocked when he spares her life and invites her to join him to fight Darphus. Pride keeps her from accepting and she storms off into the forest.
Hercules and his two cohorts rush to Parthis, hoping to head off the oncoming massacre. Arriving well ahead of Darphus' warriors, Hercules enlists the help of the villagers in preparing a series of ingenious traps and surprises for the enemy. As the first wave of soldiers appears on the horizon, Hercules sets his elaborate plan in motion. However, Hercules has difficulty protecting the entire village by himself. Just when all hope appears lost, Xena storms in from the woods. The troops panic at the sight of their former leader's charge and with Hercules and Xena fighting side-by-side, Darphus is ultimately killed and his murderous men driven off.
Following the battle, Spiros is overjoyed when he learns that the baby Xena had earlier rescued is his son, whom he had presumed dead. Meanwhile, a strange hooded figure, who identifies himself as the Emissary of Ares, glides over to Darphus' lifeless body and "resurrects" him. He reveals that Ares wants Darphus to kill Hercules and brings forth the horrifying Graegus -- Ares' dog of war -- to help Darphus execute the plan.
Starring: Kevin Sorbo (Hercules)
Guest Starring: Lucy Lawless (Xena), Robert Trebor (Salmoneus), Matthew Chamberlain (Darphus), Dean O'Gorman (Iloran), David Aston (Cretus), Peter Daube (Spiros), Mark Clare (Deros), Vanessa Rare (Young Woman), Anthony Ray Parker (Ipicles), Sela Brown (Shepherdess), Nathaniel Lees (Emissary), Ross Campbell (Soldier #1), Lawrence Wharerau (Soldier #2), Mario Gaoa (Soldier #2), Fleur & Zana Coric (Baby)
Written by Robert Bielak
Directed by Jack Perez