During a journey through land controlled by the savage Horde, Xena (Lucy Lawless) remembers a terrible battle she unsuccessfully led in the past. Her reverie is interrupted by the sight of a blond Horde girl with three Horde hunters. Suddenly, Milo (Craig Ancell), a fanatic out for Horde blood, appears, killing one hunter and attacking the survivors. Xena steps in, allowing the younger Horde members to escape.
Xena suspects that the blond girl is the daughter of one of the surviving members of her men, Rahl (Bruce Hopkins). Xena and Gabrielle travel to the nearby fortress, where Xena is reunited with the remnants of Xena's army. Over Xena's reservations, Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor) tells Rahl and his wife Adiah (Mandy McMullin) that they will bring their daughter, Vanesa (Beth Allen), back. The searchers must make their way into the Horde's underground stronghold, while eluding the bloodthirsty Milo. By posing as a watergirl, Xena is able to locate and abduct Vanesa. As they hide in the catacombs, Xena realizes that Vanesa is not a slave, but is considered the adopted daughter of the Horde chief, Cirvik (Watchman Rivers). Hesitantly, Xena escapes the lair and takes the girl back to her natural parents. Rahl is shocked to find that his daughter, who calls herself "Pilee," is so remarkably changed. Slowly, Vanesa's memories of her old home begin to return, but she still clings to the nature-loving ways of the Horde -- or "Pomira."
With Rahl's people preparing to attack the approaching forces of the angry Cirvik, Vanesa tries to run away, only to be attacked by Milo. Xena saves her and explains that she can stop the coming bloodshed. By using her knowledge of both languages, she can negotiate a peace between the two cultures.
The next morning, the Horde surrounds the fortress. Against the protests of her men, Xena orders the front gate to be opened. Bravely, Vanesa approaches Cirvik on the battlefield. Suddenly, Milo springs up and attacks the warlord. Xena protects the Horde leader and kills Milo. Vanesa speaks to Cirvik, explaining the circumstances of her abduction. Understanding the bond between Vanesa and her parents, he stops the impending battle. Vanesa leaves with Cirvik, but she tells Rahl that she will return to see him soon. Satisfied that the young girl has brought peace to the area, Xena gains a new understanding of her former enemies.
Guest Starring: Beth Allen (Pelee/Vanesa), Craig Ancell (Milo), Bruce Hopkins (Rahl), Mandy McMullin (Adiah), Watchman Rivers (Cirvik), Andrew Kovacevich (Garth), Rakai Karaitiana (Horde Warrior), Bob Johnson (Lieutenant), Frederick Bedford (Villager)
Starring: Lucy Lawless as Xena, Renee O'Connor as Gabrielle
Written by Linda McGibney
Directed by Patrick Norris