A hooded swordsman is about to kill Teracles when Xena confronts the skillful attacker who mysteriously disappears, leaving her surrounded by bloody bodies. Other villagers arrive. and assume she is responsible, but she escapes with Gabrielle's help. The angry villagers trap Xena but she surrenders when they take Gabrielle. In prison, Xena learns that the swordsman is actually Ares who offers her freedom and a chance to rule the world at his side if she will only ask for his help. She refuses and prepares for her punishment, but Gabrielle dramatically intervenes. Benitar agrees to a trial with Gabrielle as Xena's lawyer; despite her eloquence, she cannot save her friend. Xena says she will accept Ares' offer if she is found guilty, then makes him promise to restore anyone she wants to serve in her army. When Benitar announces a guilty verdict, Xena asks Ares to produce the three villagers who died in the attack. To the crowd's astonishment, they appear and clear her name. Outmaneuvered, Ares bids Xena farewell until next time...
