THE GAUNTLET

As conniving as she is, Xena does live by a warrior's code of honor. "We are warriors -not barbarians." Hercules, meanwhile, meets up with his cousin! (Iolas is nowhere to be found in this episode). A village is then attacked by Xena and we are introduced to Salmoneus. Later, another village is destroyed while Xena is away and the women and children are not spared. One infant, however, was found to still be alive and Xena takes it into her care. Xena's army turns on her for this deed and Darfus, the new leader, makes her walk "the gauntlet." Meanwhile, the forces of good begin to pool together...just in time to run into the newly exiled Xena. A fight ensues. Hercules wins. Xena flees again. But, when yet another village is pillaged by Darfus, Xena fights against him on the side of Hercules! She finally kills Darfus. And the child she saved turns out to be the son of Hercules' "scout" -whom they met along the way. Lastly, while our gang is away, Darfus is made undead by an emissary of Ares to take revenge....