Directed by John Cameron
Written by Steven L Sears
Xena enlists the aid of Autolycus, the cunning "king of thieves," to recover a priceless chest containing a weapon of awesome power from the evil warlord Malthus.
Tropes:
- Better as Friends: Autolycus is surprised that Hercules would just let a knockout like Xena walk away. Though not going into all the details, Xena says it wasn't that simple, but that she and Hercules simply recognize a relationship just wouldn't work. However, Autolycus wonders if they're simply deluding themselves.
- Commonality Connection: Both Xena and Autolycus know what it's like to lose a brother.
- I Owe You My Life: Xena feels obligated to her friends for selflessly taking care of her after a nasty battle and defending her from an enemy.
- Impersonation Gambit: The plan to get into the castle is for Autolycus to pose as Sinteres, a noted assassin, with Xena coming along as his assistant. Things get messy when Prognese (one of the other attendees) has a score to settle with Sinteres and especially when the real Sinteres shows up.
- Improbable Weapon User: Sinteres is known for using unlikely items to kill people, including toothpicks, an apricot, and a rose petal. Reconstructed in that he's an infamous assassin, so he apparently knows how to use these "weapons" effectively.
- Jerk with a Heart of Gold: Autolycus in spades. He's boastful and obnoxious, but also far sweeter than Xena or Gabrielle expected. For example, he takes a hefty reward from Xena's friends in exchange for his services. In the end, when they're not looking, he puts the pouch back in their wagon.
- Parental Abandonment: Autolycus says his father was killed before he was born and that his mother died when he was eight.
- Pressure Point: Like Xena, Sinteres knows all about pressure points and how to use them to effortlessly kill someone if he so chooses.
- The Reveal: The chest is the Ark of the Covenant.
- Tomato Surprise: Xena's friends who want her to recover the chest are the Jews.
