castle, Talus, too, falls through a trap door into the same pit. Gabrielle successfully evades Toxeus' men as Xena and Talus escape the pit to face a succession of deadly traps. As Celesta's flame burns still lower, Merope finally offers her help, knowing that her husband's selfish attempt to cheat Death is wrong. She and Talus convince Sisyphus to release Celesta but as he begins t o unlock her chains, Gabrielle rushes in, followed by Toxeus and his men, who take her hostage. Xena fends off the thugs and manage s to save Gabrielle's life by smashing the last lock holding Celesta with a direct blow from her chakram. As
