Xena responds to a cry for help and stops a group of soldiers sent by the evil warlord Talmadeus from kidnapping Salmoneus and burning down his water factory. But before she can pursue the fleeing soldiers, she is hit by a poisoned dart in the back of her neck. She soon learns that Lord Talmadeus is seeking revenge on Salmoneus, known locally as Lord Seltzer, for being swindled in a weapons deal. Meanwhile, Talmadeus receives news of XenaΓÇÖs interference from
