Ep 20. The Price

Xena: Warrior Princess season 2 episode 20 titled "The Price" follows the story of Xena and her constant companion Gabrielle as they come upon the village of Bantus. The village, which lies on the border of Chin and India, is a melting pot of cultures where different groups of people live together and maintain the peace with the help of their wise and respected leader, Mavi.

Xena and Gabrielle arrive in Bantus to trade for some silks that they can sell in Athens. However, as they settle in, they stumble upon a deep-seated conflict between the villagers and a group of bandits who have been terrorizing the locals. The bandits repeatedly demand tribute from the village in exchange for their safety, making life difficult for the villagers.

When Xena meets with Mavi to offer her assistance, she discovers that the tribute the bandits demand has increased. Mavi and her people are unable to pay the new price, and the bandits threaten to attack Bantus if the new tribute is not paid. Xena makes it her mission to help the village and sets out to stop the bandits from raiding the place again.

Meanwhile, Gabrielle becomes friends with a merchant named Fenton whom she thinks is honest. However, things are not as they seem as she soon learns that Fenton has been leading a double life as the leader of the bandits that have been plaguing the village. Gabrielle is forced to use her wits and choose between friendship and doing the right thing as she tries to help Xena save the village.

As Xena and Gabrielle work to bring peace to Bantus, they uncover a plot that goes beyond the bandits' attacks. There are deeper secrets that Mavi and Fenton have been hiding from everyone, and it is up to Xena and Gabrielle to unearth the truth before it's too late.

"The Price" is a thrilling episode that showcases the depth of Xena's character as she goes all out to protect the innocent and fight for justice. Gabrielle's growth and maturity are also highlighted as she chooses to do what is right even when it goes against her personal wishes. The episode is peppered with action and suspense, culminating in a dramatic finale that is both satisfying and emotional.