3. The Dirty Half Dozen

Ares gives the warlord Agathon weapons and armor made from the extraordinary metal of Hephaestus. Ordinary swords cannot penetrate the armor, and Agathon's forces massacre an Athenian army. Xena recruits four criminals from her past—Walsim, Darnelle, Monlik and Glaphyra—to infiltrate the stronghold and destroy the advantage.

The recruits distrust one another and have little interest in a cause beyond survival or profit. Gabrielle questions how much Xena's earlier influence helped turn them into killers. Their unease becomes dangerous when Monlik demands a better bargain and throws his axe at Gabrielle. Xena saves her, and Monlik dies in the confrontation.

The remaining group proceeds with maps, supplies and a diversion intended to draw Agathon's attention. Inside the castle, Xena appears to be betrayed by Walsim and Darnelle, who accept the warlord's money. She, Gabrielle and Glaphyra are imprisoned.

Darnelle then releases the women. His apparent betrayal was part of Xena's plan, although Walsim has genuinely changed sides. They reach the armory, open the weapon cabinets and throw the contents into the furnace. Blocking the furnace outlet creates pressure that will destroy the arsenal.

Xena confronts Agathon as he throws his boomerang. Her chakram cuts it apart, and the returning pieces strike him. The survivors escape before the furnace explodes, destroying the castle and the weapons.

Darnelle and Glaphyra leave together, free to choose a different future. Xena reassures Gabrielle that she is not simply a product of Xena's influence: her compassion belongs to her, just as the former criminals must now decide who they will become.