The Prodigal

S1 E18: Gabrielle joins forces with the warrior, Meleager, to save her home village from the ruthless brigand, Damon. When Gabrielle and Xena are ambushed by a group of armed highwaymen, Gabrielle becomes paralyzed with fear and is almost killed before Xena can intervene. Thoroughly shaken by her failure to act, she decides to leave Xena and return home to try to sort out her feelings. On the way to Poteidaia, she learns that Damon, who demands periodic tribute, is headed for her village with his band of thieves and she races to warn the citizens. Upon her arrival, however, her younger sister, Lila gives her an oddly restrained welcome. Gabrielle soon discovers that the villagers have placed all their hopes for survival on Meleager the Mighty, a famous warrior they summoned for help, who unfortunately arrives in town drunk.