While it is not necessary to have read "To pay the Ferryman" to understand this story, please be warned it is a sequel to it. Thanks to Lessa, Kendaa, and Adrianne for their suggestions and patience. Any remaining errors are mine.
Erythia stood at the window, watching her son as he went to get her some water from the stream. Her eyes showed concern. He was so thin, so withdrawn. As she watched her mind drifted back to his arrival, three days previously.
Iolaus and Hercules had promised to come and see her to celebrate her birthday, but it had come and gone and neither had put in an appearance. Nor had there been a message of explanation. This had not been unusual in the past but, since he had turned up at her front door so unexpectedly all those months ago, he had made a special effort to keep in contact with her. Iolaus was now part of her life again and this absence had worried her. She did not want to lose him again.
Pandion had tried to convince her that her son, being the real hero that he was, was probably delayed helping someone and would have an excellent reason for being late. She could not, however, get out of her mind that Skouros had been killed far from home. Somewhere so distant, she had not even seen his grave.
The knock at the door two nights later had sent her insides into turmoil. There the two of them had stood. One so tall; his long light-brown hair framing his gently, smiling face. His blue eyes showing the strain of whatever had delayed them. The other, her son, such a contrast to his friend. His golden hair was as unruly as always and, in comparison to his friend, he seemed so small. His face had also gently smiled at her but it had also seemed so sad at the same time. And his broken arm … he had obviously been badly hurt recently.
Erythia had been so pleased to see him alive that as soon as be had begun to say, "Hallo, mother", she had pulled him into her arms.
"I’m sorry we didn’t make it on time", he had continued as soon as she had ushered them inside. "I really wanted to be here for your birthday this year, but…"
Pandion, who had been writing by the fire, interrupted. "Come and sit down, Iolaus. You look exhausted. Whatever happened can wait. It’s late and you both have obviously come a long way. Have something to eat while I prepare somewhere for you to sleep."
"Thanks Pandion", Hercules said as he clasped the poet’s forearm in a warrior’s greeting.
Iolaus nodded, sat, and watched Erythia get two bowls down from the shelf and fill them from the cooking cauldron that had been hanging to one side of the fire. The stew smelled wonderful. His mother’s cooking always did.
As she passed the two men their dinner, Erythia saw Hercules, concern showing in his eyes, glance at Iolaus to ensure he actually ate. Her son looked at the bowl for some minutes before he took a couple of mouthfuls, then put the bowl down and turned his gaze into the depths of the fire. Realising that his mother was watching him, he looked up and smiled. "I’m OK, mother." With a quick look at Hercules, he continued, "It’s been a bit rough recently, but I’ll be fine tomorrow. I just need to get some rest and have some more of your great cooking."
"It’s all right, Iolaus. You know you are always more than welcome here."
"I’ve made up two pallets out in the back when you’re ready to sleep." Pandion said as he returned and stood opposite his guests.
Iolaus rose and clasped his step-father’s arm, "Thanks, I’m going to turn in. I’ll see you both in the morning." After giving his mother a hug, he quickly left. He could feel three concerned sets of eyes on his back but didn’t really care – he just needed to be alone.
"Something bad happened, didn’t it?" Pandion asked looking across at the demi-god. He did not know his stepson as well as he would have liked, but he had never seen him refuse anything Erythia cooked.
Hercules could see the concern in both Erythia and Pandion’s eyes. He nodded. "It’s Iolaus’ story to tell but, yes, it was bad and it will take him some time to recover. But he will get through this. I know he will." This last statement seemed more to convince himself than them.
The following morning Iolaus had been awake before everyone else and was sitting on the porch when Erythia had begun to prepare breakfast. She had not known he was there when she had gone outside to collect the eggs from the chickens they kept out the back. He had looked so lost, until he realised she was looking at him. He had then smiled and, after she had explained where she was going, offered to get the eggs.
Erythia knew it was important to him to be allowed to do these little things for her. When he was here, he liked to do everything he could to make her life easier to make up for the trouble and pain he has caused her when he was young. It was also a way to atone for not being around later. She had once told him that she didn’t know him well enough to be proud of him, but that had changed. She was now very proud of him, however she was not sure he knew her well enough to open up, and talk about his pain. She hoped but was not certain.
By the time Iolaus returned to the kitchen, both Pandion and Hercules were there, seated at the table. The son of Zeus had been catching up on what had been happening in town since his last visit. Like the night before, her son only picked at his food and then pushed his plate away from him. Pandion was curious how Iolaus had broken his arm and her son began to tell the tale but soon after his first mention of the young woman, Arael, he had been unable to continue. He had looked across at his best friend saying, "Hercules can finish the story. I need to go for a walk", and then left.
The demi-god had obviously resisted the urge to hurry after Iolaus and had briefly outlined what had happened to his friend. He told how after being given a slave girl for saving the life of Prince Polynices, Iolaus had helped Arael be free. As he described her kidnapping, by Prince Paterkolos, Pandion and Erythia could hear his anger at finding his best friend beaten and left to die because he would not betray Arael and say where she was. They were horrified when he went on to describe Paterkolos’ treatment of the young woman; how she had twice saved their son’s life – the second time at the cost of her own.
After Hercules had finished, all three were silent as they considered the courage and pain of the man who held such an important place in each of their hearts. "And you think Iolaus loved her, don’t you son," Pandion said, breaking the silence
"He has never said so, but yes I think he did. It took him a long time to recover from Ania’s death. The loss of Arael seems to have hit him the same way. But he also needs to come to terms with the fact that she died to save him. For someone like Iolaus, who regularly puts his life on the line for others, that is not going to be easy."
The tall hero had given Erythia insights into the life her son had chosen and who he had become. She had always had faith in him, even when as a boy he had lost his way. After his return, she had personally seen the results of Iolaus’ bravery when Apollo had burned the schoolhouse and he had rescued the children who had been trapped inside. However, she now knew she had failed to recognise the emotional cost that came with doing what her son did – especially for someone as compassionate as he was. Although, Erythia felt she now understood her son a little better, she was still unsure how to help him.
Hercules had offered to do one or two little repair jobs for Erythia around the house. Pandion tried to do these things but he was a poet and when Aoide, or one of her sister muses, called everyday things, like fixing a broken shelf, were forgotten. While he did this, Erythia had gone, as she always did, to collect the day’s water and it was here that she had come across Iolaus sitting on a large rock, throwing pebbles into the stream. He had immediately jumped up, taken the bucket and begun to fill it.
"I’m so sorry about Arael, Iolaus," she had begun. Her son briefly looked up at her and nodded quickly. When she saw his vivid blue eyes fill up with unshed tears, she had been about to give him a hug but he turned away from her to continue filling the bucket. By the time he had completed this task, he had his emotions back under control and offered to carry the heavy bucket back to the house. On the way back, Iolaus only made one reference to what had happened. As they approached the front door, he had turned to her, and said, "You would have liked her, mother. I wish Arael could have met you and Pandion." Before she could reply, he had gone inside.
During the rest of the day, Iolaus had found things to keep himself busy but that also somehow made conversation difficult. If he was not hammering, he was up on the roof or digging in the garden. Again that night, he had hardly touched his meal before he announced that he was tired and was going to bed.
As she watched out the window, Erythia was drawn back to the present, aware that someone had come up beside her. She realised it was the tall demi-god and said, "I’m glad my son has a good friend like you, Hercules. It means a lot to me knowing that you look out for him."
"I’m the lucky one, Erythia. Iolaus is more than my best friend. He is like a brother to me. I know I can always rely on him to be there for me and there is no one I’d rather have defending my back. He is the bravest, most compassionate man I know, but he's also the most stubborn, impulsive, and occasionally the most ridiculous one as well. But I wouldn’t have him any other way. He has been willing to die to protect me many times. He was there for me when Hera killed my family and again when Strife killed Serena. I love him and I know Jason, Iphicles and many, many others feel the same way."
Erythia was amazed at the depth of feeling in Hercules’ voice. If two kings and a demi-god, all legendary heroes in their own right, could feel like that about her son, she began to regret she had not made more of an effort to ask him to come home when he was younger. But that was in the past – he had come home finally of his own accord, and she was grateful for that.
"I’m going to try to talk to him; he hasn’t spoken about Arael since Pylos. I hope you are not in a hurry for the water," the demi-god said as he headed out the door.
"Take as much time as you need", Erythia called through the window after Hercules retreating back.
Iolaus had filled the water-bucket by the time Hercules found him. He looked up at the demi-god and his eyes became wary. His best friend had that "we need to talk" look and it was the last thing the blond warrior wanted now. Trying to bluff his way out of it, he said "Just in time to carry this back for me. My rib’s starting to hurt and Erythia needs the water."
"Come on, Iolaus. Stop trying to con me."
"What do you mean? Mother does need the water, otherwise she will have to come up here to get it herself." The blond hunter was looking innocently puzzled.
"The stage lost a great actor in you, Iolaus." Hercules laughed. "But when are you going to tell me?" he continued gently.
"Tell you what?" the blond hunter murmured so softly that Hercules almost didn’t hear him.
"Iolaus, please. I know how much Arael meant to you," Hercules watched Iolaus focus his eyes on a spot across the other side of the stream, "and how much you miss her, but there is something else eating away at you. When are you going to tell me what it is?"
When Iolaus didn’t answer and didn’t even turn to look at him, Hercules decided to push a little harder. "Does it have something to do with the fact that Arael died to save you?"
Iolaus bent down, picked up the bucket, and started to move past the son of Zeus. Hercules grabbed his best friend’s arm and was unsurprised when he said, "I don’t want to talk about it, Hercules, let go."
"No, Iolaus, I won’t let go. You are going to make yourself sick if you don’t eat properly soon. I care about you too much to let you do that. I’m also too selfish. You are my partner and I want you with me, not off somewhere letting this gnaw away at you … Please Iolaus … don’t shut me out like this."
As he looked at Iolaus, Hercules was not sure if his best friend was going to try to leave again. He did not know what he would do if he did. Iolaus just stood there, unresisting and the son of Zeus began to feel he was losing his partner.
"Let’s sit down and talk" Hercules urged as he pointed to the large rock.
"What do you want me to say? That I should be grateful that I’m alive because of Arael’s sacrifice?" Iolaus snapped. "She would still be alive, if it wasn’t for me. I may as well have killed her back in Tanasis, for all the good I did her."
"You know that’s not true, my friend. You gave Arael her freedom. Paterkolos was responsible for her pain and her death, not you. She may not have said it, but I could see she loved you and I know she wouldn’t want you to blame yourself like this."
Iolaus looked across at his partner. "I know, Hercules. I really do. I just can’t help feeling that if I had done something differently, Arael would still be alive. I feel like I failed her and … I miss her. I didn’t think anyone could become so much a part of me like Ania did but … I didn’t know till she … I …"
"You loved her."
Iolaus nodded, his tears flowing freely, as he put his head in his hands. Hercules moved to put his arm around his brother and sat silently knowing that Iolaus was finally allowing himself to grieve.
Erythia had just finished baking when Hercules walked back through the door. "Where’s Iolaus?" she asked, concerned that her son was not with his friend.
"He’s outside, with Pandion," Hercules smiled. "It will take a little time, but I think he’s going to be fine."
As Erythia looked up into the demi-god’s blue eyes, she could see that her son really was going to be all right reflected there and was deeply grateful. She did not know whether to hug him or cry and ended up doing both.
When Pandion and Iolaus finally came indoors, Erythia smiled. She was pleased to see how well the two of them were getting on. It was a nice change.
Memories of Skouros and his iron discipline flooded in on her. He had been so hard on his young son, expecting him to thrive under what he called ‘a firm hand’. At first, she had been afraid it would crush her young son’s spirit. However, all it really seemed to do, as Iolaus grew older and Skouros was away from home more often, was encourage him to take increasingly outrageous risks.
Erythia sighed. At least, after he had become friends with Hercules the risks had stopped being criminal – though they were perhaps potentially more lethal. The message that had arrived, saying that Iolaus had been accepted into Chiron’s Academy, had been as much a blessing as it had been a surprise.
The word ‘message’ reminded Erythia of something she had to give Iolaus. "This came for you, son, while you were out," she said as she went over to the table to hand her son as small scroll that was sitting there.
Hercules was curious who could have sent it, when he saw his partner lose colour as he read the words in front of him. "Iolaus, what is it? What’s happened?" He became even more worried when his friend simply passed him the scroll and sat down, putting his head in his hands.
Erythia and Pandion glanced at each other, seeing Hercules’ expression become grave as he too read the scroll. The demi-god glanced, with sympathy in his eyes, across at Iolaus as he spoke. "This is from King Aristides. Princess Minosa is to be put on trial for the murder of her husband, Prince Paterkolos. The king has summoned Iolaus to attend as a witness for the prosecution. If found guilty she will be sentenced to death."
Iolaus looked up, his distress evident in his eyes. "I can’t do it Herc. I won’t do it. If anyone is to be tried for the murder of that bastard it should be me!"
"But you didn’t kill him, my friend – Minosa did – and it seems the council of elders have decreed that she stand trial for it."
"It’s a farce Hercules. The Tarnasians enshrine the worst form of slavery in their laws and now they want to kill someone for ridding the world of a monster. I’m not going to help them do that! Whoever said ‘justice is blind’ was right. They can convict Minosa without me."
"I don’t think you will have a choice about going, Iolaus. This says Aristides has provided an escort. I have the feeling you won’t be allowed to say ‘no’."
"Well, if they can’t find me; they can’t escort me can they? I’m sorry, mother", the blond hunter said turning to Erythia "I’m going to have to leave here now. Before they know I’m back."
"It’s too late, son", said Pandion who had glanced out the window at that moment. "There are ten soldiers outside and one of them on his way in here right this second." With that, a loud knock signified the soldier’s arrival.
The golden haired warrior looked around and realised that Pandion’s house did not have another door. He was trapped, unless … "Herc, we could go out the back way", he said smiling.
"No, Iolaus. I’m not going to ruin Erythia’s wall, just so you can leave." Hercules did not take his eyes off his partner as he said this.
A second knock reminded Pandion that he should answer the door, so he didn’t see Iolaus stand. Both Hercules and Erythia, however, were well aware that her son was preparing to fight his way out.
The soldier was one of the two who had escorted Iolaus and Arael to the border and he sadly smiled as he said "I’m sorry, Iolaus. King Aristides has ordered me to escort you to Tanasis. He hopes you will come willingly, as his honoured guest, but I’m not to return without you."
"I’m sorry too, Demaritos, because I have no intention of going. I don’t want to hurt you. So if you’ll get out of the way, Hercules and I were just leaving."
Demaritos’ expression clearly indicated that he did not want to fight the blond warrior, let alone the son of Zeus, but that his duty gave him no option. As he prepared to accept Iolaus’ challenge, he was astonished to hear Hercules say "I’m going to accompany Demaritos, Iolaus, and I think you should too."
Erythia saw her son turn to face his best friend, the pain of betrayal in his eyes, as he shook his head. "You can’t mean that, Hercules. You know how I feel."
"I do mean it. Use your head Iolaus. Even if you get past Demaritos and the other guards here, Aristides is just going to send more after you, until he finds you. You simply will not be able to hide from him forever."
"Why not? Autolycus does!" Iolaus snapped angrily. "I don’t see you stopping him from being the elusive ‘King of Thieves’."
"You forget that Autolycus does get caught occasionally, granted he escapes, but he does get caught." Hercules smiled, "Besides, he’s not my partner and my best friend, you are". The demi-god’s blue eyes were reflecting the anguish in his voice. "I’ll be there with you every step of the way, my friend, but you do have to go to Tanasis; and I think that, deep down, you know that."
Hercules was not sure his friend would understand why he was saying this right now, but he could hope.
All eyes were on the golden haired warrior. Iolaus knew that, even with his broken arm and rib, he could take Demaritos on his own. He was less certain of the other nine outside. What he wasn’t sure of, however, was what Hercules would do if he chose to fight. On top of Arael’s death, this betrayal was almost more than he could bear. How could his best friend, the one who was his brother, do this to him?
Iolaus shut his eyes for a few moments, and then turned to Demaritos. "I’ll join you outside in a few minutes. I have to say goodbye to mother and Pandion."
The relieved soldier nodded and left to wait outside the door. Hercules went quickly to pack their gear, while Iolaus said his farewells. Erythia watched as her son took his pack from Hercules, without looking at him, and headed out the door.
The first few days of the journey to Tanasis were uneventful. Demaritos was beginning to relax, now that it seemed he would have little difficulty in fulfilling the king’s command. Iolaus had made no effort to slip away. However, since leaving his mother’s house he had not spoken a word to anyone and would not look at Hercules.
The son of Zeus knew, from experience, that the hunter was only biding his time until a suitable opportunity arose, and spent most of the journey trying to second guess what his partner would do and when.
On the fifth night, Iolaus made his move. Taking only his sword, he slipped out of the camp about three hours before dawn. Using almost every hunter’s trick he possessed, he got past the sentry and into the woods that were close to the road.
When they discovered Iolaus had gone, Demaritos was all for scouring the area in search of him.
"You’ll never find him, Demaritos, he has too big a head start. If Iolaus doesn’t want to be found, once he’s in the woods, it’s virtually impossible, but I think I know where my stubborn friend is headed. You go to the king and tell him we’ll be there in time for the trial", Hercules said as he picked up his own pack and the one that Iolaus had left behind.
The son of Zeus hoped he had guessed right. He was relying on a lifetime of friendship and experience of the way Iolaus thought and was possibly gambling with the hunter’s life, if his partner was not going where he thought. Thus, here he was waiting silently in the woods, just outside the walls of Aristides’ castle at Tanasis.
So silent was Iolaus, as he moved through the undergrowth, that Hercules was unaware of him until he was almost at the edge of the trees. "Iolaus", the demi-god said quietly.
The golden haired warrior turned, drawing his sword ready to meet the attack he was sure to come. His keen eyes searched the trees for soldiers, or anyone, who may have been there with the son of Zeus. Iolaus was not sure if he were relieved that they were alone or not. Now he would probably have no alternative but to fight his best friend. The one who had been his friend he corrected himself.
Hercules waited for his partner to say something, anything, but Iolaus was silent. "No-one but me knows you are here. I haven’t betrayed you." The disbelief that he saw in the hunter’s blue eyes caused the demi-god almost physical pain. "You should know me better than that", he continued.
"Maybe … I thought I did, but you want me to go in there and be responsible for another death. I can’t do that."
"I’m not here to force you into that. I just want to know what you are planning. The silent treatment I have been getting has not helped me to know how to back you up and I get enough surprises in my life without getting them from my partner as well."
"Surprises! You said I had to testify against Minosa. I never expected that from you!"
"No I didn’t. All I said was that you had to come back to Tanasis and that if you didn’t go with Demaritos, Aristides would send troops to find you. I didn't say anything about what we would do once we got here. By the time I realised you had misunderstood it was too late and then you were avoiding me. I could not talk to you without Demaritos knowing so I just had to hope that I had guessed right about what you would do."
Iolaus was remembering his partner’s exact words and realised that he had been so disturbed by the news of the trial that he hadn’t understood the message hidden in them. What had Hercules said? "You do have to go to Tanasis. Deep down you know that." As usual, the demi-god had been right, that was why he had come here and had not gone to the safety of Thrace or visiting Echidna.
"Yeah, I suppose I did jump to conclusions", Iolaus said looking at the ground. "You know me, sometimes I act first and think later. I’m sorry Herc. I must have been pretty easy to read since you’re here."
"It’s Ok. You don’t need to apologise, Iolaus. If I’d been through what you’ve been through recently, I don’t imagine I’d be thinking at all. And no, buddy, given how upset you were you weren’t easy to figure. I will admit I wasn’t sure that this was the way you’d try to help Minosa and I have no idea what you are planning once you get inside."
Iolaus smiled sheepishly. "Actually nor do I, really. I wanted to get inside and find out exactly what is going on, then I was going to improvise."
Hercules laughed. "It’s what you do best, my friend. But why not go in as a guest and then see what you, or we, can do?"
"I don’t know, Herc. I somehow don’t feel right about going in like that to Aristides. After all I did want to kill his son."
"Is that what you had decided to do, when you didn’t come back down the corridor with Arael and me? Were you going to go in and kill him?" Hercules asked disbelievingly.
"Not exactly," Iolaus said, gazing into the distance. "I was going in to confront him about what he had done to Arael and to me. I have no doubt that he would have wanted to fight and I suppose that is what I wanted him to do, but I wasn’t going to kill him while he slept – if that’s what you’re asking. Although I admit that seeing Arael tied up and bruised, I was seriously tempted to do it. I did try to think twice, as I promised, but I couldn't walk away."
"Iolaus, you have nothing to feel guilty about. Rescuing Arael was going to result in a confrontation between you and Paterkolos. You just decided to make it sooner than later. From what you have said the decision to fight would have been his – as it was in the end. He didn’t have to fight you."
"Didn’t he? I went up to him to stop him hurting anyone, especially Arael, ever again."
"Paterkolos swung first, Iolaus. I was watching. As much as you seem to want to blame yourself for everything that happened that night, you are no more responsible for Arael’s, or Paterkolos’, death, than I am. I really believe that and wish you could too."
"I’ll try, Hercules," Iolaus sighed, "but I have never hated anyone as much as I hated Paterkolos that night. He was a monster."
"You’re right and if we are to help Minosa, we have to get Aristides and the Elders to understand that", Hercules said.
"Somehow, I think we will find it is against Tanasian law to kill monsters; they probably protect hydra’s too", Iolaus said bitterly. "However, I will go and talk to Aristides. I won’t testify if I can help it, but I will talk to him."
Hercules smiled at the resignation in his partner’s voice and came up beside his friend. "We’re in this together, Iolaus. Like always – back to back."
Demaritos had alerted the guards at the gate to be on the lookout for the two heroes and their arrival caused a flurry of messengers to be sent in search of him. His relief was evident in his face as he arrived to greet and escort them to their guest quarters – the same ones Iolaus had been given on his first visit.
Hercules wasn’t sure his friend would handle the memories that were attached to these rooms, but the only sign that they affected the hunter was a brief sadness that would enter his eyes, every so often.
They had been told that the king would visit them to welcome them unofficially, as soon as he could get away from official business. Polynices had also sent a message saying that he was looking forward to seeing his rescuer again, as soon as possible. Iolaus was clearly on edge about the meeting and was unable to sit still. As he went to look out the window, for what seemed like the hundredth time, Hercules finally said in exasperation, "Sit down, Iolaus! You’re worse than a caged animal, at the moment. Use some of those eastern relaxation techniques you’ve told me about."
Surprised, Iolaus looked across at his partner and laughed. "I suppose I am. I just don’t know how Aristides is going to react. Even if you think I was not responsible for Paterkolos’ death, he might not see it that way. He probably thinks if I hadn’t gone after Arael his son would still be alive."
"Iolaus, stop it! You did what you had to do and it was the right thing – no matter what anyone in Tanasis says. You need to focus on that if we are going to help Minosa."
As the hunter nodded resignedly, a knock at the door heralded the arrival of Aristides. The king had come alone to greet his guests. The pair knew the formal welcome would occur in the audience chamber and was to be followed almost immediately by Minosa’s trial.
It seemed to Iolaus that Aristides had visibly aged since his last visit, just under a month ago. Hercules broke the awkward silence that had filled the room. "Your Majesty, let me introduce myself. I’m a friend of Iolaus. My name is Hercules."
Iolaus simply bowed slightly saying, "Your Majesty".
"Hercules, I’m sorry I cannot welcome you to my kingdom under happier circumstances. Iolaus, I’m sorry my son was responsible for your injuries. I really didn’t think he would confront you outside my kingdom."
"Paterkolos didn’t just confront Iolaus, Aristides, he had him badly beaten then left him to die", Hercules retorted as the image of the unconscious hunter came to his mind.
"Your Majesty, I’m not sure how much you know about what happened", Iolaus quietly intervened.
"One of the soldiers that accompanied Minosa told me that my son attacked you, stole your slave, and, when you tried to get her back, tried to kill you. I’m sorry, I thought you’d be safe once you were away from here. I don’t know why he did what he did, over a slave. The least I can do for you is replace the slave who died. Choose any one of mine that takes your fancy."
This time it was difficult for Iolaus to hold his temper. "I don’t want another slave! I came here to ask you to put an end to slavery – totally. Arael was not a slave when Paterkolos attacked me. She gave up her freedom to save my life and later took a soldier’s knife in her back that was meant for me. I can’t say I’m sorry your son’s dead, Your Majesty, I’m not."
Aristides looked at the blond warrior. "I can understand how you feel, Iolaus, and I don’t blame you. I’m coming to realise my son changed a long time ago – I just wasn’t aware of it. As his father, I mourn him but, as king, I think the kingdom is going to be in better hands under Polynices. Nevertheless, I don't understand why you want me to change our laws, even if I could. Slaves are slaves."
Hercules and Iolaus looked at each other before Iolaus continued, "A slave is a person who thinks and feels like you do, Your Majesty. Tanasian law may keep them silent and may define them as animals but that doesn’t change the reality. Have you ever talked to one of your slaves? I mean to find out who they are, what they feel?"
"No, why would I?" the king asked genuinely puzzled.
Iolaus was throwing his hands in the air in exasperation when an idea came to him. "You once said you didn’t know why Arael vowed to pay the Ferryman for me. I think the fact that I treated her as a human being, not a slave, had something to do with it. Look, as much as I wish you could, I know you can’t wipe out slavery in your kingdom, overnight. However, you can begin to treat slaves like people. You’re the king, even if you don’t make the laws, people listen to you and you can get them to change."
"I don’t know, Iolaus. I’ll think about what you have said. It could be interesting to see if your theory is correct."
"I think that if Paterkolos had not seen people as objects to serve his every whim he might not have treated Minosa, Iolaus and Arael so badly", Hercules added.
"Not everyone in Tanasis is as foolish as Paterkolos was", Aristides said sadly.
"Perhaps not, Your Majesty, but how would you know? Slaves here are forbidden to speak, and because of this other victims can be hidden away like Minosa was."
The king looked at Iolaus, startled. The idea that perhaps others were behaving like his son was not a pleasant thought.
"Speaking of Minosa", the son of Zeus queried, using the opportunity to ascertain some information. "Where is she, Aristides? Can we see her?"
"She’s with her parents tonight, but I don’t think it wise for you to see her. Iolaus has to testify about what happened, tomorrow."
"I’m not going to do that, Your Majesty. I won’t help anyone kill her for what she did."
"You have to say what happened, Iolaus. The Elders will put you into prison if you refuse to speak. Justice needs to be done", the king said as he looked at both warriors.
"Justice or retribution, Your Majesty?" the blond hunter asked. "Paterkolos had promised to kill your grand-daughter. What justice would he have been given?"
"Kill Ismene? I don’t know, Iolaus. I wish I did, but if you don’t speak tomorrow Minosa will automatically been found guilty. Two of the soldiers saw her kill him, at least you can tell the Elders why she did it."
"Hasn’t Minosa told anyone what happened?"
"No, Hercules. Minosa has not spoken a word since she arrived back here with the baby and Paterkolos’ body. That’s why Iolaus’ information is so important. However, I suppose you could also tell us. You were there too, weren’t you?"
"I was there", Hercules said non-committally as he looked across at Iolaus, who had walked over to the window and was looking out at the evening sky. He knew these developments put his partner in an invidious position.
"Iolaus will need time to think about this, Your Majesty."
"Of course. I’ll have some dinner sent here and will see you both tomorrow."
After Aristides had gone, Hercules turned again to look at his partner. Without moving, Iolaus said "I don’t really have much choice do I? It’s funny, when we left the Academy I thought you and I were going to solve all the world’s problems. It was going to be so simple. All we had to do was kill a few monsters, capture the warlords and be heroes. Life’s not like that though, is it? Slavery is going to go on here in Tanasis and Minosa, probably, will be found guilty of murder. Occasionally, I wonder why we bother."
"As long as it’s only occasionally, my friend," Hercules said moving to the window. "You do make a difference. Just think about the people we’ve helped – you’ve helped."
"Is this where the lecture starts?"
"No, Iolaus", the son of Zeus laughed. "I was only going to ask what you are going to do."
"Right at the moment I don’t know, Hercules. I don’t want to be part of this, but I don’t see any way out."
The son of Zeus was relieved to see that Iolaus actually ate more than a couple of mouthfuls, before pushing his plate away. The hunter had not regained his voracious appetite, but he was at least making an effort to sustain himself.
Neither the demi-god, nor the hunter slept well that night; however when Iolaus woke, he was surprised to see that Hercules had already risen and was not in their quarters. Not sure where his partner had gone, he used the time to try to clear his mind. Thus, when Hercules slipped quietly into the room, he was sitting on the floor with his eyes closed. "So where’d you get to?" the hunter asked, opening one eye.
"I was restless, so I went for a walk. I didn’t want to wake you. You still need to rest as much as you can."
The golden haired warrior, uncharacteristically, nodded his agreement to this.
"What’s up, Iolaus? It’s not like you to accept you need rest. Are you feeling OK?"
"I’m fine Herc. I’m just worried about today."
"Then you’ll be very pleased to know I have come up with a contingency plan."
"A plan?"
The tall demi-god nodded. "While I was out I had an idea what to do if everything goes badly for Minosa."
"Well, are you going to tell me or do I wait to be surprised?" Iolaus asked smiling.
After Hercules explained what he had done, all the hunter could say was "You’re kidding. I just hope you know what you’re doing."
"Not really but I couldn’t see any other way. Can you?"
"No, I can’t", Iolaus said getting up off the floor. "I guess we had better have something to eat before we go – it could be a long day."
As the two heroes walked to the king’s audience hall, Hercules realised that Iolaus had actually suggested food. He hoped this meant his friend was finally recovering from the guilt he felt over Arael’s death.
The formal welcome was much the same ceremony they had experienced in royal courts across Greece and each time it made both men self conscious. The heroes were firmly convinced that the purpose of the flowery speeches of kings and officials were simply to hear their own voices.
During the ceremony, they had seen Minosa standing to one side with a woman Iolaus knew to be Lady Darran – wife of the king’s treasurer, Haemon.
Finally, Iolaus heard the words that had been dreading, "Now let us proceed to the trial of Minosa", which triggered a slight reshuffling of the arrangement of the room. Twenty-nine elderly men took their seats, now placed just in front of the king’s dais. The king himself descended from his throne and sat amongst them.
The eldest member of the thirty then stood. "Princess Minosa, you are called here to answer the charge of murdering your husband, Crown Prince Paterkolos. Step forward to answer this accusation."
The young woman stepped silently forward from where she had been standing. Lady Darran, who was obviously her mother, accompanied her but then stood a little to one side. To Iolaus and Hercules, it seemed that Darran was waiting to catch Minosa if she collapsed.
"Minosa, we have two witnesses who saw you shoot an arrow at your husband. This pierced his side and killed him. As you have chosen to say nothing about why you did this, before we pass judgement, we have summoned Iolaus, who was there, to explain to everyone here what happened. May the goddesses of Justice and Retribution, decide your fate."
Hercules could feel that Iolaus had tensed, ready to answer the expected summons to speak. He knew that, if give the opportunity, his partner was going to put all his talent into showing these people was Paterkolos was really like. From what had just been said the demi-god was convinced he would be able to do just that. The golden haired hunter could be a persuasive and eloquent speaker when he chose, and perhaps this might make a difference to the judgement given by the elders.
"Before we summon Iolaus, do you have anything to say, Minosa?"
The young woman looked up and raised her head to stand proudly. "Yes, father, I do. There is no need to ask Iolaus, because I do not deny I killed my husband. I did it and I am here to accept the traditional punishment of Dike and Ara."
These words stunned not only the two heroes. The audience chamber had suddenly gone totally silent. Iolaus was not sure whether he was more disturbed by the fact that it was Haemon who would sentence Minosa, or her apparent wish to die. Before he could stop himself, he stepped forward and almost shouted, "Wait you can’t mean that, Minosa. At least tell them why you did it! Please".
Despite the fact that the golden-haired warrior had interrupted, Haemon did not rebuke him. He was looking at his daughter and was obviously also hoping that she would speak. Minosa turned to look at Iolaus and then at each of the elders in turn. "It doesn’t really matter why I did what I did. I now know that I would do it again if placed in the same situation. I murdered the father of my child and not in self-defence. This means I have transgressed the laws of the gods and for that I must pay, or the Furies will pursue my daughter. I will not have an innocent child suffer the fate of Clytemnestra’s. The guilt is mine and I shall not let Ismene grow up only to pay for my crime." Looking at her father Minosa continued, "I know that I shall have to die, with or without your order, to save my child the guilt of having to kill her mother to avenge her father’s death."
Unable to keep quiet any longer, Iolaus said "Minosa, a poet once said ‘Where is the equal of love? Where is the battle he cannot win, the power he cannot outmatch?’ There has to be another way than you going to your death to stop the Furies."
"It is up to the goddesses’ judgement. If they chose I should sleep like Dryas’ son or the daughter of Tutales, closed up on a rock vault tomb to waste and die, I accept that. The Fates have decreed my destiny and I cannot change this, nor can you, Iolaus."
Hercules quietly approached his partner, whispered in his ear, and then left the chamber for a short time. Iolaus realised that Haemon was speaking and sent a brief prayer, to any gods that might be listening, that the demi-god’s plan worked. Minosa’s speech meant that they had little choice but to implement it. His attention returned to the elder’s words as he heard him say, "Minosa, you have given the elders no option but to order you to be taken to a desert place and there be walled up alive inside a cave. You will be given enough food to acquit us of your blood-guilt that would fall on us for your death. There you may pray to Hades and the goddesses to ask for a release from death. If it is the judgement of the gods to deny your request, you will learn what hope there is for those who offend the laws of Olympus."
Iolaus was relieved when his partner returned quickly and nodded to signify he had set his plan in motion. Now all they could do was wait and watch.
As Minosa was led from the audience hall, Aristides approached the two heroes. "I’m sorry for that young woman, but she is right. She did break the laws of the gods."
"Rubbish", Hercules said forcefully, his disgust evident in his voice. "Clytemnestra murdered Agamemnon because she was jealous and she wanted power. That was her crime. Minosa believed she was stopping her husband murdering others. Most of the gods don’t care what mortals do to each other, and those that do would not condemn her for that. You must always remember to be careful when invoking the gods on Olympus. They will often trick you into the very thing they have decreed to be wrong, but there is a higher law that even my divine family has to acknowledge. That is the one should have been seen used here. As Iolaus said, love is very powerful, so is mercy and both of these are sadly lacking in your kingdom. I really think it’s about time you did something about it."
"You’re right, Hercules" the king said. "I’ve been thinking about what Iolaus said last night too. I am going to try to get the elders to change our laws. It’s not going to be easy but I will try. If I can arrange it, will you both speak to the council? Will you help me try to convince them?"
Both Hercules and Iolaus smiled and nodded. "Of course we will. I must admit it’s more than I hoped for a few days ago, Your Majesty."
Aristides beamed. "As I once said to you, Iolaus, you are a remarkable man. You seem to be able to do things most people would consider impossible."
Iolaus just shook his head. "I’m not anything special. Hercules, here, is the one who does amazing things. I just tag along for the ride and do what I can.
Both Aristides and Hercules laughed. "As usual, Aristides, my friend underestimates himself. He never just ‘tags along’ as he puts it."
"No, I can’t imagine him doing that, Hercules. However back to more serious matters. What do you two suggest I do about Minosa?"
Iolaus looked at his best friend and shrugged. "Well, Your Majesty, I think it might be a good idea if we go to where Minosa is to be imprisoned, before we decide what to do", Hercules replied. Neither of the heroes was sure that the contingency plan was going to work. At least they had some time to think of something else, if it hadn’t – unless Minosa did something rash.
"If you and Iolaus say so, Hercules’, the king said looking at Iolaus to see if he agreed. As the hunter had been itching to do just that since the trial ended he said briskly, "Yup, it’s a great idea. Let’s go", and immediately headed out the door.
Hercules was amused and pleased. This was the first real sign he had, since finding his best friend tied up and left to die, that Iolaus was finally becoming his old self again. "We better follow, your Majesty. We don’t want Iolaus to have all the fun do we?"
When they finally caught up to the golden haired hunter, he was standing to one side of the group of elders who had accompanied Minosa to the place where she was to be entombed. Iolaus was beaming, obviously very pleased. In fact, he was trying not to laugh. "She pulled it off, Herc. She did it! She really did it".
Hercules also smiled as he saw what had delighted his partner. Aristides followed his gaze and was astounded to see three figures standing at the mouth of the chosen cave, while Minosa was kneeling in front of them. Everyone else was silent. Looking back at the two obviously delighted heroes, he asked, "And who are they?"
"Hades, Dike and Ara, Your Majesty – the deities of the Underworld, Justice and Retribution. Your laws commanded Minosa to pray to them for release, and that’s what she is doing", Iolaus said trying not to giggle. He had not thought Hercules’ idea would work, and his relief that it did was causing him to see the funny side of this epiphany. The faces of the elders were a sight he would remember for the rest of his life.
Ara finally spoke the judgement of her fellow gods. "Minosa, it is our will that you are to be released from this punishment. However, you will have to pay a price. When Ismene is of age, you are to bring her to my temple, where she will be trained to be my priestess. This has always been her destiny and you must ensure she fulfils it."
Minosa bowed her acquiescence. "It shall be as you wish."
Hades and Dike nodded and disappeared, but before she joined them Ara looked across at Hercules and Iolaus then winked. Then she too vanished.
"Ara", Hercules sighed.
"What Herc? What’s wrong?"
"She wasn’t supposed to put a price on this. I had a feeling we couldn’t trust her completely."
"I don’t know. When Ismene is old enough she will be able to choose her own path, won’t she?"
"I hope so, Iolaus. I hope so."
The two heroes watched as Minosa was hugged by her parents, the king, and each of the elders in turn. The return to the castle was quickly accomplished and life in the palace appeared to return to normal.
Over the next few days, both Iolaus and Hercules were often to be found in either the company of Polynices or his father, usually helping them alter the way they related to their slaves. By the time the pair left to return to Erythia and Pandion, the royal slaves of Tanasis had all regained, or had been given, their names. Most pleasing was the fact that the king and his son had already broached the subject of changing laws with the elders.
"I wish you both could stay longer," Aristides said as he walked with them to the city gate.
"We will return, Your Majesty, but my mother and step-father will be worrying about me. We left in a hurry, so I need to see them again before someone else needs our help."
As the walked away from Tanasis, Iolaus looked across at his best friend. "Thanks, Hercules. I won’t ever forget Arael or what happened, but at least, now, I think I can cope with it. Thanks for not giving up on me."
"Iolaus, you have always been there for me. There was no way I was going to walk away from you. Besides who would I get that sings and babbles at me like you do", Hercules said, gently punching his partner on the shoulder.
As his the golden haired hunter giggled, the son of Zeus realised how good it felt to know that his friend had truly survived everything that the Fates had thrown at him. It was even more amazing to him that Iolaus was still ready to stand beside him as his partner, his brother, and his friend.
Epilogue
The two heroes camped at the Pylos clearing on their way back from Tanasis, where they had witnessed the changes to the laws of slavery that Aristides had finally achieved. Hercules knew his partner had slipped away to visit Arael’s grave. Knowing Iolaus need this time alone, he was surprised to see him return almost immediately. "Come look, Herc", the lithe hunter said his blue eyes glistening.
"It can only have been Ara", whispered Hercules as he stood beside his friend in the dusk.
Iolaus could only nod as he gazed in wonder at the covering of red flowers that covered the area in which Arael had been buried. They were wild Anemones descended from those Aphrodite had created in her grief over the death of Adonis and it seemed they were a gift to the hunter in memory of Arael.
Knowing he would probably never know why, Iolaus murmured "Thank you" into the fading light.
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