Author's note: This is a continuation of "The Rescue," my answer to the Rescue The Damsel In Distress in 500 Words or Less Challenge. This is for everybody who wanted more than just the allotted 500 words. Rated PG for physical abuse and implied sexual situations.
The darkness was impenetrable, it surrounded and suffocated him. It was almost a tangible thing, reaching out to choke all hope from him. Trying to escape the helplessness and oppression by curling into a ball only the made the feelings worse. But then, he reflected hopelessly, that was the reason for making dungeons such dark and gloomy places. And it was here, in the deepest part of the Sovereign's castle, where no light ever penetrated from the outside, that Iolaus lay trembling on the narrow cot beneath him.
It was a punishment worse than death and this, the Sovereign knew well. The man formerly known as "Hercules," the man Iolaus had once called "friend" was well aware of the jester's fear of the dark and of being alone. Solitary confinement was often the way that the blond would be punished. This was, however, the first time he had ever been tossed into the cell reserved for the worst of the Sovereign's enemies.
This was his punishment for helping the slave girl, Callisto, escape.
Iolaus remembered fully the events that led up to his solitary confinement...
It had been a day much like the endless ones before. Iolaus, dressed in his usual jester outfit, was entertaining his "master," the Sovereign, with a new line of jokes. Today, however, the stunts he performed along with his snappy patter were more precious and spot-on. The cues couldn't have been nailed any better and best of all, the dark-clad ruler actually seemed to be enjoying the exhibition, if the occasional bursts of laughter that came from him were any indication.
It was just before Iolaus had the chance to begin a new round of comedy feats when the Royal Herald announced a gift-bearing visitor from an outer providence. Waving his jester silent and still, the Sovereign granted the man an audience. Iolaus faded into the background and watched as a largish man stepped confidently up to the throne. Iolaus could tell he was a rich landowner by the expensive silk that adorned his rotund body, the gold jewelry that flashed from his fingers, wrists and neck, the cultured way he bowed before the Sovereign.
"Ah, Salmoneous," the Sovereign smiled coolly. By the calculating look in his ruler's dark eyes, Iolaus could tell he knew what the landowner wanted even before any words were exchanged.
"My Lord Sovereign," Salmoneous purred, "I'm honored you know who I am."
"How could I not know the name of one of the richest men in my realm? To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
"I bring a gift, my Lord Sovereign."
Iolaus groaned silently. Little did this overly confidant Salmoneous know, but the Sovereign was used to rich, fatcat landowners trying to buy his favor. The dark-clad leader played along, allowing them to think they had the upper hand, then *wham!* he let them fall hard while he enjoyed the game. At least, the blond reflected, it kept the quick-tempered Sovereign from playing mind games with the rest of his staff.
The ruler's eyebrows rose in false surprise. "A gift? For me?"
"Yes, my Lord." Salmoneous snapped his fingers. A tall blonde woman stepped immediately from the shadows. Her hair was long, flowing beyond her shoulders; she was dressed in a black leather outfit that barely concealed her body. The metal bands on her wrists and leather collar around her slim neck clearly marked her as a slave. She kept her eyes downcast, only occasionally glancing up shyly.
Iolaus felt his heart go out to her. Attired as she was, it was clear what most of her "duties" entailed. It disgusted him to know that the landowner hoped to gain the Sovereign's esteem by offering this helpless being as a sex slave.
"Mmm." Eyes shining, the Sovereign got up from his throne and approached his visitors. He lifted the blonde's head, forcing her to meet his gaze. He ran his fingers through her long tresses before giving the rest of her a cursory examination, much like one would perform a quick once-over of a riding mare.
"I approve," he finally allowed, tearing his gaze from slave to landowner.
"I thought you might," Salmoneous answered with a flash of teeth. He reached into his large traveling pouch to produce a length of chain. He clipped one end to the slavegirl's collar before offering the other end to the Sovereign with a flourish.
Iolaus gulped. The landowner was getting too pretentious for his own good. It was just a short matter of time before the Sovereign delivered his comeuppance. Iolaus wanted to leave the hall, for the Sovereign's retributions were not always the most pleasant of things to witness, but knew he would not be permitted. The Sovereign enjoyed making examples for the rest of his subjects to learn from.
"Guard." The Sovereign stepped back, gesturing. One of the hall guards quickly approached and took the end of the leash from Salmoneous.
The implied insult was not missed on the stout landowner. For the first time since entering the hall, he looked nervous. "My Lord Sovereign, is there a problem?"
"Problem? No, there's not a problem." The demigod turned to face his guest. "I just want to know the reason behind such a gift." He cocked his head as he gave the appearance of thinking, then brightened as he came up with his "answer." "This wouldn't happen to have anything to do with the new land taxes, would it? I would hate to think you figured I could be bribed so easily."
"Bribed? No, my Lord-"
The Sovereign continued as if Salmoneous hadn't spoken. "That maybe as I lay in bed with this wonderful gift" he spread his hands to imply the blonde slave and all her bodily endowments, "I may just decide to forgo taxing the one who presented such a treasure to me."
"The thought never-"
The ruler's voice become hard and cold. "Think again. You'll be taxed like every other rich, fat slob, Salmoneous, and you'll enjoy handing over your money," he glared down at the other man, pleased to see fear in the dark eyes, "and I shall enjoy this beautiful gift you've given me."
A slight hesitation, then, hastily, "As I wished, Lord Sovereign!" It was a feeble attempt on Salmoneous' part to recover his dignity and there wasn't a person in the room who didn't comprehend it.
The Sovereign smiled without kindness. "I'm sure," he replied sarcastically, then ordered, "Leave my sight before I decide to tax you so poor you'll be forced on the road, trying to come up with get-rich-quick schemes or useless little inventions to survive!"
Iolaus flinched at the last sarcastic comment, knowing it was intended for him. He stepped forward a little as Salmoneous bowed quickly. "As you wish, my Lord." The landowner quickly beat a hasty retreat. Iolaus' attention returned to his ruler when the tall man let out a long, bored sigh.
"They never learn," he remarked, "but I suppose that's a good thing." He casually draped his left arm over Iolaus' shoulders. "If they caught on, what fun would I have bringing them down, right?" He lightly punched his jester's left shoulder with his free hand.
Iolaus grimaced at the pain even that soft thump caused, but said nothing.
"I said, 'Right?'"
"Oh, uh, right," the smaller man nodded brusquely, the bells on his cap jiggling.
"Yeah, that's right." The Sovereign pulled away, then gave Iolaus a couple of more or less friendly pats on the back. "Yeah, good little man." He walked a few steps before turning to regard the blonde slave. He smiled maliciously as a thought occurred to him. He glanced at Iolaus, who gazed uncertainly at him. It was when the Sovereign was in a good mood that it was most difficult to judge what he would do next.
"Take her," the Sovereign gestured casually with his right hand.
Involuntarily, Iolaus cringed at the movement. "Wh-what?" he stammered.
"You have pleased me today," the dark-clad dictator reiterated. He sauntered over to his throne and dropped backwards into it. "She's yours for the night, but," he warned, holding up a finger, "only for tonight. So I suggest you enjoy yourself."
Unable to believe what he'd just heard, the jester glanced from his ruler to the slave and back again. Was it a joke? The Sovereign was known to have a very wide mean streak and it wouldn't be the first time he'd promised Iolaus something only to snatch the pledged item away from the blond as a source of entertainment. The Sovereign was also known to be a very impatient man, so if he stood around too long contemplating he would probably turn the slave over to the guards, who even now stood looking on in envy.
Iolaus walked over to the girl, who stared wide-eyed at him. The fear was plain to see; Iolaus felt compassion for her. He knew exactly how she felt, but he was unsure how to reassure her that he meant her no harm. Slowly, he reached out to take the chain from the guard, who sneered at him. Iolaus could practically read the thoughts going through the man's mind-how was it a worthless jester got such a reward and he didn't?
"Come with me," he said gently. He started to walk towards the door; he was very aware that she trailed behind him, as a proper slave should. As they reached the arched doorway that led to the main corridor, he paused, turned to gaze behind him.
The Sovereign had his right leg slung over the arm of his throne. A sneer marred the leader's handsome bearded face. "She looks to be a good lay," he remarked mockingly, his eyes twinkling with sadistic pleasure. "Have fun."
Iolaus gulped. "I-I will. Thank you."
Iolaus started. *What was that noise?* He flattened himself further down into the coarse material of the cot, his eyes casting glances about the dark cell. His eyes, long since accustomed to the pitch-blackness, were able to make out slight silhouettes and he thought he detected some movement by the cell's bars. The shadow was quite low to the ground, so it couldn't be human.
"Who-who's there?" Iolaus whispered, his own voice thunderous in the solitude of the dungeon.
A slight shuffling, then an unmistakable *squeak.*
Iolaus quickly drew his legs up to his chest and threw his arms about them. "A rat! Oh, it's a rat!" he cried, huddling in on himself even further. After a long moment, he ventured to raise his head slightly and glance at the tiny shadow. "Go away!" he urged unheroically, his voice cracking. The rat, attracted by the jester's voice, raised up on its haunches. Iolaus pictured the little nose twitching at him, whiskers quivering, beady eyes staring. He shivered at his own mental image. "Shoo!"
As the rat scurried away into the deeper shadows, Iolaus allowed himself to relax slightly, though it took longer for the fear to leave him. Fear. Yes, he understood fear all too well. It was why he understood how Callisto had been feeling. When he got her back to his room, he tried not to further scare the terrified slave...
"I won't hurt you," Iolaus assured her as he unbuckled the leather band around her neck. He slipped the collar off, the length of chain already curled on the floor. "I won't make you do anything you don't want to do." He moved to the other side of his room and lowered himself to the hard floor. He gazed at the collar in his hands, then tossed it aside.
She stared at Iolaus, uncertainty in her eyes. "You don't want to-- then why did you make me come with you?"
"To keep the Sovereign from turning you over to the guards. They would certainly have taken advantage of the opportunity."
"Thank you." The blonde slave uncurled a little from her position on the lone cot. "You're different than other men. All they want is to possess me. Unless this is some sort of game you like to play--" She shrunk back, as if expecting a slap across the face for speaking so daringly.
"No," Iolaus reassured quickly. "I'm not going to hurt you or use you." He gave her a small smile, but it swiftly disappeared. "But I'm afraid this will probably be the only reprieve you're given. The Sovereign said I could have your company for only one night."
"Are you a slave, too?" Her voice, bolder now, cut across his thoughts.
Iolaus gazed at her, startled, for a moment before looking away in embarrassment. "Well, no, not really. I'm just his court jester."
She looked down at the owner's bands encircling her slender wrists, then back at the blond. "What's your name?"
"Iolaus. You?"
"Callisto."
Iolaus smiled slightly as he recalled how they had talked--just talked--the night away. He didn't know when he finally ended up on the cot beside her, simply holding her as she related the trials of her life to him, of her renewed fear when he confirmed the awful rumors about the man who now owned her. She didn't want to die, but neither could she continue with her pitiful and uncertain existence. As night became the dawn, Iolaus became determined not to allow Callisto to became just another of the Sovereign's playthings, something to amuse the ruler for a short while until his attention was taken by other thing, activity or person.
He remembered how, the next night, his hand had shook as he'd drugged the Sovereign's wine flask with a heavy dose of sleeping potion. Since the ruler never allowed his slaves to drink alcohol, except on special occasions, there was little chance of Callisto also imbibing the tainted wine.
He remembered his heart pounding as he waited for the Sovereign to pass out. It seemed to take forever. His heart continued racing even as he led the frightened slave out of the Sovereign's bedchamber and down the hallway. He'd kept expecting a guard to find them, feared finding the ancient passageway that led out of the castle through the dungeon blocked. After leading her to her freedom, he had briefly contemplated joining her in her flight from the castle, but past failures rested heavily on his memories and he didn't, couldn't risk jeopardizing Callisto's chance to be free. He knew what to expect from the Sovereign, how to gage his reactions; however, if Callisto were recaptured, he didn't know what would happen to the pretty slave.
Returning to his former friend's room, he saw the Sovereign still asleep from the drugged wine. He quickly positioned him on the bed, pulled off his black leather boots then tucked him under the covers. He never thought twice about just leaving the evil despot lying where he had fallen. Perhaps, deep down, he still felt the vestiges of friendship for this man who took pleasure from other people's suffering, including his--the jester's--own...
In his dank cell, Iolaus laughed bitterly. The kind act had netted him nothing. When the Sovereign had awoken with a headache that beat all the hangovers he'd had over the years and found his leather-clad prize had vanished, he was livid, to say the least. He raged at her disappearance; ordered guards to search the palace and the grounds. Shortly afterwards, he had calmed down enough to try and make sense of what happened.
Iolaus had emptied the flask, cleaned it thoroughly and replaced the tainted wine with fresh. Unfortunately, he'd forgotten about the wine goblet, which had rolled under the bed when the Sovereign had passed out. The Sovereign had discovered traces of the drug on the goblet's rim. And then all Tartarus broke loose.
Iolaus was not even given a chance to defend himself. The Sovereign was judge, jury and executioner. When Iolaus entered the ruler's bedchamber in answer to his summons, he was instantly picked up by the neck, the Sovereign's right hand clamped in a chokehold...
"Where is she? What have you done with her?"
"W-who?" Iolaus wheezed, both hands automatically reaching up to claw at the fierce grip around his windpipe. One glance into the Sovereign's angry-glinted brown eyes and he knew he'd been caught at the lie. He swallowed as best he could. One of the things the Sovereign didn't tolerate from him was lying.
"Who? *Who?* The blonde whore I let you have fun with the night before!" He casually tossed Iolaus across the room; the blond hit the stone wall, slid to the floor and lay dazed for a moment. The Sovereign's eyes sparked gleefully when his little jester quickly got to his feet. He had to admit, it was one thing he admired about Iolaus: his ability to take whatever he, the Sovereign, dished out and be able to take even more punishment. Today, however, Iolaus would *really* wish he'd played possum. "The slave that was to share my bed last night; the one *you* helped escape!"
Before Iolaus could even think to dodge, the bigger man grabbed him again, this time by his tunic collar. For a split second he was suspended like a kitten in its mother's mouth before another heave flung him against the far wall. As he lifted himself painfully to his knees, Iolaus reached up and touched his smarting nose, only to discover blood on his fingers when he pulled them away.
Once more, the Sovereign approached, only this time the jester jumped to his feet faster than the other anticipated. He raced for the door only to be grabbed by his right wrist before he could open the latch. Terrified, he desperately tried to pull away, but the Sovereign tightened his grip, then jerked down.
Iolaus heard more than felt a bone snap. Seconds later, he gasped as the pain revealed itself with agonizing force. As tears of pain welled in his eyes, he felt the Sovereign shift his tight hold to his tunic front. He was lifted up until his feet were several feet off the ground; he found himself staring into the angry hazel eyes of his monarch.
"You useless little runt!" the Sovereign sneered. "What made you think you could get away with it?" He shook his helpless victim. "Give me one good reason not to end your miserable life!" He held up an arm, hand poised to cuff Iolaus across the face. With the Sovereign's demigod strength, it was a blow that could well kill the smaller man.
Iolaus gave his former friend one last, fearful look before he closed to his eyes to the forthcoming strike. When the impending blow didn't come, he cautiously opened his eyes. The malicious look in the Sovereign's eyes made him wish he'd kept his own eyes shut. He swallowed fearfully, terror filling his heart at what the bigger man had planned. *Please, just make it quick!* he prayed to any god that might be listening.
"No," the Sovereign reasoned, lowering his free arm as he forcefully set Iolaus back on the floor. Iolaus' knees buckled slightly, but he caught himself before he could fall on his butt. "That would be too easy." He draped his arm around the smaller man in an almost comradely fashion. "I don't want to kill you; not yet, anyway. I've grown used to having you around. No, I've got a better idea. Guards!" The final shouted word made Iolaus flinch involuntarily.
The Sovereign walked to the opposite side of his room. His hold tightened on Iolaus' shoulder, forcing the other to move with him. Iolaus held his injured wrist cradled in the crook of his left arm.
"I'll give you one more chance, but if you ever help another slave or prisoner escape, you'll take that person's place, be it the execution block or elsewhere." He glanced at his large bed, making his meaning more than obvious to Iolaus. He paused to glimpse casually at the smaller man beside him. "Do I make myself clear?"
"My Lord?"
The Sovereign turned at the guard's voice. Another stood beside the one who had spoken. "My little jester has misbehaved," he answered, "and he needs to be punished."
He shoved Iolaus towards the guards. Iolaus stumbled and fell on the Nemian lion skin rug that covered the floor at the end of the bed. The guards stepped forward to grab the blond by the arms and dragged him roughly to his feet. Iolaus, too drained to stand on his own, allowed the guards to hold him upright.
"The punishment, sire?"
"Put him in The Pit."
"Very good, sire."
The Sovereign stepped up to the injured man and, holding the blond's head up by the hair, he met the blue-eyed, pain-filled gaze. "Remember, next time you take the person's place. I'll not have my best friend given to fits of heroism." He let out a sharp laugh. "See where it gets you?"
The Pit. The deepest, darkest part of the Sovereign's dungeon. After his small torch had burned itself out, Iolaus lost track of time. The guards came at irregular intervals to deliver a scant meal and a few sips of water. He quickly learned to eat fast or risk losing what he tried to save to rats. His wounds he had to care for himself. That was nothing new; however, he hoped his broken wrist would heal properly, as he'd been unable to see well in the torchlight to align the damaged bone.
After a very long time, he was finally able to convince himself the things he "saw" lurking in the shadows were mostly his over-active imagination. He eventually passed the time testing out new jokes in his head. He knew full well that if the Sovereign remembered to have him released, he would expect nothing less than what had been happening before, so he'd better have a new line of tricks ready.
Finally, somebody came to release him. The torchlight flared blindingly into his eyes, but gentle hands helped him out of the cell and through the dirt-covered maze that was the lower dungeon. "Steady, Iolaus," came a very friendly voice.
"Joxer?"
"Yes, I was reassigned back here at the castle just yesterday," the other answered. "I heard what happened. Are you all right?"
Iolaus nodded. He'd forgotten how much he'd missed the only guard that had ever treated him with any kindness. Joxer was well known as one of the best and most fierce fighters in the Sovereign's army, so it came as a surprise to the jester when he didn't abuse him as the other guards did. Of course, Joxer could only be thus when out of sight of the Sovereign or any of the other guards. His life would be in danger otherwise and this Iolaus understood.
"I was stupid-"
"No, my friend," Joxer stopped walking. He laid a gentle hand on Iolaus' left arm, pulling him around so he could stare into the a zure eyes. "It wasn't stupid, it was *brave.* I told you that you could be brave!"
"I'm not brave," the jester admitted. "I'm a coward; I always will be."
"You just need to believe in yourself," Joxer insisted. "Listen, I've seen what's going on outside, beyond the city walls. People on't stand for the Sovereign's cruel dictatorship much longer. Even now, there's a group out there-"
"I know, I've heard," Iolaus lowered his voice. "I told Callisto to find the rebels, that they could help her."
"They did, my friend," the dark-haired guard assured. "She's safely hidden away in Ares' temple. She's very grateful to you, Iolaus."
"You-you're one of...*them?"*
Joxer nodded, the torchlight casting strange shadows on the walls. "I'm afraid the Sovereign may be catching on to me, though. I'll not be able to stay much longer without forfeiting my life."
The blond nodded silently, his heart aching at the knowledge that the only person to show him any kindness would not only be leaving again, but was being forced to run, to hide out. "I understand."
"Don't worry, my friend, it'll turn out in the end." Joxer started walking again.
Head hung, Iolaus followed quietly. He fiddled with the loose edge of the cloth wrapped about his wrist. If only he was brave. If only he could stop being a coward and do something besides being the Sovereign's little jester. If only he had the courage of spirit Joxer and the other rebels possessed to do more than cower in fear and pain at the Sovereign's feet.
"Not for me, it won't," he muttered bitterly, feeling he could never be a hero. "I'm too much of a coward!"
"Your time to be brave will come, Iolaus. Your body may be broken," he gestured to the other's tightly bound wrist, "but your spirit is still intact, even if it is a bit mangled right now. When the time comes, I know you can do what needs to be done."
Incredulous, Iolaus asked, "How do you know?"
Joxer again paused, his foot poised on the bottom step that led to the castle proper and daylight, but also a resumption of Iolaus' days as the Sovereign's "bootlicker." "Because you already did what had to be done when you saved Callisto." He smiled. "That's how I know!"
8/12/00
Some images, characters and other things used in these works are the property of others, including but not limited to Renaissance Pictures and Universal Studios. Everything else remains the property of the artist or author. No money will be made on anything appearing on this webpage and no copyright infringement is intended. This site was created by fans for the enjoyment of other fans.
For information on reprinting text and/or artwork (including privately owned photos, photo manipulations, and other images) from this website, please contact IolausianLibrarians , who will assist you in contacting the original creator of the piece. Do NOT reprint, republish, or in any way link to items on these pages without obtaining permission from either the original creator of the piece or the webpage owner. A written one-time use statement may be issued to you at the discretion of the artist or the author. Please respect the legal and artistic rights of our contributors.