Happy Birthday, Iolaus

by Marcia

The rustic cabin, nestled in a secluded area, was ringed by lush green forests on three sides and across an azure lake, mountains and a waterfall on the fourth side. A path led from the cabin,s front door to the water's edge and windows provided splendid views of the lake, mountains, and forests. This was the perfect spot for rest and relaxation with excellent fishing in the lake, plenty of game in the forests and mountains for hunting, and luxurious grass for lying on and resting.

Hercules, if you look out that window once more....., the demigod said to himself, realizing he'd looked out for what seemed to be the fiftieth time in the last hour. This isn't like Iolaus. He said he'd meet me here this morning to do some fishing before we head for Corinth. It's almost noon and still no sign of him. Nothing would make Iolaus miss a chance to fish unless.........Don't even go there. There must be a logical explanation for his lateness. The Son of Zeus forced himself to go to a different place in his mind, a much happier place to be thinking about on a beautiful sunny day--Iolaus, surprise birthday party. Everything was ready at the palace in Corinth and soon the guests would be arriving. Alcmene would have everything organized and set in motion. All he had to do was see that the guest of honor arrived on time.

Where are you, Iolaus? Has it been just twenty-four hours ago since we parted? If you don't get here soon, we'll never get to Corinth on time. Forget about fishing this trip.,

Hercules, mind flashed back to the previous afternoon as images of his best friend surfaced.

***

"Iolaus, if you don,' stop that blasted singing, I'm going to throttle you," Hercules bellowed to the enthusiastic warrior practically dancing down the path toward the cabin.

"What's the matter, Herc? Aren't you a connoisseur of good music?" Iolaus, impish grin and taunting, sparkling sapphire eyes brought the expected smile to his partner's face.

"I love good music, but I can,' say that's what I,ve been listening to for the last ten miles. Cut me a break, won't you? Ninety-nine Bottles of Beer on the Wall just isn't my idea of good music."

Pretending to look downcast, the hunter pouted and shook his head as if denying Hercules' claim. "Okay, since you can't appreciate my style of singing, how about a few jokes or a riddle? There once was a girl from Nantucket..., "

"Okay," the demigod interrupted, "You win. Keep on singing."

Iolaus knew Hercules so well and had pulled the right strings, so he grinned and giggled and continued his vocal recital, the songs getting raunchier with each new selection.

The half-god shook his head and laughed, admitting to himself that it was good to see Iolaus so relaxed and happy. The contagious giggle, the suggestive grin, and the devilish eyes all signaled a happy hunter so that made a happy Hercules too.

Literally skipping and bouncing, Iolaus continued down the path until they reached the crossroads where the road to Jason's cabin turned up toward the mountains, and the road to Thebes led straight ahead. The two heroes were headed to the cabin in the mountains for some brief R&R, mainly fishing, before heading on to Corinth for a meeting late the next afternoon. The hunter stopped short. "Herc, I have seen my Mom and Pandion so seldom since they married. We're this close. I'd really like to go and surprise her. I can meet you early tomorrow morning and we can still get in some fishing before we have to leave for Corinth. How about it? Think you can handles things by yourself for a few hours?" he taunted.

Hercules snickered, "I'm not sure I can survive without you. But I think it's a great idea for you to go. Moms love surprise visits and it will do you both good. Maybe you and Pandion can spend some quality time getting to know one another better.. Go and enjoy. I'll see you tomorrow morning."

Hercules turned toward the high road after Iolaus was out of sight. Phew! Thank the gods. I've come so close to giving the secret away. If I can keep this party a surprise, it will be a miracle.,

The golden hunter too was thinking about the next day as he hurried toward his hometown. He loved to fish and doing so with his best friend was perfect. But, the intuitive warrior had a hunch about Iphicles, request for a meeting on that particular day. I wasn't born yesterday, Herc. Seems funny to me that we are summoned on my birthday. You've been very nonchalant and tight-lipped about this visit and I bet I know why. That's okay, I love surprises!

The sun had begun to set as Iolaus arrived in Thebes, so he went directly to the home Erythia and Pandion shared. An overjoyed mother greeted her son with a hug that took his breath away. "Long time, no see," was the lukewarm greeting his stepfather offered, still harboring the deep resentment over his wife's pain from Iolaus, previous actions. An angered wife flashed her husband a look that ended the sarcasm right then for the time being.

"Dinner will be ready in just ten minutes. You look like you could use some of my cooking. Go wash up before you come to the table." Iolaus hugged his mother, kissed her, and headed to wash, ignoring Pandion as he passed him.

Tension filled the air during the entire meal. Iolaus and his mother talked and Pandion gave an occasional grunt when asked a question. I feel like I'm walking on eggshells when I try to talk to him, like there's an explosion building up inside of him that has to come out soon., Pushing back from the table as he rubbed his stomach, the over-stuffed hunter thanked his mother. "I'd forgotten just how good your cooking is, Mom."

Pandion grumbled, "You'd remember if you took the time to come around more often."

Great, this is real quality time!, The dismayed warrior was about to respond when the door burst open and a dozen of his old friends, both male and female, piled into the house eager to see their buddy and hear of his escapades with Hercules. Erythia basked in the affection shown her son as he told story after story, but a miffed Pandion excused himself, smarting because Iolaus was again ignoring his mother and doting on his friends. He left in a huff, his mind swirling with thoughts. I know you love he,r too. Can't you see how she yearns for your attention?, The storytelling went on for hours and there was still no sign of Pandion. "I know you all want to hear more, and there are certainly more to tell, but I have to meet Hercules early tomorrow morning. Sorry to break up such a great time. "

"We understand, Iolaus. It's been fun seeing you again and hearing your stories." The girls kissed Iolaus and the boys shook their friend's hand, making him promise not to stay away so long.

Erythia and Iolaus thanked them all for coming and saw them out. The blond hunter then turned to his mother, hugged her and thanked her for letting the gang stay so late. "I'm sorry Pandion felt he had to leave. He would have enjoyed himself. I'd hoped to make things closer between us on this visit." Iolaus, voice trembled slightly as he saw the hurt in his mother's eyes.

"Don't be upset, son. It's okay. He just needs time to get to know you. It will happen, you just can't force things. He's only trying to protect me. Now, get to bed and get a good night's rest. I love you, Iolaus." She kissed him and took his arm, leading her obedient child to his room. "Goodnight, my son." With these words, she turned and went into her own room.

Iolaus lay thinking of everything that had happened, smiling as he thought of his mother's reaction to the visit and his friends, pleasure at hearing his stories. Then the happiness vanished as he heard Pandion return. Through the walls, he overheard the brief argument between husband and wife. Sorry I'm the cause of your argument, but I promise you, Mom, I,'l do my best to improve this relationship.,

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The daily activities of the village began long before sunrise as merchants prepared their stalls for opening, bakers brought their breads and pastries to town, and farmers and sheepherders brought their vegetables and meats into town. One additional activity was added this particular day. Gathered at the school, eight children awaited their teacher. This group, just a part of the entire class, had volunteered to meet early and visit the cave in the old mine before school so they could conduct a science experiment. There were three girls and five boys impatiently awaiting Mr. Markos, arrival.

"Marissa Sue, come down off that swing," the teacher commanded a small blonde girl as he entered the yard. "Thadeus, since you are the oldest, you'll have to help me keep the rest of these kids in line. Okay?" Thadeus nodded, pleased with the designation given him. The children lined up and marched two by two to the outskirts of town to the old mine. "We've been given permission to be here and I want you to act properly and just perform your experiments. No clowning around. Stay with Thadeus or me and no roaming off."

Mr. Markos unlocked the gate and the excited children entered for their adventure.

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Sunlight trickled in through the bedroom window, gently warming the golden hunte',s face. "Wow, did I ever sleep soundly. Sure do hate to leave this comfortable bed. It really beats sleeping on the ground every night." He washed, dressed, gathered his belongings, and went to slip out the front door. A scrumptious aroma came from the kitchen as he passed, but he kept going. Just as he neared the front door, Erythia called out, "No you don,'. Not without a good breakfast."

"Boy, some things never change. I remember hearing those words every day before I left for school." Iolaus sat across the table from his stepfather as his mother served her two men the best breakfast Iolaus had eaten in years. Pandion's silence created a tenseness, but Erythia and Iolaus filled the void with small talk. "Sorry, Mom, but I have to get going if I have any chance at all of being at the cabin in time to do some fishing."

"I understand, son and I do remember what day this is. Happy Birthday, Iolaus." Then Erythia pulled her son into her arms, hugged him, and gave him a birthday kiss.

"Sure, eat and run, just like always." Pandion grumbled. "Next time, try to spend more time with us. We have so much to talk about and an overnight visit just doesn't give us time to spend together.

"But..... " Iolaus' apology was cut short by a loud explosion followed by a screeching whistle that blasted the early morning stillness.

"By the gods, that's coming from the mine! Something really bad must have happened. I've got to get down there," Pandion cried out.

"I'm coming with you," Iolaus stated emphatically. The two men rushed to the mine encountering several distraught women gathered at the blocked entrance, wringing their hands and crying.

"Our kids are in there; they went in for some science experiment and had just gotten inside when an explosion caved in the entrance." The terrified women began to sob even louder.

Pandion assured the women, "We'll get them out. Calm down so they don't hear the panic in your voices."

Iolaus tore around toward the back of the mine, Pandion right on his heels. "I know another way in," Iolaus shouted to his stepfather. "Herc and I used to play here when we were kids. We'd sneak in after the entrance was locked. There's a small opening in the rocks right around here someplace," Iolaus insisted, desperately searching for the spot, hoping nothing had changed. "It's a very small opening, but I'd get in, go to the front, pick the lock and let Herc in."

"Here it is!" the nimble warrior shouted. "After I'm in, hand me the lantern, Pandion." Iolaus squeezed his small but muscular body through the opening. "It's smaller than I remember or I've put on weight." Taking the lantern Pandion passed to him, Iolaus ran toward the front. What am I going to find?,

"Things aren't as bad as I feared." he muttered, spying one small girl holding her arm and crying and a larger form lying still beside her. An older boy knelt beside the two victims. "Are you okay, son?

"I'm Thadeus. Mr. Markos put me in charge. I'm fine but two people are hurt. This is Marissa Sue and that's Mr. Markos. The others are just resting over there."

Iolaus looked where Thadeus pointed and saw two girls and four boys huddled by the rocks. Fear was registered on their faces and they were trembling, but they weren,' hurt and they were fairly calm. "Thadeus told us we had to be quiet or we'd scare Marissa Sue and make her hurt more," said one child.

"He told you right and you are all doing a good job." Taking two sticks he found on the floor of the cave and tearing strips from a scarf Thadeus handed him, Iolaus bound the little girl's arm.

"Marissa Sue, will you be a big girl and go with me? We'll get you out of here and into your Mommy's arms." The little blond smiled at him, holding back her tears, and nodded. Iolaus kissed her on the cheek and flashed her a big grin. "Thadeus, stay with your teacher while I get the other kids out. I'll be right back." He turned to the other children. "The rest of you kids, hold hands and follow behind me in pairs, okay? "

Carrying Marissa Sue, Iolaus led the kids back to the opening. "One brave, injured little girl coming through. Be careful of her broken arm." The little girl kissed Iolaus, hand as he passed her gently through to the waiting men outside. "Goodbye, sweetheart. Then, she was free. The hunter showed each child how to squeeze through the opening and each successfully made it to the outside. Once all were out, he returned for the young boy and the teacher. He and Thadeus carefully carried Mr. Markos to the emergency exit. "You'll have to help me with him. You can do it. Then you go out once he's safely out. Okay?" Thadeus nodded and knelt down to help Iolaus carefully lift the bleeding, unconscious teacher up to the opening. They gently passed him through to the waiting hands outside.

"Good thing he was thin," Thadeus snickered.

Iolaus laughed, "You're a brave one, young man. You were a hero and I thank you for your help. Now, out you go."

Just to be on the safe side, the warrior made one last inspection of the place to be sure everyone was out. "Okay, it's my turn," he exclaimed, placing one arm in the opening as he prepared to squeeze through. Pandion saw brilliant blue eyes staring at him--then, the beams holding the rafters shook and with a thunderous roar collapsed bringing rocks and timber down onto Iolaus and everything else in their path. The exit hole now was blocked and there was no sign of Iolaus.

"Iolaus!" screamed Pandion, frantically digging where the entrance hole had been. "Are you all right, Iolaus? Answer me!"

No sounds came from within the mine. "That's my son in there. He just rescued all these kids. We,ve got to get him out." The poet raced around to the mine entrance where he found an opening had been created where there had been solid rock. Ignoring the jagged boards and pieces of metal that lined the opening, Pandion immediately rushed in, searching for Iolaus. "What a mess! "Timber and debris were everywhere. "Iolaus!" Still no sounds of life so he continued deeper into the mine, thankful he'd remembered the lantern. "Where are you Iolaus?" Pandion stopped to insure he'd hear any sound.

"Over here," a weak voice called out. Glancing toward the muffled sound, the poet saw a glimpse of purple under a pile of wood. He rushed to the spot and using every ounce of strength in his body, and some he never knew he had, carefully lifted the beams away, and gently extracted the now unconscious warrior. He quickly examined his stepson and found just a few cuts and bruises. Then he saw Iolaus, right arm bent in a way no normal arm should be. "Uh, oh, that's broken for sure. Thank the gods I had some medical training in the last war." Taking hold of the injured arm, he gingerly forced the bones back into place and applied a splint. "Glad you were unconscious for that, son."

"How can we help?"

Pandion looked up to find several men from the village standing by his side. He instructed them how to lift Iolaus and told them to carry the wounded hero outside. To the cheers of a grateful village, the men carried the warrior out into the bright sunlight and to his home.

Eyrthia, hearing the noise of the crowd and seeing her son being carried by the village men, came frantically running from the house. Pandion saw her panic, took her arm and assured her. "He's okay, hon, it's fine. Our son really is a hero! He rescued all those kids and their teacher from the mine. How wrong I've been about him. Let's get him inside."

The motherly instinct in Erythia soon took over. She led the men to Iolaus' room, reminding them not to jar his arm on the way, and instructed them to place her son gently onto his bed. After pulling up his covers, she shooed everyone but Pandion from the room and drew the blinds over the window. Pandion took his wife's arm and made her sit in the chair next to the hunter,'s bed. "I set his arm; none of his other injuries are serious. He'll have one monstrous headache when he wakes up, but he'll be fine. Do you still have any of that poppy wine? Might not be a bad idea to give him some to help him sleep." He sat with Iolaus while Erythia got the wine. Between the two of them, they were able to raise Iolaus enough and get him to open his lips enough to get the wine into his mouth. They waited until they were sure he'd swallowed the liquid, and then lowered him back down onto his bed. "That should do the trick."

"What he really needs now is rest. Sleep is the best medicine for him now. I'll stay here with him."

Pandion knew his wife needed the time alone with Iolaus, so he left the room and went out to talk with the townspeople still outside the house.

Erythia sat by Iolaus' bed, watching her son sleep, remembering the many times she'd done the same thing when he was just a child. Mothers do know best. Time passed quickly and Iolaus' blue eyes soon popped open. Seeing his mother at his bedside, he turned toward her and grinned. "Hi, Mom." The anxiety on her face made him take her hand with his good arm and assure her that he was fine. "I really am okay and I need to get going if I'm to have any chance of meeting Herc on time for the trip to Corinth."

Iolaus attempted to sit up, but slipped back onto the pillows. Erythia tensed and wanted to help. "No, I can do this." He sat up again and slid his legs over the side of the bed, stood up shakily at first, but then stood normally. "Wow, my head feels like fifty chariots ran over it. Don't worry, Mom, I've had worse headaches with hangovers."

Pandion rushed into the room as Iolaus was dressing. "I thought I heard voices in here. What are you doing out of bed, Iolaus? Getting ready to skip out again? "

Expecting to see that disapproving look again, Iolaus turned to his stepfather, ready to explain. "Had you going there for a minute, didn't I Son?" The proud smiling poet put his arms around his warrior son and gave him a hug second in intensity only to those given him by his demi-god partner. "You are one fine young man. Your mother and I are so very proud of you!"

Iolaus embraced both his parents in a hug that lasted long enough for him to allow the tears to disappear and his voice return to its normal tone. "I really do have to leave. It isn't that I want to go, especially now, but I made a commitment to Hercules and Iphicles. I've never broken a promise before, and I can't start now. "

"Just one minute. You aren't getting out of here without some snacks for the road," Erythia insisted as she headed for the kitchen. Iolaus and Pandion bonded a bit more until she returned. "Can't have you going hungry. I put in a bit of poppy wine just in case you need it on the road trip, but don't use it unless you can sleep for awhile. Promise me you'll be careful with that arm? "

The hunter gave his mother one last hug and a kiss; she in turn kissed him back and whispered into his ear, "Happy birthday, Son."

Pandion shook Iolaus, hand and thrust a scroll into it when he had finished. "Just a little birthday gift from me to you. Read it later."

Finally, the goodbyes were finished and Iolaus had promised to make a return visit very soon. He was off. Too bad I can't take the shortcut to the cabin, but I don't think I could manage it with this arm. So, it's the long way for me.,

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The sun was about two hours passed its noon position when Iolaus reached the crossroads. As he made the turn for the cabin path, he heard loud noises and a woman,s screams coming a large bushy area just off the main trail. "Help! Get away from me. Keep your hands off me. I told you not to touch me! Ohhhhh, help!"

The sound of a female in distress was all Iolaus needed to hear. Here I go again!, he thought as he dashed toward the bushes, sword drawn in his one good arm, ready to help.

The warrior challenged the six unsavory looking characters manhandling a young beauty with shiny raven hair and flashing amethyst eyes. She's a spunky thing but no match for six armed bandits. "Leave her alone and pick on someone your own size."

"We would if there were someone our size around, Shorty.

That's all Iolaus needed to hear. He charged, surprised the attackers and knocked three of them onto the ground with blinding, whirling speed and his exploding feet. The other three advanced, but he met them head-on, slashing right, then left, knocking their weapons from their hands. Sensing the approach of the original three, he grabbed the arm of the closest thug, twisting him around and propelling him into his two friends creating a domino effect. The three lay unconscious on the ground in front of the young girl. Seeing the golden warrior devastate their friends, the others raced away, leaving their weapons behind.

Turning his attention to the trembling, sobbing girl, Iolaus put his arm around her shoulders to steady her. "You're okay now. They won't be back," he promised softly.

She stared at him through those jewel-like eyes and whispered, "I thought I was going to die. Thank you." Her smile lit up her whole face, all the reward Iolaus needed. She made no attempt to pull away from his arm. Encouraged by her willing closeness, the warrior tightened his embrace as best he could with one arm.

"Tell me what happened, he suggested.

"I was on my way to Corinth when those bandits attacked. My two paid escorts fled and left me alone at the first sign of the attack."

Iolaus shook his head and thought a moment. "It's too late to turn back to Thebes and you can't go on to Corinth alone. I'm on my way there. Why don't you come along with me?"

The girl,s eyes widened as she looked past Iolaus. The three remaining bandits had awakened and were headed straight for them. Pushing the girl into the bushes by the side of the road, he stepped toward the advancing thugs. "Eeeyahha!" the hunter shouted, assuming a fighting stance. "Come on, make my day!" The goons thought twice and raced away. Once he was sure the bandits were gone for good, he called the beautiful girl to come out. "I'm Iolaus," he informed her.

"My name is Shera and I gladly take you up on your offer. I,ll feel so much safer traveling with you."

"If we,re going to make it to Corinth today, we'd better get on the road," Iolaus cautioned, returning the smile Shera gave him as he cast an appreciative glance her way, displaying his approval through his expressive blue eyes. This trip is getting more interesting every minute., The delighted warrior set a moderate pace for the cabin, no longer in such a great hurry to get there. "Hope you don't mind a short detour." He was further encouraged when the young girl shook her head and gave him another dazzling smile

Shera proved to be an able traveler; she kept up with Iolaus' pace and they made very good time. "Shera, you are a jewel. Not only do you laugh at my jokes and sing my songs with me, but you've also taught me new ones. I can't wait to see my friend's face when I use the jokes for him and sing him my new songs and then tell him they were yours!"

They were halfway to the cabin when Shera stopped and asked the hunter if they could stop for a few minutes. "Nature calls, Iolaus. It's taking longer to get to Corinth than I'd figured."

The warrior grinned at her, "Sure, I'll just rest here by this log and wait for you." He watched the departing figure, smiling his approval and satisfaction at what he saw. I'm glad you asked, Shera, this arm is bothering me a bit. I can use the rest., Iolaus stretched out, using his carrysack as a pillow and closed his eyes for a minute, at least that's what he thought it would be. Five minutes later, his eyes popped open. Uh oh, better not do that again!, The rumbling in his stomach reminded him that he'd had nothing to eat since breakfast. "Shera, Mom sent some goodies for the road. Are you hungry?" He waited a minute but got no response. His concern for the young girl grew and he started to stand to look for her. He was almost erect when something hit him on the back of the head and he went down on his knees. Then, out of nowhere, something kicked him in the head and he sprawled unconscious on the ground.

"Good work men. Now strip that vest off and give me that medallion. Okay, tie him to those trees over there and be sure you tie him tightly. He's a clever one." Shera watched as her six men obeyed her commands. "Now, Iolaus, you'll learn who I really am," she snarled, evil replacing the beauty Iolaus had seen in her.

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Hercules could stand it no more. He'd paced the floor of the cabin and watched out the windows, expecting to see and hear his partner coming any minute. Something definitely is wrong. Iolaus would never break a promise and that's what he made to Iphicles and me about this meeting., The demigod grabbed a lantern, some rope, and a blanket and raced down the path toward the crossroads. The further he got from the cabin, the more insistent the feeling that Iolaus was in danger and needed him grew. "Hang on Buddy, I'm coming!

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Shera stood in front of her prisoner, staring at him with hatred in her eyes and an evil sneer instead of her brilliant smile. "Wake up, you despicable little man." She shook him and backhanded him, causing a trickle of blood to run from his split lip. Iolaus opened his eyes and shook his head to clear the haze from his vision. In an instant, he'd assessed his position and knew he was in for trouble. "So you are finally awake. In a few minutes, you'll wish you weren't. What's the matter, Iolaus, cat got your tongue? You must have something you want to say to me."

The hunter couldn't believe his eyes. Shera was responsible for this? "Why, Shera? What do you want? What did I ever do to you but help you?"

In a cold, calculated voice, his "friend "began to answer his questions. "To tell you why and what I want, you first need to know who I am. Didn't my name suggest anything to you? Doesn't it sound like my patron goddess?" She saw the answer in Iolaus, eyes as he got the message--Hera. "Yes, that,s right. I was named for Hera and given to her as a child to be educated in the ways to serve her. Now, just one more thing. Do you remember Postera and Maxius? I can see that you do. They were my parents but you don,t remember me because I was in my last year of training at a Heraian Temple the year you and Hercules turned my life upside down. We had a good life until you two banished them and sent them into exile. My mother couldn't stand the shame when she had to turn to the only way she knew to survive--the world's oldest profession. I watched her die bit-by-bit, day-by-day until she finally killed herself. Poor Daddy had nowhere to turn. I tried to help him, but he couldn't handle the pain and pressure. He now is totally insane. So you tell me, why do you think you are here? You will die for what you did, but before that, I'll watch you suffer as they did. Before I'm finished with you, you will tell me where Hercules is so my men can bring him here to me. I can't rest until both of you are dead. Yes, Iolaus, these are the same six men you defeated before today. So nice of you to leave their weapons so they could retrieve them. Now, where is that bastard Son of Zeus?"

The hunter laughed in her face as he promised, "You're a few sandwiches short of a picnic if you think I'll do anything to help you harm my partner."

An enraged Shera, not used to being laughed at, told her men, "He's all yours."

For what seemed an eternity to Iolaus, he was punched in the face, kicked and pummeled in the ribs, and jabbed in the stomach more times than he could remember. No sound escaped his lips other than air escaping from the hits to his stomach. "This is getting us nowhere. Let's give Iolaus a flashback memory to something he knew well in Daddy's prison. One of the thugs brought her a black satin box which she opened, revealing a red velvet lining upon which rested an item that brought chills down Iolaus' spine.

I remember that thing well. It broke my nose and made a mess out of my back and Herc's. This is not a good thing!

"How about it, Iolaus, bring back memories for you? Let's reacquaint you two." Shera took out the whip and made a few practice swipes with it, close to Iolaus' face, but never touching him. Now let's see how long it takes before you tell me what I want to know."

Iolaus tried to relax before the first blow fell, but relaxing wasn't enough. Shera was an expert and knew just how to get the most from every stroke. Fire shot through him from the very first strike and a grunt escaped his lips, but the hunter took a deep breath, resolving to endure whatever came. Then came another, and a third breaking out beads of sweat on his brow. Shera's main thug kept score.

"Four, five six." Iolaus could feel the blood trickling down his back. He bit his lip to keep from crying out.

"Seven, eight." Unwilling tears surfaced as grimaces of the agony he endured distorted the warrior's face.

"Nine,ten." The blood was more than trickling now. Streams of blood freely flowed downward into a pool on the ground below.

"Eleven,twelve." Low, guttural moans formed in the back of the hero's throat as he struggled not to cry out. Still the thin whip continued, cutting through muscle to the bone.

"Fifteen."

"Stop! He's never going to tell us. He'd rather die first. Let's oblige him, but in a different way. Since you won't tell us where Hercules is Iolaus, let's allow him to come for you. You know he'll come to rescue you and we'll be waiting and watching. So you see, you will be responsible for his death no matter which way you choose. Still not going to tell us?"

The hero looked Shera straight in the eye and gathering what strength he could, tried one last time to reach the girl he'd known on the trip up here, the one he'd admired. In a barely audible whisper, he pleaded "Shera, this isn't you. This is your Heraian training. She poisoned your mind in so many ways and is just using you to get Hercules. I saw goodness in you and you know you enjoyed my company. Stop and think what you are doing before it's too late. Shera paused a moment and Iolaus saw for a brief time the fire and life he'd seen in the young girl he'd gotten to know. Then, that spark of normalcy left and the evil servant of Hera returned.

"That won't work, Iolaus. I have a better plan. What will it do to Hercules if he gets here and sees you hanging here dead, killed by this!" Shera held up the knife Hercules and Iolaus had made together--the symbol of their friendship. She knew she'd hit the warrior where it hurt the most. "I hope you die slowly," she screamed as she jabbed the knife into his side, twisting it as she plunged it in deeper. "By the way, Happy Birthday, Iolaus. You get to die on the anniversary of day you were born."

At first, the shock masked the pain, but soon Iolaus felt the agony throughout his whole body. Finally, a blessed darkness took him away from the pain for a brief time.

Shera and her men hid in the thick trees and prepared to wait for Hercules, arrival. They knew he would come, it was just a matter of when.

Iolaus' relief was far too brief. His mind floated in and out of the dark shadows as the pain raged through every nerve and bone in his body. How could Hera make such a monster out of a young girl, a girl just chafing at the bit to exact her revenge on Hercules. Please don't let him walk into this trap., The hunter's mind flashed back to Maxius and Postera and the horrible things that happened during that time starting with the vicious blow that broke his nose, the kick that threw him into the cell, and the lashes Hercules sustained when he refused Postera's proposal. And then there were the injuries and scars Gladius suffered. The worst thing he remembered was the murder of Leutus; he could still see the gladiator's body hanging by its heels to serve as a message to those prisoners who wouldn't fight. The anger that surged through his mind aggravated his pain, causing him to pass out once again, but not before he muttered, "Damn you, Hera, for destroying so many lives."

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His intense sensation of Iolaus' pain was growing stronger as Hercules neared the halfway point between the cabin and the main road to Thebes. His sixth sense told him that trouble was in the area so he kept off the main trail. Rounding a bend, his heart stopped as he saw in the distance, a figure tied between two trees. Increasing his speed brought him to a spot where he saw a blond head sagging onto the chest of the victim. No, not again!,

"Iolaus!" he bellowed as he dropped the equipment he was carrying and raced to his friend. What he saw sent mixed waves of anger and shock within him. His mind absorbed the physical abuse his friend had suffered and his eyes saw their knife still embedded in Iolaus' side. The anguished half-god felt for a heartbeat before cutting his partner free. Hercules gratefully sighed, "It's weak, but it's there. Hang in there, partner. You've made it through worse than this before." He cut the ropes with his knife and gently lowered the wounded hunter to the ground. Iolaus stirred, his eyes fluttered, and he tried to speak but was interrupted before the words could form. Wide-eyed in horror, he pointed toward the tree-lined area where the danger lay waiting.

"Kill him. Kill the Son of Zeus," Shera shouted as she led her men out of their hiding place. She charged Hercules, sword in hand. He batted it away and pushed her to the ground. Two thugs attacked and he grabbed them and cracked their heads together. The remaining four rushed him simultaneously. He jumped over two of them, turning to snag the closest one. Grabbing him by the heels, he swung him around and around, knocking him into his three friends and sending them flying through the air to land breathless and bewildered on the ground. Hercules spotted Iolaus' sword resting where Shera had thrown it. As he picked it up, the two goons he'd first encountered rushed him again at the same time that Shera came at him. He eluded the two men, but Shera's momentum carried her on toward Hercules. He kicked out, knocking her sword away. Her body fell toward him directly onto Iolaus' sword. When the thugs saw their leader fall, they decided they'd had enough and fled the scene. Hercules stood staring at the slim girl who'd so violently attacked him. Who is she and why did she do this?,

"Hercules, help me over there, please!" His partner's voice was just a whisper, but Hercules heard him; he ran to his friend's side and gently carried him to where Shera lay. He was surprised to see Iolaus pull Shera onto his lap. The hunter looked into her eyes and smiled. Back was the Shera he knew, the one Hera hadn't touched.

"Forgive me, Iolaus. I knew you were right, Hera did use me. I just couldn't break her evil spell completely, but thank the gods you have a friend like Hercules to help you." She grabbed his hand tightly. "It's ironic that it was your sword that killed me. Don't look at it that way. It freed me from Hera's evil powers. Goodbye, Iolaus," and she was gone, leaving Iolaus still holding her, tears silently tracing a path down his cheeks.

The demigod clenched his teeth as his jaw tightened in anger and nausea when he saw the ruin of Iolaus, back and the dark bruises covering his face and body. "Hera! Hercules roared, "I promise you that this is not the end of this. You knew what it would do to me to see Iolaus like this and to see our knife used in your attempt to kill him." Gently, he took the young girl's body from his partner and placed her on the ground beside the hunter and gathered his best friend carefully in his arms.

Looking up into his heartbrother's face, Iolaus rasped hoarsely, "Some birthday, huh Herc? Promise me you won't leave her here? Bury her by the lake up at the cabin," and then he lapsed into unconsciousness, causing Hercules to feel his heart clench with sorrow and fear.

A sprinkling of pink shiny threads and glittery substances materialized right next to the two heroes. Aphrodite spoke to the still form of Iolaus. "Sweetcheeks, you need help yourself. We'll take care of her later," she sighed, knowing her favorite mortal would hear her even though he wasn't awake. "Hi, Bro, what can I do to help? I can't personally treat Iolaus' wounds, but I can get you to help at the palace in Corinth in record time."

"Perfect. There's really no time to spare. That knife needs to come out, but not here. He'd bleed to death before we could get help." To his unconscious friend he whispered, "I promise she'll be buried up by the lake, but you come first!

Okay Sis, let's roll!"

In the twinkle of an eye, Hercules and Iolaus were at Iphicles' palace. "Mom, get the royal healers quick. We need them now!" Hercules carried his best friend to their room and made him as comfortable as possible.

A breathless Alcmene rushed into the room, followed by Jason, Iphicles, and the healer who examined his patient. "Lucky you got him here when you did, and luckier that whoever stabbed him left the knife in place." Iolaus groaned as he pulled out the knife, quickly applying pressure as the blood freely flowed from the wound. "Luckily, I can stop this bleeding and treat the wound easily. He would have died immediately if his attacker or anyone else had pulled it out before you got him to me. It,s going to be a long haul for this young man, the knife damaged his lung and ribs, but he's in good physical shape and that's to his advantage. He'll be laid up for quite awhile; total rest is what he needs, but I think a full recovery can be expected. Now, all of you clear out of here while I tend to these whip marks. If I don't get salve on them to soften them, they,'l be mighty sore and could become infected. He doesn't need that on top of everything else he's been through. Just give me twenty minutes, then some of you can return. Now, everyone out. That means you too, Hercules."

The dismissed group begrudgingly left their friend in the capable hands of the Royal Healer and assembled outside the room in the hall. "Where's my son? Erythia and Pandion rushed up to the group. "Is he okay? "the distraught parents asked and were relieved when Alcmene gave them the healer's prognosis.

Leandra, Breanna, and Salmoneus were the next to arrive and they too breathed a sigh of relief to learn Iolaus would be okay. Last to arrive were Regina and Lorel who joined the happy group.

"What a way to spend your birthday," Hercules sighed, "but it could have been a lot worse."

Pandion agreed and added, "Our hero son has had quite a day, Can we still go in and wish him Happy Birthday?"

The healer answered that question for them. " He's awake for the time being, but the medicine will put him to sleep soon. You can come in two at a time, each pair for a very short time--just long enough to let him know you,re here for his day. He needs his rest. Fair enough?" Everyone agreed.

Each pair took a turn and gave the wounded warrior their best wishes and a promise to repeat the party when he was well enough. When it was Pandion and Erythia's turn, they took in the scroll Hercules had found with Iolaus' things. "This is for you. It's just a short poem to tell you how I feel, Iolaus, called My Son, the Hero."

Iolaus accepted the hugs from his parents and told them, "This has been the best birthday of my life. Thanks."

That left just Hercules, but he had company once he entered Iolaus, room. Aphrodite joined him. "Curly, my present to you was granting what you asked back there in the woods. Shera is buried up by the lake in a grove of trees overlooking the mountains. Now, here's a kiss for the birthday boy. Happy Birthday, Iolaus." In a flash, she was gone.

Hercules showed his buddy that he'd rescued his vest, carrysack, and of course the knife and sword. "Here's one more thing" and he leaned over to put the medallion around the hunter's neck where it belonged.

"Oh, no, Herc. No kiss from you," Iolaus weakly joked as he touched the familiar green stone. "Just let me thank you for saving me again. I'm sorry I ruined our fishing trip. By the way, how did you ever keep this party a secret?"

"Around you, that was very hard to do. Took all my wits and concentration. So, aside from the Shera episode, how was your day. Who was Shera, anyway?"

"I had a great birthday, Herc. I wouldn't want another one just like it, but it was a good day. After all, how many guys are lucky enough to get all the kisses I got and can claim being kissed on their birthday by the goddess of love?"

Iolaus changed the mood a bit and told his partner that he'd fill him in on the events of his entire birthday in the morning. "I've got a lot to tell you about. Knowing you, you won't believe half of it. Oh yeah, I've a few new songs and jokes to give you, too."

"On that note, I think I'll let you get your rest. Happy Birthday, Iolaus." Hercules glanced at his friend and saw that he'd already fallen asleep. "You can't get rid of me that easily," the demigod whispered as he pulled up a chair and settled in to spend the night just where he ought to be--at his partner's side. "Yeah, Happy Birthday, Iolaus and many more."

April, 2004