It's Just Not Fair!

by Marcia

Prologue

"Get away from me you puny brat!"

The drunken oaf reached down and slapped the little blond girl who had attached herself to his leg, hitting him over and over again with her clenched fist; then he shook her loose, sending her crashing against the wall. "As for you, you'll do exactly what I tell you to do," he bellowed, turning to the dark haired beauty of sixteen, cowering in the corner. "Get over here, now!" She hesitated, so he emphatically motioned for her to get over to him. Trembling, she slowly inched her way toward the out of control man. That wasn't fast enough, so he reached out and pulled her to him until she was just inches from his snarling face. "That's better," he growled and then crushed her mouth with his.

The frightened young girl, revolted by his unwanted, unasked for gesture and disgusting hot, smelly breath, struggled to break free, railing at him with her fists until she finally broke loose. She cringed as she saw the hatred that filled his eyes. "Why you ungrateful fool, you are my property. I'll show you what happens when you disobey me."

He drew his arm back, closed his fist and brought it forward to strike the girl when someone struck him from behind, just hard enough to spoil his aim. "You leave my sister alone!" A lad of fourteen stood defiantly facing the man. Still holding the log he'd taken from the fireplace supply and used to hit his sister's attacker, he gestured as he spoke again, "You touch her once more and I'll do more than hit your arm." The lad's voice was strong and sure, but he was trembling inside not knowing what he'd do if the man charged him. Motioning for his sister to get behind him, the gallant youngster stood firm scowling at the drunk.

The large bully's belligerence and courage started to wane as his drunkenness began to dissipate. He saw that the young boy meant business. Looking at the small girl still lying unconscious in the corner and the older girl shaking and crying behind her brother, he knew this wasn't the time to proceed any further with his plan for the sixteen year old. He turned and retreated to his bedroom, muttering as he went.

The two children rushed over to the little one's side and were relieved to see her open her big blue eyes. Taking the girl into her arms, the dark haired beauty held her tight and whispered to her. Still displaying his newly found courage, the brave lad
promised, "He'll never hurt either of you again!"

************************************************************************

The tall warrior sat with his back to the crowd in the noisy, packed, tavern, quietly sipping his tankard of ale and listening to the never-ending stories of his vivacious companion. "Remember this one, Herc?" the shorter, more compact of the two warriors questioned his partner.

"I remember it, Iolaus, but not exactly the way you tell it. How many mercenaries did you say there were?"

His tablemate chuckled, "Are you sure we were at the same place at the same time? Sometimes we just don't see the same things and disagree on what happened. Wonder how we'd handle things if we were really on opposite sides of the fence? Hope we never have to find out." His look of friendship and deep admiration for his best friend summed up his feelings.

Hercules protested, "I don't think that will ever happen, partner. We've been through too much together to let a difference of opinion about anything come between us. A temporary disagreement yes, but that's all."

A serving girl interrupted the mood. "Everything okay here? Can I get you anything else?" Hercules and Iolaus extended their tankards, giving the waitress an excuse to come back to the table with refills. "Be back in a minute." she sighed.

The golden hunter's attention shifted to one of the bartenders engaged in conversation with an attractive female. His curiosity rose as the man pointed toward him and his best friend and his interest grew even more as she headed toward them.

"Herc, that young girl is totally out of place in a tavern. Wonder why she's here?"

The fascinated hero watched her every movement, noticing the grace with which she moved and the confident way she closed the distance between the bartender and their table. When she approached them, Iolaus rose, gesturing to her that she should join them indicating the empty chair he'd pulled out for her.

"Here are your ales," the waitress smirked as she placed the two tankards down on the table. "Anything for her?"

Iolaus' glared at the insolent girl and his response startled her. "Bring the lady a cup of tea."

"Sorry to interrupt your evening, but I need help desperately and I know you help people, so here I am to beg for your assistance. My name is Marianna, I'm the teacher here in the local school. When I first arrived in Thebes, everyone told me if I ever had a problem, just ask for Hercules and Iolaus. And do I ever have a problem." The self-confidence Iolaus had seen earlier suddenly was non- existent as she fidgeted with her handkerchief and nervously tapped her foot. She stopped momentarily as her tea was placed in front of her. She fixed it to her liking, and even took a few sips, but Iolaus sensed
that her mind was somewhere else on things more important than a cup of tea. He saw the lines of worry now etched on her brow and the dimple of concern that had replaced her brilliant smile.

"I've had two children in my class these last two years who've been top-notch students--the best in the school. Now, their grades are slipping, they don't do their homework, and they don't participate in class. They've even started to skip school. At the beginning of this school year, they were full of life and so well liked by their peers. Now, they avoid everyone and rush out of the building immediately after the bell." She paused to catch her breath and for a few more sips of her tea. The concerned warrior saw the unshed tears that had formed in her eyes and felt a strong urge to protect this gentle woman sitting across from him.

"Their younger sister joined the class this year. She's a lovable little girl, but even she has changed. What frightens me most is that they've all come to school with bruises on various parts of their bodies. When I questioned them about the marks, they've always had excuses to explain away each bruise. That's just not right--in my opinion, there have been too many injuries"

The whole time she was speaking, Iolaus' eyes never left her face and his own facial expressions revealed his deep concern for the three children--concern brought on by personal childhood experiences. "You are right to be worried about the kids. Sounds all too familiar to me." Hercules nodded in agreement.

More confident now that the two men had agreed with her, Marianna paused again to fix another cup of tea. Iolaus watched her, noticing that her mind seemed to be on the tea this time. He flashed an Iolaus smile, hoping to make things easier for her. After catching her breath and enjoying a few sips of tea, she continued.

"There's more too. When I sent notes to the father, no acknowledgement ever was made. I even asked him to come in for a
meeting but the only response to this was another set of "explainable" bruises--this time supposedly the result of some
highly competitive play. That *might* have worked for the two older children, but no way would the little six year old receive bruises like that from her siblings. One day I went out to the home to confront Zacadeus. He wouldn't even come outside to speak with me, just shouted out that the kids were his business and if I knew what was good for me, I should stay out of their lives. This time, only Alexander displayed new bruises, but they were brutal ones." A few of the tears Iolaus had seen suddenly began to trickle down her face as she remembered Alex's injuries and she paused a moment before pleading with the two heroes. "I'm at my wits end. Nothing I do seems to work and I'm so frightened for the children. Will you help?" Her
voice trembled as she begged and the two warriors could see the pain and concern she felt for the children clearly visible on her face.

Iolaus' brilliant azure eyes flashed with anger and determination. "You'd better believe we'll help. Right, Herc?"

"Whatever it is that you want us to do--just ask. Something has to be done before those kids are seriously hurt or worse. How can we help?" the demigod inquired.

Marianna didn't hesitate. "Will you come to the school tomorrow and meet the children? I want you to see the damage these three still carry and how undeserving they are of any of them. Perhaps they will open up to the two of you. You are heroes to my students, you know."

"We'll do that and we'll go one step further. After we've met the kids, we'll go visit the father to see what we can learn. My
partner's appearance often makes people pretty talkative," the hunter insinuated.

Shifting uncomfortably in his chair, Hercules rationalized, "If that's what it takes to learn the truth, so be it. Someone needs to
talk to that man and set him straight. One thing bothers me though. Legally, he is right. The kids are his business, his responsibility if he has custody of them. He has the law behind him when it comes to their upbringing," the demigod admonished.

Iolaus' face was a picture of confusion. Was Hercules saying the law would support an abusive parent? `Nah, I must have heard him wrong.'

The compassionate young teacher smiled at Hercules and thanked him, shaking the hand he extended. She rose and hugged Iolaus. "How can I ever thank you two?"

"You already have," the golden hunter assured her. "We'll be there tomorrow morning. Marianna started to make her exit, but Iolaus stopped her. "Would it be okay if I walk you home?" Iolaus took her blush as a yes. "Herc, why don't we come here in the morning for breakfast before we go meet the kids? We can plan the best way to get to the bottom of this."

Hercules agreed, grinning as his partner took Marianna's arm. Leave it to Iolaus to offer his help in more ways than one.

Since the young teacher lived near the inn, it wasn't a long walk, but the concerned hunter had learned much more about the kids by the time they'd reached Marianna's residence. "I'd ask you in, Iolaus, but it's late and I still have a bunch of papers to grade. My students will expect them back tomorrow and I can't disappoint them, so I'll have to disappoint you--this time." She let go of his hand, moved closer to the gentle man, and kissed his cheek. "I feel so much better about all of this now. See you in the morning," she called to him as she slipped inside the house.

The warrior stood silently at the gate for a moment, then headed home--whistling as he went, concentrating on the picture he'd stored in his mind of the attractive young woman he'd just met. Concern for the children was on his mind too, but that would be addressed in the morning. Tonight was his to dream.

*********************************************

The Son of Zeus arrived at the inn on time the next morning, but there was no sign of Iolaus. "Never knew Iolaus to be late for a meal." Hercules had already begun eating when Iolaus arrived. "Sorry I didn't wait for you, but I was starved."

"Whoa, that's a first. That's my line you just used. I was dreaming and overslept, but the dreams were well worth it." Iolaus grabbed a fork and dug into the meal his pal had ordered for him, quickly catching up with his friend. "Wonder how those kids will be with us? Think they'll share the truth about the bruises?"

The demigod pushed back from the table. "You all finished? Then let's go find out."

The partners quickly walked to the school, Hercules finding it necessary to step up his pace to keep even with Iolaus. "You should have been this anxious to get to school while we were there, he joked." The hunter gave his best friend a playful shove.

"We never had a teacher who looks like Marianna or I'd have been there with bells on.Let's slip in the back so we don't disturb whatever is going on."

Once they reached the schoolhouse, Iolaus looked in through the window and saw kids working on the board with the teacher helping one struggling child with a math problem while the others at their seats worked diligently, trying to be the first with the answer. He saw a paper airplane come sailing from the back of the room and watched as his new friend employing the teachers have eyes in the back of their head theory simply turned and stared at the nonplussed young man who'd launched the plane. Her stern look was enough"no words were needed, and she went back to helping with the problem.

Hercules grinned and whispered to his friend. "Iolaus, you wouldn't have stood a chance in Marianna's class. She'd have your number from day one."

"That wouldn't be so bad. Just think what fun it would be to have
detention with her, Herc" the hunter sighed.

The demigod shook his head, "You're impossible. I meant when we were kids, not now." His pal just giggled and Hercules saw that roguish smile and devil-may-care look in his eyes. "Let's get in there before you get into trouble."

"We are going to begin a new story after recess, one I think all of you will like. It's about the Trojan Horse and has lots of action in it." Bright shiny faces listened intently to every word the teacher had to say, except for the two older boys in the back who were not too happy being in this class which had so many younger children; but this was their last year in school and they knew it was a typical one-room schoolhouse covering all grades. So they made the best of the situation at least on most days. Besides, that Miss Marianna was not hard to look at and that made things easier. The classroom was decorated for the harvest season with pictures of brightly colored trees and fruit hung on the bulletin board in the corner. Next to the teacher's desk was a globe and a huge dictionary. Behind her desk and along one wall were the chalkboards where students were busily doing math problems. Hung on bulletin boards in the back of the room were tests and papers of students who had achieved high grades or had exceptionally neat penmanship. On a fancy plaque near the door were the names of one boy and one girl selected by their teacher as Helpers for the Week, an honor every child in the room hoped to
receive at least once during the year for they all loved to help her.Marianna saw the two heroes slip quietly into the back of the classroom and smiled at them. "Okay class, time for recess." Boys and girls scurried out the door toward the playground, all except Nikki, Stefanie, and Alexander who'd been kept there by their teacher. She brought them back to where Hercules and Iolaus were sitting, scrunched down into the seats made for children. Iolaus didn't have too much of a problem fitting into a seat, but it was comical to see the Son of Zeus overflowing the desk, his long legs sprawled out into
the aisle. "Children, this is Hercules and this is Iolaus." The smallest girl, a petite curly haired blond with large, expressive blue eyes clung to her teacher, shyly peeking out from in back of Marianna. Her experiences with men hadn't provided her any role model to admire or cherish. All she knew in her short life were men who drank, swore, fought, and abused children. Iolaus talked directly to the child in soft tones, gaining her confidence with every word.

"Come sit next to me, Nikki. I'd like to be your friend. If you don't like sitting with me, you can go back up front with your teacher." Marianna's smile and gestures convinced the little blond that it was safe to give it a try. She approached Iolaus rather apprehensively, but his warmth soon won her over. His green medallion attracted her attention for she seemed entranced by the sunlight glinting on the necklace. She picked it up, held it, and examined it.

"It looks like a pretty green bird. Mr. Iolaus, can I wear it for awhile?" Iolaus slipped the medallion over her head, knowing the ice had been broken. A new friendship was forged between the two blondes and all signs of shyness and fear had disappeared.

"Let's go over there in the corner, Nikki, where we can talk and get to know one another." The child took his hand and led him over to the spot he'd indicated. She climbed into the hunter's lap and soon was talking a mile a minute. Iolaus looked across the room and grinned at Marianna. Within minutes, two infectious giggles emanated from the pair. When the older blond mentioned the subject of the child's father, however, the mood changed swiftly. Fear again replaced the happiness that had been so prevalent on the child's face and she began to cry.

"My Daddy doesn't like me. He doesn't want me around and he hits me when I try to hug him or give him a kiss. He's not nice like you, Mr.
Iolaus."

Her words brought a lump to the hunter's throat and he could hardly speak. "I'm sure he loves you, sweetheart. Daddies often do things they're sorry for later when they are in a better mood. He couldn't mean to hit you."

"Oh yes he does. He swears at me and says I'm just an accident. What does he mean, Mr. Iolaus? He said I caused my Mommy's death, but I didn't. I'd love for my Mommy to be here. I never even saw her or got a chance to know her or feel her arms around me."

Anger was building in Iolaus. `How could a parent do this to a child? I'd give anything to have my children with me. I just don't know what words to say to her.' Her sobs were tearing him apart. Reaching down, he pulled her closer and put both arms around her, letting her cry against his chest, her tears soaking his vest. "It's okay, Nikki. Your brother and sister, Miss Marianna, Hercules, and I all love you." The hunter's additional words were whispered under his breath so the little one wouldn't hear them. "Your father's another story!" There was no doubt in his mind as to the source of the child's bruises visible on her arms and legs.

Alexander and Stefanie were hesitant at first to confide in Hercules, but he talked with them a few minutes and assured them that nothing that had happened was their fault. They were not to blame for anything--especially their father's drinking, and they shouldn't have any guilt feelings about the man The sixteen year old dark haired girl broke the ice. "He's not our father. Our real father died fighting the Romans. Momma married Zacadeus when I was eight and Alex was six because she just couldn't raise us by herself. We had two happy years as a family and then he started drinking, first staying out drinking with his friends and later continuing at home." The teenager's hands clenched together in fear, trembling as she continued. "Momma was pregnant then, but she still stood up to him when he started hitting us. One time, he even struck her in the stomach. Not long after that, Nikki was born. Momma died having her and Zacadeus blamed the baby for her death."

Stefanie's words poured out filled with anger and pain. "He was worse after that and drank even more, often having his buddies to the house to drink with him. He blamed us for being burdens on him and said he'd never find another woman, saddled with the three of us. We had to do all the work around the house and that was a real job. He'd leave us alone for days at a time while he was drunk someplace. Finding food to feed us all was often a problem too." Memories of those painful times brought a haunted look to the young girl's eyes as well as a glimmer of tears. She paused to catch her breath.

Hercules and Iolaus glanced at one another almost in disbelief at what they'd been hearing, realizing what horrors these three children had experienced. Sounds of quiet sobbing in the front of the room brought Iolaus' eyes to those of the devastated teacher who had left an aide in charge on the playground so she would be available if these children needed her. The hunter was deeply affected and impressed by the warmth, love, and compassion Marianna felt for her students.

Before Stefanie could continue, Alex broke into the conversation. "Sometimes, I had to watch my little sister go to bed hungry. Stefi and I went without our meals so she would have something to eat a lot of the time, but too often, there was none for any of us. My stepfather turned me into a thief. The only food we had was what I could steal from others. I'm not proud of that, but I couldn't see my sisters going hungry. I never took anything but food, and I only robbed the wealthy who had plenty anyway. I still have the scars from the beating I got when he found out what I was doing. About four months ago, he started hitting us and punishing us for things we didn't even do. He'd splurge what little money he had on his binges and then be so drunk he thought we'd stolen his money. One time, he dropped his cache of booze; when he came to the next day, he said Stefanie had dropped the bottles and beat her. At first, Nikki escaped the beatings because we took her part, but that didn't last long. These burns on my hand are the result of his disciplining me for protecting Nikki.

Then he started *touching* Stefanie and smacking her when she'd pull away from him. Nikki and I tried to stop him and that's when the bruises Miss Marianna saw came about. We'd had bruises before, but we kept them hidden. Now, there are too many to hide. Hercules, I tried to protect my sisters, but he was just too strong. I don't know how to help them when he's so drunk. He keeps telling us that if he has to have us, we'll do exactly what he tells us to do, or he'll kick us out. Where would we go--what would we do? He might be Nikki's real father, but he certainly doesn't act like one even to her. I've even seen him look at her the way he started to look at Stefanie in the beginning. If he touches Nikki or Stefanie that way again, I swear I'll kill him." Alex's words proved his commitment to the safety of his sisters, but his voice reflecting his age. This was too much for a lad of fourteen to shoulder.

The Son of Zeus, angered by a man who would mistreat his family, took in all that the children told him, knowing how children of a neglectful father would feel. Both he and Iolaus knew what that was like. "I'd like to be able to tell you that everything will just go away and things be okay, but I'm not sure that's possible. We'll do everything we can to see no more harm comes to you, but he does have parental custody of you three, giving him the choice of how he wants to raise you. Iolaus and I are going to visit Zacadeus and try to reason with him, and also make him see how wrong he is. Then, we'll go to the constable's office to register a complaint and have it officially on the record that there have been problems and abuse here. If they happen again, we'll have a leg to stand on to do something about it. We will fix it so that if there is any further physical abuse you will be out of there."

Iolaus and Nikki joined the others, the little girl clinging to the hunter's neck as she continued to sob. "You three go home after school and don't let on that you talked with us or that you know anything about out visit with your father. Okay?" He hugged Nikki and planted a kiss on the top of her golden curls, then set her down next to Stefanie who immediately placed her arms around her little sister. "Alex, if that bully does anything more to any of you, run to the constable or to me. Don't leave the girls alone with him, though." The children all nodded, and Alex shook the warrior's hand.

"I understand, Iolaus, and I know you'll be there for us. I promise I'll tell you if he touches one of my sisters again."

The sound of the school bell signified that recess was over and the class rushed back into the room, Marianna bringing up the rear to prevent any stragglers from escaping. The two warriors left their new friends and headed for the children's house. "Herc, it's just not fair that good kids like these have to bear the anger and stupidity of a man like Zacadeus. I'm just itching to see a man who is so unfeeling and uncaring toward
his own kids." Both men were used to confronting monsters, demons, wild animals--even gods, but neither could remember encountering anything or anyone who sounded as vile as the man they were going to see.

************************************************

The cabin sat well back from the road to Thebes at the edge of a forest whose trees shielded it from the eyes of travelers unfamiliar with its location. The partners cautiously approached the crudely built dwelling leaning precariously to one side. " This sure is a dark, dismal, gloomy place for kids to grow up in," Hercules grumbled. "No, it's no place for anyone to live in day after day. It's really depressing."

"Phew, that smell is horrible," Iolaus groaned, scrunching up his face in distaste, briefly rubbing away the smell." The heavy, pungent smell of cheap alcohol and wine overpowered the pleasant scent of the pine trees surrounding the building. "No kid should be exposed to this."

"That's far enough. Stop right there!" bellowed a voice from within. "Who are you two and what do you want here?"

"I'm Hercules and this is my partner Iolaus. We just need a few minutes of your time."

Even though Zacadeus was feeling no pain, he recognized the names of his two visitors and felt important that they'd sought him out. "Come
on in--s'really good to meet you. Wadda ya want with me? Want a drink?" the tottering derelict asked as his visitors entered the cabin.

Looking around the room, Hercules and Iolaus were immediately aware of the lack of things that could have made this a pleasant home for
the three children. Instead, they found trash and garbage piled up, dirty dishes everywhere, and soiled clothing lying all over the place. All of this paled in comparison with the myriad of empty bottles in sight everywhere.

"Sorry for the mess, but those lazy, good-for-nothing kids of mine just can't be trusted to do their jobs." Iolaus took several steps backwards to escape the foul breath of their host and the odor emanating from the stained, stinking clothing the man was wearing"stains that the hunter knew had to be made by vomit. The words he'd just heard infuriated him and he made a move toward Zacadeus, only to be restrained by his partner before he could reach the obnoxious man.

The demigod kept his friend's arm in a tight grip as Iolaus snarled at the drunk: "Just what is it you expect these children to do? What makes you think you have the right to make them do anything?"

"I knew you weren't just here to see me for any social call. That interfering, snooping busybody schoolmarm put you up to this, didn't she? One of those brats is mine and the other two are my wards. I can raise them any way I see fit and there's nothing anyone can do about it. They are my property."

"Whoa, hold it right there, mister." Iolaus demanded standing eye to eye with Zacadeus. "No one is anyone else's property. You have three intelligent, loving young children who only wanted to please you. What did you do? You've turned them into scared kids who found it
necessary to steal food just to survive. You aren't fit to raise them. I'll make you this promise--if you touch one more hair on any of their heads, you will answer to me. I'm not your property and neither are they. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"You'd better listen to his words, Hercules insisted, "I share his feelings. You may have the law on your side right now, but that can change in a heartbeat."

Iolaus breathed a sigh of relief as he thought `Guess we really do feel the same way about the kids. It's only our approach that's different.' Turning to the bully, the hunter cautioned, "Remember our words, Zacadeus! We will be watching you. That's a promise and a threat."

***********************************************

Hercules and Iolaus spent an hour with the constable, filling him in on everything they knew about Zacadeus and his family and about their
suspicions of abuse.

"You're right, Hercules; the law is on his side, but one false step and I'll haul his sorry butt in here and we'll put him away for a long time. Nothing justifies abusing children. Just give me proof and the kids will be out of there quicker than you can say Zeus."

Encouraged by their friend's reaction and comments, the duo returned to the schoolhouse where they called the teacher over to the door. She instructed the kids to continue reading silently and went to hear what had happened. "Everything will turn out okay, Marianna," Hercules assured the attractive schoolmarm." If he ever touches the kids again, he'll spend time in jail and the kids will be removed from that horrible place. We have the constable's promise on this."

"It's just not fair! I hate to have those sweet kids spend one more minute with that miserable s---whoops! Sorry, I forgot where I am," apologized Iolaus. "That house is a horrific place for them to be. Maybe we can get them out of there soon. I'm sure there's a family close by that would welcome loving kids like these into their home." Iolaus' face glowed with the thoughts of what could lay ahead for his three new friends and the knowledge that he and Herc weren't that far apart about all of this.

"Bless you both," Marianna sighed. The classroom exploded into sounds of giggles and applause as the students watched their beloved teacher
hug Hercules and kiss Iolaus. Even this didn't stop the blushing teacher from completing her thank you's.

"Mr. Iolaus, you forgot your pretty bird. Thank you for letting me wear it." Little Nikki slipped the medallion off over her head. "Miss Marianna, may I bring this up to my new friend?" The smiling teacher nodded and she brought it to the front of the room. Iolaus knelt down
to her so she could reach to place it back in its usual spot and kissed the mass of blond curls crowning the top of her head when she was finished. Nikki hugged Iolaus and then returned to her desk, smiling from ear to ear, the envy of all the other girls in the class.

Still smiling as they left the building, Iolaus headed toward his home and Hercules went the other direction toward Alcmene's.

************************************************************************

"Hey, Iolaus," the half god hollered to his friend who'd barreled down the road toward home. "Wait up, will you! I was supposed to invite you to dinner tonight. Mother will skin me alive if I don't. How about it?"

The blond warrior paused until Hercules reached him. He shook his head--"Sorry, think I'll skip this one. Tell Alcmene thanks, but I'll take a raincheck. I need to turn in early tonight. Did you see the sad shape that schoolhouse roof is in? I'm going to go early and offer to fix it for Marianna; then I'll head out to help you with your Mother's wall like I promised." Iolaus turned and headed out again, calling out "See you then" to his bewildered partner who stood watching the exuberant hunter practically dance down the road singing at the top of his lungs.

"She really has gotten to you, my friend. You *never* turn down my mother's cooking!"

Iolaus reached for the doorknob, momentarily expecting Ania to pull it open, throw her arms around his neck, and welcome him home."Damn,
some feelings and special moments just never go away. It's just not fair that she and the kids were taken away after such a short time together." He went into the dark empty house--no longer a home--and went immediately to the mantle where the few things he'd managed to hold onto were kept. Fingering the comb that Ania wore in her hair brought a warm feeling to his soul and tracing the outline of the toy he'd made for his son brought with it the sense of loss of things that could never be. "I've only memories of the baby--there was nothing to keep from so short a life." The beams of the moon provided enough light for him to see these items, but it did nothing to take away the chill so the hunter placed a log in the fireplace and started a fire. He stood staring at it for quite some time, reliving in his memory the happier times when this house was a home.

Thoughts of those times faded, replaced by the sound of the soft sweet voice of the schoolteacher he'd just met. "Is this right? Should I be thinking of someone else this way? Ania, you will never be replaced, but I hope you understand that I need to move on. You'd like Marianna. You two have so much in common, especially your tenderness, your compassion, and your love of children. It's no wonder I feel such an attraction toward her--she reminds me of you."

The exhausted warrior performed his nightly routine and crawled into bed. But sleep didn't come easily. Thoughts of Ania and the kids, his
adventures with Hercules, the curse Hera had placed on him, and his numerous deaths and injuries kept flooding his mind. Would it be fair
to inflict such a life on another woman? "Whoa, Iolaus. You just met the girl. Play it kewl and go with the flow. Don't rush into anything
too quickly." The words made perfect sense to his mind, but his heart spoke a different language. The feelings for Marianna remained and it
was with a picture of her in his mind that he was able finally to fall asleep.

**********************************************

"Iolaus! Iolaus!" The confused warrior heard the voice of his new friend in his dream. "Why is she so excited? She sounds terrified." His sparkling blue eyes popped open and he shook his head, trying to clear his mind. "Wow, what a realistic dream!"

"Help us, Iolaus!"

"It is Marianna. What is she doing here at this time of night and who is *us*?" Iolaus thought as he pulled on his leather pants and rushed to the door--quickly pulling it open. There stood a frightened Marianna holding the sleeping Nikki, a sobbing Stefanie with a look of panic in her eyes, and a wide-eyed, highly agitated Alex.

"Hurry inside out of that cool night air," Iolaus insisted, taking Nikki from the teacher's arms, giving her freedom to put an arm around each of the teenagers. Marianna's eyes signaled the hunter that now wasn't the time for talking nor for going into long explanations. He agreed and instead offered to fix a mug of hot chocolate for each of them. Marianna whispered, "Thank you," and got the kids settled away. She came to help him with fixing the beverage and counting out some of Alcmene's cookies. "You can fill me in on the details later," Iolaus quietly suggested, smiling an understanding smile to the appreciative young woman.

"I see Nikki is just like me--never asleep when there is food around," the hero said to the three kids, noticing that the little blond was awake and very confused. "Drink the chocolate while it's hot and eat the cookies before I get them all." Iolaus' plan worked--the kids were soon relaxed and before long, everything had disappeared and three pair of eyes were closed in much needed rest. He turned to the Marianna, "While I clear away the mugs and bowl, you sit back and relax. Get your thoughts together. Then, I want to hear everything that happened."

Tears made their way to the surface as the young woman began thinking of what she had to tell Iolaus. She blinked, trying to make them go away, but there were too many. She blotted them with her hankie, but it still didn't work"the delicate lacey handkerchief just hadn't been made to catch the flood of tears she was experiencing. The warrior saw her predicament as he cleaned up in the kitchen and stopped by a chest as he returned, taking out a man-sized clothwhich he gave to the distraught young woman. "I'm sorry, Iolaus. I kept all of this inside while the kids were awake, but it's all catching up with me now." She wiped her eyes again and blew her nose"a very uncharacteristic sound coming from a lady. Iolaus just smiled, glad
that she felt comfortable enough in his presence to do that. She took a deep breath and began her horror story.

********************************************************************

The teacher, determined not to cry again, sighed and began filling in the missing pieces of the puzzle she'd brought to Iolaus. "I'm afraid that we set things in motion that we never expected when the three of us set out to help these kids. Things turned out so wrong, but let me get to that later. You said to start at the beginning." She took a deep breath and started again. "After you left, Iolaus, I started marking those papers, but it took so much longer than I'd expected that I found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on them or even to keep my eyes open. Kids' handwriting at its best is sometimes hard
to read, and these samples definitely weren't the best. I found myself having to reread everything, so around 1:30, I decided to stop and get some rest and finish them before school. I'd just turned out the lantern when someone thumped loudly and repeatedly on the door. Because of the hour and the intensity of the knocks, I was frightened so I peeked through the curtains. The moonlight was bright enough to allow me to see out but the darkness of the house kept me hidden."

Iolaus stared at her as she retold the events that had occurred, his sunworn brow painted with concern. Then, he saw it"a look of terror and fear. She began to rub her hands in a quick motion and then started to tremble A streak of light from the Harvest moon shone into the darkened room, illuminating the couple like an accusing finger from Hera.

"What is it, Marianna? What's wrong?" When she didn't respond, he took her arm and drew her closer to him on the couch. "Everything's okay now--you are all here with me where you are safe," the hunter pledged in a soft but assuring tone.

Comforted by his words and reassured by his actions, the young woman continued. "What I saw through those curtains nearly broke my heart. Stefanie was holding the little one who was sobbing uncontrollably and had a tight grip around her sister's neck. The teenager herself was shaking so badly I was afraid she'd drop Nikki. She was trying to be brave for the child's sake, but in the moonlight I could see the fear and pain in her eyes and the tears rolling down her cheeks. Alex was leaning against the house, his arms around his sisters. He looked so pale and frail--then I saw the blood on his arm. I quickly opened the door and got them inside. By the gods, Iolaus, you should have seen those kids! I certainly wasn't ready for the sight that greeted me once I relit the lantern.

Stefanie's hair was all disheveled, her dress was ripped, and there were bruises now visible on her arms and face. A trickle of blood came from her split lip. I soon saw the reasons for Alex's paleness. Not only did he have a cut on his arm, but he also had a deep gash on the back of his head--blood from it still ran down into his collar. It's a wonder he could stand at all. How these precious kids ever made it to my house, I'll never be able to figure, but thank the gods they did." Marianna paused again, the pain of what she'd seen and heard reflected in her voice and her eyes.

`It's not the gods that should be thanked. What did any of them do to protect these kids? The kids were the brave ones her and we should be thanking them,' Iolaus thought as he looked at the three sleeping innocent figures. He saw her being to rub her hands again and fidget with her nails. "Marianna, just relax a minute while I get you a drink," the warrior whispered. He returned with a steaming cup of chamomile tea. "Alcmene says this is the best thing to help you relax and to ease tension." He watched as she sipped the beverage, his mind soaking in all she had told him and marveling at the strength of this once seemingly fragile woman. His admiration for her just seemed to grow and grow. "Now, do you think you can go on?" he asked when he saw that she had indeed calmed down.

Marianna smiled at him and nodded. "I took Nikki from Stefanie's arms and just held her as I got Alex and Stefanie onto the couch. Her sobbing stopped and the tears left those big blue eyes. "Do you think you will be able to help me with your brother and sister?" She smiled and shook her head. We brought warm water, some clean towels, bandages and medicines in from the kitchen and set about tending to the wounds. It was while Nikki was next to me helping bathe her sister's bruised and bleeding face and arms that I first noticed the bruises on those little arms and the tear in her dress. I asked her questions as we worked and was able to piece together that Zacadeus had lit into the kids when they got home from school, again blaming
them for our interference into his business. He beat Alex, placing most of the blame on him. Your visit had infuriated him and he thought Alex had told me about the conditions at their house and that I'd asked you and Hercules to visit him. Luckily, at that time, Stefanie and Nikki had only received minor bruises.

Before anything drastic could happen, the drunken sot passed out. The kids left him where he fell. Stefanie grabbed a basin of water, some cloths, and a bottle of ointment Zacadeus had gotten when he'd bruised him arm during one of his drunken binges. They fled into the supposed safety of their room, locking the door behind them. Stef and Nikki bathed Alex's cuts, put medicine on them, and bandaged them, then the three exhausted, frightened siblings fell into a light sleep."

Iolaus clinched his teeth together and tightened his jaw"the look of a man about to explode had invaded the countenance of that normally gentle, kind face. "That man is a monster! Those poor kids. Why didn't I see that they wouldn't be safe going back there? We should have taken them with us after school let out. This wouldn't have happened. It just isn't fair that they had to suffer like this when we could have prevented it. I just feel so guilty when I look at those innocent faces."

"It's not your fault, it's not anybody's fault. This or worse was going to happen sooner or later. Just be thankful they are away from that man now." Her words seemed to satisfy Iolaus and he thanked her with a smile.

"There's more, Iolaus, and I'm afraid it just gets worse. You won't believe..." her words were interrupted by a soft groan from Stefanie who had awakened and silently come over to them.

"Let me tell the rest, Miss Marianna, please?" The concerned schoolmarm hated for her pupil to go through the ordeal all over again, but she knew the teenager needed to do it as part of her healing process. So, she agreed.

"Are you sure this is the right thing for her to do?" Iolaus inquired of the teacher, concerned that reliving the horror might further damage the girl. Marianna nodded and gestured for Stefanie to begin.

Iolaus observed the hesitancy the young girl felt about actually talking about the horrible ordeal by the way she constantly moved her hands, wringing them as though she could wring away the terrible event. She bit her bottom lip forgetting the painful wound there, sighed, and began to talk.

"We'd only been asleep a little while when Zacadeus began pounding fiercely on the door and swearing at us in a loud voice.

We huddled together, afraid to answer him or speak out at all. No matter what we said, it wouldn't be right and would give him something else to punish us for." Iolaus shuddered, thinking back many years when he experienced the same fear. He knew exactly what the kids had suffered. "The door finally gave way and he pushed it aside. He was still drunk, but this time it was nasty drunkenness--one that would only be satisfied by violence. We'd seen it before. He grabbed me by the hair and pulled me out into the other room, tearing at my dress as we went, and slammed me up against the wall. I had
tried to break loose of him, but now I was so dizzy I couldn't think straight. Those filthy hands were all over me and that horrible, stinking breath gagged me as his mouth covered mine. He tried to kiss me, but I bit him. That just made him madder and that's when I got this split lip--he punched me and knocked me to the floor. As he stood over me, Nikki came screaming into the room, hitting him over and over with those little fists. `You leave my sister alone,' she cried out, as she continued to hit him. Zacadeus reached down and grabbed her, trying to pull her up into his arms. She kicked and moved around, tearing her dress. He told her that if he couldn't have me, he'd settle for her. I tried to get up to help her, but I just couldn't do it." Stefanie broke down for a moment, her voice silenced by the lump in her throat and the pain in her heart.

Iolaus put his protective arms around her and whispered to the girl until she had gained the ability to continue. "He threw Nikki down onto his bed. I saw his eyes, they were full of hatred but also full of a look that scared me even more. He took off his belt and I thought he was going to whip Nikki. But that wasn't what he meant to do. Before he could do anything else, Alex came raging into the room, carrying Momma's old iron frying pan she'd given to me. He whacked Zacadeus with it, but it only stunned him momentarily. That monster picked up a bottle, broke it and lunged at Alex, slashing his arm as
he did. I saw the pain on my brother's face as he sagged to his knees. Zacadeus struck him again, this time on the back of his head. He staggered, but was able to evade the devil as he lunged toward him again. I stuck my foot out and tripped him on that last lunge, giving Alex time to hit him with the frying pan he'd retrieved--he hit him so hard this time that I thought he was dead, and I didn't even care if that were true.

We knew we had to get out of there quickly, but first we grabbed clothing to replace the torn rags we now were wearing, a doll of Nikki's, and a momento Momma had given us. Then we came to you Miss Marianna because your place was closer than Mr. Iolaus' and we knew you'd know what to do."

Stefanie breathed a deep sigh of relief, glad the story was out in the open and so relieved that though injured and probably emotionally scarred, she and her brother and sister were at last free of that demon.

Marianna and Iolaus shared a look of horror at what they'd just heard and a resolve to see that it never happened again to these kids. The hunter couldn't think of any words to use to express the hatred he felt for the evil being who caused all this. The only thing with which he could compare it was Dahok--and he didn't want to go there. Words weren't what was necessary then, anyway. He had to get the kids to a safe place. It wouldn't take Zacadeus long to piece together what had happened. He knew the first place that devil would go was Marianna's and then he'd come to his home. "I have to get you out of here to a safe place--you too, Marianna. You're definitely going to be on his list, and you'll need protection. Hercules is the best one to provide that."

The hunter noticed that the sliver of moonlight in the room had disappeared, slowly being replaced by a warm, rosy glow trying to chase away the icy chill in the hearts of the adults and young girl sitting there.

As usual, Iolaus took charge. "Stefanie, do you think you will be able to help me get the three of you to a safe place? I can carry Alex, if necessary, but I can't carry him and Nikki. Can you carry your sister?"

The teenager nodded. "I'll do anything to help keep my brother and sister safe and to keep us together. We'll make it to wherever you think we must go."

The hunter hugged her and turned to a bewildered Marianna who was now ready for an argument. "What about me? I can help too. You can't leave me out of this, Iolaus. Don't leave me here while you take my students away. Frustration filled her voice as she spoke--frustration over what had happened and frustration over being left out of the plans. "I know what happened is my fault. If I hadn't interfered, none of this would have happened."

"Stop right there, Marianna. Didn't you just tell me that I wasn't to blame? Well neither are you. We should all have realized what an evil man Zacadeus is and how violent he could be. No one person is to blame. Things could have been much worse if we hadn't interfered. Don't think I've left you out of the plans, either. I'd never do that to you. Someone has to get to Hercules and tell him what has happened and to tell him I'm taking the kids to the Sofia caves where they'll be safe. That's the closest safe place I can take them. We'll be moving slowly with Alex's injuries and the trauma they've been through, but the caves are reachable before too much sunlight appears. We'll be far enough away by sunrise for anyone to spot us. Besides, those caves are a perfect maze if we need to use them to move the kids. We'll need blankets, and supplies. That's where you come in. You can gather the items while Hercules talks to the constable. Sure won't hurt to have Zacadeus on a "most wanted list." Hercules will lead you to us. He knows first hand about the caves. Remind me to tell you that story sometime. One more thing, be very careful on your way to see Hercules and your way to the caves. We
don't want Zacadeus or his cronies following you. "

Stefanie tugged on Iolaus' arm. "Is there anything more I can do?" Iolaus admired the girl's spunk and willingness to put the safety of her brother and sister before her own.

"If we're going to get to the caves before the sun comes up and before people are stirring, we'd better hurry. Wake up your brother and sister. Make sure you all take care of necessary business before we start out."

Iolaus turned to Marianna and took her arm. "Take care of yourself--I wish I could be the one to protect you, but Hercules has to know where we are going. Just get to him and he'll keep you safe until we see each other again. "

Marianna returned his smile and leaned in closer. "Keep the kids safe and be safe yourself." Just as the warrior was about to kiss her, the kids returned and she pulled back. Iolaus glanced at the three and saw approval in their eyes. "Oh, what the heck," and he put his arms back around the teacher and gave her the kiss he'd wanted to give her all night.

Once he was certain that Marianna was safely on her way to Hercules, Iolaus gathered two blankets, a lantern, a few pieces of dried meat which he crammed into his already crowded carrysack bulging with herbs and salves brought back from the East and other assorted items, and two canteens filled with fresh water that he strapped around his waist. "Nah, this won't work"it's too bulky." After checking the contents of the sack, he removed some of the bulky, softer items and placed them into a small pouch which he tied around his waist, anchoring it securely to his belt where it would ride comfortably
against his hip behind his vest. "That's much better." He fastened the carrysack and the other items together and slung them over his shoulder with his bow and arrows. "I look like Salmoneus when he's trying to push off his new ideas onto people."

"Can I help, Iolaus? Let me carry some of that stuff for you, please? " Alex begged, hoping the warrior would give him something to do. Iolaus saw the desperation in the boy's eyes and knew he had to let him try so he undid the canteens from his own waist and fastened them around the boy's. He also undid the lantern and gave it to the appreciative lad to carry. "Thank you," Alex sighed

"Okay, everybody set? Then let's roll!" the blond hunter suggested as he lifted Nikki up into Stefi's arms. Before allowing his charges to step one foot outside the door, Iolaus checked to be sure no uninvited guests were lurking around. He motioned for the kids to follow him and the journey to safety began as the small procession left Thebes following a route Iolaus knew would take him through the forest so painfully familiar to him"the one where he'd met Hera's Fire Enforcer on his way to warn Hercules. His heart rate increased as he remembered the terror of the brutal beating she had inflicted
on him when he wouldn't reveal Hercules' whereabouts. With the memory came the agony of bone-crunching falls, the vicious blows to the face and head, and the damage to his eyes. The pain was still as fresh as though it had happened yesterday. `No need to frighten these kids any more than they already are by telling them how I died trying to warn Hercules. That's a journey I'd just as soon forget.'

The towering sand dunes that stood between them and safety seemed just as high today as they did on that fateful day when the warrior struggled to climb the necessary obstacle to get to Hercules. Iolaus shivered as he relived the pain he'd felt staggering across the sand to reach his best friend. His nightmarish thoughts were interrupted by Stefanie's question. "Are you okay Mr. Iolaus? You seem so far away. Can Nikki and I go first? It will be an easier climb for me if no one else is in front of me. I'll be careful." The golden hunter nodded and the two girls began their climb. Iolaus took the rear
position, ready to help the injured boy if he faltered. Alex started out well, but his injuries and the added weight of the supplies he carried soon took their toll.

"Uh"oh!" The warrior saw the boy stagger even before he heard his cry and saw that the steepness of the dune was proving too much for the brave young man who was finding it harder and harder to keep his footing. Twice he fell, but got right back up. The third time, he just lay there sprawled out face down in the sand. "Let me take the lantern and the canteens. The lighter load will help you make the climb." The boy gladly relinquished the items that Iolaus fastened to his own bundle. Alex made out well for a distance, trying to step in the already shaped spots his sister had made. He succeeded to about three-quarters of the way up, then he sank to his knees. Iolaus put his arm around the boy's waist and they made the last part of the climb together, reaching the top and the flat part of the dune where the girls waited. The rest of the trip was a breeze, for it was just a matter of walking the flat surface and then making the easy downward descent to the bottom of the hill.

"Are we almost there, Mr. Iolaus?" These words brought a smile to Iolaus' face. "Kids are the same in every generation. Wonder how many times that question has been and will be asked? We are practically there, Sweetheart. See, the caves are right down there," Nikki's hero assured her, pointing toward the rock formation just down the beach.

Once they reached the formations, Iolaus told the kids to take a rest while he checked out the area, not realizing how frightened they would be to be left alone. As they watched the disappearing figure of their protector, fear of being left alone again returned. Alex stood guard over his two sisters after Stefanie gathered Nikki into her arms and held her tightly, reassuring her that everything was okay. Although she really needed some reassurance herself, she had just begun telling the child a story when the hunter returned. "Told you I'd be back soon--Come on, the coast is clear." He led them to a spot where the cave was well hidden, practically invisible to anyone just passing by and offering the warrior a vantage point where he could spot anyone coming near them without being observed himself. After lighting the lantern he led the children far back into the cave, spread a blanket out on the floor, and motioned for them to lie down on it. Then, he covered them with another blanket. In no time, the three exhausted kids were asleep allowing Iolaus time to take care of some necessary business such as removing the carrysack and placing it in a spot up off the ground, placing the lantern on a ledge where it would provide the most light, knowing Nikki would be scared if she awoke in a strange, dark place, and selecting the best place where he
could watch the outside yet still keep his eye on the kids. Someone had to stand guard over these unusual kids and he was that someone. He placed his bow and arrows and his sword where he could grab them quickly in an emergency and finally sat down to rest himself. "Daylight. I hope Marianna has found Hercules by now. We need them both here."

***********************************************

After leaving Iolaus and the kids, Marianna had hurried home to change into something more suitable for her mission"something that would enable her to blend in with people if necessary rather than make her stand out as being different. Then, she left her abode and had surreptitiously traveled a circuitous route toward Alcmene's house, making sure she wasn't being followed. Once she'd passed by the area near Zacadeus' dilapidated structure, she returned to the main road--a much straighter path to her destination. Thoughts of the previous day's events raced through her mind. "How horrible a day that was for those sweet children. Thank Olympus Iolaus and Hercules agreed to help." Her thoughts were brought to an abrupt end when she
spotted a figure heading toward her through the mist. All sorts of possibilities for the figure's identity ran through her mind and she began to tremble as she frantically looked around. "Oh, no, there's no place for me to hide and anyway, he's already seen me." Squaring her shoulder and raising her head high, Marianna reached deep for some of the courage Iolaus would display and assumed her authoritative, confident teacher's mode, continuing on down the path as though nothing bothered her--there was nothing else she could do. The man came closer and she almost lost her resolve. The advancing
figure drew nearer. "Hercules, oh thank the gods it's you."

"Marianna, what are you doing out here alone at this time of day? Don't you realize how dangerous it is for you?" The Son of Zeus' stern tone quickly changed when he realized the young woman was trembling. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you. Tell me what's wrong."

Comforted by his words and his just being there, Marianna quickly regained her composure. "Oh Hercules, so much has happened and so much of it is bad. I don't even know where to begin." She hesitated, wanting to share her fears and give the demigod Iolaus' message right there, but she held back, afraid that the trees could have ears.

"Let's go back to my Mom's--it's just down the road. We can talk there. You need to get out of this early morning dew. I was just on my way to help Iolaus fix the roof on the schoolhouse." The teacher's puzzled look made the tall warrior realize she knew nothing about the hunter's plan. `Where is Iolaus? She would have seen him if he were there on the roof, or at least heard him singing one of those songs he loves to warble. Last night's nightmare predicted danger--was it for Iolaus? "Here we are. Make yourself comfortable while I go tell mother you're here. He soon returned, accompanied by an attractive woman still dressed in her nightwear and robe.

"Welcome to our home, Marianna. Hercules has told me all about you and your problem. Hercules, where are your manners? Make our guest some tea to go with these honey cakes I made. Too bad Iolaus isn't here, these are his favorite."

"Mother, anything you make is Iolaus" favorite, Hercules chuckled as he went to fix the tea.

Marianna told them all about the events that had occurred since she'd last seen the demigod. Then, with anxiety filling her voice and covering her face, she told of Iolaus' request for supplies and his need for Hercules to talk to the constable. Alcmene took the young woman's hand in hers. "Marianna, you can't purchase these items yourself. Zacadeus or one of his cronies is bound to be watching you. Let me do this for you and bring them to your home while Hercules talks to the constable. Then the two of you can take the items to Iolaus together. I'll be sure to bring enough honey cakes for Iolaus and those children. Iolaus would never forgive me if he learns you had them and he didn't," Alcmene promised.


The relieved young woman agreed but suggested that they meet at the schoolhouse. Since it was a Saturday, no one would think to look for her there. "I'll go home and change, get my students' papers, and then carefully make my way to the school."

The trio walked toward town; once there, Hercules headed to the constable's office, Alcmene to purchase Iolaus' supplies, and Marianna to her home to pick up what she needed.

Marianna sat at her desk trying conscientiously to correct the papers she had postponed from the wee hours of the morning, but it just didn't work. Her thoughts kept drifting to Iolaus and the kids. "Here I am warm, safe, and secure. What's happening to them? Are they safe? I must have read the words on this paper fifty times and I still don't know what I read. It's useless to try to mark these now. Nothing I read sinks in. Perhaps I'd better just work on these later and do something physical to keep my hands busy and my mind focused on something else. A new bulletin board display"that should do it"

Alcmene's arrival with the supplies disrupted the teacher's train of thought, but it was a welcomed interruption. The two new friends sat and talked for over an hour, Marianna enjoying every minute of Hercules' mother's tales about the two heroes. She realized that the woman loved Hercules and Iolaus too. She blushed as she realized what she had said prompting Alcmene's comment, "You care for him too, don't you?"

The flustered young woman admitted that her feelings for the brave warrior were increasing, but she wasn't sure he shared the same thoughts. "He's a very special young man, dear, but his life has been marred by one tragedy after another. Hera has targeted him as the outlet for the hatred she has for Hercules on so many occasions. I'm not trying to discourage your feelings, but I just want you to be aware that the son of my heart might not be willing to bring his danger and troubles into a relationship, risking the life of someone he cares about. But if you really do care for him, the results could
outweigh the risks."

Marianna kissed Alcmene's cheek--"Thanks for being so honest with me. Iolaus definitely is worth any risk.

"Will you be okay here alone until Hercules comes? I promised Doc Markus I'd help him with a young patient who is expecting twins any
time now. I really should be there. I'll wait here with you if you feel you need me."

The compassionate young teacher shook her head. "No, Miss Alcmene, a promise is a promise. You go on. I'll be just fine." As soon as Hercules' mother left, Marianna wrote a note for Hercules and placed it on her desk. After gathering up Iolaus' supplies, she slipped out the back door. carefully checking to see that no one was around to see her leave. Hercules had told her where the Sofia Caves were and the shortest way to get there. She'd been on a church picnic out in that area just a few months before, so the territory wasn't new to her. " I know I should wait for you, Hercules, but I need to be with my students and Iolaus now." She hurried toward her destination rationalizing her decision as she went.

Hercules arrived at the schoolhouse expecting to find Marianna and his mother waiting there for him. Marianna's papers were there on her desk but the supplies were gone, but where was she? He knew Alcmene had been there because the scent of her perfume still lingered in the room. They can't have been gone too long. "What has happened here? Where are they?" Just as he turned to leave, Hercules spotted a note addressed to him on the teacher's desk. It read:

Hercules,
Sorry, but I couldn't wait any longer. Your Mother brought the supplies, then we had a long talk about Iolaus. I realized that I needed to be with him and the kids now. Please don't be mad---just catch up with me. If I'm too far ahead, I'll see you at the caves. Don't worry, I will be very careful.
Marianna

"That stubborn, strong-willed young woman!" the Son of Zeus swore, but he had to laugh, "Iolaus sure has met his match in this one." He raced out of the room toward his constable friend's office to fill him in on the latest development.

Just as he turned a corner, he encountered three drunks badgering a young man, trying to get money from him for their daily supply of booze. Hercules noticed that the youngster was no match for the older, stronger drunken bullies, especially since his right arm was in a cast. `I don't have time for this right now!' The demigod knew time would have to wait; someone was in trouble and that came first.

"Give us that money you just got for those eggs. We know you've got it, now hand it over. The largest of the three grabbed the youngster and began shaking him. He then pulled on the arm with the cast.

"Ouch---that hurts. Leave me alone. I already paid that money on my Mom's bill at the store, so just go away and leave me alone," the youth protested.

"He said to leave him alone. I think you'd better do just that while you still can. Pick on somebody your own size." Hercules directed his words to the man who'd just mistreated the injured lad, but they were meant for all three.

Sizing up the opposition, the drunken bully backed away, motioning his cronies to follow. "Thank you, mister; I was afraid I was a gonner." Hercules suggested that the attempted robbery needed to be reported and that he was headed for the constable's office. "Sure, I'll go with you and tell him what happened."

Just as they neared the town hall building, Hercules felt something sharp hit him in the back of the head. "Why are some things never easy?" He turned and knocked the legs out from under the drunken bum who had manhandled the youngster. Then the other two staggered toward him and he made short work of them, knocking their heads together. "Now, let's get these derelicts into the jail and tell your story."

By the time Hercules had filled his friend in about the new development, the young lad had told his story of the recent incident, backed up by Hercules' version, almost an hour had passed. The constable promised to gather up some men and head out toward the caves just as soon as he could, but Hercules already had one foot out the door in his rush to help his partner.

**********************************************

Rays of a sun almost directly overhead warmed the warrior's face causing those brilliant blue eyes to open wide. "Oh no, I fell asleep." He quickly left his spot just outside the entrance to the cave, checked on the kids and found them still sleeping soundly. The cautious hunter resumed his sentinel spot, relieved that things were okay. "What was that sound?" He grabbed his sword and quietly advanced to the edge of the rock formation just in front of his vantage spot. Again he heard the snapping of twigs. Sword in hand, he waited behind a boulder to see who had created the noise. As the sound grew closer, he jumped out, challenging the intruder and ready to strike with his sword.

"Marianna, what in Tartarus are you doing here? And alone? Where is Hercules? Why isn't he with you?"

The startled visitor caught her breath and then responded, "One question at a time! "First, I just couldn't wait any longer to see you and the kids and make sure you're all okay. Second, Hercules didn't get back quick enough to suit me so I left him a note and came by myself. Third, Hercules shouldn't be too far behind me. There, satisfied?"

Iolaus just grinned and shook his head. "Come on, let's get inside." Their voices had awakened the kids who came running when they realized who it was. Nikki made a beeline for her teacher. "Oh, Miss Marianna, I'm so glad to see you. What are we doing here? Can't we go back to your house? Please?"

Marianna whispered words of encouragement to the little girl and calmed her fears. It was quite a reunion of teacher and students, giving Iolaus a clear picture of just how much this teacher cared for her pupils and they for her. "What am I going to do with you, Marianna! Coming all the way out here by yourself was such a dangerous thing for you to do," the hunter lectured in his sternest voice. He couldn't keep a straight face any longer--"It's so good to see you." Marianna let out the long sigh she'd been suppressing, her pleasure in being there written plainly in her facial expressions.

"Shhh! Be quiet," Iolaus whispered.

You could hear a pin drop in that cave in a second. Far off voices shouting epithets to one another drew closer and closer to their location. "Marianna, take the kids and everything that could tell we're here with you and get back as far as you can in this cave. Put out the lantern when you get there and don't make a sound. Stay there until you hear Hercules or me. Got that?" The concerned teacher and the frightened kids nodded yes. "I've got to lead them away from here."

"Be very careful, Mr. Iolaus," Nikki whispered. All three kids hugged Iolaus and picked up a share of stuff to take and the two teenagers led their little sister toward the back, leaving Marianna and Iolaus alone." Don't take any unnecessary chances, Iolaus, come back to us in one piece." She gave him a peck on the cheek and quickly joined the kids before he saw her tears.

The nimble warrior made his way down toward the beach, picking a spot where he could see anyone coming. "Oh no, Zacadeus and six of his friends." Iolaus spotted the bully still dressed in the same filthy, smelly black outfit he'd worn the day before. His friends were similarly dressed. "Just what we need"six more reeking bodies.' The hunter remained hidden waiting until the time was right to make his move and overheard the men's conversation

"They have to be here somewhere. The time that Zeus' bastard son and Iolaus saved Thebes when Hera tried to burn the village down and then Hercules saved the town again from Hera's Fire Enforcer, the town had a huge celebration. You might have thought those two were gods themselves. Everybody was talking about how the big fool hid his slut of a mother and her has-been husband in these caves only to be trapped there. Unfortunately, they got out. Those caves are a perfect place to hide my kids. I'll bet that short blond runt is mixed up in their disappearance and that smart mouth teacher too. We'll search every one of them caves if we have to. Those kids think they've had it rough before, wait until I get my hands on them."

Zacadeus' chilling threats confirmed Iolaus' fear--Marianna and the kids were in great peril and it was up to him to do something about it. Besides, he was itching for a chance to confront the bully.

The determined agile warrior jumped down from the rock, making sure to be seen by the gang of ruffians, and then began to race away from the caves. "There he goes! After him--don't let him get away." Iolaus led them on a merry chase, darting in and out of the rocks. Just as his pursuers thought they had him cornered, he'd pop out from behind another rock until he reached a wooded area. He waited until he was sure he couldn't be missed and then dashed into the forest, seven single-minded men in pursuit.

Unnoticed by the warrior, Zacadeus had motioned for two of the gang to split off from the rest of pursuers to take a course that would hopefully bring them to a point beyond their target where they could sandwich him between them.

"This is far enough away. It's time to give Zacadeus a taste of his own medicine." Iolaus turned and faced the advancing men who had spread out. He waited until two men charged toward him. The warrior leaped into them, slamming into their chests with his heels, driving them to their knees. He struck them on the back of their heads with the hilt of his sword, rendering them unconscious. The enraged hero outmaneuvered the next two challengers, sending their swords flying. As they rushed toward them, he cartwheeled into them and jumped onto one thug's shoulders raining blows on an unprotected head. Just as the man's knees began to buckle, Iolaus flipped off backward directly into the face of the other surprised scoundrel and made short work of that foe, sending him sprawling to the earth to join the others littering the forest floor. "It's just you and me now, Zacadeus. Let's see how brave you are against someone who can fight back! I'm not a helpless child you can frighten."

Zacadeus snarled. "Big talk for such a little runt. Let's see what you can do without your big friend to back you up."

That did it--Iolaus really didn't need anything to urge him on, but if he did, "little runt" would do it. He tore into the large bully like a wounded male animal would do to protect its mate and their young. "That's for Alex," the hunter growled as he pummeled Zacadeus' face with repeated punches that opened wounds and made blood flow down the man's face. "That's for Stefanie, you bastard," the hero exclaimed jabbing the cowering bully in the stomach until he fell to the ground, gasping for breath. "And that's for little Nikki, you miserable excuse for a man," Iolaus swore as he kicked Zacadeus in the side a few times enjoying every grunt made by the defeated brute. "Now you know how those poor kids felt when you were beating them."

Iolaus viewed the scene in front of him, fully satisfied that he'd avenged the mistreatment of the children. "Wait a minute, there are only five men here. I'm sure I counted seven before when I saw them from the rocks. Where are the..." were the last words he spoke and the last sound he heard before a sharp pain emanated from the back of his head and the world began spinning, ending in total blackness.

***********************************************

"Where are those brats? Tell me or you'll be sorry."

Iolaus slowly came out of the darkness, finding himself tied between two trees. "Who's where? Where am I?" The warrior shook his head to clear the haze from his vision and the first thing he saw was Zacadeus' ugly face close to his. "Didn't your mother ever tell you to use mouthwash to hide that disgusting smell?"

Zacadeus backhanded the warrior fiercely, splitting his lip. "Watch your mouth, shorty. I oughtta just turn my friends loose on you. They gotta score to settle witcha now too." The infuriated drunk turned to his men seeking approval and saw six heads shake in unison. "You'll get your chance to giv'em what he deserves, but he's all mine first!" The child abuser turned back to stand face to face with the hunter again, just inches apart. He roughly took Iolaus' chin in his hands, squeezing the lips that were so battered, cut, and bruised. "Just maybe we'll let you go if you tell us where you hid those brats. They are mine and you had no business stealing them away," he teased. The bully's face twisted in rage as he saw his hated enemy was smiling at him, taunting him.

"There's as much chance of that happening as a snowball stands in Hades, so take your best shot now, Zacadeus." No sooner had Iolaus uttered those words than the demon backhanded the hunter again, this time drawing blood from a different spot. "How does that feel, little man?"

"I guess if Stefanie could stand it, so can I. You'll have to do better than that."

Zacadeus gestured for two of his men to approach the prisoner. They stood one in front and one behind Iolaus and savagely punched him in the stomach and back, leaving him breathless and in severe pain. Unlike the bully, he couldn't escape his captors' punches. More were delivered until he thought his lungs were on fire and his back was broken. "Ready to talk yet, runt?"

"Never," the suffering hero muttered defiantly.

"This is gettin us nowhere. You two--go to town and bring that meddlin schoolmarm out here. We'll see how brave this midget is when he sees what we can do to her," Zacadeus threatened.

"You piece of slime. You leave her alone or I'll...".

"You'll what? Face it, you're in no position to do anything." The gloating beast again stood close, his face practically touching Iolaus'. Mustering what strength he could, the hunter kicked out at Zacadeus, catching him in a very tender, painful spot.

"That clinches it! See how this feels," the infuriated bully, doubled over in pain, shouted as he grabbed a knife from his boot and raised his arm ready to thrust the weapon into Iolaus' side.

**********************************************

Hercules raced toward the caves, creating a rhythmic beat as his feet pounded against the pine needles covering the ground. Knowing that encounter in town had cost him precious minutes, he pulled out all the stops and increased his speed. The area was so familiar to him. He and Iolaus had spent countless hours in these woods growing up"hunting, hiding from one another, just playing the games of children. He could make his way through them blindfolded. His mind fluctuated from memories of the past to thoughts of the kids and what they'd been through in their short lives. So much hardship, danger, and pain and so little love once their mother died. "I promise you, that will change."

The half-god heard loud shouting and yelling in the distance, the sounds of many men. "Why would so many men be out here? It's coming from the wrong direction to be the constable and his men." In another burst of speed, he drew closer to the noise, but still couldn't recognize the voices. Hercules would watch and hear what happened in slow motion, seeing it but not being able to do a thing about it.

Then he heard words that brought a chill to his soul. "Where are those brats?"

"That's Zacadeus' voice!" Hercules groaned as he drew closer to the sound and heard more swearing. Then he saw them, men clustered around something. Two of the group changed position and the warrior had a clear line of vision into the center. "There's Zacadeus, but who is he shouting at?" He watched the drunken bully raise his arm and at that minute, Hercules caught a flash of familiar purple and then saw his buddy tied between two trees. He heard the thud as a fist connected and heard the crunching sound of Iolaus' nose breaking. Zacadeus paid for that bone. He doubled over in pain from an appropriately placed kick in return from his prisoner. "Haven't lost your touch, have you, partner," the half god chuckled.

"Iolaus, hang in there buddy, I'm coming." But as these words left his lips, Hercules saw the drunken brute reach in his boot and pull out the knife. The demigod knew what was coming, but he also knew he couldn't cover the distance in time to stop it. He saw the flash of silver as it embedded itself into Iolaus' side.

"Noooooooo! Not again." The agony of the scene he'd just witnessed inflamed the Son of Zeus who tore over the distance separating him and his best friend with only one thing on his mind--to get to Iolaus. Two ruffians intercepted the speeding demigod and were flattened by blows from his powerful fists. Two others tried to impede his progress only to have their heads clunked together, rendering them unconscious. Only three more stood between him and his partner. Two of those met those punishing fists that had disabled their friends and they met the same fate. Only Zacadeus remained and he foolishly tried to keep Hercules from Iolaus.

"I told you not to mess with me or my kids, Hercules. This little coward did and look what happened to him."

"Wrong choice of word, mister. He's no coward and he's a bigger man than you would ever be."

Zacadeus found himself flying through the air, connecting with a tree, then sliding unconscious to the ground.

The demigod reached his partner's side in no time flat, cut the ropes, and gently lowered him to the ground. "Iolaus, listen to me. Can you hear me? Hercules asked as he lifted the injured hero's shoulders up until he rested against his own body.

The hunter groaned, then opened his eyes. What took you so long, Herc? Could have used your help here earlier, but it looks like you've taken care of everything." Iolaus grinned as he teased his partner.

`Just lie there and be quiet while I check your wound," his best friend ordered, trying to sound stern but having a hard time holding in a laugh.

"Funniest thing, Herc. It doesn't hurt like other knife wounds I've had and there's not much blood, either. Can't figure it out."

Hercules reached inside the patchwork vest and carefully started to feel around the area."You sure are one lucky man, Iolaus. It's not a deep wound at all and look what kept the knife from penetrating too deeply!" He showed the hunter the pouch that was resting there and pulled from it a small
but thick yellow satin pillow with the word MOM embellished on it now cut into two pieces.

"That belongs to Stefanie, Nikki, and Alex. They gave it to me for safekeeping. I sure kept it safe, didn't I" the hunter grumbled sarcastically. "How am I ever going to tell those kids that the only thing in this world that they have of their mother's has been destroyed? That miserable s.o.b ruined everything for them, even took this away from them." The dejected warrior lapsed into silence, a condition very unusual for him. Hercules could see in his eyes just
how much his partner was agonizing over the destruction of that pillow because of its significance to the kids.

Not exactly sure of what to say to his friend, Hercules just spoke from his heart. "Iolaus, I don't see this exactly as you do. To me, that pillow symbolizes the mother reaching out from her grave to protect her children and that protection extended to you since you were risking your life for them. The pillow saved you, and through you, them. She sure had the last laugh on Zacadeus, didn't she?"

Iolaus mulled Herc's words over in his mind and it didn't take long before the sparkle returned to those azure eyes and his sense of humor returned. "Are you ever wrong, Herc? What you just said makes a lot of sense, thanks." As he struggled to stand, a twinge of pain stopped his progress and he uttered a quick groan. "Guess it hurts more than I thought!"

"Just settle back down there for a minute, It isn't an exceptionally deep wound, but it is in a tender spot. Let's get you cleaned up." Hercules took some water and washed away the blood from around the knife wound. He then wrapped a temporary bandage around the wound and his buddy's ribs. "Let me see those cuts and that nose. I'd better get that blood off, wouldn't want to scare Nikki and the others." Iolaus lay still as his friend gently bathed all the bruised areas and removed all of the blood. "There, that's a little better. Do you have some of the salves from the East back at the cave?" When the
hunter nodded, Hercules responded, "Good, we'll do this better when we get to the cave."

The taller partner helped his friend to his feet, but Iolaus found that standing and walking on his own would be a little difficult. "How about it, pal, think you can walk or do you want me to carry you?"

The sound of pinecones and twigs crunching and leather boots clumping along the forest path drowned out the hunter's response. "Enough already. I've had more than enough fighting for one day. Show yourselves," the aggravated half god bellowed, assuming a protective stance---ready to defend his wounded comrade.

"Relax, Hercules. It's just me and the men from town. I can see you don't need our help fighting these degenerates, but we'll be glad to take them off your hands." The constable knelt down by Iolaus. "How are you, friend? Looks like you've been run over by a herd of wild boar." The warrior assured everyone that he would be fine"just need a little rest and some TLC. "I saw that schoolteacher, Iolaus. Can't say I blame you for wanting TLC if she's the one who will give it. If it's Hercules, I'd think twice about that."

The Son of Zeus laughed and told the constable he'd be glad to have the men escort the six troublemakers and their leader back to town so Hercules and Iolaus could join Marianna and the kids. "Okay, Iolaus, stop in the office just as soon as you are up to it. Your testimony plus that of the children will put Zacadeus and his men away for a long time. We only had him for child abuse before. Add attempted murder and they'll be away for a long time. Okay men, move this trash out."

"Now, Hercules, you know I hate to me carried. It reminds me of the times I've ended up down with Hades. I'll walk, if you help me. The pair set out, Hercules' arm around Iolaus' waist and Iolaus' left arm around Herc's shoulder. "Good thing we've had a lot of practice doing this."


Marianna and the children waited impatiently in the far back area of the cave with no light. At first, it was like a game and little Nikki thought it was
great fun. But the longer they had to wait there, the more restless she became. The others too began to feel the silence and the darkness. "I'm scared, Miss Marianna. Can't you tell us a story? Please?" the small child begged. "It won't be so bad if we hear your voice.

"Nikki, you know Iolaus said we were to be quiet." Stefanie reminded her sister.

The teacher heard and felt the tension in both the voices. "I don't think a story will hurt if I talk almost in a whisper and you listen carefully. What do you want to hear?"

All three kids settled on stories about Hercules and Iolaus' adventures. "I don't know all of them, but I do know about the Hydra and about the She-Devil." So began the hours of storytelling and the calming of the youngsters' fears. Marianna was right in the middle of
a tale when they heard Iolaus' voice.

Hercules looked perplexed when Iolaus led him into the cave. No signs of habitation were anywhere to be seen. Are you sure this is the right cave? He looked at his partner expecting an explanation. Instead, Iolaus shouted, Kids, Marianna"it's safe. Come on out."

Three excited kids rushed from the back of the cave and hugged the two warriors. Alex greeted them, "Gosh it's good to see you. The time passed so slowly and we were all worried.. It took you so long to get here."

Marianna took one look at the condition Iolaus was in and unshed tears filled her eyes. "Let me change that bandage and tend to all the other wounds. Alex, get me Iolaus' carrysack." She took out the salve and bandages and went to work. Iolaus had to admit that her touch felt pretty good as she gently applied the salve and bandaged those wounds that needed it. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine, but Zacadeus and his men aren't. They're going away for a long time. I'll tell you all about it when we get back to Thebes."

Hercules and the three kids were talking over in a corner, leaving nurse and patient alone, but their eyes never left Iolaus. The demigod stopped right in the middle of a sentence when he saw Marianna had finished. "Iolaus, don't you think you should tell the kids what saved your life?"

The warrior agreed. "Stefanie, do you remember what you gave me to keep for you?" The teenager nodded. "Well, I put it into the small pouch I wore around my waist. When Zacadeus stabbed me, something stopped the knife from going in too far. This did," he sighed, pulling out the two halves of the pillow.

Stefanie gingerly took the two halves of the small pillow. "Oh, look how it's all torn. Momma's pillow is all torn." She touched each part, running her fingers along the letters MOM. A deep sigh and an almost inaudible moan escaped her lips as the destruction she was handling reached her heart.

Iolaus saw tears fill her eyes and those of Nikki as well. He saw no tears in Alex's eyes, but the same disappointment and pain were etched on his face as well. None of them said another word and the hunter himself found it hard to speak with such emotion filling his throat.

"I have a theory about that pillow that I think you kids should hear. To me, your Mother is reaching out to each of you through this pillow. It's a symbol of her love for you. That love protected you today through Iolaus. Without it, he would have been killed and Zacadeus free to continue his devilish ways. She protected you from the grave."

The children digested his words and then Nikki spoke. "Mr. Iolaus, our Mommy must love you like we do. I'm glad her pillow saved your life." Out of the mouths of babes!

Marianna spoke up, " I can fix that pillow so it will look brand new. You won't even be able to tell where it was torn. A happy enthusiastic Nikki shouted and clapped her hands, then put her arms around Marianna's waist, soon joined by the other two.

A relieved Iolaus affectionately mouthed the words "thank you" to the woman who'd just saved the day for them all.

"Okay, it's time to head for home. There's been enough excitement for one day and you kids could use a nice hot bath and a good warm meal. Any takers?" Hercules asked.

All three voiced their approval and began gathering the things they'd carried up here."You can count me in too," came the reply from an exhausted warrior.
"You're not a kid, Iolaus," his partner scoffed, "even though you eat like one."

A self-assured Marianna spoke to the demigod, "Oh but that's where you are so wrong. Iolaus is just a big overgrown kid at heart and if he wants a good warm meal, he'll get it along with the other kids."

Iolaus giggled and couldn't wait to catch his partner's eye after that one and Hercules could tell he'd never live it down.

"Okay, I know when the best man"uh in this case woman, has won. Nikki, can I give you a piggyback ride back to town?"

The little blue-eyed blond looked up at him with a sweet smile and those big blue eyes and answered in a matter-of-fact way, "Thank you Mr. Hercules, but I'd rather help Mr. Iolaus."

"Even the six year olds prefer you, Iolaus, where did I go wrong?" Hercules started to tell the child that wasn't a good idea, but Iolaus' eyes told him to let it be. Years of traveling together had made it possible for them to communicate without uttering a word.

"All right, Nikki, but you'll just have to take my hand and show me the way. I can't lift you up high on my shoulders just now." The little six year old going on thirty child gave her hero a big smile and took his hand with Marianna claiming his other one. Hercules stayed with Stefanie and Alex, ready to give any assistance he could. He also kept his eye on the trio in front of him"just in case. It was a much happier procession making its way back into town than the one had been leaving it.

**********************************************************************
**

Halfway through the trip, Iolaus noticed Nikki's hand pulling against his as the little girl began tiring and slowing down. "That's an awful big hill and I'm really tired, Mr. Iolaus. Can't you carry me?" Those large, pleading blue eyes looked up into his, but the hunter knew there was no way he could do as she asked. He was having a hard enough time putting one foot in front of the other himself. Yet he hated to disappoint the child."Nikki, I..." but Marianna interrupted the tired warrior before he had to say no.

"Nikki, can I carry you for awhile? We really haven't had any time to talk in a long time." This satisfied her student and kept Iolaus from having to make a decision that would hurt the child's feelings or worse, one that would physically hurt him. Before releasing his hand, Marianna squeezed it to thank the hunter for that golden smile of thanks he'd just given her.

Hercules, Alex, and Stefanie watched and waited, ready to pitch in and give whatever help they could when needed. None was asked for, so the small group traveled on.

Upward they climbed, at last reaching the flat plateau that made traveling so much easier. Finally, there it was. "Thebes, it never looked so good to me before. How about you guys?" Hercules and Marianna smiled and nodded, but the three kids cheered at the sight of their town.

"Put me down, I can walk from here." Nikki jumped up and down as soon as her feet hit the ground and ran ahead; she stopped abruptly, turned, and ran back to the others. "Sorry, Mr. Iolaus, now I can help you again," the child proudly exclaimed taking her hero's hand.

Hercules stopped at the constable's office as they passed to let him know they'd made it back safely as the others headed for Alcmene's home. "You should see that sorry lot of losers in that jail. Perfect place for them," the demigod chuckled as he rejoined his friends.

**********************************************

Alcmene heard the children's laughter as the group reached her yard. "Looks like that wall still isn't finished, Herc. Sorry I can't give you a hand working on it for awhile." Iolaus' eyes sparkled with that impish glow as he teased his friend.

"Yeah, I know--I know. You'd do anything to get out of working on that wall, wouldn't you?"

Both heroes burst into fits of giggles so infectious that soon everyone was laughing. "This is what I've been missing for such a long time," Alcmene sighed. "The laughter of children--large and small. Come on in everyone."

The world and everything in it started spinning for the hunter as he began to sink to the ground, rescued before he reached the dirt by a pair of strong arms. "That does it, Iolaus; I'm carrying you into the house and you are going to stay in bed until the healer has taken a look at you. " True to his word, Hercules placed his pal onto the bed reserved for him whenever he visited.

"I am kind of tired, but the dizziness has passed. I don't need you waiting on me, *Mother*. Marianna makes a fine nurse. I think I'd rather have her fuss over me than you. Besides, her hands are a lot softer than yours."

Hercules reached down and gently ruffled his partner's blond curls. "Sure, you never complained all these years; but now that there's a pretty girl around, I'm an old has been," the demigod teased. "Know what? I don't blame you a bit."

Sounds of female laughter reached the warriors' ears as Alcmene and Marianna came down the hall. "Oh, that's so funny, Alcmene. You'll have to tell me more about those two growing up."

Iolaus shook his head when he heard the teacher's words. "Uh oh, Herc. We're in for it now. All those things we did as kids growing up are coming back to haunt us."

Marianna noticed the masculine identity of the room they'd just entered--swords and knives on the wall, a deer with a large rack of antlers on another wall, but most of all was the scent of the lotion she knew was Iolaus'. No wonder he loved to stay in this house. This room emanated the friendship of these two brave men.

"Time to fix that wound, Iolaus. Off with that vest." The hunter's wound wasn't life-threatening, but it was painful and had been aggravated by the trip home. Marianna cleaned the wound of the blood that had collected, gingerly rubbed salve on it, and replaced the old bandages. "That should keep out any infection, but we still need some professional opinion. I think you should stay in bed a day or two and

Iolaus' eyes pleaded with his partner to help him out, but the Son of Zeus failed him this time. "You're right, Marianna, but I don't envy any of us the job of keeping him still."

Alcmene fixed a dinner fit for a king and brought Iolaus his share to eat in his room. Her heart son looked so dejected at the thoughts of eating alone and missing out on all the fun. "You didn't think I'd let you be in here all by yourself, did you?" Marianna appeared with her food, ready to keep her wounded warrior company.

"Sure glad you came in here with me. We haven't had any time alone since the night I walked you home. There are some things I need to say to you after we eat, okay?" Marianna blushed and nodded, glad for the opportunity to share his peace and quiet.

Hercules came and cleared the dishes away, smiling at his partner over Marianna's shoulder as he left the room. "If I remember correctly, that other evening you said you had to put the kids before me--to mark their papers." Taking her hand, he continued "I don't see any papers here in this room. Is it my time now?"

The young woman leaned toward him when three wild Indians burst into the room. "Miss Alcmene says we can tell you goodnight before we go get our baths and go to bed. She's a kewl lady and I really like it here." Nikki would have babbled on and on if Stefanie hadn't stopped her.

"Alex and I came to tell you goodnight and to thank you for everything you did for us." She reached over and kissed Iolaus' cheek but Nikki bounced up onto the bed and put her arms around his neck. "I love you, Mr. Iolaus--bye." and she was off like a whirlwind down the hall. Alex put out his hand for Iolaus to shake and thanked him for saving his sisters.

"Alcmene is going to need help with that bunch, Iolaus. Can we continue our talk tomorrow? You need your rest anyway." Marianna leaned over and gave Iolaus a hug, pulling away to leave.

"Oh no you don't, not before I do this," and the hunter kissed her." You owed me that one!" She smiled, waved goodnight and left Iolaus to his thoughts and dreams.

After Hercules helped with Alex, he came quietly into the room. Iolaus was already asleep, a big grin on his face. "Sweet dreams, partner. You've earned them today."

*********************************************

When Iolaus awoke in the morning, Marianna and the kids had already left for school. Alcmene brought a huge breakfast for Iolaus and her and sat there to eat. "Hercules has gone for the healer. Iolaus, it's so good to have a houseful again. I've missed it. I'm glad Marianna and the kids stayed. She's a special young woman, isn't she?"

"You won't get any arguments from me about that. Did you see how good she is with the kids? Herc and I watched her teach--she's a natural. The kids just love her and I can see why."

Alcmene was all set to pursue the matter further, but the healer arrived. After examining Iolaus, he said the warrior would be fine after a day or two of rest. "No work, no bouncing around, or doing anything that would tear out those stitches I just put in. "

When Hercules came into the room, he had news for Iolaus. The constable had gone to the schoolroom and with Marianna's help, gotten the information he needed from the kids. "He'll be out here this afternoon to get your story so you won't have to go in there. He wants this done as done as possible so those devils can be put away for a long time." Iolaus sighed knowing that was a good thing to do.

"Oh, I almost forgot. He is giving Mother custody of the kids until the sentencing is handed out and then they will go to stay with Marianna. That should please everybody."

"Perfect! Herc, when I'm out of this bed, would you help me patch that schoolhouse roof and fix a few other things that need to be done in there? Maybe we can check out Marianna's house to see what needs fixing over there."

Hercules grinned. "Iolaus, you must be getting better. You're babbling. Thought you didn't like to work? You sure do everything you can to get out of helping with Mother's wall. Tell you what, I'll help you if you'll help me. Fair enough?"

"You're sure getting the better end of this deal; those rocks are heavy, but yeah, it's a deal."

*********************************************

Sentencing came much sooner than expected--one week after Iolaus' and the kids' incident. The overwhelming evidence provided by Marianna, Iolaus, Hercules, and the kids convinced the judge to sentence Zacadeus to forty years hard labor on the abuse and attempted murder charges; his men received twenty years for their part.

Before Alex, Stefi, and Nikki moved to Marianna's, Iolaus and Hercules made a trip to the dilapidated, disgusting house they'd been living in. "I don't want to think of those kids having to spend one more minute in that filthy place. Too many bad memories there. Herc, let's just take their things to Marianna's so they'll be there when the kids arrive."

"Sorry, but I have to disagree on this. Let's take their things home so Mother can wash the clothes up and we can clean everything else so it doesn't smell like that hovel."

A new chapter began in the lives of the three happy, well-adjusted kids thanks to the adults who really cared for them. "Just because you are going to be at Marianna's, don't think you can get rid of us," Iolaus promised his young friends.

Alcmene and Hercules made the kids promise to come to visit often and Marianna assured them that would happen. She took Iolaus aside and asked if he would come to dinner the next night so they could finish their talk. "You know I will."

"Come on Miss Marianna--time to go." Iolaus groaned, "Bad timing again. See you tomorrow night."

*********************************************

In his own room, Iolaus woke to the sounds of pounding on the door. "What? Not again," he muttered thinking of the previous week when Marianna and the kids had awakened him in the same manner. He pulled on his leather pants and struggled into his patchwork vest as he went to the door.

"Open up, Iolaus. We've got trouble," his partner shouted."What else is new. What is it this time, Herc? Run out of rocks for you Mom's wall?"

"No, a young man from Plinth found me early this morning and says that warlords are attacking Plinth again. Breanna sent him to get us. How quick can you be ready?"

"Breanna--there's a name from the past. Why does everything happen at once. I promised Marianna that I'd come to dinner tonight so we could talk. I have to see her and explain, Herc. Then I'll be ready to go. Meet you at the inn."

Sounds of people opening their stalls for the day's business escaped acknowledgement from the hunter as he headed for Marianna's to catch her before she left for school. Not even the smell of freshly baked bread and pastries made an impression on the usually ravenous hunter. The street was crowded with people, yet Iolaus might just as well have been alone for he saw none of them. All that concerned him was the fact that he had to disappoint Marianna. His heart really wasn't in this errand. Why did this have to happen right now? He knocked on her door and thought what he'd say to her. The door swung open. "Mr. Iolaus--come and have breakfast with us," an excited blue-eyed blond suggested. "Everybody will be glad to see you."

"Sorry, sweetheart, I can't today. I need to talk to Miss Marianna." Nikki ran off to get her teacher.

Iolaus shifted from one foot to another, so ill at ease and hating what he had to do. Marianna stood in the kitchen door and watched. Something definitely is wrong. "Hi, Iolaus. What's wrong?"

How does she know something is wrong? Am I that obvious?

"Just tell me--that's the easiest way," Marianna exclaimed.

"It just isn't fair, Marianna. We had such a good evening planned and this came up. There's trouble in Plinth and they sent for Herc and me. We have to go. I'm so sorry to do this."

"There will be other evenings, Iolaus. Anything worth doing is worth waiting for. I'll just give you a raincheck. Just promise me that you'll come back safe and in one piece."

No more words were needed---Iolaus kissed Marianna, gave her a brilliant golden smile and turned to go. "Tell the kids goodbye. You know I'll be back just as soon as I can. See you later."

Hercules was waiting at the inn with Iolaus' bow and arrows, his sword, and the knife they'd made. "Don't you think you'll need these?" Hercules handed his pal the boots he'd forgotten to put on when he'd run over to Marianna's. "And this too?" he chuckled, handing Iolaus his carrysack.

"Guess my mind was someplace else," the golden hunter mumbled and started down the road toward Plinth.

"Yeah, right, Iolaus and I know where that someplace was. Wait up. will you?"

Finis

Marcia 5/23/04 (maranje2003nz@yahoo.com)