HE ALWAYS PAYS THE PRICE

by Marcia

"What will it be, Iolaus? The unknown wife who lies ahead in your future or that miserable half-brother of mine? The choice is yours, but you must make it soon or they will both lose," Ares taunted as he faced the tormented hunter, standing over him with a whip in his hand. Iolaus stared at the God of War who was dressed in black leather and silver trim, his handsome appearance marred by the evil in his eyes.

He means it, thought Iolaus, but how can I make such a choice? Hercules is the center of my world. I could never condemn him to a life serving Ares. He'd rebel and be killed before a day went by. I couldn't live with that on my conscience. But how can I condemn a girl I don't even know yet to a world under Ares' control? My wife will share my universe with me and Hercules, not with the God of War. Whatever choice I make, I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't.

Iolaus decided one last time to try to change the god's mind. "You don't want to do this, Ares. It's too unfair, even for you. Hercules is your brother. How can you turn him into a killing machine just for your pleasure? His whole being and purpose in life is to do good and help people, not kill them. I can't simply turn him over to you. As far as a future wife for me, you can have any woman you want just for the asking and you've asked plenty. Why is it so important for you to take the woman who will unite with me and complete my life no matter who she will be? Don't force me to make this choice."

Ares sneered at Iolaus and laughed in his face. "Since you and Hercules graduated from the Academy last year, you've been nothing but trouble to me. You,'e lucky I'm giving you a choice, you runt. That's more than I give most people. I love to watch you squirm. But enough of this small talk. Your time is growing short, so I'll leave you alone with your thoughts. Remember, there's no way you can get out of here, so don,' bother trying." The devious god vanished into the night.

Angered by the impossible ultimatum, Iolaus' mind worked overtime weighing all the possibilities and options open to him. " It all comes down to this. Either I give Ares my best friend or I give him my unknown partner in marriage. Think, Iolaus, think. There has to be a way around this."

Iolaus glanced around the cave where he was imprisoned. There were no guards, no bars, no ropes or manacles, no visible means of restraining him, yet the warrior knew it was useless to attempt an escape. He believed Ares' threat about that. "This is the perfect place to keep me when I have to make such a choice. It's dim, cold, and so gloomy. I can't handle this. Give me beasts and dragons to slay, thugs and warlords to face, or even Hera's goons to fight--or better yet, take me into your service, Ares. Just don't force me to make this decision."

He remembered Ares, threat--only a short time left to reach a decision. "Hercules is in the here and now; I know what will happen if I pick him to go with Ares, leaving a wife free to spend her life with me. I can't stand by and watch that happen. Marriage is a long way off. That will give me time to be sure Herc and I can prevent Ares from taking my bride. I'll give him the future but snatch it away from him when that time comes. "

A spiraling black cloud delivered Ares into the chamber. "Well, Iolaus, what's your decision?" Ares jeered, knowing he'd backed the brave warrior into a corner. Either way, he would win. "Will you free my bastard half-brother or your unknown bride from a life of service to me?"

Taking a deep breath, Iolaus looked the God of War directly in the eyes, and sighed "I pick my partner and heart brother. You know he is the center of my world; I'd do anything to protect him, including keeping your filthy hands off him, you pathetic excuse for a god."

Ares raised his arm in anger. "I should have wiped you off the face of the earth long ago, but you are the ace up my sleeve when it comes to tormenting Hercules. Nobody calls me pathetic, especially you." Iolaus saw the fireball coming and tried to escape it but it struck him in the shoulder sending him flying into the cave wall where he solidly hit and slid unconscious to the ground. "You fool. Just remember this time on your wedding night when I come for your bride. You've made the choice--you've given her to me. Don't forget it!" The angry god picked up the stricken warrior and tossed him out of the cave. Iolaus tumbled over and over down the side of the cliff , cutting his face and arms on the jagged rocks as he scraped against them. He landed face down in a gully by the side of the road near the small forest.

Alcmene's home smelled of freshly baked bread, pastries, and newly cut flowers from her garden. Hercules' mother busily occupied herself, stopping only to check on her son who paced repeatedly from the door to the window to the door. "Hercules, you are going to wear a path in the floor if you don't stop that pacing. Come have something to eat. My cooking always seems to help you relax. Tell me what is bothering you--perhaps I can help."

The Son of Zeus gave Alcmene a hug. "Mother, you'd be the first to know if I knew myself. Something is terribly wrong, but I can't figure out what it is. I have this nagging feeling that Iolaus is in terrible trouble and needs my help." Hercules quickly rose to his feet and headed toward the door. "Sorry, Mother, but I just can't sit here. I have to find him and see what is wrong."

"Be careful, Son, and come back safely."

The warrior came back and kissed his Mother on the cheek. "Don't worry, I'll come back in one piece, and with Iolaus, so you'd better have plenty of food ready. You know how that man loves to eat."

Outside, he stood for a moment debating which direction he should take, quickly settling on the path Iolaus usually took to reach Alcmene's house. "Last night at the inn, he promised he'd come help me with the leaky barn roof, and he always keeps his promise so I'll head this way."

The path wound down from the hill where Iolaus had built his lodging, crossed the stream near the high cliffs where Ares had confiscated an abandoned temple and made it into one for himself, and then climbed upward again passed the small forest to Alcmene's home. Hercules emerged from the trees and headed down the incline, glancing upward toward the temple. "Glad I don't have to deal with you today, Brother. These words were no sooner out of his mouth than a chill traveled from the top of his head to the tips of his toes. "No, you wouldn't--you wouldn't use Iolaus to get to me again!" A quick flash of light interrupted the demigod's thoughts, drawing his eyes to its locale--a ditch by the side of the road directly below him. He couldn't detect its source just yet, but he saw something else which sent him racing down the hill. A patch of purple lay partially hidden by the rocks--the purple in his best friend's vest. Then he saw the source of the light. It had come from the reflection of the sun's rays on Iolaus' medallion which was visible through an opening in the rocks. He tossed the rocks aside and knelt down by his partner's side, carefully lifting the blond head into his lap.

"Come on, Iolaus, talk to me." While gently coaxing a response from the unconscious hunter, he visually appraised his best friend's condition. Blood flowed freely from the cuts and bruises that seemed to be everywhere. What caught his attention were the burns on Iolaus, arm and shoulder. "This reeks of Ares and his fireballs." Looking upward, he could see the path made by his friend's body as it tumbled down from the temple.

"Ares, I'll come back for you as soon as Iolaus is safely home."

"Ohh---," The wounded warrior groaned, attempting to sit up. He opened his vibrant blue eyes and touched his forehead and his arm. "Ouch! That hurts. I feel as if I've been run over by a herd of wild horses and burned by an erupting volcano. How did I get here?"

The hunter glanced up and saw Hercules. He touched his partner's face. "Where am I and what are you doing here?"

The half god patted his friend,s uninjured shoulder. "I was hoping you could tell me. I found you here in this ditch below Ares' Temple. Do you remember being up there, meeting him, having a fireball thrown at you. . .anything?

Iolaus slowly and gingerly sat up, shaking his head back and forth. "The last thing I remember, I was on my way to help you with that roof, but that was early this morning. From then until now is a total blank." He attempted to rise to his feet but staggered and clutched at the bruise on his forehead. Hercules reached out to steady him.

"Wow, guess I'm hurt a little more than I thought. I just can't remember why or how, but I do know it hurts."

Hercules, arm went around the hunter's waist and his other arm grasped the arm Iolaus extended to him. "Think you can make it to my house, or should I carry you? "

No words came from the wounded warrior, but the look he gave Hercules was all the answer he needed. He helped his best friend slowly cover the distance to Alcmene's home.

With Alcmene,s gentle care, her good cooking, and a few days, rest, Iolaus was as good as new but he still had no recollection of the events of that ill-fated morning. Hercules was ready to go confront Ares, but Iolaus stopped him.

"Let it rest, Herc; there's no harm done and he'll never tell you what happened anyway. Don't argue with me--let it go!" Hercules begrudgingly deferred to his friend's demand.

***

Several years passed and the two heroes had fought side by side to rid Greece of many injustices caused by warlords, thieves, outlaws, even gods and to slay many monsters. Anyone seeking their help got it. They shared many experiences, but the one, which changed their lives most, was the acquisition they both made of a new partner in their lives. Iolaus was first, meeting a lovely young gentle girl named Ania who swept him off his feet. He was almost lost to her and it was only through Zeus, intervention that the hunter returned to marry his fiancée. Hercules too met and married an alluring spirited young woman who captured his heart, Deineira.

***

Thunder roared and lightning cracked and struck the earth as the gods warred among themselves and cast fireballs and lightning bolts to earth. Mortals on earth sought shelter to escape whatever was causing the wrath the gods were experiencing. On Mt. Olympus, the source of the violence became obvious to all as Hera and Ares accosted one another, tossing their fireballs around and lighting up the sky like fireworks. Ares had innocently enough begun the whole storm by bragging to his mother about something he'd thought would please her.

"You should have seen him, Mother! I had the impudent little bug right under my thumb, and did I ever make him squirm. I could see the torment in his eyes as he tried to make a decision, but he surprised me . Iolaus had been talking to Hercules about a wife and family for a long time. I thought for sure he,d choose all that for himself. But no, he chose my bastard half-brother, giving me the rights to any future bride of his. Of course, he doesn't remember a thing about that morning. Imagine his face when I go in to claim his Ania!" Ares strutted around as proud as a peacock, full of importance and self-worth, expecting his Mother,s approval.

"You stupid fool! Iolaus would never do anything to harm Hercules or put him into an uncompromising position. He'd die first. You should have known that. If you'd gone there on his wedding night to claim your prize, he'd never have renounced his decision even knowing what it would cost him. But you will never claim that prize! You've gone up against me this time. When Zeus suspended time and brought Iolaus back after the Amazons had killed him, I declared that Iolaus was dead. Therefore, he'll never be able to marry and have a family that will last. He will put any woman he loves in great danger from me. So your deal with Iolaus is null and void. Mine takes precedence over it.

"All you did was give Hercules extended time with his best friend and a family of his own. Next time, think before you act or at least check with me before you act.

Ares crept away, a child reprimanded by his mother.

The storm abated and life in Thebes returned to normal. Merchants returned to their stalls again setting up fruits and vegetables, pastries, and the stuff people like to buy. Children raced through the streets playing tag, flying kites, or bouncing balls. Friends stood around chatting while others swept their porches or hung clothes out to dry.

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Hercules and Iolaus came to the last hill overlooking their hometown as they returned from Thrace where they,d been to rid the people of a monster. "Sure makes a difference to have someone waiting at home, doesn't it Herc? Adventures are fine, and we need them once in awhile, but life with Ania and Telaus is just one big adventure. Is it the same for you?" Hercules nodded and a smile broke out on that handsome face as he thought of his own family.

"Here's where I leave you my friend. You, Ania and the boy come on over soon. . .but not tonight," Hercules grinned. His partner returned the grin and added his own infectious giggle.

Teasing his friend, Iolaus put on a hurt look and pouted, "You mean you won't be happy to see us tonight?" He couldn't keep a straight face for long. "Don't worry, Herc, there's no chance of that happening. Ania won't want to leave the house, and I'll be glad to oblige her." With a twinkle in those azure blue eyes, Iolaus turn and ran toward his home.

Hercules hurried on, anxious too to see his own wife and son after being away from them for several days. "Yes, Iolaus, it is good to have someone waiting."

Ania spotted her husband and the very pregnant young woman ran out to meet him, throwing her arms wantonly around his neck and molding her body against his as best she could. Iolaus returned his wife's enthusiastic greeting, demonstrating that they were as much in love now as they'd been on their wedding night. "I've missed you so, Iolaus. You've only been gone a few days, but it seemed like forever. I hate it when you have to go, but I know you have to go where you are needed. We need you here too," the excited woman said as she placed Iolaus, hand on her stomach to feel their active baby

Iolaus stopped at the door of their bedroom. "Where is Telaus?" He glanced around expecting to see the blond haired, blue eyed child .

Ania,s eyes softened as she explained that Alcmene had stopped by that morning asking to take Telaus home with her for a few days. "She said she knew you'd be home soon and wanted us to have some time alone before the baby comes. She's taking Kronus home too so Hercules and Deinera can be alone. She's such a great friend."

Iolaus pulled Ania into the room and the two embraced, sharing a lengthy passionate, intense kiss. "Ania, how was I so lucky to find you and even luckier to have you return my love? I'm thankful every moment of every day for you, the son you've given me, and the baby to come." The next kiss was as passionate, but so much more tender.

The hunter untied the laces of his beloved's blouse and pulled it over her head as he led her to the bed. Ania's hands were busy as well, removing his vest and medallion. By the time they reached the bed, all cumbersome clothing was gone and they were as one, wrapped in each other,s arms exploring the warmth and tenderness they shared. "I can't believe I was lucky enough to find you, Ania. It will always be this way. You've made such a difference in my life." Iolaus, eyes gazed into hers, pledging his love, everything he was or ever would be.

He smiled as he felt the little one within her kick. "Our child is anxious to be born. This is as good as it gets!"

Ania,s face glowed and her heart raced at the words she,d just heard. "Iolaus, I never knew what love meant or how to love a man until you showed me. I seem to be tuned to your touch and your words. I am the luckiest woman in the universe to have your love and to be able to freely return it. Even the gods must be jealous of what we share, now even more than ever. This little on is my gift to you."

Iolaus wanted to savor that moment forever. "Do you know you've made me the happiest man alive? The gods be damned." He saw Ania shiver and he asked, "Are you okay? Blast these questions. Just let me show you what you mean to me."

Two existing souls and bodies (and a third, vicariously) merged into one, sharing the greatest gift a man and woman can share. Then, wrapped tightly in each others, arms,, they drifted again into their own worlds" dreaming of the love they shared and the proof of that love which would soon enter their world.

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"You wench, you,re coming with me!"

A startled Iolaus woke to the sound of screaming as he felt Ania being pulled from his arms. Instinctively , he leaped from the bed and grabbed his sword off the floor next to the nightstand where it had been dropped earlier in the haste to rid himself of all unnecessary items. In the dim light, he saw two thugs wearing Hera's symbol struggling to control Ania. He vaulted toward them, attacking the one closest to him, carefully avoiding his wife. She broke free once he had knocked one of the thugs senseless, by kicking the goon in a very private place and rushed to Iolaus, side. Just as he took her into his arms, three more men came from nowhere and attacked Iolaus from behind, viciously slashing at his back as they came. One sword hit home, opening a large cut on the warrior's back, causing blood to flow to the floor beneath him. He ducked under another blow, catching the thug with the handle of his sword, incapacitating him. The two remaining came at him simultaneously from opposite sides. Iolaus pushed Ania out of harm's way and was able to repel the attack of one, but was having a hard time with the second. He slipped on the bloody floor and fell to his knees. Just as the goon was about to stab the hunter, a screaming form jumped onto the man's back, not an easy thing for a pregnant woman to do. Iolaus quickly freed the man from Ania's grip and sent him crashing to the floor with two sharp blows. A scream from behind him brought the hunter into a backflip so he'd face the sound.

His eyes widened at what he saw and heard. "Stop right there, Iolaus. One more step and your lady and unborn child will be history and I can't let that happen until the two of you hear what I have to say." The Queen of the Gods stood with one blazing red hand on Ania's swollen belly and the other hand on her head as Ania stood paralyzed.

"Hera! How dare you contaminate my home and touch my wife! Leave her out of whatever you have in mind. She's done nothing to you," the angry warrior insisted.

Ania twisted in Hera's grip and the pressure on her belly increased, forcing a cry from the helpless woman.

"If you hurt her, I promise you I'll. . . ."

"You'll do what, little man? You're in no position to do anything. It's your fault I'm here and she's in this. . .condition."

The bewildered warrior challenged Hera. "You're off your rocker. No way! No way would I do anything to put Ania in danger, so why don't you just quit while you're ahead and leave?"

"Oh, that's where you are so wrong. You not only put her in danger once, but you did it twice, and now your unborn child is at risk too." Hera gloated. Iolaus glanced toward Ania, desolate that he wasn't able to protect her from Hera's apparent wrath. Their eyes met and their faith in one another, their love, and their trust shone through.

Hera continued, "Do you remember waking up in a ditch below Ares' Temple one day a few years back, with no memory of how you got there or what had happened?" Hera laughed when she saw that flicker of memory in the hunter's eyes. "Yes, you'd just made a bargain with Ares that morning. You had to make a difficult choice and you did. You chose Hercules' freedom over that of any future bride you might select who would be taken by Ares on your wedding night to serve him in any way he wished."

"You lie, you miserable bitch. I'd never make such a bargain! I'd die first. Hercules wouldn't let me sacrifice a woman for him. Besides, nothing like that happened on our wedding night. You can see how happy we've been." Ania looked toward her husband with unshed tears building up behind those beautiful dark eyes, eyes which still shone with love, but this time with understanding and compassion as well.

"True,but there is a reason for that, and this is where it really gets good. Before your marriage to Ania, you and my unwanted stepson went off to help the men of a village against the Amazons. That should have been the end of you. But no, Zeus had to listen to his son's suggestion and turned back time and your death never happened. You returned and married Ania. That never should have occurred. In my eyes you were dead. That means you'll never have a full life with a wife and children. Yes, you've married, but your death spells a death sentence for her too. You will never know the joys that come from a long happy married life with children and grandchildren. The women you love will face my curse of an early death, the children too." Hera's sneer turned into an evil smile accompanied by maniacal laughter as she saw the agony in Iolaus' eyes.

"Noooooo.. reverberated throughout the house. "That can"t be, not when Ania has done nothing but bring joy into my life." Iolaus lunged toward Hera, determined to free Ania and save her and the baby. He was clubbed to his knees from behind by a recovered goon before he could reach them. He struggled to regain an upright position, only to feel three sharp fiery pains in his back as another thug stabbed him.

"Stop it, you,re killing him!" Ania screamed, and broke away from Hera, pounding the thug's back repeatedly with her fists just as he was about to strike a final blow to her husband. Before the feisty young woman could regain her composure, Hera struck Ania in the back with a fireball. Ania struggled forward directly onto Iolaus, sword which a thug had retrieved and was about to use on the hunter. Her wound was deep and directly into her chest. She fell to the floor near Iolaus and crawled to his side. "Iolaus," she whispered,. The warrior heard her soft voice and opened his eyes, azure blue ones staring into her soft brown.

In a faltering voice, Iolaus gasped, "Forgive me, Ania. This is all my fault. I'd have died before I'd let anything happen to you and our child. I just didn't know. I'll always love you, but look what my love has done to you."

The fatally wounded young woman reached out to touch his hand and sobbed, "Nothing to forgive. We'll be waiting for you. . .but don't make it too soon." She smiled as he touched her lips.

Iolaus felt her body go limp. With a deep, gut-wrenching sob, he summoned a breath and cursed Hera. "May you be damned forever and may Zeus give you the punishment you deserve." Then with a burst of adrenaline, he pulled Ania into his arms before he passed out. Their two bodies lay arm in arm, surrounded by an ever-growing pool of blood created from them both.

Hera surveyed the scene, happy with what she saw. Her laughter again filled the room as she and her goons evaporated into the air, leaving the gruesome sight where just an hour before had been the scene of love, happiness, and promise for the future.

Hercules sat straight up in bed, bringing his wife to an immediate state of consciousness. With fear shining in her eyes, the startled young woman demanded "What is it, Hercules? What awakened you?"

The concerned warrior glanced around the room furtively. When he was satisfied there was nothing sinister present, he responded, "I've just had the worst nightmare about Ares, Iolaus, and Ania. No, it wasn't a nightmare, it was more like a vision. I'm going over there; something is terribly wrong. I'll drop you off at Mother's on the way. Stay there until I come for you and keep the doors locked."

After he left his Mother,s home, the Son of Zeus increased his pace, calling on his godly powers. He soon approached his friend's home and, sensing an eerie stillness about the place, approached the house cautiously. He knocked, but got no answer.

"Iolaus, answer me! Is everything okay?" Still no answer. "Something definitely is wrong. He'd answer me even if it were only to joke about coming over here and interrupting his first night home."

Hercules stealthily entered and found nothing amiss in the kitchen or living room, so he headed for the bedroom. "Iolaus will kill me if this is all just a wild goose chase." He knocked on the door, but he decided to push it open when he got no response.

The demigod had encountered horrible things in his life and seen much blood, but he was totally unprepared for the carnage he encountered in his best friend's room. Light from the moon provided a glimpse of the horror, but he needed to see everything so he lit a lantern.

"By the gods, who could have done this and why?" Furniture was upset, bedclothes lay in a heap on the floor, but the worst thing was the blood. It was everywhere. Then came the sight Hercules had been dreading. Lying arm in arm on the floor between the bed and the door were his two friends, unclothed except for the blood that covered their bodies like a grotesque new style of clothing and spread beneath them on the floor. The loss of sensibility and logic left the Son Of Zeus in an almost catatonic state, staring at Iolaus and Ania through a haze, which made everything he saw surrealistic. His "Noooooo" rivaled that of his friend a short time before.

Mechanically, he knelt in the blood by the side of his partner, feeling for a telltale sign of life. It was there, but oh so faintly. Hercules then turned his attention to Ania. Hers was even fainter than her husband's and the demigod knew she was nearly gone. Turning back to his buddy, he checked to see where all the blood was coming from and found a small cut over Iolaus' eye, a puncture wound in his left side, and three deep wounds in his back. "I can't leave them uncovered like this." He gently separated Ania from Iolaus and covered her nakedness with a sheet. Although he'd been in similar situations before and known what to do, this time was different. It wasn't just Iolaus he should help. Now, a wife was involved. Numbness had replaced his usual quick response in a crisis. He was going through the motions, but he couldn't seem to respond to the needs of his friends, leaving them at great risk and desperately needing someone to stop their bleeding.

Thump! Thump! Sounds of knocking on the front door brought the half-god to his feet

And his mind back to reality. Standing outside were Alcmene, Deineira and the two boys. "No! The children can,t see this carnage." He opened the door a crack. "Mother, I need your help in here." To his wife he instructed, "Take the kids and go back to Mother's house. Don,t open the door for anyone but me. We'll be home just as quickly as we can and I'll explain then. Get plenty of water boiling and get Iolaus' bed ready." She started to protest, but the look on his face and the tone in his voice made her think otherwise. Hercules was back, seizing control of the situation.

Once inside, Alcmene took a closer look at her son,s face. "What is it Hercules? I know something is very wrong here."

"Prepare yourself, Mother, for a sight that will cut your heart to pieces. Ania and Iolaus have been attacked and are in bad shape. I'm so glad you are here. I couldn't handle this alone."

Unfortunately used to dealing with horrible injuries, Alcmene set about locating bandages, the salve and medicines Iolaus had brought home from the East, and anything else she thought she might need. She filled a basin with water Ania had heated for a bath and took it into the bedroom-- a basin she almost dropped when she entered Ania and Iolaus' room. "Oh no," she cried as she viewed the sight for which nothing could have fully prepared her.

She knelt first beside Ania. "Hercules, she's still alive and the baby is coming. Help me!"

The Son of Zeus knelt down by his Mother just as Ania moaned. She pleaded with her eyes and her weak voice for them to save the baby, sensing that Iolaus would have a hard time dealing with two deaths. Alcmene encouraged the weakened woman to help. Even through her pain and disappearing breath, her assistance brought her second son into the world. " Little Aeacus, she whispered as Hercules placed the baby into her arms. She stared at him as if engraving his likeness into her soul, kissed him, and took that last rattling breath.

With tears streaming down his face, Hercules took the baby from her arms. "She's gone, Mother, and so is the little one. A living mother and son stood mourning the passing of a mother and son who would never experience earthly love, but they knew Ania and her child would be together in love wherever they were.

"Iolaus needs us now more than ever," Alcmene admonished, kneeling down by her heart son's still body and washing away the blood to determine the severity of each wound. The stab wounds in his back were the worst, so she began with them. "These are so deep."

"We need to apply pressure and get this bleeding stopped. Once we've done that, I think we should clean them, apply salve and cauterize each, if necessary, to stop the bleeding and prevent infection. Then we can bandage them and hope that works. Aesclepius is visiting in town. He will check them once we send for him." The gentle woman Iolaus' long, sharp hunting knife and stuck in into the flames of the lantern. "You'll have to help me, Son. This bleeding isn't stopping."

Hercules held his partner's shoulders and arms and knelt against his legs so he wouldn't jerk. Alcmene placed the glowing knife against the deepest cut. Iolaus groaned when the knife sizzled against the wound and tried to stir. She repeated the process twice, exacting the same response from the wounded hunter. Then, he mercifully slipped back into that black hole of nothingness. "That should do until Aesclepius can see him.'

Satisfied that she had done all she could for the knife wounds, Alcmene turned her thoughts to the gash in his side. "This is much easier. Just salve and a bandage will take care of this." Finally, she applied salve and bandages where needed to the cuts and bruises on his face and arms. "That's all we can do for him now, except perhaps for some poppy wine to help ease the pain if he awakens as we move him to my house."

Hercules was glad to have the chance to get out of that room for awhile as he went to make a batch of the tea.

"Let"s try to give him some now."

Hercules held his partner up as his Mother gently let some of the soothing beverage trickle down the hunter's throat. "There, that should do it. Lay him back down, Hercules."

"Mother, what are we going to do about Ania and the baby? Iolaus is in no condition to even know about their deaths, let alone plan a funeral.

Alcmene grimaced and thought for a few minutes. "You take Iolaus into Telaus' room. I'll bathe Ania and the baby and then dress Ania in her prettiest dress. . .her wedding dress . . .and the baby in the little outfit she'd made for him. We'll come back and bury them once we get Iolaus home under a healer's care."

Hercules nodded his agreement. "I know where Iolaus would want that to be. They have had a favorite spot at the edge of the garden by that big tree. They used to sit out there on a blanket and read to Telaus by the hour. Ania would want to be there where she and their baby can see the garden and her two men in the house." The Son of Zeus faltered near the end, having trouble getting the words out. "How can we ever tell him!"

Alcmene again took charge. "Go, Hercules so I can prepare Ania and Aeacus. Take care of Iolaus."

After he left, she got more hot water and removed the now bloody sheet. A cry escaped her lips as she saw the wound made when Ania was impaled on Iolaus' sword and the burns on her back, wounds she had ignored when busy helping deliver the baby. Now there was no ignoring them. This is going to make things doubly hard for Iolaus, his own sword causing Ania's death. Tears poured from her eyes as she cleaned away the little additional blood that was encrusted on that beautiful body. Once the body was totally free of blood, she dressed the young girl whose life was cut short in the prime of her youth, in the treasured wedding dress she'd worn on the happiest day of her life. She brushed Ania's hair and combed it into the same style she'd worn that happy day. "Now, Ania, you look just like Iolaus, blushing bride. I know he'll want to hear that later." After making up the bed with freshly laundered sheets, Alcmene called Hercules to lift Ania onto her bed for the last time.

Hercules gasped when he saw Ania, "She looks like she's about to awaken from a nap. You've made her look so natural, Mother; she's Iolaus' bride again. Thank you; I know Iolaus would agree if he could."

Now the hardest part would begin. Hercules didn't believe Iolaus should be carried, so he searched the barn for an old wagon he knew Iolaus had. "I've put straw on the bottom and blankets on the top of the straw. That should make it comfortable." The demigod tenderly placed his friend into the wagon and covered him. "We can go the long way, it's less rocky, and stop in town to see Aesclepius before we head home."

The little procession made its way down the hill into town and stopped at the home of the healer, where he said, "Alcmene, there"s nothing more we can do right now. You've done everything I would have done at this point. When those cauterized wounds heal, we'll see if any further treatment is indicated, such as stitching. I'm giving you something a little stronger for pain. It's good for both kinds, physical and mental pain. Iolaus might need it when you tell him about Ania. Keep a close watch on him once he's told. The human mind is capable of strange behavior in times like these. Don't hesitate to send for me if problems develop. I don't think they will; physically he will be fine, but his emotional stability will be another story for a long time. I will stay in Thebes until we know he will be okay."

"Would you go in and prepare the kids for Iolaus, condition, Mother?" Hercules asked as they approached his home. "It might upset them to see him like this if they don't know what to expect. Alcmene hurried to do as Hercules asked as Hercules slowed his pace to allow her the time needed. He took the wagon around by the rear door and waited until he heard her and his wife take the boys out front. He gently lifted the unconscious warrior from the wagon, took him in through the back door, and placed him onto the bed Iolaus always used when he was at Alcmene's home. Alcmene kept the boys busy until she knew Hercules had tucked the warrior into his bed. Then, they went inside

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

"Daddy, will Uncle Iolaus be okay? Can we see him. please?" Klonus begged.

Telaus added his dinar's worth. "Uncle Hercules, I need to see my Dad. Please tell me what happened." The boy was almost frantic with worry and Hercules knew he had the need and a right to know.

Taking a deep breath, he began speaking to the boys standing before him staring up into the demigod's face so impatiently. "Okay boys. Yes, Ioaus will be fine in time. All of his wounds have been treated and the healer says there's no doubt that he will fully recover. Just as soon as I'm finished talking to you, I'll take you in for a quick visit. We don't know exactly what happened, nor will we until Iolaus is well enough to tell us."

Putting his arms around Telaus, he continued. "There is some bad news, Telaus; we weren't able to save your Mommy or the baby. It looks like she was trying to help your Dad and was killed during the attempt. She's gone but your baby brother will be with her. Iolaus doesn't know this yet and we can't tell him until he's a bit stronger. So when he does start to talk, don't mention anything about this until I say it's okay. Another thing, Iolaus has a lot of bandages, so don't be afraid. Any questions?"

"Uncle Herc, where are my Mommy and the baby? Can I see them?"

Hercules hadn't expected that question, but he answered honestly. "Mother has dressed her and combed her hair, Aeceus, too. We'll hold their funeral tomorrow. You can see them before that, Telaus."

The small boy straightened up, trying to look older than his years. "That's okay. I know where Daddy would pick out and where he'd want them buried. We have a favorite spot right at the edge of her garden under the big tree. Can we put them there. Please, Uncle Hercules?"

The Son of Zeus placed his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Telaus, that's exactly where we had in mind. Thanks. Now, are you boys ready to see Iolaus?"

The two boys nodded; Hercules felt he needed Alcmene and Deineira with them, just in case. Telaus went up to his father and kissed him on the cheek. "Daddy, you'll be okay, I know you will. You have to. . .we all need you." Tears ran easily down his cheeks, but he swallowed and pulled himself together under control so his father wouldn't see how upset he was. He smiled as the unconscious warrior's hand jerked when he touched it, hoping his father had heard him and knew he was there.

Everyone took a turn speaking to Iolaus, hoping the familiar voices would register in his mind. "Okay, that's enough. Time's up. Everybody out," Alcmene ordered. "Let Iolaus rest."

Telaus leaned over his father's bed and kissed his cheek. "Bye, Daddy. See you later." His reward--a gut feeling that his father was aware of his presence and had indeed heard his every word.

Deineira took care of the boys during the night while Hercules and Alcmene kept a vigil by the Iolaus' bed. The hunter slept peacefully through the night until the wee hours of the morning while Hercules was with him. "No. . .no. . .don't do that, Hera, don't let them hurt her and the baby. Noooooooo!" Iolaus, bloodcurdling scream penetrated the demigod's ears.

"Easy, Iolaus; it's just a bad dream."

Iolaus, blue eyes flashed with fear and concern and he gasped, "But it was so real. Herc, where are Ania and the baby?"

"They are safe at your house, partner." Satisfied, the hunter slipped back into a peaceful sleep.

Alcmene rushed in.

"It's okay, Mother; he's gone back to sleep again."

Alcmene breathed a sigh of relief.

"I was so frightened when I heard that scream. Rest is good. He'll need all he can get before he learns about Ania and the baby. He won't sleep much for awhile when he gets that news.. Mother and son stayed in the room the rest of the time, not wanting to leave their friend alone.

After breakfast, Aescelpias stopped in to check on his patient "I thought you might need someone to stay with Iolaus while you tend to the burial. I'm so sorry to hear that it will be a double one. I can stay until you returned." The relieved group thanked the man and prepared to leave. Telaus asked for a visit with his father before going to the funeral of his mother and infant brother.

"I want to see my Daddy alone, please, Uncle Herc."

Hercules could sense the urgency in the boy's request and had to agree to it.

The boy went into the room and right up to his father's bed.

"Daddy, I'll be the man of the family today. I'll take a picture in my mind so I can tell you exactly what went on and especially how Mommy and my baby brother looked. They will be okay, Dad; they have each other just like we have each other. We'll never forget them, but we'll be fine." Before leaving, he gave his father another kiss and squeezed his hand. Again, the gut feeling returned. Telaus smiled, "I know you can hear me, Daddy."

Hercules went with Telaus into Iolaus, home, but Alcmene and Deineira weren't far away just in case a woman's touch was needed. "Mommy looks like she's asleep. She's so pretty."

Hercules choked back a sob at that remark.

"Is that how she looked when she and Daddy were married? My little brother looks just like her."

Clearing his throat to hide the lump that had formed there, Hercules put his arms around the boy's shoulders. "Almost exactly like that, son." Noticing a confused look on Telaus, face, Hercules added, "She looks even prettier now and you are partly the cause of that. She loved Iolaus and you so much that it radiates on her face." The half-god knew that hard moments lay ahead that morning for the proud young man, but they had to be faced. "It's time to say goodbye to your Mother and brother, son."

"Can we put anything with her so she'll remember us?"

The demigod thought a moment, "I don't know why not. What do you have in mind?"

"Daddy made these silver combs for her hair and she loved them so much; I know she wouldn't want to leave them behind. She was so proud of them." He went over to a shelf in the corner of the room and came back with a metal plate. "He helped me make this for her for her birthday. I want her to take that. This," he motioned, "is a rattle my Dad made to give the new baby. Is it okay for her to take these so they won't forget?"

Telaus, words revived the lump in Hercules, throat, but he spoke above it. "That will be more than okay. Your Mommy will never forget either of you, but I think she'd love to have these things with her in the Elysian Fields. We'll get Deineira to put the combs in her hair. They,ll look nice."

"The Elysian Fields. Is that where Mommy and my baby brother are going? Are there nice people there? Will they be good to them and will they like it there?" So many questions, but that,s how children learn.

"Telaus, only the best people go to the Elysian Fields and your Mommy and brother are the best. Now, kiss them goodbye and ask Deineira to come in here." Those little arms hugged his mother for the last time and as he kissed her, he leaned over and kissed his little brother too. Tears rolled down the demigod's cheeks at that touching sight. The sad but satisfied young boy left the room. Deineira soon entered and Hercules told her what had just happened.

"What insight and sensitivity in a child so young.. Ania and Iolaus have raised him well."

Tears formed in her eyes as she arranged Iolaus' combs in her best friend's hair. "Iolaus loved you more than life itself; cherish him and these, Ania." She looked at the metal plaque and there was no holding the tears back then. "We,ll help Iolaus care for him and love him for you. You were so blessed, my sweet friend." She kissed her friend and quickly left the room before totally breaking down when she saw the baby rattle.

Hercules placed a satin blanket into the box he'd made when he wasn't keeping watch over his friend. He tenderly placed the body of Ania in first and put the baby in her arms; then he put the metal plaque into one of her hands and the rattle in the other.

Alcmene stepped up and asked Hercules, "May I say a last goodbye to my adopted daughter?" Touching Ania's face, she softly spoke from her heart. "Too soon you are leaving us, my dear, but you made good use of your time with us. You were a loving mother, a good friend, and the perfect wife for Iolaus. How you were loved, my precious child, how you were loved. You will be missed by all of us. Take good care of the baby."

Tears dropped onto Ania,s dress as Alcmene leaned down to give her friend one last kiss. Then, Hercules closed the box and fastened it tightly. On the lid he'd carved LOVING MOTHER AND DEVOTED WIFE. He carried the mother and child out into the garden where the others waited and placed the box into the ground. Each person would take a turn shoveling dirt onto the box until it was completely covered.

****

Deep in sleep, the hunter heard a soft voice calling him. "Iolaus, everything will be okay. You can handle this. Aeacus and I will be fine. Don't worry about us. Don't forget us, but go on with your life. We'll be waiting for you." The vision in white leaned down and kissed her sleeping husband. "Goodbye, my love. I will be with you always in your heart and soul." Just as quickly as she had come, the shadowy figure departed and then he saw her in a box with a baby in her arms. "Nooooo, he screamed, ""don't put that dirt on her. I need to hold her just once more."

***

The small crowd at the gravesite took turns shoveling dirt onto the box. Hercules felt his friend's thoughts, knowing that Iolaus was telling him to speak his words of goodby to his wife and son. "Your Iolaus can't be here, but I'll take his place and tell you to rest in peace, dear one, until we all meet again and he can embrace you. His love is there with you both." The Son of Zeus then placed a marker covered with roses around the edges bearing the words ANIA, beloved wife of Iolaus, loving mother to Telaus and Aeacus and AEACUS, infant son of Ania and Iolaus. Each person then placed a rose on the grave; and left for Alcmene's home.

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

Iolaus sat up and shouted, "Where is everyone? Why am I in this bed?"

A startled Asclepius jumped up, awakened from his slumber.

"Take it easy, Iolaus. You are in your room at Alcmene's. Your family and friends will be here soon. Try to rest son, that's the best medicine for you."

"My son was in this room awhile ago, wasn,t he?"

The healer nodded.

"What did he mean he has to be the man of the family today? What must he remember to tell me all about? Why did he say it's just the two of us now? Oh, gods, I remember it all now. There was so much blood everywhere. Ania's gone, isn't she? That's where they all are."

Asclepius silence infuriated Iolaus. "Tell me. . .it's true, isn,t it? My wife is dead."

Frightened by the anger in his patient's voice, the healer squeaked out "Yes, I'm afraid you,re right. There's more too. Your baby son, Aeacus, was born dead. Both of them were buried today."

Iolaus screamed, "Damn Hera, damn that murdering bitch! I'll pay her back if it's the last thing I do!" Then the dam burst and all the tears he'd held back since that horror in his bedroom flooded his eyes and spilled out onto his body like water raging through a break in a dike.

Hercules, who had just returned from the funeral, rushed into the room and took his best friend into his arms. "Let it all out, buddy, let it out." They remained that way for some time with Iolaus alternating between hitting Hercules' chest with doubled up fists and soaking his friend's shirt with his tears. Finally, the deluge stopped and the anger turned to begrudged acceptance.

"How did you know, partner? We didn't want you to have to deal with this right now."

"My son. . . the other person who has to deal with this told me. Not in so many words, but what he said let me know the pain he was feeling and the strength he had to take my place today. I'm so proud of him. Also, Ania came to me today. . .it wasn't a dream, Herc, it was so real."

Hercules grasped his friend's hand. "I'm sure you saw her, Iolaus. . . hold on to that vision. And you are right to be proud of Telaus. He was a man today. He'll tell you all about it, but he can't tell you how sensitive and caring he was. He asked that the silver combs you made for Ania, the plaque you helped him make for her birthday, and the rattle he'd made for the baby be placed in the grave with her to help her remember both of you until you join them in the Elysian Fields."

Noticing the glistening tears in the hunter's eyes, the demigod felt a lump growing in his throat and a tightening in his chest. I know you want to hear more, but I just can't get the words out right now. Your son has so much he wants to tell you about the funeral. Let his be the voice that tells you what you need to know.

"When you are up to it, Iolaus, I want to know all the details of the attack and anything more you want to tell me."

"Okay, Herc, but for now I just want to concentrate on our memories of Ania and the baby and on helping my son through all of this. Why it happened is a long story."

The demigod left Iolaus, room encouraged by his friend's attitude and thankful that he'd been spared breaking the news of the deaths of Ania and the baby.Telaus certainly made it easier on his father and on the rest of us. Now I think it's time for some sharing and bonding between them. Hearing sounds from the swings in the backyard, the warrior headed in that direction. He stopped short, watching the two young boys being hugged and kissed by his wife as they'd swing high, jump off, and run over to her. She had told the half-god of her promise to Ania and it semed as if the mothering had already begun. The boy needed her right now.

"Telaus, I have some news for you. Your Dad's awake." That was all the boy needed to hear. He raced into the house, down the hall, and threw himself onto his father's bed. All the emotions he'd been suppressing. . .being the man of the family, and the fears he had for his father. . . all of these fused into one giant sob and a deluge of tears as he felt Iolaus' arms around him.

"It's okay, son, cry all you want. I'm here for you and you were right, it's just the two of us now. Sure, we have Hercules and his whole family, but you and I are a team and we can depend on each other. When you can, I want you to tell me all about the funeral. Then, when I'm better, we'll go to their graves together." Telaus hugged his father and began to tell him everything he'd memorized that afternoon.

Hercules stood at the door watching, hidden from view. "You'll make it, Iolaus. Together you and Telaus can handle anything."

Father and son talked for hours and when the boy emerged, he went straight to Alcmene. "My Dad wants to know what a guy has to do to get something to eat around here." Everyone burst into laughter. Iolaus is on the way to recovery!

A few days passed during which Telaus and Iolaus grew even closer, spending much time together talking about Ania. The boy wanted to know everything he could about his mother, as though he were trying to fill his mind with images and enough information about her to last him a lifetime. He asked his father where they'd met, what Iolaus, first impression of Ania was, when they'd fallen in love, what her favorite things were and what she didn't like, and what his parents hopes and dreams for their children and for the future were. His son devoured any bit of information Iolaus could remember. During this process, Iolaus also learned what the boy felt about Ania and himself and his opinions on things in general. The bonding that occurred felt good for both of them. "Yes, Telaus, we'll make it through this because we love and undertstand each other and we share your mother's love."

Asclepius, extended time in Thebes brought him by again after a week. "I'm very pleased by what I see, Iolaus; let me check those wounds. All of the cuts and bruises are fading away to nothing. Your knife wounds still have a way to go, but not further procedures are needed. Evidently Alcmene is seeing that you follow instructions. Keep doing what you are doing and soon there will be no need for my visits."

Iolaus sat up in bed and fastened his nightwear. "There's something I need do. Telaus and I want to visit the gravesite together and check on things at home. When can we do this?"

Seeing the lines of concern etched on the warrior's face and sensing the urgency in the request, the healer surprised Iolaus. "If Hercules will take you in the wagon he used to bring you here and if you travel slowly, I don't see why you can,t go tomorrow. But let me caution you of one thing. Do not overdo the visit inside your house. You give the orders and let Telaus and Hercules carry them out. Agreed?"

The smile on Iolaus' face was all the answer the healer needed. Iolaus enthusiastically declared, "Thank you. This being waited on isn't bad. I will be very careful at my house."

The next morning, bright and early, Hercules again lined the wagon with the straw and blankets for Iolaus to rest upon and off they went, Telaus running alongside the wagon beside his Dad. Iolaus was deeply touched when he saw the marker on the grave and even more so when he learned Hercules had made it. The three mourners embraced and for a time, no words were spoken, but rivers of tears were shed. Eventually, they placed roses on her grave and knelt there, each one lost in his own private thoughts. The silence was finally broken by Telaus; "Look, Dad, Mom,s favorite, a moon flower, is growing here. She'd love that."

Inside the house, the hunter snapped out orders to pack some things away, and to clean up others. All his orders were willingly obeyed. Iolaus suggested to his son, "Pick out clothes for you and me for the next few days." Soon, everything was finished, and they were ready to leave.

"Dad, can I take Mother's hairbrush with me? I always loved to watch her brush her pretty long hair and it always felt so good when she used it on mine." Iolaus nodded his approval and the boy skipped outside holding the treasured brush tightly against his chest. Iolaus took one last look at his home and signaled to Hercules that it was time to go.

Not a word was said about the unselfish act of Alcmene and a few friends who had spent hours cleaning the bedroom. No trace of blood or of the horrors that had occurred remained. This was their gift to Iolaus and he knew why it had been done.

As easy as the trip was and as careful as the hunter had been, he was still exhausted by the time they reached Alcmene's. "If you don't mind, I think I'll skip lunch and take a nap," Iolaus insisted and asked Hercules to help him to his room.

Alcmene checked on her patient later and found him awake, staring at the ceiling with a concerned expression on his face. "Mene, would you ask Herc to come in here? We have much to talk about."

"You called, my lord," Hercules mocked, bowing to Iolaus. "Your wish is my command." The frivolity stopped when he saw the serious look on his partner,s face. "What is it, Iolaus? Whatever it is, I'm here for you."

Hesitating for a moment, Iolaus then spoke to his friend. "You've asked what happened that horrible night, but I need to go back a few years before I can tell you that." Iolaus reminded his best pal of the time Hercules had found him in the ditch; then he proceeded to give him the whole picture, leaving no details out. "That's what I couldn,t remember. I made a bargain with that devil Ares to free you from service to him in return for that of my future bride. I found this all out the night Ania was murdered when Hera and her goons paid a visit. Your stepmother told me my deal with Ares was null and void because she had already placed a curse on me and any woman I'd become interested in. Because Zeus messed with time and brought me back after the Amazons killed me, I would never happily marry and raise a family since technically I was dead. She had come for Ania. I tried to stop her, but there were too many of her thugs. Ania broke away from Hera and tried to help, but she was pushed onto my sword one of the goons held. Herc, she and our baby died because of me. That is something I'll have to live with the rest of my life. At first I wanted to go after Hera and Ares, but that wouldn't be good. Telaus needs at least one parent, and I'm the only one he's got. I don't know where to turn. Will you help me, Herc?"

Hercules grabbed his friend and held him close. "You know we will all help you and Telaus. Don't worry any more about it. What goes around, comes around. Hera will be punished for this cowardly deed. Just remember, she's to blame for the deaths of your wife and child, not you." Iolaus drifted off to sleep again, the best sleep he'd had in days.

There were still times when the Iolaus withdrew from the world into his own private one, but they grew fewer and fewer. Hercules knew when his friend had that haunted look in his eyes that he was reliving that tragic night, wrestling with the thought of being to blame for the deaths and the need to keep his living son from missing the mother he adored. Days passed and Iolaus healed both physically and mentally with each passing one. His trips out of bed grew longer each time; finally, Aesclepius pronounced, "This is my last visit to see you, Iolaus; just don't do anything foolish or over-strenuous, and you will be fine."

Alcmene planned a party to celebrate the hunter,s return to health, preparing Iolaus, favorite foods. "Remember what you were told, Don't overdo, and that means both physical activities and food."

Her heart son tried to look dejected and joked, "Who, me overeat? Never happen." That last remark brought a round of laughter, the best sound in Alcmene's house in a long time.

In the morning, Telaus and Iolaus packed up their things and prepared to head home. "Alcmene, thank you for all you,ve done for us. I always knew when you were in my room and it was your warmth and gentle touch that made the difference and helped me get through the nightmares." He embraced his mother and kissed her on the forehead

Next, he hugged Deineira and spoke to her. "You've become a second mother to my son and that's what he needs right now. Thanks for being a true friend."

He picked up Kronus and tossled the boy's hair before speaking to him. "I hope you and Telaus will enjoy the same bond of friendship your Dad and I share."

Turning to the only other person in the room, Iolaus shook Hercules, extended hand, returning the warrior,s clasp, not wanting to let go. "As for you, you big ox, no words can ever say what I feel. The gods knew what they were doing when they put us together. We've shared so much. We don't need words, do we? You know my feelings without them as I know yours. You are always there by my side, Herc, and I'll be right there at your back, always. Ania knew of the bond between us and encouraged me to do everything to keep it there. She loved you, too." Thanks, brother. A quick embrace and Iolaus broke away and spoke to his son who had just finished his goodbyes.

"Time to get going, Telaus."

Promises were made to visit often, and then father and son set out hand in hand on the new journey that was before them. . .a new life. Hercules watched until he could see them no more.

"Good luck my friend. Going home where it all happened can't be easy for either of you, but you have each other and you have all of us. I know you'll make it."

The Son of Zeus looked upward and directed his next words to his stepmother, the evil Queen of the Gods. "As for you, Hera, leave them alone. You've caused enough grief in that man's life for no reason other than using him to cause me pain. If you cause him even one more mintute's grief, you,ll have to contend with me and it won't be pleasant. Zeus, protection order be damned! I'll fight you face to face. Do you hear my words, you pathetic bitch?"

He remained, staring into space and waiting for a reply. He didn't have long to wait. A peacock feather floated effortlessly to the ground, landing at Hera's stepson's feet and the valley was filled with her maniacal laughter. Only Hercules heard her warning. "You'd better prepare to meet me then; Iolaus' worst pain has just begun."

The entire area echoed with an ear-splitting cry, "Noooooooo!" and the Son of Zeus sank to his knees with his head in his hands filled with concern and fear over the words Hera had just spoken. "Why does he always have to pay the price?"

Finis

Marcia (maranje2003nz@yahoo.com)