"For the last time, there's nothing you can do about it, Iolaus...the Cities have all signed treaties with them...the whole point of the treaties is to avoid a war...not to cause one."
"The 'Cities'," Iolaus repeated with disgust. "The 'Cities' are bleeding the people dry, all to feed the greed of Rome...it isn't right, Hercules, and you know it!"
"This isn't about right or wrong...this is about facing reality. The decisions about treaties, taxes, relationships with other nations aren't something you can just ignore." Hercules sighed. "Iolaus, if there is a problem with the treaties...or the rate of taxation, then the people have a right to make a representation and have the facts reviewed. The only way to address these problems is through negotiation...negotiation between the Kings and the envoys of Rome. You must be able to see that! Individual centurions don't make policy any more than we do...it's pointless to get into a fight with them. Worse than pointless...the Romans learned the art of war from the Spartans...anyone who goes up, alone, without the backing of a huge, well equipped army, against the might of Rome, is suicidal."
Iolaus stared across the fire at his friend. He knew Hercules didn't say these things because he was afraid to fight...no one had more courage, more willingness to take on any tyrant, regardless of the odds, than Hercules. It was just that...just that he could never condone a war...he always thought there had to be a better way. And, he sure didn't condone sniping from behind trees or rocks, which was about all the average person could do when they needed to resist overwhelming military odds...if he had a grievance, Herc didn't hide behind a tree...he came right out and told you.
Hercules returned the stare. He knew Iolaus didn't condone war...he was always ready to try to find another solution before getting into a fight in which hundreds, if not thousands, of people could die. He also knew that Iolaus had no patience with 'rules' or treaties...not if ordinary people suffered from them. Herc didn't have much patience for them, himself...but, he couldn't agree that armed resistance action against the Romans was the answer to the current tensions in the relationships between Greece and Rome. Too many people, innocent people, would pay the price.
Neither of them knew what more to say, neither could find a way across the divide which was growing between them. Iolaus couldn't stand to see friends or relatives reduced to penury because of the exorbitant taxes. He'd been approached to help organize and lead a resistance movement to drive Rome out of Greece. He knew the risks, but he honestly didn't believe that diplomacy would do any good for the ordinary person who was suffering...at least, not in time to make any difference to those who needed relief now.
Hercules could read the stubborn lines of Iolaus' face like a book. He just wasn't getting through to him...and he was afraid for his friend. If Iolaus did this, Herc was certain his friend would get himself killed and his death would accomplish nothing. Nothing. Hercules had to keep trying to persuade Iolaus that there had to be another way.
"Look, Iolaus, I've spoken with Iphicles. He's agreed to pull the Kings of the other City States together to try to form a common front to negotiate new terms with the Romans. The meeting is to take place in two months. At least give him a chance to make this work before you do something...." Herc's voice fell away.
"Stupid? That's what you think, isn't it Herc? That getting mixed up in this is just plain stupid."
"Well, it's not the best idea you've ever had."
Iolaus shook his head. They were going in circles and getting nowhere. Neither one was ever going to agree with the other. It was pointless to continue. Iolaus shifted from his sitting position onto one knee and started to shove his things into his pack.
"What are you doing?" Hercules asked, afraid he knew only too well.
Iolaus sighed. "Packing. I'm leaving, Herc...heading into the hills. Look, I know you don't agree with me...and I respect your decision. But the Kings may be more interested in coming together to form an alliance if they understand their people won't stand for the status quo any longer. And the Romans may be more open to negotiate if it starts costing too much to maintain the status quo....otherwise, why should any of them change their current positions...none of them are hurting...they're all, on a personal level, doing just fine."
"Iolaus..."
"I'm sorry, Herc...I honestly don't think there's anything new either of us can bring to this discussion. Look, you do what you can, working with Iphicles and the others...persuade them that they need to be strong...that they need to formally resist being fleeced by Rome. You do what you have to do...and, I'll do what I have to do. Maybe...maybe, if you're right, this can all be over in a couple of months."
"Iolaus, if you start a war, Rome won't just rollover and play dead...they will rollover Greece and anyone in their way...they are too strong to toy with."
Iolaus, having finished packing, stood looking down at his lifelong, best friend. It was the first time he could remember in a very, very long time that they stood so clearly on opposite sides of an issue. "You use words like 'play' and 'toy'... I know this isn't a child's game....I understand the risks as well as you do. I have to do this, Herc. I wish you could understand."
As Iolaus turned to walk away, Hercules scrambled to his feet. "Iolaus...please...."
Iolaus turned back, looked at his friend sadly, shook his head. Hercules held his gaze a moment more, then reluctantly nodded. "Alright...I can't stop you...and...and I do understand why you feel you have to do this." Hercules held out his hand. Iolaus swallowed hard, then stepped forward to grip his friend's arm, one warrior to another. Herc placed his other hand on Iolaus' shoulder, then drew him into a tight hug. "Be safe, Iolaus...be well," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
Iolaus nodded against his friend's shoulder, slapped his back once, then pushed away. His eyes suspiciously bright, he gave Herc a tight smile, nodded once, then turned and faded into the darkened forest.
Herc stared into the shadows which had swallowed his friend, wondering if he would ever see Iolaus again.
Hercules headed into Corinth the next morning. There was a palpable tension in the city, sharp voices harangued one another in the market, shutters slammed. People went about with closed faces, avoiding eye contact. Hercules could see the marked increase of poverty...clothing was more tattered, more people were barefoot...adults as well as children. Faces were haggard with worry, thin from insufficient food. Iolaus was right about this at least. The people could not last much longer under the current conditions.
When he reached the palace, he went straight to the family quarters to meet with Iphicles, who looked up with a harried expression when Herc entered his private office. "Hercules, I'm a little busy right now...if this can wait...."
Regretfully, Hercules shook his head as he continued into the room and slumped into a chair in front of his brother. Iphicles looked toward the door and back again. "Where's Iolaus?"
"That's what I need to talk with you about, Iph....it's starting."
"What's starting?"
"The resistance. Iolaus has been asked to lead the people who want to evict Rome from Greece...and...he's agreed."
"What! Is he crazy? Evict Rome? It would be easier to make the sun rise in the west! Does he know what harm he'll be doing...."
Herc nodded tiredly. "He doesn't see any other way...he even thinks he might help you and the others who want to make new arrangements with the Empire. If it starts to cost to maintain peace in this area, maybe the Senate will realize they need to ease up on their tax demands."
Iphicles shook his head. "Iolaus has a real martyr complex...have you ever noticed that? They'll brand him a criminal, Hercules...they'll hunt him down like a wild dog and kill him."
Hercules swallowed hard. He didn't need Iphicles to make the facts plain to him...he understood them only too well. Straightening, he turned the subject. "As far as I can see, our only hope, Greece's only hope, is to ensure your negotiations succeed. How can I help?"
Iphicles sighed, looked over the papers on his desk, thought a moment, then nodded. "You are known, and trusted, by most of the royal families in Greece. You are also respected by the democratic leadership in Athens. I need you to go to each of them, convince them to come together in two months, ready to take a stand."
Hercules nodded. "Any particular place you would like me to start first?"
"Sparta, Thebes and Athens are the keys to this...others will stand or fall with them. Start with whichever one you want."
Herc nodded and stood to go. Iph reclaimed his attention for a last bit of advice. "And be careful, Hercules. There is a thin line between instigating rebellion and encouraging diplomatic negotiation. Your well known relationship with Iolaus will make you suspect once his role as the leader of the resistance becomes known. I wouldn't want the Romans to have any reason to imprison you for treason."
Hercules stared at his brother for a moment, then nodded. "Let's hope we all know where the line is, Iph...once it becomes illegal to talk with one another, as opposed to bearing arms, then we will all have a problem." With that, Hercules turned and left the office.
Leaving the city, he paused for a moment, wondering where to start. Thebes and Athens, he decided. They were close together...and were more likely to seek diplomatic resolutions to issues. The Spartans, well the Spartans never liked acknowledging foreign overlords...they were more likely, ultimately, to fight than talk.
Having made his decision, Hercules turned and headed north.
Iolaus had headed to the place where he had agreed to meet the representatives of the various provinces of Greece when he had first been approached to undertake the leadership of the resistance movement. He knew when he walked into the covert meeting, high in the hills outside of Corinth, that many there had asked for his involvement with the hope that he would be able to recruit Hercules. He knew this had been one of the principle reasons for which he had been approached in the first place. Consequently, he wasn't surprised when several of the men present looked past his shoulder, then back at him, scarcely concealing their disappointment.
"Herc won't be coming," Iolaus stated, in answer to the unspoken questions. "He'll be working with his brother, Iphicles, and the other Kings to create a formal alliance demanding renegotiation with Rome."
Several men snorted, others didn't bother to conceal their disgust. One was so bold as to voice the criticisms the others felt. "Negotiate...there's no time for that! I remember when Hercules stood by his friends...when he wasn't afraid to fight!"
Iolaus let the full measure of his fury show. "Don't you EVER criticize Hercules like that again. Hercules is afraid of NOTHING! If you, any of you, think we can eventually win this battle without the full support and engagement of the formal leadership of this country, you're fools. In the long run, his way is likely to be more successful than our's. Be very clear about we are doing here...if we start this, if we go against Rome...we will be branded criminals. Our families, our villages will be held hostage. We will be hunted down, and we will very likely die." He waited a moment, letting his words sink in.
More quietly, he continued, "I believe we can harrass the Roman contingents enough to make it plain the people of Greece can bear no more of their oppression...the very best we can do is carry out a strong enough resistance to convince the Cities to stand with us...and to convince Rome it's more cost effective to draft a new treaty than it is to finance a new war....if we are successful, Greece will survive...but, understand that by being part of this resistance, being leaders of it, we may not."
A long silence followed his words. Men refused to meet his eyes and shuffled uncomfortably. No one wanted to be told death was inevitable...even though it was, for every man, whether they stood for this or not. It was just a matter of timing.
"So...anyone who doesn't want to continue, who believes the costs are too high, is free to leave....I understand that it takes as much courage to leave, as it does to stay. There is a great deal at stake."
The room remained silent. No one stood to go.
"Alright," Iolaus began, a grin lighting his face, "I guess we're it. Now, I need to know exactly where we stand...how many men each of us can bring into action, how much weaponry we have, how much experience our resistance fighters have with actual fighting. Samos, why don't you start...."
And, so it began. One after another, the leaders of the towns and villages of Greece laid out their resources, their capacities, their requirements. When they had finished, Iolaus gazed around the room, holding each man's eyes for a moment. "Good. We have enough to begin. Here's what we are going to do....."
He laid out the strategy for them....quick lightning strikes, unexpected, with no patterns. They were to establish exit routes and multiple hideouts in the mountains before any engagement, each fallback position was to be stocked in advance with supplies and spare weaponry. They were to focus on disabling injuries rather than deaths; block Rome's supply routes; raid the caravans carrying tribute back to Rome. A disabled man cost more to the state to maintain than a dead one...and his comrades were less likely to seek revenge. Without supplies, an army died. Without tribute, an Empire was weakened. They were to fashion fast, small, mobile forces, capable of moving in and out of action like ghosts. They were to carry out all of their wounded or dead...there must be no way to identify the resistance fighters....if any were lost, their first priority was to alert their families and villages, to aid in evacuation if necessary. Rome could defeat any army in the world...but, could she defeat a people? How well would her famous warriors withstand a constant campaign of harrassment, a constant undermining of their personal sense of safety and security? If they could wear down the morale of the individual Roman trooper, with unexpected and unpredictable archers sniping at them, with unexpected raids, they would have impact.
They talked late into the night, confirming methods of communication and support. Iolaus would begin travelling throughout Greece, overseeing training, the coaching of the subordinate leaders, evaluating strength and capacity, carrying intelligence and inspiration. If they were lucky, many of the men in the room would never have their names known by the enemy....but, all knew that Iolaus would be marked, all knew that Rome would focus upon him. He knew it and accepted it....and was glad he didn't have a family, or even a village really, anymore, to be held hostage or harmed because of him.
As the night ended, and the last of the men drifted away to begin their efforts, Iolaus stood outside the hunting lodge where they had met, facing toward Corinth. It would be one month before Rome really absorbed what was happening in their province of Greece. They would then actively begin to hunt him. He figured he could last another month, but he doubted he'd last two. He hoped his work would help make a difference, would help Hercules be successful in the role he had chosen. As dawn broke in the east, lighting the tips of the distant hills, he wondered if he would ever see his best friend again.
And so it went. Hercules began in his home town of Thebes. He met the King in the ancient Cadmia, the fortress build so long ago to shelter the original city and which was now the precinct of power. The leadership was reluctant to commit....there was considerable, if unspoken, fear of the might of Rome. In it's history, Thebes had been razed to the ground by a furious Alexander...the City had not forgotten that experience. They were the closest major centre to Rome by land and so felt themselves that much more vulnerable. Surely the populace was exaggerating their destitution...better poverty than death. Hercules had to cloak himself in patience, reiterating argument after argument, using all of his considerable skills of persuasion. Finally, he gained a grudging concession that Thebes would stand as Athens and Corinth stood. It wasn't much...but, it was all he was going to get. Two weeks after having entered his home city, Hercules left it's borders to head to Athens.
During the same time, Iolaus had travelled extensively throughout the Pelopponnese. He met with resistance leaders in Patras and Olympia, in Megalopolis and Tripolis, in villages along the coastlines of the Bay of Corinth and the Ionian Sea. He crisscrossed the mountain pathways, gradually working his way to Sparta. The resistance forces were strongest there...for one thing, everyone trained from an early age for war, all had exceptional skills with weaponry and tactics. After only two days there, he headed back up along the Aegean coast, meeting with the resistance leaders in Naphthlia, Mycenae, and Epidaurus before heading back to link with the leadership in the mountains around Corinth.
Small raids had been happening all over Greece. At first, the local tribunes had considered it to be the work of local outlaws, malcontents...but, after two weeks, the courriers were carrying reports back and forth between these local Roman leaders, and they were beginning to realize the unrest was more than a local phenomena. Something was going on, but they were not yet sure what.
In Athens, Hercules met with the elected leadership of the City. Athens had once had a navy which was the glory of the Mediterranean. No longer. Her focus had long been on trade rather than war. This city could not command her inhabitants to take up arms....Athenians decided for themselves what causes they would endorse. Once again, the leadership was reluctant to make any commitments which would leave Athens in open opposition to Rome....essentially a port, coastal city, she was vulnerable to the Roman navy which ruled the waters from the Pillars of Hercules to the Bosphorus and beyond. Still, the taxation was having it's impact and, as a democracy, the citizenry in Athens was getting more attention than the commoners in other cities. The taxation was hurting...it was too high to be sustained. Finally, yes, they agreed, Athens would stand with Corinth and Thebes...but, even if it was unspoken, they all knew that if Rome threatened with her mighty military fist, only Sparta had any hope of responding to that challenge, and even Sparta could not stand for long. The Empire was just too vast, could draw on resources that would overwhelm Greece without even scarcely trying.
A month after he had left Corinth, Hercules walked away from Athens. He had won a weak verbal accord...he was not naive enough to believe the leadership of either Thebes or Athens would convey the kind of confidence necessary in a face to face dialogue with Rome to be really convincing. He felt weighted by discouragement as he walked from Athens back toward Corinth, meeting with leaders in smaller centres, like Megara, on the way. Everywhere he looked, he could see the signs of people suffering, signs of poverty. It was a bad situation. People could only be pushed so far...any cornered animal will fight for their lives. Once people started dying, from exposure, from hunger, from disease...they would fight back. It was only Greece's good fortune as a nation of mild climate and almost overwhelming natural abundance of food which had kept peace until now. The people were hungry, they were not yet starving. But one bad year...even one bad season might be all it would take. Greece was a powderkeg...and the fuse had been lit by the resistance movement. Why couldn't the leaders understand that? Was it just that they, as individuals, had too much to lose...their own wealth, comfort and security...was that worth more to them than the wellbeing of the people they were expected to lead and safeguard? Apparently so.
Hercules looked up into the hills that ranged along the isthmus. He wondered where Iolaus was. The stories about the resistance movement were beginning to grow, beginning to fuel the unrest of the common populace. Minstrals were being to sing songs of their valour. Stories of their victories over Roman legionnaires were demonstrating that the Romans were not invincible....and Rome was beginning to get annoyed...Rome had put the word out to their local governors and tribunes. Find the leaders of this resistance...and crucify them. The individual names of the local leaders were not yet common knowledge, but one name was starting to become known. Iolaus. All across Greece, Romans were beginning to search for his friend. Pulling his eyes back to the road in front of him, Hercules tried to push away his growing fear for Iolaus' life. But, it gnawed away at him, especially at night when his mind wasn't fully occupied with the verbal battles in which he engaged during the long days. At night, as he tossed and turned, unable to sleep, his terror for his friend was almost overwhelming.
While Hercules was in Athens, Iolaus had ranged over central Greece. Along the Bay of Corinth, through Livadia and Amfissa, Delphi and Nafpaktos, to the Ionion Sea, Messolongi and up to Vonitsa, then back through Agrinio, up to Karpenissi, across the vast plain through Lamia and then, finally, heading up along the pass at Thermopylae, back down through Thebes to Athens. Encouraging, coaching, cajoling, cautioning, teaching, drilling, plotting....and, increasingly, hiding. He could no longer travel openly. Just yesterday, he had been warned a bounty was being placed upon his head. It would be well worth the betrayal should anyone wish to trade his location for immediate personal wealth.
Now, he too, was headed back toward Corinth. Had Hercules but known it, Iolaus was travelling above him in the hills, had in fact spotted his friend, watched him briefly. Iolaus was worried about Hercules...he could see enough to know his friend moved with a heaviness that was foreign to him, and that he had lost weight. Herc was tired...and he looked discouraged, at least, he did when he didn't think anyone could see him. How Iolaus wished he could sit across the fire from his friend, or just go fishing with him for a couple of days. They both needed that, needed the solace of their friendship, of their unquestioning commitment to one another...but, now, Rome stood between them. Iolaus sighed and turned away. They each had their road to travel...only time would tell if either of them would enjoy any real measure of success.
Tensions grew over the next three weeks. Somehow, Iolaus had managed to maintain his freedom...but, his name was now an open secret. Everyone knew who was leading the resistance. Rome had moved beyond irritation. One too many tribute payments had been lost. More than five hundred legionnaires had been pensioned home, disabled, unable to continue to bear her arms. The troops throughout Greece were getting twitchy, never knowing when one of them would suffer being wounded by an arrow that came out of nowhere. Passes through mountains were blocked by rockslides, delaying much needed supplies, slowing the flow of information and intelligence, the lifeblood of an Empire. The populace was getting more truculent, quicker to take offence, less willing to stand aside when Romans wanted to pass. Too many garrisons suffered sicknesses from contaminated food or water sources. It had to end. If one Province succeeded in staring down Rome, what was to stop the others from trying their own resistance.
The leaders of the Cities knew their subjects expected them to stand up against Rome...the resistance fighters had become local heroes, celebrated in ballads, with legends building around them. So far, at least, the population had not taken against their own leaders, still showed them their required measure of respect. But, everyone in a leadership position knew this support could not be taken for granted, that it was fragile at best. They were caught between a rock and hard place. If they did not stand up to Rome, their people might desert them, or worse, revolt against them. If they did...gods, if they did, Rome could destroy them.
All of the leaders headed to Corinth for the summit meeting King Iphicles had called. They didn't dare not go...their subjects expected them to be there. However, Rome also expected to be represented and invited or not, her local governors were also headed to Corinth. The situation had to be resolved before Greece erupted into war. As everyone knew, from the cosmopolitan sea traders of Corinth and Athens, to the agricultural centres of Lamia and Mycenae, to the fishing ports of Patras and Naphthlia, war was not good for commerce....well, not unless one's business was armament.
As the leaders gathered, individual groups met offside, trying to find common ground. Rome's position was that the treaties held....not a helpful starting point. Nevertheless, the stage was set. The formal discussions began.
Meanwhile, Iolaus' resistance fighters also stepped up their action the week before the formal summit. Raiding was bolder, more aggressive than ever before. There were more incidents of conflict, more injuries, more damage done to Roman installations in that week than in the previous four weeks combined. It was a deliberate tactic to put pressure on the Romans...how much did they want to maintain the status quo...how much would they pay before it got too expensive? Would they fight or fold? Wars weren't just expensive for businessmen...they were expensive for Empires. Did Rome want to pay the costs to forcibly quell this upstart province? Or, would they take the tack of respecting the ancient glory of Greece, call them brothers, find an amicable way of settling their differences. The next few days would tell the story.
The talks had been going on for almost a week, and tempers were beginning to fray. The Greeks, made strong by the increasingly forceful resistance of the populace, were tiring of Rome's refusal to reopen the agreements between them. The Romans were beginning to feel boxed in. They knew the Senate did not want war, and would not finance it. The Senate wanted the incipient revolt stopped, it's leaders dead, it's supporters cowed....but, so far, none of the leaders had been taken...many had not yet even been firmly identified. Rome didn't like to back down...but, if something didn't break soon, then new negotiations might be necessary.
Hercules was already in Iphicles' private office when the King walked in after another long day. Sighing, Iph sank into his chair, put his feet on his desk and took a generous swig of the watered wine that had already been poured into his goblet by his attendents.
"How's it going?" enquired Hercules, though Iph's demeanor pretty much told him.
"The same, Hercules, the same as yesterday...and the day before. Although, I have to admit, I didn't really think my colleagues from across Greece would hold the line this long, or this firmly. If anything, they might be getting even a little more determined. I thought he was crazy when he started, but...but Iolaus has made a difference. We just might pull this off."
"And, if we do? What then? What happens to Iolaus and the others?"
"Officially?" Iph paused. "Officially, they're criminals, acting outside the law."
When Hercules didn't respond, Iphicles sighed. "I know, I know. Unofficially, they're heroes...we can't touch them or the people would scream. But, if we don't do something about them...Rome will scream. Impasse." He took another gulp of his wine.
Herc sank back into his chair. What now? "Could some sort of amnesty be part of the final agreement?"
Iphicles considered this. "Maybe...but, at this stage, it's too soon for us to propose it. Rome hasn't yet officially agreed to reopen the treaties."
Herc nodded. How long could Iolaus stay out of their clutches?
There was a sharp knock on the door, preceding the entrance of Iphicles' private secretary. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Your Highness, but the Roman Governor is outside, asking to meet with you."
Iphicles straightened, his face full of speculation. "Really? Did he say what he wanted to discuss?"
"No sir...but, he did enquire as to whether your brother was still in the palace."
Iphicles looked across at Hercules who shrugged and shook his head. "Well, this might be interesting. Show the Governor into the meeting room next door. We'll be right there."
"Thank you, sir," the secretary replied quietly before closing the door behind him.
"What do you think?"
Herc shrugged again. "I don't know...let's see what he has to say."
Iphicles nodded, stood and led the way into the small conference room adjacent to his office.
Full diplomatic behaviours were on display. Broad smiles of welcome and greeting, handshaking all around, "Thank you for meeting with me, Your Highness," "Not at all, Governor, always a pleasure...oh, and I think you know my brother, Hercules," "We've not met, but this is a pleasure...your reputation is legendary, Hercules," and so on until they were all settled, with wine and refreshments at their fingertips.
"So, Governor, to what do I owe the honour of this unexpected visit?"
The Roman hesitated a moment, glanced at Hercules, then back at the King. "If I may be candid?"
"Of course...Corinth and Rome hold no secrets from one another," responded Iphicles. A request for candour was always worrisome. What were they hiding? What were they trying to gain?
The Governor nodded. "Well, Your Highness, in that case, let me be clear that Rome does not want a war with Greece. We have long cherished our close relationship, the shared heritage of our culture and philosophies. Therefore, Rome is prepared to discuss the renegotiation of the agreements between us."
Iphicles nodded, keeping expression from his face. "I'm delighted to hear that....but, a discussion of the possibility of renegotiation is not at all what we have been seeking....we wish to move directly to a renegotiation process."
The Governor paused, taking a sip of his wine. "Yes, we are aware of that...but, we need certain assurances before any such agreement to renegotiate is possible."
Iphicles nodded, not surprised that there would be conditions. "And what would those assurances need to be?"
"We need to know that the ongoing and illegal local resistance throughout this Province will cease, at least until the negotiations are concluded."
Now it was Iphicles' turn to pause and sip his wine as he studied the Roman. "I'm not sure how I, or any of my colleagues, can give you that assurance. The resistance has been locally led, by commoners, independent of our leadership."
"You have not tried to quell it."
"No, we have not."
"Will you?"
Iphicles paused again. "No. I will not...and I doubt any of my colleagues would contemplate any action against these men. They have become too popular...and, while we might sincerely regret the means they have chosen, their ends are the same as our's...a new set of agreements that are more supportable, more sustainable, less burdensome for the average Greek citizen."
The Governor sat back. There had been bets amongst those gathered at his mansion about how clearly this position would be stated by the Greeks. This was very clear indeed. The leadership might not publicly condone the resistance, but neither would they condemn it. The next move had to be his.
Nodding, the Governor responded, "Frankly, I'm not surprised by your position, Your Highness. Allow me to propose a possible solution. If the formal leadership cannot guarantee a truce, then we must meet with the leader of the resistance itself. If we guarantee safe passage, will this man, Iolaus, meet with us to work out the details of a truce?"
Iphicles looked to Hercules, who took the signal to enter the conversation. "Would you be prepared to guarantee amnesty for him and for all those who have engaged in the resistance effort?" When the Governor paused, Hercules continued, "If not, I doubt whether he would meet with you. Iolaus will always put the lives of those who depend upon him first...any truce would need to start with such an agreement."
Hercules heard his own words and wanted to shudder. He had been around diplomats, and their indirect way of speaking, for too long. Time for straight speaking. "Bottomline, Governor, there can be no retribution. None. Rome has to be prepared to forgive the resistance and forget it ever happened."
"Forgive and forget...." the Governor sighed. "Alright, if that's what he needs to hear. Rome wants the harrassment to end, wants solid relations with Greece to be reestablished. Can you get that information to him? Can you bring him in?"
Hercules looked at Iphicles, hiding his heartfelt relief. Maybe they would all get out of this alive afterall. "I don't know...I'm not sure how to find him...give me a couple of days."
The Governor nodded. "You have them and more, if you need them. If you do contact him, bring him to me. The sooner we can come to an agreement, the sooner this unpleasant and unnecessary conflict can end."
Hercules hesitated. "With all due respect, Governor...could we have a more neutral meeting place?"
The Governor smiled, a trifle cynically. Well, it had been worth a try. "Of course. Let him name the location. I will come to him as a gesture of good faith."
Herc smiled slightly, "Thank you, sir. Now," turning to Iphicles, "with your permission, I'll start trying to make contact with him."
Iphicles nodded. "By all means, Hercules, thank you." And, with that, Hercules stood to go...and that effectively ended the meeting.
Hercules left the Palace and immediately began to contact people he suspected would know people who would be able to contact Iolaus. He said he'd wait for Iolaus to let him know where they could meet. Herc didn't really trust the Romans, not by a long shot. Nor did he trust everyone with whom he spoke. Anyone could still betray Iolaus at this point.
It didn't take long. Before the sun had reached it's zenith the next day, Hercules had received a message to go to a tavern on outskirts of town. He was there in less than an hour, seated at a quiet table in the corner. Iolaus arrived about fifteen minutes later.
Moving directly to Hercules' table, Iolaus signalled the bartender to bring two ales.
They sat, giving one another a quiet appraisal for a long moment. "You look tired, Herc."
Hercules nodded, "So do you."
Iolaus graced his old friend with a broad, bright smile, chuckling a bit, as if unable to hold back his good spirits a moment longer. "Gods, Herc, it's good to see you...I've missed you."
Hercules smiled warmly back, "No more than I have missed you, my friend. You've cost me more sleepless nights than I can count...."
Iolaus nodded, acknowledging the concern behind the words. "So, you wanted to see me?"
Hercules sat straighter, leaned his elbows on the table. "The Romans propose a truce, Iolaus. Full amnesty for you and all of your followers. They want to end the conflict and renegotiate the treaties. You've won, buddy...you've won."
Iolaus just stared at Hercules for a moment, his face expressionless. "You're kidding."
Herc shook his head. "Nope. The Governor met with Iphicles and me last night. Iph said he wouldn't support any action against any of you...and he doubted any of his colleagues would either. I said you wouldn't even come in to talk unless amnesty was a given. The Governor said Rome doesn't want war...wants to reestablish her historically good relationship with Greece. He wants to meet with you to get formal agreement on a truce to allow the negotiations to be undertaken in good faith."
"Really?"
"That's what he said."
Iolaus thought about this for a moment. "First, you'll have to thank Iphicles for me...his stand must have made all the difference. Second, where does he want to meet?"
"He said you could name the place."
Iolaus' face remained blank as he considered all that Herc had just told him. It was too easy. The Romans were giving in too completely. There had to be a catch. "Do you believe him? Trust him?"
Hercules sighed. "I don't know. I think so. You and your resistance movement have been an unqualified success...Rome is hurting. If it goes on much longer, other Provinces will notice and get restless. It's in Rome's interest to bring this to an end."
"Yeah...but, Rome usually likes to make an example of resistance leaders...to discourage others from trying the same thing."
Hercules shrugged. "It's your call, Iolaus."
Iolaus leaned back and sipped his ale. Amnesty. Gods, how he wished it was over, wished he didn't have to hide anymore. But could he trust Rome? Did he have a choice?
"Alright," he said, setting the mug on the table, "I'll meet the Governor in the Hall of Assembly, in full view of all the leaders of Greece. I'll be there tomorrow morning."
Hercules nodded. "I'll let him and Iphicles know. Where do you want me to meet you?"
"What?"
"I'll escort you through the city to the Hall."
Iolaus looked away, had to swallow. If this was a trap, they would kill him on the way to the Hall. Herc had just let him know that the Romans would have to go through him first, before they would ever get to Iolaus. Looking back, he shook his head...he couldn't let Herc get in the middle, "Thanks, Herc....you don't know how much I appreciate it...but,"
"No but's...I'm not letting you walk in there alone. Now, where do you want me to meet you?"
Iolaus grinned softly. "The South Gate. At dawn."
Herc smiled back as he lifted his mug. "See you there."
As he stood to go, Iolaus put a hand on Herc's shoulder. "Thanks, I...well, thanks." He turned and walked away, heading out the back of the tavern to lose himself in the alleys beyond.
Hercules relayed the message to Iphicles and the Governor when he returned to the Palace. Iphicles sent word to the other leaders of Greece, to ensure everyone would be present the next day. He also made arrangements to increase the security in and around the Hall. The Governor indicated he would be at the Hall by midmorning. The stage was set.
Hercules stayed on alert the next morning as he made his way to the South Gate. He didn't see anyone following him...but, then, he didn't expect to see armed Roman legionnaires trailing along behind him. If it was a trap, the Romans would be more subtle than that.
Iolaus was waiting in the shadows. He had debated taking another entrance, but, the chance to walk with Herc again, especially if it might be the last time, was too much. He didn't trust the Romans...he expected to be betrayed sometime during the day. Frankly, he didn't expect to make it to the Hall of Assembly. But, he had to take the chance. As soon as he saw Hercules, he stepped into the early light of the dawn.
Hercules waited for him at the Gate. When Iolaus reached his side, Herc asked, "Ready?"
"As I'll ever be." Together, they turned to head across the City. They hadn't gone a block when soldiers surrounded them, pouring out of every alley and laneway, every building along the route. Startled, it was a moment before Iolaus realized they were surrounded by the Corinthian Palace Guard. Iphicles, in full royal garb, stepped out of a building across the street and ambled over to them. Reaching their side, he held out his arm to Iolaus, offering the warrior's greeting. Iolaus solemnly accepted the gesture. Hercules flashed a smile of gratitude toward his brother.
Iphicles grinned, clapping Iolaus on the shoulder. "What a coincidence...meeting you here like this! It was such a promising day, we all thought we'd go out for a walk. Mind if we join you?"
Iolaus grinned back. "No...I don't mind at all. Thanks, Iph....you didn't have to do this."
Suddenly solemn, Iph replied, "I was a party to the agreement which brought you here, Iolaus. I'll do what I can to ensure it is honoured."
Herc and Iphicles took up a position on either side of Iolaus, the guards falling in around them, as they set out on their walk across the city.
They had passed through the whole of the city without incident and, as they entered the square in front of the Hall of Assembly, they had all begun to believe that their concerns may have been groundless. It was in the centre of the square, with only a few more yards to go, that Iolaus made a slight sound of surprise and stumbled against Hercules who caught him as his knees buckled. In less than a heartbeat, Herc was kneeling with Iolaus in his arms, hunched over him, with Iphicles standing above them to give more cover, the guards tightening the perimeter around them. Iolaus had been taken by arrow in his left shoulder. In another heartbeat, the square was full of Roman centurions, who surrounded the King's party, their weapons drawn.
"Damn them to Tarturus," Herc muttered as he broke off the shaft of the arrow, and pressed on the wound to stem the flow of blood. Iolaus was pale from the shock of the assault, but fully alert.
"How is he?" enquired Iphicles quietly, his eyes on the Roman Tribune who was approaching him.
"I've been hurt worse..it's only a scratch...don't worry about it," Iolaus responded, his voice strong, but tight with the pain he was feeling.
The Tribune stopped in front of Iphicles. "You are to surrender the criminal Iolaus to my custody."
Iphicles gave the Tribune a cold smile of contempt. "Your Governor, in my presence, assured Iolaus of safe passage. Your actions here today are in direct violation of that assurance and constitute an act of war. If you do not wish to make the situation worse, get your troops out of this square, and out of my City, immediately."
"I'm sorry, Your Highness, but my orders are to apprehend the criminal and bring him to the Governor."
"That's not going to happen. Not today. Not ever."
The Tribune swallowed. No one had expected that the King would have personally escorted Iolaus to the Assembly Hall. The leader of the resistance was to have been taken quietly...so much for the plan. If he attacked the King, it would be an act of war. Still, he had his orders and was not about to leave without his prisoner. Stalemate.
The Governor, Rome's official representative to Corinth, entered the square from the opposite side. Seeing him, the Tribune saluted smartly and took a step back, heaving a silent, if heartfelt, sigh of relief. It was out of his hands.
The Governor strolled over to Iphicles. "Well, we seem to have reached a slight impasse."
"Only if you continue to refuse to honour your word. Leave now and we can proceed with the discussions as originally planned, as soon as Iolaus indicates he is able." Iphicles' voice was cold, his fury barely chained. Rome would pay for this insult...they would pay dearly.
The Governor shook his head sadly. "You Provincials, you're all alike. You take yourselves so seriously...you are unbelievably naive. How could you possibly believe that we would let him go unpunished. Rome requires that such traitors to our collective peace be publically executed so that others will learn from their example."
Iolaus pushed himself to his feet, aided by Hercules, to stand and face the Governor. Hercules was beyond furious. He wanted to tear the Roman apart. "Naive?" Hercules grated. "You gave your word, as the official voice of Rome, to the King of Corinth...."
"No, I said you could tell this criminal what he wanted to hear...I am not required to give my word to a man who has led an armed resistance against the Empire."
"Well," Iphicles interjected, "I should have remembered. You Romans have always been barbarians at heart....you've never understood what we have always considered to be fairly basic concepts...ideas such as honesty and integrity seem to be beyond your grasp."
The Governor didn't bother to respond to that. "Your Highness, let me be perfectly clear. Either hand over the criminal, or stand as his accomplice...in which case, we will simply kill you all."
A voice challenged from the rooftops above. "And will you kill all of us, as well?" asked the King of Sparta, who was joined by Spartan archers, arrows already notched in their bows.
The massive doors of the Hall of Assembly opened, to reveal the King of Thebes, whose own soldiers followed him, while others took up positions on the roof of the hall, also with notched arrows at the ready. "And, then, I presume, you will kill all of us."
"Don't forget us!" shouted Athens' leader from the rooftop behind them. As these actions and statements were being made, each rooftop was filled with soldiers, and more poured from the alleys and laneways which emptied into the square, like a river in full flood. All of Greece was represented in the armour and crests, the insignia clear in the flags and shields.
Iphicles stared into the Governor's eyes. "If Rome wants war, it can start here. It can start now. Every war has its first casualties, Governor...." Iphicles paused a moment, then said quietly, but with a voice that could be heard in the farthest corner, "It's your call, Governor. Will Rome honour the truce, will Rome forgive and forget? Will Rome choose to return to a state of friendship and brotherhood with Greece? Or will you die here today?"
The Governor's eyes played around the square, and the rooftops above. Damn it...he was boxed in. The Senate did not want a war. Taking a breath, swallowing hard, he turned to Iphicles. "Well, Your Highness, I can see we have had a serious misunderstanding. My intention, of course, has always been to provide my own escort to the Resistance Leader, Iolaus, as a symbol of Rome's goodwill and commitment to peace between our people. Greece is an important and honoured member of the Empire, one Rome would never wish to insult."
Iphicles smiled coldly at the Governor. "The misunderstanding is regrettable. To ensure we have cleared up the problem, why don't you send your Tribune, and his legionnaires, back to their barracks?"
The Governor flicked his eyes at the Tribune and nodded. It was all the direction he needed, to call his troops into order and march them out of the square.
"Good," continued Iphicles. "Now, again, let us ensure perfect clarity. What, exactly, are the terms you are offering the leaders of the resistance fighters?"
"As far as Rome is concerned, from today, there has been no resistance. Therefore, there are no resistance leaders in whom Rome would have any interest whatsoever."
"Which means, Iolaus and his friends are free citizens, who need fear no reprisals for any actions they may have taken in the last two months."
"Exactly," confirmed the Governor.
Iphicles nodded. "And Rome is prepared to begin renegotiations of the treaties between us today?"
"Whenever you and your fellow countrymen are ready, Your Highness."
"Well, then. I'd say that clears up the regrettable misunderstanding...why don't you come with me into the Hall of Assembly...my countrymen are all here, and we are ready to proceed now."
The Governor gave the King a slight bow of the head, stepping back to allow the King to lead him into the Hall. Before moving forward, Iphicles turned to Iolaus, putting a hand upon his right shoulder.
"Hercules will take you to the Palace where my physician will see to your wound. I hope you will be my guest there until you are healed...and for as long after that, and as often, as you wish to stay. I consider you more of a brother than a friend, Iolaus...." Pausing a moment to look around the square and up to the rooftops, with a meaningful glance at the Governor from Rome, Iphicles concluded, "You have made us all proud, Iolaus. You have reminded us of our ancient commitment to honour and freedom. You, and your followers, have acted with courage in standing for Greece. Thank you."
The square erupted in cheers, the noise overwhelming. With a sardonic look, in a softer voice, Iphicles added a post script, "Your strategy worked this time, Iolaus...but, let's talk before you try something like this again? I'd like to know we're on the same side from the beginning...not have to pull you out of the fire at the end. Okay?"
The devilment flashing in his eyes, Iolaus laughed. "Whatever you say, Iph...I owe you big time...more than I will ever be able to repay. Thank you."
Iphicles nodded, winked at Hercules, then turned and will all due solemnity and ceremony, led the Governor, and his fellow leaders from across Greece, into the Hall of Assembly.
Watching them go, Hercules turned to Iolaus, "See, I told you it was a matter for diplomacy...to be settled by kings and envoys...."
Iolaus started to laugh again, only to wince instead. "Oww...don't make me laugh, Herc, please..."
Hercules put a supportive arm around his friend, helping him toward the Palace. Iolaus looked up at him, "You knew about this, didn't you...you and Iph cooked this up with the other leaders last night."
Herc grinned and nodded. "Well, we didn't trust the Romans any more than you did....but, the Kings all needed something to break the impasse...a showdown....and you gave them the opportunity. Guess we 'provincials' are not quite as naive as the Governor thought."
Iolaus chuckled, "Rome forgets....Greece invented government and diplomatic intrigue....they're still learning. You and Iph have done real good, Herc, getting the leaders to act together, to make a strong stand."
Herc laughed. "Yeah, well, your resistance fighters really didn't give them a whole lot of choice." As they made their way to the Palace, Herc reflected quietly, "You know, Iolaus, even when we're not on the same side, we still make a pretty good team."
"We were always on the same side, Herc...we just had different ideas about how to get it done...Frankly, I can't imagine ever really being on opposite sides....isn't great that it turned out we were both right!"
Herc gave Iolaus' shoulder an extra squeeze as he nodded his agreement. Gods, he was glad they had finally found their way back together.
Finis
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