Flesh and Blood

After long months of drought, rain was returning to the kingdom. Fall crops were hurriedly planted with the hope that if the weather would hold for a few more weeks of warmth, the famine that had threatened all summer could be averted. Farmers spoke of the gods smiling once again on Corinth, of successful sacrifices to Demeter. The new king's reign had started in war and despair, but the coming winter held the promise of renewed prosperity.

Iphicles had thrown a victory celebration in newly liberated Daras, although his army had never actually fought the enemy there. Tirnavos' brigand band melted away into the countryside after their leader's death. The king provided rich stores of food and wine, so that not only his troops, but the long-suffering citizens of Daras as well enjoyed his bounty. The city itself had never been disloyal, only threatened into rebellion by the fallen warlord. The end of the pretender's reign had brought only joy to the besieged city.

Wild revelry had continued for several days after the liberation, just the sort of party that Iolaus should have enjoyed to the fullest. True, he'd found a willing bed partner or two, but the king's wine was bitter on his tongue; food stuck in his throat. He never lost his feeling of being watched. Although he was sure that his movements were being shadowed, he'd found it impossible to pick out the spy in the crowded city. Iolaus wanted to be away from the endless, mindless noise. Iphicles had planned yet another celebration after their return to Corinth - a great feast to honor the rescuers of the queen and royal heir. Just another delay before he could leave. Daras was rapidly becoming a prison to him and the hated feeling of confinement grew more intense with each passing day. He'd not told Hercules about the spy.

Hercules knew only that his friend was restless. Iolaus had been steadily downing ale most of the afternoon, yet he still prowled around the tavern, trying his best to goad Hercules into an argument. "Why won't Iphicles give me permission to leave? He doesn't need me around. All his enemies have left Daras. I am not doing any one any good hanging around here. And you've never been one for feasts and speeches, Herc. Why now?"

Hercules threw up his hands in despair. "Iolaus, we've been over this and over this."

"Well, explain it to me again cause your dumb friend doesn't understand."

"Sit down, will you? I can't talk sense into you when you won't even sit still." Hercules frowned as Iolaus plopped onto one of the benches and signaled the bar keep for yet another round. "I am not carrying you home. You can just lay here all night," Hercules warned. His oft-repeated gibe would have normally gotten a laugh, but Iolaus didn't even smile. "Please, just listen to me without interrupting," Hercules asked. "Can you manage that, my drunken friend?"

Iolaus sullenly nodded. The ale, much more than he usually drank, had finally quieted his sense of imprisonment. After all, it was just Herc talking to him. No soldiers, no spies, no murderous nobility.

"This celebration is with my family. That makes it different. Can't you see that? Iphicles, Rena, my mother, they want you to be thanked, damn it. Can't you just relax and enjoy yourself? Your place can look after itself a few more weeks. The two of us have been away fighting monsters for longer than..."

Iolaus leaned on the table, face to face with Hercules. "You know what I think," he slowly said, each word laden with drunken venom. "I think you like the royal family treatment. You want the robes and the servants and people waiting on you hand and foot. Jason should have made you take over his kingdom and then you could live in the palace all the time. No more fighting monsters. No more traveling around the countryside with your peasant buddy."

Hercules slowly shook his head in disbelief. "I never thought you were..."

"Shut up. I let you talk. It's my turn. But what was I saying? Oh yeah. You think just because you're related to royalty that you can tell me what to do, who I can help, and who I can't. All of you think if you keep me here long enough, drunk enough, that I will forget about what happened, that Medea will be so far away that I'll never find her. You can't stop me. I'll..." Iolaus tried to stand, but his legs gave way and he fell to the floor before Hercules could grab him. "Oh gods, I think I'm going to be sick."

"Not here, Iolaus. At least wait till we get outside." Iolaus heard none of that, so despite his earlier threat, Hercules tossed the innkeeper a coin and carried Iolaus upstairs to a bed.

Early the next morning, Hercules requested an audience with Iphicles and Jason. The two men had been talking before he arrived, but abruptly stopped when he walked into the small anteroom. Jason's broad smile was as welcoming as ever, but Iphicles frowned when he saw his brother. He began nervously turning a ring on his finger, before sitting to hear what Hercules had to say.

"Well, Iphicles," he started, "you really know how to throw a victory celebration. We three may be the only sober men in town."

"My soldiers deserve their small pleasures. The people of Daras, too. They went without enough food and water for months because of Medea and her warlord. Would you deny them their fun?"

"You misunderstand me, brother. I've been enjoying your hospitality as much as the next man. It's Iolaus I'm concerned about. He's had enough acclaim and is ready to go home. Hard to believe, isn't it?" Hercules laughed, but he didn't miss the look that passed between Iphicles and Jason. "He has somehow gotten the notion in his head that he isn't free to leave Daras."

Jason stepped forward before Iphicles could reply. "That's nonsense, Hercules. He played a large part in rescuing Rena and saving the city. Why wouldn't he want to celebrate with us? The feast in Corinth will be even better. Convince him to stay."

Hercules turned to where his brother was sitting. "But if I can't change his mind, does he have your permission to leave?"

"Jason is right. Iolaus is your friend. You can talk him into anything."

"If you believe that, brother, then you don't know Iolaus. He has a mind of his own."

"It's that stubbornness that may get him into serious trouble someday." Jason's smile had long since disappeared. "As long as he remains with us in Daras or Corinth, then you won't have any reason to worry about him."

Hercules forced himself to sound calmer than he felt. "He told you that he would not pursue Medea. That should be good enough for you. Iolaus doesn't lie."

"Then he would have no objection to swearing a blood oath before the assembled nobles at Corinth, would he? If he agrees, then he is free afterwards to do as he chooses. If not..." Jason stopped, reluctant even now to voice his threat.

"He's given you his word already, Jason. What more can you want?"

"In front of witnesses, I want Iolaus to swear on the forfeiture of his life," Jason answered.

"He's a proud man. What if he refuses?"

"In Corinth, at the feast or... Don't make me say the words, Hercules."

Barely hiding his fury, Hercules confronted his brother. "Iphicles, you agreed to this? Not a week ago, he almost died saving your wife and your son. This is how you repay his loyalty?"

Iphicles couldn't bring himself to meet his brother's angry stare, but looked over at Jason instead. "Iolaus is a threat to the life of Prince Mermerus. Convince him to swear the oath, Hercules."

When Iolaus first woke, he loudly groaned at the pain of his throbbing hangover, burying his head under his pillow. When he emerged and opened his bleary eyes, he saw Hercules sitting on the small room's other bed, watching him.

"How do you feel?" Hercules asked, although the answer was plain on his friend's face.

"Lousy. Stupid. Lousy and stupid. Other than that, I'm ready to meet the morning."

"You missed morning by a couple of hours. Are you hungry?"

"Don't mention food ever again. What have I been eating? Boiled cat?"

"You haven't been eating, Iolaus, only downing ale. How long have you known?"

Iolaus carefully sat up, holding his aching head in both hands. Puzzled, he looked around the room and said, "Known what? I'm sorry, but I can barely sit upright much less think. This isn't where we've been staying. How did I get here? Can't remember much of last night except I seemed to be shouting at you. A lot. What was that all about?"

"I carried you up the stairs after you passed out in the tavern. We need to talk."

"Later, Herc. Much, much later."

"Iolaus, this can't wait. Last night in the tavern, you were raving about Iphicles, about how you were being held in Daras against your will. I was sure it was just the ale talking, so I went to see Jason and my brother this morning. You were right, my friend. Iphicles has given orders that you are not allowed to leave Daras. Jason believes that you are still planning to rescue Mermerus. He's afraid for his son's life." Hercules paused, watching Iolaus' face harden as harsh memory returned. He wondered at what point his friend's temper would explode.

"Someone's been following me since the day Medea left with the boy. I should have told you, I guess, but I didn't want to believe it. I'm their prisoner then."

"They want you where they can watch you, that's all. You're not a prisoner, Iolaus."

"What else would you call it? I might as well be rotting in one of their dungeons. That's what's next, you know. I'll disappear down some dark hole...." Ignoring his raging headache, Iolaus began pacing the room. "I've got to get some air." Hercules grabbed his arm as he passed, pulled him back into the room, and slammed the door. Iolaus looked up at him with dull surprise. "Did they appoint you as my jailer? Making sure that the peasant doesn't get the royalty killed."

"Stop it, Iolaus," Hercules shouted at him. "Just stop it. I never wanted to be king. I've never thought of you as a peasant. You're my friend and I don't want to lose you because of some mad quest. Jason has a way for all this to end, so you will be free of his suspicion. It will be finished. Will you at least hear me out?"

"I haven't got much choice till you let go. Thanks." Iolaus sank back down on the bed, rubbing the feeling back into his arm. "So what does Jason want me to do?"

"When the army disbands next week, the royal family will return to Corinth. Iphicles has invited all the nobles of the kingdom to a victory feast."

"Hercules, I know all this. Get to the point."

"In front of the assembled witnesses, Jason requires you to swear a blood oath that you will never pursue Medea or attempt to rescue Mermerus."

"And the penalty for breaking this oath?"

"Forfeiture of your life."

"And if I refuse Jason's generous offer to be his dinner entertainment?"

"Forfeiture of your life."

"At least he's consistent. When does he want an answer? You know, Herc, suddenly I'm hungry."

"Iolaus, for once in your stubborn life, be reasonable."

"I am being reasonable. I just never surrender on an empty stomach."

Hercules sat down in surprise. He'd been expecting hours of argument, of pleading with his headstrong friend. It was all settled then.

More rain was coming. Every time he glanced up at the nearby mountain, dark clouds were crowding the peaks, boiling up, then rolling down into the valleys beyond. Lightning flashed, hitting one of the trees further up the slope and Iolaus jumped, then shook his head. "Not even a close call," he thought. "You must be losing your nerve." The wind was picking up and the heavily laden air made Iolaus' tasks seem all the more urgent. He needed to be packed, ready to move out as soon as the storm hit. He was counting on the weather to cover his tracks from the men sure to follow. Thunder rumbled in the distance and he looked up as the wind rattled his door.

Cursing as he stabbed himself yet again with the needle, he stuck his finger in his mouth long enough to stop the bleeding, then bent his head back over the piece of cloth. He'd already sewn two of the heavy gold coins into the seams and linings of the jacket. Two more lay on the table before him, softly gleaming in the candlelight. Three coins were the dowry he had not wanted to accept, but her father had pressed the coins into his hand and smiled. "For my daughter, for her children," he said. Iolaus had received the last gold coin when his son was born. "Better start building onto that house. You'll need room for the sons still to come." But that future lay in the two graves on the mountain above. The kindly man was dead now as well, grown old too soon with loss. Now his gold would become bribe money, escape money, passage to wherever Medea had chosen to flee.

Iolaus laid the jacket back on the table and went looking in the barn for his shears. Before heading out the door, he grabbed a loaf of bread and a water pouch. Once inside the barn, he shook his captive awake, loosened the ropes holding his arms, and tossed him the bread and water. His would be jailer ate nervously as Iolaus searched around the dusty corners of the long unused barn. "Better go easy on that water," Iolaus warned. "We weren't due back in Corinth till tomorrow, but when I don't show up..." He tossed aside a grain bag and found his shears on a ledge full of broken bits of harness. To think he had tried to be a farmer. "Jason won't take long to come after me. You should be all right till then. Of course, what Jason does to you once he knows you let me escape is another matter." He checked the ropes and returned to his house.

Iolaus stared at himself in the burnished piece of metal he used for shaving. He reached up and took off his earring, tossing it into the ashes of the fireplace. His face itched under the new growth of beard and he absentmindedly scratched his chin as he reached for the shears. He grabbed a lock of hair and began sawing away. A few minutes later, the floor around his feet lay covered with most of his hair. He built a fire and swept it in, nose wrinkling at the stench that filled his house. Stripping off his clothes in front of the fire, he pulled on the peddler's jacket and pants, bought for a few dinars in the nearest village. Jamming a cloth cap over his newly shorn head, he rolled up his discarded clothes, and stuffed them into his pack. Only one thing left to do while waiting for the coming storm.

When the rain hit, he hurried away from his home. Left behind on the table was a scrap of papyrus addressed to Hercules, folded around his amulet. "I'm sorry" was all he could think to write.

All that night and the next day while the rain continued, Iolaus headed back to Daras, pausing only to catch his breath and check his bearings. He waited until sunset, until the city gates were closing for the night, to slip inside once again. Early autumn shadows hid him as he made his way to a tavern favored by traveling merchants. He slid into a corner table, back to the wall, and nursed an ale while watching the door.

The man saw him as soon as he stepped into the room, but took several minutes to casually make his way over to where Iolaus was sitting. Balding, with the paunch of middle age starting to spread, he still had something of his soldier's bearing. He grumbled about the weather, then about falling prices now that the army was gone, then got down to his real business, when nobody else was listening.

"You took your own time getting back. Almost didn't know you, dressed up in them merchant rags," he snarled. "I was beginning to think you had forgotten our bargain. Let's see your money, lad."

"What have you found out about Medea?"

"Whoa, lad, never speak that name in public. I know you are eager to find her and you're paying good money to do so, but you never know who is listening and what they got planned for you. Let's just say I watched the lady in question and her boy sail away on the first vessel she could hire out of the port of Galatas."

"And where was the lady headed?"

"Well, now that's what you are paying me for, isn't it? Information. I see your money. You get your information."

Iolaus held out his fist, opening his fingers so that the bright gold coin was just visible. "The deal was to know where she was headed and a boat to follow, if needed. If you are wasting my time here, then I'll have to find another spy." Iolaus stood up and started for the door.

"Easy now. That kind of eagerness will lead you right into trouble. Sit down and order me an ale and we'll talk till you get your money's worth. That's better. Have you ever been in Galatas? No? It's small, nothing but the local fishing boats, and she couldn't have gone far in one of them. They're taking her across to the merchant port of Piraeus. From there, she can hire a ship to sail anywhere Poseidon rules."

"Is there a ship waiting for me in Galatas?" How much lead time has she got?"

The old soldier laughed and drained his mug before answering. "No, lad, I wouldn't exactly call it a ship. My cousin's taking his fishing boat down to Galatas. If you hurry, he should be waiting for you when you reach the port. His name's Tassos and you can pay me for his services now." He held out an eager hand for his coin.

Iolaus dropped in just enough dinars to pay for the ale. "Tell you what, old man," Iolaus said with a grin. "I'll pay your cousin when I reach Piraeus and you two can fight it out." He hoisted his pack onto his shoulder and turned to go, leaving the man sputtering helplessly behind.

Iolaus walked along the quay, watching the fishermen toss baskets of fish ashore, while the sea gulls ducked and screamed, soaring on the stiff morning breeze. Tiny boats floated in the harbor, painted eyes bobbing up and down in the waves. "Damn you Medea," he thought. "Damn you for all eternity. Why couldn't you have stayed on land?" He turned to look over the row of buildings behind him, searching for an inn. "Might as well eat," he told himself. "You'll need something to throw up later."

The innkeeper was talkative enough and used to seeing peddlers on their way to Athens' port. He'd not seen any new boats come into harbor, but gave Iolaus a name on the docks and set his breakfast before him. Iolaus stared doubtfully at the bread and goat cheese on his plate, wondering how soon he'd see them again. He washed the loaf of bread down with a generous portion of wine and left to search for Tassos.

"That one," the sailor pointed at the last boat in the line. "Came in yesterday. Supposed to be carrying a merchant fellow over the sea. Guess that would be you. Better whisper a prayer if you're sailing on that," he laughed and went back to mending his nets.

Tattered sails drooped over a deck that was more tar than planking. Warped by years of sun and salt, boards pulled away from the hull. Rusted metal bands ran round the cracked mast, barely holding it upright and in one piece. After cursing Medea into the lowest reaches of Tartarus, Iolaus hailed the sailor sitting on the boat's deck. "I'm looking for Tassos. His cousin sent me."

"I'm Tassos. You're wanting to go to Piraeus and in a hurry, I understand. Come aboard, stow your gear below. The tide's changing so we can shove off anytime."

"Where's your crew?" Iolaus asked. "Don't we need to wait for them?"

"I'm the captain. You're the crew. Ready?"

Iolaus swallowed hard and tossed his pack aboard, then jumped to land on the shifting deck. Holding on to a rope more rotten than whole, he said, "I should tell you I'm not much of a sailor. My stomach doesn't seem to like boats at all."

Tassos looked him over with a sour expression of disgust. "Peddler, all you got to do is haul whatever rope I say to haul and duck when I say duck. If you spend the rest of your day talking to the fishes, that's your problem. But that rope you are holding onto...I wouldn't pull too hard or the main sail might fall right on that head of yours. Now I like to have a little shoving off prayer about this time. Bow your head, boy." With Iolaus looking over out of half closed eyes, Tassos raised his hands to the sky. "O Great Poseidon, you ain't sunk me yet and you ain't gonna sink me this time. That's it. Haul that rope. Not that one, Peddler. That one. Go hoist up the anchor now."

By dusk, Iolaus was miserably waving off Tassos' offer of dinner. The wind had died as the sky darkened and he sat in the stern, watching the sun drop into the ocean. The immense spread of stars that was so familiar on land seemed somehow threatening at sea. Now, with the ship becalmed, he had time to think about all he had left behind and what lay ahead. "If you die here, if you drown on this sorry excuse for a boat," he told himself, "no one will know. No one would care, anyway. You made Hercules hear what he wanted to hear, played him for a fool. And Jason..." Jason would be tracking him down even now, intent on stopping him before he could reach Medea. "If you can even find Medea, much less get Mermerus away from her." He hunched over against another wave of nausea, burying his face in his arms.

Tassos stuck his head out of the hold, watching Iolaus for a few moments. "Peddler, you're facing the wrong way. Whole wide world's ahead of you in Athens. No sense moping 'bout what's back on that other shore. Here, drink this."

Iolaus shook his head no, but Tassos forced the cup into his hand. "It's wine. It'll help, believe me. If nothing else, you'll forget your other troubles. We should reach Piraeus late tomorrow, if the wind picks up in the morning. Dry land's all you need."

Iolaus slowly drank the wine and managed a sickly grin. "Dry land and all the luck in the world."

"Break it down and if he's in there, drag him out where I can get my hands on him." Jason pointed at the door of Iolaus' house and a soldier moved forward to obey him.

"Jason, wait. Let me take a look around before you kick the door in. He could be sick or..."

"Wait? Hercules, do you really believe any of that? I waited for him to show up at Corinth. You assured me he would return, told me that all he wanted was to check on his home and he would return to take the oath. Why can't you accept that he lied to both of us?" Jason turned to send two more soldiers to search the outbuildings. With a crash, the door splintered and gave way. Just as the soldier called out that the house was empty, a shout from the barn led them running in that direction.

"Well?" Jason's quiet question was more ominous than if he had shouted. The just released soldier blinked in the bright sunlight and shook his head. "We were just sitting there talking, friendly like. Next thing I knew, he'd bashed me over the head. When I came to, I was tied up, out in this barn. Been here ever since. Must have been two days ago now."

"Take that incompetent fool back to Corinth and throw him in the dungeon. I'll decide what to do with him later. Still think he's lying sick somewhere, Hercules?"

"Jason, he told me that he would take the oath. He said..." Hercules thought back. What exactly had Iolaus said at the inn? "I am being reasonable. I never surrender on an empty stomach." Too easy, it had been too easy. He had agreed with no argument, no long hours of wearing down his stubbornness.

"He said what?" Jason demanded.

"He said 'I never surrender on an empty stomach.' But Jason, I forgot one thing. Iolaus never surrenders."

"When my men find him, he won't have that option. He's a dead man." He called to the soldiers to return to Corinth and rode away, leaving Hercules standing alone. Ducking through the splintered doorway, he went inside. The familiar house felt strangely empty and he half expected Iolaus to step through the door. He read the note and sat down at the table, turning the amulet over and over in his hand. "I'm sorry, too, my friend."

Jason and his followers stormed into the throne room, forcing Iphicles to hurriedly dismiss his other subjects. Ignoring the turmoil he created, he shouted, "King Iphicles, I demand a warrant for the capture of Iolaus. He has defied your authority and fled Corinth. I will pay the reward out of my own funds - fifty thousand dinars for the man who brings him to me, dead or alive." His announcement brought cheers from his soldiers. Defiantly he stood, waiting for Iphicles' reply, daring him to refuse his demand. Only when Alcmene had laid a hand on his arm did he notice her presence.

"You cannot mean to do this," she said quietly. 'Please, Jason, consider what you are doing. Iolaus is one of your most loyal friends. He saved your life." He shook off her hand, dismissing her with a wave. "Go back to your women, Alcmene. This is no concern of yours. You and Hercules have delayed this pursuit long enough. I will have no more interference from you and your son."

Alcmene put a hand to her throat as she stared at the stranger before her. The man she loved, had gladly married, was gone, replaced by this fierce warrior intent on protecting his own flesh and blood. She tried again to reason with him, to stop the hunt before it was too late. "Jason, you cannot intend to have him killed. Hercules will never forgive you for murdering his friend. You must know I consider Iolaus as another of my sons. If he dies at your hands, I will never forgive you either." She watched for some glimmer of remorse in his cold grey eyes, some trace of the love he had declared for her.

"Take care that you don't taint yourself with his treachery. Go home, Alcmene. Go back to Thebes with your son. At least Iphicles understands what is at stake here."

"Yes, you have convinced him that Iolaus defies his authority as king, convinced him that Iolaus is therefore a traitor. He respects you so much that he accepts your judgments without question. But tell me one thing, husband, before I leave. Are you more frightened that Iolaus will get the boy killed or that he will succeed in the quest that rightfully is yours? Perhaps you lack the courage to face Medea again and rescue your own son."

For a brief span of time, she was sure that he would strike her. He clinched his fists and struggled to control his anger, finally turning away from her. Memories of old battles, of the terrors he had undergone, of the horrors of his life played through his mind. In a weary voice, he tried to explain, "I fought so hard, dared to risk so much to win the throne of Corinth. You can never understand what it cost me and I surrendered it all for you. To lose my son as well would destroy me. Iolaus must be stopped and if that means his death..."

"The gods forgive you then." She reached up to touch his cheek in farewell. He grabbed her hands and kissed them, then watched as she left the throne room. "The gods forsook me long ago, Alcmene. All I had left was your love."

Tassos took a stiff hand off the tiller and blew on his fingers to warm them. Although the nights were getting colder, his passenger had insisted on sleeping on deck, wrapped up in a scrap of sail. Whatever he was, he wasn't no peddler. And he for damn sure wasn't no sailor. Oh well, didn't really matter as long as he paid his passage. Tassos nudged him awake with a toe and pointed at the horizon. "Those lights up ahead. That's Piraeus. Help me listen for shoals. And watch for the big merchant ships. They'll run down a little boat like us 'fore they see us. Hate to see you drown this close to shore."

"That would be one way to end my misery." Yawning, Iolaus stretched and looked towards the direction that Tassos had pointed. Lanterns shone out from the harbored ships; even at this hour he could make out smaller boats moving around the big freighters. "Is it always this busy? There must be dozens of ships."

"Not too many weeks left in the shipping season, lad, before the gales blow up. Some are in for a last load and a quick run north before the ice sets. Some'll leave here and head south to Egypt. Some's in for repairs over the winter."

"And Medea could be on any of them heading in any direction," he thought. "How will I steal him away?" She was too clever a woman not to see through any disguise he could come up with. He needed...an accomplice. "Sometimes it takes a thief," he said out loud.

"What are you muttering up there? Any white water?"

"Off to the port side, but we're past it. I'm listening, old man."

"Pity 'bout your stomach. You'd make a half decent mate 'cept for that. Want to sign on anyway? Seasick ain't forever."

Iolaus had to laugh at the unexpected offer. "Yeah, I'd make a great sailor except for that," he called back. He thought, "That and the panic that sets in below decks. I'd make one damn fine sailor except for all that." He turned to grin at Tassos, shaking his head. "Think I'll stay on shore for a while."

The sun was well up by the time they had threaded through the harbor and reached the pier. The night's chill was burning off in the bright sunlight and, as Tassos had predicted, Iolaus' mood improved as soon as he set foot on land. He handed the gold coin over, laughingly reminding Tassos that his cousin back in Daras was due his share. "I'll be sure to pay him at the next family reunion," he said and winked. "And Peddler, whatever you're chasing, I hope you find it."

"Thanks. Spend some of that gold fixing up this old tub of yours." Iolaus stood on the stone pier watching the confusing bustle of men, carts, and animals. "This is going to be too easy," he told himself. "All you need to do is find a woman and a man, neither wants to be found, in a strange city, with people trying to kill you. What are you going to do after lunch?" He wandered deeper into the port town, meandering down alleys until the sunlight didn't penetrate between the rundown buildings, and men leaned aimlessly on corners watching him and his pack with greedy eyes. For the first time since he'd left it threaded through the rafters of his house, he needed to feel the comforting weight of his sword by his side. The sour smell of ale blew through the open doors of a tavern and he turned in to start the hunt.

"I'm looking for a friend of mine. Need him to do a job." Iolaus put all the insinuation he knew how into the question, but it took him most of the morning and a lot of bad ale in the seedier parts of town before he found a taker. A thin man with restless eyes and hands that never seemed still sat down and looked him over. "Maybe we have mutual friends," he said. "What's his name?"

"He's very particular about his friends and, frankly, I don't think he'd own up to knowing you."

"Stop wasting my time. If you need a job done, tell me who you're after. Otherwise, you are in the wrong part of town, merchant, with a full pack and all."

"Don't threaten me, weasel. You don't look smart enough or prosperous enough to know the man that calls himself the King of Thieves."

"You're looking for Autolycus?" The man sat back in his chair and roared with laughter. "Well, you are either the luckiest or the unluckiest bastard I've met today." Hungry, tired, and just drunk enough to lose all patience, Iolaus grabbed his thin shoulders and shook him until he was breathless. "I don't know what's so damn funny, but I'm in a hurry here. Where is he?"

"Oh, he's close enough, but still..." He started laughing again, but stopped when Iolaus reached for him. "He's in Athens prison. If you hurry, you can watch his execution."

"Now? Now you had to get caught? Damn it all, Autolycus. How am I going to break you out? I haven't got time for this." Iolaus was fuming, talking to himself as he made his way towards Athens. The road between the port and the main city was teeming with travelers and he followed the crowd into the city center. A few inquiries and he had the whole sad story. "How could you have been so stupid? King of Thieves, my..." he thought. "Any idiot could have seen that you were going to get caught, trying to rob Athena's temple in broad daylight. No wonder the city fathers are chopping off your head, screaming sacrilege to their patron goddess." Only treason would be considered more of a crime. Now that was an idea. He felt for one of the gold coins in his jacket and decided it was time for some new clothes.

Iolaus searched for a tailor's shop, pausing in front of the first one that displayed the sort of clothing he had in mind. He looked down at his dusty and travel stained outfit and took a deep breath. Yes, there was still the clinging smell of fish about him and his last bath had been...Well, this was going to be fun.

"Perhaps you've come in the wrong door, sir" were the first words out of the tailor's mouth. Dropping his pack like he had every intention of staying anyway, Iolaus shook his head and smiled broadly. "I need a new outfit."

"Obviously..." he sniffed, eyeing his potential customer with disdain. "The rag merchant is four doors down. Good day."

"Jason of Corinth wouldn't be pleased to hear that his emissary was treated so rudely by a mere shopkeeper of Athens. I shall be forced to take our business elsewhere." Regarding the tailor with equal disdain, Iolaus then turned to leave, almost reaching the door before his words sunk in.

"Jason of Corinth? King Jason? Pardon me for not recognizing a member of the Corinthian court, but you must admit that you look very, um, unlikely..."

"May I put you in my confidence?" Iolaus was thinking fast, trying to recall the courtiers' honeyed manner of speaking. "My mission is of import and Corinth has many enemies. A disguise was felt to be necessary to safeguard the essential secrecy that must be maintained." Iolaus ran through the sentence again in his head. Yes, he guessed it made sense.

"I understand," the tailor said, although he didn't. "Well, I have several nice fabrics in silk or perhaps an embroidered gold cloth would be more befitting your station. I can have it ready in a week, maybe a day less."

"Today. This very afternoon. I needs must present my credentials before the city fathers and I can brook no delay in accomplishing my bounden duty." If he kept this up, he'd get a headache for sure.

"Today? Oh my. Oh my. Step in here and I'll get some measurements. Oh dear. I suppose I can cut down an existing outfit. Everything will have to be severely hemmed. Begging your pardon, sir...I didn't mean to offend. And if I might just suggest, sir, the public baths are just down the street."

An eternity of embarrassment later, Iolaus was sitting in a tub of hot water, trying to decide how he wanted his beard trimmed while his rough hair cut was made presentable. "Shorter. Yes, even shorter," he ordered, although a stranger was already peering back at him from the mirror. Whatever sweet smelling goo they rubbed on had darkened his hair and beard. After suffering through a manicure, his first and, please gods, his last, he reluctantly shrugged on his filthy peddler's outfit for the trip back to the tailor.

Stepping into the street, he heard the commotion long before the soldiers came into view. People were shouting and pushing for a look at the poster nailed in the square. "Corinth is seeking a traitor, a fugitive that escaped the king's custody," the head soldier shouted to the crowd. "King Iphicles and the former King of Corinth, Jason of the Argonauts, are offering a reward of fifty thousand dinars for his return, dead or alive." Iolaus shoved his way through the crowd to read his description: 'Long blonde hair, clean shaven, below average height.' Now that hurt. A description of his usual clothing and the amulet followed. 'Usually carries a sword, should be considered a skilled fighter.' That was better. Iolaus turned to the man next to him and shrugged, "Doesn't sound like anyone that I know. Could've used the fifty thousand dinars, too."

The new clothes completed his transformation into a member of the court. Admiring himself in the mirror, Iolaus preened and fussed, rehearsing his new role before he presented himself to the Athenian parliament. He found an inn, ditched his pack, and made his way up to the Arios Pagos.

Proper protocol be damned, he decided, after watching the parliament for a few minutes. He was in a hurry and he didn't think any Corinthian official would calmly wait his turn while the citizens of Athens presented their petty concerns. He strode to the middle of the plaza and addressed the city elders: "King Iphicles of Corinth sends greetings and congratulations to the wise men of Athens. Your courage and determination in capturing the notorious traitor that calls himself Autolycus is to be commended. King Iphicles has designated me as his representative to take custody of the prisoner and return his personage to Corinth for immediate execution."

Vigorous discussion broke out among the various delegates while Iolaus stood silently, eyeing the parliament members with an outside calmness he did not feel. Finally, one white headed elder stood, motioning for silence. "The Athens parliament greets the emissary of King Iphicles with friendship and gratitude for the long standing peace between our two cities. But forgive us, emissary of Corinth, for our seeming confusion, but we have no knowledge of treason in Corinth. Please provide us with details of his alleged plotting against the kingdom." He turned to a guard and ordered Autolycus brought before them.

Somehow managing to look dapper despite the prison grime and chains on his wrists and legs, Autolycus strolled before the parliament accompanied by two burly guards. When they had reached the center of the plaza, the guards jerked him to attention, facing the elder who had summoned him. "Careful, gentlemen, and the term is used very loosely," Autolycus warned. "Athens wouldn't want you to harm me before they get the opportunity to kill me." He looked up at the stern faces of the members and continued, "I don't suppose you are gathered here to tell me that this was all a dreadful mistake and I should be big about it and let bygones be bygones." Dead silence met his words. "I guess not."

"This man, this supposed petty thief...." Iolaus began.

"Hey, who are you calling petty?" Autolycus called back over his shoulder. He managed to turn and stare at Iolaus briefly before the guards yanked him to face forward.

Iolaus ignored his interruption. "He is not only a thief, and an unskilled one at that, but also a traitor tried in Corinth and condemned for the crime of treason. His pathetic attempt to steal from Athena's temple was to finance his army's takeover of the throne of King Iphicles."

Autolycus spluttered, choking on his denial. "I've never even been in Corinth and me raise an army? This man is a lunatic." Iolaus walked to face him for a moment, then suddenly punched him in his stomach, doubling Autolycus over and dropping him to his knees. Loudly he said, "No traitor dares address me in such a manner. We'll see how brave you are when facing the executioner's ax." He bent over Autolycus who was still struggling to take a breath and whispered in his ear, "I am trying to save your life here. Play along."

Raggedly coughing, Autolycus stayed on his knees and tried to recall where he'd met this crazed person before. Something was familiar about him, but he couldn't remember meeting a short simpering fop with a mean right hook. Who he was didn't matter as long as he was here to free him, but why would a stranger be spinning such a preposterous tale of treason? "I know him," he thought. "I know I know him, but from where?"

Iolaus turned again to address the parliament. "Even now in your market square, soldiers are hanging notices offering a reward of fifty thousand dinars for this man's capture." The crowd of onlookers nodded and shouted their agreement with him. "He profaned your most sacred temple, attempted to steal your most precious relics. Ordinarily, for these crimes, the proper punishment would be death and, most properly, a slow and painful death, full of agony, as a warning to other profaners."

Autolycus looked up and hoarsely whispered, "Excuse me, but this is not exactly helping my case here."

"However, King Iphicles requests that your sentence be put aside on the assurance that his death is only postponed until he can be returned to Corinth. Surely, the wise leaders of Athens must realize the necessity of an agonizing public death as the punishment for high treason. His execution must serve as a warning to all would be usurpers of the crown. As proof of his execution, King Iphicles will return his traitorous head to Athens for display as well as the promised reward of fifty thousand dinars."

"That was a bit much," Autolycus whispered, before feigning another round of coughing.

"Of course, not granting the king's request might be construed as an act of aggression against an otherwise friendly neighbor..." Iolaus let the remainder of his threat hang in the air. He gracefully bowed and was rewarded by a slight bow from the chief elder. "At least he bought your act," he thought with relief. As the parliament broke into groups to discuss his proposal, he forced himself to stand calmly, concentrating on outwardly remaining indifferent, although every nerve was telling him to run from this place. Someone in the crowd of onlookers might have actually read the reward notice and would realize that Autolycus was not the man described. And somewhere in the crowd might be one of the Corinthian soldiers sent to drag him back to Jason. What was taking them so long to decide?

Seeming hours passed before the chief elder again motioned for silence and prepared to announce their decision. "Athens has always held our neighbor to the west in the highest regard and would not endeavor to anger its esteemed ruler by denying his request. However..."

Iolaus took a deep breath. This didn't sound too promising. Behind him, Autolycus whispered a prayer promising to faithfully serve in Hermes' temple for the remainder of his life if only...

"Liar," Iolaus breathed at him, then turned his attention once again as the elder continued, "The parliament is concerned that the prisoner needs additional escort to prevent a possible escape. Once you near Corinth, his army might attempt to free their leader from the custody of only one man."

"Athens and its esteemed parliament should rest assured that the prisoner will be well escorted. King Iphicles ordered a platoon of soldiers to accompany the prisoner and myself safely to Corinth. They are below in the town, awaiting your decision and my presence with the prisoner."

"Liar," Autolycus whispered back.

"Excellent news. Then Athens releases the prisoner into your custody and awaits news of his death and payment of the reward. Please give our regards to the present and former kings of Corinth."

"Don't hold your breath," Iolaus thought, "and don't spend any dinars yet either." He jerked Autolycus to his feet and made a show of checking his manacles. "Let's go," he ordered, roughly shoving Autolycus out of the plaza into the crowd. "And don't think about running away."

"But I have a reputation to maintain." Autolycus slipped off the manacles and twirled them around. "Old model. Child's play." He stepped out of the leg irons, leaving them in the street. "And now I must bid you good-bye, my overly dressed friend. Then again, good-bye is not really what I meant to say." The small knife Iolaus was holding bit a little deeper into his back.

"You still haven't figured out who I am, have you? The name's Iolaus. You framed me for a theft I didn't commit and damn near got me killed. Now do you remember me?"

"Oh, of course. Hercules' friend. But that little incident with the dragon eye ruby was so very long ago. You don't look like the type to hold a grudge over something that minor. I can't get over those clothes though. Have you had a promotion or something?"

"Forget the clothes, will you? I'll explain it all later. I saved your worthless life because I need you to steal something for me."

"Now you've intrigued me. What?"

"A boy."

"So you're the traitor Iphicles is after? With a reward of fifty thousand dinars, I'm tempted to turn you in myself. Okay, okay, maybe that wasn't funny, but try not to act so jumpy. This is a safe place. The owner is a friend of mine." Autolycus had led him to a mostly empty tavern where they could talk.

"Easy for you to say. I've never been a wanted man with a price on my head."

"First lesson ö stop looking so damn guilty. And stop ducking every time somebody comes through the door. Just glance up and make sure it's not a face you know. Anyway, your best friend wouldn't recognize you now. Speaking of Hercules, is he in on this little escapade?"

Iolaus slowly shook his head. "I left him behind in Corinth," was all he offered. Something in his look kept Autolycus from asking any more.

"I thought Medea was dead..."

"Oh, she's very much alive and clever and dangerous." Iolaus briefly recounted the events in Daras. "So she knows me, knows my face. No disguise is going to fool her. If she even suspects that I'm close, she'll try to kill me and maybe Mermerus. I can't risk his life."

"But you can risk mine?"

"You owe me," Iolaus pointed out. "If it wasn't for me, you'd be dead by now."

"I'd be walking the streets of Athens a free man. No mere prison can hold the King of Thieves. You know, you look good in a beard. You should keep that."

"Don't change the subject. You were in chains, in a dungeon, under heavy guard. They were sharpening the blade."

"Iolaus, my little stays in prison are like holidays. When I get tired of the surroundings, I leave for greener pastures. Athens was just becoming tiresome when you arrived. Ah, our dinner. Eat up. You look like you've missed a few meals and you are buying."

"So you won't help me then? I should have let you die."

"Oh, sit down and eat, my excitable friend. Did I say I wouldn't help you? Medea's been the queen of what three different kingdoms now. She must have lots of nice jewelry just lying around for the taking. You grab the boy; I'll loot the royal treasury. We'll both be happy. One thing still confuses me. If this is Jason and Medea's son, why do you care so much?"

Iolaus thought back to that pain wracked time when Mermerus' compassion and his need to rescue that innocence were all that had kept him alive against Medea's poison. "He's alone. To them, he's just a pawn, something else to fight over. I promised myself that I would get him away from her evil influence."

"And then what? Are you taking him back to his father?"

"I haven't thought that far ahead. You sound pretty confident that I am going to succeed."

"No, you'd fall on your face. However, I am confident that we are going to succeed. After all, I am the..."

"I know. I know. You don't have to keep telling me."

Long into the night, Iolaus sat in bemused silence as Autolycus nodded and spoke to a procession of cronies. Every rough looking fellow that stepped through the door eventually headed to his table. Whether they were fellow thieves or just people who owed him favors or money Iolaus couldn't decide, but Autolycus sent each one out to look for Medea. "What if she gets suspicious and takes off with him again?" Iolaus had asked early on.

Autolycus had just laughed and hefted Iolaus' money pouch in the air before tossing it back to him. "You didn't notice when this went missing, did you? Your fortune, my friend, consists of two gold coins and a handful of dinars. Medea will never know my friends are looking for her either, but by tomorrow, if she is still in town, we will know her whereabouts and her plans."

"Hecate," Autolycus whispered into the sleeping man's ear. Iolaus jerked awake and began hurriedly searching in vain for his sword, while Autolycus sat watching his alarm with amusement.

"What? Oh, it's you. Don't ever do that again. How did you get in here? No, don't start again with the King of Thieves stuff. I believe you." Iolaus sleepily rubbed his eyes. "What were you saying about Hecate?"

"Medea's holed up in Hecate's temple, here in Athens, under heavy guard. She has the boy with her. There's more. She's recruiting mercenaries to fight somebody named Paeon and she's looking for a ship's captain daring enough to attempt to reach Colchis before winter and the pack ice sets in."

"I met this Paeon once. He was in Athens recruiting men for his army and thought I would be interested. I'd rather take a hydra to bed. So she thinks she can recapture her own land from him. Well, the old king is long dead. She murdered her brother, so Mermerus would be the rightful heir to the throne. Somehow, I doubt Paeon will welcome them back. She knows she's going to need an army to regain that throne. Someone will have to lead that army and I know just the man for the job."

"Oh, no." Autolycus began shaking his head and backing towards the door. "I'm a thief, a liar, and an escape artist, but I'm no warrior."

"You?" Iolaus snorted at that idea. "She would never recruit a dandy like you to fight at the head of her army. But what if I volunteered?" After rummaging through his pack, he began to pull on his old clothes and boots. "She didn't manage to kill me the last chance she had and that may have impressed her. Besides, Medea desired me for more than just my prowess as a warrior, if you know what I mean." He grinned wickedly, but the memory of her caresses was still fresh enough to send a chill up his spine.

"I know exactly what you mean and I think she will eat you alive and spit out your bones before breakfast. You won't make it past her guards."

"Then you'll just have to rescue me, won't you?

"Yeah. What's left of you."

"Hey, I just bought that sword. Be careful," Iolaus thought as the guard tossed it onto the pile. A finely crafted weapon, costing another of his coins, but it didn't come familiarly to his hand. How odd the things that made him think of home. "Now, slowly take out the knife in your boot and hand that over as well," the temple guard demanded. Iolaus did as he was told until the guard reached for the sheet of papyrus in his hand. "Sorry, but I'm going to need this. These are my references."

"Refer...what?" the guard stammered.

"Just tell Medea that foolhardy Iolaus is back." In a matter of moments, he was surrounded by more guards and thoroughly searched, the papyrus torn from his grasp. Hands tied, he was led deeper into the shadowy temple to once again face Medea. Dressed in the unadorned black robes of a priestess, she coolly regarded him with an expression of amusement mixed with what might have been confusion. She sent away her attendants and when he lifted his bound hands up, she ordered her guards to free him, then dismissed them as well. Long moments passed before she spoke. "Iolaus, friend of Hercules, you should have died in Daras. My poison should have stopped your heart long ago. How is it that you stand before me?"

"Now the game begins," he thought. The tangled web of lies and truth he had concocted must be woven around her with care or he would never see daylight again. He bowed deeply in her direction and formally addressed her: "Queen Medea. When your incantation was cast and I drank your fatal potion, perhaps you had a moment of regret that weakened your spell. Killing me would have been a waste of my talents, a waste of my passion. Together we would have been unconquerable."

Her derisive laugh followed his speech. "Your loyalties were always to Hercules, to Jason, and to Corinth. What brings you here to speak to me of conquest?"

"Great kings change their minds and trusted subjects suddenly become threats. Read the wanted poster in your hand and see for yourself that I am branded a traitor. That is how Jason and Iphicles repay my years of loyalty." These bitterly truthful words had required no pretense on his part. "Jason betrays me as he once betrayed you. He mistrusts me, believing you captured my heart with one of your incantations while I was your prisoner, that you allowed me to live in order to spy on his court. The frightened old man spoke so convincingly of spells and potions that Iphicles ordered me imprisoned. Hercules chose to side with his brother and Jason. He cast aside our friendship and publicly denounced me. When I fled Corinth to avoid being captured, they declared me an outlaw. I am hunted across the land with a price on my head. So you see, Medea, friends, loyalties, home all that means nothing to me now. My loyalties are myself and the highest bidder for my services as a warrior. Since you are forming an army to fight Paeon, you will need a strong warlord. Choose me to command your mercenaries if you want to succeed."

Medea carefully studied the face of the man before her. His appearance had changed somewhat, perhaps his attempt at a disguise to hide from Jason's pursuit. Yet it was his caustic words and the obvious pain in his eyes when he spoke of Jason's betrayal that convinced her he was telling the truth. "If I did decide to hire you to lead my troops, what would you demand as payment for your services? Such a skilled warrior as yourself does not sell himself cheaply."

Slowly, with much deliberation, Iolaus took a step nearer to her. "I would require a share of the wealth of Colchis, say one third." Another step closer, yet she did not move away.

"Is that all you desire? Riches? Money? I hoped you would have grander designs."

"Your young son will need a protector after he is crowned, a strong arm to secure his throne against other would be kings. You will appoint me to that position."

"You want too much, mercenary," she said angrily, standing as if to leave, but he caught her arm as she passed and turned her to face him.

"And yet I want even more." He looked into the endless black depths of her eyes and found the answer he had been looking for. "I want what Jason so foolishly discarded. I want to possess his wife." Her sharply drawn breath was almost a sigh and she moved unwillingly to stand near him. Her perfume reached him, musky, smelling of freshly turned earth, night blooming flowers. He touched her face, dreading the chill of before, but her skin was warm, smooth to the touch, and she slowly moved her cheek against his palm. She closed her eyes as he leaned towards her, turning up her face for his kiss. "An evil woman," he reminded himself, yet her lips were yielding to his with such a promise of passion. His arms circled her waist and pulled her even tighter to his body. Her small hands were stroking his beard, caressing his neck, finally grabbing handfuls of his vest when he pressed his kisses deep into her mouth. She tasted dangerous, wild, and against all his judgment, he moved his head lower to kiss the pulse of her throat. Lost, he was lost in her, and every time he determined to stop the game, his body overruled and demanded more.

"Well, don't let me interrupt anything, but I did have an appointment, you know." Medea and Iolaus reluctantly separated as Autolycus barreled across the floor, followed closely by an attendant vainly trying to stop his progress. In a morning's short time, he had contrived to become a sea captain. Gold earring dangling, he rolled and strutted as if still on the high seas, dressed in a flowing white shirt open practically to his navel and tight leather breeches. Somehow he managed to reek of tides and ocean breezes as he threw down his armful of nautical charts. "Now, to where were you needing passage? Wherever it is, the winter gales are coming soon and the smart captains will stay in port. The greedy ones like myself just take a bit more coaxing to put to sea. The golden kind of coaxing, if you catch my drift." He laughed uproariously at his own joke. "Drift. Get it? Oh, never mind. I forget my manners, madam." Here he made a huge sweeping bow, then gallantly brushed her hand with his lips. "Captain Ciron, at your service, of the merchant vessel Ixalos." Contemptuously turning his back on Iolaus, he led Medea to her chair. "Dismiss your ...courtier... so we may get down to negotiations."

"Be careful who you insult, merchant. There are other ships in the harbor and other captains to take your place," Iolaus threatened. His harsh words covered the relief he felt at Autolycus' timely appearance. Medea's scent lingered around him even now, a reminder of the passionate embrace they had shared. At what point could he have said no more? Gods help him, but he had desired her, willing to take her body and risk the darkness of her soul. Distracted by how completely he had succumbed to her, Iolaus hadn't followed their conversation. He suddenly realized Autolycus had asked a question, but had no idea what he had said.

Autolycus seamlessly continued his role, watching Iolaus with just a hint of concern. "What I was asking, now that I again have your attention, is who is in charge of this little expedition? A known warlord will attract more followers, eager for their share of the plunder. I can arrange for more ships, at additional cost to yourself, and of course, more profit for me."

"Medea alone decides who will fight for Colchis and return its rightful heir to power," Iolaus said. Now he would hear her decision and discover whether she had believed his tale of betrayal, sorcery, and escape. If she rejected him now, if her passion had been pretense once again, she would never allow him to leave Hecate's temple alive. "Do you accept my terms, Medea? All of my terms?" He watched her face for some hint of her answer, but her dark eyes were unknowable.

Finally, she gave him the briefest of smiles and said, "I need you more than I trust you, mercenary, but I accept your terms." Simple words, yet full of deadly promise.

"Then you have your answer, captain. I will regain the throne of Colchis for Prince Mermerus. And from now on, merchant, best tread lightly when you insult the Queen's warlord. Many warriors will flock to my side. This merchant vessel of yours. How many men will it hold? I will need to inspect your ship and its provisions."

"Well, I always say there's no time like the present. Madam, I hate to take your new warlord away from you, um, I mean from his other duties, but you did say you wanted to sail as soon as possible." Autolycus successfully fought down an overwhelming impulse to bolt for the door and waited for Medea's dismissal.

"Of course," she said to Autolycus. "My son and I will join you aboard the Ixalos for dinner so that we may inspect our quarters and finalize our plans." She stood, briefly acknowledged their bows, and left the room. One of her attendants led them through the maze of temple rooms to the entrance. After regaining his weapons, Iolaus stepped out into the sunshine, amazed to find it was still morning.

Autolycus laughed at his grim expression. "Dinner, huh? And I know just what she has planned for dessert. Hey, at least I didn't have to break in and rescue you."

"You have no idea," was all Iolaus would say.

"So where is the real Captain Ciron?" Iolaus asked as they made their way towards the port to look over the borrowed ship.

"By now he's drunk and happily spending your money in one of Piraeus' better brothels. The crew's bribed to obey my orders as if I was captain. We don't need him to actually drive the boat, you know."

"Drive the boat?" Iolaus repeated incredulously. "You don't know the first thing about ships and sailing, do you?"

Autolycus shrugged and stuck his thumb out to the left. "Starboard," he pronounced confidently.

"Port," Iolaus corrected.

"And the pointy end is the stern, right?"

"Tell me you are joking," Iolaus pleaded, but Autolycus simply shrugged again. "Medea was married to Jason, leader of the Argonauts, greatest mariner of our time. Don't you think she might notice little mistakes like that?"

"I'll dazzle her with tales of faraway lands, of strange beasts and pirate battles. She'll never know I haven't been in water deeper than my bathtub. Besides, she has you to distract her." Iolaus' fierce scowl at that remark hurriedly convinced Autolycus to change the subject.

Back on the pier at Piraeus, they stood looking over the docked vessels, searching for the Ixalos. "Which one is ours?" Iolaus asked.

"That large one over there." He whistled at a crewman and soon a small rowboat was headed in their direction. Once aboard, they walked along the deck, exploring the ship's layout. At the door to the holds below, Autolycus lit a torch. He walked carefully down the worn wooden stairs and was well into the passageway when he noticed that he was alone. Retracing his steps, he found Iolaus still at the entrance, staring into the darkened hold. "Let's go," Autolycus urged, motioning him down the stairs. "You're not afraid of rats, are you?"

A feeble grin all he could manage, Iolaus looked at him, "No, not rats," he said a little too loudly and plunged down the steps.

"That's good, because I am," Autolycus admitted. "If we see any, you are in charge of killing them." Whether it was Autolycus' nonstop one-sided conversation or simply his company, Iolaus managed to keep the fear away while they examined the holds. Still, he couldn't deny the relief he felt when they once more stood on deck.

Several men stood guarding piles of crates with more being hoisted aboard. Medea's attendants arrived with her personal belongings and began preparing her private quarters. Late in the afternoon, large stores of food along with wineskins were carried aboard by even more servants. Autolycus had been watching in vain for anything resembling a jewel chest. "Now this woman knows how to take a sea voyage. No hard biscuit and briny water for her. You know, Iolaus, if we delay rescuing Mermerus for a few days, we could enjoy even more of her bounty. Just think of all the food and fine wine we'll be missing if we don't sail with her." He walked over and bent down to examine a likely looking crate before sadly shaking his head. Deliberately ignoring his partner's increasing irritation, he continued, "Besides, it wouldn't be much of a sacrifice on your part to bed her. After all, she is an attractive woman. I know she's deadly when crossed, but what woman isn't? That didn't stop you from sleeping with Xena."

His sly smirk quickly disappeared as Autolycus found himself being shoved backwards. Iolaus grabbed him by the throat and slammed him against the mast, then before he could recover, hauled him towards the side of the ship. Drawing his knife and holding it to his throat, Iolaus backed Autolycus against the railing, forcing him to lean out over the water. "Wait," Autolycus yelled as he tried to reason with Iolaus. He turned his head briefly to look at the churning water far below. "I can't swim. If you throw me overboard, I'll drown." Wordlessly, Iolaus backed him even further off balance. "Listen. It was a joke about...well, you know who. Honestly, she never said a thing...to me, at least. I was repeating idle tavern gossip. I never believed it. You and Xena? It didn't even seem possible. Wrong guess, huh?" as the blade pressed deeper into his skin. "Iolaus, please. You'll miss me when I'm gone."

When something in the torrent of words broke through his angry haze, Iolaus pulled Autolycus to his feet, then shoved him away from the railing. Autolycus sunk to the deck, gingerly rubbing the bruises on his neck. "Are you all right?" Iolaus asked, as Autolycus continued to struggle to catch his breath. He nodded, not yet trusting his voice. Iolaus turned away from his questioning look to stare out across the ocean. "It's not even you I'm mad at," he finally admitted. "You just said the wrong thing." Then he was silent for so long that Autolycus looked up to see if he had left. "Xena," he haltingly began to explain. "Xena was a long time ago. At first, I thought she really...I wanted to believe she loved...but she was really after Hercules. I was ready to kill my best friend for her. I betrayed his trust in me then and ...I've done it again. I lied to him and left him behind in Corinth to face Jason's wrath. Then this morning..." He started to add something else, but reconsidered and held out his hand instead to pull Autolycus to his feet.

Autolycus looked doubtfully at his outstretched hand. "If you could just give me a clue about topics of conversation I should avoid, maybe you won't end up killing me." With a quick grin, he took his hand and stood, then started rummaging around inside his shirt. "Here, I'd better give this back to you," he said, holding out Iolaus' money pouch. "I didn't want to die empty handed. Charon's fare, you know. At the risk of becoming shark bait again, I understand what happened this morning. I know how seductive danger can be, especially when it's wrapped up in a beautiful woman like Medea." Iolaus wearily laughed and shook his head. "Yeah, but you'd think that sooner or later, I'd learn my lesson."

Just as the setting sun was brilliantly streaking the sky, Medea and her son arrived under heavy guard. Although he was begging to explore the ship, she wordlessly pushed him inside her cabin. "That was Mermerus," Iolaus said. "That's been his whole life until now. Hauled from place to place, locked up in some palace room under guard. He's never been out of the prison she's created. I have to get him away from her, no matter what it costs, no matter who or what I leave behind." Autolycus heard the grim resolve in his words and couldn't manage his usual glib reply. "Then let's do it," was all he said.

The ship's lanterns were lit by the time they were summoned to dinner. Medea's bare cabin had been transformed with rich wall hangings, rugs spread against the chill, and thick pillows on the floor. Medea beckoned for Iolaus to sit next to her, never taking her eyes from him, even as Autolycus was formally welcoming her aboard his ship. Iolaus poured two cups of wine and handed one to Medea. With a slight smile, she took a sip and he realized she was recalling the wine they had shared in Daras. Pushing her heavy hair back, he nuzzled her neck and whispered in her ear, "Poison and death were in the last cup of wine you gave me. What sort of potion will I be drinking tonight? Perhaps a brew to secure my heart to yours or am I already under your spell?" He ran his fingertip along the line of her face and gently kissed her.

"Long years ago, in Colchis," she replied dreamily, as if retelling an oft-told tale, "I thought to capture a heart with my sorcery. With all the skill, all the magic I had learnt, I sought to bind his love and his loyalty to me alone. But Jason was a liar, false from our very beginning, and his ambition destroyed my life. When I learned of Glauce, of his plan to set his sons and myself aside, I realized that my precious magic had failed me. So I took my revenge on him in blood and death." Her thoughts returned to Iolaus from far away and she moved against him to return his kiss. "Years later, my hatred almost destroyed you as well. It's too late in my life for regrets, Iolaus, except for one. With all my heart, I wish that you had been the one that came for me all those years ago in Colchis. You would not have played false with my love." She lay her head on his shoulder, taking comfort in the warm nearness of him.

An unsettling feeling of protectiveness came over him as he felt her body relax. Pulling her close, he laid his chin on her head and rewrote her past, his past. "If I had found you first, if you had chosen me," he thought, "I would have kept you safe." In his new world, he banished all the shades of death that haunted them both. Her sons, his son would be playing in far off Colchis, not buried in long cold graves. And young Mermerus...the thought of Mermerus brought him back to himself. Medea had been responsible for too much grief through the years to have any claims on his pity now. All his lies, all his deceit could have only one ending - he would betray her new found love for him, and steal her son away. Her murderous rage would be reawakened to seek him out. And yet...at this moment in time, she lay soft and warm in his arms. "You were wrong, my love," he murmured into her hair. "It is never too late for regret."

Autolycus poured himself a second cup of wine and sat watching them with concern. Iolaus was supposed to be seducing her and from the looks of it was succeeding quite well. "But what if she has cast a spell on him in return?" he worried. "What if she put a love potion in the wine?" He cautiously sniffed his cup and drank again. Closing one eye, he peered at Medea as she shared another passionate kiss. "No," he decided with relief, "she still doesn't appeal to me." Just to make sure, he closed his other eye and studied Iolaus. "No. Nothing."

His stomach loudly protested the lack of food at this late hour. At this rate, he might starve to death before dinner was served and he was determined to get at least one decent meal out of this adventure. "After dinner, Queen Medea," he said, trying to ignore her obvious displeasure at his interruption, "I would be happy to show your young son around my ship, if it's not too late. "I know growing boys have to get their rest."

"Captain, I hardly think my son needs to tour your ship. We will be spending enough time together before we reach Colchis." She turned back to Iolaus, but he had used the opportunity to move away.

"I think the Captain is trying to say he'd like his dinner. Besides, it would be a good idea for us both to show him around. I'll need to gain Mermerus' trust if I am to be his protector. He should learn to see me as his friend, his confidant." Then to her alone, he said, "And the sooner I return..."

"Oh, very well. He's been whining to see the ship since we arrived. Must be the taint of his father's blood." She clapped her hands and trays of food began appearing. Even Autolycus' afternoon imaginings did not come close to the feast that followed. Medea summoned her son at the end and both men stood to be introduced to the young prince. "Captain Ciron and Iolaus are going to show you the ship," Medea told him. "Behave yourself and don't be a pest with all sorts of questions. And don't take forever either."

"Doesn't he need some sort of a coat?" Iolaus asked. "The night air...he'll catch a chill. Maybe a blanket."

"Bring my son a blanket," she ordered. "Wouldn't want the boy to catch his death of cold. I have plans for you, my dear."

Just before the trio stepped outside, Autolycus excused himself and returned to her side. "Madam, I need to speak to you about some ship's business. Alone."

Iolaus followed him, not trying to hide his annoyance. "Can't this conference wait until the morning?" Then with growing suspicion, he asked, "What do you need to say to Medea that I cannot hear, mariner?" His hand moved slowly towards his sword's hilt.

"The captain is probably trying to renegotiate his contract. If so, this will be a brief conversation, but I will hear you out, Ciron. Go ahead. He'll be along very shortly."

Glaring suspiciously back at Autolycus, Iolaus followed the boy out on deck. Mermerus stood entranced, looking up into the rigging, watching the ship's pennants waving in the night breeze. For the first time all evening, he smiled. Then a puzzled look crossed his face and he shyly said, "I know I'm not supposed to ask questions."

"Ask all the questions you want," Iolaus said. "Although with this particular sea captain, I would stay skeptical of some of his answers."

"No, not about the ship." Mermerus stopped and stood looking gravely up at Iolaus. "I remember you. You were there when my mother, when she tried to hurt my ...You were there and she tried to hurt you, too. I don't understand." He shivered, whether from cold or from his memories of that bloody day, Iolaus couldn't tell.

Iolaus knelt down and wrapped the blanket around his thin shoulders. "Better?" Mermerus nodded and smiled again. "So much his father's son," Iolaus marveled to himself. "How do I explain a lifetime of hate and revenge? I'd better start somewhere; I don't have much time." He took a deep breath and said, "Your mother thought I was trying to hurt her. She didn't know I was really her friend." Damn, that sounded lame, even to him. "You can see for yourself that I am all well now. So maybe she didn't really want to hurt me too much." He smiled reassuringly. "Your father, King Jason, he's all well too. He's a friend of mine. Did you know that? He wanted me to tell you that he loves you very much." So solemn, so quiet to be so young, Iolaus thought. If he goes back inside and repeats one word of this conversation to Medea, Autolycus and I are doomed.

"If he loves me so much, why didn't he come get me?" Mermerus bit his lip and manfully tried to hide his tears.

"Because he thought you were dead. He thought that your mother...He thought that you had died when you were just a little baby. All these years, he has missed you so much. He wants you to come visit him and my friend and I are supposed to take you there. But it has to be our secret, just between us, okay? Your mother might not like it if you were gone away from her too long. Do you understand, Mermerus? This has to stay our secret."

"I can keep a secret. I won't tell anybody, not even my mother."

"Good lad. Now let's go find some fish. Have you ever been fishing? No? It's great fun. I'll teach you everything you need to know. Look down there. The lanterns attract them and they are sitting down in the water reading their scrolls. Why are you laughing? Don't you believe me? What's your favorite story?"

"I can't read. I've never been to school."

"But you had a tutor, right?"

Mermerus shook his head. "How old are you?" Iolaus asked, although he knew the answer. Mermerus hung his head and bit his lip. "I don't know," he softly answered and tears threatened again. Iolaus quickly reached out and hugged him. "Don't worry. I'll teach you your numbers. Then you can tell me how many fish you caught. Okay?" Mermerus sniffed and slowly nodded, finally smiling back at his new friend's wide grin. Iolaus reached for a lantern. "Now I am going to show you how to play hide and seek."

After the pair had left, Medea settled back against her cushion and signaled a servant to pour another cup of wine. "Well, Captain. What matter of ship's business is so confidential?"

Autolycus waited by the door, making sure that Iolaus was out of earshot before he spoke. "I have seen with my own eyes how...fond...you are of your new warlord. So I hesitate to speak ill of him. How well do you know his past? Do you trust him?"

"Interesting questions, Captain. I know he was a friend to Hercules and a subject of Jason's. He convinced me that that part of his past was finished. Now, I trust him as much as I trust any man who sells himself to the highest bidder. He desires power and wealth. As long as I provide him with those things, he will remain loyal to me. Why do you ask, Captain? What have you heard about my little warlord?"

Autolycus opened the door and made sure Iolaus was well away from the sound of their voices. "Let me ask you a question, my Queen. Who is Paeon?"

Medea was instantly leery, leaning forward to question Autolycus. "Where did you hear that name? Paeon is the usurper that occupies my son's throne. Iolaus will lead my mercenaries against his army."

With a quick glance at the door, Autolycus moved to her side. "So I was right to be suspicious. This morning we didn't return directly to my ship. Your trustworthy warlord first met with a soldier in Athens. I overheard the name, Paeon, while they thought I was busy elsewhere. Paeon may have outbid you for his services."

"He could have simply been recruiting another mercenary, Captain. You will have to report something more damning than that."

"Then listen to the rest of what I overheard, my Queen. In three days time, after we sail for Colchis, they arranged for another ship to pull alongside the Ixalos. Only Iolaus and the boy were to be taken aboard. Unless I am sadly mistaken, Iolaus means to kidnap your son and deliver him to Paeon as a captive."

Autolycus watched Medea's face as she absorbed his words. Her initial look of amused disbelief had given way to apprehension; by the time he finished his tale, fury had settled in her black eyes. All their former softness, all their light were gone, replaced with a glittering iciness that chilled him to his bones. "Iolaus, I hope you are ready for this," he thought. Opening the door a second time had been their signal.

"Now, remember, hide and seek is a noisy game," Iolaus had been explaining. "Lots of shouting and people running around, but you must stay right here and not be found. My friend the sea captain is the only other person that knows you are hiding in this hold. If you stay in here till he comes and gets you, then we win. Don't be afraid, Mermerus. There's nothing down here than can hurt you." If he could only convince himself of that. Holding his own panic back so Mermerus would remain calm, he even managed to smile. "Oh, and I need your blanket as well and these other couple of things. It's all part of the game. I'll see you soon, Mermerus." A last quick hug and he was flying up the stairs, drawing his sword as he ran.

On deck, a door was thrown open and Medea shouted at her sleeping servants to find Iolaus and bring him to her. "He's kidnapping my son," she screamed. "If Iolaus survives this night, you are all dead men." Her few soldiers already on board struggled into their clothes, hurriedly searching for their weapons in unfamiliar surroundings. Autolycus stepped into the pandemonium on deck, shouting for all the ship's lanterns to be lit and his crew to assist in the search. He ordered several men to the front of the ship - "bow, stern, whatever. That way," he pointed, "and the rest of you climb up in the ropes and ...things." Medea turned and looked at him with newly aroused suspicion. Just then, a large man with drawn sword clambered over the railing and bellowed a challenge. "Where's the imposter that commandeered my ship? Where's the man calling himself Captain Ciron? I'll see the rogue hanging from my yardarm before morning." Medea looked confusedly around the deck, no longer sure who or what to believe. She slowly fought her way through the chaos towards Captain Ciron as Autolycus disappeared unseen into the hold.

"Hi there, little one. How are you doing?" he said to Mermerus.

The boy looked up indignantly, but smiled to see a friendly face. "I'm not little. Did we win the game?"

"Not yet. To win, we have to get off the ship."

Looking around, Mermerus asked, "Where's Iolaus? Isn't he coming with us? He promised to take me fishing."

"Iolaus will meet us when we reach shore, but we have to go soon. I need you to be very brave for me, Mermerus." Autolycus listened to the uproar on deck surrounding Iolaus and sent a quick prayer up to whichever god protected valiant fools.

While Ciron and his crew continued their part in the deception by shouting and milling around the deck, Iolaus fought his way past the few of Medea's soldiers that had seen him. Holding onto the blanket wrapped bundle in his arm, Iolaus leapt onto the ship's railing, balancing as he walked along the narrow wooden planking towards the ship's bow.

Ignoring the tumult around her, Medea picked up a sword from one of her fallen soldiers and began resolutely stalking Iolaus. "Medea, my love" he shouted at her over the noise, "only you can decide whether your son lives as Paeon's captive or dies at my hands. Lay down your sword and order your men to surrender or I swear I'll kill us both." His sword cut into the blanket and a small red stain oozed through the cloth. Only then did she falter in her pursuit. "Oh no bitch," he willed. "You will come after me. You damn well better come after me." One last deception and Mermerus was free of her.

With all eyes watching Iolaus, Autolycus grabbed Mermerus and ran for their lives. Quickly hitching his rope, he tightly held onto the frightened boy as they shinnied down to the rowboat. The waiting sailors struggled at their oars, quickly pulling away from the ship and its lanterns.

Iolaus saw them escape out of the corner of his eye. "One step closer," he yelled, "one step more, my sweet love, and we drown in the sea below. Poor, stupid Medea," he taunted, throwing her words back at her. "Did you believe I could love a poisonous bitch like you? Did you really think I desired you?"

His scornful words enraged Medea past all thought. Screaming oaths, she charged at him, sword pointing at his heart. As she neared, he thrust his sword deep into the blanket, red wine stain spreading widely on the blanket, then blew her a final mocking kiss and jumped. Her anguished scream followed him as down beneath the waves he sank, quickly pulled under by the concealed lump of pig iron. Only when the water grew dark around him and the ship's lanterns no longer glowed above his head did he release the weight and kick back towards the surface, away from the ship. Dark spots were floating in front of his eyes before he gasped in his first breath of air. Well outside the circle of ship's lights, he floated for a while, catching his breath, then began slowly swimming towards the lights of Piraeus.

Autolycus sat hunched over a bowl of fish soup, trying not to fidget as the hour grew later and Iolaus did not appear. He'd quickly exhausted his limited supply of suitable bedtime stories and Mermerus had only gone to sleep after he'd promised that Iolaus would be there when he woke up. But what if Iolaus lay dead on the Ixalos' deck, or drowned, or, gods forbid, had been eaten by some slimy, toothy sea creature? Suddenly the fish stew didn't seem so appetizing and he pushed the bowl away. What would he do with Mermerus? Walk up to his father and say "Hi! I'm Autolycus, the King of Thieves and here's your son. And by the way, tell Hercules his best friend is dead." He shoved his dark thoughts away and ordered an ale. Then a second as the night grew older.

A chill wind blew through the inn's open door as Iolaus staggered in and collapsed onto a bench. "Water," he croaked, before laying his head down on the table. Autolycus brought a pitcher and Iolaus downed most of it before a fit of coughing stopped him. When he could speak, he asked, "Mermerus, is he here? Is he all right?" "He's upstairs asleep. He's fine. What took you so long? I thought you were right behind us. You look awful and, my gods, you're barefoot."

"Boots kept dragging me under the water so I pulled them off. Lost them coming through the surf. Riptide took me way on down the coast. Probably caught my death of cold wandering around trying to find this place." He began coughing again and shivered despite the warmth in the tavern. "Think I stepped on every damn rock in this part of Greece." Although his eyes were half closed with weariness and the late hour, Iolaus kept talking, determined to explain everything to Autolycus. "Medea thinks I drowned. She isn't far wrong. I must have swallowed half of the harbor." His tired laugh quickly turned into another round of coughing. "The really great thing is we made her believe that Paeon was behind her son's kidnapping and murder. He'll never know what hit him. Couldn't have done it without you, O King of Thieves." His tone turned serious. "You should be back in Corinth in a couple of days, even with Mermerus slowing you down. Turn the boy over to Jason and to only Jason. No one else must know he's alive till Medea is well out of the way. I'm sure Jason will pay you some kind of reward. Are you going to eat that?" He pointed at the bowl of stew.

Autolycus shook his head. "That reminds me. Just where was the fabled treasure of three kingdoms? This little adventure has actually cost me money so far and that goes against all my carefully honed principles."

Iolaus looked up from eating. "I guess I should have told you earlier. Hecate's priestesses don't wear jewelry. It's against their religion or something. Vow of poverty. Lack of vanity. That sort of thing."

Autolycus pounded his fist on the table. "You...you...conniving...scheming...You tricked me. Wait a minute. What you said. Aren't you taking Mermerus back to his father? Jason won't take your head off if you bring his son back."

"Ah, we'll talk about it tomorrow. I'm 'bout half dead and probably not making any sense. First thing I've got to do is buy some new boots. Right now, I'm going to sit by the fire and finish drying out. I'll see you in the morning."

"Yeah, sure you will. I want you to remember one thing, my friend. I told the boy you would be here when he woke up. Don't make me out to be a liar."

When he had left, Iolaus pulled out his money pouch and shook the contents into his hand. Boots and the inn's bill would take the rest of his dinars. How far could he get from Corinth, he wondered, on the one gold coin remaining? A fresh start, somewhere out of the reach of Jason's troops. Egypt maybe. Supposed to be warm there. Or maybe return to that green isle in the far northern sea that the Argo had visited long ago. Either one was a long voyage away, he thought. And a new name, not that anyone ever remembered his name anyway. Not with Hercules around. And that's what you're really running from. Not Jason's troops. You don't want to face Hercules one more time and beg him to trust you yet again. All the lies you've told the last few weeks - so many you can't keep them straight any more. Best just to leave it all behind, try something new.

A soft voice spoke his name behind him and he turned to see Mermerus looking up at him with sleepy eyes. "What are you doing up? You should be in bed. It's awfully late for little boys."

"I woke up. I got scared by myself."

"Come on. I'll take you back." He held out his hand and led Mermerus upstairs. "Now stay in bed, young man. It's too cold to be wandering around. Autolycus will take you to your father in the morning. I, uh, I have to go off...and meet...somebody," he finished lamely. "So I won't be seeing you again."

"But when are we going fishing? You promised to take me fishing. You promised."

"Mermerus, you don't understand. Things happen and sometimes you promise things that ...you just can't..." Solemn grey eyes gazed up at him, waiting for the rest of his answer, expecting to hear the truth. "I promised, didn't I? And a man always keeps his promises. When we get back to Corinth, if it is all right with your father, we'll go fishing. Now go to sleep." Mermerus smiled, turned on his side and was asleep before Iolaus was out of the door.

"You really are the most interesting shade of green. I didn't know people could turn that color, did you Mermerus?" The trio stood on Corinth's dock after two stormy days at sea. Iolaus swallowed hard and fought his impulse to kiss the ground, then pound Autolycus into it. "If you two are through laughing..." They weren't, but he continued anyway, "We need to make some plans. The closer I get to the castle, the more likely that someone might recognize me and try to collect that reward. I don't want Mermerus near any fighting, so keep him well out of the way. Keep an eye out for soldiers."

"You mean like them?" Autolycus pointed at the crowd parting before three men on horseback.

"Yes, like them. Get him out of here. Now." Iolaus glanced behind him and realized the dock was a dead end. When he swung back around, the horsemen were close enough to recognize Jason in the lead. Any hope of hiding in the crowd was lost as Jason shouted his name and spurred his horse directly at him. Drawing his sword, Jason jumped down and charged at Iolaus, screaming at him to stand and fight. He stopped a sword's length away, backed up by his two soldiers.

Iolaus' hand tightened around his sword's hilt as thoughts tumbled through his mind. He'd trained the two men with Jason. Even now, one was shaking his head at the prospect of taking him on. The other man actually took a step back. That left only Jason to fight, perhaps to kill. Somewhere in the crowd, he knew Mermerus was watching.

"Draw or die," Jason demanded. "You traitor. I'll kill you for defying my orders."

Slowly, ever so slowly, Iolaus forced his hand to open and move away from his sword. He turned his palms up and lowered his head. "I surrender. I will not draw on you." He sank to his knees, staring at the ground. It seemed an eternity between heartbeats as he waited for the killing stroke. "Your son..."

"Don't speak to me about my son." Jason pulled back his sword, hesitated, then brought the heavy hilt crashing into Iolaus' head. He slumped forward, unconscious before he hit the stone pier.

Mermerus tore himself out of Autolycus' grasp and darted through the crowd. "No," he screamed, beating his small fists against a startled Jason. "You killed him. You killed my friend. You killed Iolaus." Dropping his sword, Jason grabbed Mermerus and held him at arm's length, studying his face, even as the boy struggled to break his grip. "My son. My son. Mermerus, you're alive. You've come back to me." He looked at the crumpled body at his feet, then back at the boy's tear stained face. "Oh gods, what have I done? Too much anger to see what was before me. Mermerus, I am so sorry. So sorry." He stood, ordering his men to take Iolaus to the castle and fetch the royal healer. He lifted Mermerus onto his horse and swung up behind him. Autolycus followed the sad procession, staying well out of sight.

"Any change?" Jason stopped his relentless pacing and looked up as the doctor left the room. But the physician merely shook his head and continued on his way. Several hours had passed and Iolaus had not stirred, but lay pale and still, his breathing so shallow it seemed each breath might be his last.

Mermerus had continued to fight, screaming and crying, until Jason feared he would become ill. At wit's end, he had asked Rena to take the boy away and see if she could comfort him. Left alone, he had walked the castle halls, wandering from room to room, unseeing eyes not noticing the courtiers and servants who kept out of his way. As the castle grew dark and still, he sank exhausted into a chair outside Iolaus' room. He dozed off and awakened to find Rena laying a blanket over him. He jumped up, knocking it to the floor. "Tell me he's not dead. Please gods..."

"He sleeps still. There's been no change, Jason, but you must rest as well. Have you eaten?"

Jason shook his head. "I haven't even thought about food. I'm not hungry. My son. How is Mermerus?"

"He cried most of the day. He wants to see Iolaus, but I thought that might upset him more. He's alone in a strange place and he's scared, Jason." She laid a hand on his and smiled at a memory. "I let him hold the baby. I don't think he's ever been around other children. He was fascinated and asked all sorts of wild questions. Do you know he's never been to school? Medea never let him out of her sight. It will seem strange having another child around." She watched his face carefully as she spoke her next thought. "Does Alcmene know? About Iolaus? About the boy? Have you sent for her?"

"A hundred times today I started to send a messenger."

"Then why don't you? Are you still too proud to beg her to come back to you?"

"No. It's not my pride. I am afraid that she will refuse me. If I have killed Iolaus, if he dies, she could never forgive me."

Rena angrily shook her head. "You underestimate her love for you. You men still judge women by what you would do, forgetting that our tender hearts rule our actions. You need her. We all need her here. Send for her," she gently urged. Even the fragile hope Rena offered was better than his constant questioning despair. He called for quill and parchment, sent the brief note off by his fastest horseman, and sat back down to wait through the long hours of the night.

The briefest of shadows across the floor was the only trace of Autolycus' visit to check on Iolaus. Down to the nursery to smile at the sleeping prince, a quick trip through the castle kitchen for provisions, and he was off to his hiding place again.

Alcmene sat by the bed, idly smoothing the covers, watching for some trace of movement, some sign of life. She thought back to just a few weeks ago, back to Daras, to another bedside. She'd watched then as he had struggled to overcome Medea's poison, determined not to die before he kept a vow known only to himself. How different he looked now, lying so quiet, his face a blank mask. He'd chopped off his hair and grown a beard, but it was his very stillness that seemed so strange. He always had a smile just for her.

"Are you his mommy?" Alcmene looked up in surprise as Rena followed a small boy into the room. Rena answered her unspoken question. "He begged so hard to see his friend. I thought it might be best, especially if..."

"You were right to bring him. No, dear, I'm not his mommy, but he is my son's best friend and I care for him very much. My name is Alcmene."

"He's my best friend, too. Why doesn't he wake up?"

"Iolaus is sick. He's been hurt and he's very tired."

"But I want him to play with me. We're going fishing. And I can't find Autolycus. He's my friend, too."

Rena shrugged at Alcmene's puzzled look. "No one knows. He seems to be a sea captain, but no one on the docks has seen or heard of him."

"Mermerus, I need you to listen to me. I know this is hard to understand, but Iolaus may not wake up. He may stay asleep for a long time." Sad grey eyes, so like his father's, watched her face as she studied his features. She'd had only the briefest of glimpses before Medea had taken him away. No question but that he was Jason's son. A child to raise, her husband's child, a child that needed a home and love. When Alcmene held her arms out to him, Mermerus threw himself into her embrace.

The faintest of sounds, like a deeply taken breath, caught her attention. Iolaus opened his eyes and looked around the room, focusing at last on Mermerus. A bewildered look crossed his face and he blinked several times. "Why...why?" he struggled to say. "Two...of you." He saw Alcmene and one corner of his mouth tried to grin. "Brought him back. Auto... Autolycus and me. He's safe. He's home." He lifted a shaky hand to touch his bandage. "My head hurts."

Mermerus' joyful face quickly turned angry. "My father hit you. I saw him. He told me he was sorry, but I don't care. I hate him. He hurt you. That's why your head hurts. I hate him."

Iolaus started to shake his head, but the fierce pounding convinced him otherwise. "Mermerus, listen to me. Your father loves you very much. He thought I had hurt you somehow. He...was...mistaken and...angry. He was only protecting you. He's lonely, Mermerus. He doesn't have a little boy to play with and he really wants you to be his son and love him. You shouldn't hate your father. I know that now." He closed his eyes for a few seconds against his pain and fatigue, then reached out for Alcmene's hand. "Jason ordered me not to go after Mermerus and when he saw me alone on the dock he thought that I had failed, that ...the boy was....He only did what I would have done. Tell me you can forgive him as well."

Mermerus' anger had died away as he thought about his father. "He's lonely? He was so sad yesterday. I used to get lonely, too." He looked up at Alcmene. "Maybe if we go find him, he won't look so sad."

"Mermerus, it's not that easy. You don't understand."

Iolaus tightened his grip on her hand. "It's exactly that easy. I have so much to answer for. Don't add your anger to that."

Mermerus became impatient at her delay and began tugging on her other hand, trying to pull her towards the door. "Come on," he loudly demanded. "There's a baby here, too. I think I'm his uncle. Rena let me hold him. Come on."

"Another rowdy boy. Iolaus, what have you done to us?"Their laughter followed them as they left to search for Jason.

"I think what you need now is peace and quiet," Rena advised. "There won't be much of that in the future around here. Try to sleep. I'll be back with some food when you wake up."

"Wait. Where's Autolycus? He was there on the dock. He should be here."

"No one has seen anyone named Autolycus. Maybe his ship sailed while you were unconscious. The boy said he was a sea captain."

"Rena, I've got to know. Hercules...is he here, has he..."

"Hercules and my husband are south of here. Pirates and slavers thought the war in Daras meant they would have free rein along the coast. They went to convince them otherwise. My last letter from him said they'd be home soon. Rest now, that's an order, or I'll make sure your head really hurts." Her gentle smile as she left belied her words.

Iolaus gladly shut his eyes against the room's light. He was sure he had dozed off for only a few seconds, but awakened to find Autolycus sitting by his bed. "Very pretty that one," he said, gazing out the door. "Pity she's married. So tell me, do you feel as rotten as you look?"

"There's two of you talking at the same time. I don't think I can stand it. How did you get in here? Wait, wait. I know. Don't remind me."

"This old place? Full of nooks and crannies just right to hide the King...well, you know the rest. Just stopped by to say good bye."

"No. Not yet. I haven't told anybody what you did. Jason will have some kind of reward when he hears how you risked your life." Laughter floated up from the courtyard below as Jason's booming laugh mingled with his son's delighted giggles. Then a woman's quiet laugh as Alcmene joined in the game.

Autolycus listened for a few seconds and shrugged. "That was reward enough. Besides you saved my life back in Athens. They build really secure prisons in that city." He paused and chewed on his lip. "I heard her say that Hercules would be back soon. Pretty soon everybody would know I'm not a hero or a sea captain. Best to be gone before the truth comes out."

"No, you will never be a sea captain."

"Maybe you could just keep my good deed doing to yourself? I do have a reputation to maintain. Got to go. Treasuries to loot, jewels to steal, and it's not getting done sitting here. A final piece of advice: keep the beard. It looks good on you." An instant later he was gone, vanishing away as quickly as he had appeared.

Hercules stepped out of the dark passageway into the late afternoon sun. He glanced around the flower beds and grimaced. The courtier had been mistaken-Iolaus wasn't here. Just some gardener at the far end sitting in the late autumn sun. So motionless that Hercules decided he was napping, he started to turn away. A flash of gold caught his eye as the man put a coin in his pouch and stuffed it away, then reached up to wipe his eyes. Not wanting to intrude, Hercules retraced his steps, but the crunch of his boots on gravel brought the man scrambling to his feet. "Wait, Herc."

Hercules turned towards the familiar voice. It was Iolaus, somewhere under that bandage and beard, standing unsteadily, holding onto the wall with one hand. Hercules walked towards him and gestured vaguely towards the castle. "They said you were out here. Maybe you'd better sit down."

"Just a little dizzy when I first stand up and still seeing double. Makes my eyes water."

"That always goes away. Seeing double." Hercules wouldn't mention the tears. Iolaus had always kept his mourning to himself. "Yeah. Good thing I have such a hard head." Neither one of them laughed at his tired joke. Then a long silence as Iolaus found that all his carefully rehearsed phrases had left him. After a while he said, "I guess you talked to your family." "I saw Alcmene. She told me some of what happened. Then this miniature whirlwind of a boy ran by chasing a puppy and she had to leave." A smile, a real smile, lit up Iolaus' face. "I'm not sure his puppy is going to survive all that love and attention. He's a different little boy since he got here and I haven't seen Alcmene this happy since...well, for a long time." With an odd mixture of defiance and fear, he rushed into an explanation. "I know that I'm supposed to say that I'm sorry I lied to you. It was just the first of so many lies I can't remember them all. But if I was really sorry, then I'd never do it again and I know I would. Tomorrow if I had to. I had to go after him and I didn't care who tried to stop me. But if you can't trust me anymore, I can understand that. And if that means you don't want me as your friend anymore, I can understand that." With that his torrent of words stopped and he looked up at the sky. "Oh gods. That's not at all what I was going to say."

Hercules turned away so Iolaus wouldn't see his grin. "Are you through? Was that it? Not much of an apology."

"Yeah, I guess it was. No, I mean it wasn't. An apology, I mean. I don't know what I mean."

"So if I were captured and you had to lie your way across half of Greece to rescue me, you'd do it and not think twice about it."

"Sure. Of course."

"Good. Don't change. It's nice to know I can count on you. You left this behind." He held out the amulet to a dazed looking Iolaus. "We'll need to fix the door on your house before winter. One of Jason's men got a little overzealous. I could have told him that you never lock your door, but you know these impatient types. I hope the oracles are right this time. They all promise a mild winter and I'm supposed to help a friend of mine plant a new wheat field come spring. If he recovers his wits by then."

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