The following was written as a result of my own question: "If his real name was Alcaeus, how did he come to be known by everyone as Hercules?" My muse does pay some lip-service to historical truth but like all good bards she firmly believes in the adage "Why should the truth get in the way of a good story?"
Alcaeus was feeling lonely as he kicked the stones on the track that led to the lake near his grandfather's farm. His mother had said he was still too young to go into town by himself, even if he was ten. Iphicles, his younger brother, had been left in Tiryns with his uncle and the farm was boring without him. Things would soon change, his grandfather had said, but till then Alcaeus had decided to occupy his time practicing archery. He reckoned, at his age, he ought to be able to hit the centre of the target with more than three out of every five arrows! Boredom provided a good opportunity to try to do just that. As he practised Alcaeus became aware he was being observed. The watcher was a boy about his own age with a shock of blond hair that looked as if it hadn't seen a brush in weeks. He looked prepared to run if challenged, so Alcaeus shrugged and notched another arrow in his bow and fired.
Five arrows later the blond boy spoke. "You're new here!"
"Mmm," replied Alcaeus as he retrieved his arrows. "I'm visiting my grandfather with my mother. Been here two days."
"So you're one of Electryon's grandkids, huh?"
"Yep, I'm Alcaeus. "
"Ah."
Alcaeus waited for the boy to tell him his name in return and was a little annoyed when it wasn't immediately forthcoming. "So you got a name - or do I call you Boy?"
"Don't you *ever* call me that. I've got a name," said the other sharply. "But I'm not going to tell you 'cause I'm not supposed to be here."
"Why?"
"Because Electryon caught me once doing something he said I shouldn't. Told me never to come back." Alcaeus noticed, that while he was talking, the blond boy did not seem to be able to stand still and was continually moving from one foot to the other.
"Oh. What did you do for him to say that?"
"Nothing much."
"Come on, my grandfather is not an ogre. He wouldn't ban you from his place for nothing."
"It was just a dare, that's all, and I got caught being here," said the boy looking anywhere but at Alcaeus with his very blue eyes which were such a dramatic part of his features.
"A dare?"
"Yeah!" A smile transformed his face as he obviously remembered what he had done - or had tried to do.
"A dare to do what?" Alcaeus was becoming intrigued by this boy whom his grandfather had banned. Feeling he was about to run rather than answer, Alcaeus hurriedly went on, "I won't tell grandfather I saw you here if that's what's worrying you."
"You won't?"
"No, why should I? You're not here to do anything wrong are you?"
"No!" Anger at this accusation clearly showed in the blond boy's face.
"Ok then it's settled. You're not here to do anything wrong and I'm not telling my grandfather." Alcaeus had retrieved all his arrows and was taking aim at his target again as he asked. "So, what are you doing here?"
"I just came here to check on the fish. The best spot is over there where a tree overhangs the edge of the lake. The water's deeper there. Come on I'll show you!" called the boy as he ran towards the lake.
Slightly smaller than Alcaeus, the blond boy was as quick as lightning as he took off. Alcaeus dropped his bow, taking up the implied challenge to race, and ran after him.The chase ended in a tie when the boys arrived at the edge of the lake together and two sets of blue eyes shone with enjoyment of speed and rivalry. "Boy, you're fast," said the smaller boy, "normally no-one even comes close to catching me."
"I wasn't trying to catch you this time. I just came to see what you wanted to show me. So this is the best spot to fish, huh?" smiled Alcaeus looking around.
"No, but it's just over there under that tree," said the boy pointing to a huge gnarled trunk that was leaning out over the water. "That's where the fish like to hide during the day."
"Oh," said Alcaeus seating himself on an a large rock nearby. "I don't know that much about fishing. I don't do it much at home - not enough to be an expert anyway. Would you teach me?"
The boy looked across at Alcaeus from under his mop of blond hair. The frown that had caused two small dents in the young boy's forehead soon dissolved into a grin as he said, "Yeah, why not! But what will you teach me in return?"
Alcaeus thought about this for a while before he said, "I could teach you to shoot a bow."
"Nah... I know how to do that! All us hunters can shoot a bow," said the boy proudly.
"I know," said Alcaeus after a little more thought, "I'll teach you to wrestle."
"Wrestle?"
"Yeah, wrestle. You know ... fight!" Alcaeus could see the other boy was seriously considering his offer.
It only took a few heart beats before the other replied, "Ok, you're on. I've really got to go now and meet someone but I'll meet you here tomorrow morning. You can't tell your grandfather I've been here if you want to do this. He wouldn't like it at all!"
Saying goodbye, the boy took off running at full speed back the way he had come. Alcaeus realised that he chose his route into the trees so that he would not have been seen by anyone in the distance. He still didn't know the boy's name or what it was he had been dared to do, however he was determined to find out tomorrow. Not wanting his mother or grandfather to question him too closely about his day, Alcaeus was careful not to give them any cause to ask the questions he'd rather not answer. But he need not have worried as both members of his family had other things on their minds that night and paid him little attention.
Although he was not certain his companion from yesterday would reappear, Alcaeus wanted to make sure he did not miss him. Taking up his up his bow and quiver early the next morning, he headed for the lake. He hadn't sat on the rock at the edge of the shore for more than two minutes when the tousle haired blond head emerged from behind one of the trees.
"Didn't think you'd come."
"Why not?" Alcaeus asked still curious about this boy.
"I thought you might have told Electryon 'bout me. I know he wouldn't have let you come if he knew."
"Look! I didn't tell him and I won't! So why don't you just tell me your name - you know mine."
"OK, ok. I'll think about it. May be I'll tell you later ... here I brought two rods. You can use this one. Today we fish, tomorrow you teach me to fight. Deal?"
"Deal."
After that it didn't take long for the blond boy to go through his instructions on how to bait the hook and where to cast the line. The two fished in companionable silence for about half an hour before he suddenly spoke. "It's Iolaus."
"Huh? What is?" asked Alcaeus.
"My name. It's Iolaus."
"Oh! - Good to know you Iolaus," said Alcaeus offering his hand.
Iolaus looked across, obviously unsure whether to accept the offer of friendship this gesture implied. Meeting Alcaeus' gaze, it was few seconds before he shrugged, grinned and reached out his own hand in return. "Yeah ... good to know you too, Alcaeus."
The two boys returned to their fishing rather hurriedly as Alcaeus' line began to jerk indicating a fish had taken the bait. Following Iolaus' instructions Alcaeus was able to land his catch without much difficulty. Before long they were both seated again looking out over the lake while they fished.
"So, Iolaus, what did you do that got grandfather so miffed?"
"Miffed? I like that word - yeah he was 'miffed'," Iolaus laughed.
"So? What did you do?"
"Wasn't much."
"Iolaus! Give! What was the dare? Who dared you?"
"Just some mates."
"What *was* the dare?" Alcaeus was beginning to feel it would be easier to get information from the stone he was sitting on than the boy next to him.
"I had to get ten apples from Electryon's barn. Would have got away with it if your grandfather hadn't been looking out for a fox raiding his chickens." Iolaus said shaking his head.
"But that's stealing!"
"Yeah so? It's only apples - wasn't like I was hurting anyone and he always has plenty."
"Grandfather probably would have given them to you had you asked - why didn't you?"
Iolaus looked across uncertainly, "Not much fun in that - you can't tell stories about asking for apples. Some hero that'd be!"
"You stole to be a hero?"
"Sort of. I was going to give the apples to my mates."
"Oh. Were they hungry?"
"No, they just wanted me to get them for them."
"So what were they doing while you were stealing for them?"
"Nothing. They were just waiting for me to come back with them."
Alcaeus could not believe his ears. "Some *mates* they are!"
"Why? What would you have done?"
"I wouldn't have dared you in the first place, but if I did I would have gone with you to help out if you got into trouble."
"You would have come too?"
"Yeah, of course. That's what friends are for. To be there to help out if there's trouble ... Look it's nearly noon, I've got to go up to the house. Mother's expecting me for lunch, but I'll come back after, then we can fish some more, eh?"
"Sorry I've got to go and meet someone. Promised I'd visit today. I'll meet you here tomorrow." With that Iolaus packed up his rod and started toward the trees.
"Hey Iolaus!" Alcaeus called "I can't take this fish home without giving away what I've been doing. Do you want it?"
Iolaus turned back. "Yeah, I know someone I can give it to. Thanks." After retrieving the fish he again melted into the trees. Alcaeus wondered who Iolaus was going to meet and was hoping he wouldn't get himself into too much trouble. It occurred to him he'd like to have Iolaus around as his friend but he knew he would be returning to Tiryns soon. He was determined however to try to be Iolaus' friend till he had to leave.
Alcaeus left the house early the next day. He wanted to have some time by himself to calm down before he met Iolaus. If he taught him to fight in his current mood he might really hurt him. To his surprise Iolaus was there before him, sitting under a tree throwing rocks into the lake one by one. His face looked suspiciously like he'd been crying. Startled by Alcaeus' arrival, Iolaus looked up to see his new friend obviously trying to hide his anger. "You're early. What's up?"
"Nothing, just family stuff. Father's never around and now grandfather and mother say we are staying here."
"Hey that's great! We could teach each other more things."
"Oh I don't mind staying, but my brother won't be coming here. They say he's got to stay in Tiryns with his uncle and grandfather. They don't want him near me."
Iolaus was confused but realised from personal experience that Alcaeus did not want to talk more about his family. "That's rough," was all he said throwing another stone into the lake.
"So why are you here throwing things?"
"Just my dad. He was home for one of his short visits and we had an argument before he left again this morning. Came here to think, that's all."
"So your father's not around much either?" Alcaeus picked up a rock and hurled it into the lake. "Mine's not and I hate it!"
Iolaus looked across at Alcaeus with his blue eyes and his mouth wide open. Startled, he said, "Do that again."
Alcaeus was puzzled "Do what again?"
"Throw a stone into the lake."
Alcaeus laughed realising he had used more force than he intended when he threw the stone. He knew he would get into trouble if he didn't keep his temper under control. "Oh that!" Alcaeus picked up another stone and skimmed it across the lake twice as far as Iolaus had been throwing his.
"You've got the wrong name. You should be called 'Alcides' - you know it means strong."
The look that crossed Alcaeus' face worried Iolaus. "What did I say? Why do you look like that?"
Alcaeus felt ready to burst into tears at that moment as the force of the separation from his brother hit hard. "That's what my brother always calls me - it's a nickname he gave me years ago. I'm going to miss him."
"I'll be around," said Iolaus looking across at his companion, "we could do stuff together, you know Ôfriends'... Well as long as Electryon doesn't find out anyway."
Realising he needed a friend right now and that he did like this tousle haired urchin Alcaeus reached out his arm for a warrior's greeting, "Friends?"
Iolaus stood up and reached out and gripped Alcaeus - warrior to warrior. "Friends."
Breaking the grip, Alcaeus asked, "Am I going to teach you to wrestle or what?"
Iolaus smiled a wicked grin, "You have to catch me first." With this he took off running towards the clearing where he had first encountered his new friend. Startled into a delayed start, Alcaeus took off after him and, just as Iolaus reached the clearing, brought him down with a flying tackle around the ankles. Bringing his face up out of the dirt, Iolaus laughed, "I said you were fast, but what do you think you can teach me about fighting?" Immediately Iolaus leapt on Alcaeus trying to pin him to the ground.
"Just this," said Alcaeus as he lifted his shoulder and rolled pinning him in turn.
Iolaus struggled to break the hold but couldn't. "Ok ... OK! You can teach me how to do that!"
The two boys spent the rest of the morning trying to throw each other to the ground. Iolaus soon realised he was spending most of his time in the dirt but that didn't worry him. He was having the most fun he could ever remember, trying to meet the challenges this new friend gave him. When Helios' chariot rose high in the sky, the boys decided to swim in the lake to cool down.
As they lay in the sun drying off Alcaeus asked, "You going to see your mates this afternoon?"
Iolaus opened his eyes and looked across thoughtfully. "I'm supposed to, but I don't think I will today. Why?"
"I was thinking of going hunting rabbits. Just wondered if you'd like to come with me is all."
"Rabbits huh?"
"Yeah."
Grinning, Iolaus sat up. "I know where there are some really fat ones. Want me to show you?" With that it was settled and they arranged to meet back at the lake after they had got their bows and arrows. Iolaus was late in returning and Alcaeus was worried he had changed his mind. Soon he saw the reason his friend was late. He had obviously been in a fight and was going to have a very black eye tomorrow.
"What happened?"
"I just had to convince my mates I wasn't going with them this afternoon."
"Some mates," muttered Alcaeus under his breath. "So are they convinced?"
"Yeah," Iolaus laughed. "I used some of those throws you showed me this morning and they didn't know what hit them."
"One got you though." Alcaeus said looking at Iolaus' eye.
"Should have ducked instead of weaved," the tousled haired boy said ruefully, "but I convinced them. Come on! Let's go find those rabbits."
The afternoon sped quickly by and before he knew it Alcaeus was walking home with two rabbits. He had given the other four they caught to Iolaus for his family, feeling they might need them more than his own did. He had wanted his new friend to take them all but there was no way he could convince him to keep them. Trying not to arouse any suspicions in his grandfather's mind that night he described his hunt carefully omitting any hint that he might have had a companion. Electryon and his mother, Alcmene, were so relieved that he was adjusting to staying in Thebes they did not question him too closely about his activities.
For a whole week Alcaeus and Iolaus met at the lake early in the morning and would spend the rest of the day hunting, fishing, wrestling or simply sitting talking about what they wanted to do when they were older. As the fifth day of these excursions ended, Alcaeus walked home realising that he wanted to tell his mother and grandfather about his growing friendship with Iolaus. He wanted to be able to ask him for dinner, to stay over or to simply say he was going to visit his friend and he was tired of having to watch everything he said even though they were doing nothing wrong. By now he felt he knew Iolaus well, and there wasn't a bad bone in his body. He just didn't think sometimes and his "mates" were trouble. They kept leading him to get his excitement in the wrong ways. Wrong for Iolaus and wrong for everyone around him. Alcaeus had learned that these friends were much older than Iolaus and what Electryon's grandson thought of them was not fit to be said out loud. The best that could be said for them was they were using his friend and wanted to lead him into a life filled with bad trouble. As those thoughts were passing through his mind, Alcaeus was only half surprised when his mother called to him to come and talk to his grandfather. Worried that his excursions with Iolaus had been discovered he started to plan how he would argue his case.
"Sit down, Alcaeus," Electryon said gently.
Feeling he might need all the moral support he could get, Alcaeus seated himself next to his mother, "What is it grandfather?" he asked.
The silence that followed emphasised the difficulty his grandfather was having broaching his subject. At this point his mother said, "We've had a message, Alcaeus. From the Pythia at Delphi."
Not expecting this, Alcaeus looked up and asked "What does she want?"
"You've been chosen to be Apollo in the re-enactment in the Septeria."
"I've got to kill Python in the festival?"
"Yes, son, you do."
"Why me?"
"Well you're the right age and your mother and father are both still alive. But why you ... only Apollo knows that, Alcaeus ... There's one more thing though, you must take a companion with you. I know a boy in Thebes, the son of a friend of mine. You can ask him."
Alcaeus knew who he wanted with him and it wasn't this unknown boy. It was Iolaus. But how was he going to get his grandfather's approval? "Thank you, grandfather, but I know someone I want to go with me. You won't need to ask your friend to borrow his son."
"What exactly have you been doing this week? Who have you met?" questioned Electryon. "You haven't mentioned meeting anyone!"
Alcaeus felt his mother's hand on his shoulder. Understanding he had her support gave him the courage he needed to continue. "I've already told you exactly what I was doing. I just didn't tell you I had met a friend and had company is all!"
"So who's this friend that he had to be kept such a secret?" his grandfather demanded fiercely. "Does he have a name?"
Knowing an explosion was coming, Alcaeus breathed deeply and said "His name is Iolaus."
"Iolaus! You mean Skuros' son? There's no other Iolaus around here. He's a troublemaker and I warned him off. How did you meet him?"
"He's not a trouble maker! He said you'd react like this; that's why I didn't tell you. You've judged him and you really don't know him!"
"I know him enough to know he's a thief. I will not have you going to Delphi with a thief!"
"I'm sorry, grandfather, if Iolaus doesn't come with me, I won't go and you can explain to Apollo and his priestess why not!"
It was then Alcmene spoke, "Father, Alcaeus does not usually make mistakes about his friends. I trust his judgement here and ask you to also." Alcaeus was very grateful for his mother's support just then.
"You'll change your mind when you get to know him, grandfather. He's made some mistakes but he's really a good person especially when he's away from those 'mates' of his."
"Well, I'm aware his mother would appreciate knowing he wasn't hanging around those 'friends' of his. She's often said she's at her wit's end what to do about him. But Alcaeus, he *is* a thief."
Alcaeus ignored this last comment as he said, "She'll be pleased then. He's been with me everyday all day for the last week and hasn't been in trouble once."
"What? You've been with him all that time?"
"Yes!"
"Then it wasn't him who stole the knife from the tinker in town?"
"What knife? When was it stolen?"
"An expensive inlaid dagger, yesterday lunchtime."
"It couldn't have been Iolaus, we were down on the opposite side of the lake then. We'd snared a rabbit and cooked it for lunch. He was definitely with me! What made you think it was him?"
"They found this medallion he wears all the time," said Electryon reaching over to the table picking up a green serpent amulet. "It was on the floor near where the knife had been."
"Iolaus has been set up by those mates of his!" Alcaeus was really angry. He knew his friend had lost his medallion in the fight that second day, but wasn't going to tell that part to his grandfather. "I knew he'd lost it - days ago - he was worried his father would notice it missing when he returned. Yesterday he *was* with me so I know it couldn't have been him."
"Then the boy's in big trouble, we'd better go bail him out before..."
Knowing his grandfather was scrupulously honest and feeling a little guilty for jumping to conclusions, Alcaeus finished his sentence for him. "Before he does anything stupid you mean. Something he might regret later or get him into bigger trouble!"
"Exactly!" Electryon rose wanting to waste no time in clearing Iolaus from the false accusation.
"I'm coming too," Alcaeus said, "He doesn't trust you yet. But he will listen to me if he has too."
Electryon and Alcaeus hurried into town only to find a crowd looking up to the top of the water tower. In the summer twilight they could see Iolaus was sitting right up the top. Events were obviously out of hand and it seemed he had pushed the ladder away from the edge to stop anyone climbing up after him. "I tell you I didn't do anything," Iolaus screamed to the crowd below.
"Come on down, thief or we'll shoot you down," said one of the crowd reaching for his bow.
Alcaeus saw Iolaus fall flat so he would not offer such a big target area, "You can try!" he shouted back.
"Grandfather we've got to do something to stop this. Iolaus is in real trouble there," Alcaeus said agitatedly, worried for his friend.
Electryon was already on his way through the crowd shouting to be heard. "Stop this. You know me, I'm your magistrate. This boy is innocent!"
"How do you know, Electryon? It could only be him. You've got the medallion!" shouted someone from the crowd.
"I've just discovered Iolaus has been with my grandson all week. Tell them, Alcaeus, what you told me."
Alcaeus told his story, repeatedly emphasising that there was no way his blond friend could have done what he was accused of. Some of the crowd, who were not willing to believe it called, "How do we know you're not in it too and not just giving the kid an alibi?"
At this Electryon stepped forward again and said, "My grandson does NOT lie!" and such was his authority in Thebes that everyone was prepared to believe him. The crowd drifted away as they realised that Iolaus was not the thief they were looking for and the evening's entertainment was probably over. Two men even replaced the ladder that Iolaus had kicked off the tower and were gently trying to persuade him to come down. Iolaus was, however, convinced that this was a trick and refused to budge from what he considered to be safety. Electryon watched his grandson climb up the tower and sit on the edge of the water tank with his legs dangling over the side. Iolaus slowly got up and manoeuvred himself into position beside his friend. The two boys sat side by side talking as the last rays of the sun finally began to fade. Eventually Alcaeus started to descend the ladder and Iolaus immediately followed. Neither boy ever revealed to Electryon (or anyone else for that matter) what was said up on top of the tower, but he knew that at that moment Iolaus would have gone into the underworld with his grandson had he asked him. Respect for Alcaeus shone from Iolaus' blue eyes like a beacon.
At first Electryon thought that Alcaeus may have asked Iolaus to go with him to Delphi but immediately changed his mind when his grandson said, "Before you go home, Iolaus, grandfather has something to ask you."
The young face looked up warily, expecting a lecture about being with his grandson without permission. However before Electryon could ask, Iolaus spoke, "Um... thank you for standing up for me, sir. I know you don't like me but you did it anyway. And I'm sorry I tried to steal your apples. It was a dumb thing to do."
Electryon smiled, he was beginning to see why his grandson liked this boy. "Thank you, Iolaus, apology accepted," he answered gravely. "Alcaeus has to go to Delphi for a couple of days and would like you to go with him and so would I. Would you come with us if your mother says yes?
"Iolaus was obviously stunned. "Go to Delphi with you? Does Zeus live on Olympus! You sure you want me to go? ... I mean ...*me*?"
"I'll take that as a yes, Iolaus." Alcaeus laughed.
It did not take long to convince Automedusa, Iolaus' mother, to let her eldest child accompany Electryon and Alcaeus to Delphi. She had been curious in the change in Iolaus over the last week and now at least part of the mystery was solved. When she discovered how Iolaus had been rescued, she was even more grateful to his new-found friendship. She began to hope that Iolaus might not have such a bad future after all. Alcaeus asked his grandfather and Iolaus' mother if Iolaus could stay over night with them as they were leaving early in the morning. Having obtained Automedusa's agreement, both adults could see the boy could not stand still he was so excited. As he packed the few things he would need, his mother gave him a small package wrapped in string. Iolaus unwrapped it carefully to reveal a beautiful dagger. "If you're travelling you might need this. It was my father's. He wanted you to have it when you were old enough. I think today you are ready for it."
Iolaus was shocked when Electryon said "I think you're ready too."
It was not until they reached Electryon's farm that Iolaus realised he needed to ask Alcaeus a question. "So, why are we going to Delphi?"
It was a four day journey to Delphi from Thebes and on the way Electryon began to understand why Alcaeus enjoyed Iolaus' company. Where Alcaeus was reserved, Iolaus was outgoing, enthusiastic and enjoyed laughing. But he was also very willing to do his share of the camp chores and seemed to have boundless energy. In fact, Electryon discovered the boy was really very easy to like. As the threesome were finally approaching Delphi, Iolaus asked for what seemed the hundredth time, "Tell me again about the serpent you have to fight and why I'm here."
Alcaeus looked at his grandfather and shook his head, "Ok, for the last time, Iolaus, here it is. Every year they re-enact the slaying of the serpent Python by Apollo when he was a child. A boy is chosen to be Apollo and he has to act out the killing of the serpent. He has to have a friend or some friends go with him because friends went with Apollo. After the boy kills the serpent his friends run off and the house, where they stayed the night before, is burnt to the ground. The boy is then taken to the temple where he is purified and he then returns along the road while young girls sing songs to celebrate Apollo's return. All you have to do is go with me to meet the Pythia herself, be with me when I slay the serpent, and then go find grandfather and wait for me to come back when the girls sing."
Iolaus frowned, "Don't really like the idea of girls. They don't sound like any fun."
This last statement amused Electryon who could see that the ten year old Iolaus would grow up to be a very handsome man. "I think you might change your mind when you grow older, Iolaus," he laughed.
"Me? Like girls? Never!" Iolaus retorted firmly.
By the end of this conversation they had arrived at the outskirts of the sea of tents that appeared at this time every year at Delphi. Everyone was here for the festival. The Septeria was an important celebration in Greece and people came from all over to see it at least once in their lives. Electryon guided the boys to the temple of Apollo which stood between the sacred grove and the cleft in the ground from where the Pythia gave her oracles. The boy who was to play the part of Apollo, his companion and guardian always stayed in a specially built house at the end of the processional way. They were soon greeted by the chief priestess who told them that Electryon would be shown to their quarters immediately but the prophetess had asked that Alcaeus and his companion, Iolaus, be taken to her now.
Iolaus was stunned. "She knew my name. She knew I was coming. How? .... Oh I know you must have told her."
Alcaeus was amused by his friend's ramblings. "No, she's a prophetess of Apollo - she's supposed to know these things. Apollo would have told her himself probably. He's the one who chose me so he'd know I asked you. That's how gods work."
Iolaus was a little awed by his friend's knowledge of the gods. He knew they existed of course and that you had to keep them happy or all sorts of bad things happened to you, but other than that, he had not given them much thought. Alcaeus, on the other hand, sounded like he knew what he was talking about. As the boys entered the prophetess's cleft in the rock they could see a young girl sitting on a high three legged stool in the centre of the cave. The stool was on a circular slab and in front was a brazier burning incense. A cold vapour rose from the floor of the cavern just under where the girl was sitting. Iolaus was surprised at the age of the prophetess. She could have been no more than fourteen at most. He had always imagined the Delphic Oracle to be some old woman - never a young girl. But this was only the first of many shocks Iolaus was to receive while he was in Delphi. The next followed very quickly when the oracle spoke her greeting to the boys.
"Welcome Alcaeus, son of Zeus, you who will win fame because of Hera. Great Herakles.... Welcome Iolaus, son of Skuros, hero, companion, hunter, warrior. Golden One."
Iolaus was so stunned he couldn't move. He didn't know what to make of what the priestess said. Alcaeus - son of Zeus? He'd heard the oracle spoke in Riddles but this took the cake. 'Hero' he could understand, even 'companion', but 'Golden One'? What did she mean any way? Alcaeus couldn't be the son of Zeus and he was sure there was nothing golden about himself. He definitely didn't know what to make of Alcaeus' reply.
"Alcaeus, son of Zeus, and Iolaus, son of Skuros, thank the Pythia for her welcome."
There was that 'son of Zeus' thing again. Iolaus thought to himself, "Am I nuts or are they?"
The Pythia smiled at Iolaus, "Yes, Iolaus. Alcaeus is the son of Zeus and Alcmene, daughter of Electryon, is his mother." Turning to Alcaeus she observed, "I see you didn't tell him. Was that wise?"
"Originally I wanted to be sure you didn't like me because of who my father was, Iolaus," Alcaeus said, answering the Pythias's question, but talking directly to his friend. "After that it just never came up. I'm sorry, I should have told you earlier but I didn't know how. It's not that easy explaining that you are the son of the king of the gods."
"That's OK," Iolaus grinned to show his friend that he was coping with the surprises so far. "At least I now why your father is away a lot."
Alcaeus returned Iolaus' grin with a smile of his own knowing that this information had not destroyed their friendship. With that he turned again to the young prophetess. "Why did Apollo want me to play him tomorrow?"
"I do not question the commands of the Lord Apollo, Alcaeus, but I can tell you this. It is part of your destiny to complete this task. But beware, son of Zeus, the present is but a shadow of the future. Remember, son of Skuros, head and heart together always bring the light. Know what ever happens Apollo has given you both his blessing."
Realising that the audience with the Oracle was over, they left the cavern and as they walked back to Electryon and their house for the night, Iolaus was uncharacteristically subdued. Alcaeus was aware that his friend was trying to sort things out in his own mind. Finally Iolaus stopped outside the house they were to stay in and asked, "If you're the son of a god, does that make you a god too?"
At this Alcaeus laughed, "No, Iolaus, I'm not a god. My father may be a god but my mother's mortal. No one's sure if that makes me immortal or not, but everyone's very positive I'm no god!"
"Good - I'm not sure I could cope with a best friend who was also a god. But that's why you can do the things you do ... like throw the rock that far and run as fast as you do, isn't it?"
"Yes, Iolaus, that's why and that's why my brother is in Tiryns and mother and I'm not. Iphicles' father isn't Zeus, it's Amphitryton, and when my step-father died, his family didn't want his son to have anything to do with me. Zeus never married my mother you see."
Iolaus could hear the bitterness in Alcaeus' voice. "Well I don't care who your relations are. I'd still want to be your friend even if you were related to Hades himself."
"Thanks Iolaus, that means a great deal to me." Alcaeus smiled, "Especially as Hades is actually my uncle - you know my father's brother." At this both boys dissolved into laughter.
Hearing the noise Electryon emerged from the house to see what his two young charges had been up to. The words of the Pythia brought a frown to his face. "You be careful tomorrow, Alcaeus. Hera has tried at least once before to harm you and may try again tomorrow, though why she would try now I don't know."
"Don't worry, grandfather, she failed with her snakes last time. She'll fail this time if she tries something." Alcaeus said with the certainty that only ten year olds can achieve.
"Ok, but both of you be very careful tomorrow." Electryon said, ruffling both boys' hair.
"You know," said Iolaus, "I think the name the oracle gave you suits you. But it doesn't sound quite right - it needs to flow better."
"What do you mean, Iolaus? What name?" asked a puzzled Electryon.
"The Oracle called Alcaeus, Herakles - but I think she should have said Hercules. Means the same thing but sounds better. I mean if you wanted to shorten it, Herak doesn't quite work, does it? Where as Herk has a kind of ring to it, don't you think?"
"I think you're mad, Iolaus. But you can call me any name you like as long as we go inside to eat. I'm starved!" Alcaeus dragged his friend inside the house, followed by a laughing Electryon.
Alcaeus was never sure why Iolaus started to call him Hercules that night. Perhaps it was to irritate him for saying he didn't care what he called him. But by the next day Iolaus never used anything but this new name when talking to him. What was even more annoying was that his grandfather had started to use it as well. If he wasn't careful the whole world would soon be calling him Hercules, forgetting he ever had another name. At least he knew when he got home, his mother would talk sense into them.
"Come on, Hercules! Time to go kill a serpent," called Iolaus from outside. The young boy had been bouncing around the house since dawn, unable to contain his excitement at being part of the day. As Alcaeus walked through the door into the bright sunshine, Iolaus ran the other way saying, "Hold on. I almost forgot something." He returned quickly and Alcaeus saw him tuck the knife his mother gave him into his belt. "After what the Pythia said to you yesterday you can't be too careful. We might need this."
The high priestess was waiting for the two boys as they emerged from the house. She was tall and today was dressed in a pure white chiton that hung loosely from her shoulders. She had a garland of flowers on her brow and she was holding a gilded bow and quiver of arrows. Stepping forward she bowed to Alcaeus. "Please accept our gift, O golden son of Zeus - may you shoot your first arrow well."
It took the boys a few heart beats to realise that she had spoken the first words of the ceremony. It was not until a cheer went up from the crowds lining the processional way from the house to the temple that it really registered. Alcaeus grinned across at Iolaus. "Ah... I almost forgot I'm Apollo today!" Turning his gaze to the priestess, he replied with the words he had been taught last night by his grandfather. "Thank you, my lady. I am honoured by your gift."
One of the two young women who had been standing behind the high priestess, stepped forward. "We would like to offer your companion a gift, my lord."
Iolaus' face lit with a smile as he also replied with the words he had been given. "I am honoured to accept your gift, my lady." The young woman indicated a large table flanked by two lit torches that was off to one side. On it were another bow with a quiver full of arrows, a beautifully crafted sword, a dagger, an axe, a coil of rope and in front was a bronze shield engraved with a scene of Apollo slaying Python.
"You may choose one thing, companion - choose wisely!"
Iolaus looked carefully at everything in front of him weighing up the merits of what was there. His eyes kept coming back to the sword as he'd always desired one and this was the best one he'd ever seen. Before he made his choice however, he wanted to ask a question. Unsure if this was permitted, but as he rarely asked permission before doing anything and he need the information, he said, "My lady, may I choose from *anything* that's in front of me?"
"Yes, companion, anything you see."
Alcaeus expected Iolaus to take the sword. He had seen how much Iolaus admired and wanted it. To his surprise, however, Iolaus reached past the table and took one of the lit torches from its stand. "Interesting choice, companion," said the high priestess who had been watching the blond boy carefully as he made his decision. As he looked at her, Iolaus could see she was smiling and he had the distinct impression she approved of his choice.
After noticing the question in his friend's eyes he shrugged and laughed, "If something happens to you, Hercules, I want something I can use quickly, not something I need to learn. You've got a bow, I don't think we need two of those here today and mine at home is already a good one. Besides I'd never have been able to lift that shield!"
The high priestess indicated the two boys should start to make their way up the processional way to the sacred grove where the re-enactment would take place. It was there Alcaeus would play out his role as Apollo and use his bow to shoot the wooden replica of Gaia's child - the great serpent Python. While they walked both boys scanned the crowds looking for Electryon. Iolaus knew that after the serpent was 'dead' he was supposed to run from the grove and stand with him until the end of the purification ceremony. He just wanted to make sure he knew exactly where he was to run to. Alcaeus nudged Iolaus and indicated he had spotted his grandfather standing just outside the entrance to the grove.
"Ah huh... Thanks, Hercules," Iolaus laughed "my safety from the gods, eh?"
"It's me that's got to kill Python, not you, Iolaus. The gods weren't angry with Apollo's friends. Any one helping just irritates them," Alcaeus explained.
"Well you ought to know. They're your relatives." Iolaus whispered as they approached the edge of the grove.
The high priestess had earlier told the boys that the replica of Python would be in the clearing at the centre of the sacred area. They would not see it till they were almost on it. Even being forewarned it still took them by surprise. As they stood at the edge of the clearing, they looked a little in awe at the sacred snake. Although made of wood, it was painted in such a way that the coils and rearing head looked almost life like. The eyes of the Python were fist sized and loomed nine feet above the boys.
Iolaus was the first to speak. "I'm glad that thing's not real, Hercules. I'd hate to have to fight it." Alcaeus nodded and took an arrow from the quiver on his back. Sending a quick wish to Apollo that he would hit his mark accurately today, he took aim and loosed his arrow. Pleased when it flew straight and true, the arrow landed in the centre of one of the replica's eyes. Alcaeus turned to Iolaus saying, "OK, that's done. Now you run and I'll meet you later with grandfather at the end of the procession."
"Um.... Herk. I don't think so." Iolaus' face had gone white and his eyes could not have been more open if they tried. "I think we both better get out of here!" he whispered. Alcaeus spun round to see what Iolaus was talking about. The statue appeared to be no longer made of wood and both the serpent's eyes were flashing with no hint of the embedded arrow.
Without thinking, Alcaeus notched a second arrow to his bow saying, "Get out of here, Iolaus. Run!"
Embedding the torch he was carrying in the soft earth, Iolaus drew his dagger replying, "Not without you, I'm not."
Again Alcaeus' arrow flew at its target, but this time the serpent swayed, and the shaft ended in the monster's neck. This only made the Python lunge towards the boys who quickly backed away. "Give me your knife, Iolaus, and get out of here. I've got to kill it. If it gets loose it will kill all those people out there."
"I'm not going anywhere, Herk. You can't kill that thing alone. But how do you know it will kill all those people?"
"Trust me. I know it's here to kill me and it will kill everything in its path 'till it succeeds. I have to fight it here or a lot of people will die. Now give me your knife and LEAVE!"
Watching the huge snake sway, Iolaus reluctantly handed his knife to the boy he knew was his best friend. What he really wanted was for them both to leave, *now*, but there was no way he was going to desert Alcaeus. He moved back, further out of the way to the edge of the clearing, determined to help in any way he could. Iolaus saw his best friend race around the back of the giant serpent and leap onto the back of its long neck as it lunged forward to where he had been standing seconds earlier. Alcaeus attempted to drive the knife in his hand into the serpent's eye but was thrown from its back by a ripple of the Python's great muscles. Iolaus reacted without thinking, and raced forward to pick up the embedded torch. He held it high above his head as the creature lunged again at the slightly winded Alcaeus. Distracted by the flames rushing towards it, the Python turned its attention to the blond boy. Screaming at Iolaus for him to get away, Alcaeus picked up the dropped knife. Again leaping on the serpent's back, he narrowly avoided its thrashing tail. This time he was more successful and just as the monster was about to knock Iolaus flying, he was able to drive the knife into one eye and deep into the Python's brain. Jumping off the dying serpent's back he yelled, "Iolaus, throw me the torch!"
Instinctively Iolaus did as he was told, arcing the flame high in the air so Alcaeus could catch it easily. Once he had it firmly in his grasp, the young demi-god applied the fire to the giant snake's face. The wooden replica had been very old and was tinder dry and the flames took hold immediately and consumed it. The two boys stood watching as the flames died away, more than a little stunned by their narrow escape. At that moment the air shimmered and standing beside them was the handsomest being Iolaus had ever seen.
"Today you have earned the name I gave you, Herakles. You choose your friends well."
"Did Hera convince you to send that thing after me, Apollo? Is that why I was chosen to be here today?"
"No, little brother. I knew Hera was planning something, but I actually like you, so I contrived circumstances to give you the best chance of winning against whatever she sent against you."
"Won't Hera be angry with you for that?" asked Iolaus, unable to help himself.
"No, Iolaus. Zeus is furious over what she did here today, so she won't dare say or do anything to me." Apollo laughed. "By the way, I have something for you, Iolaus."
"For me?" asked an obviously stunned boy.
"Yes, this is for you. A gift from me for your courage in staying to help Herakles here." Apollo handed Iolaus the sword he had admired, what seemed to the boys like days ago.
Not quite sure what to say, Iolaus repeated the words he'd used earlier that day. "I am honoured to accept your gift, Lord Apollo." Again unable to help himself he continued, "Um ... Apollo?"
The god of prophecy was amused by what he knew was coming, but, as he liked Iolaus, he let him continue. "Yes, Iolaus?"
"Herakles is really hard to say, and Herak sounds awful, could you make his name Hercules instead? I mean, they do mean the same thing, don't they?"
"Yes they do, Iolaus," the handsome god laughed. "Just for you, from this day forward, Alcaeus will be known as Hercules in honour of what happened here today."
Hercules had retrieved Iolaus' knife and was now shaking his head, "You just had to say that, didn't you? Now I'll never get rid of the name." he said, looking at his friend.
Iolaus just laughed, "Well, it suits you."
"I think for this year I'll declare the ceremony over now," Apollo announced as he walked with the boys to the edge of the grove where he summoned his chief priestess. The crowd were so in awe at seeing Apollo in person, they hardly noticed that the ceremony was never actually finished.
Before the boys went off to bed, Electryon asked Iolaus to come and have a talk with him outside. As he had learned not only to respect Hercules' grandfather, but really like him, the boy was only too happy to do so. Electryon had already discussed his idea with his grandson who had instantly approved. After the two settled on the steps of the house, Electryon turned to look at his grandson's best friend. "Iolaus, I was wrong about you and I'd like to make it up to you. Hercules is going to go to school with the centaurs who live in the Theban hills. Would you like to go with him?"
Iolaus looked across at his best friend, who was also a young demi-god, and than back up at Electryon. His eyes were suspiciously bright as he quietly replied, "Yes sir, I'd like that very much."
"Then it's settled. Tomorrow we'll return home and ask your mother. Somehow I think she'll agree, don't you?"
"Yes sir I do," Iolaus grinned.
"Well then, it's off to bed for you both, as you have your whole lives ahead of you for your escapades. Right now you need to get some sleep." Electryon watched the two boys disappear inside knowing that his grandson had found a companion for his adventures worthy of his friendship.
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