Note: Regina is not online yet but all messages will be forwarded to her.
DEDICATED TO ALL VICTIMS OF ABUSE, EITHER LIVING OR DECEASED.
Iolaus paused in his examination of a particularly succulent piece of fruit at the vendor's stand, at the sound of a child's distressed cry. Even in the busy marketplace, the small voice registered on his brain and he raised his head in search of its source.
Across the way from his location, next to the corner of an empty booth, the hulking figure of a man leaned over a smaller figure he had grasped in a tight hold by the wrist. Iolaus saw the man raise his hand and deliver a resounding smack across the cringing boy's face. The child sprawled in the dirt, whimpering, obviously in pain. To Iolaus' shock, the man repeatedly beat the youngster over the head with his fist. The child could not have been more than nine or ten years old.
Iolaus stole a quick glance around at the spectators, who kept a cautious distance away and had paused in their activities to watch, none interfering with this outrage. The man didn't seem to be aware or care that his actions were being witnessed by the dozens of people in the square. He was scolding the boy, his face a red, demented mask, as his hand rose and fell.
A wild rage surged through Iolaus' body, propelling him forward, without even considering what he was about to do. When he'd closed the distance between himself and the brute, Iolaus launched himself into the air, tucking his feet up to his chest. He kicked outward at the peak of his flight, catching the man square in the chest and shoulders. Iolaus' momentum carried the both of them to the ground with a hard thud. The little man further used his momentum to carry him forward into a tight roll, that allowed him to come to his feet instantly.
The crowd gasped, surprised by the blond man's sudden entrance into the scene before them. They moved back even farther to give the combatants more room to maneuver. The man, though momentarily stunned by the abrupt intrusion, shook himself and rose to face his diminutive attacker. Iolaus returned his enraged glare with equal fire and shouted,
"What in Tartarus do you think you're doing to that boy?'. He's hardly capable of defending himself from--'.' Iolaus cut short his tirade. The man bellowed like an animal and charged Iolaus like a bull. Iolaus ducked under his lunge and spun his leg around to catch the other' s backside solidly, shoving him into the empty stand. It shattered with his exceptional weight, leaving the brute sprawled in much the same fashion as the child.
But, unlike the boy, who remained still, the man collected himself and grabbed one of the splintered boards as he regained his feet. To Iolaus' dismay, the man advanced on him with surprising speed, overtaking him quickly, swinging the board in an arc that slammed Iolaus in the abdomen, doubling him over.
At that precise moment, Hercules stepped out into the sunlight from a shop halfway down the street. As his eyes adjusted to the light, he caught sight of the fighting pair in the distance. The all-to-familiar figure of his friend now bent over in agony spurred him into immediate action. As he bolted to his partner's side, the assailant followed through from his initial blow with an uppercut that connected with the little hunter's chin, flipping Iolaus backwards and slamming him to the ground on his back. He lay spread-eagled and unmoving. The man lifted his foot to stomp Iolaus on the chest, but found himself bowled over by the force of ten men.
Hercules yanked the board from the man' s hands and flung it away, then hauled him to his feet. The man came up swinging, catching Herc on his left cheek.
The blow stunned him momentarily, but he recovered quickly and gripped the man' s fist as it made a second pass. Hercules countered with a punch of his own that laid out the brute, unconscious. Once assured he wouldn't be getting up anytime soon, Hercules whirled around, seeking out his friend. He trotted over to Iolaus and knelt down beside him. He slid his arm beneath Iolaus' shoulders, easing him into a sitting position. Iolaus' head lolled to the side and fell on Herc's chest. His eyes remained closed. The demigod' brows knitted with worry.
He gently tilted his companion's head back to peer into his face. An ugly bruise was already purpling the warrior's chin, blood tracing a path down his neck from a nasty gash. Hercules leaned an ear next to the smaller man's mouth, relieved to hear a steady breathing. He quickly scanned the rest of the man' s body and noticed the darkening area on his bare midriff. Herc felt his temper do a slow burn as he cradled Iolaus in his arms and rose. Several people milled in a circle around them. Seeing Hercules' grim expression, they moved hastily aside to let him pass. He pinned his gaze on a number of them and asked,
"Did anyone see what happened here?" The response was silence and negative shakes of their heads. Some hurried away to occupy themselves elsewhere. This only angered the tall man more, but he tempered himself in order to tend to Iolaus' needs. He sought out the assailant with his eyes and surprised to see that he was nowhere in sight. An unease crept over him.
With a sense of disgust, he turned back to the inn and headed for the rooms he and Iolaus had procured. As he passed the innkeeper in the common room, he demanded that water and cloths be brought to him. The inn keeper complied hastily and followed him up to Iolaus' room. Herc shoved the door open with his toe and crossed to the bed. He settled Iolaus on the sheets and removed his vest and boots. Taking the proffered basin of water and pieces of cloth, Hercules gingerly dabbed a cool, damp compress to the now swollen bruises on his friend's chin. With as gentle a touch as possible, he checked for broken bones and found none. He also tried to stem the flow of blood where the skin had split from the impact, but it still bled freely. Herc again pressed the folded cloth to the wound.
The inn keeper touched his shoulder. When Herc looked up, the man handed him a threaded fine bone needle. Hercules accepted it gratefully, spending the next several minutes carefully stitching the wound. When he'd completed that task he again directed his attention to the hunter's face. He lifted Iolaus' eyelids and checked the pupils. They were normal and even. Herc sighed with relief.
His gaze then went to the man's chest and abdomen. Herc lightly pressed his fingers into the tightly sinewed muscles and was pleased to note that there were no unusual lumps or cracked ribs. Only then did he relax somewhat. Sensing Hercules' calming demeanor, the innkeeper ventured to speak.
"Is he going to be alright?" he asked timidly. Hercules glanced up at him, where the man hovered at Herc's shoulder. Herc smiled mirthlessly.
"I think so. When I asked anyone if they could tell me what had happened, though, everyone was conveniently occupied. There was this big guy who decided to use my friend here as a punching bag. Do you know who I'm referring to?"
The innkeeper's face paled considerably. He glanced uneasily at the door, then turned back to Hercules. He licked his lips nervously.
"Don't say where you heard it from, but that would be Braegus. It doesn't take much to set him off. He's, you know, a bit--different."
"Different in what way?" Herc prompted. The man wrung his hands.
"I don't know for sure--just different, that's all. His mind is--well-- strange. Everyone is afraid of him. You two are the first to give him a run for his money, heh, heh." He chuckled shakily. The smile faded when he realized that Hercules wasn't laughing. He cleared his throat apologetically. He continued his explanation.
"Anyway, no one can control him when he goes berserk. It's best just to stay out of his way." He added with a lame shrug.
Herc studied him a moment, then shifted his gaze to Iolaus when the poor fellow moaned softly. Hercules reapplied the moistened cloth, this time across the warrior's forehead. Iolaus stirred weakly, but didn't open his eyes. He muttered incoherently, then sank back into unconsciousness. Hercules called his name gently, but Iolaus remained oblivious. The innkeeper touched his shoulder lightly. When the demigod gave him his attention, he asked politely, not wishing to anger his famous guest.
"May I get you anything else? Food, drink? I can bring it up here for you so you won't have to leave your friend. But I do have to get back to the rest of my clients." Hercules nodded gratefully for the offer.
"Yes, food will do and some extra cloths and more water. I'll need to finish cleaning him up."
The innkeeper nodded and left, pulling the door closed quietly behind him. In a few minutes he returned with a large pitcher of water and fresh cloths, depositing them on a side table. He eyed Iolaus' still form, his brows knitting slightly.
"Are you sure he'll be okay? Those bruises look awful." he queried nervously. Herc parted his shoulder, towering over the man.
"He's got a pretty hard head. I've seen him come through far worse than this. A little rest is what he needs right now. I just wish I knew what started this fight in the first place. Something must have given him a reason to get involved."
"Urn, yes, well that may be true." The man replied hesitantly. He fidgeted a bit, then added, "Well, if you need anything else, I'll be downstairs." He didn't wait for Herc's reply and hastily made his exit. Hercules stared after him sensing that the man was not telling him the whole story. He shook his head, puzzled and a little annoyed.
Picking up a new cloth., Herc dipped it into the basin, then carefully bathed Iolaus' torso, removing the remainder of blood he'd missed the first time. Iolaus shuddered and moaned again. His eyelids fluttered open, and he gazed dully at Hercules.
It took a few moments for him to focus on his friend. He tried to sit up, but winced out loud when the pain on his face and gut reminded him of his ordeal. He flopped back on the bed, his face.going paler still.
"Ahh--ohhh."' He groaned, gingerly touching the tender wound on his chin.
"Where are we?' he asked. Herc grinned a little, pulling Iolaus' hand away from his face.
"Don't touch that. Its still leaking a little blood. We're back in your room at the inn. Do you remember what happened?" He questioned his companion.
"You mean 'Who happened?' Some big oak tree whacked me in the head--I think." Iolaus uttered, screwing up his face again. It hurt to talk.
"Right again. Wanna tell me what it was all about?"
Iolaus paused in his self-examination. He winced when he tested the area around his abdomen. He stared at his friend incredulously.
"Didn't you see the child, Herc? Why, I thought he'd beat the poor kid to death,. I--I just couldn't stomach that." Iolaus said carefully, trying to move his jaw as little as possible. Herc sat back, a disturbed expression on his face.
Iolaus caught the look and frowned. He held Hercules' gaze.
"You did see a child, didn't you?" He pressed, a sick feeling in his stomach. When Hercules shook his head no, Iolaus' eyes took on a dark haunted look.
"I swear, Herc, he was all over that boy. What is it?" he asked. seeing Herc' s features tense up.
"I asked some of the people standing around, what had happened between you and that big ox. No one offered any explanations and no one even mentioned a child. I punched the guy out when I saw what he did to you, but he disappeared when I went to help you. So I brought you back here." Herc answered.
Iolaus just stared at him, first with shock, then a slow, burning 'rage crossed his face. Hercules understood his friend's reaction. It would explain the hunter's brash involvement with a man who clearly outsized and out weighed him. Being small of stature, Iolaus could relate to being the target of bigger bullies and was even criticized often by his own father. Seeing any unfortunate individual being abused by someone like this Braegus, would certainly rub the salt in those old wounds Iolaus bore, with the obvious results.
Iolaus was already halfway out of the bed before Herc realized and he caught the warrior before he collapsed.
"Hold on there, my friend. You've been out for awhile. We can find this- Braegus--once I'm convinced that you're okay. Now, just settle down. We'll find out who or what is behind these disappearing acts too. Come on, lay back down." He eased his friend back down on the pillow. Iolaus' white face still held an edge, but he complied without an argument. His head hurt anyway. Satisfied, Hercules offered him the cool cloth and motioned for him to apply it to his bruised chin. After several long moments, Iolaus spoke up.
"So--who's this Braegus guy anyway? How did you find out his name?"
"The inn-keeper told me, but he seemed pretty nervous about revealing that. Says the guy is some kind of berserker and everyone is terrified of him." the big man replied, shaking his head. Iolaus snorted.
"That would explain why nobody went to the boy's defense except me. It was scary, Herc. The kid was flat out on the ground. You sure you didn't see him?"
The haunted look returned. Hercules again shook his head. Iolaus kneaded the cloth between his hands, then tossed it angrily into the basin.
"Hey!" Herc chuckled when some of the water splashed on his arm. Iolaus was not the least bit repentant. His attention was focused inward. Herc lost his smile a bit. He reached over and clasped the hunter's shoulder affectionately.
"Hey, in there. I'm on your side, okay? I believe you,buddy." he said encouragingly. Iolaus gave him a measured look, then relaxed with a sigh. He even tried to smile, but was yet again reminded of his injury and winced. Hercules stood up and stretched.
"Don't worry, Iolaus, we'll find this guy and find out what his problem is. You hungry?" The last he said to draw Iolaus' attention away from this sore subject. Iolaus nodded slowly. Herc moved to the door, but stepped back just in time as a knock was heard and in bustled the innkeeper's wife with a tray laden with food. She deftly transferred it from her arm to the table by the bed and managed to scoop up the water basin in one motion. The two men exchanged glances. With a stern look, she motioned for Hercules to move aside. When he did so, she glided up along the side of the bed and studied Iolaus' face with a critical eye. Without touching him, she waggled her fingers for him to lift up his chin. She scrutinized the wound and Herc's handiwork with a woman's practiced eye. She nodded approval and her face opened up with a pleased smile.
"You'll do." She stated cheerfully. "Now, you both go ahead and eat up. It ain't every day we get someone who--" She paused, catching herself.
"Who, what?" Iolaus asked, jumping on her statement.
"Now you fellas never mind, and enjoy your dinner. I'll be back later to fetch them plates." She pointed to the steaming food and hustled out the door, evading the question.
"You get the feeling we're getting the runaround?" Iolaus muttered, with a sideways glance at Hercules. The big man studied the door thoughtfully a moment, then ran his fingers through his light brown hair.
"Don't know, but I think you're right. Like I said, we'll get to the bottom of this. Now, do as the good lady says and eat." They settled into their meal, but their thoughts were elsewhere.
The next day found them in the magistrate's office near the end of the town. He was an obsequious man with an elegantly decorated office and silk robes draping his pampered body. Hercules and Iolaus were ushered into the room by a lovely, dark-haired assistant, whose eyes lingered suggestively as she left. Normally receptive to such attention, Hercules kept his focus on their host. Iolaus barely spared her a glance, so intent was he on his mission. He walked stiffly and a little unsteadily, his injuries hampering his usually bouncy step. They'd come to the magistrate on Iolaus' insistence, determined to plead his case for the sake of the missing child. Hercules was reluctant to argue with his friend, that they didn't even know the name of the child they sought to champion. When Iolaus got into a frame of mind as he was now, even Hercules respected his mood.
That mood was beginning to flare into outrage, judging from Iolaus' flushed complexion and steely glare, at the response he'd just received from the magistrate.
Hercules laid a cautioning hand on the hunter's shoulder and stepped forward, leaning on the official's desk with his hands. He modulated his voice.
"You mean to say we need to have witnesses to this beating? Well, Iolaus here is not only a witness, but a victim as well, as you can see by his injuries."
"But where is this child you speak of? There have been no complaints of a child being beaten." The magistrate stated, spreading his hands helplessly Iolaus stepped around his friend's larger bulk, a dark look infusing his pale features.
"We're making the complaint in behalf of the child--sir!" He nearly shouted through his frustration. Hercules tried again.
"Sir, you are familiar with this man Braegus, aren't you? In such a small town it seems almost everyone knows him. Can't something be done about his conduct?"
The magistrate deliberately folded his hands in front of him and leaned back in his plush chair.
"Yes, I know him. But, as I said, there were no complaints. Without this child to testify to your accusations, then I have to believe that no crime was committed. Perhaps your friend here had a bit too much to drink and got into a brawl.
"Perhaps he pushed Braegus into a fight and now seeks to work it into his favor. I do not really wish to fine you for fighting since you are not from here, but if you persist, I will exercise my right to do so." He stated coolly, virtually dismissing them.
Iolaus' mouth dropped open in utter shock. He threw up his hands in disgust, slapping his thighs as he brought them down.
"I don't believe this'." he sputtered, turned on his heel and stormed out the door. Hercules lingered a moment longer, his own disbelief directed at the magistrate in his intense, blue eyed glare. Then he, too, exited in his companion's wake. Iolaus was almost halfway back to their rooms at the inn, his walk, though pained, was brisk. Herc had to jog to catch up to him.
"Iolaus, wait!" he called out, reaching him at last. The little man stopped so suddenly, that Herc nearly bowled him over. He checked himself in time as Iolaus whirled to face him.
"How can that pompous windbag say that, Herc?'." He demanded, waving his arms around and pacing back and forth."'If there's no child to testify, then no crime was committed.' He didn't even want to deal with it! It was all I could do to--to--keep myself from shoving my fist down his throat'."
Hercules allowed Iolaus to vent himself. He understood perfectly his partner's anger and shared it. What was wrong with these people anyway? Did no one want to help them? He caught Iolaus by the arm gently, to stop him from pacing, then turned him to face him. Iolaus studied Herc's expression expectantly.
"I feel the same as you do. But we can't afford to get ourselves thrown in prison. So, we do the next logical thing." He stated.
"Find the kid, right?" Iolaus concluded hopefully. Herc clapped him on the arm.
"Now you're on the right track. The sooner the better, before Braegus hurts someone else." He draped an arm across Iolaus' shoulders. Iolaus heaved a huge sigh and nodded. They continued on towards the inn. They were almost to the door when Iolaus grabbed Herc's arm, pointing towards a vegetable stand. His voice became excited.
"Herc, look'. That's the one:" he exclaimed, pulling him along.
"What-- wait, Iolaus, what are you talking about?" Hercules replied.
"Him! Over there'. We don't have to search for him. With that woman! Come on!." the blond man said, urging him on. They reached the woman who had a young boy close to her side, as they perused the fruit and vegetables before them. She turned a startled look on them as they approached and shrank back, clutching the youngster tighter against her.
"What do you want?" she asked defensively, but it was clear she was terrified of them. Iolaus gave her a gentle smile and spread his hands.
"No--We're not going to hurt you. We just want to ask you a question." he stated easily. At the same time his eyes were checking out the condition of the boy. It was hot but he was wearing long sleeves. He cowered next to his mother, his face turning into her skirt.
But not before Iolaus and Hercules saw the ugly bruises about his pale face. Iolaus spoke softly anew, schooling his features to be pleasant, but his stomach was knotted into a tight ball.
"Hey, my friend, I was there when that guy hit you. See, he got me too.
"We were only concerned that you were okay. We'd like to help."
"You don't know what you're talking about. We don't want your help! Please leave us alone!" the woman nearly shouted, dragging the child by the arm and hustling him away from the two warriors. The boy chanced a glance behind him and raised a hand to them, whether in a pleading gesture or a simple farewell, neither one knew. Iolaus started after them, but found himself being yanked backwards and off his feet. He turned furious eyes on Hercules.
"Herc, I've just about had it with--uh, oh!" he ranted, until he realized that it wasn't his friend who held him in a vise grip. Braegus' snarling face was inches from his own. Hercules lay sprawled several feet away, a dazed look on his visage.
"What do you want with my woman and boy?! I'll tear you limb from limb!!" he growled. The brown eyes bore into Iolaus' blue ones with the demented intensity of a madman. Iolaus believed that the man would definitely follow through wlth his threat. He tried to wriggle free but the brute held him fast.
' Where the hell did he come from?' Iolaus had but a moment to ponder, before Braegus launched him through the air. His aim was on target as the hapless warrior collided ungracefully with a post. Iolaus' last conscious thought was 'not again' as he collapsed in a heap at its base.
Hercules, meanwhile, seeing Iolaus' predicament, reached out his hand and tripped up the berserker, as the man attempted a second go at the smaller man. Braegus landed flat on his face, the wind knocked out of him. Hercules scrambled on top of him to hold him down, just as the magistrate's guards came running towards them.
Someone do something about this guy before he kills somebody!" Herc panted to the lieutenant. "We were minding our own business when he attacked us"
"That ain't the way I heard it was. You'll all be spending a little down time in the jail for creating a disturbance, compliments of the magistrate." the lieutenant stated. As an afterthought, he muttered for only Herc's ears,
"Sorry, Hercules, I've got my orders." There was a genuine sincerity in his eyes and an almost pleading tone to his voice. Although perturbed, Hercules nodded, indicating that he wouldn't cause any problems. He motioned to where Iolaus lay.
"May I at least take care of my friend?" he asked, modulating his voice.
The guard glanced over at the wounded and unconscious hunter and stepped back, allowing Hercules to go to him. Herc bent over Iolaus' still figure, touched his fingers to the man's neck and sighed with relief when he found his pulse. He gathered the little man once again in his arms and followed in the direction the others were taking. He uttered softly to Iolaus, even though he knew he couldn't hear him.
This is getting to be a habit, my friend. I think I'm going to buy you a helmet."
"Iolaus," the familiar voice spoke in his ear. Iolaus tried to focus on the sound of his name. He attempted to move despite the explosion of pain in his skull. He moaned weakly. A cool cloth was pressed lightly across his forehead and temples, bringing him up to a closer level of consciousness. The voice spoke to him again, laced with concern.
"Come on, Iolaus. Wake up for me, buddy." Herc said. Iolaus again reached for the sound, forcing open his eyes. Even in the dim light, they hurt. He shifted slightly, alerting his companion to his wakefulness. Iolaus struggled to sit up, but Herc's gauntleted arm gently pressed him back down.
"Easy. Wake up, but don't try to get up, just yet. You've a nasty lump on that thick skull of yours." Hercules chided with an affectionate chuckle. Iolaus put his hand up to his throbbing head. Indeed, to his dismay, a large, raised bump graced his forehead near the hairline. He lay on a small cot, Herc's thigh pillowing his head. When his eyes finally came into focus, he realized that they were not in their room.
"Funny." he replied sourly. "Where is this place?" Then, "I don't feel so good." Hercules studied Iolaus' face. It was drained of all color. Without a moment's hesitation, he raised the hunter to an upright position. Iolaus immediately bent over, becoming violently ill. Herc's amused smile faded to worry. The son of Zeus supported his friend by the shoulders until the nausea passed. Iolaus was panting, a whimper escaping his lips. Hercules soaked the cloth in the nearby water bucket and tenderly bathed the other's face. He dipped it again, coaxing Iolaus to hold it against his cheeks. The little man managed to do so with shaky fingers.
When he was certain Iolaus would not be sick again, Hercules urged him to lay back down. Iolaus closed his eyes and concentrated on taking a few slow, even breaths. He managed a trace sip or two of water that the bigger man offered, his forehead beaded with sweat. Herc's heart lurched with pity at the expression on his face.
"Better?" he asked, carefully brushing damp strands of pale hair away from the wound. It was already a matching purple color to the one on Iolaus' chin.
Iolaus' response was a hoarse whisper. "No." he uttered, licking his lips. You--didn't answer--my question--where?" Hercules tucked the cloth in the other's hand with a gentle squeeze.
"We're in prison, by order of the magistrate. Braegus, too, in another cell." Hercules answered.
"Herc?" Iolaus muttered.
"Umm?" Herc replied.
"Remind me later--that I owe that--bastard, okay? A' least he's--off the streets..." His thick voice trailed off in a slur. The gold lashes shuttered his blue eyes, as he sank into a restless sleep. Hercules watched over Iolaus for the next couple of hours, making a mental note to wake him if he slept too long. Herc feared that he may have suffered a more serious injury which was not visible. He was encouraged, however, that his brave companion was cognizant of things around him. Iolaus' shear determination to get even with Braegus, was incentive enough for him to recover, even though Iolaus wasn't a vindictive man.
Not that Hercules himself did not wish to throttle the maniac. Braegus had already injured Iolaus twice and that poor, unfortunate child, at least once that they knew of. He suspected that the youngster had suffered more at the hands of his father than anyone cared to admit. Iolaus' obsession with trying to stop Braegus was something of a mystery to the son of Zeus, to the point of risking imprisonment.
Like Hercules, Iolaus would not tolerate the helpless or less fortunate being used or abused. More so, neither could stomach the weak-willed who ignored or allowed such abuse to occur.
It was late afternoon when the lieutenant returned to their cell. He opened the door, motioning the two men out. Hercules glanced sideways at his companion, who'd awakened only a short time before, and was sitting upright.
"Can you make it okay?" Herc asked. In response, Iolaus eased his legs over the side of the cot and slowly stood up. He toppled into Hercules' supporting arms, clinging to him until the wave of dizziness passed. Then Herc led his friend towards the open entrance. They paused in front of the guard, who could not quite hide the look of concern and guilt on his face. Hercules gave him a measured look.
"Why the sudden change of heart? Are we going to see the magistrate? Iolaus here is hardly in any condition to be standing for any length of time." Hercules demanded softly. The guard lowered his eyes briefly, then squared his shoulders with a sigh.
"Your punishment is complete, as directed by the magistrate. You and your friend are free to go." He stated tonelessly.
"What about Braegus?" Iolaus pressed, his mind on only one track. The guard, Sortis, answered with a shrug.
"He's also free to go. The punishment is the same for him." Iolaus gave Sortis a disgusted glare, snorted and shook his head, too exhausted to argue.
Hercules had a half smile on his lips, which was in no way cheerful. His blue eyes held Sortis' hazel ones.
"You're kidding, right? The magistrate is going to let that guy walk around, maybe hurt someone else like Iolaus? What' s it take for you guys to see he's dangerous?" Herc shot back, his voice in deadly earnest.
"I don't make the rules, Hercules. I just enforce them." Sortis replied defensively.
"Yeah--sure you do"' Iolaus muttered sarcastically. "Come on, Herc, I think I 'm going to be sick again." He bent over slightly. Sortis stepped back hastily out of range. Iolaus grinned wickedly, then nudged Herc's arm. Hercules grinned at Iolaus' joke and they walked out, the little man leaning heavily on his taller companion.
Once they were outside, Hercules glanced back. Sortis was watching them from the doorway, his expression a bit peeved. Herc chuckled, turning his attention back to Iolaus. The hunter's smile was gone replaced by a strained look. Pain still lingered in his eyes, set in a pallid face.
"Are you?" Herc asked. Iolaus looked up at him, squinting in the bright
"Am I what?" was his reply.
"Are you going to be sick again?" Herc wanted to know. A ghost of a smile crossed Iolaus' mouth.
"No, that was for Sortis' sake." He stated, wiping perspiration from his upper lip. "MY head hurts, that's all."
"Then let's get you back to the inn, where you have a better bed to rest on. Braegus'll have to wait." Herc felt Iolaus stiffen at the mention of the name, but he nonetheless, followed Herc to the inn. Both men felt the need to bathe after the filth of the cell and ate a light meal, once they'd refreshed themselves.
The innkeeper's wife clucked over them jovially, while serving them their meal. She seemed to be the only soul who was cheerful in this whole town. She offered to bring up an herbal concoction which she boasted would ease the swelling on Iolaus' head wound. Iolaus accepted the offer graciously. The two men retired to Iolaus' room following dinner. Iolaus sat heavily on the bed and kicked off his boots.
Herc straddled his long legs across a chair, leaning his elbows on the back. He studied his friend's thoughtful expression. Iolaus sensed his scrutiny and ran his fingers through his tousled, blonde locks.
"So, Herc, What are we going to do about Braegus? My gut feeling tells me something bad is bound to happen, especially if we leave without ensuring that woman and child are safe." He stated with emotion. Herc scratched a spot on his ~cheek.
Iolaus had a valid point. He really had no idea how they would deal with Braegus. They'd already been unsuccessful with the magistrate. Even more worrisome was the woman herself, who refused to acknowledge the danger to herself and her son.
It was obvious she was afraid of her husband, perhaps all men, judging from her volatile reaction to Iolaus and him, and all they were trying to do was help.
To Iolaus, he raised his hands in a gesture of uncertainty.
"Well, we struck out with the magistrate and with Braegus' wife. Maybe we can get the boy alone and talk to him. If we want to convince the magistrate, we need to allow the bey to plead his case." he said.
"Yeah, but we've got to do so discreetly. You know, maybe we can find where he goes to school. Talk to him afterwards, although that may be hard to do. It seems like Braegus is everywhere. I can't believe he's allowed to carry on so." Iolaus mused, pursing his lips and absently stroking his tender chin.
Hercules pushed himself up from the chair and slid it beneath the table.
He moved to Iolaus' side, squeezed his shoulder affectionately, then headed for the door.
"Get some rest, first. We'll try your suggestion in the morning. Maybe this time we'll get lucky." he replied hopefully. As if on cue, in marched the innkeeper's wife with a pasty substance in a bowl, a cloth draped over her arm.
She strode purposely to the side of the bed, ordered Iolaus to lay back and proceeded to slather the mixture on his chin and forehead. Iolaus' eyes begged Herc to stay, but the taller man's smile was full of devilment. He waved teasingly and closed the door behind him. He chuckled and shook his head as he strode to his own room for a much needed rest.
The next day dawned hot, sticky and gloomy. Heavy rain clouds hung pendulously, waiting to disgorge their watery burden. The two heroes walked the length of the town, after having acquired directions to the building used as a schoolhouse.
The man who gave them the directions was sullen and seemed less interested in knowing the reason for their request. He resumed his woodworking task without another word. As the two men walked away, only then did he pause. He shook his head silently, pitying them the task he suspected they were about. No one had succeeded before. He didn't think it would be any different now, judging from the bruises on the shorter guy's face. He shook his head again. Gutsy little fellow, but neither of them had a chance against Braegus. 'Gods help them, he thought and resumed his carving.
Hercules and Iolaus found the structure at the end of a row of shops. Iolaus started towards the entrance, but Herc caught hold of, his arm.
"Hold on a minute. We're not going to disrupt the class. Even if we go in- side, we don't know the boy's name. Let's wait until they are dismissed. In the mean- time, we could pick up a couple of supplies we'll need, once we leave this most hospitable town." His irony was not lost on Iolaus, who tilted a corner of his mouth up in a half-grin and nodded impatiently. Thunder grumbled in the distance.
They strolled to where several vendors hawked their wares. Iolaus procured a new whetstone for his bootknife and his sword. He dropped a dinar in the merchant's palm and tucked the stone in a pouch on his belt. He turned to ask Hercules a question when his eye caught sight of a familiar figure at the far end of the street.
Braegus strode purposely towards the woman chatting with the vegetable vendor.
Braegus reached her in a moment and yanked her back forcibly by the hair, slapping her in the face with his hand. The smack was loud enough to reach the two warriors where they stood. Lightning flickered overhead.
"No!" Iolaus snarled and bolted towards the pair, disregarding his safety, before Hercules could stop him. The big man, taking in the scene in a split second, was fast on his partner's heels. Braegus was battering the woman, screaming for all who were within earshot.
"You cheating whore! Seeing another man! I'll make you pay!" The woman cringed, trying to cover her face with her hands. Blood trickled down her cheek.
"No-- Braegus--don't.' You're wrong! I was-- just buying some fruit!" she sobbed. Just then, the magistrate emerged from his office, two doors down,with the guard Sortis at his side. Lightning flared again.
Simultaneously, the children streamed outside from their lessons and were pointing at the unfolding scene. One little boy, his dark hair catching the rising wind, took a few steps forward and stopped,Frightened eyes peered out of the battered face. A peal of thunder rattled nearby.
Iolaus reached Braegus, but didn't stop, plowing his smaller frame into the berserker's huge bulk. The impact broke the man's grip on his wife, allowing her to scramble behind the vendor' s stall. Braegus grabbed Iolaus and flung him to the side.
Iolaus flopped to the ground, the wind momentarily knocked out of him. A stab of pain shot up his leg as he wrenched it impacting the ground. He dragged him- self to his feet regardless, narrowly dodging Braegus' powerfully swinging fist.
Hercules pinned Braegus in a bear-hug, in an attempt to restrain him from going after Iolaus. Braegus heaved him backwards as well. Behind them all, in the middle of the street, stood the dark-haired youth, tears streaming down his cheeks.
He began first to walk, then run towards the combants, crying out.
"Papa--papa, no.' Please don't hurt mama.' Please don't hurt them--no:" He latched on to his father's wide leather belt.
Braegus whirled, dislodging the boy's tentative hold. He balled his meaty fist and backhanded the youngster. The child's head twisted with a sickening snap, as he was flung across the dirt ground. The thin tangle of limbs lay sprawled and unmoving. Braegus barely paid him much notice, intent instead;on searching for Hercules.
He was not disappointed, for Hercules plowed his own fist into his nose, all of his godly strength behind it. Braegus crumpled to the ground. He lay unconscious. Hercules stood over him to make sure that he didn't get up again. Then he sought Iolaus, who had stumbled to the boy's side. The thunder rumbled ominously.
Iolaus knelt down and carefully rolled the boy unto his back. Bright red blood streamed from the child's nose and ears. Iolaus could see the ugly stamp that marked the boy's cheek. He frantically searched for a life pulse, but failed to find one and realized by the odd angle the youngster's head lay, that his neck was broken. Iolaus bowed his own head, punching his knee repeatedly, tears welling in his eyes. They spilled over at the same time the rain broke loose of the clouds in a torrent.
"Damn--damn--no!" he sobbed, his voice catching in his throat. His curses were the only sound heard above the pounding rhythm of the rain.
Hercules felt his gut seize and glanced over to where the frightened woman huddled next to the vendor. Her eyes met Herc's and realization flickered in them.
"Torian?" she uttered, her hands flying to her trembling lips. Hercules slowly shook his head. "Oh,no,no:" she wailed, rocking back and forth. The vendor pulled her closer to his shoulder, trying to comfort her.
Hercules could no longer watch her grief. He understood what it was like to lose a child. He directed his attention back to Iolaus. The hunter had cradled the lifeless body in his arms, Torian's blood blending with the sheeting rain down his bare chest. Water streamed in tiny rivulets along the wavy strands of his pale matted hair. Iolaus turned in a slow circle, a terrible combination of grief .and rage firing his eyes.
"Why?!" he screamed in anguish. "Why did this have to happen? Why wouldn't anyone help him--help them? He murdered his own son!" At this point, his voice cracked over a sob. The thunder bellowed once more. Iolaus fought to control himself and stared at all the stunned faces surrounding them. He was on a roll, not caring what they thought of him.
"You all knew what Braegus was like. Someone should have done something: Gods, he was only a child!" To emphasize his point, Iolaus exhibited the battered form in his arms for all to see. Then his eyes lit on the magistrate standing under an awning to one side. The man' s face was pale. Iolaus moved deliberately towards him until he was right up in the man's face.
"Here's your victim and here's your testimony:" Iolaus growled in a tight, broken voice. Despite the rain, there wasn't a soul who did not hear his declaration. The magistrate stared guiltily at the stricken child, then lowered his eyes, This just served to infuriate the hunter more.
"Look at him!" Iolaus ordered fiercely~ through gritted teeth. "Remember him! All of you!" The magistrate locked gazes with Iolaus once more, then ordered Sortis to take Braegus into custody. Iolaus hugged the boy tighter and limped over to where Torian's mother huddled weeping. She reached out possessively for her son.
Iolaus knelt in the mud and gently laid him into her embrace. He swallowed the lump in his throat, speaking softly,
"I'm --so sorry: We had truly-- wanted--to help." She just stared through him, as though he wasn't there, rocking back and forth. The woman's lost expression was too much for the warrior and he pushed himself to his feet. Having spoken his peace, Iolaus simply turned and limped away.
Hercules watched in silence, his friend's retreating back. He shared Iolaus' utter helplessness at their failure. Sparing the grieving mother one last glance, he caught the vendor watching him. The man stroked the woman's arm protectively.
"We'll see to them. I promise." he stated quietly. Hercules merely nodded and started after Iolaus. However, when he reached the magistrate, he paused. His deep baritone reflected his contempt.
"You have your crime. Now do the right thing, for their sake." He tilted his head in the direction of the tragic pair. He didn't wait for the official's 'response, and strode away in search of his companion.
Hercules returned to the inn, thinking he'd find Iolaus there. He retrieved their belongings when he discovered that the little man had not come back. As he descended the stairs, both the innkeeper and his wife approached him.
"We are sorry to see you go." the man stated sadly. "Despite what has happened, you and your friend may have finally given them a wake-up call. No one's really tried as hard as you two to stop Braegus, 'cause of being afraid. Can't count how many times that man has--well, 'punished' his wife for things he only imagined she did."
"The child, too." added the innkeeper's wife. There was no joy about her now. There was a sad edge to her voice. She wrung her hands in her apron.
"The sad part is, she still loves him. She was so happy that he finally gave her a son."
"And just as easily took him away. Never forget that." Hercules replied sadly, his thoughts already directed elsewhere. His attention was momentarily re- turned to them, when the woman touched his arm.
"Here." she said, handing him a small sack. "There is food and some of the healing salve for your friend's injuries. There is no charge. We're grateful since you at least tried to help people you didn't even know. Considerate it a measure of appreciation from us. We-- we were fond of that little boy. Such a generous child. We promise it won't be forgotten and we'll do our best, never to allow it to happen again." Tears sparkled in her eyes as she glanced back at her husband.
The innkeeper wrapped his arm around her shoulders tenderly and nodded assurance at Hercules.
"Thank you. Goodbye." Hercules replied. He put the items in his pack and slung Iolaus' sword belt over his shoulder and stepped outside. The rain had tapered off to a steady drizzle by the time he headed out of town. He had a feeling he knew where to find the blonde hunter.
He was not surprised to locate him leaning against a spreading maple tree, its branches overhanging a small, pristine lake, about a mile outside of the village.
They had camped there only a few days before, when they'd first arrived there. Hercules' casually strolled up to him, placing their belongings next to a fallen log. Iolaus turned his head slightly, sensing his presence, then resumed his concentration on the lake. His usual bright blue eyes had a haunted, defeated appearance. Hercules could also see that they were puffy and red from weeping. A pang of sorrow gripped his heart, feeling Iolaus' frustration and confusion. He laid a compassionate hand on Iolaus' shoulder.
"You okay?" he asked gently. Iolaus shrugged ~a shoulder. In his hands were several twigs, which he was breaking into small pieces absently. They slipped to the ground unnoticed. He sighed shakily, then glanced shyly at his friend.
"Such a senseless waste of life. What did we do wrong?" He uttered with raw emotion.
"WE DID NOTHING WRONG!" Herc replied, a bit more forcefully than he had intended. But it got Iolaus' attention. The little man was staring at him intently. Herc matched his stare, then softened his expression. "Iolaus, we were trying to do what was right. What happened was inevitable. It--well--it came so quickly, before we had a chance to stop it. People were afraid of Braegus and what he might do to them. No wait." he put up his hand to stop Iolaus' impulsive rejoinder. Anger rose in his eyes but he said nothing. Hercules continued.
"I'm not making excuses for him. What he did was unforgivable. We came into this only a few days ago. It's been going on long before we arrived. We shouldn't feel guilty for trying. You're right, it was a dreadful loss of life.!.However, we did manage to spare Torian's mother from the same fate. I know that' s but a small comfort, but I think everybody back there has learned a valuable lesson from it.
"Some are even willing to change the way it exists, to go the extra mile, so that no such tragedy will ever have to occur again."
Iolaus had been staring at the ground, but raised his eyes to meet Hercules'. There was an earnest hopefulness in them.
"Do you really believe that, Hercules?" he asked plaintively. Hercules nodded, but could not help sensing something more behind his friend's simple question.
It troubled him to see Iolaus so visibly unnerved and traumatized by the entire incident. An almost childlike vulnerability shone on his face, along with a deeper pain.
"Talk to me, my friend. What's really bothering you? I can see that you're wrestling with some inner conflict that's eating you up. It's got something to do with what happened back there, doesn't it?" Herc coaxed compassionately.
Iolaus' head snapped up, Hercules' questions striking a chord in him. He mulled over his hands a few moments, lacing and unlacing his fingers. Then he sighed and sank down on the log, disheartened. Hercules settled next to him and placed his hand on Iolaus ' forearm.
"Tell me." he urged. Iolaus peered out over the lake, reminiscing, his thoughts turned inward. When he spoke, it was in a melancholy tone.
"Herc, do you remember those times when you'd asked me about the bruises I always seemed to get when we were kids? And how I to~d you that I'd fallen, or gotten in a fight with some other kid? Or some stupid, something or other answer?" He glanced at Hercules for confirmation. Hercules recalled several instances and said so. Iolaus toyed with his hands again.
"Well, they were lies--most of them, anyway. You see--my father--he'd--he hit me a lot. Almost every time he came home--from the war. I 'd dread it. He seemed to think that it would make me tough. If I cried-- he'd call me a crybaby--and said that I wouldn't amount to anything in life. He humiliated me so much that I began to believe it myself. My mother--she begged him to stop. Occasionally he would, but not always." Here Iolaus paused because his throat tightened up. Hercules waited silently while Iolaus organized his thoughts. When he did continue, Iolaus seemed resigned. He sighed.
"It was one of the reasons I'd run away. I wanted to prove him wrong, so I'd gotten the idea that if I did something drastic, maybe he'd pay more attention to me. So I started to steal stuff and get messed up with the wrong crowd. My plan backfired. It only made the beatings more frequent." Iolaus' voice cracked a little.
He looked pitifully into Herc's eyes, his confession from the heart.
"I was that little boy back there, Herc. I saw where and how my life would have ended, had someone not come along and cared about what happened to me. I was so lucky to have found a friend in you! Maybe this sounds cruel, but I believe my life was spared because my father died in the war. When I first saw Braegus beating that innocent child, I relived every blow my father inflicted on me. I swore I 'd never do that to any child of mine or allow anyone else to do it to theirs. Yet it still happened and Torian will never have the opportunities that I've been privileged to have !"
Iolaus covered his face with his hand, no longer able to stem the flood of tears that coursed down his cheeks. Hercules regarded this much-loved friend on a new level of respect. He had never really known the depth of Iolaus' tumultuous childhood, having accepted the other's explanations without question. Iolaus had so cleverly disguised his anguish and pain, behind a mask of dauntless courage, which translated to some as reckless bravado.
Hercules began to understand with greater clarity, this facet of Iolaus' life. It explained the urgency that drove the hunter to champion the boy, despite the suffering inflicted upon himself. Hercules knew the word for it--survival. He also knew of no one more proficient at it than Iolaus. Herc truly comprehended now, why it had touched Iolaus' soul with such magnitude when he couldn't save the youngster ' s life.
Hercules drew Iolaus close and held him tightly until he felt his shaking shoulders subside. Herc kept a hand on his shoulder, even after Iolaus moved out of his embrace. The little man wiped his eyes with the back of his hands. Hercules reached over and brushed the damp, tangled bangs from Iolaus' forehead.
"I'm sorry." Iolaus sniffed.
"No apology needed. "Herc responded affectionately. "Don't ever apologize for your feelings and beliefs. One day, maybe someone will make laws that protect women and children from senseless abuse. Until then--well, it'll be up to us to do what we can to help them." Iolaus looked over his shoulder in the direction of the village. He sighed resolutely, then shared a glance with his friend, nodding grimly.
Hercules rose and picked up their gear, handing Iolaus his sword. The hunter accepted it gratefully and the two men set out somberly, one child's legacy forever to remain in their hearts.
Finis
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