Spirit Talker

Chapter 1

Jason bent over the post, examining the damaged fence. It was the third time this week the stallion had kicked it loose. He was beginning to doubt his judgement in trying to contain the beast so he could train him. The creature certainly had a will of his own and a temper to match.

Jason had taken to raising a few horses for breeding purposes since Alcmene's death. He continued to tend her beautiful gardens since then, but felt an urge to deal with a project that was more physical.

Not to mention, the business gave him a little extra dinars to fund the acquisition of the fine animals. Though somewhat into his middle years, he had always enjoyed working with the horses during his tenure as the King of Corinth. His were often sought after for their excellent breeding and temperament. How this renegade found it's way into his stock was still a puzzle to him. If he couldn't bring the animal around, he felt that turning it loose or selling it would be his only other option.

With a resigned sigh, Jason grasped the rail and attempted to slide it back into the slot in the post. He experienced a twinge of pain across his back, cursed and set the rail back on the ground. He'd already reset four of these this morning and he was hot and sweating. The humidity and overcast sky portended rain and he wanted to complete this job before it came. So engrossed was he with his task, he didn't hear the footfalls approaching.

"Let us give you a hand with that, Jason," the tall man offered.

Jason looked up to see Hercules' extended hand and reached up to grasp it firmly. The demigod easily pulled him to his feet. Jason acknowledged him with a tired, thankful grin. Hercules hefted the long piece of wood and fitted it appropriately, as though it was as light as a feather. The big man didn't even break a sweat. He smiled at the older man cheerfully. Leaning on a nearby post, an amused grin on his ruggedly handsome face, was Herc's shorter, longtime companion, Iolaus. The compact little hunter answered for the both of them.

"Glad to be of help, Jason. Why didn't you let us know you needed this fixed? That big stud's gonna wrench your old back for sure."

Jason gave him a sour look. "I'm trying to breed him with those mares," he replied.

"Any luck?" Hercules put in. Jason shook his head.

"No, not yet. The only thing he's been able to do is destroy my corral."

Iolaus giggled, "Maybe you ought to get rid of him then. Those creaky old bones of yours probably just can't keep up with him."

Jason snorted, shaking his head. "Iolaus, I may be getting older, but I'm hardly an invalid." To prove his point, he unexpectedly hooked his leg behind the smaller man's and wrestled him to the ground.

He straddled Iolaus' chest and began to tickle him unmercifully.

Iolaus' peals of laughter were intermittently interrupted by his pleas for help from Hercules. Hercules chuckled, folded his arms and leaned against a post.

"Sorry, Iolaus. You got yourself into this one," he teased.

"Okay, okay,I give up! Please, Jason!" Iolaus cried out, "or I'll wet my pants!"

Jason laughed heartily at that, but relented and stood up. Iolaus remained on his back, sucking in gulps of air to get back his breath.

Jason brushed dirt from his sleeves and knees. He was a little winded but managed to say to Hercules.

"And no comments from you either. Just remember who taught you those moves." Hercules threw up his hands in compliance and feigned backing off. Jason backhanded him across the arm. Hercules laughed.

"You'll get no argument from me," he stated.

A bright flash, followed immediately by a loud crack of thunder caught the attention of all three men, causing them to look skyward.

Dark clouds had moved in during their horseplay and lightning flickered frequently. Herc reached down, clasped Iolaus by the wrist and hauled him to his feet. He eyed the sky once more.

"We'd better get the rest of this fence together and move those horses indoors before that storm really breaks," he suggested. Jason nodded, retrieving his mallet. Herc and Iolaus grabbed the remaining two rails and set them in their respective slots. Jason hammered them until they were secure, then all three of them ran towards the gate.

The wind began to rise swiftly. Four mares and the gray, mottled stallion, paced restlessly about the enclosure. Lightning flashed once more, followed by another rumble of thunder. The mares huddled together at one end and neighed. The rain broke loose as Hercules and Jason each snatched a pair of bridles from the post, fitting them over the heads of two mares a piece. Taking up the reins, they led the quartet towards the barn. Iolaus grabbed the remaining rope and cautiously approached the stallion. the beast was snorting and prancing in wild fear. Iolaus reached out his hand, trying to pat the animal's neck to calm him.

"Easy, boy. It's okay. Come on," he said gently. The horse shook his head stubbornly. Iolaus eased closer until he touched his velvety nose and lightly stroked it.

"That's it, fella. Good boy. Okay!" With a quick flick of his wrist, he looped the rope over the horse's ears, but it didn't quite slide down to the neck. The horse jerked his head, tightening the loop and nearly yanked the hunter off of his feet. Iolaus held on, exerting all of his strength in the process. He continued to utter soothingly and managed to get the animal to settle down enough to be led towards the exit. He stroked the horse's neck carefully and tugged on the rope. The horse resisted for a moment, then began to follow, encouraged by Iolaus' soft voice.

However, they had only made it to the gate when a bolt of lightning sliced through the howling wind and torrential rain, striking the ground a few feet in front of them. The charge knocked Iolaus to his knees. The stallion screamed and reared up, dragging the rope free of Iolaus' grasp.

Raw burns branded his palms where the rope had scraped across them.

Iolaus groped frantically, despite the pain, to capture the dangling end, but his vision was now impaired, both from the after flash and the rain pouring into his eyes. Consequently, when the thunder crashed in response to the lightning, he failed to see the flailing hooves of the terrified creature. The sharp edge of one of them slashed across his skull, opening up a long gash. The impact slammed him into the gate post, dislocating his shoulder, where he crumpled into a heap at it's base.

The horse reared again, this time landing on Iolaus' right foot, fracturing it and his ankle with an audible snap. Iolaus' cry of agony was lost in the fury of the wind. The stallion bolted through the gate toward the safety of the barn's entrance.

Disoriented and in pain, Iolaus groped for a handhold on the fence, in an attempt to pull himself up. The dirt, now turned to mire by the flooding rain, only served to slip him up.

In the barn, Herc and Jason finished tethering the mares in their stalls. they turned as the stallion clattered through the doorway and stood trembling and dripping. He shook his head and snorted restlessly.

The two men approached him carefully until Hercules caught the trailing rope and held his head fast. Jason bent to wipe down the creature's legs and noticed blood on the right front fetlock. He looked more closely for some type of injury and found none. A sudden and more alarming thought inserted itself into his brain. Jason rose quickly and examined the rest of the horse's body, finding no indications of wounds elsewhere. He directed his attention to his companion.

"Hercules, there's blood on his leg but no injury that I can see," he said and led the horse to his stall. Hercules studied him a moment, then quickly assisted with the task.

"Jason, what are you implying?" he asked. Jason was frowning.

"Did Iolaus come in with the horse?" he countered meaningfully.

Hercules froze, then swivelled his head towards the open doorway.

A cold dread gripped his gut. He spared Jason another glance, who indicated the door. Without another word, Hercules bolted out the entrance into the rain.

Iolaus, meanwhile, struggled helplessly in the mud, blood mingling with the water streaming from his hair.

"Herc...Jason!" he cried thickly, but his voice came out a strained whisper. His shoulder felt numb, his leg on fire. His vision swam in his throbbing head as he slid to the ground on his back.

"Help!" he breathed, before blackness carried him away to oblivion.

Hercules paused a moment, peering through the downpour.

"Iolaus!" he called several times, searching for his friend. The only answer he heard was the roar of the rain and the rumble of the thunder. His feet squished through the mud as he stumbled towards the gate. His feet slid in the mire and he barely caught his balance on one of the rails. Herc shielded his face to offset the water running into his eyes and bowed his head. To his horror, he spotted Iolaus sprawled on his back, lying very still. Herc scaled the rail to land beside his friend.

"Iolaus?" he uttered desperately, seeing the blood-stained puddles next to the man's head. He tilted Iolaus' face towards him, noting the ugly gash oozing blood. Quickly assessing his partner's body, Hercules also cringed at the odd angles of both his shoulder and ankle. Iolaus' face was ashen. Herc's stomach lurched at the sight. Very gently, he arranged Iolaus' dislocated arm across his body and cradled him to this chest. He raised him in his arms and made his way to the barn, calling out to Jason.

Jason appeared at the door almost immediately. With one look at Herc's expression and Iolaus' bloody visage, he shouted and pointed.

"Into the house and we'll tend to him there!" Hercules needed no prompting, following in his wake. Jason threw another log on the fire in the guest room, where Iolaus had been using to sleep, and coaxed it higher. Hercules eased Iolaus onto the bed and pulled off his sodden and muddy clothes. He had a tougher time removing the boot from the stricken man's foot, due to the compound fracture and swelling.

Iolaus appeared oblivious to the pain. Jason moved to the side of the bed with a large basin of hot water and they both proceeded to clean up their friend.

"Gods!" Jason remarked, aghast at the condition of Iolaus' shattered foot. "What a mess! We've got to get a healer here to set this properly. How's his head?"

Hercules lifted the folded cloth away from the wound. Blood seeped out. Soaking the rag.

"Not good, I'm afraid. We need to sew it up or he'll lose a lot more blood," Herc replied, trying to keep the fear out of his voice.

Jason wasn't fooled and stepped to the head of the bed. He reached out his hand.

"Here, let me have a look." Hercules relinquished the cloth and Jason bent for a closer look. He heaved a sigh and met Herc's worried eyes.

"I won't minimize the seriousness of it, Hercules, but he'd probably be dead by now if that blow was a little more to the left. Must've caught him at an angle. The shoulder's dislocated, but I think we can take care of that to ease his discomfort. I'm not going to touch that foot though. We'll let the storm ease up some, then go for the healer.

"In the meantime, let's finish cleaning him up and keep him covered and warm. I don't like the pallor of his skin."

Hercules was only too agreeable and once they'd done all they could for the moment, they sat vigil by Iolaus' side while the storm continued to rage outside. After only a short period of time, Hercules glanced once more on his dear friend, touched Jason's shoulder, then rose.

"I don't think we should wait. Storm or not, I'm going for the healer. Iolaus doesn't deserve to suffer anymore than necessary. I'll be back as quickly as I can. Jason nodded and replied.

"Be careful then."

Hercules spared Iolaus one more worried glance, then disappeared into the storm-wracked night.

Chapter 2

Iolaus ran. His lungs burned like fire with every step he took.

The sound of pounding hooves behind him blended with the thudding roar of his heart beating in his ears. Blood and sweat trickled from his throbbing brow. He stumbled frequently, his right leg refusing to cooperate with his left. His palms smarted from the vain attempts to brace his falls. The rain battered his face in a stinging staccato, preventing him from getting a better glimpse of his pursuers. Judging from the stampede vibrating through the ground, he guessed that there were many.

A protruding root tripped him up, sending him sprawling, daggers of pain slicing through his injured leg. He choked on mud clogging his mouth. He grimaced in agony and rolled onto his back. Through the downpour, the shapes of the horsemen came into view. They slowed when they spotted him lying on his back. Iolaus' chest heaved laboriously. He had to get up and run. From what or why, he did not know, only that he must. However, his weary limbs betrayed him and he lay still. He closed his eyes, momentarily defeated. One of the figures moved forward and pointed at the stricken man.

"Pick him up and bring him. The King has declared it." he ordered briskly. Two others approached and rough hands plucked him from the ground, tossing him across the back of a horse. Though he opened his eyes at this coarse treatment, his vision swam dizzily, denying him a clear view of his captors. The beast he was slung across, lurched forward and the jarring rhythm of it's stride lulled him into semiconsciousness.

When next he became aware, he was lying on a pallet of straw, a blanket drawn up to his chest. A cool cloth was gently pressed to his temples by a slender hand. Iolaus swivelled his head slowly to study his benefactor. Pain rocketed through his skull. He winced. The hand touched his fevered cheek gently.

"Try to lay still, little man. Your wounds are not serious but they won't heal properly if you continue to squirm around. You need to rest. Now drink this." She pressed a cup to his lips. He swallowed a large sip, then another, until the vile taste registered on his tongue.

He gagged, screwing up his face and turned away.

"What --is that stuff --anyway?!" he rasped, then coughed. The woman waited patiently until he caught his breath.

"It is an herbal mixture that will help your fever and promote healing. It will also help you to sleep. You must be in better shape than you are now, when you confer with the king. Until then, you need to regain your strength."

"Your King? Where am I now? What do you want with me?" Iolaus mumbled, a lassitude spreading through his body, clouding his thought processes. He tried to fight it, but the soft voice shushed him with her fingertips touching his lips.

"Sleep now and all will be revealed to you later on." Iolaus never heard those last words as he sank into a deep slumber.

Hercules reached the healer's cottage as the rain abated somewhat. Temorius greeted the soaked demigod with surprise and ushered him into the house. He propelled the tall warrior to his hearth and brought him a mug of hot tea. Hercules accepted the drink gratefully and sipped it carefully.

"So, my friend, what brings you to my door on such a night?" the healer queried. "You are not injured, are you?" His eyes roved up and down the warrior's body. Hercules shook his head solemnly. Droplets of water still streamed down the long strands of his hair.

"No, Temorius, but thank you for asking. It's Iolaus who is in need of your services. We were helping Jason round up his horses when the storm broke. The stallion got spooked from the thunder. We think Iolaus was trying to calm him down but the beast wasn't going to hear it. From what we could discern, Iolaus took a kick to the head that opened up a lengthy gash. The horse much have landed on his foot too, breaking his ankle. It is quite a mess. Jason didn't want to risk trying to set it until you've had the chance to examine it. We've wrapped him in blankets to keep him warm until you can come."

Temorius set down his mug. He placed a hand on Herc's arm.

"Tell me, has Iolaus lost consciousness from the blow?" he asked.

Hercules nodded and replied. "Yes and he hasn't yet awakened. That was several hours ago. I was going to wait out the storm before coming here, but I'm afraid Iolaus may get worse. I know it's late and I hate to bring you..."

"Nonsense, son!" Temorius interrupted, holding up his hands. "I can be ready in a few minutes. Let me gather my things and we can be on our way. Stay by the fire and finish your tea. I'll be right back."

He hurried into the next room. Hercules took advantage of the hot drink and the pleasant fire. Both helped to warm his chilled skin. He'd run all the way here and welcomed the brief respite. He didn't want to think about the worst that could happen to Iolaus, but the image of his friend's ashen face crept back into his consciousness. He rubbed his eyes to dispel that thought. Can't go there: must be optimistic.

Temorius touched his arm, cutting into his thoughts. Hercules turned to him.

"We'll take my wagon, Hercules. I haven't bedded down the team yet, since I'd only arrived home a short while before you came. They have had some time to rest, so we'll save time harnessing them."

Hercules nodded, downed the last of his tea and followed the healer out the door.

Chapter 3

A tiny ray of sunlight peeked through a crack in the wall, touching Iolaus' face like a warm kiss. He stirred and opened his heavy eyes, to focus on the thatched roof above him. For several long moments he was confused and disoriented, curious as to his whereabouts.

He vaguely remembered a painful ride, then a gentle voice soothing him. He reached a hand to his head, noting the swath of bandage wrapped about it. Various other aches and pains subtly made their presence known, all over his body. He sighed shakily.

He shifted his eyes to encompass the whole room and deduced that he lay beneath a wooden lean-to with a draped entrance. The fresh scent of hay permeated the air and the sound of children outside seemed somehow comforting. The occasional clatter of hooves could be heard passing by.

Iolaus struggled into a sitting position, balancing himself on one hand. The room wavered dangerously, his stomach threatening to rebel. He sucked in several deep breaths, fighting the urge to throw up.

After conquering that mere feat, he realized that he'd broken out in a cold sweat. The arm holding him upright trembled with fatigue. He felt utterly weak. The same soft voice spoke from behind him, startling him.

"Perhaps you should lay back down. Or, if you are hungry, I've brought you some broth."

Iolaus looked around and into the face of a beautiful young woman.

Butterscotch-colored hair hung unbound, in a thick mane across her shoulders and down her back. Eyes the shade of aqua studied him with interest. She proffered the bowl and a wooden spoon. Iolaus hesitated, shifting himself so that he sat up straighter, without the aid of his hand. He accepted the bowl, eyeing it warily. The woman chuckled lightly. Iolaus gave her a puzzled glance.

"I can see that you don't know whether to eat it because you think I put more of the herbal mixture in it, or you don't trust your stomach to keep it down. Which is it?" she asked, raising a shapely brow. Iolaus allowed himself a little half-smile at her on-target observation.

"Both," he admitted. She smiled again.

"Well, I can't speak for your stomach, but I can tell you that there is no medicine in the broth. Are you thirsty? I've fresh spring water here that is refreshingly cold." As she spoke she reached behind her for a skin and a cup. Iolaus accepted the cup gratefully, while she poured, filling it to the rim. Iolaus sipped it in small amounts, then wiped his hand across his mouth. He noticed that she had seated herself close beside the pallet to administer to him. He grinned appreciatively.

"Thank you. That helped a lot. I'm feeling better already. How long was I out?" he wanted to know. He raised the cup again, which the woman had refilled while he spoke.

"Oh, a couple of days, I would say." she replied casually. Iolaus nearly choked on the water.

"A couple of days?! What was in that stuff?" he demanded.

"I told you it was for fever and that it would make you sleep.

"Your fever peaked last night. You were then able to sleep until now. The wounds to your head and leg were a bit infected because of the dirt that had gotten into them. I thought that if you slept, I could cleanse them and draw the infection out with poultices. However, you are not a good patient, even when you are unconscious. I had a heck of a time mending them, since you moved constantly. I hope that now that you are awake, you'll be more cooperative."

Iolaus stared at her a moment, slightly perturbed by her criticism, then let the anger drain out of him. He lowered his eyes in embarrassment.

He never liked being ill nor did he enjoy being confined to a bed for any length of time. Herc always accused him of being difficult too.

Iolaus scratched a spot above!'his eye and glanced meekly in her direction. He smiled again.

"Was I really that bad?" he muttered.

The woman nodded, her light eyes twinkling with amusement. Iolaus Chuckled then.

"Well, I'm sorry. I really don't do sickness very well. I guess it's just part of my nature." He shrugged.

"Well then, Iolaus isn't it? I think I can forgive you this time." she countered. Iolaus frowned.

"You mean there's more you've got to do?" he lamented, "and how did you know my name? You haven't even introduced yourself to me yet."

"Wait until it's time to remove those bandages and take out the stitches. In answer to your second question, even among us Centaurs, we've come to recognize a Spirit Talker. Among men, you are the first.

"My name is Lerysa." She extended her hand in a warrior's gesture, her wrist encased in a nicely tooled, leather gauntlet. Iolaus accepted it, returning the greeting. He cocked his head sideways, a wry grin on his face.

"I've been called many things, some not very nice, but that's a new one. What's it supposed to mean? Did you also say you're a Centaur?"

Lerysa gave him a measured look. She shook back her long tresses that had a habit of falling forward to partially cover her face. She rose to her full height, standing on all four of her slender, hoofed legs. She wore a short, simple leather tunic that laced up the front and barely concealed her firm, rounded breasts.

Iolaus' jaw dropped and his mouth formed a silent '0' Lerysa lifted her chin proudly and bowed to him with a flourish. The hunter's mouth snapped shut. He stared at her, amazement written all over his face.

When he could find his voice, Iolaus stammered in apology. "Uh, - I'm - you - I didn't realize! Now things make a little more sense!" Lerysa tilted her head slightly, somewhat bewildered by his statement.

"What do you mean?" she asked defensively. Iolaus smiled reassuringly .

"Don't misunderstand. I don't mean any insult. What I meant was that I realize now that I was rescued by your people and that all the hoof beats I've been hearing since I'd awakened, were no doubt from them. I first thought that I was a prisoner in a camp of soldiers."

Here Iolaus paused, gauging her expression. "I'm not a prisoner, am I? Someone mentioned your King and that he wished to see me. Can you tell me what that is all about? Do I know your King?" he babbled nervously. Lerysa tossed a strand of her hair over her shoulder, finding humor in the way Iolaus rapid-fired his questions at her. She placed a hand upon his shoulder.

"No, you are not a prisoner here. However, those who inflicted the wounds you carry, would have no qualms about taking you as a prisoner, nor would they have regrets about the torture they are famous for. You are safe here for now. But I see that I'm tiring you. We'll talk about this later. Please finish your broth before it gets cold and try to rest some more. I'll come back to replace those bandages for you as well."

With a pat to his arm, she turned to go. At the entrance she paused and glanced back at him. Iolaus was watching her thoughtfully.

He indicated the bowl and mouthed a thanks. Lerysa smiled reassuringly, then disappeared through the flap. Iolaus finished up his meal and lay back on the pallet. His weary mind could not recall how he came to be injured or who apparently attacked him, but the thought of being tortured sent shivers up and down his spine. He decided that he could wait to see the Centaur king. Perhaps the rest of the puzzle would fall into place. As his lids closed over his cerulean eyes, he vaguely wondered how one could hide a sleeping draught in such a savory bowl of soup.

Hercules and Temorius arrived at Jason's place as the rain resumed its torrential onslaught. Hercules waved towards the house.

"I'll tend to your animals, Temorius. Go ahead inside! Jason's expecting us! I'll be in as soon as they are settled!" he shouted over the roar of the rain. Temorius nodded, accepting Herc's assistance off the wagon. He hastened to the door and entered quietly, leaving his cloak on a hook near the door. Jason hurried from the next room to greet him.

"Temorius, thank you for coming so quickly. May I get you a hot drink? It's a terrible night out there." he offered. Temorius shook his hand and nodded.

"That's a wonderful suggestion, Jason. Thank you. We'll need extra hot water anyway. While you are doing that, I'll have me a look-see at our patient."

"Of course. In here," Jason replied, indicating the guest room. Temorius stepped to the side of the bed, viewing the unconscious man.

Iolaus' face was bathed in a sheen of sweat. Every so often, he would utter a soft moan. The healer checked beneath the hunter's eyelids. Concussion, he concluded grimly. Should have been kept awake.

Temorius placed a hand on Iolaus' forehead. It felt clammy but burned with fever at the same time. The healer turned as Jason reentered the room with the desired articles - water, cloths and Hercules trailing him with two steaming mugs. He also carried a smaller basin of water. Temorius helped himself to one of the cups, took a careful sip, then set it aside on a nearby table.

"Ah, thank you for that! Now, let's get down to the business at hand. First we'll check this head wound," he stated, his full attention on his task. The two observers nodded. Temorius gently unwrapped the blood-stained bandage from Iolaus' head. It stuck to the wound, where blood had dried to the cloth. Temorius dipped his hands in the smaller basin and washed his hands thoroughly, then dried them with a cloth offered him by Hercules. With a fresh piece, he dipped it into the larger basin, using it to cleanse the scalp around the edges of the gash. His trained eye noted redness and swelling from built-up blood and pus just below the surface. He applied a gentle pressure near the edges that allowed for the infection to be released. Jason and Hercules studied him intently, worried expressions on their faces.

"I thought I'd cleansed that better than that." Jason berated himself. Temorius acknowledged him without looking at him.

"You both did the best you could have, under the circumstances. "Whoever took the stitches, did a nice job. Infection is bound to occur, despite our best efforts. We'll apply a poultice over the wound to help draw out the rest of the infection. He's fevered already which can't be helped right now. I'll mix up something for that and the pain, once he regains consciousness in order to drink it. He has suffered a severe concussion and should have been kept awake, but I don't blame you for not knowing that." While he spoke, Temorius combined several fine powders together in a fresh basin of hot water, stirred it, then soaked yet another cloth in the solution. He partially wrung it out and applied it directly to the wound. Iolaus twitched, then moaned as the moist pack began to work its magic. To both men, the healer indicated the cloth.

"Change that every time it cools. Add a hot one to replace it. I know it's going to be uncomfortable for him, but we have no choice."

He straightened up, again washed his hands and paused for another sip of his tea. He winked at Hercules, handed him the cup, then moved to the foot of the bed.

"Now, let's see about this leg of yours, Iolaus." he commented and set to work. He pulled back the covers and gasped at the sight in front of him. Iolaus' ankle and foot were swollen to twice the normal size. A bandage was swathed around an open wound, where the bone poked through the skin. Blood stained the cloth. Temorius whistled softly. He glanced at Hercules.

"You weren't kidding around when you said this was a mess."

"Can it be repaired?" Hercules asked in a concerned tone."I tried to be careful when I removed his boot." Temorius ran his fingers delicately around the circumference of the foot, using his touch to locate every aspect of the break.

"The fracture is in more than one place. We've got to manipulate it so that each piece of bone falls back into its respective place. This major break must be lined up just so, then the wound needs to be closed." While he spoke, he linked his fingers together, demonstrating how the bone was to be joined. "Hercules, I must impose on you to hold Iolaus down. Wrap one of those cloths around something he can bite down on. This will be extremely painful. Jason, I'll need you to keep a firm grip on his leg when I do this."

Hercules did as he was instructed and set the device between his friend's teeth. He eyed the healer worriedly.

"Can he really feel that, even while unconscious?" he asked. Temorius nodded.

"I can't give him anything to dull the pain in his present state. "To do so, could send him so deep into sleep, he may not come out of it. That head wound is just too iffy. I know you feel for him and so do I. I don't wish to cause him anymore undo pain than necessary, but it must be done if he has a chance to walk on it again. Now, my friends, let's not waste anymore time with chatter. Ready?" Jason nodded.

"Wait", Hercules stated. He eased Iolaus into a sitting position, sat on the bed behind him, then rested the hunter's head against his chest. He wrapped his arms firmly around Iolaus' chest and shook his head. " Okay, do it."

Temorius yanked with all of his might, as Iolaus' agonized scream yanked pitifully on the three men's heartstrings.

Chapter 4

Iolaus' eyes snapped open and he sat upright. He listened intently, hoping to discover what it was that woke him. He looked around searchingly, but nothing seemed different. He could detect the sounds of birds chirping outside and the normal everyday sounds of the Centaur village.

With an effort, he eased his legs over the side of the pallet and immediately regretted it. The throbbing in his injured leg intensified as he set his full weight on it. Iolaus hissed in pain and sat back down. He stared at the errant foot critically. Lerysa had splinted it by wrapping strips of bandages tightly around two slender pieces of wood, from the knee down to his ankle.

He wiped his hand across his sweat moistened face. With a resigned grimace, he lifted his legs back onto the pallet, just as Lerysa entered the lean-to. She placed the tray she'd been carrying on the table and propped her hands upon her hips, frowning at him.

"Don't tell me you've been standing on that leg. It's got a long way to heal before you can use it properly," she chastened him. Iolaus gave her a meek grin.

"Okay, I won't," he stated guiltily. He rubbed the leg as best as he could through the wrappings. Lerysa was studying his expression. She moved closer to the bed.

"Are you in pain?" she asked, all sternness gone. Iolaus nodded.

He indicated the bindings.

"Could you maybe loosen these up a bit? It throbs like Hades." he pleaded. " Is it broken?"

"No, but it's been cut and badly bruised. The ligaments were also damaged. I've splinted it to minimize excess movement." She retorted.

Lerysa reached over and began to untie each binding, as Iolaus watched patiently. She retied each one to his specifications until he was satisfied with their comfort. He sighed in gratitude and thanked her.

Without asking, she proceeded to remove the bandage around his head, checked the progress of the healing wound and applied an ointment she'd brought with her on the tray. With dexterous care, she wound a less bulky bandage around his head and secured it. Iolaus reached up, felt the new cloth with a nod, then captured her hand before she could move it away. He kissed the top of it lightly. Lerysa was caught off guard by this unexpected show of affection and stared at him curiously. Seeing her expression, Iolaus released her hand and smiled sheepishly. To cover his indiscretion, he chirped innocently.

"Uh, I was just thinking that you have a true healer's touch. The kind of hands a person can feel confident with, while being fixed up." Lerysa blushed a little and smiled.

"I should hope so, since I'm one of the village healers. I took over after my father died. Thank you for the compliment. Are you hungry? I brought you something more substantial than broth. I believe you'll be able to handle it now."

She reached over and took the tray from the table, placing it on his lap. A thick porridge sweetened with honey, fresh baked bread and a wedge of cheese sat on one end; fresh fruit and a mug of herb tea on the other. The combined aromas tantalized Iolaus' senses and he realized just how hungry he was.

Lerysa chuckled at his expression of delight and motioned for him to eat. She settled herseIf beside the pallet while he sampled each of the items on his plate. Never had she seen anyone practice the art of eating with such gusto as this fair-haired human. She did not recall any among her own people who were so eloquent. Iolaus caught her watching him and paused. He swallowed the bread that was in his mouth and offered her a piece of fruit.

"Excuse my manners, I've been rude. Won't you share some of this with me?" he stammered. Lerysa shook her head no. She patted his arm.

"Thank you, but I've already eaten. It is good to see you enjoying all of that. Not all of my patients recoup so quickly, but that doesn't mean you're to be jumping out of bed so soon. Give yourself time to heal, Iolaus. There will be plenty of time for you later, to be using those legs. When you are stronger, we'll go to see the King."

"And when will that be?" Iolaus interrupted, his blue eyes holding hers steadily. Lerysa placed her hand upon his shoulder.

"That, Iolaus, depends on how well you listen to your healer's advice regarding your recovery and how long that recovery takes."

Iolaus pondered that a moment and slowly nodded, conceding.

"Fair enough," he replied. "Do I at least get to go outside for a breath of fresh air from time to time? Sometimes it feels as if these walls are closing in on me. No one but you has come to visit."

"That's because they were given strict instructions not to disturb you while you are resting. But since you are feeling somewhat better, perhaps a brief sojourn outdoors will be good for you. Trust me, you'll find even that a tad trying for a few days. I'll have my brother, Kendrys, come in. When you are finished eating, he'll help you take care of your personal needs. Your vest is on the hook and your mended leggings next to it. There are soft, leather slippers for your feet, next to the bed, since boots are out of the question for now. If you have any questions or needs, he'll do what he can to assist you."

Iolaus flashed her one of his wide, charming grins. "Thanks for all you've done for me. I don't know how I'll ever repay you for your kindness." he replied, emotion in his voice.

"Perhaps we can find a way." she countered, a twinkle in her eyes. With that said, she exited the lean-to with a swish of her long, silky tail, leaving Iolaus to ponder the meaning of that cryptic remark.

Dawn broke over the horizon, the sun piercing the last of the scudding clouds, to touch Hercules' closed eyes. His head leaned against the frame of the window, near where he sat, with his broad arms folded across his chest.

The rain had finally abated well past the midnight hour. He, Jason, and Temorius had taken turns every two hours watching over the unconscious Iolaus. The little man had slipped into a deeper coma, as feared by the healer, even without the anesthesia. Temorius had taken the difficult task of setting the man's broken foot and ankle, carefully treating the ruptured skin with poultices, then stitching the gaping wound. He applied healing ointments and generously bandaged the area.

Splints were added following that procedure to ensure minimal movement. Temorius elevated Iolaus' leg to reduce the swelling.

Hercules' eyes fluttered open from the bright light and he turned his head in towards the interior of the room. Jason occupied another chair opposite him, sipping some tea. He lifted a second mug questioningly at him. Hercules nodded gratefully and rubbed his eyes. He moved to the side of the bed and peered down at his partner's pale face. Iolaus lay deathly still, the slow rise and fall of his chest, the only indication that he still remained with them.

Herc lightly ran his fingers through the mop of tangled, blond, hair, just to reassure himself. His serious expression was full of unanswered questions, as he glanced back at Jason. The older man joined him, placing a fatherly hand upon his shoulder.

"There's been no change, my friend. I've been sitting here wondering if there was something more we could have done for him. Or, worse, was there something we did that only contributed to a further injury to him."

Hercules sighed. "You heard Temorius. We did only what we thought best for him. Were it one of us, Iolaus would have done his best to do the same. What's scary is that he's been out of it for so long. Temorius said that the longer he remains that way, the slimmer his chances of reviving become."

"Damn horse!" Jason growled through clenched teeth." I should have accepted the fact that he was untrainable and turned him loose. Iolaus wouldn't be lying there, fighting for his life, right now." He bowed his head, rubbing the back of his neck. Hercules gripped his arm.

"Don't berate yourself, Jason. We couldn't have predicted the intensity of that storm. It could have happened to anyone. Let's try to keep focused, for Iolaus' sake. Why don't you try to get some rest.

"It's my turn to keep an eye on him. Or, if you can't sleep, you can always feed the horses. Temorius will be awake soon." Herc's lips had a small smile.

Jason glanced at him, slightly aghast. When he realized that Hercules was only teasing him, he sighed and returned the grin.

"Okay, okay." he said, " I get your message." He turned to leave, but paused in the doorway. "Thanks, Hercules. I just needed that reminder that life must still go on. I'll be in the barn if there's any change."

Hercules nodded. Jason cast a concerned glimpse at Iolaus, then left. The tall demigod collected the chair and moved it closer to Iolaus' side. He settled into it and gently took Iolaus' hand in his. Temorius had lightly bandaged the rope burns as well.

Hercules contemplated the hand thoughtfully. How many times had it clasped his own in greeting? Or the countless times that Iolaus had placed it upon his shoulder, in comfort of his many losses? Herc envisioned the hand clutching a sword in battle, righting some wrong or defending an innocent. How many times for my sake, he thought?

Hercules felt tears burning his eyes. He wondered what kept this energetic whirlwind of a friend by his side all these years? Iolaus' devotion to him was a prize to him, even when he, himself, had taken advantage of that gift. Iolaus had chosen to be his friend when everyone else viewed him as being different. Iolaus understood how lonely it was and how painful, to have a father who cared little for his son. Iolaus had his pride, too, occasionally seeking to find his own purpose in a world full of uncertainties. However, the brotherly love he felt towards Hercules was always a magnet that drew him back, to share adventures and to bond once more.

"Don't give up, my brother. The world still needs you, but not as much as I do. I'm here for you, as you've always been there for me," he whispered. Hercules squeezed the hand lightly, as if the contact would bring strength back into his friend, then placed it gently on the linens, to resume his solemn vigil.

Chapter 5

Several days passed as Iolaus felt his strength returning. Lerysa allowed him short walks with either herself or Kendrys for support. She also had Kendrys pull him in a wagon to the hot mineral springs in the nearby caves, to soak or bathe. Iolaus delighted in these jaunts, appreciating the company of both Centaurs and the stories of Centaur lore they shared with him. He found also, that the mineral springs were a great therapeutic boon to his damaged leg, enabling him to walk on it a little more every day.

This morning, Kendrys had presented him with a carved walking staff, which Iolaus utilized eagerly, as Kendrys escorted him about the village.

Lerysa was off tending to several of the male warriors, who had returned with battle wounds on their flanks. Iolaus had noticed their arrival and finally could not contain his curiosity. He touched Kendrys' arm. The young Centaur had also been observing his returning friends, his face grim.

"Kendrys?" Iolaus asked quietly. When the Centaur gave him his attention, Iolaus continued. "Tell me, where are the others coming from, that they return bloody and scarred? What battle is it that they fight?"

Kendrys directed Iolaus to several bales of hay, where the hunter gratefully deposited himself. The Centaur offered him a dipper of water from the nearby well. Iolaus sipped from it, then handed it back. Kendrys finished off the remains and set the dipper on the rim of the well.

He awarded Iolaus a measured look with his dark brown eyes. Long, black braids twined with his thick mane and were fastened with a leather thong into a ponytail. Like all of the Centaur males, he wore a simple leather harness attached to a thick belt, that yolked the area where the human portion of his body joined the powerful chest of the equine part.

His legs and chest were covered in jet black hair, down to the tops of his hooves. He shifted from foot to foot, considering how he would answer Iolaus' inquiry.

"They come from a recurring battle we've been waging with a band of cutthroat mercenaries, who have been ravaging our lands and stealing our horse cousins." He paused and shifted the quiver of arrows strapped across his back. Then he folded his arms, studying Iolaus' face.

"Perhaps I speak too much already. Maybe now you are ready to see the King. It is his desire to speak of this matter with you. Come now." he explained.

Though puzzled, Iolaus complied. He started to hobble in the direction Kendrys pointed, but the Centaur stopped him with an arm in front of him.

"You may ride upon my back. The walk is far too steep and rocky. Lerysa would have my tail for an ornament if I let you undo all of her careful ministrations." This he offered with a quirky grin and shifted sideways to allow Iolaus to swing up to his back. Iolaus tried to lighten his weight for fear of hurting the Centaur. Kendrys sensed what he was doing and chuckled.

"Iolaus, you need not worry about being a burden to me. I'm as strong as any horse and your weight is hardly noticeable. I thank you, just the same, for your consideration. Hold on to my shoulders now. Are you ready?"

"Yes," came the hunter's reply and he settled himself on the Centaur's back. Kendrys took a couple of slow steps, then cantered forward in the direction of a rise in the meadow. Iolaus caught the rhythm of his stride and compensated accordingly. Kendrys smiled to himself. He increased his speed and Iolaus adjusted with the ease of an experienced rider.

Kendrys was pleased, he found that he liked the hunter more, as he got to know him. The King was not wrong with his assessment of this human. Not only could he ride well, but Kendrys felt the subtle power lying just beneath the surface of Iolaus' mind. He only hoped that Iolaus would agree to aid them in their quest.

Kendrys took them past the compound Lerysa had set up to treat the injured. He trotted up to his sister as she finished bandaging the foreleg of one of the warriors.

"Be careful not to overdo it on that leg, mind you. Get some food and rest," she was saying, as she caught her brother's approach out of the corner of her eye. The other Centaur nodded and limped off to his mate, who waited anxiously nearby.

Lerysa turned to face Kendrys and her eyes lit up with joy, upon seeing his mounted passenger.

"How"goes it?" Kendrys asked. Lerysa followed the direction he was staring, as the other pair of Centaurs moved off.

"I had to treat eight with injuries today. Thankfully, none were serious. But that could change any time. What brings you both here?" she replied, facing them again.

Kendrys glanced at Iolaus. " Iolaus is doing much better and I thought that we should not delay his visit to the King any longer. He's curious about the battle."

Lerysa locked gazes with her brother, then turned her attention to the hunter. Iolaus perched patiently astride Kendrys' back silently listening to their exchange.

"Iolaus, I would prefer to wait a few more days until you are stronger, but Kendrys is right. Time is not an option here. We have great need of your help and your gift. The King will explain what is necessary, if you can bear the mystery a little longer." Lerysa implored.

There was confusion in Iolaus' blue eyes, but he answered honestly.

"My gift?" he asked, " I don't understand, but I'll do what I can to help." Brother and sister smiled hopefully. Lerysa touched his arm.

"That is all that we ask, Iolaus." She waved a hand towards the distant hills and trotted off. Kendrys hesitated only long enough to ensure Iolaus was ready. The blond tapped his shoulder twice and urged him on with a "Go!"

Kendrys kicked off with his powerful hind legs and raced to catch up to Lerysa. He did not exaggerate when he described the texture of the trail before them. The Centaurs picked their way through a small rock slide until they reached a more level plateau. At the top, the Centaurs had set up a huge forge in a cave carved out to suit their needs. Smoke rose from natural chimneys and the sound of hammers striking metal reached their ears. Several Centaurs, both male and female, were sweating over anvils, pounding out various swords and knives.

Iolaus observed this activity with a little apprehension. Apparently this was no mere skirmish being undertaken. Lerysa glanced sideways at him and saw his frown. Good, she thought. He already guesses the seriousness of our situation, if not the reason. Iolaus sensed her scrutiny but said nothing.

They moved to the entrance near the far end of the cave. Here, Lerysa and Kendrys halted.

"The King is inside." Kendrys stated over the din of the hammering. Iolaus took his cue and slid off, using the walking stick to balance himself. The three stepped into the cave and made their way to the rear.

Bending over a huge anvil was a much taller Centaur, who sported bulging muscles on his upper body and chest. No doubt the result of many years at forging, Iolaus thought in awe. The King's thick, white mane dangled in a ponytail to his waist? Sweat glistened and ran in rivulets over his muscular frame and disappeared to blend in with his coarse,gray hair covering the lower half of his body, as he worked his hammer over a red-hot length of metal.

Satisfied with the shape of the blade, he ceased hammering and plunged the finished sword into a vat of cold water. Steam hissed and rolled upward as hot met cold. Once assured the tempering was completed, he removed his work and laid it across a table to continue the cooling process. At that moment, he became aware of three pairs of eyes observing his creative labor.

"Ho! Lerysa, Kendrys!" he boomed in a deep, gravelly voice. "What a pleasure to have you join me. Since you've brought a long your little friend, I take it you deem him sufficiently recovered to join our merry band."

Iolaus bristled slightly at the 'little' gibe. I can't get any respect, no matter where I go, he thought, resigned. The King was not lost on his body language and chuckled.

"I bet you get that often, don't you, Hunter? I can also see that you've learned to overcome your anger at it. But I don't wish to alienate someone who can be of service to me."

He stepped forward and reached out a meaty hand. Iolaus grinned and accepted it in a warrior's fashion. A surge of energy passed between them, causing Iolaus to take an involuntary step backwards, a startled look visible on his face. The King appeared no less surprised.

They stared at one another for a long moment. During that brief span of time, Iolaus took notice of the Centaur's bright, silvery eyes. Deep wisdom filled their depths. The King also detected knowledge, compassion and a keen sense of perception in the smaller man's blue ones.

"Welcome to our humble village. I am Cicaris." he declared cheerfully. When he found his voice, Iolaus replied deliberately.

"I'm Iolaus. What just happened to us?"

Cicaris laughed heartily.

"I believe you just experienced the awakening of your gift, my brave Iolaus."

Hercules peered over the healer's shoulder as he unwound the bandage covering Iolaus' ankle, foot and leg. Temorius examined the injury closely, clicked his tongue in satisfaction and applied a fresh bandage to the area. He readjusted the splint and tucked a pillow beneath it.

"It is looking much better, Hercules. Some of the swelling has gone down. His head wound is also healing nicely and should heal cleanly. I see no recurrence of infection either. Keep the wound covered and change it if it becomes soiled, once a day preferably. Take this ointment and use it each time. It has a wonderful healing property, that allows for only minimal scarring. Should he wake up, see to it he gets plenty of fluids in him and rest. I don't even want him to attempt to put weight on that leg. One or the other of you is to help him if he must get up. Though I doubt he'll have the strength for that for awhile."

Hercules allowed himself a small chuckle and said, "You don't know Iolaus, Temorius. He's terrible when it comes to confinement to a sickbed." Temorius eyed Hercules sternly.

"I do know his temperament in that regard. That is why he is to adhere to my strict instructions. I expect you and Jason to see to it that he complies." He gathered up his belongings and headed for the door.

Hercules trailed behind him. "Temorius, may I ask you something?" he said slowly. The healer faced him.

"What is it, Hercules?" he replied. Hercules ran his fingers through his hair.

"Does he have a chance of coming out of this? He's had head injuries before, but never has he taken so long to awaken."

Temorius laid a comforting hand on his arm. He glanced at the sleeping man. "Hercules, I've done all that is humanly possible for him. The rest is entirely up to him. The occasional, spontaneous movements are encouraging. The fact that he is otherwise fit, also bodes in his favor.

"Don't despair, my friend. I've a few patients I must check up on, so I'll try to get back here in a few days. Try talking to him. It can't hurt. Sometimes that reaches even the most comatose of individuals."

Hercules nodded and held open the door as the healer departed. He glanced back at Iolaus. " I hope so", he muttered and closed the door.

Chapter 6

Iolaus sank down on a crate next to the table. He studied the hand that had grasped the Centaur's. He waggled his fingers that still tingled from the contact. Then he raised his eyes to Cicaris' face.

The King's brows were raised in amusement, the silver eyes sparkling.

"My gift?" Iolaus asked skeptically. "You're the second person who has mentioned that to me." He glanced at Lerysa. "Is it somehow related to what you called me the other day?"

Lerysa fidgeted nervously. "Well, you might say so - yes." she answered. Iolaus cocked his head sideways and gave his attention back to the King.

"My friends here tell me that you wished to ask something of me. They've hinted it may have to do with this trouble you're having with mercenaries." It was his turn to elevate his eyebrows for confirmation. Cicaris smiled beneath his white beard. He cast a quick glimpse at the two younger Centaurs, then back to Iolaus.

"Yes, my perceptive friend, I do. And since these two rascals have basically let the cat out of the bag, I suppose it's time to share it with you. Let us go outside, where we don't have to compete with the hammers."

He strode purposefully from the cave and started down the rocky slope, Lerysa on his heels. Kendrys lifted Iolaus up behind him and trotted in their wake. Cicaris led them to the edge of a low cliff.

Below them spread a wide meadow, thick with verdant grasses and multicolored flowers. Mingling among them were perhaps two dozen horses, whose radiant coats seemed to capture the essence Of the sunlight.

Some bent their heads to the grass while others chased each other in joyous abandon. Cicaris indicated the scene with a wave of his hand.

"Look there, Iolaus. Are they not beautiful?" He commented with pride. Iolaus could not help but agree. His jaw dropped at this phenomenon. The King continued, his tone now serious.

"That group there is the last of their kind. I've sentries posted around the perimeter to ensure their safety."

"Their safety? Why would anyone want to harm such magnificent animals?" Iolaus interrupted with a frown.

"Mercenaries!" the Centaur growled with contempt. He bunched his fists tightly, then loosened them again. " You see, Iolaus, they are special to us. It is a belief passed down through the ages among my people, that when a Centaur leaves this world, some of them return in the form of these rare horses. The radiance you see emanating from them is their life force, on a higher plane. An even rarer few among our living are blessed with an ability to communicate with them."

Iolaus continued to stare at the creatures, fascinated. He forced himself to look away from them and direct his attention to Cicaris.

"So, what you are saying is, that they are your dead ancestors come back to life? What has that got to do with the mercenaries?" he wanted to know.

"Up to now, they had been sneaking into the grazing area, drugging the horses, then stealing them for their own sick pleasures. They have tortured the poor creatures, submitting them to unspeakable cruelties. Many have been crippled or worse, ridden to death. When they don't comply with the demands placed on them, they are beaten with hot pokers from the mercenaries' fires. When they die, their bodies are left to rot where they fall, the bastards never burying them. My warriors have tried to steal back the remainder of them, but the mercenaries are able to hear us coming. We cannot hide what we are, Iolaus, so we are committed to fight."

Iolaus had again focused his sights on the graceful creatures. Hot tears of anger poised on the rims of his eyes, in reaction to their plight. The Centaurs could see that he was struggling with his emotions as he unconsciously wiped away a few tears that had slipped down his cheeks. Iolaus was surprised by his own reaction and coughed in order to cover up his embarrassment.

"So, uh, where do I fit into this picture?" he queried, a slight waver in his voice. Cicaris wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

"You, my friend, are one of those blessed with the gift, although I've no precedent until now, that men have ever possessed it.

"I sensed it within you when we shared our handshake. You carry yourself well on Kendrys' back, with the skill of a fine horseman. One who understands the care and patience, not to mention the respect, it takes to become one with his mount. Judging by your reaction to what I've told you, it is clear that we made the right choice in rescuing you from the mercenaries. They are the ones who inflicted your injuries."

Iolaus shook his head slowly. "I can't remember anything, until I awoke in your village. Everything is still a blur." he stated.

"These miscreants care not for any form of life except their own.,' We do not know how they got a hold of you, only that you were being tortured. We were on one of our raids to recover the horses and saw a group of them chasing you down like hunted prey. We decided that since you were not one of them, you therefore must be against them. An enemy of theirs could be an ally to us. It wasn't until Kendrys here, killed the man who was tracking you, that he 'felt' your power. Wisely, he realized your potential and brought you back here. We had heard rumors of a man with the power, but never believed it until you happened into our midst. We realized, then who you were, even if the mercenaries did not."

Iolaus squeezed the young Centaur's shoulder. "Then I have you to thank for saving my life, and Lerysa for taking great care in tending to my injuries. But I still don't comprehend what I might do to help?" He rejoined. Iolaus ran his fingers through his golden locks, then down his cheek. Suddenly he felt weary and dizzy. Too many revelations to deal with all at once, he contemplated. He swayed a little and clung more firmly to Kendrys' shoulder. Lerysa noticed the movement and quickly edged closer.

"Iolaus?" she asked, concern in her voice. Iolaus shook his head and smiled tiredly. His face was paler than when they first started out.

"I'm okay, really." he assured her, despite the fact that he was less than honest with himself. Lerysa wasn't fooled.

"Sire, Iolaus is exhausted. We've had him out and about much longer than usual today. If I may beg your forgiveness, I'd like to return him to the village, where he may rest some more." Cicaris peered at the little man's face more intently.

"Yes, of course, Lerysa. My apologies, Iolaus. I've let my passionate cause overrule my common sense. We can continue this discussion later, after you've rested and eaten." he stated. Iolaus smiled again.

"No apology necessary, Your Highness. You've peaked my curiosity and I'd only be too happy to kick some mercenary butt. They're as much an annoyance to the rest of the communities." Cicaris grinned hugely.

"Then go rest now. You're in good hands," he growled. Lerysa, Kendrys and Iolaus nodded and headed down the hill. Iolaus glanced back at Cicaris. He stood proudly, staring ahead at the meadow below. To himself, Iolaus wondered what he was getting himself into.

Jason stepped inside the room, a pile of clean linens in his arms.

Hercules sat next to Iolaus' bed, a basin of soapy water on a nearby table. Jason deposited the items on another chair. "You're up early, aren't you, Hercules? I thought you'd still be sleeping, I've only just started breakfast." he stated.

Hercules was about to dip the cloth he held, into the basin, but stayed his hand. He glanced up at Jason.

"0h, good morning, Jason. I don't require a great deal of sleep. Iolaus, however, claims to never getting enough of it."

"How can you tell?" Jason quipped. Hercules laughed.

"You'd think with all of the energy he expends to keep himself going, he'd sleep like a baby. Yet he still manages to keep one eye open if trouble is near.and comes right up, ready and alert. I guess the old academy training and that of his martial arts mentor, has stuck with him all these years." Herc replied with a shrug. Jason indicated the cloth, changing the subject.

"What were you going to do with that?" he asked.

Hercules toyed with the cloth and looked at Iolaus. "Well, it's been several days now since all of this has happened. Even though he's been out of it, he's still been sweating from both the fever and the heat of the day. I thought he'd feel more refreshed if I bathed him. Besides, he hates to take baths and it will probably be the only time he can't fight me about it."

Jason chuckled and nodded his head.

"By all means, then. Let me give you a hand. I've brought fresh linens for the bed. We can change them and his bandages at the same time."

Hercules slipped his arm beneath Iolaus' shoulders and raised him to a sitting position. Together, he and Jason washed him from head to toe, bypassing the splinted leg. Jason exchanged the old bandages for new, as directed by the healer. Hercules cradled Iolaus in his arms while Jason replaced the soiled linens, then eased Iolaus into a more comfortable position on the bed. During the whole time, Iolaus remained silent and still. Herc draped the the top linen over Iolaus' body, adjusting it so it covered him up to his chest.

"You were right, Hercules. He does look better cleaned up, even if he can't say so." Jason commented. Hercules reached over and lightly brushed a few damp curls away from Iolaus' forehead.

"I'm afraid for him, Jason. I wish there was something else I could do that would hasten his recovery, but I just can't think of anything," He lamented, his face serious.

"I know what you mean." the ex-king of Corinth agreed." Give him a chance, Hercules. He'll come back to us in his own time."

"Yeah," Herc replied. He sighed. Then he clapped Jason on the arm. "You mentioned something about breakfast?"

Jason nodded. The demigod adjusted the covering once more and rose to join him. As they reached the door, Iolaus moaned softly.Herc and Jason exchanged hopeful glances and immediately returned to him. Hercules knelt beside the bed, placing a hand on the hunter's shoulder.

"Iolaus?" he called gently to him," Come on, buddy, talk to me." Iolaus' eyes remained closed, his long lashes, pale against his cheeks. However, his lips moved silently, trying to form words. Hercules leaned closer to his face. Iolaus barely whispered.

"...horses...save...Cent..." he muttered incoherently. At that point, his voice faltered and he sank back into unconsciousness.

The two listeners waited anxiously for him to say something more, but they were disappointed when there was nothing else. Finally, Jason spoke up.

"What did he mean? It sounded to me like he was saying something about horses-"

"He did. Definitely something about saving them, although I couldn't make out the other word. My guess is that he's still thinking about rescuing the horses during the storm. It would have been the last thing on his mind before he was hurt. That would be just like him to be more concerned about some poor animals instead of himself." Herc concluded.

"Hercules, is this a good sign that he'll beat this?" Jason asked.

"He's got a lot of determination in him. He's fighting it. Even though he lost the battle with Enforcer 2, you saw how determined he was and what it cost him to reach me. He's no quitter and his courage is beyond reproach."

"Then stay with him, in case he tries to speak again. I'll go fetch our breakfast and we'll eat it in here. Should he awaken, at least he won't be alone."

Chapter 7

The trio had returned to the village, Iolaus' head buzzing with questions. Kendrys carried him back to the lean-to, where the hunter crawled into his bed. Lerysa declared that she would prepare them some lunch and hurried off. Kendrys stayed with Iolaus and for a while they chatted.

"Kendrys, I never knew about the horses being the spirits of your ancestors. Do these mercenaries know that?" Iolaus wanted to know. Kendrys shook his head.

"No, Iolaus, they don't. When they were taken, the horses somehow managed to dampen their auras, so that even we cannot distinguish them from ordinary horses. The mercenaries steal them because they are a commodity and a source of transportation, nothing more. Consequently, they treat them as they do their own beasts, with cruelty and a lack of regard."

Iolaus considered this information. " So, how does my having this so-called talent fit into your plans? Both you and Cicaris have it, don't you? Maybe even Lerysa?"

"Not maybe, Iolaus. You are correct on all three counts. We are among a small number who possess it. To find and bring back the horses, one needs to get close and feel their presence,We then touch their minds in order to find those of the chosen. It is difficult because we can't get near them. The mercenaries have them penned up, surrounded by numerous guards. Their entire company amounts to approximately twenty to thirty men. Their leader is a vicious man who has a long standing hatred towards Centaurs and this is his way of showing it. I probably shouldn't be telling you that, but I feel you need to know all of the details.

"You see, this man, Thanatos, killed a young, Centaur colt, my brother Selys, because he wouldn't bend to Thanatos' whip. He'd captured the lad and tried to extract information about our village. Selys wouldn't give in, so they tortured him and hacked him to death. Cicaris had come upon this butchering, but he was too late to save my brother.

"In his rage, Cicaris killed the nearest man and nearly went crazy with his grief. Thanatos' henchmen outnumbered him and they beat him until they thought he was dead, then fled. Cicaris dragged himself back to the village and reported his story. Several Centaurs, myself included, went to the scene of the crime and retrieved what was left of my brother's remains.

"I remember that day with stark clarity, every time one of our warriors comes home injured. All I see is the frozen visage of agony that was set on Selys' face." Kendrys paused, swallowed hard, then heaved a shaky sigh. He took a moment to collect his thoughts and continued with his narrative.

"There's more, Iolaus. The man Cicaris killed was Thanatos' son, who wielded the axe that mutilated my brother. Since that day forward, Thanatos has vowed to kill any Centaur who ventures near his hideout.

"When he can't harry us, he takes out his frustrations on the horses he's stolen. We've found some of them dead on occasion, in fields or the forest, left as carrion for the vultures. Others have been so mutilated that they were unrecognizable. We've made it our life's mission to find and rescue any and all horses, not just the spirit ones. But we can't do it alone. When we found you, Iolaus, we were at first, hesitant to ask for your help. Too often, we've found that those not of our kind, generally leaned to their own race in the end. No offense, but we were uncertain you would either.

"However, you carry the gift and it is exceptionally strong. We discussed it at length among ourselves and decided the risk was worth it."

"Will you help us?" Lerysa's voice spoke quietly from the doorway. She'd apparently stepped inside with a tray as Kendrys related his story and had been observing Iolaus' reactions, as he sat enraptured by the gruesome tale. Upon hearing her voice, Iolaus spun his head in her direction. There was an expectancy poised in her large, expressive eyes. Iolaus saw the same look in Kendrys' dark ones. He again turned to Lerysa, who had deposited the tray on a table. Several emotions crossed his face until a wicked grin settled upon it.

"Sure, why not." he declared boldly. " I've defeated Death before! Count me in!" He extended a hand to each Centaur, which they eagerly grasped in relief. Then Kendrys asked, perplexed.

"Death?" Iolaus' blue eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Yes. Thanatos is the Greek word for Death." he explained. The Centaurs exchanged surprised looks, then studied their new-found friend skeptically. Iolaus caught the looks and grinned wryly.

"It's a long story. Perhaps I'll tell you sometime." He eyed the food tray entreatingly. "Shall we eat?"

Later that evening, after Iolaus had slept for a few hours, Lerysa returned to look in on him. She found him sitting up, his uninjured leg pulled up to his chest, his chin resting on folded arms.

He was staring into a candle flame, his cerulean eyes distant in deep thought. She levered herself down beside the bed and placed her hand lightly upon his arm.

"Where are you, Hunter? Are you having second thoughts?" she addressed him inquisitively. Iolaus blinked and drew himself back to the present. He smiled at her a little sadly, taking in her lovely features.

"No, I haven't changed my mind. Knowing what I know now, only makes me want to be part of the solution all the more."

Lerysa brushed a strand of hair away from her cheek. She tilted her head slightly.

"Then why the melancholy expression." Iolaus combed his fingers through his unruly, pale locks and sighed.

"I was just thinking of a boy I knew, whose father thought he could make a soldier out of him, by beating him long and hard enough. It didn't work. After many years of such abuse, the boy ran away. His father died in battle while he was gone, so the boy never saw the old man again. Whether it be a person or an animal, cruelty won't get the desired results." Iolaus dropped his eyes to his hands.

"Why did his father beat him, instead of teaching him what he wanted him to learn?" Lerysa asked curiously.

"Because his son was too small in his father's eyes. Not soldier material. An embarrassment to the family name, and so didn't measure up to his father's strict standards. It was easier to humiliate him into believing that he would never amount to anything in life.

"So the boy became a thief and ran with a bad crowd, until a friend came along and cared enough to pull him out of the gutter. You might say he empathizes with your lost souls and wants to help set things right."

Lerysa suddenly realized that Iolaus was speaking about his own life and touched his cheek in compassion. "But you are a warrior now, Iolaus, and a good one, from what I can see."

Iolaus covered her hand with his. He bowed his head shyly. "Perhaps. It took many years of hard work, countless battles and some Eastern disciplines thrown in, before I could even accept that I could pass for a warrior. As a thief, on the other hand, my skills were honed before I reached the age of sixteen. Today, though, you might say I'm a bit rusty. It's been quite a few years since I pulled off a good heist, but I think I still have the old touch. It's all in the timing." He flashed her one of his grins full of devilment.

Lerysa laughed at his audacity. " That cockiness could get you killed, Warrior, you know that, don't you?" she chastened.

"That's what my friend always tells me. However, it keeps me on my toes. Don't worry, I'll try not to do something stupid." he retorted.. Lerysa's smile became more serious.

"You better not. I don't say that because you promised to help us. I truly care about you, Iolaus. You're different than most men. You have a genuine sensitivity about you that's refreshing."

She bowed her head shyly, embarrassed that she let slip her innermost feelings. Iolaus put a finger under her chin and gently raised it until she was looking directly into his eyes. There was a hint of a tear welling on the rims of her aqua irises. Iolaus leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. When she did not resist, he deepened the kiss and was surprised at her passionate response. They lingered over it for several long moments, then Iolaus drew her into a comforting embrace. Her arms slid around his neck and she buried her face in his shoulder.

He could feel her hot tears moistening his skin. He tenderly stroked her silky hair until her soft weeping abated. Iolaus lifted her away from him, his strong hands, a steadying force on her slender shoulders. He peered worriedly at her, touched by her concern for him.

"I'm sorry, Iolaus. I didn't mean to get so emotional." she sniffed. He smiled crookedly.

"Yes you did and it's all right." he soothed." It's a woman's prerogative." She glanced at him in shock. She giggled , then, when it became obvious that he was only teasing her. He stroked her cheek.

"Feel better?" he asked. When she nodded in affirmation, he continued. " I know you've all been under a great deal of duress because of what the mercenaries have done to your people. That's normal. Sometimes we need to cry. It's a practical medicine to relieve the stress and to help one's resolve. Used it myself many times, but don't spread that around, okay?" He brushed away several of her tears with his thumbs. She nodded and further wiped her eyes.

"My lips are sealed. You should have been a healer, Iolaus. You know the way to ease a sore heart." Her fingers traced his cheek again, then lingered on his lips. Iolaus kissed them softly, raising his brows.

"Shush! You'll have all the girls wanting to cry on my shoulder.

"Hmmm, maybe that wouldn't be such a terrible thing!"

Lerysa chuckled and slapped his hand. " You are incorrigible!" Lerysa's smile softened, "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Iolaus replied cheerfully. The healer gathered herself and rose. Iolaus followed her with his eyes.

"Iolaus, tomorrow Cicaris wants to make a go at the mercenaries. Do you think you will feel up to it?"

Iolaus shrugged. " I'm obviously not at a hundred percent, but there is no sense in prolonging the inevitable. Tell him I'll be ready."

"What do you think, Temorius? He's stirred a couple of times, but just can't quite remain awake." Jason pointed out.

Temorius was bent over Iolaus' inert forms. He'd removed the bandage from the hunter's head and was examining the wound. He grunted in satisfaction and accepted a new one from Jason. He replaced it carefully and straightened up.

"Jason, I don't have an answer for you. Every injury is unique and affects the bearer differently. Iolaus is no exception. Head injuries, especially, are insidious, because we cannot see what type of damage occurs within. I'd love to tell you that he will be alright, but honestly, I can't be certain. Some people regain consciousness shortly after such a blow. Some have been known to linger for days or even years. How long he remains that way depends on him and him alone. I'd suggest that you continue doing what you've been doing and don't neglect his basic needs. Verbal and tactile contact could be the deciding factor that may affect his will to survive."

Jason heaved a heavy sigh and blew it out slowly. He clapped the healer on the arm silently. Hercules had been standing at the window, staring out at the corral. His eyes followed the mottled-gray stallion prancing proudly about the enclosure. The animal shook his long mane and teased the mares. The sun on his coat gleamed with an unearthly light that enhanced the powerful muscles of his body. He seemed content with his surroundings. It was hard to conceive that this same creature had, only days ago, become a raging demon that left Iolaus on the brink of death.

Jason had called him a rogue. Even Hercules, with his incredible strength, was hard-pressed to control him. Iolaus, on the other hand, had been the only one who could get close enough to him without spooking him. Come to think of it, Herc recalled, Iolaus always had an affinity with horses and they always seemed to respond well to his commands. Perhaps that was why he was the better rider.

Hercules had been half-listening to the conversation behind him.

He turned to face them and walked to the foot of the bed. Though his eyes were on Iolaus, his comments were for Jason and Temorius.

"He remembered that we were trying to save the horses. I'm sure of it. I Can't believe that he would give in to this injury, without a fight." he declared. Temorius glanced at the demigod with sympathy.

He'd only recently taken over the practice after the healer, Menelos, passed on. However, it didn't take him long to become acquainted with the townspeople and their three local heroes. He soon learned of the binding friendship that linked them to one another. It only now occurred to him that he held the lives of all three in his hands.

To Hercules , he stated, "Hold that thought in your heart, Hercules, and don't give into despair. I don't think Iolaus is ready yet to meet Hades. Let's take one day at a time, shall we?"

Hercules sighed and nodded. Suddenly he felt ashamed for doubting his partner's mettle. Iolaus always had faith in him and proved, many times over, his courage under the most extreme of conditions. Now wasn't the time to waver in his confidence. Herc vowed to himself to be there to encourage Iolaus' recovery and to keep him healthy thereafter.

Chapter 8

Cicaris stood at the edge of the forest, several hundred yards from the perimeter of the mercenaries' makeshift corral. Lerysa and Kendrys took up positions nearby, using the wide girth of tree trunks for concealment. Iolaus knelt on the ground in front of Cicaris, scratching out a crude map of the camp below them.

The four of them and several of the King's captains had decided to conduct the raid as darkness set, thereby confusing the enemy as to their number. Two of the captains were also sensitive with the gift and were to each lead a group during the recovery. Cicaris was, at first reluctant to allow Lerysa to join the actual raid. Not because she was female, but because she was the most skilled of the healers. Her argument was that she would best know what to do for injuries, but that she and Kendrys both had a right to avenge Selys' honor. Kendrys supported her decision, much to her satisfaction. Cicaris could not deny them that opportunity, since the killer, Thanatos had also robbed him of his son, as well.

Some of his captains were skeptical of a man being included in what was clearly a raid against men. Cicaris assured them that Iolaus' presence was not only needed but welcomed. Iolaus' small size, stealth and hunter's abilities allowed him to conceal himself low in the grasses. He was:also knowledgeable of the types of traps the mercenaries set, and clever enough to disarm them without alerting the enemy. In their desire to reach the horses, the Centaurs would be vulnerable to those traps and would likely be maimed or killed.

It took Iolaus over an hour to find and destroy all of the traps. Cicaris was becoming increasingly concerned, until Iolaus seemed to materialize right next to him near the trees. He sported a broad, smug grin.

"The path is clear to the compound, at least from our end. The six guards on this Side are in dreamland. I took the liberty of skirting the others and booby trapping around a couple of their tents. Boy, will they be in for a surprise! They'll think that there are dozens more firing on them than our small force. I also made sure the arrows fly towards their tents, so everyone should avoid proximity to them.

"I've counted twenty five of the horses in the compound. We'll have to work quickly if we're to get them all. They are scattered about and tethered at different spots. I'd have liked to have freed them but I didn't want to risk being seen. I could also feel the special ones, but I was careful not to project my own touch for fear of startling them before we were ready."

Cicaris placed a hand on Iolaus' head in silent gratitude. The hunter had tied a dark cloth around his pale hair to hide it. All of them smeared dirt on their faces and bodies to blend with the darkness.

Cicaris had deliberately chosen the night of a new moon, so the darkness was complete. His silver eyes glittered with anticipation, but also with grave concern.

"Iolaus, I've asked you to risk your life for the sake of my people and you've risen to the occasion unselfishly. I hope there will come a time when I can return the favor. You still have time to change your mind." he murmured. Iolaus shook his head vigorously.

"I've already made my decision. If this is my way of expressing my gratitude for saving my life, then so be it. Now, if we are going to get this done, we better get on with it. Those guys I knocked out won't stay that way for very long."

"Very well, lead the way, then." Cicaris ordered. Iolaus grinned again and slithered like a shadow down the slope. Fifteen Centaurs crept quietly behind him until they reached the bottom. There they spread out in small groups, each one headed by one of the gifted, as they were referred to.

Cicaris' group took the eastern end of the compound. While he sought out and melded his mind with several of the steeds, he instructed them to urge those not with a spirit bearer, to follow the Centaurs away to the woods. They complied and slipped away without a hitch. The two captains were also successful with the group on the western end. Kendrys' and Lerysa's companions moved more cautiously with the remaining two captains, towards the northern quarter. Here the largest majority of the horses milled. The Centaurs blended in among them until Iolaus was able to take out a few more of the guards. The spirit talkers calmed the fidgety beasts. Brother and sister strained to keep an eye on Iolaus' small figure as he flitted from one position to another with the stealth of a ghost. As he passed a group of horses, he'd slice through the ropes with a knife supplied to him by Cicaris.

Touching each of their velvety noses, he opened his mind ever so gently and presented an image of the place they were to go. Those that understood, prodded the others into the waiting hands of Centaurs.

However, one guard who had been relieving himself behind one of the tents, rounded the corner and spotted the diminutive figure of the hunter near the fence. He drew his sword and scuddled in a crouch towards the unsuspecting thief. He dove onto Iolaus' back and dragged him to the ground. The sudden commotion startled the freed animals in the vicinity and they bolted for the hidden Centaurs. The noise also attracted the rest of the guards, who began to shout for help.

Kendrys and Lerysa freed the rest of their horses and sent them and the newcomers with the remainder of their party. A swarm of mercenaries seemed to boil from the tents, but fell screamimg and clutching various parts of their bodies, as Iolaus' traps sprung with deadly accuracy. Some lay still, their bodies bristling with arrows, while others miraculously avoided the deadly projectiles. They charged the two sibling Centaurs, who'd remained behind to aid Iolaus. Once engaged in battle, however, they were hard pressed to protect each other.

The hunter was pinned beneath his attacker, the man's sword hovering dangerously close to his throat. Iolaus thrust his knee between the killer's legs, catching him in the crotch with a vicious blow. The man bellowed in pain, revealing his and Iolaus' position to the Centaurs.

The thug groped for his damaged parts, giving Iolaus a clear shot with his knife hand. He plunged the blade in the man's neck, severing his jugular vein. Blood fountained out to spray Iolaus' chest and arms. He rolled to the side as the man's heavier body collapsed face down. Iolaus scrambled to his feet and limped painfully in the direction of his two friends, the dead man's weapon an addition to his hand.

Lerysa and Kendrys were concentrating their attention on a handful of the mercenaries, who were attempting to slash their legs with various weapons. The Centaurs countered by bashing in heads with their sharp hooves and stomping them in defense. To Iolaus' trained eye, there were still too many for the two to handle alone. Although he was gasping for breath from his own encounter, Iolaus, nonetheless, snarled and joined the fray with a renewed fury.

From the hilltop, Cicaris could barely make out the fighting. A quick glance among his warriors revealed that his grandchildren and Iolaus were not present. His heart leapt to his throat.

"Challon, Trachis, come with me! The rest of you get the horses to safety!" he rumbled. Without waiting for a reply, the King and his escorts galloped back down the slope. They joined the melee and lent their swords to that of their kinsmen.

One of the mercenaries, a huge man with a scarred face, who'd been knocked to the ground, pulled himself to his feet and aimed his sword at the healer's chest. Iolaus whirled from downing an assailant only to gape in horror as the sword pierced Lerysa's breast. She let out a gasp, but continued to fight. Iolaus rushed forward, despite his protesting leg, and decapitated the assassin, screaming his rage.

"Kendrys! Lerysa's hurt! Get her out of here, now!" Kendrys' startled expression turned to concern as his sword found another victim.

Heeding Iolaus' command, Kendrys rushed to Lerysa's side. He took her by the arm and led her away, up the slope to safety. Iolaus, Cicaris and the two other Centaurs finished off the remaining mercenaries in their midst. Iolaus whirled every which way, searching for more men to fight, the red haze of fury still pumping him up. The others paused only long enough to ensure they were no longer being attacked. Cicaris waved his comrades ahead of him. He turned back to Iolaus,seeing his confusion.

"Iolaus, come!" he shouted, snatching him up into his arms and deftly tossing him to his back. Iolaus hung on numbly as the Centaur galloped after the others.

They reached the village soon thereafter and came to a halt near a circle of Centaurs. Torch lights were burning nearby. Iolaus threw himself off of Cicaris' back and shoved his way through the taller bodies. In the center of the circle, Kendrys knelt, Lerysa's upper body cradled in his arms. Iolaus' knees buckled and he pulled himself closer to their sides.

Kendrys' eyes were streaming tears, his large hand pressing a cloth to the wound on her breast. Too much blood soaked the cloth and seeped through her brother's fingers. Her face was ashen beneath the thick fall of her silky hair.

"Lerysa?" Iolaus pleaded in a choked voice. The healer opened her eyes and sought out his face. She reached up her hand and touched his cheek. A tiny smile formed on her full lips.

"Iolaus!" she uttered "Did we win?" Iolaus swallowed his tears and tried to smile.

"Yes, we won. The mercenaries won't be bothering the Centaurs anymore." he managed.

"Good." she whispered. "The man - who stabbed me~- was Thanatos. What - happened -to him?" A stab of pain and grief gripped Iolaus' heart.

"He's dead, dear one. He'll never hurt anyone again." Iolaus' hand enfolded hers. His throat closed up, robbing him of his voice. Lerysa stiffened as a spasm of pain gripped her body. Her fingers tightened around Iolaus' When she could speak again, she looked up at her brother.

"Kendrys - don't grieve for me. We completed - what we - set out to do. For father - Selys -and the others. Be brave my brother."

Kendrys nodded and ran his fingers through her hair and down her cheek. He kissed her forehead affectionately. She shifted her eyes to Cicaris. "Grandsire, take- care of Kendrys - for me, He'll need your guidance."

The silver-haired King also nodded and stroked her face. His gravelly voice held steady. " It'll be as you ask, little one. Be at peace."

Lerysa glanced at Iolaus once more. His eyes glistened with his unshed tears. Lerysa touched her fingers to his eyes.

"It's - okay to cry, my love. It relieves the soul and - helps one's resolve..." Her voice trailed off, her eyes closing, as a final sigh escaped her lips. Iolaus felt her hand go limp and knew that she was gone. He leaned forward, kissed her lips ever so gently, then bowed his head. The tears poured forth and ran down his cheeks unchecked, as his quiet sobs threatened to overcome him. None of the Centaurs were unmoved by his emotional display, their own grief evident in their faces.

Two strong hands lifted Iolaus to his feet. He swayed from exhaustion, his previous injuries and those acquired from tonight's fight, taking their toll. He sagged in Cicaris' grip and felt himself being cradled in his arms, before he blacked out. When he awoke the following morning, he was surprised to see Cicaris kneeling alongside of the bed. For the first time since he'd met the King, Iolaus noticed how tired the Centaur looked. Iolaus sat up, all the memories of the previous day crowding in. He realized, suddenly, that Lerysa would not be there to greet him, as she had done every day since he'd been here.

Sorrow constricted his chest, but he prevailed when he sought to keep his grief in check. Cicaris was watching him thoughtfully.

"Good morning, Iolaus." he stated in his deep voice. "Did you rest alright? You gave me quite a scare when you collapsed last night.

"I was afraid you'd taken a serious injury as well, since you were covered in blood. Fortunately, most of your injuries were superficial." Iolaus was staring at him, perplexed.

"You tended my wounds? Then you've been here all night," he asked.

"I was a healer once, in my younger days, my friend. Later I became a blacksmith, when I continued to grow so big. Where do you think my son and beautiful granddaughter learned it from? She had a tremendous gift that might never be matched again."

"Yes," Iolaus uttered, his throat threatening to close again. He swallowed hard. He reached out a comforting hand to Cicaris and covered the King's. "She learned from the best, Where - where is she now?"

Cicaris peered into the blond man's sad blue eyes. "We buried her last night but decided that a special tribute will be held in her honor this morning. Kendrys and I knew you would want to be there."

"Oh, yes. I would." Iolaus replied softly. "Thank you. How is Kendrys doing? I could see how close they were. He must be terribly lost without her."

"He is a brave lad and proved it once again, yesterday. To lose his father and now, both of his siblings, has been rough on him. We will survive, though. I will see to that." he paused and sighed. " An old man such as myself, should not have to watch the younger ones die before him, but it is the will of the gods."

Iolaus rubbed the spot above the bridge of his nose. " It's my fault, Cicaris. I couldn't reach her in time' I saw what was coming but my leg gave out on me."

"No Iolaus. You did what you could, at the time you could. Lerysa would not want you to blame yourself and neither will I." He offered Iolaus a plate and a cup.

"Here. Please have some food and water. I know you think you cannot eat it, but you must, in order to get well. Afterwards, I'll take you to her gravesite and we'll bid her farewell.' He gripped Iolaus' shoulder warmly.

An hour later, they stood with Kendrys and the rest of the Centaur community, next to the freshly turned mound..Nearby were several, small stone markers with the names of the deceased members of a number of families. Cicaris stepped forward. He draped a medallion, hammered into the shape of a horse's head, over the rich dirt. The cord was made of horse's hair, with a tassel hung from the base. The eyes were made of two rich, aqua tones, that sparkled in the sunlight. Cicaris placed a small dagger on top of that, along with several sprigs of healing herbs.

Then he addressed his people. "Once again, we have lost one of our rare gifts; one who valued life to the end. There isn't one of us who wasn't touched by her healing hands; who wasn't soothed by her gift.

"She brought joy to our lives and left us her legacy of hope. We honor her now, in the tradition of the greatest of our Centaur heroes."

He placed a small bunch of flowers bound with horse hair at the head of the mound. Each of the others placed similar tokens and stepped back. Kendrys knelt and placed a small bowl with a matching pestle that Lerysa has used to grind her medicinals. Alongside of that, he set a pitcher of water, symbols of life-giving sustenance. He no longer wept, but his jaw tightened with his grief. For a long moment, he bowed his head in quietude and thought. Then he rose and strode to Iolaus' side.

The hunter stood frozen in place. He had nothing to offer such as they. A shared look passed between him and the young warrior, his expression saying what his tongue could not. Kendrys draped a companionable arm across his shoulders.

"You cared for her, Iolaus, and she for you. Yes, she told me how she felt and how you comforted her when fear for us shook her resolve.

"Before we embarked on this raid, she asked that we look after you, should something happen to her. She was a visionary among us. Perhaps she saw what was to come and accepted her fate. You heard her, try not grieve with sorrow. Celebrate her life instead, as we shall." he spoke, his voice reverent.

Iolaus read the entreaty in his eyes and nodded. He grasped the Centaur's wrist firmly, then focused his eyes on the grave. In a moment of inspiration, he remembered the walking staff gripped tightly in his palm. With a meaningful glance at Kendrys, he set it down among the other gifts. He pressed his hand to the cool earth and whispered.

"Ride with the wind, Healer of my soul and body. You are free now." He looked up at Cicaris, who nodded approval. As one, the rest of the villagers returned to their homes. Only Cicaris, Kendrys and Iolaus remained.

"Did we really win, Your Highness? Were all of the horses saved?" Cicaris smiled grimly. "If twenty-four out of twenty-five saved is any measure of our success, then yes, we won." he stated. "However, the loss of even one is too much. He must have fled during the fighting. Promise me something, Iolaus. If in your travels, you even sense one of our brothers or sisters in captivity, free them to come home to join their family. Perhaps one day, you'll find that missing brother with your gift. We will always be grateful to you and count you as one of our own." Iolaus' blue eyes filled with emotion and he rose to clasp the King's arm.

"I promise, Cicaris. "he declared, sincerely. He did likewise to Kendrys, who pulled him into an embrace.

"Go safely, little brother, and be well." he said. Iolaus paid one last, respectful moment at Lerysa's grave, then waved a solemn goodbye. He set his face stoically and limped off down a path into the sun.

Iolaus' eyelids fluttered open, as a beam of sunlight slanted its way in through the open shutter. He stared with perplexed fascination at the tiny dust motes that danced within the shaft of light. He glanced around the room and slowly became aware that he lay in the guest room of Jason's house. He remembered being in a meadow. Confused, he shot up into a sitting position and immediately regretted his hasty action.

The room tilted crazily, causing him to involuntarily cry out in pain and panic. A trembling hand found its way to his forehead. He felt bile rise to his throat, but sheer determination kept him from losing it.

Footsteps moving towards him sounded like beating drums in his sensitive head, alerting him to the fact that he wasn't alone. He glanced sideways and glimpsed a pair of leather-clad legs moving towards him. Iolaus closed his eyes, that small movement making him nauseous.

Another hoarse moan escaped his lips. Strong hands took hold of his shoulders and remained there until his vision stopped swimming.

After a few moments, he ventured a peek at the man who sat beside him. Hercules' worried face peered at him. Iolaus managed a sickly grin, despite the pain pounding in his skull. He tried to speak but no words came out from several days of disuse. Hercules' expression relaxed in cautious relief.

"Iolaus, you don't know what a relief it is to have you back with us!" he beamed. Iolaus blinked his eyes in confusion and shook his head from side to side. Herc's grin lessened. He gave Iolaus a measured stare. "Do you remember what happened?"

Iolaus' blank gaze told the demigod that he did not. Herc tried again.

"Iolaus, you got kicked in the head by a horse. You've been unconscious for days. That's why your head hurts. The same horse broke your ankle. We were bringing in Jason's horses during the storm. That big gray is the culprit who messed you up. We can talk of that later.

"Are you thirsty?" he added. Without waiting for an answer, Hercules poured from a pitcher and handed the cup to Iolaus. The injured man accepted the cup, eyed the contents, then drank from it in small sips.

"Horses?" he uttered in a raspy whisper, pausing from his drinking.

"That's right, my friend." Herc replied. Iolaus tried to get out of bed, but Hercules promptly halted his progress.

"Easy, Iolaus. I don't think you want to try that right now. The healer said to make sure you rest and not put any weight on that leg." he cautioned. Another desperate look crossed Iolaus' face.

"Healer?" Iolaus again muttered, more to himself than to Hercules. The big man studied him more closely. Iolaus appeared anxious and distracted. Herc attributed it to his injury and tried to reassure his friend. " Yes, Iolaus. Don't worry if things seem out of kilter right now. You've been through a lot lately. Things will sort themselves out in time." he offered in a light tone and a smile.

Iolaus nodded slowly and lay back on the pillow. The heaviness of his eyelids won out after only a few moments and he slipped into a restless slumber. Hercules reached over and removed the empty cup from Iolaus' slack fingers. He tucked blanket around the little man's shoulders and rose. Jason chose that moment to enter the room. Herc put his finger to his lips and motioned for Jason to follow him into the next room. He closed the door quietly and joined the older man at the table.

"What is it, Hercules? Is he alright?., Jason queried.

Hercules took a seat opposite him and folded his hands.

"I guess so. Iolaus awoke a little while ago. He seemed quite confused and didn't remember what had happened to him. I did get him to drink some water. He also seemed anxious to get out of bed, but I convinced him that it wouldn't be feasible now. He didn't argue and went back to sleep."

"That's to be expected, Hercules. It's a given for him to be disoriented at first. Give him a few days and we'll have our hands full keeping him down."

True to Jason's prediction, Iolaus began to show improvement. His usual hearty appetite returned much more slowly, however. He only picked at his food and left more on the plate than he'd eaten. This marginally worried Hercules, since Iolaus rarely left anything. The hunter had lost weight while ill and appeared more preoccupied elsewhere than with him or Jason.

He did, however, take a keen interest in the horses in the corral, staring at them for long periods of time, when he was allowed outdoors for fresh air. Hercules found the contradiction a bit odd. He carefully broached the subject to Iolaus when he'd joined him in the gardens.

"Pretty, aren't they?" Iolaus commented, when Herc settled on the bench beside him. He was enjoying the sight of two of the mares playfully exercising their legs.

"Uh-huh" Hercules agreed. He eyed his partner askance. " Are they magic or something? They've certainly been the sole source of your attention for the last several days. Jason and I were beginning to wonder if you were going to join us in the everyday mundane things you used to do with us. You know, like eating, talking, chores and even your bad joking. You okay?" Herc quipped. He raised his brows and smiled.

Iolaus pulled his eyes away from the horses to gape at him. He pondered what his friend had just said, then dropped his eyes to his hands. A small, repentant smile parted his lips and he glanced at Hercules. "Sorry," he said simply. "I'm okay, Herc. I was just thinking, that's all." His eyes found the horses again,The gray had sidled over to join the mares and nuzzled close. Herc followed Iolaus' line of sight.

"Wanna clue me in on what's rolling around in that brain of yours ?" Herc quizzed. Iolaus sighed reflectively

"Did you know the Centaurs revere them?" he stated, matter-of-factly. Hercules chuckled and eyed him oddly.

"Where did you hear that?" he asked. Iolaus frowned, his expression serious.

"From the Centaurs, I think," he retorted, a measure of exasperation in his voice. He tilted his head doubtfully, then added, "They believe that the horses are the spirits of their ancestors."

"Their ancestors? Right!" Herc snorted glibly. "Iolaus, are you sure that blow to your head didn't addle your brain? they're just horses, who do ordinary horsey things and sometimes hurt people like you. Especially that gray." He gestured towards the stallion.

The hunter shook his head slowly. "No - no. The lightning frightened him and I got in the way, because I couldn't see him. It's not his fault," he argued defensively. He checked himself and sat brooding. "Not his fault," he repeated softly. Hercules was taken aback by Iolaus' vehemence. He sat silently for several moments before continuing.

"Look, Iolaus, I didn't mean anything by it," he said. Iolaus shot him a look, his eyes flashing angrily.

"You know, Herc, just because you know a lot about the gods and the afterlife, doesn't mean other people don't have their beliefs. It's very important to them!" he explained, then clammed up, pursing his lips.

"Okay, Iolaus, I'm sorry. Truly, I meant no insult," Hercules apologized. Iolaus looked away, inhaled a deep breath, then blew it out in a huff on his shoulder.

"Are you sure you're feeling okay?" Iolaus' head snapped up and the demigod added, "Seriously, Iolaus, I meant that out of concern."

Iolaus nodded. Hercules tried to examine his face discreetly. Satisfied that his friend wasn't ailing, he changed the subject.

"How do they tell?" he coaxed, pointing at the horses.

"Tell what?" Iolaus replied.

"The Centaurs. How can they tell if the horses are family?"

Iolaus looked away, wondering if he should even mention what he knew. He wasn't even sure how he knew it. Kendrys. The name popped into his head from out of the clear blue. something about a gift.

"Some kinda gift. they can talk to them, I guess." He didn't want to commit himself. 'Herc already thinks I'm crazy,' he thought to himself. 'Maybe I am and don't know it.' He shook his head.

"Oh," Herc stated simply, shrugging his shoulders. Iolaus gave him a wry glance.

"Just 'Oh'?" he said mildly.

"Just Oh," Herc repeated, spreading his hands. Iolaus wagged his head again and snorted. Hercules was glad to see his friend's cheerful demeanor again. Iolaus had been so serious of late.

"You know," he began, while he had Iolaus in a better mood, "Jason's thinking of letting that stallion go."

"Why?" Iolaus shot back, alarm in his voice. " I told you it was only an accident."

"Why? Because he almost killed you, Iolaus! Jason is afraid that someone else will get hurt trying to get near him. I have to agree. Why are you so upset? You told him yourself that he ought to get rid of him." Herc debated. Iolaus jumped up from his seat.

"That's before I knew about the - oh, forget it, Herc!" he stated curtly. He whirled and hobbled over to the fence, his mind a jumble of confused images and half-remembered events. He couldn't tell what was real or if he only dreamt them. 'Why can't I remember?' he thought in frustration. He ran his fingers through his wavy hair. He leaned on the rail, anger mixed with panic gnawing at his gut.

Iolaus concentrated his thoughts on the big stallion, who turned from his ladies to stare back at him. Something reached out to him; a tingling feeling that tickled the edges of his mind. It invaded every corner of his senses; warm, curious and powerful. Familiar? Iolaus smiled resolutely.

Hercules rose also, Iolaus' attitude beginning to disturb him. He considered following the hunter and exacting an explanation then decided against it. He shook his head and headed back to the barn where Jason was shoeing the other two mares. He figured Iolaus would divulge whatever was bothering him soon enough.

Hercules plunked himself down on a huge barrel. He grabbed a handful of straw from a nearby hay bale and toyed with it irritably. Jason laid down the hammer he'd been holding and released the mare's leg, patting her neck. She poked her nose at his hand and he rewarded her with a carrot. She chomped on it with delight. Jason spotted the demigod and walked to where he sat.

"Why the long face? You and Iolaus have a fight?" he commented.

He leaned his back against a post and crossed his arms. Hercules tossed the pieces of straw at his feet and sighed.

"Yes and no." he confessed. " I told him of your plans to sell the stallion and he had a fit. He kept harping about how the Centaurs reincarnate into the bodies of horses. He said the Centaurs told him that. I don't know when he could have talked to any Centaur about anything, since most of the time we've been together. I'm not sure if he's ever met any or cared to. It doesn't make sense."

"Reincarnated?" Jason pondered with interest. " Interesting concept, I'd say. Who knows, Hercules. They are close enough in kinship to horses. Who better would understand the animals?"

Hercules placed his hands on his hips and shook his head. "Maybe so. Iolaus said something about their ability to communicate with them. Maybe he's right or maybe that kick in the head knocked something loose. I don't know, Jason." He raised a hand and let it fall to his side in resignation.

"And maybe you worry too much for nothing. Give him a little credit, Hercules. He may have read or heard it from somewhere. Iolaus doesn't miss too much. That brain of his is like a sponge, soaking up everything he sees and hears. Let it go."

Hercules nodded. Jason clapped him on the arm.

"Come on, give me a hand with these two. Saddle up. I'd like to try them out in their new shoes." he stated pleasantly. Hercules complied and grabbed the tack off the hook. A few minutes later, both men emerged from the barn into the sunlight. As they strolled toward the corral, they looked up in time to witness the gray stallion charge towards the gate and sail over the railing. The beast's feet touched the ground and propelled him forward without breaking stride. Another glimpse showed them the familiar, blond-headed hunter aboard his broad back. Man and horse raced across the meadow to the distant forest without so much as a glance backwards. Hercules swore vehemently.

"What in Hades is he doing? He's going to kill himself!" He shot Jason an accusatory look and pulled himself up onto the mare's back.

Jason followed suit and reserved his comments. They set out at a gallop in pursuit. Iolaus already had a lengthy head start and was nearing the tree line before the other two were halfway across the meadow. By the time they gained the trees, Iolaus had already vanished into the forest. Hercules pulled up on the reins and signalled Jason to halt.

"Where's he heading?" Jason shouted across his mount's back. Herc pointed to the north.

"I have an idea he's heading for the Centaur village. Come on!"

He kicked his heels and the mare responded with a bound, Jason close behind. Once within the trees, they were forced to slow down the animals, so as not to subject them to falls over roots or half-hidden rocks.

Iolaus, meanwhile, guided the stallion along, his expert riding skills, second-nature to him. Though unaware that he was being followed, he nonetheless, hastened his pace. His mind chanted over and over, that this was the right thing to do; that he couldn't let this creature be destroyed. He had promised her - them, that he would not give up the search. He distractedly hoped that Herc and Jason would understand why he had to do what he was doing. He urged his mount onward, his mouth a line of grim resolve.

The gray carried him with a confident stride, completely in tune with his rider. He would have run for hours if permitted to do so, but Iolaus took time to make a couple of brief stops, to rest and assess his bearings. He rubbed his eyes, feeling light-headed and a bit unsteady. He knew he'd catch hell from both Herc and Jason for running off in his condition. The initial adrenaline rush was wearing off and he felt weary. But he'd already committed himself and would not waver from that decision. He weaved his fingers tighter in the horse's long mane and urged him forward. Without a saddle or reins, Iolaus was concerned whether or not the animal would obey him. He need not have worried. The stallion seemed to sense where they were going and remained true to that destination.

Further behind, Hercules and Jason had paused also for a respite. Herc bent over the trail, his fingers tracing the newly stamped tracks. Iolaus must have been in a hurry, he concluded. He'd not even tried to hide his route. There were times when they were youths that Iolaus would hike the forests and dared Hercules to find him. Even with his god-given senses, Hercules was hard-pressed to locate him. Iolaus, on the contrary, rarely missed,when they'd reversed their roles.

Hercules stood up and dusted off his hands. He remounted the mare. "He's still heading north, just as I predicted. Let's go."

"Hercules, you know, it's not such a bad thing if he gives the stallion to the Centaurs. It solves my problem as to what to do with him. Maybe they could handle his behavior problem better." Herc eyed him askance.

"Iolaus' or the stallion's?" he shot back wryly, then coaxed his horse forward. Jason chuckled and followed in his wake.

Chapter 10

The scorching sun beat down on Iolaus' pale, golden hair, as he crossed a meadow filled with colorful wildflowers. He was thirsty and his vision shimmered before him. He was nearly prone across the gray's back, exhaustion threatening to claim him. He knew he was barely out of his sickbed and that he risked further injury to himself. He was beginning to wonder at the prudence, or rather, the lack, of his impulsive endeavor.

It seemed like hours since he'd left the farm. He wasn't even certain anymore if he was going the right way. By now Herc and Jason would have discovered his absence along with that of the stallion. They'd only have to put two and two together to figure out what he was up to.

He was tired. The heat of the sun was giving him a headache. He tugged on the horse's mane to bring him to a halt. He swayed dangerously and barely prevented himself from falling off. The stallion snorted and swivelled his head around, patiently waiting Iolaus' next command.

When he received none, he shifted his feet and whiskered. Iolaus cradled his head, rubbing his burning eyes. There was no sound out of the ordinary to warn him, but he began to sense the presence of others around him. He sat up slowly and found himself staring at several Centaurs facing him, crossbows aimed at his chest. He lifted both hands to indicate that he was unarmed, then toppled off the stallion in a faint.

The Centaurs lowered their bows at a signal from a powerful, handsome youth with dark hair and eyes. He knelt beside the unconscious man.

When he was assured the intruder posed no threat, he lifted Iolaus in his arms and motioned the others to follow. The stallion trailed on his own, without prompting.

Not far behind, Jason and Hercules scoured the forest without success. Hercules' initial irritation at Iolaus' rashness was slowly turning to dread. They'd lost his trail numerous times, only to double back and locate it again. However, valuable time was wasted in the process.

They finally reached the edge of the forest and breathed sighs of relief to be out of the confining trees. They proceeded forward into an extraordinarily beautiful meadow and were immediately accosted by several male Centaurs. The nearest of them approached the two men and pointed a dagger at them.

"You are trespassing on Centaur land. State your business." he demanded. Jason spoke up carefully.

"We're not here to cause any trouble. We're looking for a friend who may have come this way. He's just so high, blond hair, riding a big, gray stallion. We think he was coming to see your leader. Have you seen him? He's been ill and may need medical attention."

The captain exchanged glances around with his men, then slanted his attention back to them.

"Do you have names, that we may inform our King of your - concern?" His tone was slightly haughty in its delivery.

Hercules was tired, hot and losing his patience at the Centaur's attitude. However, for Iolaus' sake, he kept his voice even.

"My name is Hercules and this is Jason, the former King of Corinth. As he stated, we came looking for our friend. Please inform your King that we'd like to speak to him and mean no disrespect in traversing your lands without his consent."

At the mention of their names, the Centaurs began to confer in excited whispers among themselves. The leader waved them to silence and addressed the pair.

"We've heard of you, Hercules, as well as the King of Corinth. "One of our brothers, Derek, has told us much about how you saved him and his family from those who are prejudiced against our people. There have been some who come here only to harass us and steal what belongs to us. If you both will follow us, we'll gladly grant you an audience with the King. Please accept my apology for our lack of courtesy." This time his inflection was more amenable.

"Thank you." Hercules stated succinctly and fell in alongside of the Centaur.

Iolaus awoke to the feel of a cold compress being placed across his forehead. He grunted as he tried to sit up.

"Be still." a voice said gently, "You are fortunate not to have broken any more bones from your fall. I've checked your leg and it appears to be fine. So does the head wound. Would you like some water?"

Iolaus stared up at the Centaur woman's nut brown face. Green eyes smiled warmly at him. Framing her face was a fall of black braids bound together, that draped across one shoulder. She offered him the cup. Iolaus sipped from it gratefully, until it was empty. The woman stood and spoke a few words to another female, who slipped out of the enclosure. The first returned to his side and knelt down.

"I'm Regas, the healer. I've sent for Valaris. He wanted to know when you awakened so he could speak to you.

Iolaus experienced a strange sense of deja vu. "Thank you." he replied awkwardly.

The young man who led the group in the meadow ducked under the doorframe and approached the pallet. Iolaus' eyes widened in surprise.

"Kendrys!" What a relief to see a familiar face!" he babbled, a grin splitting his face. The Centaur looked baffled.

"I beg your pardon?" he said quizzically. Iolaus opened his mouth to say something more, then caught himself. He peered at the Centaur more intently. Was it a trick of the light or did this Centaur just look like Kendrys? On closer inspection, Iolaus noticed subtle differences between the two. He shrugged and put his hand to the back of his neck in embarrassment.

"Sorry, I thought you were someone else." he muttered.

"Hmmm." the other answered. Before he could speak further, another male entered and conferred with the leader. He cast a glimpse over his shoulder at Iolaus. Then he spoke under his breath and the second nodded and left.

"Regas, will you leave us for a moment, please?"

The healer deposited the cup she held on the table and nodded. She smiled reassuringly at Iolaus before exiting. the Centaur folded his arms, one hand poised thoughtfully on his chin.

"It seems we have an interesting dilemma here, my friend. I hope we can resolve it once the others arrive." he said.

Before Iolaus could ask him what he meant, the Centaur who'd come in earlier escorted Hercules and Jason into the room. Hercules spotted Iolaus and took a step towards him. He was about to chastise the hunter but Iolaus jumped to his feet first.

"Herc, before you blow your top, let me explain -" he started to say, but the Centaur raised his hand in a gesture of silence.

"Gentlemen, please!. Have a seat. I have some questions of my own." When he was certain he had the attention of all three visitors, he continued. " Now. I'm curious as to why you three have found your way into Centaur territory. Secondly" and he indicated Iolaus, " How is it you have in your possession, a stallion that clearly belongs to the Centaurs and lastly, why are you bringing your argument to us?" His vision encompassed them all again. Iolaus cleared his throat.

"Uh, I can explain." he uttered meekly. Hercules and Jason, both, were staring at him expectantly. The hunter cleared his throat nervously.

"Well, to start, I was bringing the horse to you. Jason's had him for awhile and found that he was untrainable and - actually your King told me to bring any of the Spirit Horses back to the Centaurs, should I ever find them. I promised him that I would. So here I am."

"The king told you that? I don't recall ever meeting you before." the Centaur implied.

"No, that's true, but Cicaris told me I would be welcomed here anytime, because of the gift. Why, we fought together and res -."

Iolaus' voice trailed off, the dangerous expression on the face of the Centaur effectively silencing him. He strode forward and glared down at Iolaus.

"What nonsense is this you speak of?!How dare you mock the memory of my great-grandsire? He's been dead some thirty years. And how do you know about the Spirit Horses? That is not common knowledge we spread around to outsiders?!"

Iolaus gaped at him open mouthed. He looked from one Centaur to the other. The second male moved to the leader's side and placed a restraining hand on his shoulder.

"A moment, Valaris?" he said calmly. When the other glanced in his direction, he continued.

"My friends, this is Valaris, our King. I'm his brother, Melrys.

"I'm curious, too, to hear the rest of this story. What else can you tell us, stranger?"

Valaris nodded. "My brother speaks with a wise tongue, although I'll caution you not to play with us. Our history is very sacred to us.

"Please continue." Iolaus spared a quick peek at his companions, then at his hands. He blew out his breath.

"I know this doesn't make sense," he began, "but I did meet him and his grandchildren, Lerysa and Kendrys. Recently, I think." He frowned, the memory just out of his reach. "Although I'm beginning to think it was all a dream. I remember being chased and I was injured. The Centaurs rescued me, took care of my injuries and told me about the Spirit Horses. They said that the mercenaries who were stealing them, were killing them. They asked for my help in recovering them. I didn't know what I was supposed to do. Kendrys explained that they don't normally involve themselves in the affairs of men, but they saved me because I had the Gift - to communicate with the Spirit Horses. Lerysa tended my wounds and she and her brother became my friends. Along with them and Cicaris, we defeated the mercenaries, saving all but one of the horses.

Iolaus paused, his face taking on a solemn visage, his voice, choked.

"Lerysa was gravely injured in the battle. She died from a sword thrust by the leader of the mercenaries, a man call Thanatos. It was she who called me a Spirit Talker. There was a very moving funeral for her and they called her a hero. I think - I know that I was in love with her. I also promised Cicaris and Kendrys that I'd return any of the special horses if I found them. The stallion, I'm sure, is one of the Spirit Horses." Here Iolaus turned to Hercules and Jason, adding, "That is why I took him. I was afraid someone would buy or take him and not treat him well."

Valaris pinned him with a hard stare. Melrys, on the other hand, was an expression of amazement. He appealed to Valaris.

"Brother, I know what he says could not have happened in our time, yet he speaks with accuracy on every aspect we've been taught about our past. He knows of things that only you and I are privy to. I remember our grandsire, Kendrys, once told us of the Spirit Talker who helped the Centaurs in just the way you described. He said the man was a hunter, smaller than some men come, with hair the color of the sun. He also said that he came into their midst very mysteriously and left the same way, never to be seen again. He said his name was Iolaus."

Valaris gave his brother a measured look, his expression clearly balancing the hunter's story with his own recollections. Hercules and Jason also exchanged glances between themselves, then settled on Iolaus' startled face. Valaris again addressed him.

"You called me Kendrys when I came in before. Why?" Iolaus shrugged, his hands outstretched innocently.

"The, uh, resemblance is uncanny." he clarified.

"Next, you'll tell us your name is Iolaus, right?" Melrys chimed in, amusement in his eyes now. Before Iolaus could confirm that, Hercules spoke up.

"Yes, his name is Iolaus. It clears up some things and leaves others open for questioning. Why didn't you tell us?" Iolaus eyed him shyly.

"I tried, but I think you thought I'd lost my mind after the accident." He wiped his sweaty hands down the front of his vest. He shifted his blue eyes, to focus on the two Centaurs. Valaris returned his gaze, one now filled with awe. He had more questions.

"Tell me yet another thing, Iolaus. Where did they bury Lerysa?"

Iolaus raised his brows in surprise. "In the meadow, with all of the wildflowers. Each participant left a token on the grave."

"Show us!" Valaris ordered, his doubt still evident on his face. Iolaus rose and swayed unsteadily. Hercules reached out and took hold of his arm for support. The five of them made their way to the cemetery, Iolaus pointing out the way. In one corner of the field, Iolaus unerringly found the marker. The medallion was laced through a hole in the top of the marker; the staff, upright in the ground next to a flowering herb tree. Iolaus ran his fingers lightly up and down the length of the staff.

"It was all I had to give her. Kendrys had carved it for me so I could walk." he whispered. Emotion colored his voice and tightened his throat. Melrys touched Valaris' arm.

"What more proof do we need? Only someone who was there could know that!" he concluded. Valaris was nodding slowly. It was impossible to believe, yet here stood a man who knew all the intimate facts about his and Melrys' family.

Iolaus leaned heavily on Hercules' arm, looking very pale and vulnerable. Tears glistened unashamedly in his eyes, all the old memories washing over him. Valaris touched a finger to his own chin and stepped closer to Iolaus.

"I cannot refute the evidence of your testimony here, Iolaus, but I'm at a loss as to the explanation behind this occurrence. Do you know something that I don't?" Iolaus just shook his head, as confused as the Centaur. Valaris placed a companionable hand on the hunter's shoulder. To the astonishment of both of them; the familiar surge of mental power passed between them. Melrvs observed their reaction and chuckled.

"There is no mistaking who you are, Iolaus- Only a true Spirit Talker would have known about the stallion. This is too amazing to comprehend-" Valaris remarked. Hercules coughed and drew their attention-

"Perhaps I can offer a possible explanation?" he said. When Valaris acknowledged him, he stated. "It seems that your ancestors apparently travelled ahead to our time or Iolaus was somehow transported back to theirs for this purpose, while he was unconscious. The gods, yours or ours, have been known to act in mysterious ways."

"Perhaps." Valaris uttered thoughtfully. "And maybe they brought you here today to remind us not to forget what is truly important about our heritage." He extended a hand to Iolaus, who accepted it with a pleased smile.

Melrys spoke up excitedly. "Look!" he exclaimed and pointed.

The others followed the direction he indicated. In the meadow, the horses grazed or romped freely. The gray stallion galloped among them and halted before a beautiful, tawny mare and a rich, black stallion. The three broke away from the main group and trotted over to the observers. The tawny mare stopped a few feet in front of Iolaus. She dipped her head, her long mane partially covering her light colored eyes. Iolaus' cerulean eyes widened, a brief vision of a face half-hidden in silky hair, touching his mind. He stepped closer to her and took the equine head between his hands.

The image shimmered to reveal Lerysa's lovely face.

* Lerysa!* his mind whispered softly. She smiled sweetly at him.

* Iolaus! You came back! You did not let us down. So much time has passed, but you kept your promise. Now we are complete. Kendrys, Cicaris and I will never forget you, Spirit Talker.*

* I've missed you, Dear Lady. I don't know how this was possible, but I'm glad it happened. I feel as if I'd let you down. I couldn't reach you to spare your pain!*

* No, Iolaus. You never failed me. My fate was already predestined before that day. You will always be honored among the Centaurs for your bravery and courage. And I will always keep you in my heart.

* Be well and be safe, my love. Always remember us whenever you visit our family.* Her face began to fade. Iolaus felt the aura of her love embrace his senses and he leaned his cheek against the velvet softness of her nose. Her soft breath brushed his cheek like a warm kiss, then he stroked her jaw for the last time.

Reluctantly, he released her and she moved to join her companions. He did not need to figure out who they were. He lifted his hand in a wave of farewell. They wheeled in unison and raced to blend in with the rest of the herd. For a moment they seemed to glow with an inner light and Iolaus' grin beamed with open rapture.

"I'll remember!" he breathed.

The three men had returned home after sharing a meal with the Centaurs. Iolaus doubled up with Jason on his mount and by the time they reached the farm, he'd all but fallen asleep. Hercules lifted him down and carried him in to his bed, where he drifted off with barely a 'good night'. Herc and Jason smiled and blew out the candle, leaving him to his rest.

The next several days went by peacefully. Iolaus more or less, stuck to the healer's instructions, mainly to keep Herc and Jason off of his back. He thought often of his incredible dream journey, whenever he found himself in the vicinity of the remaining horses in the corral. The phenomenon still baffled him.

This day found him leaning against the gate, the mares crowded around it, as he fed them carrots from his hand. He was stroking each of their soft noses when Hercules casually strolled up to his side. He added his own caresses to the creatures, despite his uncomfortable feelings around them. Iolaus, on the other hand, simply delighted in their company.

"You know, Herc, there's a lot to be learned from creatures if we just take a little more time to get to know them. Take these beauties, for instance. I couldn't get them to be this affectionate until I learned how to communicate and understand their needs."

"You mean they understand the words you say to them?" Herc asked, resting his elbows on the rail. Iolaus eyed him askance, a little half-grin teasing his lips.

"No, not the words. They're not the Spirit Horses. They respond more to images. Simple ones like food or a place you might want them to go." he stated patiently.

"And how do they let you know they understand?" Herc challenged him. Iolaus didn't take the bait and laughed.

"They show me, the same way, by projecting an image. They are a lot more intelligent than we could have guessed."

"Okay, so what have they been telling you, while you've been feeding them Jason's prized carrots?" Iolaus leaned closer in a conspiratory stance, a secret smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"They're pregnant, Herc! All of them! Won't Jason be surprised?!

"And he thought the old boy wasn't worth his oats!" Iolaus giggled gleefully. Hercules stared at him in disbelief.

"Are you serious?" he asked. Iolaus pretended to be hurt.

"Now Herc, would I lie about a thing like that? Maybe that clout I got just enhanced an ability I only marginally utilized and brought it out into sharper focus. Shall we break the news to Jason gently,or let him figure it out?" he retorted.

"He might want to strangle you or worse, now that you gave away his best stallion. Count me out!" Herc replied defensively. Iolaus considered this option and nodded.

"You're right. He can find out for himself." he said in mock fear. Then they both laughed. Iolaus tapped him on the arm.

"Come on, let's go inside before he comes out looking for us.

"Besides, I'm hungry." He pushed himself away from the gate and started limping back to the house. The mischievous smile again teased his lips. Hercules studied his back as he walked away, not sure if Iolaus meant what he said or if he was just pulling another of his practical jokes. He glanced back at the mares in doubt, then shook his head. ' Don't even go there!' he thought. 'Spirit Talker, huh?'

Hercules smiled and trotted to catch up to his friend.

Finis

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