Hercules: The Legendary Journeys

The Mighty Have Fallen

The Third Adventure In The Empath Chronicles

By Donna Eisner

For my oldest daughter Devon.

Copyright August, 1997 By Donna Eisner. Please Do Not Alter Without Author's Consent.

Disclaimer: Hercules, Iolaus, Jason, Alcmene, and Iphicles are the property of Renaissance Pictures, MCA/ Universal, and Greek Mythology. No copyright infringement is intended. This story was written solely for the entertainment of the author and her readers.

This story contains scenes of violence and sexual situations but no more than you would encounter while viewing the average episode of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Although not graphic in detail, some content may not be suitable for younger readers. Parental discretion is advised.

===========================================================================

Sira bent over the ditch, pouring the water slowly. This should be the last bucket she would need. Why she continued to care for the corn, she wasn't sure. They had harvested all they would need for food and seed next year. It didn't take much for the three of them. Still, there were healthy ears waiting to ripen, and she hated to waste them. She smiled to herself. Everything was done, the garden gleaned, the preserving done. She had even gathered the things from the forest she needed. It had been a struggle to get everything done, but it had been worth it.

They had planted late and the empath had worried that an early frost might catch them unprepared. But despite the lateness of the year, the weather held. She looked up to watch the geese flying to a warmer climate. They were late also. A smile of pleasure crossed her face. She loved seeing the birds fly over. She had missed most of them in the hectic weeks just past.

She rubbed her back. She was tired. There'd been so much to do. Iolaus was hunting and gathering wood. Again, because they had had such a late start, he'd been gone almost every day. It wasn't that either one of them resented the delay. The people of Acubus were good people. They deserved to be free of domination.

Hercules had come to help the empath and the hunter with the winter preparations for a time. But he had grown restless once the crops were in. He had left shortly after this to return to his mother's farm.

The healer moved her head from side to side. Her neck felt stiff from the many trips with the heavy bucket. She must start their evening meal soon. But it was so lovely here in the corn. There was a bite to the air and the smell of change in the forest. She loved the changes of the seasons, but spring and fall were her favorite times. Fall was the closing of the earth. A rest period to prepare for the winter. While she loved the fall, she had to admit it was her busiest time. She shrugged. No matter, I can rest this winter. She'd stored away plenty of projects to keep her busy. Then too, keeping the fires going could be very time consuming. Still, winter was a quieter time.

The empath felt a tug on her mind. Thysis. She responded with delight. It had been three summers since she had mind spoken with her chosen father. He'd spent these last three years searching out others of their race. The yosemin, once so numerous, were few in number now. Thysis had decided it was time to search out as many as possible. He hoped to perhaps join some of the smaller groups into new and larger villages in an attempt to protect and preserve the race. Sira could understand his feelings. He had been exiled from his own kind for a very long time before she came to know him.

With his mind, Thysis let her know he was home now and that a visit from her would be enjoyable. The empath let him feel her happiness at his safe return. But she gave no commitment to a visit.

"Mommy?" Hercus called. "Where are you, Mommy?"

With a sigh, she sent love to her chosen father, then called to her son.

"Mommy, Father is back, and he says he could eat a whole deer all by himself."

With a squaring of her shoulders, she took up the now empty bucket. No time to rest now. She hurried back to their home.

The hunter grabbed her and swung her around. He kissed her neck and hugged her to him with his hands on her buttocks.

"I thought you were hungry?" Sira teased as she kissed him.

"I am hungry. Very hungry."

"I mean for food," she laughed.

"Oh, well, yes. I'm hungry for that too." He gave her a mischievous grin. "I've brought you more meat."

"Oh my. I do not really know what to do with all this abundance."

"You could cook up some of it now," he suggested.

"Yes, I could, if someone would let me go."

"I'll never let you go, my dear. Never."

The empath tugged on the gold hoop in his ear and tried to pull away. He swatted her on the bottom. She kissed him then and poor Iolaus might never have gotten his dinner if Hercus hadn't interrupted them. With a good natured smile at her son, she set about fixing a meal.

"You will never guess who touched my mind today."

"Maybe I can," the hunter stated.

"All right, smart man. Guess."

"Thysis?"

"How did you know?"

He grinned at her. "He touched my mind also. That's how."

"And did he also tell you he wants us to visit?"

He smiled at her. "You wouldn't believe some of the things he told me."

She rolled her eyes.

He laughed at her. "No, my telepathic little yosemin. I only got a fleeting sense of his presence." The hunter was serious now. "He wants us to visit?"

Sira had just taken a bite of the melon she was cutting up for dinner. She nodded at her husband by way of answering his question.

"And of course, you want to do just that."

She had taken another bite of melon so she nodded again.

"Hey! Save some of that for dinner," he scolded her.

She grinned at him. "I am sorry. I was so busy today, I did not take time to eat."

"Yeah, well, Hercus and I are hungry too. If you keep eating there won't be any left for us." He tried unsuccessfully to sound annoyed.

"Maybe if you had been here helping me instead of out playing the mighty hunter, your dinner would be ready by now." She stuck her tongue out at him.

He laughed at her, and coming up behind her he moved her hair aside so that he could plant a quick kiss on her neck. She smelled of jasmine and soap.

"So, did I read your thoughts correctly? You want to visit Thysis?"

She waited to answer his question until she could get Hercus washed up and the dinner on the table. When they were seated at the table, she finally had a moment to relax and to bring her thoughts together.

"I really would like to see Thysis. I have missed him very much. But it has not been that long ago we were away from home."

The hunter studied the healer's face. He could see the weariness there. A feeling of guilt gripped him. I should have been here more to help. She'd been teasing him, but it was true. He could have stayed home and helped her. They didn't really need that much meat. Thinking back, he admitted to himself that there had been many times he could have stayed at the cabin and relieved her of some of the work.

He had been bored with the gardening and the household duties. He acknowledged the fact that these things were as necessary as his hunting and the gathering of the wood had been. He had no intention of going through another winter like their first. Still, I could have helped her here. I haven't been very fair to her. She's right. I was off playing. He thought about the fact that their nights hadn't been so enjoyable lately. Now he understood. It was because she was so tired.

He took her hand. "There's no reason we couldn't go see Thysis. This place is as ready for winter as we can make it. Mostly thanks to you. I think we should go. You deserve it."

The healer swallowed the lump in her throat. "Could we really, Iolaus? I do want to. It will be good to get away and not have to worry about the garden."

The hunter was glad he had finally seen her need. She was so excited that she chattered like a little girl. He loved her like this. And now that he was aware, he realized that her spontaneity had been curbed of late.

Damn! he thought. I've been a selfish fool.

"We can leave as soon as you wish, Sira."

She hugged him. He moved his bench back so he could pull her onto his lap.

She lay her head on his shoulder. "Thank you." her mind told him.

"I'm sorry you've worked so hard. I should have been here more."

"I love you," she whispered.

He planted a kiss on the top of her head. His love for her swept over him and left him feeling humbled. Thank the gods I have her, he thought.

It was late now, the empath slept in the hunter's arms. Her back was to him and he had wrapped his arms around her. He wasn't sleeping, however. She had been so sweet and tender. She had come to him, instead of the other way around. Her lovemaking was urgent and demanding, as if she'd been starved for his love for a long time. Their minds and souls had touched as their bodies touched, and he realized this had been lacking in their lovemaking. She had been so tired and he hadn't seen it.

Well, I'll just have to make it up to her.

As if reading his thoughts, she rolled over and put her arms around him. He kissed her forehead.

"Iolaus?" she mumbled, still half asleep.

"Yes?"

"I love you."

He kissed her again. "I love you too."

She ran her hand over his chest and down his stomach, then up to his neck. He said nothing. He loved it when she touched him. She placed a kiss on his chest. Again her hand caressed and teased him. Where her hand touched, he felt a tingle. A moan escaped her lips and she kissed his chest again. He felt on fire where her lips touched his flesh.

Her hand went lower and he drew his breath in quickly. She turned her face up to him and he took her lips. His tongue sought hers and she gave it willingly. His breath was ragged. He felt possessed by her. He reveled in the sensation. His mind was no longer his own. Their thoughts were one, their bodies were one. He pulled her on top of him and she threw her head back as a cry escaped her lips.

How could I have been such a fool? How could I not have realized this was missing from our lovemaking?

He had planned to rise early. He wanted to rise first and get their first meal of the day. He meant to insist that she rest while he watched Hercus. He could start getting things ready for their trip while she slept. But lack of sleep, not to mention contentment, robbed him of awareness and he slept soundly. He didn't feel her leave their bed.

She stood over him a moment. He was on his stomach and the blankets had pulled down to reveal a great deal of him. She took a moment to admire his smooth skin. His body always excited her. She was tempted to wake him before Hercus was awake, but contented herself with a good look at his bareness instead. With a smile of contentment she carefully pulled the blankets up to cover him. There was a bite to the air this morning.

"Hercules! Hercules!" a voice called to the half man, half god, as he wandered the market.

The big man turned to seek the source of the call.

A very old man came limping toward him.

"You're Hercules?"

"Yes, I am. Is there something I can do for you?"

"I'm so glad I found you. I must speak with you," the old man panted.

"Catch your breath first. Come, sit on this crate and catch your breath."

The old one did as he was bid. "My name is Longinus. I'm sorry to hail you in the market place, but I bring a message." He settled himself on the crate with a sigh. "I've been on the road since dawn. I didn't want to chance missing you." He smiled now. "When I saw those broad shoulders, I knew it must be you."

"It's all right. You say you have a message for me?"

"Yes. It's from Tolmecia. Liasaya sends it. She's ill, and wants to see you."

Liasaya. He hadn't seen her in almost three years. "You say she's ill?"

"Yes," the old one nodded. "I've a parchment from her." He dug in his pack. "Yes, here it is." With a hand that shook slightly he handed the roll of porous paper to the son of Zeus. He gave a sigh of relief. He was glad to have this done. He'd promised the girl he'd see to it that the demigod received the note. It had worried and nagged at him. Now he could relax, and complete the task that had really brought him from the mountain valley of Tolmecia.

"Can I get you a mug of ale, or a meal perhaps?" the big man offered.

"No, no. I must go. I've a ride waiting. It'll get me almost all the way home. I haven't made such a long trip in a very long time. I'm not sure I could make it home if I miss this ride." The old one stood, and with a nod he limped away.

"Thank you," Hercules called after him.

The old fellow raised his hand but didn't stop.

Hercules took the parchment to the tavern. Cantos brought him a mug of cider without being asked.

"Thank you, Cantos."

Hercules sank onto the stool he had chosen. Liasaya. With a feeling of dread at what the parchment might reveal, the big man removed the string that held it. He took a sip of the cider. Not as good as his mother's, but still good. He knew he was delaying. With a mental squaring of his shoulders he began to read.

"Hercules. I hope this finds you well. I don't know how to start this, so forgive me for being straightforward. Perhaps if I state it simply you will better appreciate my hesitation. Bluntly put, I'm dying.

"Believe me, this is not written without pain and regret. I didn't want to write these words, for it makes it all so real. But the time has come to face the truth. Before this eventuality, I must see you again. That, my dear friend, is it in a nutshell.

"Before I go to eternity, I wish to see you. I feel the need to once again look upon your face. I realize I'm presuming a lot. But I count on your goodness to grant my request."

The note was signed simply, Liasaya .

The demigod was stunned. Liasaya dying? He remembered her as he'd last seen her. She had been so young and vibrant . How could she be dying?

She had been good to a stranger, sick with fever and chills. He sat back on his stool and rested his back against the wall of the tavern. He had stopped at her place seeking shelter when it had begun to snow. He knew he was already feverish. She had agreed to let him sleep in her barn. She came to the barn once to bring him some cheese and bread.

The next morning she had found him very ill. She had helped him to her hut and put him to bed, then nursed him for several days as he hovered between sleep and a semiconscious state of delirium. It had been several more days before he began to get his strength back. She had helped him through it all.

The big man finished the last of the cider, not really aware he had, and lost in thought he left the tavern. He had come to the market for something but he couldn't remember what it was. He found himself halfway back to his mother's before he realized he had headed that way.

The hunter sat Hercus down gently, then rubbed his tired back. "You're getting too big to carry far, my boy."

Hercus had walked most of the way, but he'd started to lag a bit after their nooning. "Think you can walk a little further?"

"Yes, Father."

They moved on. The hunter, finding a good place shortly after, stopped. "It's early, but this looks like a good place for the night.

"Iolaus, do you know where we are?" There was excitement in the empath's voice.

A grin crossed his face. "Very close to where you found me after I had been wounded by Tassasin." He looked around him. "It's changed some, but I'm sure we're close."

"The glade where you had your camp is just beyond those bushes."

He looked around him again. "I believe you're right. But how could you know that?"

"I felt it," she whispered.

He reached for her hand. "There's no evil here now, Sira."

"No, I was not thinking of that. I was thinking about what finding you here has meant to me."

He squeezed her hand.

The empath hoped her son would go to sleep easily tonight since he had walked so far and must be tired. But just as she had feared, it was a forlorn hope.

After they had eaten, Sira and the hunter walked through the screen of bushes to visit the glade where their lives had been changed so completely. Hercus was making a fortress out of sticks and had asked to stay behind. The empath touched his mind to hers and keeping a part of her mind for him she had agreed.

The couple stopped in the grassy area where the hunter had lain so badly wounded. The grass at the girl's feet bent to caress her and to welcome her.

"This place remembers me," she said in wonder. She put her arms around the hunter. "Sometime, when we are alone, let us come here."

He nodded. "That would be nice. To be alone with you here would mean a lot to me also."

The son of Zeus had been traveling for two days now. The remote village of Tolmecia was high in the mountains. In fact, it was an unlikely place for someone to live at all. It took a great deal of work to eke out a living from the barren landscape. There could be snow in the shaded places for all but a couple of months of the year. Mostly, the people who lived there kept goats. They ate them and used their milk for drinking, as well as for cheese and curd. He remembered he had been very tired of goat before he left the mountain village.

He remembered Liasaya as so alive. He still found it impossible to believe she was dying . He remembered her with affection. She had been very good to him, and he owed her a lot. But even if he didn't owe her, he would have come. She was a pretty girl. Not beautiful, but pretty. She was a big girl, well muscled from hard work.

The big man stopped for a rest. It had been cold in the morning and he had worn his cloak. He removed it now and found a grassy place to sit for a bit. He took a drink from his flask. He must find water soon, but he wasn't really concerned. He was already in the mountains and knew he would find it even if it was just a trickle from melted snow.

With a sigh he stretched out on the grass and closed his eyes. He never meant to sleep, only to rest. It felt good to lay here. He rolled on his side and pulled his pack under his head for a pillow. Then he spread the cloak over himself. A little rest will do me no harm, he thought.

Into his dreams came a tall, light haired girl. Through his subconscious mind came the fever and the illness. Through his delirium, she came to him. He had had this dream before. With a part of his mind he acknowledged this. She kissed and caressed him. He remembered having this same dream while he had been so ill. Then as he had begun to recover he had remembered parts of the dream. It had caused him some embarrassment at the time. What he remembered of his dream was so real. Too real in fact. He had spent several days wondering just how he felt about Liasaya. He was fond of her, and he did find her attractive. But in his nomadic life, he had found many girls and women attractive. Still, he didn't dream of them in this way.

He woke with a start. The dream always left him with a vague feeling of guilt and unreality.

Hercus was chattering as usual. He'd seen a pretty bluebird. Of course he saw bluebirds at home all the time. But he swore this one was much bluer than any he'd ever seen before.

They would arrive at the old yosemin's cave later in the day. The walk had taken them four days. They had traveled slowly because of Hercus. But also because Sira was having so much fun. She was enjoying the trip, more than her son in fact. When the two of them stopped to exclaim over a pretty meadow or some brightly colored flowers, the hunter waited with patience. There was no hurry, and besides this, the real point of the trip was to help the healer relax. And Iolaus had to admit, he was enjoying the trip as well. Seeing Sira so animated helped to relieve some of his guilt at her fatigue. She seemed to have shed it within the first hour. He began to suspect her weariness was caused by her confinement at the cabin as much as from the hard work. A grin crossed his face. It seemed this child of the forest was better suited to the trail than to a cabin in the woods. He was also enjoying his son. He enjoyed showing him things. He pointed out tracks to the boy and explained the differences in them. He explained what to look for in the landscape and around himself to indicate water.

"If you need water, look for bees. They need water often and will return to it again and again. If you follow a bee, he'll sooner or later lead you to water." The hunter knew it was important for the boy to understand the world he lived in. With what his parents could teach him he would be able to survive in the wilderness with nothing more than his bare hands as tools.

"Knives and bows are simply tools we use to make our survival easier. If you know how to find it, nature will provide you with everything you need. Once you're familiar with her gifts, the earth mother will provide."

The hunter always tried to bring the yosemin teachings into his instruction. Sira smiled at her husband. She hadn't failed to notice. She sent her mind to him to let him know that his thoughtfulness was appreciated.

The empath sent her mind to Thysis. "We will soon arrive," her mind told him. She could sense his pleasure at the prospect.

He met them at the bottom of the hill. The girl ran to him and they hugged.

"You look wonderful, my daughter." He turned to the boy who watched him so earnestly. "This cannot be Hercus. Why, he is all grown up." He offered his hand to the boy and they gravely shook hands. He and Iolaus grasped each other's arms.

"It is good of you to bring her to see me, my son."

"We've all missed you, Thysis."

The four of them walked up the hill that led to the old hermit's cave. Thysis had prepared a meal for them, and while they ate he told them what he'd found in his pilgrimage. His own village was gone and he'd found none of his own people in the other villages and hamlets he'd visited. There were a few elders who remembered the village. But like so many of the other large villages, they had scattered and moved on. Some of the earth's people had become nomads, following the seasons and the herds. Many of Demeter's people had simply become part of the human settlements, their differences no longer feared.

"Many of our people do not use the earth's power any longer. Their telepathy is hidden from others and not used, and is therefore weakened." The old one shook his head. "I tried to convince our people to regroup. I explained the importance of remembering the old ways. But my pleas fell on deaf ears."

Sira could sense the disappointment in her chosen father. "Were there any healers, my father?"

"There are a few healers. But nothing like you, my dear. No empaths. I found one village that follows the old ways. It is not far from human influences. But despite this, they seem to cling to the old ways. I think your village must have been the last to truly hold the earth's heart." He gave the girl a sad smile. "So, it seems, the sorceress succeeded in her desire to destroy the yosemin people. By eliminating your village she sealed our fate, it would appear.

"I am sorry, my father. I feel your pain."

"It's hard to believe there are so few who even try to follow the old ways," the hunter added.

"Yes, and the few that do remain will not last, I am afraid. If they would come together as a group, the joining of the clans would bring a renewal of the earth's powers. But there is such apathy. Many of our people seem afraid of the powers the earth mother gave us. They live with humans and hide their powers. The humans do not understand them and see them as evil. It is truly sad."

Sira looked at her husband. Thysis wasn't trying to be rude, but his words against the human race might have been taken that way. She needn't have worried. The hunter understood.

"I agree with you, old friend." He took the empath's hand. "If my experience with yosemins has taught me anything, it's that the loss of such a unique race would be a tragedy." The hunter sighed. "I've done my part, no matter how small, to corrupt the balance. We live out our lives here on the earth pleasing ourselves. We give no regard to the long term. We don't think how even a small deed might change things in a profound way. It's like when we toss a pebble into a pond, the ripples go on and on. Even after we can't see them, they continue until they reach the shore."

Sira squeezed her husband's hand. What he'd said was so true.

"My friend," Thysis said, "forgive me. I meant no reflection on you. You do not discourage Sira from her earthly powers. In fact, you have done your best to emulate them. I know it sounds as if I have a prejudice against the human race as a whole. But this is not true. But I feel it is important for us, the yosemin, to at least try to preserve our heritage."

Sira was saddened to think she might be the last true healer. And when she went to eternity? What would happen to her people then? But her fate had been sealed when she had found the hunter. Just as her grandmother's had been, so long ago.

The demigod was cold and tired by the time he approached Liasaya's cottage. He hoped he wasn't too late. The thought sent a cold chill over his already shivering body. A dog barked, and a tall young woman came to the door. She stood watching him approach, a sad smile on her face. She held out both her hands to him. He accepted them and smiled back at her.

"I knew you would come." She wiped a tear from her cheek. "Please come in."

Hercules studied her. She didn't really look ill, maybe a little thinner than he remembered. She offered him a seat, which he sank into with a weary sigh.

"You're tired. I'll get us something to eat."

But before she could, a small boy came from the back room. He hugged the girl's legs and hid behind her skirts.

"Sarmen, come meet a very dear friend of your mother's."

The boy peeped out from behind his mother but made no move to meet the demigod.

Hercules smiled at the boy. "So, you have a son?"

The girl smiled at him. "I'm afraid he's a little shy around people he doesn't know. But he'll come around."

She set about preparing a meal, and after a few minutes the boy started playing with some toys on the floor near her. But before the meal was ready he began to get cranky. He was tired and hungry and he wanted his mother.

When the meal was on the table the mother took the child on her lap and fed him bites of food from her own plate. The half man, half god noticed the boy ate more than his mother. When Sarmen had had his fill he rested his head back against his mother and went to sleep.

"Your son is very cute, Liasaya."

The girl ran a hand lightly over the tawny curls that capped the small head on her shoulder. "He's been my salvation," she whispered.

Now the big man could see the weariness on the girl's face. Her skin looked gray and dry. She rose and placed the sleeping child in a small bed in a back room, then returning to the kitchen she began to clear the table.

Hercules took the plate from her hand. "I'll do this. You rest. I didn't come here to make work for you."

She sat back on the bench she had just vacated. "I'm very glad you did come. Leave the dishes for now. I need to talk to you."

She held her hand out to him and he took a seat next to her on the bench.

"You received my letter or you wouldn't be here. So you know that I'm ill."

He started to interrupt but she held up her hand. "Please, let me finish. This isn't easy for me." She took a deep breath. "The real reason I asked you here is because of Sarmen. I need someone to take care of him."

The demigod searched her face. "I would be honored to help you find that someone."

The girl sighed. "I was in hopes that someone, could be you."

He looked startled. "I couldn't care for a child. I don't even have a roof over my head most of the time. How would I support a child? The hero business doesn't bring in many dinars."

"I know all that. Asking you here wasn't easy. But still, I hoped you would help me." She turned to look into his eyes. "Please understand. I'm dying. What will happen to him?" A sob shook the girl, and the demigod put an arm around her.

"I promise you. I'll make sure Sarmen is taken care of. If you would trust me to take him, trust me to make sure he's well cared for."

The girl wiped tears from her eyes. "He's all I have. There's no one else.'"

"Where is his father?"

"Dead, I believe. He joined the army just after Sarmen was born. I've heard nothing from him since. He was a good man. We grew up together. He would never just leave me. I've tried to find him through the army." She shook her head. "They believe he's dead also."

"But why me, Liasaya?"

"Because you're a good man. I know I can trust you."

The demigod began to pace the floor. "But you know my lifestyle. There's no place in my life for a baby."

"He's nearly two. Not really a baby."

"I promise you I'll find a place for him. I'll make sure he's treated well."

"Well, yes, but would he be loved? A roof and food isn't enough. He's a sensitive child. He needs lots of attention and love. You could give him that. I know you're that kind of person."

"Perhaps, but while you're right that he would need love, he'll need the roof and the food as well." His back was to her but he heard the whispered cry of despair. His heart constricted. He turned and pulled her into his arms. "Don't cry, Liasaya. He'll be loved. I may know someone who would take him. I dare say my mother would help. I'm not sure why you thought of me. But I'll not let you or the boy down."

"I thought of you because�" The girl pulled out of his arms and went to stand at the window. "I thought you might care for him, because he's your son." ***

Editor's Note: Though not yet published on the internet nor in typed form, the handwritten version of this story was completed a full two months before the HTLJ episode, "Two Men And A Baby" first aired. Any similarity between that episode and this story is purely coincidental.

The hunter had taken his son to the river to fish. They both enjoyed it and it gave the empath and her chosen father a chance to be alone together. The two yosemin sat now on a bench near the entrance to the cave the old hermit called home.

"Hercus is very strong of mind, my daughter."

"Yes. Too strong sometimes, I think."

"His thoughts are very chaotic but he needs only to be shown direction." The old one changed his position on the bench. "I remember another, that was strong of mind and was not given the direction needed to use the mother's gifts wisely."

The healer knew her father was talking of himself. "I know, my father. Sometimes I just do not know how to help him. He thinks so quickly I sometimes have a hard time keeping up with him."

"I say again, I knew another with a mind that lacked the needed discipline."

"I know you are referring to yourself. Do not take me wrong, my father. But you also lacked the love and care from your family and clan needed to help you. I do not believe for a moment that my son is going to turn into some super villain."

The old one chuckled. "Always, my daughter, you speak your mind. You are right. I had not the nurturing environment that your son has. And despite that failing I did not turn into a super villain." He took her hand. "I was thinking more of what it would mean for him to have a focused mind. If you have never experienced an unfocused state of mind, it would be hard to understand. It can be a most uncomfortable place to be."

"So, my father, what do you suggest?"

"Give me a chance to work with him. He is young, I know. But not too young to start to learn the ways of the mind and of the earth's powers. We have already formed a link of the mind. We seem to have a lot in common. We would be good for each other."

The empath nodded. "Iolaus and I have talked of this. It would fulfill the desires of the earth, I think, to have my son's grandfather also be his teacher and mentor. And it would fulfill my desires as well. But I had thought this could wait for a time." She turned to give him an earnest look. "I was in apprenticeship from the time I was less than a full summer old. My life was so restricted. I want Hercus to have a chance to be free for a time."

"I understand, my daughter. But do not wait long. It is much easier to teach a new skill than to correct a skill already a part of the mind. But you are right, little one. He has the love of his parents to help him." The old one let his breath out in a sigh. "Perhaps if I had had parents like you and Iolaus, I would not have turned out as I did."

The empath touched his mind. "I am sorry, Father. It was rude of me. I know only what you have told me. But I have felt that you did not have a very happy childhood."

"No, I did not have a happy childhood. There are those in all races who should not be blessed with children. I was the product of a vow of promise that did not result in the taking of a mate. My mother was very young. She resented my presence in her life. My illegitimacy was a constant irritation. Later, when she found a mate, she had no time for a child she had never wanted in the first place. The son she produced with her mate was well taken care of. Her mate did not like me because I was a constant reminder of his mate's foolishness. Besides this, he could feel that I did not care for him anymore than he cared for me."

He grinned at the girl beside him. "Enough about me. There is something else I wish to discuss with you.."

She raised her eyebrows at him, but said nothing.

"How is Hercules?"

It seemed an odd question. She knew the demigod had seen Thysis not too long ago.

"I believe he is fine. But you know that, I wager."

"Yes, I feel his mind often."

"So, why did you ask?" she grinned at him.

"Because I was thinking that perhaps you and he should have a child together."

Liasaya turned from the window now to face the demigod. Her eyes beseeched him to understand her.

"I'm sorry. I know this is a shock. I know I didn't tell you in a very nice way. Forgive me, Hercules."

"So, it wasn't a dream," he whispered. "I'm so sorry, Liasaya. I�" He shook his head. He was unsure how to voice his thoughts.

"You didn't really remember, did you? You were so sick. You didn't really know what you were doing. I shouldn't have responded. But I was so lonely. It isn't easy living here in Tolmecia. There are so few young people. You're so� appealing. Please don't look at me like that. I know I was wrong."

He came to stand before her. "No, Liasaya. You did nothing wrong. Why didn't you let me know? I would have come back."

"I know. But by the time you left I knew you didn't remember and I knew you didn't love me. Seth and I had talked about getting married. He loved me but I didn't love him, at least not enough. The day you left, Seth came to see me. He was very sweet to me. He again asked me to be his wife, and, may the gods forgive me, I agreed. I was so lonely and I really did care for you. It wasn't easy letting you go. I thought it would be better to marry Seth than to live my life alone. We were married a month later. Less than a week after we were married I began to be sick in the mornings. Before that week was out, I knew that I carried your child. Seth never knew that Sarmen was not his son. He was a small baby and everyone believed he was born early."

The girl began to clean off the table. "Seth and I never got along. It was my fault, really. He tried, but I didn't love him. Then he heard that they were looking for soldiers in Athens. He saw it as a chance for us. He kept saying that if we could get a place lower in the valley, life would be easier and we'd get along better. Sarmen was only a few weeks old when Seth left to join the army."

Now the demigod went to stand at the window. He looked out over the dark yard., but he wasn't really seeing it.

"If Seth were here he'd make a wonderful father. But he's not here. Before too long, I won't be either. I've got to know that Sarmen will be taken care of."

He knew she was crying. He knew he should go to her. But he couldn't. Guilt rode him like a heavy weight. He heard her moan, and turned around. She was holding her stomach and her face was ashen. He rushed to her.

"Liasaya?"

"I'll be all right in a moment. It'll pass." She was breathless with the pain and her words were halted and slurred.

"I can see you're ill. But how can you be sure you're dying?"

"I just know." With a hand to her mouth she ran for the door. Once outside she fell to her knees and was violently ill. When she finished the demigod helped her to her feet. There was blood on her lips. He picked her up and carried her to the house. He laid her down on her bed, and pulling a blanket over her he sat on the bed beside her until she was able to go to sleep.

He went outside to get an armload of wood. It was fall and the weather had turned quite cold here in the mountain valley. I wish there was something I could do for her. Well, I can relieve her mind about Sarmen. He had at one point thought of the empath and the hunter as possible foster parents. If Liasaya wanted the boy to be raised in love he could think of no two people better suited to the task. But now. He placed the wood in a neat pile by the large stone fireplace. Then eyeing it, he gave a mental shrug and went for another load.

My son. To leave this kind of legacy behind. He shook his head. It wasn't the fact that he had a son. On the contrary, that point gave him a warm feeling. It was that he had used someone like Liasaya and then moved on with no regard for her or the consequences of his part in making a child. He knew from his own life experience what something like that could do to a child.

It was like the demigod to blame himself. He took his relationships very seriously. How could I not even remember? But then again, I did remember. The dreams. Did I not see the evidence they showed me because I didn't want to? None of this changes the fact that I'm unsuited to raise a child. Would Sira and Iolaus accept the child? Sira. Why didn't I think of this before? She's a healer.

"Thysis!" the empath gasped. "What are you saying?"

"I am not suggesting you and Hercules become lovers. But think about it, my daughter. His mind is very powerful. He also has his god given strength. Combined with your empathic powers, by the earth, my daughter, you two could sire a new race of yosemin."

"And how, pray tell, would this happen if we were not lovers?"

"I did not say you would not be intimate, only that you would not be lovers. You would be together for the purpose of creating a strong minded child, not for love."

The girl shook her head. Her face showed a very becoming flush. "It would be impossible, my father. You know how it is between Iolaus and myself. We are 'anmcharas', soulmates."

"Yosemins have often bred for the perfection of the race. It is not such a bad thing."

"It can be. My grandmother is a perfect example."

"What happened to your grandmother was after she left her village. It really had nothing to do with her arranged marriage."

"My grandmother was forced to marry a man she did not love, for the sake of producing a child of strong mind."

"Yes. I say again, is that so bad? Look what it produced." The old one went to a table just inside the cave. Filling two mugs with cider, he returned to the empath. "Is what I propose so terrible?"

The girl took the offered mug and took a sip.

"Perhaps if I were not in soul with someone. If that someone were not Hercules' best friend. If Hercules were not my more than brother." She shook her head. "Besides that, I may not have anymore children. It is not unusual for a yosemin woman to remain infertile after only one child."

The elder could hear the pain in the girl's voice, despite her effort to keep it from there. Or perhaps he had sensed it through their mind's link.

"You will have more children."

"You cannot know that." She took another sip of the cider. "How do you know that Hercules would be willing to be a part of this?"

"I do not know. He has feelings for you. But you are right. He also has great integrity. If he were to see such an endeavor as immoral�" Thysis left his thought incomplete.

"Then there is still Iolaus to consider."

The old one chuckled. "I know, my daughter. I never meant to imply this was something to be taken lightly."

"I cannot be the mother of a race. And I can never willingly give that part of myself to another man as long as I am in soul with Iolaus."

The elder nodded. "I knew that would be your answer. But I had to ask, anyway."

Sira laughed. "You are an old scoundrel, Thysis."

"Yes, I suppose I am."

The hunter and his son provided them all with a meal of fish. The child was excited when he returned from the river, because he had caught a larger fish than his father's. When the meal was over Thysis and the hunter played chips by the fire light. The empath set about mending some of the old Hermit's garments. He was very meticulous about his clothing. He insisted it be clean and neat. But sewing did not come easy to him and he was most happy to let his chosen daughter perform the dreaded task for him.

Sira sat cross-legged beside the hunter as she sewed. She hummed a tune, content to be here with the people she loved. She gasped and grabbed the hunter's leg for support. He went to his knees beside the girl he loved. He held her hand in comfort, but said nothing, not wanting to break her concentration. Her eyes were tightly closed and the hunter could tell she was entranced.

"It is Hercules," the girl whispered.

At her words, the hunter went pale. "Hercules? Is he all right?"

The healer didn't answer.

"Sira, please. Is he all right?"

The girl nodded. "Yes, he is, but there is someone he is close to that needs help."

She opened her eyes. "I am sorry I frightened you. His summons on my mind was so unexpected."

The woman walked down the path with a purpose. Her long dark brown hair fell down her back in one long plait. The man beside her only followed. He had no purpose in being here other than to follow her.

She quickened her pace. Any minute now, she would see it. It was just around this bend in the road. Yes, there it was. Absently she wondered where all the monks were. They were usually swarming all over the place like flies. She smiled at her thought. They looked like flies too, their black robes constantly flapping in the wind. As she approached the gates, a thin tired dog began to bark. The woman's hands tightened on the walking stick she carried. But the dog was no threat. There were no monks in the inner court either. Some religious ceremony perhaps? It must be important to call them away from their duties. She walked up the four worn steps that led to the main temple. She shoved the heavy wooden doors open. They squeaked and grated open, reluctantly. The temple was also deserted. The woman stood in the doorway. She was stunned, so sure had she been, that she would find the black clad monks on their knees before each bench. It was very dark inside the temple after the bright light of the outside. But shivering with a chill born of a premonition, she knew no one was there.

As her eyes adjusted to the dimmer light she could see that some of the stone benches had been knocked on their sides. Some had even been broken. The tapestries she remembered hanging on the walls were gone. The man behind her pushed the doors open more, and stepped into the room. He looked around him with a bored frown.

"What did you want to come to a deserted monastery for? Not getting religious are you?"

An ancient woman stepped through a door at the back of the chapel. Her back was bent and crooked, the hands that tightly gripped the cane she leaned heavily on, were gnarled and arthritic.

She stopped abruptly when she saw the two people standing near the door.

"What do you two want here?" There was no greeting in her voice or her words.

"Where are the monks?" the dark haired girl asked, rather than answering the old woman.

The ancient one laughed a bitter brittle laugh. "Gone. All of them gone, for nearly a year now."

"Where? Where have they gone?"

"As if I would be knowing. Some of them are buried out there, behind the back gate. The army fought their war right through here. The monks that survived the fighting, fled."

"What are you doing here?" the man asked.

The old one shrugged. "The monks never came back. Our farms and homes were destroyed in the fighting. So a bunch of us came to live here. It's ours now." She regarded them through faded eyes.

The younger woman pushed past the old woman and entered the chambers behind the chapel.

"Here now. This is our home. You have no right to intrude."

But the younger woman paid her no heed. She pushed open the door to one of the back chambers. Chickens fluttered and squawked at the disturbance. The back wall of the chamber had been torn away to leave a rubble of rock and brick to mark its existence. She swung around to pin the old woman with angry brown eyes.

"Where is the trunk that used to be here?" Others, hearing the voices, had come to the doors of the cells that lined the hall the younger woman stood in. "Where is it, you old hag?"

"There is no trunk. If there ever was one, it's long gone now. We've been here for months now and there was no trunk when we came."

"I left a trunk here for safe keeping."

"Well then, maybe the army has it for you. In safe keeping of course." She laughed the brittle laugh again. "Maybe you best talk to them about it." She turned her back on the man and the woman, and with a shuffling gait she headed back the way she had come.

The younger woman stood where she was a moment. Indecision was plainly written on her face. Then she walked back down the hall and on through the temple to the outer court. She stood in the sun. The breeze felt good after the close stale air of the monastery. It blew little bits of dark brown hair about her angular face.

"So that explains why you came all the damn way out here. I take it, it's all gone?"

The woman didn't answer. Instead she asked a question of her own.

"How many men do you have?"

"About a dozen. Why?"

The woman looked around her. "This place ought to be fairly easy to defend."

"Defend from what?" There was suspicion in the man's voice, and a look of apprehension on his handsome face.

"You've already guessed what was in the trunk I left here."

"So you were holding out on him all along. No wonder there was so little left for the rest of us. You truly are a bitch."

She continued as if he hadn't interrupted her. "That was the last of it. I spent the rest I had hidden in the city, getting away." She came to the man and ran a finger over his forearm, then up to trace the angle of his jaw. "I've no intention of going back to my former profession to get by."

"So now what?"

"So now, my dear Pollux, I find a way to get back some of what the army took from me."

"You always have a scheme rolling around in that pretty little head, don't you?"

"That's how I've survived this long. How soon can you get your men here?"

"A couple of days."

She nodded. "Do it then."

"You want these people out of here?"

"No. Leave them. We can think of them as insurance." She took a small leather pouch from a pocket in her skirt and tossed it to him. "Get a couple of women to clean out a cell for my use. And I want it clean. Then spread enough of that around to insure that we're welcomed."

"I thought you were broke?"

"That's nothing. It wouldn't last two months in the city."

"Where will you be?"

"I have to locate something, then I'll be back. In the meantime, see that a chamber is made ready, and get your men here." She started to turn away. "One more thing, Pollux. Keep your men away from the women. At least for now."

"When are you going to tell me what this is all about?"

"Not yet." She shot him a seductive smile. "When the time is right, you'll know." She raised up on tiptoes and ran her tongue down his cheek. He stood still, seemingly unmoved by her advances. "Now, be a good boy and do what I ask." She kissed his lips in a quick fleeting kiss, and turned to leave.

"Venin," he stopped her. "That won't work with me. I need to know what you have in mind if you want my cooperation."

She turned around to look at him, and her eyes traveled down his front to below his belt. "I'd say it worked quite well." Then with a laugh, she walked away.

The hunter and the empath walked along a game trail that followed the general direction they wished to go. The girl was quiet. She knew her son was safe. She held his thoughts close to her, and knew she need only open her mind to feel him there. She also knew he could send his mind to her if he should feel the need. Still, leaving him behind had not been easy for her.

It had been Thysis' idea. She admitted reluctantly, that it was a good one. It was just that she had been away from him such a short time ago. The weeks in Acubus separated from her son had left her with a dread of going through the pain of separation again. She had found it almost impossible to be away from him even for short periods of time.

Her chosen father had been right when he told her she was becoming obsessed. And maybe he was also right, that this time away might be the best thing. She sighed. Still, she never would have agreed to her son staying behind with his grandfather of the soul if the boy hadn't insisted.

"I want to get to know my grandfather better. And I want to learn from him."

"There will be time for that later," she had insisted.

"But there is time now," he countered. "You told me that family and the clan are very important."

She nodded. "It is important. And I do want you to get a better understanding of what it means to be yosemin."

He had come to her and put his arms around her. "I will be well, my mother. The earth is with me, she will protect me."

Tears had filled the mother's eyes. "You will call with your mind if you need me?"

"Of course. Besides, you would know anyway." He gave her a mischievous grin.

"You, my son, have grown up much too quickly."

"It is the earth's will, my mother."

She hadn't slept well that night. The coming departure from her son nagged at her. Then there was the concern for the more than brother of her soul. She had sensed his anxiety. She had felt many conflicting emotions in his all too brief touch on her mind. Sadness, guilt, and anxiety, just to name a few.

There had been no question of whether they would go to his aid. Sira doubted she could have stayed away even if she'd wanted to. To be touched by one in need was to respond. She never had been able to turn her back. She could never not feel the needs of others. There had been times when she wished it were otherwise. But to feel someone's need and not respond could bring her pain. Not so much a physical pain, as a mental one. And yet, to not respond to one she was already in mind link with could also bring her physical pain. But even if this were not the case, they would be here on the trail to Tolmecia. It was Hercules.

The girl walking beside the hunter gave a sigh. He reached over and took her hand.

"Want to stop for a bit?"

She shook her head.

"He'll be fine."

"I know he will. But will I?"

He stopped and pulled her into his arms. "If it's this hard for you, we can go back for him."

"No. He is better off with Thysis. It is just that�" She shrugged, not sure how to put into words what she felt.

But words weren't needed. The hunter could feel for himself what she was feeling. Their souls were linked too closely for it to be otherwise.

"Did you sleep at all last night?"

"I slept a little. I will be fine, my love. I am sorry to worry you."

He nodded. "We can stop early. You said you didn't feel any great urgency."

They walked on in silence for a time.

"You have been to this place before?" she asked.

"No, actually I haven't. But I've a pretty good idea where it is. I know it's damned isolated in some high up mountain valley." He grinned at her. "I was in hopes that you could get a direction from Hercules, to take us right to it."

"I have a direction. When we get closer, he can lead us to him with his thoughts."

They found a camp on the far side of a meadow. A tiny brook meandered through the meadow that was surrounded almost completely by tall pines. The weather was good and they felt no need for a shelter. They made their camp against a large slab of granite. The healer rinsed the dust of the trail from her feet in the brook. The water was fresh from the melted snow and she shivered with delight at the feel of the cold water on her tired feet. They ate the bread and dried meat they'd brought from Thysis' and washed it down with Tassis root tea. The healer cut up fresh melon to complete their meal. When it was complete, they sat together, their legs touching.

"Feeling better?" the hunter asked.

"Yes. Your love and the beauty of this place has brought me peace. Once I could open my heart to the earth, I was comforted."

"My child of the forest," he whispered. She could feel his love for her. She laid her head on his shoulder and he planted a kiss on the top of her head. "Your hair smells like the forest and the sun. I never look at you without getting a sense of the earth." She turned her face to him and he took her lips. "Lead me to the earth," he whispered. "I want to feel that part of you."

The trees looked down on the people that had entered their domain and they welcomed the child of the earth and her mate of the soul. She was of the forest, just as they were. The slight noises the human and yosemin made were not disturbing. And the earth turned, as it always did, not concerned by the rituals of human or yosemin lovers.

The stars moved and began to fade. An owl flew over the now sleeping couple on its nocturnal search for food. And a tall girl with light hair cried in her bed in a hut lost in the high mountains. And a man, that was also god, paced the floor of the same hut, his thoughts on the girl and the child that slept in a tiny bed beside the larger one. My son, was the thought that kept coming back to him. My son, my son.

Iolaus pulled the cloak tightly around him.

"Damn, it's cold up here," he complained.

The empath grinned at him, and stopping in front of him, she slipped her arms under his cloak and wrapped them around him.

"I could warm you up."

"You already are."

"I miss Hercus, but there is a lot to be said for being alone with you."

Remembering last night, the hunter got even warmer. "Thysis will take good care of him, you know."

"Or he will take care of Thysis," she chuckled. "Besides, he wanted to stay, and I think it will do him a lot of good. He has gotten to the point of wanting to challenge me. It is a natural part of growing up. Hopefully staying with Thysis will help to fulfill some of his need for independence." The empath gave her husband a mischievous grin, and slipped her hand under his jerkin.

"You keep that up and we'll never get to where we're going."

She began to unlace the cord that held the waist of his leather trousers. "We will get there. We may be a little later, but we will get there."

"You're driving me crazy, Sira." His voice was husky.

"Good." She took his hand and led him to some rocks and brush at the side of the trail.

"Sira, you know what'll happen if you insist on touching me there?"

"I am counting on it."

He took her mouth in a teasing kiss. She leaned into him, but he pulled back. She fingered the gold hoop in his ear. He kissed her again and forced her lips to part. His hands set her on fire.

"You know what will happen if you keep touching me there?"

"I'm counting on it," he mumbled through lips pressed lightly against her neck.

The son of Zeus ran a damp cloth over Liasaya's brow. He had just finished feeding Sarmen.

"That was a job," he grinned at the mother.

She had laughed at his clumsy attempt.

"You have more food on you than Sarmen has in his stomach," she chuckled.

He examined his clothing. "You're right," he grinned. "Can I get you anything?"

She shook her head. "No, I'll be fine. I'm feeling better. In a little bit, I'll get up and get us something to eat."

"No, you just rest. I'll take care of it." He rose and began to straighten the covers of the small bed the boy slept in. "My friends will be here soon, I think. If anyone can help you, Sira can. And she'll know better how to care for Sarmen."

The girl sighed. "I still don't know about this. I'm not so sure I want my thoughts invaded."

He turned to look at her. "It's really not like that, Liasaya. Sira is very gentle. It's not like she'll take your thoughts and memories away."

"Still�"

He interrupted her. "If there is even the slightest chance that she can heal you, surely it's worth a try."

The girl watched the child playing on the floor near her bed. "You're right. I must try. But I'm a little frightened."

He sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand. "I'll be here every step of the way. Besides, you'll like Sira and Iolaus."

"What if she can't help me?"

He sat in silence for a moment. What if Sira can't help her? he thought. He also watched the child. "Let's wait and see," he advised.

With a sigh of fatigue, he rose and went to the boy. "Shall we get you cleaned up?" He smiled at the child.

Sarmen still wasn't sure about this tall broad shouldered man. He seemed nice, and he knew his mother liked him. The boy looked up at the man and gave a reluctant nod. Hercules led the child to the fireplace and put another log on before taking the boy's shirt off. He washed absentmindedly at the food on the boy's face and hands. What if Sira can't help Liasaya? he thought. What in the name of Hades am I going to do then? He wasn't worried so much about the actual practical care of the boy. He could get help there. He was more concerned with the boy's long term needs. The child was his responsibility.

Can I settle down and raise this child? Can I stay in one place and give him a stable home? The pain at the loss of his family nagged at him. And what of the threat to Sarmen from the gods? Am I prepared to risk getting attached to someone again? Losing Serena had driven the dagger of loss, pain, and loneliness even deeper into his already wounded heart. Do I have the right to risk the boy? He shook his head to try and clear it. He had no answers. How could I have been so foolish and thoughtless? How could I have let this happen? he rebuked himself.

He pulled a clean shirt over the child's head and smoothed the soft curls down with his hand. The boy went back to his toys on the floor and the man went to stand in the door way. Here I've always condemned my father for being a philanderer, but I'm as bad as he is. I seduce a lonely girl, who I quite possibly owe my life to. Then I go merrily on my way without a care in the world. What must Liasaya have gone through because I was immoral and lustful? To leave a child behind... He shook his head.

He ran a hand over his neck. He felt tired and sore in body and soul. He hadn't slept well last night.

Sarmen started to fuss.

"What is it, little one?" the demigod asked.

"Mommy," was the boy's reply.

"Mommy's not feeling well. Come on, you can sit on my lap."

"No. Mommy."

The girl sat up in her bed. "It's all right. I'm feeling better, I can take him."

Hercules picked up the child and handed him to his mother. But when he went into her arms he pressed against her stomach. She cried out and her face went pale. Hercules sat the child on the floor despite his protest and held a pan to the girl's lips as she was ill. There was blood in the pan and blood on her lips. He took the pan away when she was finished then he helped her to lay down.

"Take care of Sarmen. I'm all right."

The demigod picked up the child and began to walk with him. After a moment the child lay his head on the broad shoulder of the half god and whimpered slightly.

"Shhh," he soothed. He walked back and forth across the floor and the child began to relax. Soon he was asleep. Still carrying the child he went to check on the mother. She had also fallen asleep. He again went to stand at the door. The boy he held seemed so small.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you," he whispered. "But maybe I can make it up to you now. You're not going to go through what I did as a child. I may have been like my father in my lack of restraint, but unlike my father I'll be there for you. "You never should have happened, anymore than I should have happened. But you're not going to feel that, as I have."

The guilt he felt threatened to overwhelm him. The loneliness eating away at him left almost a physical pain in its destructive rush to consume him.

Damn! he swore in his mind. He sent his mind out unconsciously. He needed his friends, and the need fostered the thoughts that shot out over the miles to reach his sister of the soul.

Sira sat up and began to pull her dress over her head. "Iolaus, I think we should go."

He also sat up. "What is it?"

"I think we should hurry."

The hunter began to dress quickly. "If we keep traveling without a stop at midday, I think we can make it tonight."

"Yes. Let us try."

Sira had kept her mind linked to that of her more than brother since his first appeal. She hadn't felt an urgency in that first touch from the demigod, but now she did. She also felt his emotional turmoil. He was most definitely in an uncomfortable emotional situation. But he wasn't asking for help for himself. At least not consciously. His conscious appeal for help had been for someone else. But unconsciously he was also begging for help to cope with emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. So closely linked had their two minds become that the empath had felt his need despite his obvious attempt to shut that part of his mind from her. Now Sira was glad that Hercus had stayed behind. She sensed that the demigod would need her help as much as the one he was concerned about. Besides that, the boy would've slowed them down.

The blonde hunter of the forest walked hand in hand with the girl he loved. They stopped once long enough to drink from a tiny trickle of water that spilled from a moss covered rock, and filling their flasks, they moved on. They slaked their hunger with nuts, dried fruit, and meat as they walked.

The dark haired man stood watching the woman as she supervised the two men working on one of the old monk cells in the ancient monastery.

"Venin, just what in Tartarus have you got in mind? Why are you turning this chamber into a dungeon?"

She didn't turn to look at the man, but continued to watch the masons as they used mortar to set the metal

rings that would hold the manacle chains securely to the walls.

"It's ironic, don't you think? The monks always called their rooms 'cells.' Now it truly will be."

"Why? Why are you going to all this trouble?"

Now she did turn to look at him. "Because I plan to keep someone here. That should be obvious." What she

added in her mind but didn't voice, was the thought, 'even to you.'

He looked at her with narrowed eyes. "What kind of scheme is rolling around in that head of yours?"

She left the cell and walked down the hall, lined on either side by doors that led to other chambers and cells.

At the end of the hall, she went through a door and into another hall much like the first. She opened a door

into a chamber and stepping aside, she motioned for the man to enter. He had followed her without a word,

and while she had not invited him, she was aware he had come with her. The chamber was larger than most

to be found in what used to be the living quarters of those who had devoted their lives in service to whatever

god it was they worshipped.

Venin had seen to it that the room was made clean and comfortable. Even the walls had been scrubbed.

She closed the wooden door, and turning to face the mercenary, she grinned at him. "You remember dear old

Jason? He put me in that hole from Tartarus Corinth calls a prison. Now it'll be his turn to sample prison life."

"You can't be serious."

"I assure you, my dear Pollux, I've never been more serious."

"He's the king of Corinth. For the love of Hera, Venin. You can't bring him here."

The girl began to pace. "I can and I will. He's no longer king. He abdicated. But he is still a very important

man. And he has money. Lots of money."

"So you figure to bring him here and chain him up in this hole until he gives the money to you?"

She snorted. "Come on, Pollux. You should be able to figure this out. His family will pay to have him

returned."

Pollux scratched his chin in concentration. "It seems to me, I heard somewhere that his stepson is now the

king of Corinth. If you try to hold Jason for ransom, you will invite the whole damn Corinthian army down on our

heads."

The girl came to stand before the man. "I don't see it that way. They'll know that if they come barging in

here, I'll kill him." He started to protest, but she held up her hand to stop him. "If, however, they do send an army to

take back the mighty Argonaut, we'll use the insurance I was smart enough to employ." The man gave her a blank

look. "The dear sweet innocent people that just happen to be living here on this hallowed ground."

"I begin to see," he whispered. "What if they decide not to pay the ransom?"

She shrugged. "They'll pay. But even if they don't, you know me. I'll find another way to make money."

She ran a finger lightly over his lips. "And no matter what, I'll have had my revenge."

"So, that's it." He captured the hand that caressed his face and held it. "I wonder which you want more, the

money or the revenge?"

She shrugged again then grinned. "I've been wondering that myself." She started to pull away from him.

"Haven't you forgotten something?"

She looked confident. "No, I don't believe so. I think I've covered every contingency."

He pulled her back toward him. "What about Hercules?"

"What about Hercules?"

"He's not just going to sit by and let you do this."

"He's only one person. He'll be working under the same handicap the Corinthian army will be. Any show of

force will get Jason killed." She searched his eyes. "Are you afraid of him, Pollux?"

"Not afraid, just practical."

"We'll be ready for him or anyone else that tries to attack the monastery or to free Jason. That, my dear

Pollux, is why you and your little band of misfits are here."

She tried to pull her hand away from him once again, but he held it fast.

"How do you plan to get Jason?"

"Don't worry. I'll take care of that part. You just worry about guarding this place." She moved up next to

him so that their bodies touched. "I'll need a couple of men to watch Corinth, and a couple of men to watch Jason's home. They can report back to you and you can report to me." With her free hand she began to unlace the leather cord at the collar of his suede shirt.

"Do you even know where Jason is."

"As a matter of fact, I do. And we're in luck. He's close. I've already sent a note to him in fact. The

messenger I sent should have no trouble finding him."

"You plan to bring him here? What if he refuses to come?" He ran a finger just under the edge of her top.

The dress she wore was low cut. The skin of her neck and throat were soft and white.

"He'll come. He wants me back in prison. So I told him in the note that I was finding it very hard to survive

with no money and that I just couldn't face the thought of selling my body to get by." She slipped her hand inside his shirt. "I said I wanted to make a bargain with him. If he can get my sentence reduced to life in prison instead of death, then I'd come back willingly."

Pollux pulled away from her. "He'll simply bring an army in here to get you back." He was incredulous

"Damn it, Venin. Are you trying to get us all killed?"

She was unperturbed by his outburst. "The note says that he should come alone. And if I see he hasn't, I

said I would simply disappear. I was also careful to mention the women and children that live here. He'll come alone. His male ego will see to that."

It was well after dark when the hunter and the empath approached the small hut at the far side of the

Tolmecia valley. They had walked on even after the sun had slipped beyond the far side of the earth. The full moon bestowed a shadowy silver on the landscape, and the yosemin empath having her direction, simply followed the summons of the demigod's mind.

As they drew near the hut, he opened the door. A flood of yellow candle light pushed the softer silver light of the moon aside. The travelers were greeted with a broad grin. The half man stuck his arm out to the hunter who grasped it in a warrior's grip.

"Iolaus, Sira, thank you for coming." The empath hugged her more than brother. "I'm very glad you're here. The others are sleeping. I've got soup warming for you, and beds made up on the floor."

Sira grinned at him. "So, you did feel that we were close?"

He grinned back at her. "I felt it."

They entered the hut quietly, and the hunter dropped wearily onto a bench at the table. The demigod brought him a mug of tea. The healer stood looking about her for a moment. With a grin, she accepted the tea her more than brother offered.

"The three of us, together again."

He grinned back at her. "I've missed you also, my sister."

He ladled soup into deep wooden bowls. The smell of the soup made the healer's stomach growl.

Hercules brought the bowls to the table, then placing bread and cheese before them he took his hunting knife from the scabbard at his belt and sliced a piece of cheese for each of them. With a shrug, he cut a third piece. He sat on the bench beside the hunter and taking a bite he chewed in silence for a moment.

"I didn't expect you to travel half the night," he stated.

"It's too damn cold out there to camp so we just kept on walking," the hunter grumbled. "At least that way no ice formed on us. Why in the name of the earth anyone would want to live all the damn way up here is beyond me."

Hercules grinned. He knew they had continued to travel even after dark because they had felt his need. The hunter's bluster didn't fool him for a minute.

The circles under the half man, half god's eyes and the fatigue on his face spoke of his lack of sleep and the tension he had been under. The air in the room seemed thick with it. Sira felt oppressed by it. She loosened the collar of her dress in a vain attempt to alleviate some of the weight of the emotions she could feel.

Hercules swallowed his second bite of cheese. "Well, whatever the reason you traveled so late, thank you."

"Is it the child's mother who needs the help of a healer?"

"Are you reading my mind again, my sister?"

"Only a little bit," she smiled at him. "But I did not need to read your mind for this. I see the child's things here. The shirt by the fireplace, the toys. I see the evidence of a woman here. The now wilted flowers on the mantle, the curtains at the window. It is obvious that someone has cared for the hut. Despite the clutter here now, the hut is basically clean. So it speaks of a woman who is no longer able to do the small things that keep a home in order. A small child, it would most likely be his mother who shares the hut with him."

Iolaus and Hercules shook their heads at each other.

"Yes, my perceptive little yosemin sister, it is the mother who is ill. But it's late, and you're both tired. There's time enough tomorrow to explain."

Sira reached across the table to squeeze his hand. "We are not the only ones who need rest. Go to your bed, both of you. I will clear away the dishes."

Hercules stifled a yawn. "It's all right. I can do this."

"Go to bed. I will only be a moment. I need some distraction to help me relax." At the look on the demigod's face she continued. "I insist."

He gave a reluctant nod, and rising, went to a bed on the floor. He sat on the blankets with a sigh, and began to remove his boots. He covered his mouth to hide another yawn, then pointed to another place made up by the fireplace. "That's for you two."

"Thank you. Now go to sleep."

He grinned at her. "Yes ma'am."

He lay down with his back to the room. It felt good to lay down. He felt relaxed and drowsy. The tension seemed to have lifted. I wonder why? he asked himself. Then he knew. Sira and Iolaus were here.

Sira stood looking at the broad back of her brother for a moment, then turned to the hunter. He held her.

"Want some help?"

"No. Get some rest. I will join you shortly."

He planted a kiss on her nose.

She took the plates to the pan on the sideboard and washed them. She wrapped the cheese in an oil cloth and set it aside. The soup she removed from the fire, and putting the lid on the pot she set it on the side board. They were small tasks, simple things that needed done. She was stalling and she knew it. She feared that when she tried to relax to capture slumber the feelings and emotions she could sense would flood over her. She needed a chance to build a barrier from them.

She picked up the small shirt from before the fireplace. It was made from homespun wool, and had been made with a skilled and loving hand. The empath was rocked with a wave of despair. Was it a premonition? She shivered. She placed the shirt in the pan of water left from the dishes. The food on it would need to soak before she would be able to get it off the rough material.

Hercules could hear the sound of Sira working about the kitchen. The sounds were comforting. He sent a prayer to the gods he was so often at odds with for their help in what he hoped would soon be a healing. Then with a smile, he prayed to the yosemin gods as well. It can't hurt, he told himself.

Reluctantly the demigod woke to the sound of his more than sister's soft voice, and the reply of a child. He rolled over and lay watching them a moment.

Sira sat at the table with Sarmen on her lap. The child was quietly feeding himself.

The big man sat up. "How'd you do that?"

She grinned at him. "Do what?"

"Get him to eat. I never could. I always ended up bathed in the darn food."

Sira chuckled. "He is a big boy. He wants to feed himself."

The boy picked up a small bit of food and plopped it in his mouth. With a satisfied look he took another bite.

"What's he eating?"

"Eggs and ham."

"Where'd you get that? All I've seen around here is goat."

Sira grinned. "Sarmen said he wanted eggs, so he led me out back to the chickens."

"I didn't even know Liasaya had chickens."

"There is a boy who takes care of the chickens and the goats for Liasaya. For this he gets most of the milk. He brought some of it for our use. The rest he takes to his grandmother who makes cheese from it. She gives Liasaya some of the cheese and sells or trades the rest. While Sarmen and I were being given a lesson in the Tolmecian economy by the boy, who by the way, is called Griff, a man came by. He asked about Liasaya and you as well. He said to tell you Longinus said hello. Anyway, he gave us the ham.

"You've been very busy this morning. I must have slept in. I'm sorry."

"It is all right. The others are sleeping still."

"Not anymore." The hunter came yawning to the table.

"How'd you get Sarmen to come to you?" Hercules asked. "He was shy with me at first. In fact he still is."

"I felt him watching me from around the door jam, so I smiled at him. He ducked back behind the door for a moment, then looked again." She chuckled. "I could just imagine what he was thinking, seeing two strangers sleeping on the floor of his house."

"So he just came to you?"

"She probably zapped the poor kid's mind," the hunter teased her, a grin on his face.

"So that's how you did it." Hercules stated, going along with the joke.

"I did not zap his mind. I let him feel that he need not fear me. Then he was most willing to become friends."

"It's a wonder what mind control can achieve."

The empath stuck her tongue out at the demigod, and he laughed at her.

When Sarmen had finished his meal, the healer fixed food for the rest of them. Liasaya slept on. Sira dressed Sarmen warmly and took him outside. While he played under the watchful eyes of the men, she cleaned the dishes. Then she joined the men outside. Sarmen played quietly and the adults found a place to sit on the pile of wood near the side of the hut.

Sira turned to the demigod. "Now, my brother, tell me what has caused you such anxiety and made you feel the need of a healer."

He explained about how he had met the girl, who lay so ill in the hut behind them. He avoided the subject of his involvement in the existence of the boy who played with his toys on the grass. He had no intention of keeping it from them, but there was time for that later. He gave details of the mother's illness.

"She's convinced that she's dying. I was skeptical at first, but after seeing her so ill�" He didn't complete his thought. "Do you think you can help her?"

She could feel the desperation in the question. "I do not know, my brother. The symptoms you describe..." She shook her head. "I must be honest with you. I do not like the sound of it. There are things that an empath cannot heal. Things that could be very dangerous to the healer."

"But," he interrupted, "you will determine that for sure, right? And if it is possible, you will help her?"

Sira took his hand. "Do you really need to ask that of me, my brother?"

He gave her a sideways grin. "Forgive me. I didn't mean to doubt you." He rose and began to pace.

Sira watched him for a moment. "All I am trying to say is, I can give you no assurance until I can determine what is wrong with her."

He nodded. "I understand."

The healer left the men to watch the child. She needed to wash out a few things for herself and the hunter. She also planned to wash up the things of the others. She went quietly into the room where the girl lay in her bed. She had planned to take anything that might need washing and quietly leave the room, leaving the girl sleeping. Liasaya opened her eyes to watch the yosemin.

Sira smiled at her. "You are awake. I am Sira. I have come to help you if possible. Shall I help you with your personal needs?"

Liasaya wasn't so sure of this woman that stood before her. She looks about twelve, the sick girl thought. She's a beauty, that's for sure. She has such beautiful hair.

"I will not hurt you, Liasaya. You trust Hercules, do you not?" At the girl's nod, Sira continued. "He would not have brought me here if I could hurt you."

The girl in the bed took a deep breath then nodded.

Sira was gentle with her. She could feel the girl's apprehension. When she had helped the girl with her immediate needs, she took water she had heated for washing their clothing, and bathed the girl with it instead. She hoped to make her more comfortable.

When she was finished, she sat on the edge of the bed. "Sarmen is a very special boy. We had fun this morning."

"Where is he?"

"Outside with Hercules and my husband."

The girl nodded.

"I know that Hercules has explained about me. If you will let me, I will touch your mind."

"I'm not so sure about this."

"I know it can be hard when you really do not understand what is happening. But the touch now will not be intrusive. I wish only to see if I can help you. I will not be invading your innermost thoughts."

Still the girl hesitated. Then she heard the child laugh outside her window. With a mental squaring of her shoulders she nodded. Sira lay her hands on the girl's side. She gave her a smile to reassure her, and closing her eyes she opened her mind. The men returned to the house to find the healer and the girl entranced.

It wasn't long before Sira joined the men in the kitchen. They sat at the table across from each other. Sarmen had worn himself out in his play and the demigod had put him to sleep on his own blankets rather than disturb Sira and Liasaya. The empath took a seat on the bench next to the hunter, and across from her brother of the soul.

The hunter took one look at her, and reached for her hand. "Are you all right?"

She shook her head and the tears that had pooled in her eyes spilled down her cheeks. She reached for the demigod's hand. "I am sorry, my more than brother." His back was to the wall and he leaned back now to rest against it. He felt the need of its support. "Liasaya's body has been invaded by a growth. It is rapidly taking over her body, much like vines and brambles will take over healthy forest. It is choking her life from her, just as the vines choke the life from the trees." Sira took a deep breath. "I am sorry." she said again.

She didn't need her telepathy to tell her of her brother's pain. But since she was a sensitive, she not only saw the pain on his face, she could feel it in his heart. She took a moment to draw strength from the earth.

The session with the ill girl had not been easy. Almost instantly, she had known there was no hope, even before she had touched the mother's mind. Whether it was a premonition or if she had gleaned the insight from helping the girl and bathing her, the yosemin didn't know. What Sira had found when she was at last able to help the girl relax enough to receive the power of the earth had frightened her. Her own body could so easily be invaded by the same destructive incursion as the girl's.

"So there's nothing you can do." The half man, half god had tried to keep the desperation from his voice. But it was there all the same.

"I can, perhaps, make her last few days more comfortable. But I cannot heal her. It has gone too far. It is doubtful I could have helped her even in the early stages of her illness. It could be very dangerous for me to even try. I could be left with the same corruption of the body." Tears again spilled from her forest green eyes. "Forgive me. I wish I could help."

The brother of her soul searched her face a moment. "There's nothing to forgive. I thank you for trying to help her." He ran a hand across his neck. It was stiff with tension, and he felt a dull ache in his temple.

"Still, I wish there was something more I could do."

"Your being here, you and Iolaus, is enough. How long..?" He left his question incomplete. Somehow he simply couldn't voice the words.

"I do not think she has long."

He let his breath out in a sigh, then nodding he rose and went to the room where the mother of his child lay dying. He sat on the edge of the bed. He looked into her eyes, and with a sob he pulled her into his arms. He rocked her like a baby as she cried against his shoulder.

"Please," she begged. "I must know. Will you take care of Sarmen?" The words were wrenched from the girl in great sobs of desperation.

"How could you ask? You know I will. He's my son. I'll do everything in my power to love and care for him."

"You won't abandoned him to strangers?"

"For the love of the gods, Liasaya. What kind of bastard do you take me for?"

"I'm sorry. But I had to ask. Please try to understand."

"I do. I promise you I will do my best by him. I plan to ask Sira and Iolaus to help me. Sira has a son not much older than Sarmen. Together we will love and care for him."

She cried even harder.

"I'm so sorry, Liasaya. Sorry that this must happen to you. Sorry I left you with a child. Sorry I used you."

"No! No, it wasn't like that. I didn't have to respond. You were too weak to force me. I wanted you. I've never been sorry. I have loved our son so completely. I thank the gods for him and for your part in making him. I don't care that I'm dying, except for him. That's been the truly horrible part of all this. But now I know he will have you. In time his memories of me will fade. I wish I could spare him the next year or so, but I can't. You must promise me you will be sensitive to his loneliness."

"I will be. I understand loneliness. I'll know when he needs me, and I'll be there for him."

When the demigod had left the kitchen, the hunter had taken the empath into his arms.

"I'm sorry, Sira. I know how hard this is for you."

"To not heal�" She shook her head and a shudder ran through her. "Hold me, Iolaus."

He tightened his hold on her. "You're in pain, aren't you?"

She nodded. "It will ease. But it is acute at the moment."

"Sira?" he whispered. "You're not ill? I mean, from what the girl has?"

"No, my love. It is not so much a physical pain, as a pain of the soul. I am a healer. To feel someone's need, then to be unable to heal that someone�"

"What can I do?"

"You are doing it now. I need your strength."

The child on the blankets stirred.

"What's going to happen to him?" the hunter whispered.

Sira turned to watch the child. He rolled over but didn't wake. She turned back to look at her husband. "He will come with us."

The hunter raised his eyebrows but he said nothing,

"Liasaya has no family, and the closest thing to a friend she has is a very old man."

Iolaus was silent a moment, then with a grin, "Well, the cabin is big enough, and we always said we wanted more children."

Sira smiled back at him then raised up and planted a kiss on his lips.

Jason sat at the table in the cell Venin had taken for herself. She brought him a mug of ale.

"This is not a social call, Venin. What do you want?"

The girl sat down across the table from him. "All right, Jason. This isn't easy for me, you know." The Argonaut took a sip of the ale. "I've asked you here to beg a favor."

He took another drink. "What kind of favor?"

"Just as I told you in my note. I have no way of supporting myself. The only things I know are crime and prostitution. In the months since I left Corinth I have not faired well." Jason sipped at his ale in silence. "I have no where to go�"

"Since when does the thought of crime or prostitution bother you?" he interrupted.

She took his mug, and going to the sideboard she refilled it. "I'll be honest with you because I think you know me well enough to know when I'm lying. Crime wouldn't bother me. But returning to prostitution does." She handed the mug to the former king.

He took another drink. His eyes didn't seem to focus well. I haven't had that much, he thought.

"I've tried to support myself with crime since I left the city. But I say again, I have not done well."

Jason shook his head to clear it.

"So, the way I look at it, I have but few options. I can be a whore, I can try to get by on theft, or I can return to Corinth and live out my life in prison."

The Argonaut took another drink of ale. "You have another option."

"What would that be?"

"You can return to Corinth and be executed."

Venin shook her head. "No, Jason. I don't consider that an option."

"So, you want me to talk to the authorities and convince them that you have reformed, and, should they let you live out your life in prison, you will go and sin no more." His words sounded slurred even to him. He pushed the mug aside.

"Come, Jason. We both know better than that. I don't feel one damn bit of remorse for my crimes. But what other choice do I have?"

"You're telling me you would rather rot in prison than be a harlot?" He felt lightheaded.

"Yes, Jason, that's exactly what I'm saying."

Damn, he thought. What is wrong with me? I haven't had that much to drink. He shook his head again to try and clear the fog from his brain. He took up the mug, looking at its contents, "Venin, what have you done?"

The girl sat watching him a moment then she threw back her head and laughed.

"I wish Liasaya would let me help her." the empath said to Hercules. "If she would let me, I could ease her pain. But she deliberately blocks me out. It is as if she is trying to hide something from me."

She was fixing a meal for them, and she talked as she worked. She was frustrated. She had tried to get the sick mother to relax and accept her. The girl didn't even seem to want the empath near her.

"She's frightened, I guess," he soothed her. "It's not your fault."

"I know, but it is hard for me also. I am sorry to bother you with it however. You have enough on your mind."

He smiled at her. "Don't be silly."

He went outside to get an armload of wood. Could Liasaya be keeping her mind closed to Sira because of Sarmen? he wondered. Could it be the knowledge of the boy's sire that Liasaya was guarding? He had still not spoken of it with his friends. The guilt rode him. He knew he was deliberately stalling. Of course they would have to know. He doubted he could keep the truth from his perceptive sister for long at any rate.

He left the wood on the floor by the fireplace. "I'll talk to Liasaya. I know her refusal to accept your help hurts you." He turned to head toward the room where Liasaya rested.

Sira lay her hand on his arm. "No, my brother. Say nothing to her. My discomfort is unimportant. The discomfort I feel at my inability to heal her would be soothed if I were allowed to comfort her now. But my real reason for wanting to help her is because it tears my heart out to see her suffer." The empath's voice was low. Tears glistened in her dark eyes.

Hercules took her into his arms and held her. He had no idea what to say. He still didn't fully understand the empathic tie that could cause the girl he held now such discomfort or such compassion for someone she hardly knew. He didn't doubt Sira's feelings. He could sense them, and knew them to be sincere.

"How is it that you feel so deeply, my sister?"

"I am an empathic healer. It is impossible for me not to feel the needs of others."

"Even at your own expense?"

"Most often at my own expense. I know what you are thinking, and there have been times when I have wished that it were not so. But the ability to heal must be tempered with the ability to feel. The earth mother gave these things to me. It is not for me to question them. And I simply cannot find a way to ignore my heart and my soul's involvement."

His hold on her tightened. "I'm sorry."

"You have no reason to be sorry. I came here because you needed me. I could feel that even over the miles. I wanted to be here."

"I'm still sorry you must be in discomfort."

She stepped back and looked up at his face. "Thank you, my brother. I feel better now. Your strength has given me strength. Go sit with Liasaya. But do not trouble her with my needs. She has her own."

The healer watched the demigod as he walked away. I wonder what he is keeping from me, she thought. With a mental shaking of her head she began to bundle up Sarmen. When he was ready the empath took his hand and headed out the door.

The hunter had gone to see the grandmother of the boy who watched the goats for Liasaya. The sick girl had asked that the goats be given to the boy and his grandmother.

"Give them the goats and give Longinus the chickens. He's getting too old to travel. He wants to settle down on his place. The chickens will give him something to trade with the other villagers. The eggs have always helped us survive."

The hunter had taken it on himself to deliver the messages to the girl's few friends. He had wanted to do something more to help. Sira understood his feelings. He was helping with all the small things. He kept Sarmen occupied. He helped fix their meals. He had brought endless loads of wood to the fire. He had spent the morning chopping wood and the healer had lost count of how many buckets of water he had brought from the spring out back. But he felt like he was doing nothing. Sira understood. She felt the same. But, she told herself, we are here for Hercules, as much as for Liasaya, and our being here helps him. That is what those of the soul do for each other. He would do the same for us.

Their meal was almost ready and the hunter had been gone a long time. Sira could simply have touched his mind to call him home. But this gave her an excuse to leave the house. She needed to feel the earth, and little Sarmen always loved to be outdoors. There was ice on the ground in the shaded area. The sky was laden with dark clouds. The empath let her mind search around her. Before much longer it would begin to snow. Wind whipped around her and blew her hair about. She pulled it to one side and pinned it there with one hand. Her other hand was being held very tightly by a small warm hand. While the child was bundled up against the cold, the girl was not. She had dawned a long sleeved woven moss shirt, but her feet were bare, her head uncovered. She shivered at the feel of the cold wind on her skin. The wind blew her skirt above her knees. She smiled at the feeling of freedom being outdoors gave her. She loved the feel of the cold soil beneath her feet.

There, coming up the trail was the hunter. Sira drew in a quick breath. He looked so dashing in his cloak, his blond curly hair blowing in the wind. His strides lengthened when he saw her. He is so magnificent, she thought. Thank you, mother earth, for bringing him to me.

He gave her a lost little boy look, and her heart constricted. What he had chosen to do to help relieve the dying girl's mind couldn't have been easy. Sira put an arm around him. Sarmen pulled away to look at a pretty rock that had caught his eye and the hunter pulled her into his arms and buried his face in her hair.

"I am sorry," she whispered. "I know this could not have been an easy task."

"They seem like nice people and they seem to care for Liasaya and Sarmen. The grandmother even offered to take the boy. But the poor thing is almost blind. There would be no way she could care for him. Still, it was good of her to even offer. She didn't handle the news of Liasaya's illness well. But they're both glad for the goats. Griff wants to bring them a little closer to his home. They have a few goats of their own and it will be easier for him if he combines the two herds. I told him to go ahead and collect them. They agreed to keep us supplied in milk and cheese for as long as we're here."

He kissed her neck. "You smell wonderful. When I saw you walking toward me I felt better immediately. You looked so beautiful standing there with the child's hand in yours. I was happy and sad and lonely all at once. I miss the Tartarus out of Hercus."

"I know. I miss him also. And when I saw you coming toward me just now, I felt the same as you. I wanted to grab you and hold you forever. Thank you for doing this for Liasaya. She should feel easier in her mind now."

He shivered. "Damnation, it's cold. How can you go with no shoes on a day like this?"

"I needed the strength of the earth. I needed to feel the soil and the grass."

"My child of the earth. Your mother must be proud of you. I think she must take as much comfort from your devotion as you take from her." He held her away from him so that he could see her face. "Why are you crying? Did I say something to hurt you?"

"No, my love. You said something to love me. And I am crying because it touched my heart."

He pulled her back against him.

He could hear a voice telling him to wake up. But he didn't want to. No, he moaned to himself. Go away. I don't want to wake up. He felt heavy and sluggish. His head throbbed with a dull ache that he knew, even through the fog of his muddled brain would only get worse if he let his head clear. He refused to respond to the call and sunk back into oblivion.

He was jerked from his sleep, when someone grabbed him in a very personal place. His eyes jerked open.

"Welcome back, my dear Jason," the dark haired girl purred.

No! he shouted in his mind. I thought it was a nightmare.

He was manacled to chains attached to rings on either wall. He was painfully strung out between them, his arms outstretched. He hung in the middle like so much dirty laundry. His feet barely touched the floor. His ankles were also manacled, but to each other, not the wall. Now he realized the muscles between his shoulder blades were on fire with the strain of his position.

"So, dear king. It seems we have reversed rolls, doesn't it?" She clicked her tongue. "You really do look uncomfortable. It's a pity really. But it can't be helped, at least for the moment."

"What?" The one word was forced from a throat swollen and restricted. He cleared his throat and tried again. "What do you want from me, Venin?" he croaked.

"You might be surprised at what I want from you. But the main reason you're here in this uncomfortable predicament is because I want money for your safe return. But I'll bet you had already guessed that. You're a very intelligent man."

"You won't get it, you know."

She chuckled. "Oh, I think I will." She grinned at him. "But even if not, I have the pleasure of your company to compensate and console me." She ran a finger lightly over his jaw. "You really are a handsome man. I find you almost irresistible."

He narrowed his eyes at her, but said nothing.

She touched him in an intimate way with one hand and ran her other hand across his chest. "Yes, almost irresistible."

She raised up on her toes and would have kissed his lips, but he quickly turned his head. Her hold on him tightened painfully. Then with a laugh she stepped back and stood watching him a moment. Then she turned and left the room.

The Argonaut let his breath out slowly. How could I have been such a fool? he chided himself. How could I have let her get the best of me? Arrogance. Your arrogant pride got you here. What in the name of Tartarus were you thinking?

His body ached in every muscle. He went up on his toes to try and take some of the strain off his arms. But his legs were weak and he gave up after a few minutes. The pain in his head was intolerable. He felt nauseated and sick. There had been a drug in the ale of course.

Alcmene. A wave of despair swept over him and left him feeling even weaker. What will this do to her? His thoughts were awash with thoughts of the woman he had waited so long to find. The woman he loved so completely. He had given up the monarchy for her and had never looked back. He smiled to himself. He had loved her for a long time, but had been afraid to voice it. She was the mother of his best friend, his age almost equally between them. His regent at the time had voiced his feelings about involvement with an older woman. But he had paid little attention. He loved her. He didn't give a damn what others thought. How could I have let my ego come before my love and concern for her?

"Alcmene, forgive me for the pain this will bring you." His words were whispered, but they seemed to echo around the room in booming reverberations. His despair went bounding against the stone walls to chase the echoes in his head. Alcmene. Alcmene. He let his head fall forward. Then, somehow he slept.

Venin danced around the corridor outside the cell where Jason hung in bondage. I did it, she congratulated herself. It was all too easy. She shivered as she thought about how she had touched him. He's delightful.

"Venin," Pollux said from behind her.

She swung around to face him. She was annoyed to find him here.

"Well, you have him. When do we send the ransom note?"

She grinned. "After I play with him for a bit."

"Let's get this done and over with. What's the point of delaying?"

"The point is, that I wish it to be that way. Are your men in place at Corinth and at his farm?"

"They should be by now."

"When you know for sure, let me know. And don't blow this, Pollux. If you need more men to keep the lines of communication between here, the city, and his farm open, then get them. I want to know every move that goes on at both places, at all times. If his wife takes a trip to the woods to relieve herself, I want to know. Got it?"

"Look, Venin," he started to protest.

"No. You look. I'm in charge of this show. Follow my directions or get the Tartarus out of here and I'll find some other fool to take your place."

The outlaw went white with anger. He stood staring at the woman before him through narrowed eyes. Then he turned to walk away.

"Pollux." She stopped him. "Send me two men that can follow orders."

He turned back to her. "What do you want with them?"

"I want them to keep Jason awake. Loss of sleep can be very detrimental."

"What in the name of Hades are you planning to do to him?"

"Just play with him a little bit. He has it coming. Let him feel what it's like to be humiliated."

"For the love of Zeus! Isn't kidnapping him enough? Do you have to torture him as well?"

She laughed. "Of course. Are you going to send the men?"

He nodded reluctantly.

"Good. Try to find a couple who aren't too cruel, but will do as I say."

He turned now and walked away. What in the name of the gods, kind of woman was she? he wondered. If I had one ounce of sense I would get the Tartarus out of here. He shivered. He had known a few truly cruel men in his time on this mortal plane. Considering the kind of work he did, was it any wonder? But he had never seen a woman with the same perversion.

He walked down the corridor and out into the sunshine. He felt the need of the warmth and the fresh air. He shivered again. He remembered the look in her eyes when she had turned around to look at him. It made his skin crawl to think about it. He had at that moment realized she wasn't quite sane. His eyes turned to the archway that led beyond the monastery. Get your horse and ride out of here, he told himself. But instead he turned, and going to where his men were, he took two of them aside.

Liasaya was in a great deal of pain, but still she refused to let the empath help her.

"I would not hurt you, Liasaya. I can take some of the pain from you."

The girl shook her head.

A thought came to Sira. "I would not be harmed. I would be careful."

"Please, I just want to rest. Let me have a little time with Sarmen, then I just want to sleep."

Sira let her breath out in a sigh. But she smiled at the girl in the bed, and nodding she left the room.

"Sarmen. Your mother would like to see you."

He bounded up and ran for the room.

The healer put a cloak around her shoulders and went to join the men. It had started to snow and they needed more wood cut and split to fit the fireplace. She gathered the wood already split and started taking it into the house. She had made several trips when she returned to the woodpile to find the men taking a breather.

"How is Liasaya?" the demigod asked.

"She is in a lot of pain."

"She still won't let you help?"

Sira shook her head. She rubbed at her temple. It throbbed with a persistent rhythm in time to her heartbeat.

The half man, half god could see the pain on the girl's face. The time had come. He must tell them of Sarmen. Perhaps then Liasaya would relent, and not only save herself pain but Sira as well.

Sarmen came bounding out to them. He had put his own coat on. It was upside down but it was on his arms.

Sira smiled at the boy. "What are you doing out here?" she asked.

He shrugged. "What you doing?"

"Cutting wood. Now you march right back in there and take care of your mother."

"Okay."

Sira shook her head at the child and turned back to the others. She studied the demigod's face for a moment. What had she seen there?

"When we leave here," the big man began, "I'll take Sarmen with me, to stay. I'll take care of him." He looked from one to the other of them. "I'd like your help."

"We've talked of that," the hunter stated. "We planned to take him with us. But you have the background with his mother." He nodded. "I think Liasaya will like that better, and you know we'll help you."

The demigod nodded.

"There is room at the cabin. The forest is a good place to raise a son," the healer stated.

Hercules searched her eyes a moment.

Now is the time, he told himself. He squared his shoulders, but before he could say anything the girl beside him laid her hand on his arm.

"Your son is as welcome there as you are."

Iolaus looked from Sira to Hercules. "Have I missed something?"

Hercules looked at his friend. "Sarmen is my son."

Iolaus said nothing for a moment. He searched the big man's face, then he nodded. "Sira's right. He's most welcome." The hunter lay his hand on the arm that Sira held.

"How long have you known, my sister?" the demigod whispered.

"Not until this moment. You had made up your mind to tell us anyway, and you let your guard down."

The big man nodded. Then he stepped aside and began to pace. The tension was too much for him. He simply couldn't stay in one place. I hope to Tartarus we don't get snowed in here, he thought. Then he turned back to them.

"I was sick and it was snowing. I sought shelter here. Liasaya found me very ill the next day and helped me. I�" He didn't complete his thought. How, he asked himself, do I put this into words?

"My brother," Sira whispered. "You need not fear our reproach, because there is none."

The demigod looked at the two people standing before him. My friend, he thought. My more than friend. When hasn't he been there for me? And my more than sister of the soul. He let his breath out in a sigh. He hadn't realized he had been holding it.

He told them of his illness and his part in the creation of a son. He left nothing out. He wanted no more deception. The empath could feel the guilt that ate away at him. But she let him finish. And when he had, she went to him and put her arms around him. The hunter squeezed his shoulder.

"I sense the guilt you are feeling. But you must not blame yourself."

"Who should I blame then?" he interrupted. "Liasaya? She was lonely and impressionable. I took advantage of that and seduced her. Then I left her with child."

"But you were out of your head with fever," Iolaus reminded him. "You didn't know what you were doing. You can't blame yourself for not remembering what happened in your delirium. As for leaving her with a child, you knew nothing about that."

"Liasaya made that choice," Sira added. "She could have sent word to you about the coming birth of your child."

The half man, half god began to pace. "I can't blame her. She did what she thought was best."

"The truth is, my more than brother, there is no blame."

The demigod looked skeptical.

"Sira's right, Herc," the hunter nodded at him. "Why must anyone be blamed? What happened, happened. You're doing everything you can do by agreeing to care for Sarmen."

Sira again went to the man she called her more than brother, the man whose soul had touched her own so deeply. "The real crime, or sin, if you will, would be if you were to let this guilt you feel interfere with your love and care of your son." She smiled at him. "Bring him to the cabin. It is as much yours as ours. You helped build it. There is an empty place at our hearth and in our hearts when you are not there. Bring Sarmen. For a time yet, I think he will need a mother's influence. I can help there. It will give you time to come to grips with his existence, and time to decide what you want to do."

"I don't know what to say," the demigod whispered.

"You do not need to say anything. We can feel your heart."

He nodded, then nodded again.

The former king swam in a sea of pain and anguish. He had long ago lost track of time. He saw himself chained to the walls as if from a great distance. That poor man, he thought. Who would do such a thing to him? He must be in pain. I'm in pain. But that's not me. It can't be. He tried to swallow but there was nothing to swallow. If he could just sleep. If I could just sleep. Why won't they let me sleep?

"No!" he shouted. It is me in the chains. But it can't be me.

Sira took a bowl of soup to the sick girl, but she refused to eat it. The empath sat on the edge of the bed and took the girl's hand in hers.

"Please let me help you, Liasaya."

She jerked her hand from the healer's touch. "Why can't you just go away? I don't want you here. I'm dying. Can't you understand? My thoughts and memories are all I have left. I won't let you take them from me."

Sira stood up. She tried to keep the hurt from her voice, but she wasn't sure she succeeded. "I would not do that, even if I could."

The tears spilled from her eyes even though she fought to keep them back, and turning, she left the room. She walked into the kitchen where the men sat at the table eating. Sarmen sat on the hunter's lap. He had taken a special liking to him. Sira stood in the middle of the floor. She swayed on her feet for a moment. The tension and strain of the last few days had been tremendous. She began to shake. She hadn't eaten well. She had no appetite. In fact, she hadn't eaten at all today. She couldn't seem to stop the tears that stained her cheeks. She knew that Liasaya hadn't meant to be cruel. Pain and fear had given her voice hostility. I should not be this hurt, she told herself.

Hercules looked up from his dinner. He took one look at her and rose to go to her, and reaching her just as she crumbled, he took her in his arms.

The hunter rushed to them. "What is it? What's happened."

The demigod sat on the bench the hunter had just vacated and held her. "She passed out."

The hunter turned anguished eyes to his friend.

Sira was aware of her lover's worry. She tried to bring her mind back from the abyss it had fallen into. But she couldn't seem to focus. Then she felt the demigod's mind on hers, and taking it for the lifeline it was meant to be, slowly she was able to sit up.

"Sira." The anxiety in the hunter's voice tore at her heart. "Are you all right?"

She reached out a hand to take his. "Yes. I am sorry I worried you, I have not been eating and it left me weak."

Hercules and Iolaus looked at each other.

"What did Liasaya say, that upset you?" the demigod asked.

Sometimes her more than brother was too perceptive. "It does not matter. She is in pain, and frightened. She did not mean to hurt my feelings. If I had been taking care of myself it would not have done so."

"You're going to sit right here and eat a bowl of soup. Then you're going to bed," the hunter ordered.

He filled a bowl with the thick soup and placed it before her. The demigod sat her on the bench then began to clear the table. He had every intention of speaking with Liasaya. Sick or not, she had no need to be cruel.

When Sira was finally convinced to lay down, it was late. Sarmen joined her on her blankets. She smiled to herself. Having him here helped in some ways with her loneliness for Hercus, and made it all the harder in other ways. Both the yosemin and the demigod's son were soon asleep.

Hercules checked on Liasaya and found her awake. "Can I get you anything?"

She shook her head.

"What exactly did you say to Sira to upset her so much?"

"I'm sorry I hurt her. She's been very good to me."

"Tell her that, then." He sat down beside her. "Why does the thought of Sira helping you frighten you so much?"

"I don't know. It just does."

"Do you realize that by refusing to let her help, you cause her pain?"

"I don't see how. But if I do, I'm sorry. But I don't have much time left. I refuse to do anything that might anger the fates."

"Very well." He let his breath out in a sigh. "But promise me you'll at least be nice to her."

"I will. I promise."

He patted her hand. When he left her, tears formed in her eyes. I can't let Sira read my thoughts, she told herself. It's not easy fighting her. I can feel her mind on mine. But I might slip and let her feel too much. I'm getting so weak. How long can I keep this up? I must resist her a little longer. I would like the pain to ease, but I can't take that chance. I can't. I'm so frightened.

Venin stood in front of the former king, a knife in her hand. She ran the blade flat-sided across his chest. Then she cut the shirt from him so that his chest was bare.

"You thought I was going to cut you, didn't you?"

She made a small scratch on his chest with the tip of the knife. Blood welled to the surface. The woman watched it for a moment then she bent and licked it away. She grinned at him, then crossed to the back of the room. When she returned she held a mug of water. She took a sip, then deliberately spilled some of the water on the floor.

He tried to lick his lips but his tongue was too swollen. She put the mug to his lips but only gave him a sip.

"More," he croaked.

She gave him another sip, then slowly poured the rest out at his feet. He moaned as he watched the water being wasted.

"You want more water?"

He nodded.

She put both hands on his chest. "Kiss me, and you may have more water."

He said nothing.

She ran her hands over his lower body. "Kiss me, Jason."

He shook his head.

"You will have all the water you want if you do."

He shook his head again.

Again she lowered her hand to caress him. "How about sleep? Will you kiss me for a little sleep?"

"No."

She tightened her grip. "Kiss me and I'll remove my hand."

"Go to Tartarus."

She released him and stood watching him a moment. She sucked on the tip of her pointer finger, then wiped it across his lips. She again ran the knife blade over his chest and across his neck. She left a red stain of blood on his shoulder. The scratch wasn't deep but it bled. It mixed with the blood that had dried on his body from the other scratches she had inflicted. She seemed almost intoxicated by the sight of the blood.

Venin stopped before the guard. "Keep him awake. No more than four or five minutes of sleep every hour."

The guard said nothing.

"Do you understand?"

He nodded at her.

Jason smiled to himself. The light was bad and the guard was lazy. He couldn't really tell from the stool he dozed on, if the Argonaut was sleeping or not. During the day he couldn't get away with it. But at night he passed between a dazed consciousness and a sleep that robbed him of all thought. He no longer dreamed. At least he couldn't remember his dreams. He seemed to fall into a deep black hole of oblivion. How long had it been? He tried to think. Two nights and this the third he believed. Or was it less? Venin's sexual advances were repugnant to him. How far will she go? How much more can I take? He refused to think about it. Alcmene. I have to endure this. I have to get back to her.

Venin entered her cell. She was frustrated. He was strong, she had to give him that. She had enjoyed teasing him and she had enjoyed touching him. But it had left her wanting. There was a knock at the door and the warrior Pollux called out to her. She bid him enter.

"You wanted to see me?"

"Yes. Tomorrow I need a man to take a message to Jason's wife."

"You'll have him." There was excitement in his voice. Finally, he thought, we're getting down to business.

The girl stood close to him. "Thank you, Pollux," she whispered. She put her hand on his arm. "You've been great to indulge me." She smiled up at him. "Do you find me attractive?"

He was startled. Is she really playing up to me? "Yes, I find you attractive."

"You're very handsome. I love the way your hair curls back from your forehead. It makes me want to run my fingers through it."

He said nothing.

"May I kiss you?"

Still he said nothing.

She raised up and placed a light kiss on his lips, then his chin. She placed her hands on his chest. "I can feel your heart beating. It's a strong beat. I like a strong man."

He drew in a ragged breath. I know damn well I can't trust her, he thought. She smells so sweet. Her sadism turns my stomach. Her skin is so soft and white. Turn and get the Tartarus out of here, you fool. Her lips taste like wine.

"You want me, don't you?" she whispered.

He nodded. You bloody fool. She's manipulating you and you know it. "Yes, I want you."

"Show me. Show me you want me."

It was very late before Pollux left her cell.

Sira took over the care of Sarmen. She did her best to leave Liasaya alone, leaving her care to Hercules. The empath spent time each morning in mind link with her son. Thysis also communicated with her at regular intervals. Already she sensed a difference in her son's mind, a focusing of the random thoughts that scurried about in his active mind. Sira let him feel her pride in his accomplishments. She led the hunter's mind to her son as well. But father and son were mind linked already. Iolaus might not be able to actually read the thoughts of his son, but he could interpret feelings and emotions. The hunter had come a long way. His already strong mind had been expanded and strengthened. Often words were no longer needed between the empath and her golden haired hunter of the forest.

Sira sat at the table rocking Sarmen. He was often cranky. He was too young to understand why he couldn't have his mother.

Hercules entered the room with a load of wood. "It's starting to snow again."

The hunter put on his cloak. "I'll bring in more wood. Take a breather, Herc."

The demigod hadn't gotten much sleep the night before. Liasaya had been ill during the night. He sank onto the stone hearth before the fireplace and sat watching the empath with the child.

"You're very good at that. You should have a dozen babies."

The half man, half god was unaware that while Sira desired more children, her yosemin body had refused to become fertile again after Hercus was born. It was not an unusual thing in a child of the earth. It had been a source of disappointment for her. But she wasn't thinking of this. She blushed. She was thinking of what her chosen father had suggested should be considered between herself and the man before her. It was impossible. But he was right. A baby produced by him and herself would most likely be phenomenal.

"I'm sorry Liasaya has been so unreasonable." He sighed. "I shouldn't have asked you to come."

"That, my brother, is foolish. We are here because you needed us. You still need us. It would hurt me more if you had not turned to us in your time of need."

"Thank you, my sister. Having you and Iolaus here is a great help. And you're right. I do need you."

Liasaya herself asked the empath to help her bathe. The yosemin was very gentle. She made a point of keeping her mind closed to the girl, for two reasons. One, because she knew how uncomfortable the sick girl was with the thought of her mind being invaded. But also because Sira was shocked and saddened by the physical evidence of the girl's emaciation, and she didn't wish Liasaya to be hurt by these feelings from her.

"I want to ask a favor," Liasaya told her.

"Of course."

"I want you to help Hercules take care of Sarmen. I know I've been unjust to you, and I'm sorry." Sira would have denied this, but Liasaya rushed on. "In another time or place, I think we could've been friends. It isn't you I dislike. It's the thoughts you might uncover."

Sira nodded. "I understand. I promise you, I will always be there for your son. He is also the son of my more than brother. How could I do otherwise?"

The sick girl had refused food or water all day. Finally, toward evening she took a few sips of tea. After she bathed her, Sira left her to sleep while she fixed a meal for the others. Later, when she checked on her, something in her breathing alarmed the empath and she sat on the bed beside the girl and took her hand. Tears filled her eyes. It was no longer an ordinary sleep. She had fallen into a coma. Sira sat with her throughout the night, but there was no change until almost dawn. The girl's breathing became labored. Sira called Hercules to help her turn the girl on her side. He was shocked by the labored gurgling sound that marked the girl's breathing. When they had her on her side with pillows behind her to help hold her there, her breathing was easier.

Sira again took up the hand she had held through the night. "It is all right, little one," she whispered. "You may rest easy. You have fulfilled the earth's destiny. Go to the mother in peace. Your son is well cared for. Your legacy lives on in him and in whatever form the earth gives you." Her tears splashed on the blankets that covered the girl.

Hercules, standing beside the bed, closed his eyes and felt the sadness wash over him. "I'll love our son, Liasaya. He'll never want for that."

The Empath held her hand out to the demigod and he took it with a firm grip. He needed the strength she offered him with her touch. She could sense his churning emotions. She wished he would let her help him with them. While he no longer blocked his mind's touch and accepted her mind on his, he still kept a tight rein on his deeper emotions. She respected this, while not understanding it. She couldn't understand the human need to shut away pain and hold onto it. Everyone had things they chose to keep to their own mind, things they wished no one else to know about. But to shut away a destructive, painful emotion was not reasonable.

Hercules had finally been persuaded to sleep. He was drained emotionally and needed to rest. Besides that, Sira knew the end was near and that the big man's strength would be needed.

Throughout the day Sira stayed with Liasaya. She laid down beside her and held the girl. She sent love and comfort to her. Whether the girl felt it or not was impossible to say. Sira knew when the earth took the girl home. She felt the spirit and life force leave the girl's tortured body.

"Now, my sister, you are out of pain. Go with the earth, little one. To the east, mother soil, protect her body. To the west, water mother, protect her thoughts. To the south, mother of trees, guide her forth. To the north, mother earth, protect her soul."

She hated to wake her more than brother, but he had insisted he be called if Liasaya shouldn't make it through the night. Sira had promised him this because she knew he'd refuse to rest if she hadn't. She rose and went to where Hercules lay sleeping. She watched him for a moment then went to the window. The stars had faded and the sky in the east was turning gray. The clouds had cleared and the blanket of snow covering the earth showed white under the still dark sky.

She returned to the blankets her brother occupied and knelt beside him. I wish I could spare you this, she thought, then laid her hand on his arm. His eyes shot open and he searched her face. He knew instantly. Her eyes searched his. Her mind sent him comfort and love. With a slight sob he pulled her into his arms and down beside him. He held her against his chest. He said nothing. Words were unnecessary. He drew on her strength and took comfort from her life force.

"I wish I could have loved her. Maybe it would've helped make things up to her."

"You loved her. Just not as a mate of the soul. She understood. She loved you also."

"Sometimes it seems as though my life has been nothing but pain and death." He sighed. "A wonderful life is gone and all I can do is feel sorry for myself. I never realized what a selfish bastard I am."

"No, my brother. It is the way of life to die. It is the way of life to take death personally. We have no need to feel sorry for Liasaya. She has gone to a better place. It is the ones left behind that suffer. It is never easy to lose a part of your heart and your soul. You are not feeling sorry for yourself. You are mourning."

He rose then and went to Liasaya. He sat on the bed and held her hand. Sira placed a hand on his shoulder. She sensed the conflicting emotions that surged through her brother. Not the least among them was guilt. Sira responded, but he shut his mind away from her. Let it alone, his mind said. She squeezed his shoulder and left him.

When she returned to the kitchen, Iolaus was awake. He had slept during the night, sitting at the table, his head cradled on his arms. It had been bitterly cold in the night and he had replenished the fire many times. Sira had moved Sarmen close to the fire to keep him warm. The hunter built up the fire now, then went to Sira and took her in his arms. She cried silently against his shoulder.

"I wish he would let me help him. He started to." She shrugged "Then he closed his mind from mine."

"He'll come around. People have to handle things like this in their own way. Give him time."

"I cannot stand to see him in turmoil. "

"I know."

"Why does he feel such guilt?"

"Because that's the way he is."

Venin hadn't dressed yet. She still wore her sleeping attire when there was a knock at the door. She let the messenger into her room and let him have a good look before she slapped his face.

"Leave," she told him. "I've changed my mind. I'll let you know when I want you again."

The man rubbed his face where she had slapped him. "If you don't want to be looked at, you should wear more clothes when you let a man into your room."

"Get out, you pig!"

Venin looked down her front. He had a point. The gown she had slept in left little to the imagination. On impulse she went to the cell where Jason was being held.

"How long has he been sleeping?" she demanded of the guard.

"Only a minute or two."

Venin picked up a bucket of water and threw it on the Argonaut.

He hung there looking at her through bloodshot eyes. Some of the water had splashed back on her. She looked down to where his eyes rested on her, and seeing what held his attention, she laughed.

"So, you're not impervious to my charms after all." She rubbed her chest against him. "You like what you see, don't you?"

"May I have some water?"

"Will you kiss me?"

"No."

"Then why should I give you water?"

"To keep me alive until you get your money." What he didn't say but thought in his mind was, or until you've had your fill of torturing me.

"So you believe I will get the money? Yes, I think so also." She gave him a long drink, then washed his face and chest. "You're much thinner," she clucked her tongue.

"I haven't eaten in three days."

She sent the guard out for food. "Will you bed with me for food?"

"You know the answer to that."

She unfastened his pants and stood looking at him. "You're a beautiful man, Jason. Even like this you're beautiful." She touched him then. "I would take you down from the chains and give you water and food. You could sleep whenever you wanted."

He said nothing. Her touch left him feeling nauseated.

She took a knife from the shelf behind him and began to cut away his pants, so that he stood naked before her. Then she washed his lower body. Her hands intimate, she was gentle for once. She cleaned him thoroughly. Then stepping back she pulled her nightgown over her head.

"I want you to see what you're passing up," she purred.

She rubbed her body against his. Her hands caressed him and touched him. The guard returned with the food but she sent him away.

"You weren't very nice to me, Jason."

He said nothing. He was fighting for control.

"You know I care for you. I want you to care for me, like you cared for your horse."

"Venin, stop this. This has gone far enough." He spoke through clinched teeth.

"Your body betrays you, Jason."

"Stop, Venin."

"You're enjoying this as much as I am. I can feel it. She tightened her hand on him and laughed.

No! Jason screamed in his mind. This is wrong. I can't let her do this. What's wrong with me? The three days of no food, little water or sleep and the loss of blood from the knife wounds she had inflicted had drained him of his strength. His mind was dull and foggy. He tried to bring his mind to focus. He tried to remember his contempt for this woman, to use it as a barrier against his body's defection. The water she had given him and the warm cloth she had washed him with had relaxed him. The weariness swept over him and he let his guard down.

Venin dropped to her knees in front of him.

"No!" he begged her. "Don't do this. Please, Venin."

She paid his pleas no heed.

His tortured body refused to obey him and he was humiliated. All his pride and arrogance spilled from his body at her ministering. She laughed. And standing before him she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, then she kissed him. When she left him, he wept.

The guard returned.

"Please cover me," the former king begged.

"She said to leave you." The guard gave him more water and some fruit. But he had no appetite now.

The guard went back to his stool, and saying nothing he turned away. He made no pretense of keeping the Argonaut awake. He wasn't sure what had happened here, but he could sense the change in the man who hung before him.

Jason slept. But despite his exhaustion, his sleep was invaded by tortured dreams, where Alcmene walked with contempt in her heart for his weakness. Where a demon woman with dark hair touched him and refused to go away. And soon the two women were one and he woke calling his wife's name.

Then Venin returned. "I like you like this, Jason. You should never wear clothing."

She gave him a drink of wine. Then a little more.

"Did he eat?" she asked the guard.

"Not really," was his reply.

She gave him another sip of wine, then took one for herself.

"When this is over, I want you to stay with me." She touched him and caressed him.

She gave him another sip of the fermented juice. His stomach was empty and the wine went straight to his head.

"You will be my willing lover," she purred to him.

But his body didn't betray him this time. The wine was too much for his tortured body, and he drifted to sleep as she touched him.

She gave up. The wine was a bad idea, she decided. She slapped him, and the sound rang loud in the small room. Then she slapped him again.

"You will be mine, Jason."

"I'll die first," he whispered.

She left in frustration.

The guard stepped outside the cell. For the love of Zeus, he thought.

"Venin!" Pollux stopped her as she was leaving Jason's cell. She felt the need of some fresh air. She had been sure she had broken Jason when she had controlled his body. But there was apparently still a spark of spirit left.

"What in the name of the gods, kind of game are you playing?"

"What do you want, Pollux?"

"You asked for a man to take a message to Jason's wife. I sent him to you, then you send him away. Why?"

"I changed my mind."

"Damn it, Venin. What are you doing to Jason in that cell anyway?"

"None of your bloody business. Tomorrow. I'll have the parchment ready by tomorrow morning." What she didn't say was, it would be ready by tomorrow unless Jason cooperated willingly with her. If he could be persuaded to become her lover, a ransom note might not be necessary.

"It better be ready this time."

"Are you threatening me, Pollux?" Her voice was low and menacing. "That, my lover, is not a wise thing to do."

She leaned into him and ran her hand over his chest and down. He pinned her hand against his belt, then took it in a tight grip.

"I don't play these games, Venin. I'll take my men and get the Tartarus out of here so damn fast you won't know what hit you."

"Do it then. I can find another mercenary. You and your kind are a dinar a dozen. You and all the fools like you put together wouldn't make one real man." She pulled her hand from him and walked away.

Tomorrow, Pollux thought. If she doesn't send the ransom note tomorrow, I'm out of here.

They buried Liasaya the next morning. Longinus and Griff were the only villagers to attend. Griff's grandmother was feeling under the weather and didn't wish to chance being out in the cold.

"She was a good girl," Longinus said. There was sadness in his voice.

They had packed their belongings and the things they would need for Sarmen. When Liasaya was buried they returned to the cabin only long enough to gather their things, then started their journey to the valley floor. The snow was deep and the going treacherous, but they kept going.

Sarmen rode on the demigod's shoulders most of the way. He was quiet. He had seen them put his mother in the ground. Sira had told him his mother had gone to a better place and that she was no longer sick.

"Your mother is happy now," she had told him. "We will miss her. But who is to say that someday we might not see her again, when we go to the earth as well." She wasn't sure how much he could understand. He was so young.

They made their camp that night, still in the snow and ice. They found an overhang where the snow wasn't as deep and they were able to dig down to the soil. They made their fire on the muddy ground. Both men worked well past dark to gather enough wood to insure they could keep the fire going during the night.

Sarmen was cold, tired and hungry, and he cried for his mother. Sira touched his mind to bring him comfort. She had known the first night out would be hard so she had brought a thick stew already prepared and carried in a pot, ready to warm up when they at last made camp. She fed the boy first while the men gathered the wood. She spread a tarp on the snow near the fire then spread her thick wool blanket from Calla over it. She lay Sarmen on this and covered him with several blankets. He still cried so she lay down with him. He put his chubby arms around her neck, and closing his eyes he was asleep almost at once.

Sira never meant to sleep. She planned to get the child to sleep then get up and have the stew warm and tea ready for the men when they returned. But the strain of the last few days had taken its toll.

When the men returned from their last trip to gather wood they found the healer fast asleep, the child in her arms.

Iolaus grinned at his friend. "I guess I cook?"

"It's all yours," Hercules motioned with a wide sweep of his arm.

The hunter stood watching the empath a moment longer. "She looks beautiful, doesn't she?"

"Yes, my friend, she does. She also looks tired. I'm glad she's resting."

Iolaus fixed the meal for them, and when he had washed the dishes in the snow he put their biggest pot on the fire and filled it with snow. They would need water in the morning.

Hercules went to his blankets, but the hunter stayed by the fire, feeding it wood and putting more snow in the pot. It took a lot of snow to fill a pot with water. But he didn't feel like sleeping anyway.

Still, he did begin to get drowsy so he dozed by the fire. The night was well over half way through its turn on the earth when Hercules shook him.

"Go on to bed. I'll take over here."

The hunter yawned. "It's damn cold, Herc. And it's only going to get colder near dawn."

"I know. I may go back to that one deadfall we found and get more wood. The moon is full, and with its reflection off the snow it's almost as bright as day. You get some sleep. I may need you later."

Iolaus went to Sira and lay down on the other side of Sarmen. He moved close to the child and pulled the blankets over himself. With the child between us he should stay fairly warm, the hunter reasoned.

Venin stood before Jason.

"Are you tired, my lover?"

"As if you care."

She caressed his jaw line. "I would let you rest after."

"No, Venin."

"I've given you pleasure before."

"Believe me, it was no pleasure."

She studied his face for a moment. Even now, tired, thirsty, and hungry, he resisted her.

She ran her hands over him, her touch intimate. "I'll let you lie down," she coaxed. "You enjoyed it once."

She continued to caress him. But this time his body did not betray him. She tried to kiss him and he turned his head away. She slapped him and pulled his face to her. He spit in her face.

She slowly wiped the spittle away and slapped him again. "You really shouldn't do that." She picked up her knife and ran it across his chest and down his abdomen, then even lower. "You take great risks, my lover." She smiled at him.

He could feel the cold knife blade against his flesh.

She cut deeply into his right inner thigh. "Kiss me and I'll stop the bleeding."

"No, Venin."

In frustration she threw the knife across the room, and turned on the guard.

"Take him down and chain him to the wall." She turned back to the former king. "You know you can't resist me forever. You've already been mine once. It will happen again." She turned and left the room.

The guard took the manacles from his feet first. Then he loosened his right arm. As it fell to Jason's side he felt a great tearing pain and he screamed. When the other arm was unchained he fell to his knees, then face forward. The guard pulled him to the wall and chained his ankles there. His naked flesh scraped painfully on the stone floor.

"Let me look at that cut," the guard offered. He cleansed the blood away. "Well, it's not as bad as I thought it was. Four inches up, and to the left and you'd have to change your name to Eunuch." He threw a blanket over the Argonaut.

Jason shivered with reaction. He was light headed from the pain in his shoulder. He retched, and retched again.

By midday the travelers were below the snow. They stopped to rest and eat something along a swift flowing mountain stream. They had been forced by heavy snow drifts to deviate from the main trail into the Tolmecia mountains. Neither the demigod nor the hunter had been this way before. But they knew the direction they must travel to reach Thysis' cave. They would go for Hercus first, then go on to the cabin in the woods. When they left their place of nooning they removed their cloaks. The sun was warm on their backs. It felt good after the cold of the day before.

The hunter marveled again that people would live on the mountain and endure the harsh conditions there. It wasn't as if they were getting rich off the land. In fact, he had seen nothing but poverty. No wonder Liasaya's husband had tried for a better life.

Sarmen was out of it anyway. If those who have gone beyond the earth could indeed see those who still remained, perhaps Seth could be glad that the boy he was a father to for such a short time was out of the harsh environment he had been born into. Winters at the hidden cabin in the forest that Iolaus and Sira called home could be harsh as well. But it was at a lower elevation than Tolmecia. The springs were beautiful and the summers pleasant. With hard work in the other three seasons the winter could be made easier. The hunter wondered, not for the first time how his friend would take to the life that awaited him there. He knew how hard it was for Hercules to stay in any one place for long. He needed movement and distraction to help keep his thoughts from the negative emotions that always threatened to consume him.

To keep Sarmen entertained Sira taught him a song. They sang it as they walked. Now that they were out of the snow the boy could walk on his own, at least part of the way. The men took turns with the boy on their shoulders when he was tired of walking.

They found a cave to make their night camp in. Sira had simply sent her mind out in search of shelter and had sensed the opening in the cliffs they were approaching. Water ran in a tiny rivulet from the cliff face. It was sweet and cold. The forest around them supplied the wood needed to make their fire, and the hunter had supplied the rabbits to cook on the fire.

It had been a bright morning in the fertile valley where Alcmene, Mother of Hercules, and wife to the former king of Corinth, had her farm. She had been working in her garden all morning, preparing it for the coming winter. She had planned to do this work tomorrow, but finding time on her hands she decided to do it today instead. She needed to keep busy. Jason was overdue by two days now. Thoughts of what could have delayed him ran through her mind. The uncomfortable ones she pushed aside. But they kept coming back. The longer his absence, the stronger her worry became. She knew that if she were to let it, it could easily consume her.

Hearing a horse approaching she bounded up. She had been sure it was Jason, home at last. But she was disappointed. It was not Jason. In fact she had no idea who the tall young man on horseback was.

He dismounted and bowed to her.

"Forgive my intrusion," he begged. "I hope I have the right farm. I seek Hercules."

"Then you have indeed found the right farm. But I'm afraid he's not here at the moment."

The young man's face fell.

Alcmene took pity on him. "I'm his mother. Won't you join me in a mug of cider?"

"I have no wish to inconvenience you."

"No. No, it's not an inconvenience. It gives me an excuse to leave the garden."

"Then thank you. I would love a mug of cider," he smiled at her.

She showed him to the chairs in the garden and went to the house for the cider. He rose when she approached, and taking the tray from her he sat it on the small table by the small grouping of chairs.

"I'm Elias. I met Hercules not long ago, when he and Iolaus helped save a small village."

"Elias. Yes, I remember. You're the young man who saved Sira's life."

He nodded. "And she saved mine." He looked around him. "You have a lovely garden."

She smiled with pleasure. "Thank you."

They talked on of the weather and other polite subjects. Elias was sorry that Hercules' mother could give him no idea of when she might see her son again. But he understood. He knew that the demigod never stayed long in any one place.

They were still talking in the garden when another horseman approached. The horseman didn't even dismount but handed a parchment to Alcmene. Then turning his horse, he rode from the yard.

She was sure it was from Jason.

"Forgive me for being rude, but I believe this is from my husband. He's overdue in returning from a trip to Corinth." She shrugged apologetically and untied the leather string that held the roll of porous paper.

Sira was walking between the demigod and the hunter when she gasped and stopped in her tracks. She put out a hand to the demigod just as he reached for her. He had felt the thought that had stopped the empath.

"It's my mother," he gasped.

"No. Wait. It is Jason, I believe." Sira closed her eyes and strengthened her mind. She sent it out to greet and embrace the thoughts that had struck her almost like a physical blow. The thoughts were unclear. Alcmene was not a sensitive. She had no idea that her son and the empath had felt her fear. Sira drew on Hercules' mind to try and get a clearer idea of what she was sensing. Then she felt Thysis' thoughts on hers. She grabbed onto his offered assistance.

"It is Jason. Your mother is frightened and worried about him. Something has happened to him." She sent a message to the older woman. "We are coming," she told her, with her mind. She sent love to the mother of her brother of the soul.

From Thysis she got the message that he would bring Hercus and meet them at the farm.

"What's happened to Jason?" the hunter asked. His voice was thick with concern.

Sira turned worried eyes on her husband. "I am not sure. He is in some kind of danger. That is about all that I could get." She turned to the demigod. "I cannot tell if she knows we are coming. I will keep trying to reach her. But I think we should hurry."

"Are you all right?" Elias came to Alcmene. He had seen her look of hope that the parchment would explain her husband's absence turn to horror at what she was reading.

"Ma'am are you all right?"

Alcmene didn't respond. Her face now wore a look of shocked disbelief. He took the parchment from the hand that had fallen limply to her side. He knew it was rude to read it without permission, but he did so anyway.

He gasped at what he read. "No," he whispered. He knelt beside Alcmene and took her hand. "Do you know where to reach your son? We must find Hercules."

Alcmene looked at him. She had for the moment forgotten who he was.

"He's coming, Hercules is coming."

"How can you be sure?"

"Sira," was her only reply.

He needed no other explanation.

He led her into the house. She was shaking with reaction. He made her sit at the table in the kitchen, and finding some wine he made her drink a little. Scrounging around in her cupboards he found what he needed and made Tassis tea for her. When she held a mug of the dark brown brew in her cupped hands he sat across from her.

"What can I do?" he offered.

"They want money. I guess I need to contact Iphicles. If we can come up with the money at all, it will be with his help.

"Can you tell when Hercules will be here?"

She shook her head. "No, only that they are on their way."

"I can take a message to the king now."

Alcmene thought for a moment. She put her fingertips to her temple. It throbbed in rhythm to her heartbeat. "Not yet. If possible, I want Hercules to handle this. We'll wait for a time, to give him a chance to get here."

She hated the thought of delaying. But she knew that of her two sons, the one of the gods was the one best suited to help Jason. Iphicles had a tendency to be a hot head. Not only was Hercules level headed, his thoughts and actions were tempered with compassion.

"I can understand your wish to have Hercules help. But�"

She searched his face a moment. "Please, don't try to shield me. If you have a concern, I want to hear it."

He nodded. "What if the farm is being watched?" At the look in her eyes he continued. "If they are watching and you do nothing, they might believe you have no intention of gathering the money."

"And they might kill him out of hand." The words were spoken in a whisper.

Elias took her hand. "We can wait until morning at least. Then I can head to the city. I will take my time."

She nodded. "You're right. That's the best we can do," She squeezed his hand. "Thank you, Elias. Thank the gods you're here."

"Jason is a good man. We'll get him back."

"Yes," she whispered. "I have to believe that."

Hercules and the others traveled on through the night. The moon was just past its full glory, and the light was enough to guide them. Sarmen had fallen asleep on the demigod's shoulder. Sira kept her mind open. She had tried unsuccessfully to reach Alcmene's mind again. But she refused to give up. She couldn't be sure if the older woman could feel her thoughts. But just in case, she planned to keep her mind sending comfort and love. She walked in a trance of fatigue, as much from her struggle to catch any further feelings from the older woman, as from the travel. And still they walked on. Hercules gently moved the sleeping child to his other shoulder.

Iolaus handed him a water flask. "I can carry him for awhile, " he offered.

"Not yet. Maybe later." He took a long drink then handed the flask back to his friend.

Venin knelt beside the former king and pulled the blanket from his sleeping form. Then turning, she slapped the guard that stood behind her.

"I told you to keep him awake! And who gave you permission to give him a blanket?"

Not waiting for an answer, she turned back to Jason and kicked him savagely in the ribs to wake him.

"I've sent a messenger to your wife with the ransom demand. She should know by now that you're not coming home anytime soon." She went to her knees beside him. "Come with me willingly, and I will send another messenger to tell her not to bother gathering the money." She touched him and he pushed her hands away.

"Shackle his hands!" She screamed at the guard. When his hands were chained, she again knelt beside him. "You will be mine, Jason. It's just a matter of time. She tightened her grip painfully.

She rose and turned once again to the guard. "See that he's fed and given water. You can unchain his hands again." She started to leave the cell. "Give him a bath also."

The travelers stopped long enough to eat and sleep for an hour. Then they continued on. Sarmen cried and fussed. He was tired and cranky. The empath sent her mind to his and soothed him. He fell asleep in the hunter's arms, and they traveled on. Sira had been unable to communicate with the mother of her more than brother. She sensed a vague uneasiness and anxiety, but that was all. The older woman's mind had found hers that first time, not by design as much as by accident. The first moment of shock had lent her thoughts the power to touch the sensitive mind of the yosemin. Sira doubted she would have felt the thoughts at all if not for her tie to the older woman and her half god son.

Elias left for Corinth just after dawn. He had slept in the barn, not that he slept much. And when he rose it was to find Alcmene already up, with tea and biscuits waiting.

"Did you sleep at all?"

"A little. Don't look so concerned. I'll sleep when Jason is home safe, with me."

Elias squeezed her hand. "I'll try to buy some time to let Hercules get here." He looked thoughtful. "Somehow I have the feeling he'll be here soon."

"Yes, I believe so also." She searched the face of the young man. It was a handsome face. There was a boyish charm about his features. His broad shoulders and height only seemed to add to his look of youthfulness rather than the opposite.

"The king is sometimes a little too quick to act. I've written a letter to him that is deliberately vague. Until we hear from the kidnappers, we know little enough as it is. I remember this Venin being mentioned. I know she escaped from the prison at Corinth. But I've said nothing of this to my son."

"Don't worry, I'll see to it that he doesn't do anything foolish."

Alcmene stood and watched as the young man rode from her yard. She shivered with a chill not of the cold. She looked around her a moment. She felt so alone. Entering the house she stood for a moment in the kitchen. She had meant to do something, but couldn't remember now what it was. She went to the bedroom that she and Sira had converted to a study for Jason and stood in the doorway looking at the former king's things. She went to the table where his pewter chess set stood. She caressed the pieces, her hand resting for a moment on the king. She took his cloak from the rack behind his desk. It smelled of the man she loved. She dropped into the chair behind his desk, and burying her face in the cloak she wept. She felt the tug on her mind, and without even knowing she did it she opened her mind to the empath.

Sira took Hercules' arm. "Jason has been kidnapped. I sense Elias, but also Venin. Damn! I wish it were clearer. How much longer before we reach your mother?"

"This afternoon if we keep going."

"Then we must keep going."

"Venin and Elias. You don't suppose?"

Sira interrupted the hunter. "No. No, I do not think Elias is working with Venin."

He shrugged.

Elias had no real idea how to touch the mind of another. He knew what it felt like to have his mind touched. Somehow he knew that he and Sira had formed a link of the mind that still existed even after the healing. He felt something, then yes, he was sure that Sira was trying to get a feel for his thoughts. He stopped his horse in the shade of a tall tree. Despite the lateness of the year, the day was already warm. He closed his eyes and willed his mind to relax. He simply allowed his thoughts to flow and hoped she could understand them.

Venin knelt before Jason. She ran her hand over his lower body and he woke with a start. He tried to cover his nakedness and to turn away from her.

She clucked her tongue. "Why try to hide from me now, my lover? I've seen it all before, from very close up if you will remember." She pulled his back to face her. Her eyes trailed over him and came to rest below his waist for a moment before she looked at his face. "Feeling better now that you've rested?"

He said nothing.

She called over her shoulder to the guard. "Did he eat?"

"Yes, he ate quite well. He's been cleaned up and given water just as you ordered."

"See, my love? I can be nice. Say you'll come with me and I'll be even nicer."

He felt light headed, his mind foggy. He sat up with difficulty. He shook his head to clear it. Why do I feel like I've had too much to drink? A cold chill of fear swept over him. I've been drugged. That's why she let me eat and drink, so that she could drug me.

She reached for him again, and he turned away.

"Do I have to chain your hands again?"

"If there is anyway I can avoid it, I'll not let you touch me again."

She chuckled. "But there's no way you can avoid it. Haven't you realized that by now? If I chain your hands, I can do anything to you I wish. It will happen again, Jason, no matter how much you wish it wouldn't. It will happen. I controlled your body once, and I will again. You will be mine."

"No, Venin." He shook his head. "You can do any damn thing you want to me. But I will never be yours."

"You already are," she whispered.

She had his hands chained to the wall, then sending the guard away, she pulled her dress over her head, and stood naked before him. He looked at her a moment then turned away.

He was stretched out on the stone floor on his back, his arms above his head. She spread a blanket on the floor beside him and laid down next to him. She caressed him. She licked her finger and ran it over him. Then she straddled his legs. But despite his drugged state, he never lost sight of what she was and what she was trying to do. It had nothing to do with caring for him. She simply wanted to control him. To humiliate and shame him. His contempt for her grew with each touch. Finally, in frustration she stood over him and kicked him. He turned away just in time, and the kick landed on his hip.

The travelers arrived at Alcmene's farm just after midday. Hercules moved ahead and striding into the kitchen he called to his mother.

"Hercules! Thank the gods." She went into his arms. The tears that she had thought were spent earlier in the Argonaut's study welled to the surface again.

"What's happened, mother?"

She couldn't speak. She clung to this strong son of hers and took comfort from that strength. Sira and Iolaus came into the kitchen. Sarmen, walking beside them, hid in the folds of the empath's skirts. Iolaus took the offered hand from Alcmene and squeezed it. Then squaring her shoulders she stepped back from Hercules, and offered her arms to the empath. Tears stung in the girls eyes as her arms went around her friend.

"Thank you, my dear, for being a telepath. I've sensed you since that first moment. It's helped to keep me going."

She went to the table, and picking up the parchment she handed it to her son. Sira watched his face as he read the note. It went pale, then red. When he had read it once, he turned it over and looked at the back. Then turning it back to the printed side he read it again. Without a word he handed it to the hunter.

"What are we to do?" The anguish in the older woman's voice tore at the healer's heart.

"Get him out of there." There was fury in the big man's voice.

Sira couldn't read more than a few words of Greek. But she took the parchment from her husband's hands, and closing her eyes she felt for whatever she might glean from the porous paper. She had felt from the demigod and the hunter what the note said. She shivered at what her senses perceived as her hands held the bit of paper.

"Will they release him if we give them the money?" Alcmene asked.

The demigod and the hunter looked at each other but said nothing.

She nodded. "That's what I believe also. Once they have the money, there would be no reason to�" She couldn't complete her thought.

Iolaus took her hand. He could sense her pain. He loved this woman. She had been a mother to him. His own mother had not always been a positive influence. But he had felt loved by Alcmene.

"Hercules is right. We must try to free him."

"Elias has gone to Corinth to see Iphicles. He and I agreed that the farm might be watched, and that we should make a show of trying to gather the money. We can't do anything until we hear back from this, Venin."

"How is it that Elias was here?"

"He came to see Hercules, and thank the gods he was here. I don't know what I would have done if I had been alone."

And now there was nothing they could do but wait. Sira went to the garden, and sitting cross-legged on the grass she stilled her mind. She planned to try and reach the mind of the Argonaut. But the miles of travel and the loss of sleep had taken their toll. After a short time without success she lay down on the grass. She prayed for the earth to watch over Jason. And without realizing she had, she fell asleep.

Jason woke to pain. His shoulder throbbed, and his head ached. The guard had given him water whenever he asked. He had also made him eat, even though the Argonaut didn't really feel like eating. He had made the guard eat some of the food and drink some of the water. He must avoid being drugged again. But despite his precautions he felt dizzy and muddled. Sira. Why had he thought of her? She had been in his dreams. Or was it a dream? He shook his head to clear it.

Venin entered the cell. She carried a wine flask with her. Kneeling before him she uncorked the flask and offered him a drink. He shook his head at her.

"Won't you drink with me?"

He shook his head again. His arms were chained above his head. He felt exposed and vulnerable. That was part of the horror of his situation. He was a strong man, the type to take charge. Being vulnerable was not something he was familiar with. Only once before had he felt humbled. And that was when he had finally confessed his feelings to the woman he loved. He had been so afraid that she would turn away from him in contempt. He had agonized over it for months. He knew that should she not share his feelings, he would be hurt, but he could learn to live with that if he had to. But the wound would be too deep to heal if she held him in contempt. And now that was also part of the nightmare he must face. He had betrayed her. He had allowed another woman to control his mind and his body. He shivered with the realization that things between him and the woman he loved might never be the same.

The woman before him sipped the wine she had brought for him. He had been convinced it was drugged. But perhaps not. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. Then his neck. Her hands were intimate.

"Come to bed with me."

"No!"

"I can bring you pleasure like no one else."

"Your touch makes me sick." He spat the words at her through clinched teeth.

She laughed, then trailed kisses lower, and still lower.

"Stop this, Venin!"

She raised up to look at him. "Take me to bed."

"Can't you just leave me alone?"

She shook her head. "No. I want you, and I always get what I want. I've had you once, and anytime I want I will have you again. You're mine. Your mind, your desires, and your body." Her hands touched and caressed him. She took the knife she always seemed to carry and kissed the blade. Then she made a cut on his chest. "I could cut your throat just that easy, and you know it. I've done it before." She ran a finger through the blood on his chest, then sucked it from her finger tip. She made a slight cut on her finger and held it to his wound.

"Now even our blood is mixed. You and I are meant to be together." She kissed his stomach and trailed kisses lower.

"No!" He screamed, as he struggled vainly against the chains.

She bit him in anger. "You may resist me now. But I will have you. You will hold me and caress me. You will kiss me and whisper words of love to me." She threw back her head and laughed. She left the cell still laughing.

"Damn, man," the guard said. "Why not just bed her and have it done?"

The former king said nothing. He had been afraid just now. Afraid he would give in. Not because he wanted to, but because his body might succumb to her as it had once before. He began to tremble. He couldn't control the shivers that shook him. He was violently ill. She will kill me if I give into her, he thought. But then, would that be so bad? I'll be out of the pain and fear. Alcmene, forgive me. I don't know if I can hold out much longer. If I give in, forgive me. I love you.

Iphicles arrived late the next day. He had left the city shortly after Elias arrived. He had set the wheels in motion to gather the money the kidnappers were asking for. He had fumed and threatened to take an army in search of the man he had come to admire. Elias let him vent his anger for a time. Then he had stopped him.

"Look, we don't even know where Jason is being held. If you go charging around the countryside with an army, he's as good as dead."

"You don't propose we pay these cretins?"

"No. And neither does your mother. But we must work on the assumption that our every move is being observed. If you don't try to gather the money, what's to prevent them from simply killing Jason."

"Who in Tartarus are you anyway?"

"A friend of your brother, and of Iolaus and his wife."

The king paced the floor. "You're right. We must at least try to gather the money."

Elias hadn't stayed long with the king. He had something of his own to take care of.

The king of Corinth left his horse standing in the yard and entered the house unannounced.

"Mother."

Alcmene hugged her younger son.

"Have you heard anymore from the kidnappers?"

She shook her head.

Hercules offered his arm and Iphicles took it in a firm grasp, then did the same when the hunter offered his. He took the offered seat. He had traveled through the night to reach his mother. Sira brought him a mug of tea and some food. He smiled absentmindedly at her. Iolaus introduced her to the king. She gave him a warm smile. He inclined his head at her.

He turned to Hercules. "What in Tartarus are we going to do about this?"

"We're going to get him back."

"And how in the name of the gods do you propose to do that when you don't even know where he is?"

"I was in hopes that you could go back to the city and begin to do a bit of discreet investigation. The ransom note says there are innocent villagers surrounding her. So she must be in a village somewhere. It must be close enough to allow for information to be carried back to her from those who are watching the farm."

"We can't be sure the farm is being watched."

"It's watched," the hunter stated.

The king raised his eyebrows at him.

"I was out there last night. We're being watched all right."

What he didn't say was, that Sira had sensed the men that watched the farm even before he had confirmed for himself that men were out there.

Sarmen came into the room and went to Sira. She picked him up and sat him on her lap. He sat watching the king for a moment. There was anger plainly written on the man's face. The boy crawled off of the healer's lap and went to Iphicles and held his arms up to him. The king looked at Sira.

"He wants to be picked up."

After a moment of hesitation, the man bent and picked up the child. Sarmen ran a finger over the frown on the king's brow then hugged him.

Sira smiled. "He is usually shy around people. You must have a special touch."

"He's your son?"

"No." Hercules answered for her. "He's the son of a good friend of mine that recently passed away."

Iphicles nodded.

Hercules had told his mother the same thing that he had just told his brother. Now was not the time to confess the existence of a son.

"How come Elias didn't return with you?" Iolaus asked.

Iphicles shrugged. "He said he had business in the city and would join us here later."

Iolaus looked at the demigod. The big man shrugged.

The day drew to a close. To those who waited word from the ones who held one of their own, the day seemed endless. Iphicles slept for a time. But his mind was too full of turmoil to sleep long. The empath spent the day anchored to the earth, her mind beyond the boundaries of her surroundings. She had gotten a slight sense of the man she sought. Pain was the one feeling she had gotten. Physical and mental. She continued to search. She had touched the mind of her chosen father and knew he was near. Her son's mind had sought hers and had sent comfort.

Those who waited at the monastery also found the day long. Messengers had arrived from the farm and from Corinth. Things seemed to be moving in a positive way. The king's regent was calling in markers. There was a rumor that the king needed money, and needed it now. The king was at his mother's farm. He would of course go to his mother. Hercules, Iolaus, and his wife were also there.

Pollux was worried. Somehow he couldn't believe that Hercules would calmly sit by and pay them for the return of Jason. He was also worried by Venin. He had checked on Jason himself. What he had seen had made him sick to his stomach. He had talked to the two men who guarded the Argonaut day and night. What they had told him had made his skin crawl. He knew damn well Venin would never release her prisoner. She would kill him first. And he was sure that if the former king was killed, Hercules wouldn't rest until every man who had been a part of it was brought to justice, or worse.

Venin paced her cell. She had been sure that she could manipulate Jason. But that was proving to not be the case. She had never known a man like him. How can he continue to resist me? she wondered. I want him. I don't want to have to kill him. But if he won't come to me willingly, I may have to. She remembered how he had spoken to his horse. She closed her eyes and remembered the way his hands had petted the horse's neck. She felt flushed. She wanted that. No one had ever loved her like that. Always, they had taken from her, used her and her body for their pleasure. To be held by those strong arms... She shook herself. And letting herself out of her cell she went in search of Pollux.

She found him near the wall of the monastery. He stood with his back to the inner court. The wall was partially collapsed and he could see over it.

"So, my lover, they are gathering the money?" She moved close to him.

"It would appear that way, yes."

She rubbed against his arm. "Told you they would pay, didn't I?' She planted a kiss on his shoulder.

"Do you realize that Hercules is at the farm also?'

She turned to him and placed her hands on his chest. "Yes, I know that." She slipped her hands under his vest.

He stepped back. "What you're doing to Jason is deplorable. You make me sick." He started to walk away.

She grabbed his arm and swung him around. "Maybe you're just jealous."

"No, Venin. I may have bedded you once, but it was out of lust and nothing else."

She laughed. "I can live with that." She put her hand under his vest again.

He pinned her hands there. "You really are a whore."

She licked his chin. "Maybe, but you want this whore." She pulled her hand away from his and caressed him. "I can feel it."

For the one chained in the cell there was no difference between night and day. He swam between a physically painful consciousness and a mentally painful delirium. He dreaded the next visit from Venin. His mind had often been on Sira. He could sense her somehow. He knew that despite his caution, somehow Venin had drugged him again. He knew he couldn't trust his thoughts. And yet he wanted to believe in his thoughts of the empath. They brought him comfort.

The morning was cloudy and cold. Winnie had come to visit and had taken an instant liking to Sarmen. He was shy at first but he soon warmed up to her. And still there was no word from those that held the former king of Corinth.

The adults were in the kitchen. "I've been thinking that perhaps we won't hear anything until the money is ready." Hercules had been pacing but he stopped now to face the others. "Why give away a location, and give us time to react?"

"How will they know when we have the money?" his brother asked.

"It's my guess, they're watching the city. When your messenger leaves the city, they'll know."

The king nodded. "All right, that makes sense. Maybe I should return to the city and try to speed things up."

"That might be a good idea."

"Someone is coming." Sira rose from the bench. "Someone on horseback."

A horse was brought to an abrupt halt in the yard. The men went out to greet the stranger. He had another message from Venin. The horseman handed the parchment to Iphicles and would have ridden away except the demigod grabbed his bridle. The parchment gave them only two more days to come up with the money.

"We must have more time." Iphicles told the man. "I'm leaving today to return to Corinth. We'll have the money as soon as possible."

"Let go of the bloody horse."

"We must have more time."

"I'll tell her that. Now let go of my horse."

Hercules released his hold reluctantly. He had an almost uncontrollable desire to throttle the messenger. The man turned his horse quickly and left the farm.

Iphicles turned to the others. "That settles that. I must go now."

They returned to the house. The women had stayed in the kitchen and hadn't heard the conversation with the horseman. But Hercules had no intention of keeping anything from them. He explained what had been said.

"So we can't make a move until we have the money and they contact us again." Alcmene had tried to keep her voice level, but she failed.

Sira went to her and put her arms around her. She could feel the older woman's pain. She raised her head, and closing her eyes a moment she concentrated.

"Elias is here."

Iphicles frowned at her but said nothing.

Hercules went to the door. "I see nothing, my sister."

"Wait."

He heard the horse before he saw it. The tall young man jumped from his horse before it stopped moving.

"Hercules, thank the gods you're here."

"Elias."

"I know where he is." There was excitement in his words. The demigod led him inside. "I know where he's being held," he told the others.

He took the offered chair, and the mug of cider. He downed the cool apple juice in one drink, and held the mug out to the empath. "Please, may I have more? I've been on the road all night to reach you."

She filled his mug from the pitcher and without a word began to make him something to eat.

"All right, Elias, let's have it," the demigod stated.

The young man nodded, and scratching at his bristly chin he took time to gather his thoughts.

"Venin has been seen in the vicinity of the old village of Fashidra. There's an old monastery near there." He took a sip of his second mug of cider. "The monastery was abandoned when the Athenian army fought a war right through the area. But some displaced villagers took it over for shelter. She's also been seen in the company of Pollux. And he has been around the same area of late. He's also been recruiting men."

He took the thick slab of meat between two slices of bread the healer handed him and took a large bite. He chewed in silence for a moment, he swallowed and took another sip of cider to wash it down.

"When I heard that Venin and Pollux were together, and that they had been seen around the old monastery." He shrugged. "It would make a damn good place to keep someone under wraps. Venin mentioned in her note that there were innocent people around her. You know how most of those old places were built, more like a fort really. It would be damn easy to protect. It's also located almost directly between here and Corinth."

He took another bite. "This is great, Sira. Thank you. Anyway, I was convinced. But we still couldn't be sure, and any move we made might jeopardize Jason. Then I ran into an old acquaintance. He just happens to be a mason. He had a lot to say after he had had a couple of mugs of ale. Seems he had been out to the old monastery. He was hired by Pollux to turn one of the old rooms in the place into a dungeon."

The tall young man sat back in his chair.

"So, how did you just happen to get all this information?" the hunter asked.

The boy grinned. "It pays to have friends in low places. Remember, I was part of Demos' gang for quite awhile. Besides, there's always information available if you know where to look."

Sira had gone to stand with her back to the room. She seemed to be staring out the window. But she wasn't seeing the yard or the garden before her. Her mind was far away.

"Now, there's something else. I hope I've done the right thing. I spoke with your Regent." He addressed the king. "He's having a hard time coming up with the money. So I advised, he simply make a show of having done so. I mean, we weren't really going to pay them anyway. So I suggested he load a strong box with something heavy and send three guards or so to deliver it. You know, make it look legitimate�" He trailed off at the looks from the others. "I did the right thing, didn't I?"

"I'm sorry, Elias. It appears you have done a lot to help us in this situation. But I must ask. What's your stake in this thing?" The demigod's voice was gentle.

"My stake? I have� Oh, I get it." He blushed. "You think I may be lying to you, that I might be working with Pollux."

"He was a friend of yours," the hunter added.

Elias stood. "Yes, he was. And I thought you were also." He turned and walked from the kitchen.

Sira turned from the window. "He is not lying. He has told you the truth."

"How can you be sure?" her husband asked.

She gave him a disgusted look and followed Elias.

She found him standing by his horse. "If you leave now, you will never be able to prove yourself."

He didn't turn around. "I thought I was doing the right thing."

"You are doing the right thing."

"I thought to myself, here is a chance to do something right. Something to make up for all the wrong."

"Come back inside. I will find a place for you to rest."

He shook his head. "I guess under the same circumstances I would feel the same as they do."

"They are behaving like fools."

"She's right, Elias." The demigod stood beside the healer. "We were behaving like fools."

Still the boy didn't turn around. "I wouldn't have told them not to gather the money if I wished to pull something. But then, I guess you don't believe that either."

"I'm sorry, Elias. We had to ask. But you're right. You wouldn't have done all that you have to help us if you weren't on our side. Sira's believed you from the start, and so has my mother. That's good enough for me. Come back inside. We need to make plans."

Elias turned and studied the big man's face a moment. "You're sure?"

"Damn sure. You've given us a chance to save Jason, and we're going to take it."

"I want to be a part of this."

"You've earned that." The half man, half god smiled and laid his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Come, my friend."

When they returned to the house Alcmene had taken Sarmen to Winnie's. He had been fussy and demanding of their time. Besides that, she needed to get away. She felt overwhelmed. She knew a walk in the cool damp air would clear her head.

Iphicles kept shooting the empath glances. She read his thoughts and knew he wanted her elsewhere. Women were not supposed to be around when war talk took place. She ignored him.

"I know where the monastery is," Hercules offered. "I say we go tonight. The sooner we get him out of there, the better."

"All right, tonight it is," his brother agreed.

The demigod gave his brother a serious look. "I have need for you here, my brother." The king jumped to his feet. He would have objected, but Hercules rushed on. "We're going to need someone to keep the wolves off our back. We're going to try to sneak out of here right under the noses of those men out there. If they're alerted..." His words hung heavily in the air.

"So," the hunter took up where the demigod left off, "if you were in position to watch them and should our departure be detected..."

Sira stood, her back once again to the room. "Then, dear king," she stated without turning, "it would be up to you to see no word got back to Venin. It will rain tonight. That may work in our favor. It will cover our noise and keep the watchers close to the fire. But someone must buy us time. We must get to the monastery before they are alerted to our absence from the farm. Venin is no fool. She will know that we are planning a rescue attempt. She will kill Jason."

Hercules was a little surprised that his sister of the soul had such a grasp of the situation. Then he realized he shouldn't be. What conclusions she couldn't draw from her own logical thinking, she could glean from those around her. Still, he felt pride in her. She had not only understood the situation, she had calmly accepted it. Not bad for a peace loving little healer from a tiny village in the middle of nowhere.

"Elias must come because he knows Pollux and Venin better than any of us," she added.

"I'm a little surprised that Pollux would be a part of this," Iolaus commented.

Elias grunted. "Yeah, well, Venin has a way of getting a man to do things." He trailed off at the look from Iphicles. "I'm sorry, Sira."

"You need not apologize Elias. I know what kind of woman Venin is."

Hercules and Iolaus grinned at each other.

"Damn it, Hercules, I want to be a part of this," the king objected

"You will be a part of it. We also need someone to make a show of activity here at the farm. If the rain lasts awhile, they may believe we're simply staying indoors because of the weather. But it won't take them long to realize what's up if we're all gone. Someone must greet the messenger from Corinth."

At the stubborn look on his brother's face he let his breath out in exasperation. "Who would you have me leave behind? I need Iolaus. He's better in the woods than any of us. Or maybe you think I should stay here?"

Sira turned from the window. "Calm yourself, my brother. Iphicles will do his part. He is a smart man. But try to see his side of this. He is also a man of action. To stay behind will not be easy. He will, however, do what he must. That, my brother, is why Jason chose him to take his place as king."

She started to leave the room. The men behind her were silent. She turned at the door to look briefly at each of them. "When you go, I will go with you."

"Now wait one damn minute," Iphicles objected.

Hercules, ignoring his brother's outburst, searched the empath's face, then nodded.

"She'd give you away in about three steps. Hercules, you can't be serious."

Alcmene came up behind the blond girl and put her arm around her. "He's hurt, isn't he?"

"Yes, mother. I believe he will need me."

The older woman turned to her youngest son. "Sira must go." She held up her hand to stop her son from further objection.

Iolaus came to Sira and took her in his arms. "We're going to get some rest before tonight," he addressed the others. "Elias, you're falling asleep sitting there. Go to bed. I want you alert tonight."

The mother of Hercules grinned at the hunter.

Elias yawned. "That blanket still in the barn?"

"Bed down here in the house somewhere," Hercules told him. "We should all leave together when we're ready."

"Come, Elias. I'll show you where," Alcmene offered.

Iphicles turned angry eyes to his brother. "Who in Tartarus is she, anyway?"

"I assume you mean Sira, and not our mother."

"Damn it, you know full well who I mean."

Hercules grinned. "She's the wife of Iolaus."

"What's all this about rain? It's a little cloudy, but it doesn't look like rain. How could she possibly know if

Jason is hurt or not? And even if he is, how can she help?"

Hercules yawned. "Someday I'll explain. But not today. But know this, brother. I trust Sira and I trust her

judgment."

"Do you really think she's going to be able to sneak by those men. It's going to be damn dark out there. She

starts fumbling around out there and we're sunk."

"Maybe, but if any woman can do it, she can." He yawned again and left the room.

The arrival of Elias was noted. But the men watching the farm saw nothing of importance in it and sent no

message to Pollux. He looked slightly familiar to one of the men who watched the farm. And yet he couldn't place

him.

They received word at the monastery less than two hours after the three guards, leading a mule, left the city

headed in the direction of Jason's farm. Pollux suggested they simply attack the guards and take the money and have

this business done. Venin had shouted at him and sent him away. The mercenary was smart enough to realize her

main objection to his idea was that it would eliminate some of her hold over Jason. I don't think she cares about the

money any longer, he thought. She's become so obsessed with controlling him that she can't see beyond that.

The former second in command to Demos the warlord was having serious second thoughts about this whole

business. He didn't like what Venin was doing to Jason and he didn't like being seduced. He was angry with himself

that he had let his body get the best of his good judgment. I have no need for Venin or for this blood money. Not that

he had any objections to killing for money. That was what he did for a living. But Venin's cruelty went way beyond

anything he could understand. Then like it or not, he had to admit he didn't like the thought of incurring the wrath of

Hercules.

Venin was excited. She would soon have the money. And she would still have Jason. She stopped in her

tracks. The plan had always been to kill the former king of Corinth. But why? She could simply give him a little

more of the drug and take him with her. He'll come around in time, she told herself. And if he doesn't? She

shrugged. There's time enough to kill him later. She continued on to the cell that held her obsession. When she

entered, she told the guard

to leave.

Jason sat on the floor, his back against the wall, his arms over his head. She knelt beside him.

"They've gathered the money. It's on its way to your farm. Once it arrives I'll send a message of where to

meet me to deliver the money." She leaned forward to plant a kiss on his lips, but he turned away. She turned his

head back to her and kissed him. "I think you have guessed, I've no intention of returning you."

Fear shot through him. Here it is then, he thought. "Then kill me and have it done."

"No. No, my lover. I have no intention of killing you either."

Her hands were intimate.

"Please, don't touch me there," he begged.

"All right." She removed her hand. She ran a finger down his cheek. "I'll simply take you with me. I've

arranged for safe passage to a place where we won't have to worry about being found. And we'll have the money to keep us happy."

"You're not serious. You think I would willingly go with you?"

She shrugged. "Willingly or not, you will go with me." She stood and went to the side board to get a mug of water. She held it to his lips but he refused to drink.

"The guard said you were refusing to take anything." She chuckled. "The drugs aren't in the water or food. She took a sip of the water then held it to his lips again. He drank it greedily.

She clicked her tongue. "You've been torturing yourself by not drinking." She brought more water. Then she brought a bowl of cold stew to him. She sat cross-legged before him and took a bit for herself. Then she gave him some. She fed him the stew and some cheese that was still on the tray he had refused earlier.

"So, how are you drugging me?"

She laughed, and shook her head. "Not yet, my lover."

"I really wish you wouldn't call me that."

"Why? It's only the truth."

"It implies my willingness to participate in your sadistic obsessions."

She threw her head back and laughed. "I like you like this. This is the Jason I remember. Sharp and quick-witted, your voice tinged with sarcasm." She sat the plate of cheese aside and bent forward.

"No! Venin, stop this."

She sat back. Then rising, she went to the door and shouted for the guard. "Bring a basin of warm water, soap and a rag. Our friend needs a bath."

She drew her knife and made a slight cut on his shoulder.

"So that's how you give me the drugs."

"You're smarter than I give you credit for, my love. A little powder in the leather bag I keep the knife in. It clings to the blade. Then when I cut you, it gets into your blood. Clever, don't you think?"

"It's damn dangerous. There's no way to tell how much of that stuff you're giving me."

She stuck her finger into the leather bag then placed it in her mouth. "You're right. But it takes a lot to really harm you." She grinned at him. "I have a whole range of little tidbits to play with. You'd be amazed how many drugs of varying kinds have been found throughout the world. I have to thank my mother for that at least. She knew most of them. They range from mildly stimulating to damn nasty."

I can't believe we're sitting here calmly discussing drugs. I can't tell the difference between reality and fantasy anymore. Sira! his mind shouted. He was sure now that she had touched his mind. I must hold out. They'll find a way to get me out of here. I must resist this woman.

The guard returned with the water. Venin set the water beside Jason.

"Lay him down and chain his hands above his head."

When the Argonaut was stretched out before her she sent the guard away. She removed her dress, and proceeded to wash him and herself.

She caressed and kissed him. "Tonight, my lover. Tonight you will truly be mine," she whispered against his ear, then she bit playfully at the lobe.

They had left a candle burning in the kitchen. They made no other light. Their packs were ready and waiting. They need only pick them up and go. While they had rested, the rain had started. The night was dark.

Hercules grasped his brother's arm. "We'll give you a few minutes to get in place. Then we'll start out."

The king of Corinth nodded. "Bring him back alive."

He started to open the door that led from the back of the house.

"Wait." Sira laid her hand on his arm. "There are two men almost due south of here, in the orchard. One slightly west of their position and three out front to watch from there."

"They'll surely have a man watching the pass out of the valley." He addressed Hercules. "How do you plan to get by him?"

"We're going over the ridge. We'll get past the first guard here in the orchard, then cut east and go over the ridge."

Iphicles nodded. He wasn't prepared to believe Sira's suggestion of where the watching men were. But he could see for himself. He slipped quietly from the house. He must cross an open area for a short distance, then he could find concealment in the gardens and the orchards. He took his time and was careful not to make noise. He crouched low so that he wouldn't be sky lined as a darker shadow against the dark sky. Icy drops of rain got under his collar and he shivered. He smelled smoke, and moved with even more caution. Then he heard voices. He moved with infinite care. One wrong move and they would surely hear him. He smiled and shook his head. The men were right where Sira said they would be. And I'll bet the other one is where she said also, he thought.

The others slipped from the house. Iolaus first, since he was best in the woods. Then Elias, Sira, and then the demigod. Hercules had to admit he had been a little concerned that his brother might be right and the healer would not be quiet in the woods. He needn't have worried. She was of the forest, and like a woodland creature of the night, she moved with less noise than he did. Her moves were sure and calculated.

She moved ahead and took Iolaus' arm, then placed her lips to his ear. "Head to the east a little more. We are too close."

He took her hand and turned slightly east. They passed the men who sat by a miserable fire, grumbling about the weather. Not even the king heard their passing, and he'd strained his ears to hear them. Then all of a sudden he knew they were past. But how? It was as if the thought had been planted in his mind. But whatever the cause, he knew they were safe. He stayed a little longer to be sure the men weren't going anywhere then carefully slipped back and returned to the house. He sent a prayer to the gods to protect the others. And with a sigh at the circumstances that made it necessary for him to be here when he wished to be with the others, he let himself into the house.

They hadn't gone far when Sira stopped Iolaus again. "One of the men from the front is moving this way. Cut back south.

They started on again. They drew near the ridge they must cross to leave the valley where the farm of Alcmene and Jason was located. Hercules led them back to the north. He knew of a place to cross over the ridge. He had found it as a boy. They were nearing it when Sira stopped him.

"There is a man on the other side of the ridge," she whispered.

"Damn!" he swore under his breath. "This is the only way I know to cross. The cliffs can be pretty steep and rocky here."

"We will find a way," she stated confidently.

And now Sira led them. She turned back south and walked slowly ahead. She sent her mind in search of a way over the cliff. Feeling with her hands and mind she found what she had hoped for.

"Here, " she whispered. "It is a game trail. It will lead us over."

Without waiting she started on the narrow path. Her sensitive mind could sense the animals that had used the trail. If a deer could top the ridge using this trail, so could they.

They came to the top of the ridge. The game trail followed along it for a short distance before it topped out on the plain above. The demigod had begun to worry that the trail wouldn't take them to the top. I should have trusted Sira, he decided.

Once they were standing on the top they stopped for a breather. Iolaus picked Sira up and twirled her around. "Not bad," he whispered. "I'm glad I brought you along."

"I was just thinking the same about you."

He covered his mouth to muffle his laughter.

"When you two lovebirds are through playing with each other, we can get on with this," the demigod's words were supposed to be harsh but he couldn't keep the grin from his face.

Elias chuckled along with the hunter and the empath.

They moved back to the northeast. There was a need to hurry. They had to reach the monastery before their absence from the farm was noticed. Hercules led them across country to save time.

Jason shuddered at the implication of the whispered words in his ear. I mustn't give in. They're coming for me. The words echoed in his mind. "Stay with us. We are coming." He had a sense of the empath. I must believe the thoughts come from her. Without that hope, I don't think I can fight Venin.

As he resisted her she grew angry. She wanted this man broken. Her feelings for him had taken on a change in the days she had been with him. His courage was a new thing to her. She hadn't realized anyone could be so strong. She hated him, and yet she admired him also. And hate was the sister to love. She couldn't seem to stay away from him. And when she was near him, she had to hurt him. She wasn't even sure why herself, except that was the only form of love she had ever known. She wanted him to come to her. Men always had. Why should he be different? And yet he was. For the first time in her life she almost wished she had known something other than destructive emotions.

As her anger grew, so did her cruelty. And the Argonaut knew fear. But rather than hide from his fear, he fostered it. He let it consume him, and he used it as a weapon against her.

Her hands were rough and hurtful. She cut him repeatedly. She was obsessed and possessed by her need to humble and humiliate him into begging. But he said nothing. His hands and feet were chained to the wall. He had no defense against her. But even through his muddled and drugged brain he knew he must not give in to her. He must not beg her to leave him alone. That would be giving her what she wanted.

"Sira!" His mind shouted. "Help me."

And somehow he felt comfort. Somehow he drew strength from that comfort. Was it only his imagination? He no longer cared. He opened his mind to it, and grabbing onto the feeling like a life line, he fought his silent battle with Venin.

She kicked him, and kicked him again. She screamed at him. Then in anger and frustration she drove the knife to the hilt into his shoulder. Then with a quick jerk she removed it and threw it across the room. She rose and kicked him again, then stomped from the cell.

She returned to her room and stood looking around her a moment. She had done a lot to fix the room to her liking. It was a pleasant room. But she hated it. It felt more like a prison to her than the dungeon she was holding Jason in. She looked at the blood on her hand. She stood staring at her hand, turning it this way and that to catch the light. Then moving further into the room she went to the wash stand and washed the blood away. Pulling her dress over her head, she washed the rest of her body as well. She primped and fussed in front of her mirror. She put perfume on her skin. Then dressing in the white nightdress she had worn the first time she had controlled the Argonaut, she stood looking at herself in the mirror. She knew she looked beautiful. Her long dark brown hair came to her waist. It was clean and shiny. Her skin glowed with health. She smiled at her reflection, and left her cell.

Pollux stopped her in the hall. He had just come from the cell where Jason was held. He had hoped to glean information from the former king. Finding the knife wound, he had cleaned and bandaged it as he talked.

"Do you really believe your wife will pay the ransom?"

"Of course. She'll do whatever it takes to guarantee my safe return." The warlord studied his face a moment. He couldn't tell if Jason was being sarcastic or not. "The money will be paid. Whether any of you will live to enjoy it or not remains to be seen."

Pollux's hands were still for a moment. The Argonaut had just voiced his own misgivings.

Jason didn't really believe the money would be paid. He knew his friends and family well enough to know they would not pay extortion. But he had to play the game.

The mercenary left the cell in frustration.

"Venin, why don't you leave him alone?"

"It's really none of your business."

"He's not interested."

"You might be surprised." She moved up close to him and reached to caress his cheek. "Maybe he isn't, but you are, aren't you?" She raised up to kiss him. He took her mouth savagely. Her hands caressed him. "You're very interested, I see."

He shoved her away from him. "Just leave him alone, and leave me alone." He turned and walked away from her.

She stood watching his retreating back a moment, then shrugging, continued on.

Pollux joined some of his men. They had set up a camp inside the inner wall of the old monastery. He ran a much tighter ship then Demos ever had. His men followed him out of loyalty, not fear. He had these men to think about as well as himself. They had followed him into some bloody nasty battles, and he owed them the same loyalty they showed him.

This whole business stinks, he thought.

He accepted the mug of tea he was offered by one of his men. He took a sip but it was too hot.

"Why so glum?" his man asked.

The mercenary looked up at the man who had given him the tea. He was one of the original bunch. They'd been together with Demos. "The men know our fall back point, don't they?"

Flaytron had been with this man long enough to understand how he thought. He had always thought it was a shame that Pollux hadn't been the general of some army somewhere. He had the makings of a damn good soldier. Flaytron had had his time in the king's army. He had enjoyed it too. But he couldn't help his sticky fingers, and when he got caught dipping in the sergeant's purse he had discretely found greener pastures. He'd hated Demos with a passion, and stayed with him more for the food and company than any loyalty.

"You think we're going to need it?"

Pollux tried another sip of the tea. Still too hot. Flaytron pulled a flask from his belt, and pulling the cork poured a bit of the contents into the mug Pollux cradled in his hands. The mercenary took another sip. Rum. He smiled at Flaytron.

"Thanks, my friend," he saluted with his mug. "To answer your question, I guess I'm just covering the bases."

"To answer your question, the men know where to meet up." He hesitated. "May I say something?" Pollux grinned at him, and motioned his hand for the man to continue. "Some of the men aren't too happy about this whole business. They don't like Venin and they don't like what she's doing to that poor bastard she's got chained up in there. Jason was a damn good king. A lot of us liked him."

"Well, not that it matters now, but I had no idea she planned to torture him. I don't much like it myself."

Flaytron nodded. "Figured as much. There's also Hercules to consider."

"Believe me, friend, I've been thinking of that also." He was silent for a moment. "Do me a favor. Kind of spread the word to be ready to pull out should I give the signal. I don't want a mad rush, is the thing."

"Two or three at a time, just kind of nonchalantly head down the valley?"

Pollux nodded. "That's more what I had in mind. I'm not ready to abandon this yet, but I want the men alerted, just in case."

Flaytron scratched at his chin. "You bringing that woman with you when we pull out?"

"No. In fact, the less she knows about this the better." He turned to the man beside him. "I never should have joined up with her to begin with."

Flaytron grinned. "Ain't one of us hasn't dallied with the wrong wench a time or two. The men don't hold that against you."

The rain had stopped. Hercules was sorry to see it go. It made travel harder, but it might have kept the watchers at the farm from suspecting anything amiss when they found the place so quiet. He and the others stopped long enough to eat a few bites of food. But no one wanted to stay long. They must reach the monastery before their absence from the farm was noticed.

The son of Zeus had set a brisk pace and was a little concerned that Sira would find it hard to keep up. So far, that had not proved to be the case. They'd been on the move since midnight and the sun had been trying for almost an hour to break through the covering of clouds.

She had been very quiet. He wondered if even now, as they walked, she was trying to communicate with Jason. He studied her face a moment, and decided she was entranced in some way.

He stopped. "Sira, can you tell just how bad off Jason is?"

She shook her head.

"But you have touched his mind?"

"Only lightly. I believe he is being kept drugged. His mind is so muddled. But I want him to know we are coming. I can at least try to send comfort." She picked up her pack. "Let us go."

Venin entered the cell and stood watching Jason. She sent the guard away.

"All right if I go get something to eat?"

"Yes, of course. Just get out, you fool."

She came to stand over Jason. She was delighted when his eyes scanned over her.

"What do you want now, Venin?"

"You, of course. I want you."

"Sorry. I'm not available. I seem to be a bit tied up at the moment."

She laughed. "You have other plans, I suppose?"

"Don't you ever sleep?"

She danced around the room. "Sometimes. But someone has been a naughty boy and not given me what I want, and the thing that would relax me and help me sleep."

"He never will either."

"Do you like my attire? I wore it just for you."

When she at last left him, the former king of Corinth rolled to his side. It put a painful twist of the manacles on his wrists but it did relieve the cramp in his back. The chain attached to the manacles on his ankles was long enough that he could draw his knees up. He did so now and curled into a ball.

I won another round, he thought. But how many more can I win? His shoulder throbbed and ached. She had kicked him there and it had bled again. While the drugs she continued to give him with a prick of her knife muddled his brain, they also seemed to lessen the pain he felt. He wondered if she knew that. Her attacks on him had grown more and more violent. He knew without question that she would soon kill him. He no longer feared that. In fact, he realized with a rush that left him shaky, he would welcome it. He had betrayed the one thing in his life that mattered. No matter how much he resisted her now, the fact remained, she had taken his body once. He felt nauseated. What he had done to the quiet gentle woman who trusted him so completely was shameful. Guilt at his own weakness rode him and twisted inside him.

But I can't just give up. If I do, she'll have me again. Better to die denying her than to let her have her way with me. Yes, the death held no fear for him. But what might come before that death did.

"Sira, please hurry. I can't do this much longer."

Hurry. Hurry. The words echoed through his brain and he wasn't sure anymore if he was asking for the healer to hurry or if he was asking for death to hurry. He closed his eyes, and letting his breath out in a sigh he relaxed tight muscles. His mind began to wander.

"We are coming, my friend. Wait for us. You must resist her a little longer. We are coming."

The words filled his head. "But I don't know if I can," he whispered.

"We are coming."

"Hurry."

The clouds had lifted by midday. One of the men who had watched the back of the farm worked his way to the men in the front.

"It's damned quiet down there."

The other man nodded. "I've only seen the mother and one other person since the rain stopped."

"The guy in the pale blue shirt?"

"Yeah, that's the one."

"You don't suppose?"

"I don't really want to think about it."

"They could have snuck out last night under the cover of the rain."

The man he spoke with sighed. "Damn! Hey! Where are you going.?"

"Down there. I want to make sure."

"So you're just going to walk down there and ask them?"

"Don't be a fool. But if I get caught, I'll tell them who I am. They're smart enough to know they're being watched. So if something happens to me�" He shrugged

He moved cautiously. Despite his brave words he hoped not to encounter anyone. He moved silently up to the window that looked into the kitchen. He raised up slowly. Hercules' mother was at the stove, her back to the window. As he watched, the man he had seen before walked in from the back with a bucket of water.

Pollux's man ducked down, and crouching, made his way back into the garden. Under cover of the foliage there he made it back to the others undetected.

"Well?"

"The woman is making a meal in there."

"So bloody what?"

"There are only two places set at the table."

The man he spoke with was on his haunches by the fire. He sat back now and shot a look at his friend. "Now what?" His friend headed toward the horses. "Where in Tartarus are you going?"

"To warn Pollux."

"What about us?"

"I'll be back." He mounted then turned his horse back to face the men by the fire. "If I'm not back in two days..." He shrugged. "Get the Tartarus out of here." And with that he was gone.

They sat on a slight ridge overlooking the old monastery. They were concealed in thick brush and foliage. The day was almost over. Sira had located six guards outside the monastery. They were in hiding in the brush. But once she had given the other's eyes a place to look, they had seen them.

Shortly after Hercules and the others had arrived a man came riding in on horseback. Less than twenty minutes later, a group of three horsemen left the monastery and rode down the valley. A little later two others left. Then a third.

"What's that all about?" the hunter mused.

Sira closed her eyes and concentrated a moment. "They are riding to Fashidra."

"That's a village not far from here. It's near the coast. Can you get anymore from them?"

"Not without them knowing it. Why would they be going there?"

"Maybe that's where Venin wants the money delivered," Hercules suggested. He turned to Sira. "Jason is in there, right?"

"He is there. And so are Venin and Pollux."

Now he turned to Elias. "I know you were friends with Pollux. But I won't let that stop me from doing what I have to. If you want out, now is the time."

"I'm in. As for Pollux being my friend, I won't let that stop me from doing what I have to do either."

"Good." Hercules patted him on the shoulder. "Tonight we're going in there."

Iolaus looked at Hercules, then at Sira.

The demigod saw the look. "Sira, I don't suppose it would do any good to ask you to wait here for us?"

"No. No damned good at all. Jason needs me. Besides that, I can locate the guards."

Hercules shot a look at the hunter. Iolaus shrugged and reached out for Sira's hand.

A man came from the monastery and made his way to the outer guards. One of the guards went back to the monastery, then shortly after, another one did the same. Their positions in the brush were now vacant, leaving the approach to the monastery unguarded. Two more horsemen left the gate and headed down the valley. Hercules and Iolaus looked at each other.

"You don't suppose they know we're here and are trying to set some trap?"

Iolaus shrugged.

"No, my brother," Sira shook her head. "I think they are pulling out for some reason. I feel nothing from these men to indicate an ambush is being set up."

Pollux paced the inner courtyard of the temple. He had given the order to quietly pull back and to meet up at Fashidra. So far, things had been quiet. He knew damn well Hercules was out there somewhere. The hair on the back of his neck stood up. He should have known better than to get involved in this scam in the first place. He had known for a long time there would be no money. He had just refused to acknowledge the fact. He had deliberately said nothing to Venin. He knew that once he did, there was every chance Venin would kill Jason. He wanted to be well away from here when she did.

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. If I were half the man I should be, I'd free him. But no. To do that would mean confronting Venin. He had no desire to perhaps be forced to kill a woman, not even one like her. He had a lot of respect for women. He had loved his mother and his two sisters. That's one value his mother had taught him. Respect for women. Somehow he knew Venin would fight like a caged animal. He had bedded her. To force a confrontation, knowing full well what it might lead to, went against the fundamental teachings of his mother. He had a dilemma to face. Free Jason and face Venin, or pull out and let an innocent man be killed. Then again, she had told him she planned to take Jason with her. Maybe that would be worse. He shook his head to clear it. Two more men left the gate to head down the valley. It wouldn't be long now. Once his men were out, he would pull out himself. Maybe I can't fight her, but I can leave her here. If she doesn't know we're gone, it might buy Jason's friends enough time to save him. It's the coward's way out, but it's the best I can do.

Venin was uneasy. Things were not going well. Jason still resisted her, Pollux was avoiding her, and there was still no word about the money. Pollux's men had been in and out of the place all day. But no word was brought to her. She paced her cell. She'd slept part of the day and now felt restless and more tired than ever. She should know better than to delve into her own little pots and jars of powders.

She carefully avoided walking over the rug in the middle of the floor. The part of the monk's quarters where she had her room was not part of the original building. It had been added on later, and had wooden floors. Below her cell was a wine cellar. The place had been abandoned a long time ago, but she'd found the trap door in her room and had it pried open to see what might be underneath. The steps into the cellar had rotted away a long time ago. It was a deep dark place. She'd seen the advantage in it immediately. First she had it cleaned of all debris. Then she had the door rigged to swing into the cellar rather than out. She could pull a rope to pull up a pole that would prop up the door to make a solid floor, or she could leave the door down and expose the hole into the cellar. She had the door open now and the hole covered with the rug. Anyone venturing into her cell would fall in the hole. It was a long drop and could cause injury. The opening was too high to reach once inside the pit, even if a man were to jump for it. She'd removed the pole that could hold the door. It was now under her bed. Once in the abandoned cellar, no one was getting out on their own.

Venin again went to Jason. She had given him a lot of the drug this time in a vane hope of making him succumb to her will. He was sleeping soundly. She sent the guard away. She brought what she needed to wash him. Spreading a blanket beside him she sat on it and began to wash and caress him. He slept on.

He's so magnificent, she thought. As she washed him, her own body began to respond. It was very disturbing to her. While she played provocative games, and did them with skill, she seldom ever participated with her feelings and emotions.

Jason moaned and moved, but he didn't wake. He was only vaguely aware of the warm cloth on his skin. It was relaxing and comfortable. He associated comfort with Alcmene. He began to dream of her. His body responded to the comfort and to his dreams of the woman he loved.

Venin felt triumph. "I knew you would be mine again," she whispered. Her touch became rough and he woke. "No!" he screamed and rolled away from her. "No. Please, Venin," he begged.

"You stopped me too soon, my love. Let me give you pleasure."

"Damn you!" he wept. "Please, just leave me alone."

"Why, Jason? I truly have feelings for you. No man has done to me what you have."

"Please. Can't you understand I love someone? My body and my life are for her and no one else."

She stood. "Not anymore. I have had your body once, and almost again. You're mine now. Do you really think she'll want you now? Do you think she won't know that you've been unfaithful to her? Twice now, I've made you want me. Once I had you completely. You're weak and licentious. I possess you." She laughed. "I told you I would have you again." She grabbed him, and her hand tightened painfully.

"No! I can't stand you to touch me," he screamed out in pain and frustration. The days of fear and pain, the drugs and the torture were heard in his cry.

If she had but realized it, she owned him at that moment. His defenses were down, he no longer cared. But she missed it. She turned away.

"I'll kill you, Jason. I didn't want to, but�" She turned to leave.

"Kill me, Venin! Just kill me, and be done with it."

Sira rocked with the pain she could feel. It was thick in the air around her. Night had fallen, and as the light faded the pain and despair that hovered above the stone walls of the old temple seemed to thicken and spread. Like a creature of the night it seemed to have awaited the falling of the sun to bare its consuming fangs.

"We must help him. Now! We cannot wait longer."

"What is it, Sira?" Iolaus held her.

"He is in such pain. Can we not go for him now?"

"Where are the guards now, Sira?" The demigod could feel the anxiety in his sister. It was early yet, but they would move ahead.

"There are only two left outside of the wall, one on our right and one on our left."

"Can we get between them?"

"Yes, if we are cautious."

They began to move forward. Sira searched ahead with her mind. She must warn them if they were approaching danger. There were still a lot of people within the inner walls of the monastery. Despite the horsemen who had left, the villagers were still there. Hercules had no way of knowing if they would sound an alarm. But he preferred not to find out.

When Venin left him, the former king lay on his back. His body cramped and ached. He felt sick to his stomach. He shook with pain, more mental than physical.

Venin returned to her cell. She was angry. No, not really angry. Hurt? No! I refuse to let him, or anyone hurt me. I'll kill him first. No one's hurt me since that first time a man took me, and no one ever will again.

They were almost to the gates that would lead into the inner courtyard. Sira felt nothing to indicate danger. Surely there should be guards at the gate. But there were none. Sira found her way around a group of villagers who sat near a fire talking and drinking tea. The place was too quiet. Hercules had a feeling of foreboding. Why had Pollux pulled his men back? Were they waiting in ambush somewhere? Surely if a large body of men were waiting to attack, Sira would sense it.

They made their way to the door that led into the sanctuary. They moved up the four steps with caution. The half man, half god expected a challenge at any moment. He carefully began to open the door. It grated and squeaked, but they needed a little more room.

"You're sure there are no guards near the door?" he whispered to Sira.

She nodded.

With a quick jerk of the door it was open enough to allow them to pass through. Sira went first. Iolaus made a grab to stop her but she was already through. They stood just inside the door. Someone had lit several candles about the room but they did little to push the darkness away. With care they started across the large room.

"Someone is coming," Sira whispered.

They ducked behind an overturned bench just as a man entered the room from a back door.

Hercules stepped out. "Going somewhere?"

Pollux swung around to face the demigod, and as he turned he drew his sword.

"Well, Hercules, we meet again."

"Where is he, Pollux?" the half man snarled through clinched teeth.

"I want you to know I had nothing to do with hurting him. Kidnapping is one thing, torturing is another."

"Why should I believe you?"

"You're right. You have no reason to."

Sira stood up. Iolaus grabbed for her but she sidestepped out of his reach. "He is telling the truth, my brother."

The others stood also.

"Hello, Elias. You're looking good, boy. Real good. I thought you were killed at Acubus."

"I nearly was. These people saved me."

The mercenary nodded. "Well, you're running with a good crowd now. I never thought you should be with us anyway. You were too good for that."

Pollux turned to Hercules. "Most of my men are already gone. We were pulling out. There are a few who chose to stay. The lure of money does that to some people." He scratched at his chin. "There never was any money, was there?"

"No, Pollux. We wouldn't pay filth to get back our own. We clean up the filth, dispose of it and take back what belongs to us."

"If you'd give me the chance, I'd walk out of here. I have a horse waiting."

The demigod was silent for a moment. He thought about it seriously. He was angry, and his first impulse was to clash swords with the man who stood before him. But they had come to rescue Jason, not seek vengeance. He believed Pollux. It explained why they had seen men leaving and why he and the others had gotten in here so easily.

"Where's Venin?"

Pollux motioned with his head to indicate the back door into the monk's chambers.

"All right, Pollux. But should our paths ever cross again, I may not be so generous."

The mercenary nodded and started to lay his sword down.

"Keep it," the big man told him. "You may need it."

Pollux stood motionless for a moment. Then a grin twitched his lips. With a two finger salute he was gone.

"Let's be careful," Hercules stated. "This isn't over yet."

They went through the door that Pollux had come through a short time before. Before them were two halls. Which way?

"Jason is down this hall." Sira pointed to the one on the right.

"Where's Venin?" her brother of the soul asked.

She could sense the rage behind the question. She placed her hand on his arm. She felt his fight to bring the anger under control. "She is down the other hall. There are others that way also. I sense women and children. I think they must be the villagers."

"Iolaus, take the others and find Jason. I'm going after Venin." He moved forward before the hunter could object.

Iolaus stood staring at his friend's back a moment, then turned and started down the right hall. Sira and Elias followed him.

The demigod threw open the first door. There was an old man and woman sitting at a small table. They looked up in fright as the door crashed in.

"Where's Venin?"

The old woman pointed down the hall.

Hercules started to continue on. The blow came from behind and he staggered. He swung around and barely avoided the sword. He kicked high, and the kick landed on the sword hilt. The sword flew out of the man's hand and into the air. It spiraled down toward them and Hercules deftly caught it by the hilt with his left hand. He sent a punch to the man's face then tossed the sword across his body to his right hand. But he didn't use it. He kicked instead. A solid kick to the middle and he followed it up with a kick to the man's chin. His opponent's head flew back and he dropped like a stone.

Hercules didn't even check to see how seriously he had injured the man, but stepped past him and continued on.

From her cell Venin heard the scuffle. She was no fool. She knew what that noise had meant. Someone was attempting to rescue Jason, and she had a damn good idea who that someone was. Where in Tartarus was Pollux? Now that she thought about it, she realized it had grown awfully quiet. Then she heard a horse ridden hard. The bloody bastard has pulled out! He knew Hercules was coming and he pulled out. She shook as white hot anger swelled inside her. Then just as quickly as it had come, it was gone. I would have done the same. Maybe Pollux is sharper than I gave him credit for, she decided. She turned and went carefully past the opening in the floor and stood on the far side of the room.

Sira sent her mind into the rooms on either side of the main hall. The first few were empty. She moved ahead slowly. The others followed. She stopped them with an upraised hand. Using her mind she sent a message to the hunter.

She pointed to the next door on their right. "Jason is there, and there is a man with him." She repeated her message to be sure he understood.

He nodded.

She sensed his desire to get the man out into the hall so that he could be dealt with and Sira nodded this time. There was an alcove on the left side of the hall and the hunter motioned for the three of them to hide there. They fell back.

"I need something to get the guard's attention," Iolaus whispered.

Sira put her finger to her mouth to indicate they should be quiet. Then she closed her eyes.

What in Tartarus, is she up to now? The hunter thought.

A moment later the guard came out of the cell and walked right past them. A quick blow with his sword hilt on the back of the neck and the hunter stood over the unconscious man. He bent and took a set of keys from the man's belt.

Elias dragged the man into the alcove and tied him up with the man's own shirt. Then he stuffed a dirty rag in the man's mouth. He had found the rag on the floor and the healer hated to think where it had been before it went into the guard's mouth.

"How'd you get him out here?" Iolaus whispered.

"I made him think he was being called."

"Remind me to kiss you when this is over."

"I will remind you to do more than that," she whispered back.

"If you two can keep your minds on why we're here for a moment, maybe we can get on with it?" Elias hissed at them.

The lovers grinned at each other then slipped through the door into the cell where Jason was being held. The healer went straight to the former king where he lay on the floor.

"Jason, " she whispered.

He looked at her but didn't recognize her. When she reached to lay her hand on his arm he rolled away with a moan. She touched his mind instead. She found it drugged and dull.

"Jason." She used words as well as her mind to try and reach him. "Jason, it is Sira. We are here to rescue you."

Elias was already removing the chains from the Argonaut's ankles.

"Jason, we are here to help. Iolaus and Hercules are here. You are safe now."

He searched her face through glazed eyes. "Sira?"

"Yes," she nodded. "It is going to be all right now. You are safe."

She looked around her for something to cover his nakedness. She found the blanket that Venin had used. It was dirty and soiled, but she wrapped it around him anyway.

He reached for her hand. "Sira? It's really you, and not just a dream?"

She squeezed his hand. "I am here, my friend."

Tears filled his eyes. "I've dreamed of you so often."

Tears flowed freely down her own cheeks. She was so overwhelmed by what she saw and from what she felt from the man before her that she was unaware of the man coming down the hall.

Venin heard the footsteps approaching her cell. On impulse she picked up the knife from the stand by her bed. But if that were indeed Hercules out there she knew the knife would do her no good. The door flew open to bang against the inner wall and she jumped. He stood in the doorway. He seemed to fill it with his bulk. She had forgotten how big he was.

"Hello, Hercules." She did her best to hide her fear. But despite her effort her voice shook slightly.

"Venin," he acknowledged

"So, now what?" she asked.

He stood where he was. He was fighting to keep his rage under control. She had no idea of his inner struggle. To her he seemed cool and calm.

"I don't suppose it would do any good to ask you to just let me go?"

"No, Venin. I was feeling generous, but I've already let one swine go today."

"Pollux," she spat the name out. "He just walked out? The dirty pig�" She used several choice words about his parentage, condemning him for slipping away, seeming to forget that she had just asked the same privilege for herself.

The demigod advanced into the room and tossed the sword he still carried onto the bed. He would not fight her with a sword. Despite her evil and the rage he felt for this woman, he wouldn't compromise his principles.

"Put the knife down, Venin."

She looked at the knife she held. She had forgotten she'd picked it up. She tossed it on the table beside her bed. It rattled against the jars and clay pots there. One of the pots fell to shatter on the floor. The noise was loud in the room.

He took another step toward her.

A little further, she whispered in her mind. Just a couple more steps.

He felt the floor give way beneath him and tried to grab at the edge of the floor as he fell.

Venin laughed. Her laughter echoed throughout the room. She stepped around the hole and stood looking into the opening. It was too dark to really see anything. She turned, and picking up her skirts she ran.

The hunter stepped out of the cell that had held Jason for so long. His sword was ready. He had been watching the corridor while Sira and Elias helped the Argonaut. The man advancing on him drew his sword.

"Elias, we need to get him out of�" She heard the swords clash.

Elias turned to head for the door. "Elias, help me get him up. He will feel better when he is out of here."

"But," he started to protest.

"Iolaus will make short work of the business in the hall. I need your help."

The hunter swung around to clash his sword against the other man's. Repeatedly they sallied and thrust. But Iolaus was an expert at this game. He never lost his cool. He kicked the man. He elbowed him in the face and felt the man's nose crack under the blow. Blood showered them both. The hunter's sword ripped the man's arm open. Then a well timed punch to the middle sent his opponent to his knees. He was up immediately and tried to clinch with the hunter. But Iolaus was too smart for that.

Elias helped Sira get the Argonaut to his feet, but he was too weak to stand on his own. With an arm around his waist Elias helped him toward the door. Sira tucked the blanket around his waist and also put an arm around him. They reached the door just in time to see Iolaus on the floor and the swordsman standing over him, his sword poised to run the hunter through. Elias let Jason go and he slumped to the floor, the healer along with him.

The man lunged and Iolaus thrust his sword up through the man's middle. He took a staggering step then fell across the hunter's legs.

Elias shoved him aside with his boot and offered a hand up to his friend.

"What are you doing on the floor? I thought you were good at this sort of thing," Elias teased.

"I tripped over that one." The hunter pointed to the man that Elias had tied up earlier. "After you tied him up you should have pulled him out of the way."

"You should have watched where you were going. Besides, how did I know you were going to play patty cake with a bully all over the damned monastery."

Grinning, they patted each other on the back.

"Elias, watch them." He pointed to the healer and Jason. "I'm going after Hercules."

The demigod was unhurt. But the fall had unnerved him for a moment. He stood looking up at the opening above his head. If I can just get my fingers on the edge, I can pull myself up, he thought. He flexed the muscles of his arms, then bent his knees. He relaxed for a moment, then tightened his leg muscles and leapt. His fingers grabbed the edge of the floor. He dangled there a moment, then getting a better grip, first with his right hand then his left, he pulled himself from the hole. Not for the first time he thanked the strength his godly half afforded him. He ran for the door. I must find Venin, he thought. He met Iolaus in the corridor.

"Did you see Venin?"

"No. But there's a side door. Maybe she went out this way."

Hercules ran out into the courtyard. A horse rushed by him. He stepped back just in time to keep from being hit by the running horse. Venin and horse left the gate at a dead run. A man near him was just mounting his horse. The demigod grabbed him and threw him to the ground. He jumped on the horse and turned to follow Venin.

Iolaus ran to where two other horses were still tied to a wooden bench. He grabbed the bridle on one and pulled the tether loose. Not bothering to saddle the horse he jumped to its back and followed Hercules.

The demigod could see Venin ahead of him. The moon had risen and it shed an eerie light on the world below. He urged his horse on. I must stop her. I can't let her escape and take a chance on her hurting my family again. The woman ahead of him ran full out into a screen of brush and trees.

Iolaus caught up to the horse Hercules had ridden, but his friend wasn't on the horse. He was just disappearing into the brush where Venin had taken her mount.

The hunter, following, came up to the demigod.

"Where's Venin?"

"I don't know. She came through the brush, still running the horse. Then I heard a scream. It sounded like her at first, then the horse. I don't know what happened."

"It's so damn dark under these trees, I can't see a blasted thing," the hunter complained. "We could walk right past her and never know it."

Hercules grabbed his friend's arm just as he was about to step into space. Pebbles rolled down the cliff's edge at the hunter's feet.

"What in the name of Hades?"

"Wait." Hercules went down on his knees and felt ahead with his hands. "The ground breaks off here. There's a gully or something."

"You think she went over that?"

"She must have. She was running the horse full out. She couldn't have stopped." He tossed a rock over the edge. It was a long time before he heard it clatter on the rocks below. "If she did go over, she couldn't have lived. It's a damn long drop."

"Are we going down there?" the hunter asked.

The demigod was silent a moment. "Not tonight. It's too dark. We could end up dead right along side her."

"What if she's just injured?"

"She's not worth losing our lives over. It'll be light soon. We'll see then." He stood and headed out of the brush to where the horses waited. "Besides, I want to get back to the others. I don't like the thought of them there alone. There were still some of Pollux's men around."

Once again, Elias helped Jason to his feet.

"Where shall we take him?" he asked the healer.

"I do not think it matters. We just need to get him out of this hole."

They started down the hall toward the sanctuary. They stepped carefully around the fallen men. Sira slipped in the ever widening pool of blood from the man the hunter had stopped. She shivered. She knew she should feel pain and sorrow at this man's death, and yet she was honest enough with herself to admit she felt none of these things. She only felt a numbness. No hate or animosity, but more a void, a lack of feeling toward what she knew a healer should consider a great tragedy. But this man had come looking for a confrontation. He'd been quite willing to kill for money, and to follow an evil woman in her pursuit of wealth at the expense of another human being's life. He'd been given the choice of leaving with Pollux or staying with Venin. He'd made his choice and had paid with his life for that choice.

Elias let the Argonaut down on the floor in the large room where once black clad worshipers had knelt to pray to the one god they found to their liking. Sira wondered idly if the spirit of that one god still roamed the place, now that his followers had fled. Perhaps the spirit was still there and a prayer to it might help the man that lay so still beside her. She said the prayer to whatever god or gods might be listening.

"Elias, I need some water. Preferably hot."

"Where in Tartarus, do I find that?"

"The villagers. What about those we saw swilling down tea? Bring hot tea. That will work. Tea has a healing power of its own."

"I can't leave you here defenseless."

"I am not defenseless. I have defenses of my own." He gave her a skeptical look. "I will be fine."

He looked around him. Near one of the pews someone had left some gardening tools. He took up a hoe, and breaking the handle off he handed it to Sira.

"Think you could use that to keep them off until I could get back here?"

"I will not need it. But yes, I know how to use a staff."

"You'll scream if you need help?"

"Damn it, Elias, will you get some water for me, or do I have to get it myself?"

He grinned at her. "Your vocabulary has gotten more colorful since I saw you last." With the grin still in place he headed out the door. She watched his back a moment, then grinned to herself.

She closed her eyes and felt for the mind of the former king. It was sluggish and foggy from the drugs still in his system. She dared not attempt a transfer. It could be dangerous to them both with the unsettled state of his mind. But a great deal of healing could be done without transfer, and she opened her mind and her heart to the task. She sensed the torn tissue in his right shoulder. The massive bruising on his side spoke of broken bones. Her probing mind confirmed it. There were many cuts and scrapes on his arms, torso, and upper legs. Most weren't serious, although some had started to fester. The deep cut on his inner thigh was infected and would need to be opened and cleaned. The knife wound in his shoulder was the deepest but hadn't as yet become infected. She checked him for further injury, but he cringed at her touch and she could sense his loathing of even the most gentle of ministerings.

Elias returned with the requested water and Sira tore a piece of her skirt to make a cloth to clean the Argonaut's wounds. She spoke soft words of comfort as she worked. Her mind touched his and sent comfort. But rather than soothe him it seemed almost to compound his discomfort.

"I will not hurt you, Jason. And I will not invade your painful thoughts. You need not fear me. I respect you too much to intrude into things that are yours alone."

Respect me? Would she if she knew what I've done? She must never know. No one must ever know. Why couldn't I just have died? Wasn't I tortured enough? Now I must live with what I've become. I'm nothing but a weak-willed coward. Venin was right. I am licentious and immoral. He shivered and shrank from the healer's touch. I can't stand her to touch me. She's only trying to help me, but it hurts to be touched. Touching hurts. Will it never stop? He curled himself into a ball. And his mind so filled with pain, and so muddled with drugs turned in on itself, and he drifted into unconsciousness.

The healer took the knife from the small pack at her waist and dropped it into the water. Then digging into her larger pack she took out a jar of liquid. She poured some of the contents into the water. The liquid was green and smelled of growing things. She took the knife from the water, and as he slept she opened the wound on his thigh and cleaned it. She took her time. Now that her touch was unknown to him she could do what needed done. His physical injuries would not be life threatening if cared for, and would heal on their own in time. As for the psychological injuries, these she feared would be much harder to cure.

The demigod and the hunter returned. They took time to be sure none of Pollux's or Venin's men were lurking about. The hunter charmed an old woman out of food and tea, and they joined the healer and Jason in the sanctuary.

"You're all right?" the hunter asked, kneeling beside the healer.

She raised her eyes to meet his. He could see the pain and anxiety in her searching gaze. "Where is she?"

"She went over a cliff."

Sira closed her eyes a moment. "I should feel sorry that a life is gone. But I do not."

He realized she was entranced. He lay his hand on her arm. "How is he?"

She shook her head. "His physical condition is not as bad as I thought at first. But his mental condition is worse." The Argonaut's head was cradled in her lap and she smoothed the hair from his brow. "Sometimes in healing it is hard to discern the difference."

"Where's Elias?" Hercules was getting concerned.

"He has gone to find a place where Jason can rest. He is coming back now."

Elias gripped the offered arm of the demigod in a firm grasp.

"The best cell..." he started to say. But Sira interrupted him .

"Not there. He will know it was hers. Anywhere else will do."

"There's another room. I think it was probably where Pollux stayed."

"That should be fine. Thank you, Elias."

"I told you to stay with her," Iolaus reprimanded.

"I know, and I wanted to. But she insisted I find water, then a place for Jason. She swore she could take care of herself and I believed her. And, well, she's tougher than you are."

Iolaus chuckled. He knew full well how stubborn the little yosemin healer could be.

Hercules picked Jason up and carried him to the room Elias led them to. His friend had lost weight and the demigod was shocked by how light he was. Sira stayed with him. He was still unconscious. But while the sleep was drug induced, it was not a dangerous sleep. The healer knew the drugs would wear themselves out of his system in time. Then the real healing could begin.

The sky was streaked with bands of yellow gold in the east when Sira stood and stretched tired muscles. Her head ached with a dull pain behind her eyes. She'd healed the unconscious man through the remainder of the night. She'd forced her mind beyond the drugged fog and touched a part of the real man buried there. To deliberately invade a mind that was closed to her was not easy. She knew she could do it. She had no illusions about the power of her mind and what it could do to another's mind if she forced her will on them. She had no desire to do so. Jason had been manipulated and had had enough intrusion forced on him. Sira sensed some of the struggle he must have endured, while not really knowing details. But it gave her a sense of what he must have gone through. She'd known he was strong, but nothing like this. Her respect and love for this man grew. That at the end he had given up, she could sense. And yet even in his professed surrender was the plea to end it rather then give in to Venin. He'd been willing to die to stop what had become unbearable. Sira saw no surrender in this. She felt pride in the man who had been thrust into the roll of king at such a young age.

She sensed his pain at what Alcmene must have endured and what she would still face. And above it all she felt his shame. She had no details. She knew she could have forced them from his mind. But she wouldn't do so. She had a logical mind and could guess some of what he considered his shame. She failed to see it that way.

She strolled out to the inner courtyard. A very bent and crooked old woman was trying to raise a bucket of water from a well. Sira took the rope from her and pulled the water from the deep hole.

"Thank you, my dear."

"May I carry it for you, honored grandmother?"

"That would be nice. Thank you."

Sira followed the old one to a lean-to that had been set up outside one of the cells. Part of the wall had been torn away to make an outside entrance to the cell. The old one started to lift a heavy pot. Sira took it from her and hung it on a hook that hung from a spit over the fire. Then without being asked, the healer filled the pot with water.

"You're most kind. Thank you."

"Actually, I had an ulterior motive." Sira grinned at the ancient one. "I was in hopes I could talk you out of some tea."

"Of course you shall have tea."

The old woman busily set about making a mug of the dark brew for the healer. She dropped a generous portion of honey into the steaming liquid, then a bit of fresh goat's milk, and handed the mug to the healer.

"Your group is much nicer than the last. That man with the blonde curls is quite charming."

Sira grinned. "Yes, he is that."

"He is special to you?"

"He is my husband."

The old one nodded. "And no doubt he talked you into it with his charm and a flash of the blue eyes." She winked at the healer.

Sira laughed. "Something like that, yes."

The old one joined in the laughter. Her laugh was brittle and thin like the rest of her. "There was one with the others who was nice. Pollux. He helped me with the removal of the wall and made this lean-to for me. He kept his men in line as well."

Sira said nothing.

"Your man and the giant one have gone to recover the body of that woman."

Sira had never heard the demigod referred to as a giant. But to this tiny woman bent almost double with age, he might have seemed to be one.

"I know," the empath replied.

The old one nodded. "She was an evil one. I sensed that the first time I saw her. There was a black glow of evil about her. It was a bad omen of the evil yet to come."

Sira sighed. "Yes, I felt that from her also."

"She was a black witch, possessed by the dark forces of evil. But you, you I think, are a good witch. There is a glow of white and pale blue about you."

Sira frowned at the woman before her.

"Don't mind me. I'm old, and have lived beyond my usefulness. Those like us tend to speak nonsense."

"No, my grandmother. It is not up to us to determine what the earth may still have in store for us. You are wise, and your mind and eyes see much. There is much you could do yet with the gifts you possess."

An aged and bent hand gave the empath a plate of bread and cheese.

"The one who was chained in there. Will he be all right?"

"Yes. I refuse to believe otherwise. But it will take time. He is a good man. He must be saved."

"Then he will be. You will have my prayers to add to your power. For all they're worth."

Sira set the plate of food aside and took the old one's hand. "You are truly filled with the earth. I value your help and your prayers."

"Where in Tartarus could she be?" the hunter asked in exasperation.

"Maybe an animal carried her body away. The horse is well chewed up," Hercules offered.

"But I don't see any drag marks. It would take one damn large animal to carry her off, rather then drag her. There aren't any tracks of a large animal."

"Maybe she never went over the cliff."

The two men looked at each other. The frown between the demigod's brow deepened. Iolaus scratched absentmindedly at his chin. They had found her scarf and one of her shoes. But of the woman herself there was no trace.

"Say nothing of this to the others," Hercules advised.

The hunter nodded. "She must've gone over and the animals must've disposed of her."

The men looked at each other again, and the hunter shrugged.

Sira returned to the former king. She took a damp cloth and bathed his face. His hand shot out and grabbed her wrist in a painful grip.

"It is all right, Jason. It is Sira."

He opened his eyes and looked at her. He narrowed his eyes and tried to make them focus. His hand still gripped her wrist.

"I will not hurt you, my friend. I wish only to make you more comfortable."

"Don't touch me, Sira. I can't stand it."

"My touch will not harm you. I wish to help you. I can heal you if you let me."

"No!"

"I have brought you some clothing. I can help you dress if you would like."

His grip on her wrist tightened. "No! Just do nothing. Don't touch me." He shuddered.

"Jason, you are hurting me."

He frowned at her. "Don't touch me, Sira. I can't stand it."

"All right. I promise you I will not. Jason, you are hurting me."

He released his hold on her wrist and rolled away from her. "I'm sorry, Sira."

"It is all right, my friend. Just try to sleep. Close your eyes and sleep. You can sleep as long as you like. When you wake there will be food and water for you. You can bathe and dress. Perhaps you would like to walk a bit. Whatever you wish. Just rest for now. There is time to rest."

The empath touched his mind with hers. Not an intrusion, but a light touch of comfort. She continued to speak softly to him in a chanting rhythm, soothing him and willing his tight muscles to relax. His body was still consumed by the powders Venin had forced on him.

When he was asleep she lightly touched his temple with one hand and touched his arm with the other hand. She sent healing to his tortured mind and body. Over and over again she bathed him in the blue light of healing. She couldn't transfer. The intimacy needed for such a melding together of the soul would be too painful for him. But she could heal without transfer and she meant to do so whenever he slept.

The men returned from the gully where they hoped Venin had indeed met her end. It had taken them a while to find a way into the deep gorge. Then they'd spent time looking for the body. It was late afternoon when they returned. Elias had spent the day fetching things for Sira, and at the empath's request he offered his services to the old woman. The old one had requested very little from the tall young man but had entertained him with tales of her childhood. He'd found things that might make her life a little easier and done them for her.

"You remind me of my son. If he had lived through the sickness, he would have been over seventy now." She shook her head. "It seems such a short time ago. He was still young when he and his family were taken from me by the fever. My daughter was sick, but she lived. I was sick too. It was hard to care for them."

"Where's your daughter now?"

"She went with her man to live elsewhere. It's the fate of the daughters to go where their men want to go."

Jason woke. Sira had sensed his return to consciousness and removed her hands from him before he was aware they where there.

He turned to look at her, and frowned. "Did I hurt you? I seem to recall something."

"No, Jason, you did not hurt me. Now that your head is clearer, would you like to bathe and dress? I can fix you something to eat while you do."

"I don't think I have the strength."

"I will send Hercules to help you."

At his skeptical look, she smiled at him. "It will make you feel better."

"All right. It doesn't matter either way."

The empath entered the room next to Jason's. The hunter and the demigod were there. Iolaus took one look at her. And going to her, he put his arms around her. She leaned heavily against him. She buried her face against his shoulder and the tears came.

"Have you slept at all?" he asked

"I have dozed a little."

"Then you're going to bed right now."

"I told him Hercules would help him bathe and I would fix him a meal."

"We'll take care of it." He smoothed his hand down her hair. "You're beat. If you don't rest you'll be no good to him."

"All right. But only for as long as he is awake. I can only heal him when he is sleeping. He cannot stand for me to touch him. But when he is sleeping, I can help him."

The hunter looked skeptical.

"I will not be able to help him even in sleep for much longer. His sleep will become normal, and he will know what I am doing. I must help him now while I can." She pulled back to meet his eyes. "You must promise me you will wake me when he returns to sleep."

He nodded. "I promise." He led her to one of the beds he and Elias had set up in the room. "Rest. We'll care for him. And when he goes back to sleep, I'll wake you."

Hercules went to the Argonaut. "Well, my friend, it's good to have you back."

Jason said nothing.

"I have water heating, We'll get you cleaned up and dressed. Then maybe you'd like to get up for awhile."

Jason turned to his side. "Not yet."

Hercules frowned but said no more. When the former king was bathed and dressed, Hercules again suggested he take a walk.

"Just leave me alone. I'm not ready yet."

"The quicker you get your strength back, the sooner we can head for home."

Jason sighed. "I'm not going back to the farm."

Hercules sprang to his feet. "What? What do you mean you're not going back?"

"I'm going to Corinth. It'll be better this way."

"Better for who? My mother won't want to leave the farm."

"I didn't mean that she should."

"Look, I don't know what happened here, and I guess it's none of my business. But I'll be damned if I'll let you hurt my mother anymore than she has been already. She loves you and will want you back no matter what."

Jason was silent.

"You're not that selfish, and you're no coward. Go back and face this. Then, if you still feel the same, then we'll talk about you leaving."

"But, I'm all those things," he whispered.

"Then don't be. I don't give a damn what went on before this moment. My mother deserves better than you simply deserting her."

Iolaus came into the room with a plate of food. He looked from the demigod to the former king.

Jason sighed. "You're right. I'll go back at least for a time." He was silently thoughtful for a moment. "She must be beside herself," he whispered.

"Elias has gone to let her know you're safe. But Sira touched her mind almost at that first moment we found you, and I think Mother knows." The demigod's anger was gone and his voice had softened.

Iolaus helped Jason sit up and then set the tray of soup, bread and cheese on his lap. The Argonaut ate only a little. He drank the tea but he had no appetite.

When Iolaus shook the empath to wake her, she jerked up. Her dreams had been filled with dread and fear. She threw her arms around the hunter's neck. He held her tightly. He knew she felt the Argonaut's pain. Not for the first time, he cursed the powers that be for making her so vulnerable. And yet, if she hadn't been, he would never have met her. Their souls would never have touched.

"He is sleeping?" she asked.

"Yes, he is. But you need rest also."

"I know. But I will rest later. Please understand. He cannot stand for me to touch him, and I must touch to truly heal others."

"What in Tartarus did that woman do to him?"

She shook her head. "I do not know. I have not invaded that part of his mind, and I have no intention of doing so unless it is with his consent. That she stripped him of his pride and dignity is obvious. But I think it goes beyond that. It involves Alcmene in some way. He cringes whenever I mention her."

Hercules was in the room with the healer and the hunter. He told them of Jason not wishing to return to the farm and to Alcmene.

Sira nodded. "It does not surprise me really." Tears filled her eyes. "I wish he would let me help him. But I believe he fears not only the contact involved, but also that someone might gain knowledge of what he endured at the hands of Venin." She sighed. "His pain is so real. If only there was a way to get through to him. I know I could help him."

Hercules came to stand beside her, and lay a hand on her arm. "You'll find a way, my sister. If anyone can, it'll be you."

She smiled at him, and squaring her shoulders she returned to the room where the former king slept. She sat on a bench next to him and lay her hand gently on his side. She could feel the warmth of his skin through his shirt. It was filled with the same life as before. But now the spirit of the man was missing. He was not the Jason she remembered first meeting. She remembered the first time she had really felt his life force. He had helped Iolaus and Hercules build an irrigation canal to bring much needed water to the farm she and the hunter were working. He had worked hard and his muscles were tired and sore. She had taken a moment to heal him. In that brief touch she'd felt his strength and integrity. These qualities were still there, though buried beneath shame and humiliation. Somehow she must find a way to resurrect the true man from a bondage mostly of his own making.

She was so tired, her mind and body weary with lack of sleep and the strain of keeping her mind on his. She closed her eyes. She never meant to sleep, although falling asleep while in healing could often be beneficial to both parties. She drifted deeper into slumber. Now her dreams were filled with green meadows and warm sun. She could smell the warm earth and feel the warmth on her skin. Then she jerked awake.

Jason stared at her and the look he gave her was almost painful in its intensity. She removed her hand from his side.

"I told you not to touch me."

"I am sorry. I have tried to only do so when you are sleeping."

"Don't do it again!" His words were harshly spoken through clinched teeth.

Tears filled her eyes. "I wish only to help you."

"Why?"

"Why? Because I care about you. We are friends. We have been since that first time we met." She rose and began to pace the floor. "So often people condemn those who are different from themselves. But you did not. You offered me friendship and acceptance from the start. You cannot know how much that meant to me. It was not easy for me to leave all that I had known and enter a world of strangers. Humans had long been considered the enemy of the yosemin people. I felt lost and I was frightened. Your friendship helped ease that for me." She turned to look at him. "If you let me, I will do the same for you now."

He shuddered. "No. If you care anything at all for me, just leave me alone. This isn't something you can fix."

"But I believe it is. I can feel your pain. I have from the start. Why do you think I could touch your mind, even when it was drugged?"

"No, Sira. Don't you see? It's the very fact that you can feel my pain that I can't allow this. I can't think about it, let alone let someone else know of it."

"You have done nothing wrong."

"How can you know?!" he shouted at her. "You don't know a damn thing about it. And you never will. Just leave me alone. I don't want your help!"

Sira wiped the tears from her eyes. She squared her shoulders and turned to leave the room. Hercules came up behind her, and as she turned he caught her with his arms. She leaned into his strength.

"Go rest, my sister. I'll stay with him."

Sira turned back to Jason. "I am sorry, my friend. You are right. I should not have forced myself and the earth's powers on you. But I cannot simply turn my back. It would rip my heart to pieces to do so. I will do my best to give you room and time. I will demand nothing from you. But I will feel your pain whether or not you or I wish it."

She walked from the room.

"Sira, wait," the Argonaut called to her.

But she didn't stop. She went to the hunter and into his waiting arms. She needed to calm herself and draw on his strength.

Hercules stood where he was. His voice was soft. "I'm sorry you've been hurt, Jason. I know you're in pain. But you shouldn't have hurt her."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."

"She's your friend. She has been since the beginning." He came to sit on the bed beside his friend. "You're damn lucky to have her. She'll stand by you through whatever has happened, and whatever will happen." He lay his hand on the older man's arm and left it there even though the former king shuddered. "Iolaus and I will also stand by you . We've been friends for a long time. We'll get through this together." He stood. "Now, since you're awake anyway, I want you to try walking. You must start to build your strength back."

Jason nodded reluctantly. He allowed the demigod to help him swing his legs over the side of the bed, then to stand up. He stood swaying on his feet a moment. Hercules was shocked by his friend's weakness and his emaciation. Jason took a halting step, then another. He leaned heavily on his friend's arm but he made it across the room and back. Hercules helped him to sit on the edge of the bed. A shudder ran through the Argonaut's body. He grabbed the basin left empty beside the bed after he had bathed. He was violently ill. The demigod helped him, and when he was done he helped him lay back down.

His body shook with chills and his legs cramped. The half man was frightened by the pallor of his friend's skin.

Sira came back into the room. "What has happened?"

Hercules turned concerned eyes to her. "I don't know. He walked a little, then was sick."

She sat beside the Argonaut but she didn't touch him. "It is the drugs. His body is fighting them, and the lack of them."

"What can we do?" the big man asked.

"Jason. Jason, can you understand me?" she asked him.

He nodded at her.

"Hercules is going to touch you. Through him I can help with your discomfort. I will not invade your hidden thoughts, and I will not touch you. You can guide us in this. You will know if we touch a part of your thoughts that makes you uncomfortable and you can stop us." She turned her eyes to the demigod, and he nodded. Looking back at Jason, "Will you let me help you?"

He nodded again.

Hercules sat between Sira and Jason. He placed his hand on his friend's arm. Sira sent her mind to the hunter and he came to the room.

"It would help if I could feel the earth. It will rain tonight. Could we find a place to shelter outdoors?"

"I'll take care of it."

The empath sent her lover a smile by way of thanks. Then turning back to Hercules she lay her hands on his thigh. He jerked with the power he felt surge through him. It was almost painful in its intensity. Her hands were hot on his leg. Too hot. He felt a tingle all over him that raised the hair on his arms. The empath closed her eyes and began to sway.

"Just relax, Jason. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Picture tall snow capped mountains looking down on a forest of ancient trees. Tall pine trees with dark green foliage and red bark. Hear the birds singing in the forest. See the squirrels. There is a meadow of green grass. It shines so bright in the warm sun that it hurts your eyes to look at it. See the flowers in the meadow, the butterflies and bees. Through the meadow winds and twists a brook of cool clear water. The grass grows right up to the bank. You walk to the brook and let the water flow over your hand. It is cold on your skin. Cup your hand and drink from the earth. It is sweet and refreshing." Her voice was soft and chanting, the pictures she painted with her words real. "Now trail your hand in the fluid of life, and let it wash away the pain. It sucks the poison from your body and dissolves it to nothing."

Hercules could smell the earth. He could feel the grass at his feet. His body tingled with the power of the empath. It hurt with its intensity, and even as he formed these thoughts in his head the discomfort eased. He opened his eyes to look at the girl beside him. He hadn't even realized he had closed his eyes. He could see the glow of energy surging around her. A blue white light swirled and eddied about her and glowed on her skin. It softened her features and made a halo about her. She was always beautiful to him, but never so much as she was in a healing. It almost hurt just to look at her.

She swayed beside him, chanting words that were foreign to him. He heard the word "cantos." This, he knew, was yosemin for earth. He heard the hunter enter the room and draw in a quick breath. The demigod could sense his own feeling of awe at what this beautiful child of the earth was capable of, mirrored in his friend's heart. He looked up to see astonishment plainly written on the blond man's face. Iolaus looked at the demigod and shook his head with wonder.

"The shelter's ready," he whispered, afraid to break the spell.

Sira opened her eyes and smiled at the demigod then the hunter. "He is sleeping now. But when he wakes, we will move him." She removed her hand from the demigod's leg. "Thank you, my more than brother. I know it was uncomfortable for you. It is not always easy to control the power when it must be channeled through another. Will you still be willing to help?"

He put an arm around her. "Of course. Don't worry about me."

The former king only slept for a short time. His body now craved the influence of the powders that had controlled it for so many days. He was sick again as spasm after spasm cramped his muscles. Hercules carried him to the shelter the hunter had hastily erected. There was a warm fire and it was welcome. The days had turned cool, and with the rain, to cold. Sira spread a blanket on the ground for the former king but she sat directly on the soil. Again she channeled her healing power through the demigod and to the man so ill beside her.

While transfer was not possible, still the empath felt his pain and the sickness came to her. She was ill herself, but said nothing. To not heal him would have been worse.

It was evening now, the sun, lost behind the dark clouds, almost down. The old and bent woman came to the shelter and offered food to the hunter. She brought blankets as well and without being asked spread one first on the empath then on the demigod.

"I have wood on the way," she offered.

Iolaus smiled at her. "Thank you for your help."

"It's enough that we can help."

Iphicles, Elias and Thysis sat at the table in Alcmene's kitchen playing a game of chips. Hercus and Sarmen played with toys on the floor at the adult's feet. Winnie had kept Sarmen most of the time. She knew her friend needed the solitude, and when she didn't she would come for the child. Now that Jason was safe and Hercus was here to help entertain him, Alcmene had brought Sarmen back to her farm.

She stood now at the kitchen window. She seemed to be looking at the garden through the rain. But she wasn't seeing the garden in its fall colors. She saw instead, a man walking in the garden. He was surrounded by spring flowers and his face was lit with a smile. She had known so many lonely times at this farm. When she had been expecting the birth of her half god son, she had stood like this at the window. She had been alone so much with Amphitryon away fighting one war or another. Then after the boys had grown. She had worn the loneliness well. Not even her children could guess at the depth of the emptiness she had endured for so long. But one man had. He had felt it in her because he felt it in himself. He had seen through her facade and had gotten a look at what lay beyond. And he had taken it from her.

She knew that Jason was safe and that his physical injuries were not life threatening. But behind the comforting words from Elias, she had sensed something. Something he didn't say. She knew that Sira was in contact with Thysis. From him she also felt something. It was there and she could not be fooled about it. The men had talked, and her son's looks of compassion spoke louder than words. But even without this evidence she would have known. It was in the air. She couldn't feel her husband's thoughts. Not like Sira could feel the thoughts of others. But she could feel something. Even over the miles, she could sense the man she loved.

The quiet scene behind her did little to relieve the tension she felt. She hadn't slept well even before she had received the note from Venin. She never slept as well when Jason was away. Her head felt heavy.

Iphicles put a hand on her shoulder. "Why don't you go lay down, Mother? I'll take care of the boys. You look beat."

She patted his hand as it rested on her shoulder. "Maybe I will. The rain might lull me to sleep." She smiled at him. "Sure you can handle everything?"

He grinned at her. "Sure. Don't worry. Just get some rest."

The night seemed endless to the hunter. He stayed in the shelter with the others, keeping the fire going and being close to his friends and the woman he loved. Jason's body was racked with spasms and cramps. One moment he shivered with cold, the next he threw the blankets off, moaning that he was burning up. Sira and Hercules healed him throughout the night.

With the coming of the dawn the clouds lifted and the sun shone through to warm the earth. At last Jason slept, and the sleep was a natural one. His body was at last free of the drugs and had accepted the return to normalcy. Sira slept now also. She had simply rolled up in her blankets and gone to sleep near the former king. Hercules had gone to his bed in the old monastery.

Iolaus sought out the old woman for a meal, and when he was finished he saddled the Argonaut's stallion and went to the village to see if he could find a cart or a wagon. After what he had witnessed of Jason's illness during the night, he was afraid it would be a long time before the Argonaut would feel like riding or walking.

When he returned it was with an old horse and a small cart. The stallion was tied behind the cart. He found Jason awake, but the healer slept on.

"How are you feeling?" Iolaus grinned at his friend.

"Better."

"Feel like something to eat?"

The former king thought about it a moment. "Yes, I think I could eat something. Is that thing to carry me?" he asked, pointing a finger at the cart.

"Yep. I for one, am ready to get back."

"I won't be staying, but I have to go back for a time. I owe Alcmene that much."

"How can you talk like that? You know damn well you love her."

"Yes, Iolaus, I do. The thought of her, and Sira's touch on my mind is all that kept me going. But it's my love for Alcmene that makes this decision necessary."

"That's a bunch of centaur dung. She loves you also. Nothing that has happened here will change that. Stop beating yourself up. You haven't done anything wrong. Wrong was done to you."

Jason turned away from him. "Please, Iolaus, just don't talk about it anymore."

The despair in his friend's voice tore at the hunter's heart. "All right, Jason. But you know I'll be there if you need me. So will Hercules and Sira. You're not going to some penal colony. You're going home, to the woman you love."

Two days had passed since the night of healing. The former king's physical condition was greatly improved. He walked a little each day. Sira announced that he should be fit to make the trip home and preparations were being made to do just that. Jason had met the news with indifference, which seemed to be his only emotion the last two days.

Sira went to see the old woman. She wanted to thank her for her help. She took a basin of water sprinkled with dried rose pedals to wash the feet of the ancient one. She found her at the lean-to. The healer went to her, and placing the basin on the ground she knelt at her feet.

"May I?" she asked, motioning to the basin and the compact little feet of the woman.

The old one nodded.

Sira removed the cloth shoes that protected the old one's feet. Her eyes shot up to search the seamed face. Then she placed first the right foot in the water, and using her hands she scooped water over it. She took it from the water and set it on a towel she had placed on the ground. Then she washed the other foot. When they were dry the healer rubbed an oil into the thin dry skin. Then as the old one's feet rested on the towel, Sira, granddaughter of Questa, of the clan of he wolf and the lion, bent and planted a kiss on the brown spots on the old one's tiny feet.

"I'm most glad that I was given the chance to meet you," the old one said. She placed a hand on the girl's head. "You are the one. The one of legend. Thank the earth for giving me this chance."

Sira raised surprised eyes to search the faded ones that look at her so earnestly. "You honor me, Grandmother."

"No, my granddaughter. You honor me."

The morning brought the sun, but little warmth. Iolaus had scrounged around the monastery and found blankets and tarps that had been abandoned when Pollux's men pulled out. The villagers were generous with food, thanks to the old one, Sira suspected. Jason walked on his own to the waiting cart. He had said little throughout the morning. Sira, watching him closely, knew he hadn't eaten either.

She went to stand in the door that led to the cell that the Argonaut had been chained in. Hercules had used his godly strength and pulled the rings from the walls. The broken masonry still cluttered the floor. What could have happened here to cause the former king to dread returning to the woman he loved? How had one evil woman turned a deep positive emotion into something to fear?

She walked into the room and stood in the middle of the floor. She closed her eyes and sent a prayer to the earth. Help me find a way to help him. I am a healer. You, my mother, have given this gift to me. Help me now to know what to do. Tears filled her eyes. She began to sway on her feet. Then almost without meaning to, she went to her knees. She could feel the pain in the room. Suddenly it was filled with anguish and despair. She shook with the emotions that seemed to be bent on overwhelming her.

The empath joined the others where they waited at the cart.

"Sira, are you all right?" The hunter was concerned by the pallor of her skin and the look in her eyes.

"Yes." She went to stand beside the cart. "Let us go. The sooner we are away from here, the better."

Jason shot her a look, but said nothing. He'd been thinking the same thing.

They stopped around midday to let the draft horse rest and to take refreshment. Sira had ridden the stallion for part of the morning, but she preferred to stay beside the cart. Her mind was still linked to the mind of the Argonaut. It was a light touch that she doubted he was aware of. She sent a message to him through that link however. It had started at the moment she walked to the cart and suggested they leave. It was not meant to overwhelm him. In fact, she didn't want him to be aware of it consciously. She still knew little of what had happened to him, but the message she sent was born from the insight she had gained while in the chamber that had imprisoned him.

They made no fire. There was fruit and cheese from the village and they satisfied their hunger with that. They drank from their water flasks and left the small puddle of rain water they had stopped by for the horses.

The empath had shed her cloak and moccasins the minute the monastery was out of sight. And with the shedding of them she had felt a lightening of her heart.

When they started on, she rode in the cart with Jason. She was tired. The nights of no sleep and the strain of keeping her mind on his had left her feeling fatigued. With an apologetic grin at the Argonaut she lay down on her side, and closing her eyes she was almost instantly asleep.

Jason sat stiffly beside her. Having her this close made him uncomfortable. He shot a quick glance at her, then looked away. Then he made himself look at her again. She wasn't a hideous aberration of evil. She was, he admitted, very beautiful. Her long hair had fallen about her in a golden halo. Her skin was soft and white. Why does her touch fill me with such dread? He reached out a shaky hand to carefully lift a strand of hair from her face. He shuddered despite himself and turned away in frustration. What in the name of Hades, good am I if I can't even stand to be near people?

He remembered how his dreams of the empath had helped him fight the pain and anguish Venin had heaped on him. He had no way of knowing how much the empath knew of what had transpired in that dark cold cell. He knew her telepathy would have given her some insight into his ordeal. Still, throughout it all there had been no condemnation or censure from her. He realized there still wasn't. In fact, there had been none from any of them. The only denunciation had come from himself. But they didn't know the whole truth either.

He lay down in the cart, keeping as much distance between himself and the healer as the cramped space allowed. He was tired. Tired of thinking about it. Tired of the pain and fear that seemed to consume him. He closed his eyes. Alcmene! his mind and heart shouted, I'm so sorry. The real victim here is you. I promised you so much, and in one foolish arrogant move, I've broken that promise.

He drifted to sleep. His body still weak, craved the release he found in sleep. For a time he could leave his churning emotions behind and embrace oblivion. As he relaxed he prayed he wouldn't dream. His dreams of late had not been comfortable.

When he was sleeping the healer moved a foot to lightly touch his calf. She strengthened her mind's touch on him. Then with a sigh she returned to her dreams.

They made a camp that night beside a small stream. The water was icy cold. The earth child waded into the water and let it cleanse her feet. She waded along the bank in the shallows and picked up several small pebbles that caught her eye. A squirrel scolded her from a nearby tree.

"Hush, little man. I will not harm you. I wish only to share your beautiful woods."

As if understanding the girl, the little gray mass of fur stopped chattering.

They were near the valley that cradled the farm they sought. They'd taken their time in returning, and it was midmorning of their third day on the trail. Sira again rode the Argonaut's horse. Hercules was a little ahead of the others. The healer rode ahead and dropping to the ground, she walked beside her brother of the soul.

"My brother, I wish to ask a favor," she began.

"Of course," he offered.

"Take the horse and ride ahead to the farm. I think your mother should be warned of how things are with Jason." She looked up at him, an earnest look on her face. "I think it will make it easier for them both."

He nodded. "I've been concerned about that also. Maybe you're right." He nodded again, and gave her a smile.

She handed the reins to him. "She will need your strength, my brother."

"All of ours, I think, my sister."

He mounted, then turned to look at her a moment. He gave her a nod, and with a jerk of the reins he galloped ahead.

"Go with the earth, my more than brother, and may she guide you in this."

She waited in the trail for the hunter who walked ahead of the cart leading the horse by a tether.

"Where's he going?"

Jason had been sleeping in the cart. She made sure he was still sleeping before she answered. "He has gone ahead to warn Alcmene."

"Oh." The hunter shot a look back at the sleeping man. "I guess that's a good idea." He shook his head. "I sure hope he gets better. I miss him, you know?"

She linked her arm with his. "If I have anything to say about it, he will."

He grinned at her. He recognized that stubborn tone to her voice. "The poor man doesn't stand a chance then."

She stuck her tongue out at him, and he laughed.

"Have I told you recently that I love you?"

"Not in the last ten minutes or so. And it has been far too long."

He stopped walking and pulled her into his arms, which she willingly melted into. The kiss he gave her was anything but playful.

"There, is that better?" he asked.

"Well, it is getting there. Maybe you had better tell me again, just to be sure I hear you."

The horse had grown tired of standing idle while these silly humans played their childish games. He snorted but was ignored. With an impatient shake of his head he butted the hunter's back.

"All right, you old fossil. We're going."

Sira chuckled and they walked on hand in hand.

The cart pulled into the yard before the house and Iolaus went to the back to help Jason down. Alcmene and Hercules walked out to greet them. Sira could sense the tension in the demigod's mother. She stood where she was, not offering to touch the man she loved. The empath could feel the strain the older woman was under.

Jason stood looking at her.

"Welcome home, my beloved." Alcmene's voice broke and she wiped the tears she had tried not to shed away.

The former king's hands shook. Tears glistened in his own eyes. He reached out to her but he couldn't do it. His hand dropped and his eyes beseeched her.

She smiled at him. "We've made a place for you in your study. Hercules and I thought you would be more comfortable there."

"Thank you, Alcmene."

Sira wiped the tears from her own cheeks. At least he tried to touch her. He did try, she thought.

Jason made his way slowly into the house. His broken ribs still pained him and his leg and shoulder were still stiff. Hercules went with him. Alcmene shot a pleading look at the healer and Sira's heart ached for her.

Iolaus put an arm around the older woman's shoulders. "He'll come around, Mom."

She smiled at him. "You don't call me that much anymore. That's what you used to call me when you were young."

He grinned at her. "I've always thought of you that way. We're family. And we'll get through this together." He looked around him. "Where is everybody?'

"They're at Ezekial's. Hercules and I thought it might be a bit much for Jason to come home to a house full of people."

Sira went to the study to check on the Argonaut. He was lying down, his back to the room, but Sira knew he wasn't asleep.

"You did well, Jason. You should be proud of yourself."

He jerked around to face her. "Proud?! Proud of being a coward? I couldn't even touch her."

"No. But you tried. That is more than you would have done yesterday. You must give yourself time."

"Is there something you wanted?" He was deliberately rude.

"Yes. I wanted to check on you. I know the trip has been hard on you. I know you have not been eating."

"Look," he interrupted. "Now that I'm here, you don't have to worry about me. I'm fine. I don't need a nurse."

"You cannot fool me, Jason. We are too closely linked for that. I still feel your pain. Perhaps you do not need a nurse. But you need friends." She grinned at him. "And maybe some lessons in manners."

"Let it go, Sira. I don't want your help. I just want to be left alone."

"Left alone to what? To allow this thing to eat away at you until you go mad?"

"It's none of your business, Sira." His voice was low and calculating.

She began to pace. She wrapped her arms around herself. "No, perhaps it is not. But I cannot help, that what you feel I feel. I wish there were a way to stop it, to shut it out." She turned now to face him, tears glistening on her cheeks. "I cannot just turn this on and off. I never have been able to." She came to kneel before him. "Believe me, my friend. There have been times when I have wished it were otherwise."

He rolled away from her, and again turned his back to her.

"You have done nothing wrong, Jason. While I feel your pain, I also feel the man behind the pain. I have felt your goodness, your strength and integrity."

"No, Sira. I'm no longer that man," he whispered.

She stood now and cried silently. She didn't know what to say, or how to get through to him.

"No one can take those qualities away from you. No one that is, but yourself."

"Please," he pleaded. "Just go away. Go back to your cabin and leave me alone. Forget it and forget me. I'm just not worth it."

She stood silently for a moment. "I cannot. I will try to avoid you if my presence upsets you. But I will not stop feeling your need. Forgive me, Jason. I wish it were otherwise."

She left the room and quietly shut the door behind her. She stood in the corridor that led to the other sleeping chambers. She felt lost and vulnerable. She put both hands to her head. It throbbed with the beat of her heart.

Hercules saw her standing there, and going to her he picked her up and carried her to the room she and the hunter always shared and laid her gently on the bed.

"Iolaus has gone to get the others. I want you to rest until they return."

"Why will he not let me help him?"

"I don't know. I know you hurt for him. But maybe this is something you can't do anything about, something we will all have to learn to live with."

"No. I do not believe that. The earth has guided me to this. There is something I can do. I just have not found it yet. I refuse to give up even if he has, and I can be just as stubborn as he can."

Hercules grinned at her. "Then I think Jason is going to get better whether he likes it or not."

She laughed. "You must help me, my brother. We will all need your strength. Are you up to the task?"

"Would I let you down?"

He was joking with her, but she took it seriously. "No, my more than brother. You would not."

Sira slept through the night. Hercus slipped into her room and stood watching her in silence. He wanted to hug her. But with an insight born of his own sensitive mind, he knew she needed to rest. Iolaus stayed close to his son, and when the time came to retire he took the boy with him to his and Sira's room. He put the child between himself and the healer. Within minutes the boy was sleeping.

The hunter lay on his back and stared at the ceiling. There was enough light from the moon for him to make out outlines and shadows. He was tired, but his mind refused to relax. He ached for the girl who lay with him and their son. He knew she felt Jason's pain. I wish I could take it from her, he thought. Why must someone so special and so wonderful always feel pain. He had talked with Thysis. The old one had tried to help him understand. But he didn't. It hurt him to see the woman he loved be tortured by someone else's purgatory.

Hercules woke reluctantly. He hadn't slept well either. He'd spent part of the evening with Sarmen. He was a little surprised that he'd missed the boy so much. He opened one eye now to look at the child. In the night the boy had slipped into the room and crawled into the bed with him. He didn't mind. He hadn't been sleeping anyway. And there was a comfort in the closeness.

He had spent part of the evening with Jason, trying to interest him in something. He offered to play chess with him, knowing it was a favorite hobby of his. But the Argonaut was not interested in chess or conversation. Finally in frustration the demigod gave up and left the former king alone in the study.

He opened his eyes again and watched the child. When Iolaus and Sira returned to their cabin he and Sarmen would be going with them. The thought of being near the hunter and his family was a pleasant one. But the thought of the solitude and lack of diversion was not. Idle time meant time to think. And thinking meant remembering.

He carefully eased his way from the bed so he wouldn't disturb the boy. He wore only a pair of loose fitting woven moss trousers. He looked down at them and smiled. Sira's influence had touched them all. He stood at the window and looked out on the garden shrouded in its fall coat. The air near the window was chilly. It caused his skin to dimple.

He flexed his arm muscles. If only I could use my strength to fix the broken shards of people's lives, he thought.

Sira spoke at length with Thysis. Few words were spoken but their minds touched. The empath took comfort from the melding of thoughts that came so easily between them.

"You must give him time, my daughter. The earth is not through with him, or with your healing of him."

"I know. I have felt this also."

"A sacrifice must be made, I believe."

"I am willing to make it. And so is Iolaus. But we do not really see it as a sacrifice. We are most willing to do what must be done. There will be time for us when the earth sees fit to grant it."

The old one nodded. "You are truly of the earth, my daughter. Do not give up on him. Time heals wounds as well." He took her hand. "I am not staying. I will be there for you with my thoughts and my strength. I must return to my cave, at least for a time. But should my presence be of help to you, I will return."

"I will miss you. You have done so much for Hercus. Soon, I think he should return to you. But for now let him stay with me."

"Yes. His strong mind might even be of help to you. Do not be afraid to draw from it. He is very strong with the force of the earth. He will know when it is time to return to his studies."

Sira sought out the Argonaut. She found him sleeping, and carefully lay a hand on his arm. He remained asleep. She closed her eyes and let her mind open. She sent her thoughts to him, washing him in the blue light of healing.

Alcmene had spent a great deal of time in the study as well. She sat at the desk, not talking or demanding anything from him. He had been a little uncomfortable with her there at first. And yet, he admitted, it was also a comfort. The older woman was there now, sleeping at the Argonaut's desk. She had cradled her head on her arms, crossed on the desk.

The healer went to her now and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. Alcmene looked up.

"I did not mean to wake you," the empath whispered. "But now that I have, you should go to your bed. I will take care of things."

"I never meant to sleep. It must be almost dinner time."

"You are tired. Go on to bed. We can make out all right."

"No. This is Iphicles' and Thysis' last night here. We should make it festive. I can rest later." She rose and planted a light kiss on the healer's cheek. "Don't worry about me."

Sira smiled at her. "I will stay here for a bit, then I will come help you."

Alcmene nodded. She watched the sleeping Argonaut for a moment, then left the room. Sira went to sit beside him once again. He still slept. She lightly touched his arm, but when she did he jerked away from her.

"How long have you been there?" he demanded.

"Only a moment."

"I told you not to touch me. You've done this before, haven't you?"

"Yes. But only when it would not cause you pain."

"And do you enjoy what your mind has shown you?" His words were harsh and accusing.

"I have not invaded your thoughts in that way, Jason. I love and respect you too much."

"Don't ever touch me again. It turns my stomach."

She studied his face a moment. "I never realized what a selfish man you are." She rose to leave the room.

"Wait. What do you mean?"

"You owe it to Alcmene to get well." She stood with her back to him. "None of us will ever know what you have gone through. Even if we know the details, we could never feel what you have felt." She turned to face him now. "Even in a total mind transfer I would not know, because I was not there. I am sorry you were hurt so badly. I wish you would let me help you. But you do not want help. That would be all right if you were the only one affected by this. But you are not." Tears flowed freely down her cheeks. "While we can never know what you have gone through, you cannot know what Alcmene has endured. She has been through enough. For her sake, I will not give up on you. So you had better get used to the idea. I can be just as stubborn as you can, especially when I am angry. And I am angry. Angry that you would choose to wallow in your own misery and pain. Angry that you would choose self pity as a shield against facing the truth."

She turned and left the room. Iolaus was in the doorway. He had come looking for her. But hearing angry voices, he had waited. He had heard most of what she said. She stormed past him and made her way to the garden.

The hunter watched her back a moment then turned to Jason. A grin played about his mouth. "You really don't want to make her angry, my friend."

"Yes, I see that." Then for the first time since his rescue, he smiled.

"I'll just go check on her," the hunter smiled back. "Need anything?"

"No. I'm just going to rest."

Jason sat up on his bed and rested his back against the wall. He knew what Sira had said was true. He wasn't the only one involved. Alcmene was affected most directly. And yet the others were also involved. If what Sira had said was true, she actually felt some of his misery.

His friends had put their lives in danger to rescue him. Now their lives were on hold to try and help him further. He leaned his head back against the wall. It's not that I want them to. And it's not that I want to be this way. But I can't stand my own thoughts. How can I get past this, when it hurts too much to think or feel?

He stood and walked to a gold framed mirror that hung on his wall. He looked at his reflection for a moment. In frustration he punched his fist through the glass.

Alcmene heard the noise from the kitchen and rushed to the study.

"Jason, are you all right?" She would have gone to him, but he put the desk between himself and her. Blood slowly dripped on the desk.

"I'm sorry, Alcmene."

"It's all right, Jason. Let me see your hand," she offered.

"No. No, it'll be all right. I'm sorry I� Well, I'm sorry I can't be the same person I was. I don't mean to hurt you."

Tears flowed freely down her cheeks. "You could never hurt me, Jason. The thing that would hurt me, is not having you here."

He wanted to take her into his arms but he couldn't.

Hercules and Iolaus came into the room. The demigod grabbed a towel and wrapped the former king's hand in it.

The hunter put his arm around Alcmene's shoulders and started to lead her away. She stopped him, and turned back to her husband.

"I love you, Jason. And I want you here with me no matter what has happened or who you think you have become. We can start over if that's what it takes."

The look on his face tore at her heart. She could see the anguish in his eyes, feel it in the tension in the room.

What had that woman done to him? Despair swept over her and she let Iolaus lead her from the room.

Jason slumped into his desk chair and stared at the stain of red on the towel that covered his hand.

Sira came silently into the room. She knelt beside the desk and lay her hand over the towel. Jason didn't move. He studied her hand as it rested there. He was surprised to find he felt no discomfort at her touch. Her hand was so small and delicate. He raised his eyes to hers.

"I am sorry I was so angry earlier," she apologized.

"I deserved it."

She searched his face a moment. "You have done nothing wrong, Jason."

He gently pulled his hand away and went to stand by the window.

"You've no idea what I have done," he whispered.

"You were drugged and tortured. You cannot be held responsible for that. Anything you might or might not have done in that state of mind was not your fault."

"I was an arrogant fool to go there alone in the first place."

"Then the worst you can be accused of is foolishness."

"Please, Sira, let it go. I just can't think about it."

"All right, Jason. I will leave things for now. Time will help." She left the room, quietly shutting the door behind her.

"I'd like to be alone, Hercules, if you don't mind."

The demigod squeezed his friend's shoulder and left the room.

Alcmene put her gloom aside and gave her all to making the evening special. She fixed her younger son's favorite meal and the yosemin elder's favorite dessert. Iolaus coaxed Jason from the study. He had taken a change of clothing to the former king and insisted he bathe and dress.

"You'll feel better once you're in your own clothing. Then you're going to make an appearance at the table." At the look of apprehension on his friend's face he continued. "You don't have to stay long."
"I don't know if I can do it."

"Of course you can."

Iolaus walked down the corridor with him when he left the study.

When Jason entered the kitchen, the others greeted him with smiles and greetings. No one made a move to

touch him. Elias rose and offered him a chair, and Alcmene placed a mug of cider before him.

Elias and Iphicles were having a lively debate about horses. Without Jason being aware of it, Iphicles drew him into the debate. Something the king said made Jason chuckle. Alcmene, standing at the counter, stopped what she was doing. And Sira reached over to squeezed her hand.

It was a little thing. A thing taken for granted at most times. Jason was a happy person, often given to

humor. But now the simple act took on mammoth proportions. It was like a pin prick of light at the end of a dark cave. A spark of hope that showed promise of a fire on a cold night.

Hercus came to stand before Jason. "I am glad you are home and that you are better."

"Thank you, Hercus."

"You have the best horse, do you not?"

"Yes, Raimi is pretty special at that."

"I have been taking care of him. But he misses you. When you are even better, you should go see him."

Jason smiled at the boy. "I will. And thank you for taking care of him. He likes you. So it should be you who does it. He gets scared of people he doesn't know, because he was hurt by his first owner."

"I know. It is sad that he is still afraid of others when it was only one who hurt him."

The room went silent. Jason looked up at the others.

"He will learn, though. He is smart and he knows his own strength. Someday he will learn to trust people again." The boy's words were clearly heard in the quiet room.

Jason looked back to the child that stood so seriously before him.

"I hope you're right, Hercus. I hope you are right."

Jason didn't stay long with the others. And when he returned to his study Iphicles went with him.

"It's good to have you home safe," the younger man stated. "I wish I could stay longer. But I must get back. Rumors will run rampant. When you can, you should try to make it to the city, so the people know you're all right."

"Why should it matter?"

"Come, Jason. You're no fool. You know damn well the people still need you. They look up to you and trust you." He smiled at the older man. "The main reason I've been able to hold the kingdom together is because the people know we are friends. They know I rely on your judgment and guidance. We tried to keep a handle on this thing but the people will know. We need to show them that things won't change because of this."

"I think you give me too much credit."

"No, Jason," he shook his head. "The truth is, I'm more like a regent than a real king. I've done my best to follow your guidelines, and you know I value your advice." He grinned. "Don't get me wrong, my friend. I'm most content to have it this way. So when you can come to Corinth, we'll have a celebration of some kind so everyone can see you're well."

Jason shuddered at the prospect but said nothing.

At the last minute Elias decided to leave with the others. He would go a short way with them and when the king parted to head for the city, he would go on to the cave with Thysis. From there he would head back to Acubus. Calla was expecting her first child and Barnabus was a nervous wreck.

He had another reason for leaving. He was afraid that his presence would only serve as a reminder of the ordeal Jason had endured. He had, after all, been a friend of Pollux and he had been with the warlord Demos when Venin was there.

Alcmene hugged Elias. "You have done so much for us, my friend. I don't know how to thank you."

"It isn't really necessary anyway. I helped because I wanted to." He smiled at her. "Besides, maybe helping you and Jason helps make up for some of the things in my life that were, shall we say, less than honorable?"

"Sometimes it seems our lives are made up of more than one life. We live one for a time then something changes us. Then we begin a new life." Alcmene linked her arm through his. "It's what we make of the life we are living that counts." She stopped walking and turned to face him. "I would say you are a very special person in this life and I'm honored to have you as a friend."

The Argonaut didn't venture from the sanctuary of his study to bid the travelers farewell. But each of them stopped in to say goodbye. Sira was saddened to see them go. Good-byes came hard for her.

She hugged Elias. "I am very proud of the man you have become. You have done well, my friend of the soul."

He smiled at her. "Somehow hearing this from you means more than hearing it from others."

Thysis took her aside. "Be patient, my daughter. Believe in yourself and the earth. You will succeed in this."

She wiped a tear away. "Go with the earth, my father."

The king of Corinth took her hand briefly. "Thank you for helping Jason and Mother. Your presence seems to have a calming effect on them both."

She gave him a warm smile.

When they had gone, Iolaus went to Ezekial's. He had promised to give him a hand repairing the roof of the barn. Sira and Alcmene were sitting in the garden. The day was pleasant despite the lateness of the year. Hercules was wrestling with the boys. Jason joined the girls. He said nothing. He just sat and watched the demigod as he romped on the grass near them.

"It's wonderful to see Hercules with the boys. He used to play with his own children just like this." Alcmene sighed. "They were such wonderful little ones. I miss them dreadfully."

Sira took her hand.

Jason watched his wife's face a moment then left the women and walked to the house.

"I wish he would let me near him," the older woman sighed.

The empath squeezed her hand. "Give him time. He will get better."

"Do you really believe that?"

"Yes. Thysis and I both do. And when he has come to grips with at least some of the pain, then I will again try to heal him."

"But that could take a long time. Maybe even years, Sira."

"I do not believe it will be as long as you think. He is not the type to enjoy his own misery or the misery of others. But however long it takes, I will be there."

"There's the possibility he may never be the same," Alcmene whispered.

"Yes, that is true. But none of us stays the same. There will always be losses and tragedies in our lives that will change us. Life goes on, and we must make the best of it."

Alcmene smiled at her. "You're right. I could so easily have lost him. Even having him stay this way is better than that. But it would mean a lot to me if you and Iolaus could stay for a time. Maybe you are right and he will come to you for help. I know in my heart you could help him, if he would let you."

"Iolaus and I have already talked about it. If you are willing to put us up, we will stay."

"You know you're welcome here. But your place. It's a lot to ask."

"No, it is not. The cabin will be there when we are ready to return. Iolaus is going to make a trip there, and secure it for the winter."

"You would do this for us?"

"Not just for you." Sira smiled at her. "I am not yet finished with my healing. My mind is still linked to Jason. I could not leave without discomfort. Hercules, Iolaus and I decided shortly after we returned with Jason, that we would stay for the winter. When Jason is well, we will all return to the cabin."

"Hercules is going to keep Sarmen, isn't he?"

"Yes. They will come with us and stay at the cabin. At least for a time."

Alcmene studied the healer's face for a moment, then nodded. "I see."

A message passed between the two women. No words were spoken. They were not needed.

"You know, Jason would object if he thought you were staying to help him." Alcmene stated.

Sira grinned at her. "So we will not tell him that is why. We could, you know, be staying to help Hercules with Sarmen. We are family after all."

Alcmene winked at her. "Of course. Winter can be very harsh in the mountains. It might not be a good place for one so young."

Sira's grin widened. "And of course we have to stay somewhere."

Iolaus was anxious to make the trip to the hidden cabin in the woods. The season was already late and it could snow at anytime. Hercules offered to accompany him. He too was concerned that it might snow and perhaps catch them on the trail. The sooner they could complete the task and return, the better. The hunter intended to use the cart and horse he had brought from the monastery to bring back the things they needed to winter at Alcmene's.

The morning dawned clear and cold. The hunter could see his breath as he readied the horse and cart. When it was ready, he went to the kitchen for a mug of tea, just as Jason joined the others at the table.

"If it's all right, Iolaus, I'd like to accompany you and Hercules on your trip."

Alcmene drew her breath in quickly.

"You know I'd love to have you," Iolaus grinned at him.

"Jason?" Alcmene questioned. "Are you up to it?"

"I believe I am. I can ride in the cart or on Raimi."

She said nothing more.

Hercules looked to Sira and she nodded at him.

"I'll saddle Raimi for you," he offered.

The demigod rose to go to the stable. Jason went to his room to gather some of his things. The hunter went to say goodbye to the boys.

Alcmene turned to Sira. "Do you think this is wise?"

"It might do him good. While he is still somewhat weak from his ordeal, he is not really sick. Maybe getting away will help him." Alcmene looked skeptical. "He is more comfortable with the men than with you or I, and I think his wanting to do something is a good sign."

Sira rose and followed the demigod to the barn.

He smiled at her when she entered. "You will keep an eye on him?"

"Of course. He'll be fine."

She nodded. "I think this may be good for him. I know the three of you are close."

He nodded. "There was a time we were almost inseparable."