Hercules: The Legendary Journeys

A Kinder And Gentler God

The Sixth Adventure In The Empath Chronicles

By Donna Eisner



Copyright November, 1997 By Donna Eisner. Please Do Not Alter Without Author's Permission.



Disclaimer: Hercules, Iolaus, Salmoneus, Alcmene, Jason, and Ares, god of war are the property of Renaissance Pictures, MCA/Universal, and Greek Mythology. All other characters are the products of the author's imagination. 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 might encounter while viewing the average episode of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.



For Dayna, A Fellow Cat Lover.



Editor's Note: One lesson to be learned is to not wait too long to post a story after its completion. The handwritten version of this story was completed in November of 1997. In the time since, many changes have occurred on the television series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, including some things that the author thought were unique at the time of writing and the series wound up actually doing. The reader will find more than one instance where a character will perform a certain deed that has been shown recently on the series, but the author conceived the idea before she saw it on the show. Therefore any similarities are purely coincidental.

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The ground shook with a steady vibration. Blue crystal shards flew about the chamber

to shatter against the walls and floor with a sound like icicles hitting the frozen

surface of a lake. The sound reverberated against the walls only to bounce back

again then join the vibration's rhythmic beat. Pale blue light, seeming to come from the

stone itself, lit the stalactite and stalagmite encrusted cavern with an eerie luminescence.



The empath knelt on the soil of her kitchen garden. It was a pleasant spring day. The yosemin looked around and took a moment to still her mind. She heard the song of the birds and the hum of insects. It was hard to believe the winter had been so harsh. If she looked closely she would find the evidence of the heavy snows that had blanketed the forest far into the time of spring. There were trees that had broken under the weight of the frozen rain. The dam she and the hunter had built to hold back a portion of the river to form a deep pool near the cabin had been all but washed away in the floods that followed the melting of the snow.

Iolaus and Hercules had repaired it before the three of them had left the small clearing they had chosen for their home and gone to the old hermit, Thysis' cave. They had gone to pick up Hercus, son to the healer and her Anmchara, her soul mate, the golden hunter.

The boy had been overjoyed to see them. The snow had prevented his parents and his uncle of the soul from visiting him. He knew they had come to take him home. A part of him wanted to return to the hidden cabin in the forest, another part of him did not. His lessons were incomplete. He had learned much. His mind was much more focused. He had learned patience, tolerance, and an even deeper love of all the yosemin earth god provided for her children. He had learned many of the customs of his mothers' people. He was fascinated with all that was yosemin.

With his grandfather of the soul he had visited a yosemin village and made friends there with the other apprentices. He had, with the help of an old woman who seemed to remember the signs of all the clans, made a clan banner that now flew on a staff outside the old one's cave.

The boy was pleased with his progress and he felt the same from his mentor. Still, there was so much to learn. He knew all too well how fragile the hold he had on his thoughts and his mind's strength could be. He simply wasn't ready to risk losing any of the control he had fought so hard to gain.

He said nothing at first. He wanted his mother rested before he made his request to be permitted to remain with Thysis and continue his lessons.

The morning was soft and hazy, the air filled with the sweet smell of growing things. Hercus sought his mother out where she sat, her back against a tree, mending one of her son's shirts.

"My honored mother," the boy began. The empath stiffened. She knew what was coming. During the almost three months the snow had kept her separated from her son she had feared this moment would come. She closed her eyes and braced herself. "I wish to ask your permission to be allowed to stay here with my honored grandfather and continue my lessons."

The healer took a deep breath to steady herself. "We have been separated so much, my son."

"Yes, I know. And it has been hard for me as well. I have no desire to hurt you, mother. But to leave now would only delay my progress, and perhaps even reverse it."

"Your mind is very strong, my son. You will not lose what you have gained. But you are right, it would delay your progress."

"Then I have your permission?"

"I did not say that."

"Please, Mother. I ask that you at least consider my request. I feel this is something I must do."

"I am most proud of your progress. I can feel the difference in your mind's touch. I can also see the difference in you in other ways. You have grown over the winter. I missed all that."

"The passes are clear now. It would not be so long a time between visits."

The empath closed her eyes again. She could feel her son's emotions. She had known he wasn't ready to leave his lessons yet. She had known she would grant his request even before he had voiced it. She had prayed to the earth and been given an answer in a dream only days before they left to travel here. She wanted to argue. She wanted to try to persuade him that his place was with his mother, and yet she didn't really believe this. The boy felt her grief and almost gave in. He hated to hurt her. He stood his ground and his mother felt his struggle.

"Very well, my son." Tears spilled from the corners of her eyes. The boy took a seat beside her and took one of her hands in his. He felt the energy she generated as an almost painful tingling in the palm of his hand.

"Thank you, Mother. You truly are of the earth."

"Perhaps not so much anymore. You, my half yosemin son, are far more of the earth's people than I am. My pride in you is like a blanket of comfort I will take with me when we leave here. Your mind on mine will ease the pain of once again being separated from you. Do not feel guilt at your choice. The earth has led you here. You are wise beyond your years to follow the path she has set for you."

They had stayed almost two weeks at the secluded cave the elder of the clan of the wolf and the lion called home. The boy had hunted with his father and uncle. He had practiced his fighting skills and he had used his mind to communicate with his mother.

Their plan had been to come for Hercus then go further to the east to hunt for a time. The hunter had a favorite place he liked to hunt in the Neberous forest. He had talked of it often during the three months they had been snowbound.

Sira no longer felt any desire to do so. She wished now to return to the cabin and begin the process of putting her garden in order. She knew working with the soil would help her deal with the pain she carried away with her from the old hermit's cave.

On the other hand, she wanted her mate of the soul to have his time doing what he loved. Hunting.

The three travelers found a place for their camp near the river they had followed to the old yosemin's home. Sira knelt beside the fire, turning the spit that contained their dinner.

"I would just as soon return to our cabin," she announced to both the demigod and the hunter. "But I wish for you two to follow our original plan and go on to the Neberous forest to hunt."

"What? No," the hunter objected. "You're not traveling alone."

"I would be perfectly safe, my love. I want you to get away and find distraction. I know how hard the winter was for you."

"Still, I couldn't let you go back to the cabin alone. I've sensed your need and I understand it. I know how hard leaving Hercus behind was for you. We can go back to the cabin. I'll hunt around there."

"That is not what you want and you know it."

"I could," the demigod interrupted, "accompany Sira back to the cabin. I wasn't all that keen on hunting anyway. I was going along mostly to make you two happy."

"You'd be all right with that?"

"Yeah. I can't stand to see you pacing the cabin floor any longer."

The empath sent her mind to her brother of the soul. She wanted to be sure he wasn't just saying what they wanted to hear. But her touch on his mind found sincerity and a peace about his offer. He really had no desire to be any place besides the cabin. The healer wasn't really surprised. In the months they had been stuck in the forest cabin by the heavy snowfall, it had been Iolaus who was restless, not Hercules. It had been Iolaus whose temper sometimes got the best of him in the confined space. It had been the hunter who never missed an opportunity to venture out into the frozen world using any excuse he could find to make it necessary. The half god, half man she called brother had been happy and cheerful throughout the entire time and the healer had felt his contentment.

"You two are sure you wouldn't mind?"

The healer could feel her husband's pleasure at the prospect of being once again alone in the forest. She knew that before she had found him in the hidden glen, before their souls had touched, the golden one had often gone into the forest on his own to hunt. It wasn't so much the hunting, as the time alone. Now that the hunter had found a new understanding of the forest and had embraced the earth he felt the need of being one with nature even more keenly.

"I am quite sure," the healer assured him. "I will miss you, but our minds will touch. You need this and I need my home. This is the right thing for both of us."

The hunter turned to the demigod. The big man smiled and nodded at his friend.

"I guess I could stay for a few days."

The yosemin went to him and put her arms around him. "Stay for as long as you need. Find peace in the forest then come home to me."

He picked her up and swung her around. "Why are you so good to me?"

"Because you are so good to me and I love you. I want you happy."

"It's been a long time since I went off on my own to hunt. This means a lot to me."

She rose up on her tiptoes and kissed his chin. "I am glad for you."

Sira sat back on her heels and took a moment to enjoy the day. She sent her mind to her son and got an instant response. She sent her mind to the hunter and felt his mind respond as well. Since father and son were linked it was easy to draw their minds together. She communicated with the both of them for a time then built the barriers needed to bring her mind back from its trance. She sat looking at her dirty hands as she turned them this way and that. Hercules would be back anytime and he would no doubt be hungry. He was out there now doing a little hunting of his own.

The healer smiled. It felt good to sit here and feel the earth on her skin. Coming home had been the right thing to do. She missed the other half of her soul but was happy that he was doing something he wanted to do.

The son of Zeus had been very considerate of her. She knew he was worried that she would not only pine away for her son, but also for her husband. If she allowed herself she could easily become melancholy about their separation. But there were so many things to distract her here. She had her garden and her plants to tend. Over the winter she had made cloth from the moss she had gathered, but she hadn't completed making the clothes she wanted with the cloth. She needed to replenish her supply of plants to make the dyes she colored her cloth with. Her jasmine vines had suffered dreadfully from the long winter and she needed to nurture and heal them. They grew in large wooden tubs and trailed up the trellis attached to the tub itself. In the winter the tubs were dragged indoors to protect the plants from the frost. Still they were outdoor plants and didn't do well indoors. They had stayed indoors far too long. The healer was confident she could bring them back and was anxious to get started.

With a contented sigh she rose and went to the washstand on a bench by the front door and washed her hands. She dried them on a towel, then with a quick look around at the forest she entered the cabin. Moments later she felt her brother of the soul approach and went to the door to greet him. He had a buck slung around his shoulders.

"The earth has been kind to me in my hunting, my sister."

"So she has, my brother. I hope you gave proper thanks for her abundance."

He lowered the buck to the ground. "I did. And I gave the prayer of the kill when I bled the beast. The earth is pleased with me."

"As am I, my more than brother. You are truly of the earth."

He smiled at her. "That makes me feel at home. When you include me in the earth, I get a warm feeling all over."

She knew he was stating a fact, not just teasing her. "Knowing you feel this way makes me very happy, Hercules."

He smiled at her. "Want to help me with this?"

"Of course. To partake of the earth's abundance is to be one with my mother. Can we save the hide? I would like to tan it."

"I remember you said you wanted a hide. We'll be careful with it."

She smiled at him and took her knife from her waist pack.



The hunter enjoyed the communication with his son. He missed the boy. He hadn't been any happier about leaving him behind than his mother had been. He knew it was the right thing to do. Even so, this fact did little to ease the loneliness he felt for the boy. He had found a quiet place in the forest to open his heart and mind to the earth and had found a peace of sorts with the situation.

He stirred up his fire and turned the rabbits that cooked over the fire on a spit. He'd now been three days alone in the Neberous forest. He'd looked forward to being here and had embraced the idea of having some time alone. But somehow it just wasn't as fun as he remembered. He missed Sira terribly. He remembered how lonely he had been for her the time he had gone to Acubus with Hercules and left his wife and son behind. He had wanted that also. He had found out that living away from them wasn't as easy as it sounded. He longed to hold the healer in his arms. When he saw something beautiful in the forest he longed to share it with the other half of his soul.

"Damn it," he swore under his breath. "All I really want is to be with her." He chuckled. "Tomorrow I head back."



Sitting before the fire that evening, the healer sewed on a pair of woven moss trousers for herself. She seldom wore skirts now during the day. At night she often did. She knew the hunter liked to see her dressed a little more feminine occasionally. She would bathe at the end of the day then put a dress on. She often left her hair loose down her back knowing he liked it that way. It lay across her shoulders now and pooled in a shimmer in her lap.

Hercules was building her a new loom. The one she had was old. It had been her grandmother's. When she had returned to her village to bury her people she had brought the loom back with her. The demigod had repaired it for her more times than he could remember. With her permission he had, during the long winter, started making a new one for her.

The big man looked around the room. It was pleasantly warm. A fire burned in the fireplace he'd helped to build. The room smelled good as meat still cooked over the spit. He set his woodworking tools aside and went to turn the meat. The room was clean and neat while not fastidious. Two brightly painted pottery bowls sat on either end of the fireplace mantle filled with pretty pebbles and stones the healer had collected.

He made his way to the door and the healer looked up to smile at him. "I'm going to check on the smoker and make sure it has plenty of wood to keep burning during the night," he told her. "I'll be back soon."

She nodded. "Shall I make some tea?"

"That would be nice," he nodded.

He stepped into the yard and took a deep breath. The air smelled of the forest and wood smoke. He grabbed an armload of split logs and headed to the smoker. Sira had supervised the construction of the wooden shed where they preserved so much of their meat. The healer always spiced the meat with certain herbs and spices before it was placed in the smoker, and the meat tasted all the better for her careful attention.

He stirred up the fire that burned below the wooden structure and added some wood. He knew he would most likely wake in the night and could again tend the fire. But even if he didn't the fire would continue to burn. As long as it did the meat was safe from predators. He eyed the fire a moment then added another log.

When he reentered the cabin the healer handed him a mug of tea. She had removed the meat from the fireplace and set it to cool in a tray on the table. It would taste good tomorrow morning.

He took his seat, and placing his tea on a table to cool he took up his woodworking tools once again. But rather than use them he sat watching the healer for a second, a smile on his face.

"What is so amusing, my brother?"

"You look lovely in the firelight."

"You are truly your father's son."

"Except I wasn't flirting. You do look lovely. The fire makes a halo around you."

The girl smiled at him. "You have changed, my brother. I have felt a peace in you that wasn't there before."

"Xena said the same thing back in Acubus," he nodded. "It's true. I thought I'd be the one to get cabin fever over the winter. But I didn't. I enjoyed every minute of it." He chuckled. "I kind of like the new me."

The girl rose and came to kneel beside his chair. "So do I."

He ran a finger over her cheek. "Thank you. You truly are a healer." His words were whispered.

"It was the earth within you that eased your pain."

He smiled at her. She smiled back then covered a yawn. "I think I will go to bed early tonight. I feel so sleepy."

"Then by all means, go."

The healer did a few last minute things in the kitchen then went to stand by her brother of the soul and watch him work.

He looked up to smile at her. "You do look tired. Go on to bed. I'm just going to finish this piece, then I'll go to bed."

She covered another yawn. "I am tired. A good night's sleep will do me good. Do not forget to bank the fire before you come to bed." She squeezed his shoulder and started to walk away.

He took her hand and kissed the back of it. "Sleep well, my sister."

"Thank you. You also."



It was the healer that tended the smoker during the night. She had fallen asleep almost immediately when she laid down. She hadn't slept for long, however. She had no idea what had awakened her, but after finding it impossible to return to sleep she had risen, and slipping a cloak around her shoulders she had gone out into the night. She felt the hunter's mind on hers.

"I'm coming home. I miss you," his mind told her.

She sent her joy at the prospect of being reunited. "Hurry, my love."

She built up the outdoor fire then returned to her bed. Try as she might, she couldn't sleep. Her body longed for physical release. She had felt the hunter's desire for her through their mind's link and it had made her need all the more demanding.

Toward morning she once again rose and replenished the out door fire then did the same with the indoor one. She felt her lover's mind on hers. Salmoneus. He was telling her something of the salesman. "Homecoming delayed." She strengthened her mind on the hunter's. He was going to help Salmoneus with something. She let her breath out with a sigh. So he would be a bit longer in returning. She sent her acceptance and her love and felt his own love enfold her. Just a few days more.

She returned to bed feeling discouraged. She allowed herself a moment of self pity, then deliberately putting it aside she was finally able to reclaim slumber.

Light lit the room where the demigod slept. He rolled over to put his back to the window. The bed he had made for the room he'd helped the hunter and the healer build, his room, was a large one. The healer had made a soft mattress of moss to put over the rope bed-stays. The bed was long to accommodate his height and sturdily built to hold his weight. He found the bed most comfortable; there were plenty of soft pillows and warm blankets to make him comfortable. You're getting soft he told himself, then grinned with pleasure. So what if I am? I like it this way.

He reluctantly left the warmth of his bed and pulled his leather pants over his hips. He pulled a heavy, long sleeved shirt over his head. The shirt was made of woven moss, dyed a dark blue. It was warm and comfortable. He slipped his bare feet into suede moccasins and left his room. He could tell the healer had been up in the night.

He went to her room and quietly peeked in. She slept soundly and he left her to it. He found where she had tended the outdoor fire. He was concerned. He knew how much she missed her son and husband. I need to keep her mind off of it, he decided. Maybe she'd like to take a lunch down to the meadow today.

The girl readily accepted his suggestion that they visit the meadow. She packed food for them and a blanket they could sit on. Linking her arm through his they walked through the forest toward the grassy glade the healer loved so much. They stepped through the brush that grew almost like a protective fence around the natural park land. The sun dazzled the eyes as it reflected off the pale new shoots of grass that were quickly reclaiming the ground that, only weeks ago, had been covered in snow. The tops of the tall mountains that looked out over the forest were lost in snow and mist, their sides purple and hazy in the bright light.

They stayed to higher ground since the lower area was still muddy. The healer found a place to spread the blanket while the demigod started a small fire. When the fire was burning well he started water for tea then joined the girl.

"Thank you for bringing me here. It is so beautiful."

"I thought you might like it."

"You are always so thoughtful of me."

"I learned it from someone I hold very dear."

She smiled at him. She covered a yawn then laid down by him and rested her head on his thigh. She looked up at the clear blue sky. She allowed her mind to fantasize for a moment that she was dreaming. The sky seemed almost too dark a blue to be real. The smoke of the fire curled lazily through the tree branches, making ever changing patterns and designs.

The girl sent her mind out to the hunter. Nothing. She tried again. Still nothing. She realized now that she hadn't felt the mind's touch of her mate of the soul all morning. She had slept late, and feeling guilty that she had, she rushed about to complete the morning tasks that still remained unfinished. Her brother of the soul had done many of them for her, which only made her feel all the more guilty. Then she'd been preparing the food to bring to the meadow.

It was sometimes like this. Both minds could be occupied and active and the conscious thought was buried. Still, it was there just below the surface, waiting to be released. Now, however, the healer felt a void.

She sent her mind out further. She felt Salmoneus. But what did she sense from him? Grief? Pain? She quickly pulled her mind away from him and sat up. She sent her mind out again, desperately searching for the other half of her soul. Still nothing.

"What is it, Sira?" the demigod asked. He had sensed her disquiet.

She took a deep breath to calm herself. There was no reason to worry him. Surly there was an explanation to this. "Nothing. I did not sleep well last night and I am tired today."

"You're sure?"
"Yes. Shall I get us some tea?"

"Please."

It was past midday so the girl also set out the food. It all looked good but she found she had no appetite. She ate some of the fruit and nibbled on the cold turkey she had packed.

"Are you sure you're all right?"

She looked up and searched the demigod's blue eyes as if she didn't recognize him. "What?"

"Are you sure you're all right? You haven't eaten much."

"Do not fuss. I will be fine."

They stayed in the meadow well into the afternoon. The demigod convinced the healer to lie back down. He sent her comfort and love, and after a time she slept. But her sleep was invaded with a feeling of dread, and when she woke she felt sluggish and dull. She sent her mind out to feel for the hunter but still found no response. She turned her fear in on herself. She knew it wasn't a wise thing to do. She knew it would eat away at her. Still she did it anyway. She simply wasn't ready to face her fear. Voicing it might make it all the more real.



The yosemin empath reached to place a pottery dish on the table. She wasn't looking where she was setting it. Her mind was too lost in its anxiety. The night had descended on the evening breeze, and still she had felt nothing from the hunter. It wasn't just that he wasn't actively reaching for her mind, it was a total lack of sensation. The dish crashed to the floor and the girl jumped.

The demigod had watched her closely throughout the day. He knew damn well something was bothering her. He had tried repeatedly to touch her mind only to find it closed to him.

He came to stand beside her now. "Sira, what's wrong?" She looked up at him as if he were a stranger. "My more than sister?"

She closed her eyes for a moment. "I am sorry. I am not feeling very well. I have such a headache." It wasn't a lie. She had tried so hard to reach the other half of her soul that her head did hurt. It pounded in her right temple where she had been wounded when Demos had kidnapped her.

He pulled her into his arms and she leaned heavily against him. "Go lay down. I'll fix the meal."

"I will be fine. Maybe I just need to eat." She knew her body needed the nourishment but she admitted she didn't feel much like eating.

"Lay down until the food is ready. I'll come for you."

She nodded and did as he advised. She hoped she might sleep, but once again it eluded her. Tears slipped from the corners of her eyes to stain her pillow. She rolled over to the hunter's side of the bed and pulled his pillow into her arms. "Where are you, my love?"

She came to the table when the son of Zeus came for her but she couldn't eat. Her stomach wouldn't stay still long enough.

When the meal was over she went to stand at the door, looking out on the night. Her brother of the soul came to stand behind her. "Why won't you tell me what is troubling you?"

She wanted to. She needed his love and comfort. Her soul felt as if it were being torn apart. She knew the feeling well. How many times had she felt it while making the physical break after a healing?

She knew how great her brother's grief would be if something had happened to Iolaus. She couldn't face it. Not his grief, or her own. Iolaus must be all right, she kept telling herself. She had felt no trauma, no sudden emotion to herald danger, no anguish. Still she had felt something from Salmoneus. Did she dare risk trying to reach him again? Not yet. She closed her mind once again.

"I will be fine, my brother."

He insisted she lay back down and she refused. She wanted to keep active. She wanted to work until she was too tired to keep going, then she wouldn't think and perhaps she could sleep. But it did no good. When she at last lay down her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. She left her bed to wander the forest near the river. She closed her mind to the pain, but in doing so she closed herself away from the comfort of the earth. She felt empty and lost.

In the morning the demigod found the healer standing in the doorway, both hands to her head. He knew she hadn't slept. A tiny sob escaped her lips, and in two long strides he was beside her and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Damn it, Sira. What in Tartarus has you so upset?"

She still didn't mean to tell him but the words just seemed to spill from her. She sobbed against his shoulder.

Slowly he began to sort out what she was saying. He felt dread creep over him at her words. Grief seemed to grab at his insides and twist them painfully. "No," he moaned silently. Not Iolaus. What will this do to Sira?

"I cannot feel his mind at all. It is not just that he has stopped touching my mind. It is as if he is simply not there at all." Her voice broke.

"Didn't you say he was with Salmoneus?"

"Yes."

"Then let's try to reach him. Maybe that will tell us something."

She said nothing about her first sense of emotions from the salesman. She nodded and opened her mind to the entrepreneur. Hercules sent his mind to hers for strength. She quickly pulled her mind away. The big man had felt it also. Guilt, grief, sadness.

The girl shook with sobs. "I cannot live without him."

"I'm here, my sister. You're not alone."

"Salmoneus is traveling here, but I do not want to know what he will say."

"We'll face it together." He held her at arm's length. "Remember, we still have each other."

He pulled her back against him and kissed the top of her head, then picking her up he took her to her bed. He sat on the side of the bed and talked with her until she fell asleep.

He left her briefly to tend the smoking meat and to eat some bread. He no longer had an appetite but he knew he would need to be strong for her. He paced about the floor for a time, not really sure what to do. He needed to be doing something. "I need to make a start for the Neberous forest. But I can't leave Sira and she's in no shape to go anywhere right now."

He returned to the girl and stayed with her. He didn't know if his presence helped her, but it helped him.

The sun was on the leeward side of the day when he heard a horse approach. Hoping it was the hunter he rushed to the front door. Salmoneus was just dismounting his old draft horse.

"Hercules! Thank the gods you're here."

"What's happened, Salmoneus? Where is Iolaus."

The salesman shook his head. "We were ambushed. I saw him hit by an arrow. I had to duck to keep from being hit myself. I tried to crawl to him, but before I could make it I was hit on the head." He shook his head again. "When I came to, Iolaus was gone."

"What do you mean, gone?" The big man turned at the anguished cry from behind him.

The healer ran past him and toward the river. The demigod followed. He found Sira lying on her stomach on the grassy bank. Both hands were spread out to embrace the earth.

"Sira?"

"No! Go away!"

"Let me help you."

"Leave me," she cried. "Please."

"Sira."

"Damn you! Just go away."

Not knowing what else to do, he did as she insisted.

He found the entrepreneur sitting on the bench by the front door. He looked up with anguish filled eyes at his half god friend. "I looked for him. I went back to town, I went to the old temple there. Some egocentric, peculiar old man has taken it over and fixed it into some kind of palace. He's done a great deal for the town and everyone says he is wise and kind. But he had no advice for me." Little Sal sat on the bench beside the man he loved. The salesman ran a hand absentmindedly over the cat's fur again and again. "Is Sira going to be all right?"

"I don't know."

"How could he just disappear? I learned in the village that he's not the first person to go missing. I came here to get you to come back with me."

"Could he still be alive, Salmoneus?"

The man took a deep breath, and closing his eyes he shook his head. "I don't think so. I couldn't see that he was breathing, and he lay so still.."

Now Hercules closed his eyes and reached for the porch pole to steady himself. "Iolaus!" his mind shouted. My brother, my more than brother. He had the almost uncontrollable urge to smash something. He began to shake. "Iolaus."

Thunder rumbled over the mountains and the demigod opened his eyes. He hadn't noticed how dark it had gotten as clouds obscured the sky.

Salmoneus took his arm in comfort. "Will you come back with me?"

"I have to care for Sira first. Then we're going to get to the bottom of this. Why kill someone then steal their body?"

His friend shook his head. "Why did they leave me? When we were first attacked I thought it was the village magistrate's sons. They had tried to steal my wagon load of shoes and boots. I ran into Iolaus and he went back to help me get my merchandise. I sold each of the sons a pair of boots."

"Salmoneus," the big man interrupted, thinking his friend was off on a sales pitch.

"Wait. Hear me out. They were really accommodating after Iolaus got done with them and they both bought boots. When I was lying out there, after I was hit on the head, I wasn't completely out of it. The boots were all wrong."

The big man looked blank.

"Don't you get it?" the entrepreneur asked. "I couldn't get a look at the people who attacked us. But the boots I saw were like none of the kind I sold. It couldn't have been the magistrate's sons."

Thunder rumbled again. Hercules squeezed his friend's shoulder. "Get yourself some tea and something to eat. I'm going to check on Sira."

"This is all my fault, you know. If I hadn't convinced Iolaus to help me he would still be with us. And all for a few lousy pairs of boots. What are they worth compared to a man's life?"

"It's not your fault, Salmoneus. Besides, you said yourself it wasn't the men who tried to steal your merchandise. I have a strong feeling I'm going to need your help, my friend. Don't let me down."

"You know I'll do what I have to. I may complain about it, but I'll do it."

"I know. You're a good friend."

The son of Zeus went to where the healer still lay on the grassy riverbank, and kneeling beside her he placed his hand on her back.

"Do not touch me! Do not do anything. I will come completely apart if you try to help me."

"It's going to rain. Come back to the cabin."

"No."

"You can't stay here all night."

"Why? What difference does it make?"

"Sira, my sister, please."

"Go away. I need to be alone."

A few scattered drops of rain fell. "You can go to your room to be alone. At least you'll be dry."

"Please," she sobbed, "if you care at all for me you will go away."

Again, because he didn't know what else to do, he left her. He sent his mind out to the healer's father of the soul.

He got an instant response. "I have been trying to reach Sira. What has happened?"

The demigod made pictures in his mind and hoped the elder would understand.

"We will come."

The rain came heavier and the demigod went back to his sister of the soul. Again she sent him away. He paced the floor of the cabin for a moment then stood looking out at the rain. Was Sira taking comfort from the earth? Is that why she refused to come back to the cabin? Surely it couldn't be good for her to lie out there in the rain? He began to pace again. Night had taken mastery over the day and it was growing cold. "Damn it! I don't care if she likes it or not, I'm bringing her in."

He left the cabin and ran through the rain to the river. Sira still lay where she had all afternoon. Without a word he bent and picked her up. She made no objection. He tried to touch her mind but it was completely closed to him. He felt a moment of vertigo, brought on when his thoughts found no reception from the healer. He carried her back to the cabin, and kicking the door open he yelled for the salesman.

"Stir up the fire." He placed the healer on a chair. Leaving her there he went to her room and grabbed a blanket and a towel. He returned to the girl. Not giving a damn for convention he stripped the wet, muddy clothing from her and dried her with the towel. He wrapped the blanket around her, and picking her up once more he laid her by the fire. Her teeth chattered with the cold as she was rocked with tremor after tremor. She turned away and was violently ill.

"She's in shock," the salesman stated. "We need to keep her calm. I've seen this before."

Hercules sat on the floor, and taking the girl in his arms he began to rock and chant to her. Salmoneus cleaned up the mess she had made then fixed a woven moss mat bed for her on the floor by the fire.

"We need to keep her warm and quiet." The big man looked up to search his friend's face and the salesman continued. "I know about shock. I've seen it before."

"Where?"

"In the city when I was a kid. I didn't grow up in the best of neighborhoods, you know. There was a lot of tragedy. Sometimes it's just more than a person can take."

The demigod nodded. "All right, what do we do?"

"You're doing fine right now." Salmoneus brought the girl some water, but almost as quickly as it was down it was back up.

"Let her rest then we'll try again," he advised.

"Sira," her brother of the soul pleaded with her. "Sira, can you hear me?"

She made no effort to answer him. She seemed to be entranced, but try as he might he couldn't touch her mind to help guide her back from the despair she had fallen into.

"I'm here, little one. You're not alone." Pain shot through him. He had come to rely on her mind's touch on his. It had changed him. It had given him peace and love to fill the void left by the tragedies in his life. He needed that comfort. He felt he had not only lost his brother of the soul, but also the girl he loved.

He rocked her and crooned to her. He gave the yosemin prayer to the earth for her. "Os ingrasha hast os ingrasha sysamos os ingrasha cantos, pas meron, z ive pas mznd anse sool. To the soil to the trees to the earth, my mother, I give my mind and soul." Still the healer was lost to him.

He wasn't sure when she fell into a fitful sleep. The salesman helped the demigod pull a nightdress over her head then laying her down on the woven moss mat by the fire the half man, half god lay down beside her. "Hurry, Thysis," his mind called to the elder.



Morning brought a return of the sun. Sira had been unable to take even water, and now she had developed a fever. The demigod seldom left her side. At Salmoneus' insistence he did eat.

"You have to keep your strength up, for her sake."

The big man paced the floor now. He felt desperate and defeated. He had tried again and again to reach the girl's mind, but to no avail.

There was a flash of light and the god of war stood in the room. "Ares!" It was an accusation, not a greeting. "What are you doing here?" He felt anger wash over him. "Come to admire your handy work?"

"No, Brother. You're wrong this time. I had nothing to do with this."

"Then why are you here?"

"I sensed Sira's need. I thought I could help."

"You really expect me to believe that?"

"I don't give a damn what you believe."

"Go away, Ares. You can do no good here." The demigod's voice had softened.

"I want to see her."

"Why? What's in it for you?"

The god of war turned away from his brother and began to pace. "I don't know why. Maybe you're right and I can't do any good here. But are you doing so much for her that you can afford to turn away my help?"

The frown between the demigods' brows deepened but he said nothing.

"I gave a promise to Sira that I would never harm her or her family. It still holds."

"How can you possibly expect me to believe that?"

The god turned to face his brother. "I guess I can't." He let his breath out with a sigh. "I've never asked you for anything. Well, I am now. At least let me talk to her."

Hercules was filled with indecision. Still, he reasoned, Ares was right. He had still been unable to reach Sira and she seemed to slip further and further away from him every hour. He knew something had passed between the god and the healer at Acubus. Mentally, he squared his shoulders. He nodded and stepped aside.

The god of war knelt beside the empath. "Sira. Little one." He ran a finger lightly over her cheek. He could feel the heat from her flushed skin. "Sira?"

Reluctantly she opened her eyes. They were glazed and unseeing. Then they cleared. "Ares?"

"Hello, little one." He again ran his finger over her cheek. She closed her eyes. It was just too much effort to keep them open.

"I had nothing to do with this, little one. I've kept my word."

"I know." She found it hard to speak. Her throat was sore and swollen.

"Let me get you some water."

"No. I cannot. It will only make me sick." Tears escaped the corners of her eyes and he wiped them away.

"You must fight this. Where is that spitfire that fought the mighty Ares?"

"I cannot. My soul is lost. I am so tired."

"All right," he soothed her. "Sleep for now." He smoothed a finger slowly across her forehead. Over and over again he repeated the movement. He stayed with her until she was sleeping soundly then rose and went to Hercules.

"What are we going to do, Brother?"

"We? What are we going to do?"

"Look!" his voice was filled with anger. He took a deep breath to calm himself. "Look," he started over in a calmer voice, "let's call a truce, at least for the moment. Maybe together we can save her."

"If you ever cared for anyone besides yourself I might almost believe you. Since you're here it must be for self gratification or for some totally selfish reason."

"I do care about Sira. Besides, does it matter why I want to help her as long as I do?"

The demigod let his breath out with a sigh. He shook his head in acceptance.

"Now," Ares repeated, "what are we going to do?"

Still not sure he should trust this godly brother, the demigod paced the floor a moment then went to stand in the doorway, as Sira had so many times. He wasn't seeing the yard or the forest. Grief and anxiety twisted his insides painfully. Iolaus, my friend, I'm doing the best I can for Sira. I just don't know how to reach her. He stepped out into the yard, and kneeling beside her garden plot he picked up a handful of the soil. "Help me," he whispered.

Ares. The name seemed to echo in his ears. Ares. He stood and nodded his head. "He's right, I need all the help I can get."

He returned to the house and went to stand before the god of war. "I'm not sure what to do for Sira. Her father of the soul is on his way here as we speak. My hope is he will know what to do. He's bringing Sira's son with him. Maybe seeing him will help."

"How long before they get here?"

"A couple of days yet, I'm afraid."

"That may be too late." Now Ares began to pace. "They're walking?"

"Yes."

"Could they ride if there were horses?"

"I know Hercus can ride anything. I have a strong suspicion the same would be true for Thysis."

"Good." With a wave of his hand and a flash of light the god of war was gone.

Salmoneus brought the big man a mug of tea. He scratched absentmindedly at his beard. "What was that all about?"

"I don't know."

"Well, you're not really considering trusting him, are you?"

The son of Zeus ran a hand through his hair then down the back of his neck to massage his tight muscles. "At this point I'd invite Hera herself into this if I thought there was even a remote chance in Tartarus it would help."



Thysis could feel the urgency. He was frightened by how deeply closed his daughter of the soul's mind was to him. He knew all too well what this could mean. He cursed his old body. He wanted to move quickly but his body betrayed him. He was tired, more tired than he had been in many, many years. He remembered this feeling, however. When he had walked away from his village in disgrace and shame, the same weariness had gripped him. It had been more of the soul than a physical weakness. He knew that was a part of his fatigue now. He had grown to rely on the healer's mind on his. She gave him strength and energy. He grieved now at the loss of her mate of the soul. He had liked the golden hunter. He grieved for his chosen daughter and her son. He could feel their pain.

He stumbled and the boy took his arm. "Perhaps we should rest for a bit, my grandfather."

"I will be fine, my grandson." The old one had thought many times that perhaps he should allow the boy to go on ahead of him. Hercus could make it to the cabin much quicker, and perhaps he could help his mother to feel again. But were something to happen to the boy� He left his thought incomplete.

A dark figure loomed before them in the trail. The old yosemin walked calmly toward him.

The god of war narrowed his eyes at he the elder. "You are Thysis?"

"Yes, lord Ares," he replied calmly.

Now the god's look turned calculating. "So, you know who I am. Yet we have not met before."

"No. But I have, shall we say, sensed you before."

Ares laughed. "You sound like Sira."

"How is she, young man?"

The god's face turned serious. "Not good."

"We must hurry."

True to his teachings Hercus had stayed behind to allow the elder to speak. Now, however his curiosity got the best of him and he came forward. His teacher nodded to let him know he was welcome.

"Hercus," Thysis motioned with his hand, "lord Ares." The boy went to his knees before the god of war. His eyes remained lowered.

"The boy bows to me. Why do you not?"

"The boy bows in reverence to his uncle, not to a god."

Ares was startled. "Uncle?"

"You are the brother of his uncle Hercules."

Ares looked annoyed. "Hercules and Sira aren't truly brother and sister," he reasoned.

"You are right. They are more than that. Perhaps not in blood, although through healing their blood has mingled. Still, in soul they are truly brother and sister." Ares shook his head. "You doubt it. Blood alone does not make the ties of family." The old one looked the god in the eye. His implication was clear.

Ares chose to ignore it. "So why do you not bow to a god?" His anger was poorly concealed.

"We do not worship the gods of Olympus. The earth is our god."

Hercus rose. "My honored uncle, you have just come from my mother?" The boy's voice was even but the god of war could sense his struggle to keep it that way. "My mother is ill?"

"Yes, she is."

"Then on your honor, may I ask that you help her? She will not find it easy to live without my father." The boy's voice broke but he didn't cry.

Ares felt a stir of admiration for this self proclaimed nephew. "You look like your father, but you have the strength of your mother." He had an uncontrollable urge to hug the boy. He shook his head to clear it of emotions he couldn't understand and that he found uncomfortable. "You can ride?" he asked.

"If mounts were available we could well use them," the boy nodded.

The god of war waved his arm and two horses appeared beside him. The saddles that rested on their backs were magnificently carved in black leather and adorned with silver. The boy stepped boldly forward and touched his hand to one of the horses' nose. Closing his eyes a moment he let his mind touch the beast's. Then moving to the other horse he did the same. He turned back to Ares.

"You will not travel with us, my uncle?"

"No. I can go more quickly alone."

"Then go with the earth. I have been most honored to meet you. My mother cares a great deal for you, this I have felt." With a leap no human boy could hope to match the boy sprang to the horse's back. Lying flat along his neck he patted and petted the horse. He spoke no words, and yet somehow the god of war knew he was crooning to the animal.

Ares helped Thysis to mount. The old one also took a moment to make the horse at ease with its burden, then he turned to Ares. "Thank you, my friend."

The god again felt emotions that made him uneasy. No one called him friend. He nodded. "Hurry," he intoned, and with a wave of his hand he was gone.



He reappeared in the cabin.

Hercules jumped. "Can't you use doors like everyone else?"

"What?" Ares looked annoyed. Then he shrugged. "How is Sira?"

"No better. Maybe a little worse."

"Well, Thysis and our nephew are on their way and they should be here soon. They're mounted now."

"So that's where you went. What's this our nephew, stuff?"

Ares smiled. "I was given a lesson in yosemin family ties and our family tree."

The demigod smiled. "Thysis, or Hercus?

Ares chuckled. "He's quite a boy, isn't he?"

"Yes, he is." The big man's voice was calculating.

"I know what you're thinking. I told you, I gave my word to Sira that I wouldn't harm the boy."

Hercules studied his face a moment. "All right, Ares. I'm probably being a damn fool, but I believe you."

"You do?" The god was surprised.

Salmoneus brought both god and demigod a mug of tea. He didn't know if gods drank tea or not, but figured, what the heck.

Hercules smiled at his friend. "Thank you, Salmoneus."

After a moment's hesitation the god of war thanked him also. Hercules looked at him through narrowed eyes but said nothing.

Sira moaned and the big man went to her. "I am so thirsty."

"Try a little water."

"No, I will only be ill again. I dreamed that Ares was here."

The god knelt beside her. "It was no dream, little one. I am here."

"Ares?"

"I could help you, Sira. I could use my powers to make you well."

"No! No, then I will truly be lost." Then in a whisper. "Is there a way to bring back Iolaus?" She began to sob. "No," she shook her head, "you must not do anything. It was wrong of me to ask. Please promise me you will not use your powers."

"Calm yourself."

She grabbed his arm. "Please, you must promise me. If I allow this I will lose the earth completely. Promise me."

"All right, little one. It shall be as you wish." What he didn't say, but thought in his mind was, it shall be as you wish, for now. "Sleep, little one. All you need to worry about now is sleep."

She closed her eyes again. For just a moment she had wanted to accept Ares' offer of help. Not to make her well, but to see if he could help Iolaus. She knew she was being selfish. To turn her back on the earth was unthinkable, and yet it seemed the earth had turned its back on her. No, that is not fair. This is not a punishment, or is it? I cannot think. She willed her mind to close even more and drifted to sleep.

Ares rose and started to pace the floor as his brother had earlier. "She has to have water. There must be something we can do?"

"I have an idea," Salmoneus offered.

He grabbed a bowl of water and a clean rag then took up a seat beside the girl. He dipped a corner of the rag in the water then held it over the girl's mouth and let a couple of drops fall over her lips. He waited a moment then repeated this action. A little of the water trickled past her parched and swollen lips but she didn't wake. "We need to do this whenever she sleeps. But she can't know we're doing it. If she knows, she'll be sick again. The illness is more a state of mind than anything."

He made himself more comfortable and once again brought the dampened cloth to the empath's lips. He continued the procedure. Over and over he allowed a few precious drops of the life giving fluid to pass her lips now slightly parted in her fever induced sleep.

After a time the entrepreneur's hand began to shake and the god of war took the cloth from him. "I'll do it," he offered. "Sitting here doing nothing is driving me mad."

The salesman nodded. He was stiff and sore from remaining in one place for so long and the demigod helped him to his feet. Salmoneus rubbed at his back to loosen the tight muscles.

"Remember, she mustn't know we're giving her water. We should do this whenever she's asleep, and she'll sleep most of the time. I'll go get some rest now so I can take over again later."

Hercules squeezed his shoulder. "Thank you."

The salesman smiled at him. "Call me if you need me."

Ares continued the treatment Salmoneus had started. He only hoped it would make a difference. The girl stirred and Ares shoved the bowl of water and the cloth out of sight.

Sira opened her eyes. They remained unfocused for a moment, then recognition came into them. "Ares?"

"It's all right, little one. You're going to be all right."

"Where is Hercules?"

"I'm here, my sister."

"I dreamed I had lost you also," she sobbed.

"I'm here, Sira." He took her hand. The god turned away at the look of pain on his brother's face.

"I cannot feel. My mind and soul are dead."

"No. You mustn't think like that. It does get better, my sister. I know that is hard to believe now, but the pain will ease."

"I am so alone."

"But you're not. I'm here. Ares and Salmoneus are here. Thysis and Hercus are on their way. You have the earth."

"No. The earth has abandoned me."

"You know that's not true. You are the earth."

The girl grabbed the big man's hand. "Do not leave me."

"I'm not going anywhere."

She turned to Ares. "Please. Do not leave. I need my loved ones."

The god of war said nothing. He wasn't finding the healer's grief a pleasant experience. To hide his discomfort, he remained silent.

"Don't fret, my sister," the demigod assured her. "We'll both be here when you wake. Just rest for now. You heal when you sleep."

The god of war bathed the girl's face with a warm towel, then sitting at her head he ran a finger lightly across her forehead, over and over. The rhythm soothed and lulled her back to sleep. He watched her face. He was totally unprepared for the feelings that assailed him. He felt fiercely protective of her. A burning feeling of almost pain tore at his stomach as he watched the pain that even in sleep still etched her beauty. What was it about this tiny woman that stirred such emotion in him? He had strong feelings for Xena, but tenderness was never one of them. He wished to possess her, but he had no desire to protect her. Xena and Sira. One stirred his fighter's blood and drove him mad with animalistic fervor. She appealed to the god of war. The other one stirred his softer side, the emotions he tried so hard to hide. She appealed to Ares. He felt the anger build. His problem lay in the fact that he couldn't be both. The god of war couldn't afford to have feelings. He rose and motioned for Hercules to take his place. The god stood and was gone.



Ares paced the floor of his temple. What was I thinking to go there in the first place? he asked himself. Who in Tartarus did Hercules think he was to tell Sira that he, Ares, god of war would be there when she woke? Hercules had no right to promise that!

The god took down one of the crossed swords that held a prominent place on the wall of his temple. He admired the way the blade caught the light.

"I'm no wet nurse to a grieving widow. I make grieving widows. That's what I need to clear my head. A good bloody battle to cleanse my soul."

But somehow, since the time his sword had been stolen by Sisyphus and he had, for a short time, been mortal, he no longer found the same pleasure and release in war. The blood and gore just didn't seduce him as it once had. Try as he might, he'd never been able to recapture the feeling of fulfillment that used to sustain him. Whether it was having felt mortality, or the warrior princess' influence, he wasn't sure.

He had tried to use both Xena and Sira that time in Acubus. Not only had that affair not been successful, it had proven to be very uncomfortable for him. Somehow the healer had found his hidden weaknesses and exposed them to the light of day. His attempts at burying them once more behind a wall of hate, anger, and indifference had been unsuccessful.



Sira woke and lay watching the demigod bringing wood to the fire. Salmoneus was stirring something in a pot on the fireplace. The room was untidy. Everywhere she looked showed the evidence of life. "Why am I so dead?" she whispered.

Hearing her the demigod came to sit with her again. "Now that you're awake, how about a bath?" She shook her head. "It will make you feel better."

"Not now. I do not have the strength." She looked around her once again. "Where is Ares? He is gone, is he not?"

"No. He's helping me gather wood."

The girl relaxed. "I cannot feel any of you. But knowing you are here helps."

"I could help you open your mind if you would let me."

"It hurts too much. I do not want to feel. Please do not make me."

"All right. Sleep, my sister. When you feel up to it I'll help you bathe. You can try to eat something. These are simple things but they help."

She closed her eyes. She felt so weary. When he was sure she was sleeping he began again to give her water.

Salmoneus brought him a fresh bowl of water. "Do you think it was wise to lie to her about Ares?"

The big man sighed. "I don't know. Perhaps not. But I didn't have the heart to tell her he was gone. I don't understand it. Why'd he have to leave now? One minute he was fine, then the next, poof, he's gone. He really is a selfish bastard."

"Yeah, well, I think that's why he's gone." Hercules looked blank. "I think for maybe the first time in his life he wasn't feeling selfish and it scared the Tartarus out of him."

"When he was helping her, did you see the way he looked at her?"

"That's my point. He's not used to feeling like that. It made him very uncomfortable."

"Yeah, well, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy."



Twice more the healer woke, and twice more Hercules lied about the god of war's presence. The day seemed to drag by. He knew Thysis and Hercus couldn't possibly arrive before tomorrow, and yet he found himself straining his ears for sounds of their arrival.

Salmoneus came to stand over his friend. "You're exhausted. Go get some sleep. I'll sit with her."

The big man covered a yawn. "I'll be fine."

"Yeah, right. Get some rest."

"Maybe you're right." He rose and stretched. He ate a meal, then grabbing a blanket from his bed he returned to the girl and lay down beside her. Almost instantly he was asleep.

The salesman dipped the cloth in water and let a few drops of it trickle over the girls' lips. Unconsciously she reached her tongue out to lick the drops away. Salmoneus waited, then he tried again. Again the girl licked the water away. A smile crossed the salesman's face. It was a good sign.



Hercules woke reluctantly at first, then jerked upright. He searched his friends' eyes. "Is she all right?"

"Yes. Come watch this." The entrepreneur dipped the cloth in water again. Again Sira unconsciously licked the water away.

The demigod looked up at his friend. "She's better?"

"I think she may be. This will help, I know it."

"Let me make a trip to the woods then I'll take over."

"You only slept a couple of hours."

"I'll be fine. I couldn't go back to sleep now."

He rose and left the cabin. He made his way to the river. He sent a prayer to the earth for the girl he loved. Then with a sigh he turned to make his way back to the cabin. "Ares, you bastard. Where are you?"

He took an armload of wood with him when he entered the cabin. "The wind is really kicking up out there. It's getting colder."

Salmoneus rose. "I'll get us some tea, then I think I'll sleep for a bit."

The demigod smiled at him. "Thank you, old friend. I'm not sure what I would do if you weren't here."

The salesman turned away. "This whole thing's my fault. Being here to help is the least I can do."

The big man came to stand beside his friend. He squeezed his shoulder. "It's not your fault. Things happen. Sometimes it's just a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"Yeah, I put him in that place at that time."

"Did you? Maybe if you two had left the village a few minutes earlier, or a few minutes later, perhaps. If you had walked a little faster on the trail, or a little slower? Iolaus went with you to the village because he wanted to. I know him." The demigod stopped. "I knew him." His voice broke but he continued. "He was doing what he loved. What we loved. Maybe if I had been there for him. I could have stayed with him. There are so many things that can happen. You can't blame yourself."

The entrepreneur nodded. "Somehow feeling guilt makes the grief easier."

"It doesn't, really. It just masks it. I know. I've used the same ploy for years. It's only been the last couple of years, maybe even less that I've been able to let some of my guilt go and put the grief in its proper place."

"Just as you do, you have yet more grief to deal with. Life sucks, my half god friend."

"Yeah, sometimes it does." The big man looked to where Sira slept by the fire. "Sometimes it's very good too."



The half god son of Zeus sat cross-legged beside the yosemin empath. She was flushed and feverish despite the water they were giving her. The big man tried yet again to touch the girl's mind. "Sira, you've got to come out of this. I can't lose you too." The big man swayed as a wave of grief threatened to overwhelm him. "Iolaus, my brother. More than a brother. You were always there."

The healer stirred beside him. She studied the face of her more than brother of the soul. Mirrored there were her own feelings of pain and loss. She reached for his hand. She wished to comfort him. The need to do so was great. Still, try as she might she couldn't lower the barriers she had used to shield her mind. "I cannot heal. If I could feel I would help you."

He brushed the tears from her face. "It will come, my sister."

"I no longer believe that. I no longer believe in anything."

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I can't lose you too, Sira. You've got to fight this. You have to want to get past this."

She said nothing. "Ares is gone is he not? He has been gone all this time."

"I'm sorry," the big man apologized.

"I am here, little one." The god of war knelt beside the girl and took her other hand.

Hercules looked his brother in the eyes. Then he nodded at him. The god of war bathed the girl's face with a damp cloth. "I'm sorry I was away for a time, but I'm here now."

"I am so tired."

"Then rest. Tomorrow your son will be here."

"Hercus?" Anguish filled the single word.

"He will need you. Hercules is right, you must fight this."

"I no longer know how. I have lost my soul."

"No, it is there. I can feel it. Rest. When you're better you will find a way to return to yourself."



When the girl was sleeping the demigod rose and motioned for Ares to follow him. He led him outside. "Where in Tartarus have you been? She's been asking for you." He calmed himself. "I'm glad you returned."

The god of war was startled. "You are?" He turned away and stared out over the darkened yard. "I wasn't sure I was coming back."

"Why did you?" All harshness was gone from the demigod's voice.

"To tell you the truth, I don't know."

"Well, I'm glad you did." The two of them studied each other's face. "Would you give me your word you won't just disappear like that again?" Hercules asked him.

"Would you take my word if I did?"

The demigod nodded. "Yes, I would."

"Then you have my word." He turned back to his brother. "But, only until she is better."

"Thank you, Ares."

The god nodded and turned back to the house. He stopped and started to say something, then changed his mind and went back to the sick girl instead. Without a word he wet the cloth and let a few drops of water spill over the girl's dry lips. Why did I come back? he asked himself. I didn't intend to. He shook his head. He simply didn't have an answer.

It was not yet dawn when Thysis and Hercus arrived. They had traveled through the night, stopping only long enough to rest the horses and fill their water flasks.

Hercules helped the elder from his mount then steadied him. "Thank the earth you made it."

He pulled Hercus to him and hugged the boy. The healer's son leaned against his uncle of the soul for a moment then went to his mother.

He took her hand and she woke. A sob escaped her lips and she pulled him into her arms. He sent his mind to her but found it locked even to him. Tears filled his eyes. He blinked them away, but as soon as he had they were back. He wanted to seem grown up and brave. Tears again filled his eyes. Then he simply didn't care and he let his grief take hold of him.

Thysis went to the healer. "My daughter."

"Father." She tried to touch his mind. The desire was there. She needed the comfort his mind on hers would bring. But she simply couldn't.

He ran his hands over her, not touching her but feeling for her life force. He was shocked by what he felt. He soothed and comforted her with voice. She drifted to sleep once more and he motioned for the demigod to help him rise. Salmoneus sat down beside her and bathed her face with a cloth.

Hercules led Thysis outside. Ares followed them.

"Can you help her, Father?" the demigod pleaded.

"I do not know. Somehow we must get her to open her mind. Her grief and pain are so great that she has closed herself away." He took a deep breath. He was so tired. He had to force his tired mind to focus. "When Sira shut out her pain she shut out everything. She was afraid to lower the barrier at first, now she cannot."

"How serious is this?"

"If we cannot help her find a way to open her mind, she will die."

Hercules drew in a quick breath and shut his eyes tightly. He swayed on his feet as a wave of despair and desolation swept over him He felt a hand steady him. He opened his eyes expecting to find the elder supporting him. Instead he found the support came from Ares. He could never remember a time when his brother had touched him in anything but anger.

He wasn't sure how he felt about finding the god's hand on his arm. Ares wasn't sure how he felt about lending his brother support. He was as shocked by the elder's statement as the demigod had been. He never really believed Sira might die. Still, he couldn't explain why he had reached out to help his half brother. That Hercules needed the support was obvious. But since when did he care what Hercules needed?

I've got to get out of here, he told himself. No, I gave my word. Damn!

Hercules turned and walked back to the cabin. He didn't know what else to do. He took the salesman's place by the empath and wetting the cloth he gave her water.

Thysis came to stand over him. "If she can take water she can take nourishment. Hercus, bring me Rime root and Herz."

The boy bounded out the door. Hercules rose and stood at the door watching the boy disappear into the forest. What will happen to Hercus if..? He stopped. He simply couldn't complete the thought. He didn't need to. He knew the answer. He and the boy would stay here in the forest together. There was no question of that.

When the boy returned the elder stripped the outside of the roots away and crushed the inside with the healer's pestle. He dropped the pulp and liquid into boiling water, then removing it from the fire he set it aside to cool. "When the tea is cooler we will strain it. Then we must give it to Sira. It may well help her, at least physically. Now I must rest. Hercus will know what to do with the tea."

Hercules took the elder's arm and led him to his own room. "Rest here, my father. You have done much."

"You are a good son. You are yosemin."

"Sira has influenced us all."

"Yes, all of us. She is truly a healer. We must do what we can to assure she does not die." He took a deep breath. "When I have rested we must talk. I do not believe Iolaus is dead."

"What?! What do you mean?"

"I would have felt his death. I did not."

"But you can't reach him, can you?"

"No, but that does not mean he is dead, only unreachable."

"We must tell Sira."

"No. Wait, my son. We must be careful. Were she to gain hope then lose it again, she would, I believe, surely die. Better to wait and let her live the grief but once."

"So there is a doubt in your mind about Iolaus?"

"There is always doubt. We must see for ourselves if the golden one has truly gone to the earth. I do not feel his death in the earth, this much is sure."

The big man nodded. "Then if there is any chance that he lives we must find him."

"Yes. We must try." The old one lay back slowly. "I need something else from you, my son."

"Yes, Father?"

"Should the empath go to the earth, will you help me with Hercus? I grow old and will not always be there for him."

The big man pounded his fist into the wall. He did nothing to hide the tears in his eyes. "Yes. He's my son also. I'll be there for him. Together we will show him the way to the earth."

The old one nodded. "The earth has chosen you well." He settled himself more comfortably on the bed. "I must rest now."

When Hercules joined the others Ares was giving the healer the tea. Hercules stood and watched him a moment then turned to the boy. "You should rest also, my nephew."

"Yes. But I do not wish to leave my mother."

"Lay down beside her," Ares suggested. "It can't hurt her, and it may even help."

"Yes she did seem to sense my presence when I first came to her." He turned to the demigod. "It would be all right, my honored uncle?"

"Yes, of course."

"Thank you." He turned to Ares. "Thank you also. My uncle of the soul felt my need and provided a solution. I am truly blessed." Ares looked surprised, Hercules looked concerned. Neither one of them was sure how they felt about the honor Hercus had given to the god of war.

Midday came and went. The girl's fever seemed to grow worse. Thysis took a turn with her. Rather than just give her the tea he also did a healing on her. She stirred at his first mind's touch on hers. So, she wasn't completely closed to the earth after all.

"Father?" She grabbed his hand as sobs shook her. "Why has my mother deserted me? What have I done?" She begged him for an answer.

"No, no, my child. The earth has not turned her back on you," the elder assured her. Hercules turned away. Her words of anguish tore at his heart. Hercus wiped the tears from his eyes. "You, my daughter, have closed your soul to her. You must open your mind to our mother. She will heal you."

"No, I cannot. I am torn apart. My soul bleeds." The girl sobbed uncontrollably. "I cannot live without him, Father."

The god of war came to stand above the girl. "I never thought I would see you being so selfish." His voice was filled with contempt. "I guess you're more like me than you thought." Hercules made a grab for him but Thysis stopped him. "I thought you were different," the god of war continued. "I guess I was wrong. You spout all this drivel about being a healer and feeling people's pain. You tell me you want to help people in need. Then when the going gets a little tough, you buckle."

"That's enough, Ares," Hercules threatened.

"It's not enough! I'm sick of seeing her lie there feeling sorry for herself." He turned back to the healer. "Look what you're doing to your son. He's lost his father already. Now you seem bent on denying him a mother as well."

"Enough, Ares." Hercules made a move toward the god of war.

"Wait, my son," Thysis advised. "Let him finish."

Ares ignored them both. "Look what you're doing to Hercules. He's lost his lifelong friend. Can't you see the pain you're putting him through? He loves you, and you say you love him. I'm sick of your lies." He turned and left the room.

The healer sat up. She turned to her son and held her arms out to him. He melted into them. She held her hand out to the demigod. Kneeling beside her he took her hand in his. "He is right," she whispered. "I have been selfish. I have not looked beyond my own pain." With a sob she lowered the barrier on her mind a little. Pain rushed in to fill the void, but she forced herself to stay open to those she loved. She touched their minds with hers. Now their pain came to her as well. "I am so sorry. I did not mean to turn my back on you or to cause you more pain. I still cannot lower the barrier completely. Not yet. But with your help perhaps it will come in time. Iolaus would not want me to give up. He never gave up on anything. He loved the earth. He would not want me to turn my back on it. For him, if for no other reason, I must make an effort to go on."

"It's all right, Sira," the demigod assured her. "Rest for now. Sleep, and heal in your sleep. We'll be here when you wake."

She nodded. "I am so tired."

He helped her to lie down. The boy stayed with her and she took comfort from him. The demigod kept his mind on hers, letting her feel his love and she fell asleep. When he was sure she was sleeping well he rose and stormed from the cabin. He found Ares standing by the woodpile.

The demigod grabbed the god's arm and swung him around. "You sadistic bastard."

Ares pulled his arm away. Hercules threw a punch that the god easily avoided. He threw one of his own.

Thysis stepped between them. "Enough." The sons of Zeus stood aside, their legs spread, ready to tear each other apart. "Enough," he repeated. "Hercules, did you ever think that Ares was doing the right thing?"

"By being cruel?"

"He may have been harsh, but he has shocked her into seeing that life must go on."

"You think he was thinking about that? You've just seen the true Ares."

"I think he knew exactly what he was doing. He was the only one with guts enough to try and save her."

Hercules turned to the god of war. "Be honest for once. Why did you say those things?"

The god turned away. "I didn't plan it, if that's what you're asking. I just couldn't stand to see her like that anymore. We had to try and get through to her." He turned back to his half brother. "She had given up. I just treated her like I would a warrior who had lost his edge."

Thysis nodded. "It was the right thing to do. Now the healing can begin." He turned to the demigod.

Hercules stood where he was for a moment then turned aside and went to the river.

Thysis turned to Ares. "Thank you, my son. Whether you meant to or not, you did the best thing for her. I sense your feelings for her. They do you credit."

Ares was surprised to realize he felt pride at the old one's words. He had liked being referred to as son. He shook his head to clear it. "She will live then?"

"Yes. I believe she will live." He sighed. "And now the real pain begins for her."

The god frowned and the elder saw a resemblance between the two brothers.



Hercus helped his mother sip some of the tea the yosemin elder had prepared. She took only a few sips at first, afraid she would again be ill. When her stomach stayed calm she took a little more. When she was finished she laid back down and the elder sat beside her.

He touched his mind to hers. "I will take some of your pain to me if you will allow it," he offered.

"But to do so I must lower the barrier even more. I cannot. Not yet."

He nodded. "I understand, my child." He smiled at her. "You must regain your strength. We have a mission."

She nodded and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Yes. We must bring him back here. This is where he belongs."

"Will you allow us to do a healing?"

The girl sighed. "Yes. There can be no peace for me until I have done all I can for him. If we cannot recover the body," her voice broke but she continued, "then we must find his spirit and bring it home."

"Hercules, Ares. Come, my sons, we must lend our power to Sira."

Hercules took a place beside the girl but Ares stood aside, a calculating look on his face.

Sira turned to him. "Will you help also?"

"I know nothing of this. What help could I be?"

"You have a strong mind, that would help. But you must promise you will not use your godly powers."

His eyes narrowed even more. Perhaps, he thought, I can learn more of the mind if I help. He shrugged and joined the others beside the girl.

Hercus came forward with lowered eyes. "My honored, grandfather, may I also join in the bringing of the earth to my mother?"

"Yes, my grandson, come join us. Your strength will add much to the healing."

When the healing was ended the god of war rose quickly and left the room. The demigod watched him go. He thought about going after him. Through the healing he had sensed some of the god's discomfort. He knew he should feel some kind of sympathy for his half brother but he didn't. Let him feel for once what grief was really like. He's caused enough grief and pain, let him experience a little himself.

The god of war found a place by the river, and sitting on a rock he stared unseeing out over the water. What he had felt come to him in the healing was almost a physical pain as well as a mental one. He had never known grief could be like this. In that brief time he had been mortal he had experienced physical pain, illness, fatigue, and even a touch of fear. But the pain of loss? No, this was something altogether different.

This is intolerable, he told himself. The sooner I'm away from here, the better. This is enough to drive a sane god mad.

Hercus went in search of his godly uncle. He came to stand beside him. He said nothing at first, then picking up a stone he skipped it across the quiet surface of the pool his father and mother had helped the river to form by building a small dam that held a little of the water back.

The god bent, and picking up another stone he handed it to the boy. Again the child of the forest skipped it over the pool. Ares picked up another stone and tossed it himself. It plopped into the water with a kerplunk.

"It must slide over the water. You must get an angle to the toss that will let only the side of the stone touch the surface."

Ares tried again and was rewarded with two skips of the stone before it joined his first one at the bottom of the pool.

The boy smiled at him. "I am sorry you were made uncomfortable by the healing on my mother." Ares only nodded. "I think perhaps your life has been much like the skipping stone. It only skims the surface of the pond but does not touch the bottom." Still the god said nothing. "Now I think perhaps it has touched the bottom and finds it rocky and barren. But now that it has reached the bottom I think it will see that it is not alone. The other stones will be its friend if they are given a chance."

"I've never had a friend." The words were whispered.

"But now you have those who love and care for you. It changes much, does it not?"

"I'm not so sure I like the changes."

The boy nodded. "Yes, to change means to give up something of yourself. To have friends you must also give of yourself. That can be a very hard thing to do. Still, the rewards for doing so far outweigh the discomfort."

Ares skipped another stone. "Not bad, eh, kid?"

"It was very good. I sense your desire to leave, and I know you soon must. But I ask that you give her a little more time. The progress she has made thus far is fragile."

Ares nodded again. "We shall see."

The boy tossed a stone. He wore a smug look as it bounced across the water. The god smiled despite himself. He felt a pride in the boy. "Who taught you how to skip rocks?"

"My father. He was very good at it. My mother taught him."

Ares chuckled. "It figures."



Sira was physically improved. She felt sore and bruised in mind and body, but she knew it was a soreness of the soul, not truly a physical one. She could feel the earth once more and the comfort this gave her did much to help her. By nightfall she felt exhausted. She took some broth, then lying back on her mat by the fire she slept.

A blue light seemed to shimmer around her, vibrating and pulsating with a rhythmic beat that hurt her ears. She was surrounded by crystal, enclosed in a chamber that seemed devoid of air and the earth. She shouted but the sound echoed back at her over and over.

Hercules was sitting up with her. He could sense her discomfort. He knew she was dreaming. He lay down beside her and took her into his arms. She settled herself more comfortably beside him and was able to leave her dream behind.



In the morning the healer left her bed for a bit. She went to her room and bathed, then dressed herself. She returned to the front room and quickly took a seat, all strength gone from her. She was painfully thin and pale. Hercules brought her a mug of Tassis tea.

"My brother, we must go for him soon."

"I know. But you must recover first. Then we will go."

She nodded and sipped her tea in silence for a moment. "Will you help in another healing?"

"Of course." He knew she felt an urgency now to gain her strength. He was a little concerned that she would push herself too far.

The healing went well. Ares refused to help them this time, however. It was evening when the girl built the barriers needed to halt the healing.

Hercules walked with Sira to the river. Everywhere the healer looked she was reminded of the hunter. She could feel his presence in the forest he loved so much. She remembered conversations she had with him while here. She remembered making love to him on the riverbank.

"It does get easier, my sister." The demigod had felt her pain.

"It is hard to believe that now," she stated, her voice flat and empty.

He put an arm around her shoulders and she turned to rest her cheek against his leather clad chest. She could feel his heart beating and found it a comforting thing.



Sira slept again on the mat before the fire. She couldn't bring herself to sleep alone in the bed she had shared with the hunter.

In the morning Hercules went hunting. They needed fresh meat and some meat to be preserved for their journey.

Ares accompanied the healer to the river. "I would like to bathe," she told him.

"Go ahead, I won't stop you." He grinned at her. "I've watched you before."

"So, you had been watching me." She shrugged. "Very well then," She started to disrobe.

The god of war started to protest then simply turned his back. "You really meant to undress before me, didn't you?"

"There is no shame in the body. Besides that I trust you." She entered the water and the god of war turned around.

"How can you say that you trust me?" Before she could reply he rushed on. "If you think hearing that from you pleases me, you're wrong."

"Why? Because you think I am too trusting and might get hurt, or because having people find you trustworthy would ruin your reputation?"

"I'm not kidding around, Sira," he scolded.

"Neither am I."

"I would manipulate and use you in a moment if I thought I could gain something from it."

"If you could, you mean," she returned.

The god of war threw back his head and laughed. "You are getting better, little one."

The girl rose and left the water. Ares picked up the blanket Sira had brought with her. He wrapped it around her. "You're right, there is no shame in your body," he stated simply.

The girl turned to him. "We will leave tomorrow. Will you come with us?"

He frowned. "No, little one. You know I can't."

"I would like you to, very much."

He walked past her and stood looking at the water. "I have wars to instigate. Warlords to manipulate. A whole world of hate and butchery to enjoy."

The girl came to stand before him. She studied his face a moment. She reached a hand up to caress his cheek. "All right, my brother," she whispered. "I was being selfish again. I did not want to let you go yet."

Ares took the hand she touched to his cheek in a painful grip. "What did you call me?"

"My brother." Her voice was so low he almost didn't hear her reply.

"Why would you call me that? Because of Hercules?"

"No," she shook her head. "Because I care for you."

His face filled with anger. "You have no right, Sira. No right!" His voice was barely controlled. "I won't change, you know."

"I was not asking you to change. I was simply asking you to come with me because I need your strength, and because I care for you."

"But you are asking me to change. Being near you changes me. I don't like the change. I am Ares god of war. I'm damn good at what I do. And what I do is evil and vile. It's all I know, and all I want to know."

The empath laid a hand on the god's arm. She could feel him trembling with his anger. "Then go, my brother. No matter what, I have seen another side of you. Nothing you say will change the fact that I love you."

His eyes narrowed. "Damn you, Sira." He raised his hand as if to strike her. His breathing was uneven, his lungs constricted with rage. "Your mind is muddled with grief," he told her through clinched teeth. "You can't trust your feelings about me."

The healer was completely undisturbed by the god's outburst. "Someone else once told me that."

"You should have listened to them."

"I know you have been hurt, my brother. I understand where your anger comes from."

He pulled her to him and savagely took her mouth. Then he pulled the blanket from her. "Is this what you want?"

She wasn't frightened by him. She looked into his eyes. "You know that is not what I meant or what I want."

He released her and turned away. She picked up the blanket and once again held it around herself. "I am sorry you have been so hurt by others, my brother. If you let me I can help you."

He jerked around "I don't need your pity."

"I was not offering pity. I was offering love." Now she was also angry. "I wanted you with me because I needed you, not because you need me. We have touched in soul. Nothing can change that. You forced this in the beginning if you recall. Well, now my soul is torn into millions of little pieces and I cannot hold on to them. You are another part of that and I wanted�" Tears filled her eyes and she choked on a sob. She stomped her foot in anger. "See what you have done?!" He took a step toward her. "Do not touch me. I� Well, just do not touch me."

She turned and ran from the river. She didn't go to the cabin. She ran to the meadow instead. She stood in the grass and let the blanket drop. Her shoulders shook with emotion. Throwing her head back she screamed. "Iolaus!" She went to her knees and she prayed to the earth. The grass bent to caress her. Tiny vines wrapped themselves around her to comfort her. A small bush leaned toward her. The tears that fell to the ground were absorbed immediately.

Ares had followed her to the meadow. He was moved by the pain in her scream and awed by the earth's response to this woman. "What a god she would make," he whispered. With a wave of his hand he was gone.

The child of the forest fell forward to embrace the earth. "My mother, you must guide me," she beseeched the earth.

The demigod found the girl and covered her with the blanket. Not caring that she was unclothed she turned and sat up, then drew the blanket around her. The big man sat on the grass beside her and offered her a hand. She took it readily.

He said nothing. He could feel her inner struggle to calm her churning emotions. When she was calmer he turned to her. "I'm here for you, my more than sister."

She closed her eyes. "I feel you, my more than brother. That is all that keeps me going. Your love and the love of the others."

"Shall we get you back to the cabin?"

"I need to get my things."

He stood and offered her a hand. "Come on, I'll go with you."

She took his hand and allowed him to pull her to her feet. He hugged her briefly, then holding her hand he let her lead him to the river.

She dressed then returned with him to the cabin. Salmoneus met them at the door. "I was getting concerned, Sira. Are you all right?" She nodded. The salesman looked past her and the demigod. "Where's Ares?"

"Gone," she stated simply.

"What happened?"

"I was nice to him."

Hercus took her hand. "Mother, will we see Uncle Ares again?"

"Yes, my son, I believe we will."

"Good, I like him."

The salesman looked surprised by the boy's statement.

"I like him also, my son."

Hercules shrugged at the look the salesman gave him.



The demigod made the healer lie down in the afternoon. Thysis led the girl and her son in another healing while Hercules and Salmoneus prepared things for their trip. Hercus had reluctantly agreed to stay with Alcmene and Jason until his mother's return. He hadn't been happy about it, but he had accepted it.

"If that is what the elders of the clan feel will best serve the earth and aid you in your endeavor, then I will accept your decision." He bowed to Thysis first, "My grandfather," then to Hercules, "my uncle." He turned and left the cabin.

Sira was torn as well. She needed the boy's strength. He had added much to the healings and she could feel how strong he had become with the power of the earth. Still she feared what they might find on their quest. She needed the touch of the boy's soul to help mend the shattered pieces of her own and help hold them together. She also knew his own soul was torn at the loss of his father. He needed her as well. She hoped to find the hunter's remains and return him to his home. But barring this she hoped to find his spirit. She believed as her people did that those of the earth must be returned to their home to truly go to the earth. While the hunter was human and not yosemin in blood, his heart was of the earth. She knew the earth would receive him. There was no question of this. But he must be given that chance first. She was fully aware that humans went to the other side. Still, she was sure the other half of her soul would find eternity with the earth more to his liking than eternity in the Elysian fields.

Were he to be taken by the earth he would live again in the forest he loved. His spirit might dwell in the crow or the wolf, or perhaps a tree or a bush. It was not given to the earth people to know what form they might take once they had gone to the earth, but they knew their spirit lived on for eternity with the earth mother.

Hercus would be safe with Alcmene and Jason. He would have Winnie to help him with his grief and keep him busy. It was the right decision for the moment, no matter how she hated it.



Hercules went to look for the boy. He found him sitting on a rock by the river. The big man smiled at him. "Don't worry, my nephew. There will come a time when you will not be asked to stay behind."

The boy nodded. "I know. I also know I am not yet ready to accompany you. There may be danger where you go and I would not be of help to you." He turned to search his uncle's face with an earnest look. "Will you continue to teach me the ways of the warrior?"

"Yes. I'd like that. I think you're father would want that too."

"Yes I believe that also. Uncle Ares said that since I would be shorter than most human males I should build my muscles to make up for it."

The demigod sighed. "Yes, but brawn isn't all you will need. You must temper what you learn and what you make of your body, with dignity and compassion. You must learn to control your anger and channel it into an advantage. Your father wasn't an overly big man, and yet he was a magnificent warrior. Better than I can ever hope to be. He had a sixth sense about things and he used his cunning to make up for what he lacked in size."

"I know, Uncle. I would give anything to be like my father. He was a role model any boy would look up to. His depth of love and compassion were astounding." The boy wiped the tears from his cheeks. "I would like to become a warrior so that someday I may travel with you as he did."

The demigod pulled the boy into his arms. "I'd like that very much." He released the boy and took a moment to find the right stone. When he was satisfied with his selection he handed it to the boy. Then picking up one for himself he held his arm straight out from his body, palm up. He held the stone and bent his elbow, bringing it up to his upper arm.

"Keep the elbow level and the wrist straight. Work with stones of about this weight for a few days then find heavier ones."

The boy did as his uncle had directed. Hercules nodded. "Good. I can show you other things that will also help." He smiled at the boy. "Chopping wood is good exercise."

"Is that a hint?"

"What? I don't know what you're talking about."



The night seemed endless for the healer. When she slept her dreams were filled with visions of blue crystalline walls. The hunter was trapped behind the walls, unable to reach out to her. Her ears seemed to ring with a steady pulsating beat, like the heartbeat of a giant animal that held the golden one captive in its crystal encrusted lair.

She rose early and started water for tea then she went to stand at the door of the cabin. The night hadn't yet given way to the morning. Most of the stars were gone to make way for the coming of the sun but the fiery orb hadn't left its place of rest yet. The salesman brought the girl a mug of tea.

"Thank you, my friend." She set the tea aside and hugged him. She rested her head against his shoulder for a moment.

He was startled at first, then he began to run his hand over her hair in a petting movement, much like he did Little Sal. As if sensing something the cat began to rub against the healer's legs. He had stayed with Sira a great deal and she had found comfort in his presence.

"I have wanted to thank you, Salmoneus. You have done so much for me." She felt the thought that entered his head. "No, my friend, you have nothing to feel guilty about. You have always been a good friend to us." She raised up and planted a kiss on the salesman's cheek.



Hercus, taking his uncle of the soul's advice, was chopping wood. He used a hatchet since the ax was too large for him. Sira had been concerned that it would be unsafe for him to attempt, but after watching him for a moment she put her concerns to rest. Like his yosemin mother he had a natural agility and aptitude for such things.

"Uncle Ares," the boy called.

Sira looked up to watch the boy run to his uncle and hug him. She watched the play of emotions on the god's face. She saw surprise, pleasure, pain, anger, and happiness. They were all there. In a movement Sira had seen Hercules do, Ares picked the boy up by one arm and swung him to his broad shoulders. He set him back down at Sira's feet.

"Look, Mother, Uncle Ares is back."

"Yes, Hercus." The girl smiled at her son. Ares followed the empath into the cabin.

"Look, Brother," Ares motioned to the door, "I used the door."

The demigod nodded. "Yes, so you did."

"Thank you for coming back," the healer told him.

"For a little while only, little one. I make no promises."

"I will ask for none, my brother."

Hercules had heard their exchange. He wasn't pleased by the way Sira had addressed his half brother. Sira's feelings for the god of war were getting out of hand. Surely she must see the danger he presented. No, maybe she didn't. She was so lost right now. She needed the strength the god offered, and no matter how hard it was for him to believe it, the love Ares also offered. What had made the change in the god of war, he didn't know. But the fact remained, with Sira and Hercus he was different. Maybe it was just that they gave him love in return.

The big man shook his head to clear it. So, for now the god of war is with us, but I, for one, plan to watch him closely, he told himself.



They went slowly for the healer's sake. Hercules was concerned that she wasn't yet strong enough to make the trip. She was determined however, and he knew how stubborn she could be. Thysis agreed that she was still weak, but he advised the demigod to not suggest this to the healer. "This gives her something to occupy her mind. She may become tired, but then she will sleep better and therefore heal. We will watch her closely for signs of fatigue."

The demigod stood outside the cabin with the elder. Ares had provided them with horses and the healer was using her mind to communicate with them. She hadn't wanted the god to use his powers, but he did it anyway and the girl admitted she could feel the earth in the beasts. She was still tempted to refuse them, but the urgent need that nagged at her got the best of her and she said nothing.

Hercules watched the girl for a moment then turned back to the elder. "Perhaps we should tell her there is a chance that Iolaus lives."

"Not yet. The hold she has on her emotions is still too fragile. I still fear for her. She has not yet let the protective barriers down, and who is to say she ever will? Still, I wish to protect her while we can, in the hope that someday she may again be the child of the earth she once was."
"Are you saying she has lost her earthly powers?"

"Not lost them as much as weakened them. They are still there, but unused they may well disappear."

"We can't let that happen, my father," the demigod whispered.

"No. It would be a great loss. I think perhaps your love may hold the key that will unlock the gate on her earthly forces. If the golden one is indeed gone you may be the only one who can reach her."

"I know what you're suggesting. But she is the wife of my brother."

"Yes, and who better to protect her than you? He would have wanted it this way. He had no illusions about your feelings for her, or hers for you. It does him credit that you could love her. He loved her so completely. He would want his brother to do the same."

The big man closed his eyes for a moment. "I feel him around her. It's like a part of him is still with her and I can feel that. It somehow makes it easier."

"Yes, I feel it also. All the more reason to believe he may still live. It is not always easy to tell when what we perceive is of the earth's forces, or the spirit forces."



They stopped just before midday. Hercules found a place beside a small stream. Driftwood and debris had been washed onto a sandy bend in the river at flood times, then left there to dry and bleach in the sun like old bones on a battlefield. Sira gladly accepted the chance to rest. She spread a blanket on the ground under a tree. Rolling in her cloak she was soon asleep.

As in the night, her dreams were invaded with the vibration of sound and the image of the hunter locked away behind a blue shield of crystal. He called to her, beseeching her to come for him. She woke and tried to bring the images of the dream to her conscious mind. But try as she might, the dream was gone.

Hercules fixed a quick meal of dried meat, bread, and honey. They didn't stay long, however. Hercus spent some time with the god of war. He showed the boy how he could put a weighted log across his ankle and lift it with his legs to build the muscles. When Sira woke she watched them but made no comment.

Sira walked for a time. She needed to feel the earth beneath her feet. The forest they traveled was in change. It was still shedding its winter coat. Bushes and trees were coming into bloom. The healer opened her heart to the world around her and let the peace the earth offered seep into her soul. She stopped to examine the tiny green leaf buds of a low growing bush. "The Tis Ehat bushes will be sweet this year, my love. I can make the tea you love so much."

Her son brought her a pretty pebble. She held the tiny stone in her hand. She could feel the energy of the stone and gave thanks.



Their camp of the night was under an overhang. The back wall of the cliff reflected the heat of the fire back to warm them. They had left the river shortly after their nooning, but there was a spring close to provide them with water. The healer knelt at its edge to splash water on her face. Her tired muscles relaxed slowly. It seemed to her she had always been tired, the pain in her heart and soul always there. With a sigh she rose to return to the fire. For a moment she stood looking into the camp. Hercus and Hercules were examining an interesting rock the boy had found. Ares sat on the ground, his back against a tree. Thysis sat on a log near the fire, and Salmoneus was stirring a pot of stew that hung over the coals.

"I am truly blessed," the healer whispered. "These people have come together to help me. I should find comfort in that and stop feeling as I do."

But how to make that happen? she wondered. How does one stop hurting and mend a torn soul? She remembered her grandmother. While she had been a happy person, there had always been a sadness about her. Sira had felt her loneliness. Her grandmother had told her once that to lose one's Anmchara was to lose one's self. Her grandmother had never recovered the earth's powers she had lost in closing herself away from the pain of loss.

Sira had known it was inevitable that she would outlive the hunter. But death at the hands of old age allowed the mate to build barriers beforehand, and to shield, to a certain extent, the ripping away of the soul's other half. But sudden death, unexpected death, drove the shaft of destructive grief deeply through one's soul, cutting a path so wide and deep that the healer doubted her ability to mend the wound. No matter what, she knew the scar would always show, just as it had with her grandmother.

The demigod looked up to see the healer, and rising he went to her and took her in his arms. She leaned heavily against him and took the comfort he offered.

"Thank you for being here, my more than brother."

"I'll always be here for you, Sira. We'll always have each other."

"No." She shook her head. "I do not believe in always anymore."

"You will again."

She shook her head again. "If I were to go to the earth, would you be there for Hercus?"

The son of Zeus tightened his arms around her. "You're not going to the earth..."

"I need to know," she interrupted him.

He sighed. "When you lay so ill I asked myself that question. But there was only one answer. He is my son. I would give to him all that a child of my own blood would receive. The tie of soul has made him mine in all things."

The girl's shoulders shook and he knew she was crying. "You are truly a part of my soul. Thank you, my more than brother."



The morning was cloudy. A breeze teased their cooking fire and played in the tree tops. The healer predicted rain, and within the hour it was raining.

"There's a good place to camp a little further on," Hercules stated. "Let's keep going until we reach it. The rain's not too bad yet."

"This is intolerable," the god of war argued. "I can make a shelter for us. I can provide you with warm food." He shivered. "Why be uncomfortable when there's no need to be?"

"Because," the demigod retorted, "Sira, Hercus, and Thysis don't appreciate your magic, and frankly neither do I. It was a struggle to get Sira to agree to the horses."

"Still, I could�"

Hercules interrupted him. "This is the way mortals travel. If you're going to be with us, you'll have to put up with it."

"Don't push me, little brother," the god threatened.

"If you don't like it, leave. Pop out like you always do when the going gets a little rough. Go find a warm, dry place and make yourself comfortable."

"Stop it, you two!" the empath interrupted them. She was riding between the two of them. "You bicker like two spoiled children. I am going to ride with Hercus. I need some mature conversation." She moved her mount ahead to join her son.

Ares chuckled. "How do you tolerate a sister who speaks to you like that?" The demigod smiled but gave no answer.

They rode on into the rain. The child of the forest never minded the rain. She had always found a comfort in the life giving liquid the sky offered to its lover, the earth. It began to rain harder. The ground became muddy and the healer feared the horses might slip and injure themselves.

Midday came and went, and still they rode on. Little Sal moaned and complained from under the salesman's cloak. The salesman had joined his complaints to the cat's for a time but now he brooded in silence. Even the healer looked forward to the camp her brother had spoken of. When they reached the place, however, it was no longer usable. Trees and debris washing down the river had caught on rocks to form a dam. The water made a new path in its downward rush to the sea, and in so doing had washed away the camp the big man had promised.

They rode on as the rain became even heavier. The demigod began to look in earnest for a place to shelter them. Thunder rumbled in the distance then light flashed over them and the thunder seemed to shake the ground beneath them. Rain came in a torrential downpour, pushed down on them by the wind that came with the first flash of lightning. Look as he might, the half god, half man found no place to stop. They dismounted and led the frightened horses forward. Lightning struck a tree near them and filled their nostrils with the smell of charred wood.

On and on they walked. Sira lost all track of time. Her head bent down under the weight of the storm, she began to count her steps. She pulled her cloak over her head and trudged on, one foot forward, then the other foot forward. She lost count of her steps and started over only to lose count again.

The demigod walked beside the healer to lend her a hand should she need it. She stumbled and he took her arm. When she stumbled again he picked her up and placed her on her horse.

"Let's mount up!" he shouted to be heard about the storm. "Sira, can you keep going? I believe we can make it to my mother's by nightfall."

The healer nodded. She was just too tired to make the effort to speak.

Ares rode up to Hercules. "Ready to accept my help yet?"

"No, Ares. Keep your damn magic. It's not appreciated here."

"Magic? You call what I can do, magic? What about what Sira and Thysis can do with their minds? That isn't magic? Why? Because they aren't gods? It's still magic, if you ask me."

"No one's asking you!" Hercules shot back.

"Stop it!" the empath shouted. "I am tired of you both." She rode ahead to allow the brothers to argue in peace.



It had been dark for almost an hour when they finally reached the farm. They rode straight to the door. Jason heard their approach and jerked open the door. The light from inside turned the raindrops to gold. Hercules helped the healer down, but she was too unsteady to walk and he carried her into the house. The Argonaut knew something was wrong after one look at the girl.

"Hercules," Alcmene gasped, "what's happened?"

"It's a long story, Mother. I'll tell you later. Right now, we need to get Sira to bed."

"Of course." She moved ahead of her son and opened the door to the room the healer and the hunter always shared when they stayed at the farm.

"No. Not there, please," Sira begged.

"The extra room, Mother. That would be better," Hercules stated.

Ares and Salmoneus took the horses to the stable. The salesman showed the god how to care for the horses. When the horses had been dried and brushed, Salmoneus showed him how to pitch them some hay.

"I'll take care of Sira," Alcmene told her son. "Go get dry and warm. Make sure Hercus is cared for. Thysis can have Iolaus' room."

"Yes, Mother." He kissed her cheek. He squeezed the empath's shoulder and left the room.

"You poor thing," the older woman fussed. She helped the healer remove her wet things, then she brought a nightdress from her own room and pulled it over the shivering girl's head. "What's happened, Sira?"

"Iolaus is dead." The words were spoken in a flat tone of pain. She began to shake with sobs.

Alcmene sat down abruptly on the bed beside the healer. Her legs could no longer support her. She stifled a sob of her own and took the girl in her arms. "Oh, Sira," the older woman whispered, "I'm so sorry. He was like my own son. I couldn't have loved him more if he had been."

The healer put both hands to her head. "I cannot think about it now. I cannot allow myself to feel the pain when I am so tired. I wish I could help you with your grief, but I cannot."

"Shhh, my child. We can help each other later, when you're rested." Alcmene helped the girl lie down, then pulling the covers up to her chin she sat once again on the edge of the bed. "Sleep, Sira. You must rest."

The older woman stayed with the girl until she had fallen to sleep, then she quietly left the room. She found Jason and Hercules still in the hall. "I told you to get dried off," she scolded. Then, despite the fact he was still wet she hugged her son. She knew that Sira wasn't the only one who would grieve for the golden hunter of the forest. As they hugged Salmoneus and Ares came through the door.

The demigod still held his mother's arm. "Allow me to introduce you to Ares, god of war." The big man felt his mother stiffen. The god of war didn't look very imposing at the moment. He was soaked to the bone, his hair hanging in dripping curls around his face.

"What's he doing here?" Alcmene whispered.

"Just go with it, Mother. I'll explain later." He turned to the god of war. "Ares, my mother, Alcmene."

Ares bent at the waist, and taking her hand he kissed it. "My pleasure." Hercules looked disgusted, then he introduced Jason next. "Ah, Jason, the warrior king. I remember you well. Always the true warrior."

Jason studied the god of war for a moment then offered his hand. "Lord Ares," he offered, but not in worship. Ares took the offered hand and they shook hands briefly.

"Now," Alcmene stated, "you need to get dried off. You're dripping all over my hall."

"Sorry, Mother," Hercules smiled. "I sent Thysis to Iolaus and Sira's old room and Hercus to my room. The three of us," he indicated himself, the salesman and Ares, "can sleep in the barn." The god of war raised an eyebrow at this but said nothing.

"Come on, Salmoneus," Jason offered. "We'll find you some dry clothing."

Hercules motioned for Ares to follow him to his room.

"I'll warm some stew for you," Alcmene offered.

"Thank you, Mother. I'm sorry to barge in on you like this."

"Don't be foolish. Now go before you catch your death."

They found Hercus already dressed. Salmoneus had brought in their bags and the boy had found some things, still semi dry, to change into. Hercules looked him over. "Are those clothes dry enough, Hercus?"

"They will do, my uncle. Would it be all right if I checked on my mother and Grandfather Thysis?

"Yes, of course. That would be good of you. Tell Thysis my mother is fixing us something to eat. If your mother is sleeping don't wake her. I'll take something to her later."

The boy nodded and let himself quietly out of the room.

Hercules motioned to the washstand. "There are towels there, Ares, and cloths in the alcove. There should be something that will fit you."

"No need." The god of war swept his hand down his front and he now stood before Hercules dried and groomed. He pointed a finger at the demigod and he too stood prepared to join his mother and Jason in the kitchen.

Hercules frowned. "You just couldn't stand not being allowed to use your tricks, could you?"

The dark god laughed. "You're right. You begin to know me too well."

"Yes. More than I care to."

It was the god's turn to frown. "Look, I don't particularly enjoy your company either," he snarled. "But I'm not here for you. I'm here for Sira. So live with it."

"For Sira's sake I'll tolerate it, at least for a time. That doesn't mean I have to like it."

"Fair enough," Ares nodded. "Truce?"

"Truce," the demigod agreed. "But when this is over, all bets are off."

"I wouldn't have it any other way." The dark one stretched out on the bed, his hands behind his head.

"Can you keep your mouth shut about something?" Hercules asked.

Ares rose up on one elbow to study his brother's face. "Maybe."

"Thysis doesn't think that Iolaus is dead. There is, I believe, a remote chance he may be right. I plan to find Iolaus if he's alive and get him out of whatever trouble he may be in."

"Why tell me this? You should be telling Sira."

"Thysis worries that if we're wrong, the shock to her a second time may well kill her."

"So why tell me?"

"Because I may need your help in this. There may be trouble waiting for us out there. Are you going to be with me or against me?"
"That's an interesting question."

"Well?"

"Let me think about this. Your friend being alive changes things, doesn't it?"

"What in Tartarus does that mean?"
"Just thinking out loud."

"You're not going to answer me, are you?"

"Not yet, anyway."

"I should have known better." He opened the door to leave the room. "Aren't you coming?"

"Why? You know I don't need to eat."

"No, but you can, and it would be rude not to." The god of war looked disgusted. Then with a sigh he rose and followed his brother from the room.

Hercules looked in on Sira first, and assured she was sleeping he led the god of war to the kitchen. The others were waiting for them.

Alcmene looked up to smile at them. "You both look much better. Come and sit." Hercules could see she'd been crying but she put on a show of gaiety. "Come, I've saved the two places beside me for you."

"Thank you, Mother." Hercules kissed her cheek and squeezed her shoulder. A silent message passed between them. Her half god son knew how she felt about Iolaus. She had long thought of him as her son. She was a woman of strong emotions. Love ran deep through her soul. She wouldn't find this easy to deal with. He was glad she had Jason to help her with her grief.

He also knew having Ares here could not be easy for her. He could only imagine what thoughts might be going through her head at having the son of her godly lover and his rightful wife sitting at her kitchen table.

While they ate Hercules explained what they knew about Iolaus. He had already explained most of it to Jason. He didn't, however, mention that there was a chance his brother of the soul still lived. He wasn't sure why. Somehow voicing it made it all the harder to think of him as gone. If he allowed himself to believe too strongly that his friend still lived, he knew, like Sira, the pain would be all the worse if it proved to be untrue.

He wondered if he could ever really accept it. It had taken years and the touch of the empath's soul on his to finally help him accept the death of his family. He could say the words now without falling apart and he could finally give their death a proper place in his mind and heart.

Would he ever find that with the death of the hunter? He wasn't sure. He missed the healer's deeper touch on his mind and soul to help ease his own grief. Could she find a way to open up to him again? For now he would say nothing. Time enough for that when they found the golden one.

Alcmene wiped tears from her eyes. "I just can't believe he's gone." The god of war handed her a silk handkerchief. "Thank you, Ares," she stated absentmindedly. The demigod knew damn well he had conjured it up from his little bag of tricks. His mother was too lost in her pain to notice and he said nothing.

When the meal was over Alcmene started to clear the table. Salmoneus offered to help. "Yes, Mother," Hercules nodded at her, "let him help, and Ares will too. I need to talk to you and Jason both."

The god of war started to protest. At the look on his face Jason chuckled. Hercules narrowed his eyes at his brother. They challenged each other in silence for a moment.

"Thank you Ares," Alcmene offered. "I'm afraid I'm a bit overwhelmed. Your help is most appreciated."

The god of war turned to look at the woman. He studied her face for a moment, but if she was goading him she gave no sign. With a shrug he rose and began to clear the table. Alcmene turned away, but not before Hercules saw the diabolical smile on his mother's face. He grinned but said nothing.

Jason led his wife and the demigod to his study. When he had closed the door behind him he turned to the others. "Might I suggest we not push Ares too far?"

Alcmene smiled at him. "I'm sorry. I just couldn't resist."

The Argonaut crossed the room to the sideboard and poured himself and his wife a goblet of wine. He offered the demigod cider, knowing he didn't drink spirits as a rule. When they were all seated the demigod asked his mother and the Argonaut for permission to leave Hercus with them.

"We wish to try and find out what happened to Iolaus, and if possible recover his body." The big man took a deep breath to calm himself. He wondered again if he should tell them of Thysis' belief that Iolaus may still be alive. Thinking about it had given him a headache and he almost wished he had taken wine instead of the fruit juice. No, that never solves anything.

He saw the tears in his mother's eyes, and as she turned to him they spilled down her cheeks. Jason came to sit on the wicker sofa with her. Placing her hand in his she leaned against his shoulder.

"Poor Sira," Alcmene whispered. "I can't begin to imagine what she must be going through. It must be horrible for her."

Her son sighed and went to stand at the window. "We almost lost her too. Her grief was so overwhelming." He turned back to the room. "We may well have lost her if Ares hadn't been there. I know having him here is hard for you, Mother. But Sira cares for him and he cares for her. Somehow his presence seems to help her."

"What does Sira see in him?"

"Something very few others have seen. I have to admit I've gotten a glimpse of it myself." He shrugged. "She was so ill. Thysis painted a grim picture for her if we were unable to help her open her mind at least a little. You know how I feel about Ares. But he did help her. Of course he had to be cruel to do it. But it shocked her into coming out of her shell. She seems to need him around, and I, for one, am not going to take that away from her, not when she needs all the help she can get."

"You're right of course, Hercules," Jason nodded. "Shall I come with you? I can help keep an eye on our godly friend if nothing else."

"Thank you Jason," the demigod smiled at his friend. "I would love to have you with me. But I need something else from you."

"Name it. You know how close Iolaus and I always were. How many times was it him and I against you? We had some good times together, the three of us. I'll do whatever I can for his family and for you."

"Thank you, my friend. I was in hopes you'd feel that way. I need you to be here for Hercus. He'll be going through a rough time and I can't be here for him. I can think of no one better to help him with this."

Jason nodded gravely. "You should know without asking that I will do this."

"Yes. I knew, but I had to ask anyway.

The Argonaut rose then excused himself. "I'll go see how many dishes Ares has broken." He sensed that

mother and son needed some time alone. Besides that, he needed a moment to get his own grief under control. He

found Ares up to his elbows in dishwater. Salmoneus hummed a tune, obviously enjoying the situation.

"Oh, mighty god of war? You missed a spot." He handed the dish back to the god. "See?" he pointed to the

offending spot.

Ares narrowed his eyes at the place the salesman pointed to, then pointed his finger and the spot was gone.

"No, no," Salmoneus scolded. "Remember, Ares, no magic." He turned to Jason. "It offends the

yosemins," he stated by way of explanation.

"This," the god of war whispered through clinched teeth, "is intolerable." His anger was barely contained.

Salmoneus stood seemingly unperturbed by the god's anger, which only raised the god's ire. Inside the salesman was shaking. He knew he had gone too far and now treaded a thin line. He took a moment to wonder just what the god might do, but his imagination was too good and he pushed the thoughts from his head. He refused to show his fear. If I gotta go, he told himself, I'm going out like a man. I hope.

After a moment the god of war turned back to the dishes he had almost finished. Salmoneus took a deep breath to calm himself and took the plate Ares offered him. It wasn't all that clean but the entrepreneur decided the better part of valor would be to simply wipe the plate clean.

"I'll make sure the barn is ready for you," Jason offered. Humor was plainly written on his face and the salesman noted it. Ares had his back to the former king of Corinth and was unaware of Jason's delight at his expense.



Hercules came to sit beside his mother. He took her small delicate hand in his big one. His mother squeezed her son's hand, and turning it over she studied it. She fingered a small scar on his thumb. "I remember when you got that. You and Iolaus were practicing with swords." Her voice broke.

"I can't believe he's gone," her son whispered. His mother cringed at the pain she heard in his words.

"Could Hera have had a hand in this?"

"I don't know," the demigod shrugged, "but I intend to find out." He stood. "I need to check on Sira. Will you be all right?"

"Yes. I plan to sit here and cry for a few minutes then go to bed. If you need anything, you know where I'll be."

"I'm sorry you have to be hurt again, Mother."

"Parents are supposed to go before the children, not the other way around. He was my son. It will take time for the wounds to heal. But we can do this together. All of us. When you've returned him to the mountains, then I think I would like to visit the cabin. It would be nice to get away, and I can see where his remains will spend eternity." She did nothing to hide her tears. "It will help to know where he is. I know being near Sira, he will be happy. Later, when I come home I can visualize his home and feel close to him."

The demigod shut his eyes tightly then rolled his head back. Tears shown on his cheeks as well. "I don't want to live without him anymore than Sira does. I wish I could stop and just take time to feel my grief. But if I do I may not be able to go on. He was always there for me. When Deianeira and the children were killed. When Xena and I went our separate ways. When Serena was killed. I can't remember a time he wasn't there for me. Now I need to be there for him. I have to take care of Sira and Hercus."

"I know. And I know he can rest easy because he knows you'll do what you must to help them."

The demigod pulled a chair up to the bed where the healer slept. He'd brought her some food but didn't wake her to eat it. He knew she healed in her sleep. He made sure she wasn't feverish, then taking a seat on the chair he willed himself to relax. He wasn't particularly proud of himself. He knew he had been wallowing in self pity when he spoke with his mother. It was true, he felt tired, and having time to let his grief ease might be good. But feeling resentful that he couldn't do so was not something he was happy with himself about. Maybe it's more a matter of not knowing how to cope with this than anything, he reasoned with himself. He felt inadequate and unprepared to assume the role he had taken upon himself.

Iolaus would know what to do. He wouldn't be going through all this soul searching. He'd simply follow his heart and let it guide him. "Iolaus," he whispered. "You've got to be alive out there somewhere. Give me a sign, old friend."

Hercus let himself into the room quietly and the big man motioned to him to let him know it was all right. The boy came to stand beside him and the son of Zeus put his arm around his shoulders. He could feel the boy's mind on his. He always could, but since Hercus had returned to the hidden cabin the boy had deepened his mind's touch on his uncle of the soul.

"I'll hold you in my mind and soul, Hercus. You won't be alone."

"Thank you, my uncle. It will not be easy to be separated from you and my mother."

"I'm sorry. We'll return as soon as we can."

"I know. My being here may be a good thing. I think perhaps your mother will need me. She has not taken the news of my father's death very well."

"No. She loved him like a son."

"Yes, I felt the tie of soul between them. Jason also will grieve. Together we will find comfort."

"You are a healer. You care more for others than yourself."

"Do you think it would be all right for me to stay with my mother? I could call you if she needed you."

"I think it would be a very good idea." He stood. "I'll be in the barn should you need me."

The boy stepped forward and hugged him. "Thank you, my uncle."

The big man ran a hand over the boy's head. He felt so much of the hunter about the boy. Iolaus had left a part of himself here to remind them, and the son of Zeus knew the tie of soul he had with the boy would only deepen and mature. Hercus had voiced his desire to travel with the demigod, and Hercules found himself wishing the boy was already old enough to do so.



The big man found Ares and Salmoneus already in the barn. The god of war was storming. "You don't really expect me to sleep on straw, do you?"

"No, Ares," Hercules countered, "you're free to go at any time."

"I've told you before, I'm here for Sira, little brother."

"I wish you wouldn't call me that."

"Why? It's only the truth, little brother."

"No, Ares. The yosemins are right. It takes more than blood to make brothers."

"Still, we have the same father whether you like it or not. Too bad you're only a half breed bastard of his."

The demigod turned white with anger. "Why are you really here, Ares?" The big man was fighting to control his voice and his urge to smash the arrogant look from the god of war's face.

"I've told you that already. I'm here for Sira, and since she calls you and I both brother, we would be related even by yosemin standards."

"I will never call you brother, Ares."

The god laughed. "It really galls you when she does, doesn't it?"

"Is that why you're here? To manipulate Sira to get to me?" The demigod nodded. "I begin to understand. I asked you once before if you had anything to do with my friend's death. I'm asking you again."

"I've told you, little brother. I had nothing to do with that," the god snarled. "And don't flatter yourself. I'm not here because of you. I'm here because Sira wanted me here."

"I don't believe for a moment that you don't have some evil plan cooking in that warped mind of yours."

"I don't give a damn what you believe. I don't give a damn if you like me or not. I only please myself. And for the moment it pleases me to help Sira." He jerked a blanket from where it lay over a stall. He turned his back on the room and the demigod, and plopping down on the straw of the stall he rolled in the blanket.

Hercules stared at his back a moment, then grabbing his own blanket he stormed from the barn and headed toward the porch and the wooden porch swing.

Salmoneus watched the god of war's back a moment, then with a shrug he found a place for himself in the straw. He wasn't sure how safe it was to sleep so close to Ares, especially when the dark one was so angry. He hadn't forgotten what happened in the kitchen when he had angered the god of war. Maybe I should look for someplace outside to sleep. He started to sit up then stopped. "Oh for pity's sake," the salesman mumbled. "He snores. Who would have thought a god would sleep, let alone snore?"



Sira was better the next day. She joined the others in the kitchen for the first meal of the day. "Will we leave today?" she asked of her brother of the soul.

"No, my sister. You need to rest and the ground needs to dry out a bit. We'll leave tomorrow."

The healer nodded but made no comment. She offered to help Alcmene with the clean up but the older woman wouldn't hear of it.

In a generous move that surprised even himself, Ares offered to help. After a moment's hesitation, Alcmene accepted his offer. Everyone looked surprised. "What?" the god asked. "I do a mean dish wash. Those stains don't stand a chance against the god of war." Even Hercules had to laugh.

"Thank you, Ares," Alcmene told him later.

"For the dishes?" he asked.

"Yes. You're right, you're very good at washing dishes," she teased. "But I also mean for being here for Sira."

The god of war nodded. "You care for her also."

"Yes, I do. She's a wonderful girl. She gives so much of herself, and I don't just mean in her healings." She sighed. "I hope you find the one who did this to her. I'd like to get my hands on him." She shook her head and shrugged. "I'm sorry. I know a woman isn't supposed to think like that. But it's how I feel."

"Women sometimes make better warriors than men. Don't be ashamed of your feelings."

"I'm not. I never have been."

Ares laughed. "I begin to see why my father was so taken with you."

Alcmene frowned for a moment then decided to take the god's comment as a compliment. "Thank you, Lord Ares."

He laughed again. "Anything else you need done in the kitchen?"

This time Alcmene laughed. "No, that's all. But I must say you're very efficient."

"Thank you," he hesitated, "Mother."

Alcmene was surprised by this, but for some reason she was also pleased. In the spirit the title was given she replied, "You're welcome, Son."

He gave her a thoughtful look then smiled at her. She smiled back. Then they both laughed.

Hercules and Jason were in the study. "Your mother and Ares seem to be having fun," the Argonaut commented.

The demigod didn't take the bait.



Sira napped through lunch but she wasn't sleeping well. Her dreams were filled with visions of the hunter trapped behind blue crystal walls that vibrated with a rhythmic beat. The sound seemed to reverberate against the crystal to fill her ears. She was walking down a long corridor of the same blue stone. It glowed with a light of its own that appeared to shift and undulate with the vibration.

She called to the hunter, but her words echoed back at her over and over, leaving a ringing sensation in her ears. Dread walked with her down the corridor to blend with the pain in her head. Evil seemed to stalk her, sending icy fingers of fear up and down her spine.

She woke with a start, then lay staring unseeing at the wall. She tried to hold the thread of her dream together. It seemed important to remember what had so unnerved her. But try as she might, she couldn't. It left her with an uneasy feeling of dread and nothing more. The shadows had lengthened as she slept and the room was cast in shades of gray and charcoal. She rolled over to look at the window. Lacy curtains rippled in the evening breeze, their snowy whiteness lost to the moving shadows of leaves cast by the tree just outside the room. The girl rose and put on her woven moss pants. She had lost weight over the last few days and they hung loosely from her hips. She put on one of Alcmene's silk tops and went to stand by the window. It was a low window, large to let in more light since the room was on the north side of the house and didn't get as much of the sun.

She pushed the shutters back further, and sitting on the window sill she slid her legs over and dropped to the ground. Walking in bare feet she headed toward the river. The light breeze fanned her face and sent the loose tendrils of hair around her face to tickle her cheeks. Mud left from the rains oozed up between her toes to caress them and sent the healing power of the earth to soothe her.

She stopped under the tree she remembered so well. It was here she had healed the hunter's hand when it had been crushed and broken by a heavy rock while building a dam in the river. She had healed Winnie here as well, taking the little girl's burns to herself and using the earth's powers to cure them. She remembered what it had felt like to make love to the hunter here on the grass. She went to her knees in the muddy grass and spread her hands wide. The grass bent to curl around her fingers.

"I love you, my mate of the soul. Help me find you. Guide me to your spirit and let me take you home. To know you are near me will ease the pain. I know you have not gone to the human place of rest. I know you are with the earth." Tears rolled down her cheeks. "I wish I could join you there. To be with you there would be good. But I have another destiny, it would appear, and our son needs me still."

She rose and went to stand beside the river. How many times had she bathed here with the golden hunter? She pulled her shirt over her head, then removing her pants she waded into the water. Would this ever get easier? she wondered. Would it ever not hurt to be alone in places they had been together?

She swam for a few minutes then left the water to retrieve her things. When she was dressed she wandered over the grass to the knoll that looked down on the farm they had shared for a short time. It was rich and green there now. Ezekial had done a wonderful job with the farm. It was productive enough now that he had another man helping him in the fields and orchards. She and the hunter had never regretted giving the farm to Ezekial and his daughter Winnie. It had been the right thing to do.

Hercules had once told her she wasn't cut out to be a farmer's wife, and he was right. She'd never been happy staying for too long in one place. Part of the magic of traveling had been the hunter. He'd always been a part of the adventure. Will I ever feel that joy again? She turned away and walked slowly back to the farm of Alcmene and Jason.



Continued