Their dinner that night was solemn. Sira and Alcmene had talked of the hunter when the girl returned to the farm. It had left the older woman depressed. The real reaction was setting in and Alcmene was finding it hard to put her grief aside.

She fixed a good meal for them despite the headache that plagued her. Then she found she couldn't eat it. Jason suggested she go to bed, hoping the darkened room would help with the pain behind her eyes and she agreed without argument.

Sira asked Hercules if he would do the clean up. "I will stay with your mother for a time. I do not know if I can heal her. That part of me is still so locked away. But I will try."

The demigod kissed her cheek. "Thank you for caring so much for my mother. Knowing you and she are so close has always brought me joy."

"Later, would you sit with me on the porch?"

"Of course, my sister."

She smiled at him and followed Alcmene to her room.

Salmoneus began to clear the table while Hercules filled the dish pan with water.

Jason invited Ares to his study. The god of war had been strangely quiet all day. He had spent a great deal of time with the horses and Hercus. The boy delighted in caring for the beasts. The god found it interesting to watch the boy using the power of the earth to communicate with the horses and lull them into being docile and cooperative.

They had spent some time working on exercises that would help to build the boy's muscles. Like his mother the boy possessed a natural agility. He was already stronger than a human child of the same years would be. He learned very quickly and showed no fear of trying new things.

Ares felt admiration for the boy grow and build inside him. What would it be like to have a son like him? The god was honest with himself. He knew he had fathered children. He wouldn't lie about it to others or to himself. But he had never taken any part in their growth beyond the conception. He wished now that weren't true. Right, Ares. You fool. What kind of father would you make? You wouldn't be any better at it than your own father was.

Jason offered the god of war a seat and a mug of ale. Ares accepted the seat but declined the latter.

The Argonaut took the seat behind his desk. "Do you play chess, Ares?"

"Yes," the god replied. "But I have an unfair advantage."

Jason chuckled. "So don't use it. Play the game fairly."

"I hate to lose," Ares grinned. "Somehow I just can't not use my advantage."

The former king chuckled again. "Well, at least you're honest, my friend."

The god of war found himself pleased by Jason's comment. "Jason, warrior king."

"Former warrior king," the Argonaut reminded him.

"And you gave it all up for a woman?" Jason nodded. "All that glory? All that power?"

Jason smiled. "I was a damn good warrior."

"Yes, I know," the god whispered.

"I was also a damn good king. But in all the things I did and accomplished in my life, the one thing that shines out, the greatest accomplishment, my crowning triumph and treasure, is the love Alcmene and I have for each other." The god of war was quietly reflective and Jason continued. "To touch another in heart and soul, and to be touched in return." He shook his head. "There's nothing finer. What greater glory can a man aspire to?"

Ares contemplated this for a moment. A man, or a god?

Sira sat on the edge of Alcmene's bed. The older woman now slept. The healing had helped her a great deal. The empath was comforted to find she could lower the barriers needed to help her friend. She had been afraid she would be unable to do so. It was late now. She had stayed with her friend, taking comfort from their shared grief. The older woman had told her some of the hunter's exploits as a boy and they had laughed and cried together.

Sira rose and blew out the candle that burned on the table by the bed. She quietly let herself out of the room and made her way to the porch. The demigod waited for her on the swing and rose to greet her when she stepped out of the door.

He took her hand and led her to the swing. "How'd it go?"

"I was able to help her after all. Whether I could transfer or not, I do not know. But at least I know I have not lost the earth."

"I'm glad, my sister."

"Thank you for helping me. That is why I asked you to meet me here. I wanted to thank you."

"You don't have to thank me. You know I love you."

She rested her head against his shoulder and he kissed the top of her head. "I am glad I have you, my more than brother. Your touch on my mind and soul is strong. I do not think I could make it without that."

He put his arm around her and tightened his grip on her. "I couldn't make it without you either."

She turned her face up to study his and he kissed her slightly parted lips. She responded. His kiss deepened and she put her hands in his hair to pull his lips tightly against hers. She opened her mind to him and felt the love they shared touch and mingle. Her hands slipped down to his chest and under his leather shirt to caress the thick, bristly hair that grew there.

The days and nights of pain, her needs and desires, her soul's involvement, all went into the kiss she still shared with the demigod. She loved him. She had for a long time. She needed him now to love her in return. Not because she lusted for him, but because she needed his love to help her heal. She sensed his desire and found it mirrored in herself. It wasn't always easy to keep the physical side of things apart from the emotional side when it came to the soul's involvement and the powers of the earth.

Her hand slipped down his chest to his waist and he jerked away. "Wait." He caught her hand and held it in his. "Wait, my sister. This wouldn't be right. I love you. You know that. I find you very desirable. But if there is ever to be a time for us, I want it to be because it is meant to be, not because we're hurting. We need each other now, but that is no way to start a relationship. We must wait and let this build naturally, if it's going to at all."

The girl began to cry. "I am sorry. I did not mean to try and seduce you. You are right. Our pain was more what started this than our love. I do love you. Our souls have touched." She shook her head. "Forgive me. I did not mean to use you. How selfish of me."

"It's not selfish to need and love me. And we have done no disrespect to Iolaus. It wasn't lust that motivated this. It was loneliness."

"I am not sure I can live without him. I am not sure I want to."

"I know. But I will be here for you. And who knows? Perhaps we will be together someday. You know I want you."

"And I also want you. I could not bear to lose your soul's touch as well."

He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the fingertips. He wanted so badly to tell her of Thysis' suspicion. This had also been in his thoughts when he stopped them before things went too far. He was honest with himself. He wanted her, but not at the expense of his friend. To take her when there was the chance the hunter lived would be the ultimate betrayal of both Sira and Iolaus. He knew damn well Sira had turned to him because she was so lost. He felt the same way. But he also loved her. Someday he hoped to be with her as a mate. He admitted that now for the first time. He wanted to possess her mind, soul, and body completely. And he knew that would never happen while her soul belonged to the hunter. If he couldn't have her completely he wouldn't have her at all. He was content to wait for a chance for them when and if the earth granted it.

The god of war didn't come to the barn that night and in the morning he was still not there. The demigod was annoyed for Sira's sake, but he admitted for his sake he would just as soon the god of war never returned. It was a relief not to have to deal with him.

The relief was short lived, however. He and Salmoneus were preparing the horses for travel when the god appeared in the yard outside the barn. "Where in Tartarus have you been?" the demigod snarled.

Rather than rise to the challenge, Ares answered simply, "You might say, I was looking around."

"Looking around for what?"

Ares shrugged. "You did say that Thysis doesn't believe Iolaus is dead?" Hercules nodded. "So if he isn't dead he has to be somewhere."

The half man, half god frowned in his habitual way. "So, what did you find?"

The dark god sighed. "Nothing, absolutely nothing. That's what troubles me."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Shaking his head the god of war sighed again. "I don't know yet. I need some time to think on this."

Hercules nodded. The god's reasoning had started him thinking also. The demigod found his mother in the kitchen and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Feeling better?"

"Yes, thank you." She smiled at him. "I'm sorry I wasn't better company last night."

"It's all right, Mother. We aren't here to be entertained."

"Jason said that Ares was gone. What's that going to do to Sira?"

"He was gone during the night but he's back now."

"For Sira's sake, I'm glad." She shook her head. "I know it sounds ridiculous, but Ares looks a lot like Iphicles, don't you think?" Then she continued without waiting for him to answer. "Anyway, I'm glad he's returned. Sira really does seem to want him around."

"Well, I wish he weren't," her son commented.

"I know, I don't trust him either. Still, I must admit he can be very charming."

"Mother!" Hercules scolded.

"It's true, Hercules. He gets it from his father." The demigod groaned, but she continued. "Both of his sons inherited it."

Hercules laughed. "Nice save, Mother."

"You can tease all you want. What I said is true. All three of you have more charm than is good for you. Now get out of my kitchen so I can finish making breakfast."

Sira lingered over her departure with her son, which only made the leaving all the harder. The god of war took her hand finally and led her to the horse. "He'll be well cared for, little one." Hercules looked annoyed but said nothing.

Sira jumped to the horse's back unaided, and with a last wave she took the lead, heading east toward the mountains.

The travelers reached a small stream just after midday and stopped to rest the horses.

"When will we reach this Neberous forest?" Ares asked.

"Tomorrow," the demigod supplied. "It isn't that far and the horses will get us there all the faster."

"You're welcome," the god grinned at his brother.

Sira braced herself, waiting for the inevitable retort that would lead to an argument. But her brother only nodded to the god of war and walked away.

They ate dried fruit and jerked meat, which they washed down with Tassis tea. The demigod took a place next to the healer to eat his meal. He wished he could help to ease her grief, but her mind was still closed to him most of the time. The loss of the deeper touch on his mind from her left him dealing with a double grief. He had come to depend on the empath's mind link. It had filled a part of his loneliness. There was always love in the earth child's touch. He had felt her need for him, and his own need for her love and comfort had mingled with hers to draw the strings of their love tighter around them both. He had, since that time in Acubus when he'd invited her mind to become a part of his, been surrounded and supported by her love. He was bereaved of that now that her mind remained closed to protect it from the unbearable pain at the loss of the other half of her soul.

Who could imagine a love like the empath and the hunter had shared? He had loved Deianeira. She had been a part of his soul. Still, what he had shared with her while intense, was nothing like what he had felt between the hunter and the girl who sat beside him. He wondered if such a thing was even possible between two humans. Then with a rush of energy that seemed to come from the ground he sat on, he knew with conviction it wasn't.

The healer yawned then lay down beside the demigod. She rested her cheek on his thigh for a pillow. Her hand lay beside her cheek. Her sensitive palm could feel the warmth of his skin even through his woven leather pants. He smoothed the hair from her cheek. "My more than sister."

The healer smiled. She touched her mind to his. "My more than brother." She could sense his thoughts. He had grabbed onto her thoughts quickly. She sensed his need for the contact of mind and soul. "Give me time, my brother. Time to heal and become whole again. You have not lost me."

He smiled. "Stop worrying about me, little healer. Let's get you better."

He leaned his head back to rest against the tree he had used as a back rest. He closed his eyes and let his mind drift. He felt the girl beside him twitch as she fell asleep and he let his breath out with a sigh of relaxation.

Again the healer's mind was filled with the vision of the blue chamber that held the hunter captive. She heard again the sound of the vibration and felt the dread that gripped her. He was there behind the crystal, his features distorted by the stone to give him a ghostly look of death. She beseeched him to come to her, but he seemed not to hear her and stared through the hazy blue wall with unseeing eyes. She looked around her. The room she stood in was a cave, its walls also blue and shiny. Stalagmites and stalactites made weird shapes in the dimly lit cavern.

Through the link of mind the healer had deliberately maintained with her more than brother of the soul, he also saw the dream played out before him. He called to the healer, only to have his words thrown back at him from the glassy walls.

The god of war gently shook his arm. "Hercules." The big man opened his eyes but he was still dazed by the dream and not really aware of his surroundings. "We should travel on," the god suggested.

The demigod nodded. He was surprised he had slept. He hadn't meant to. He was tired. His sleep of late was long in coming and never sound. Still, he was surprised, then he realized he shouldn't be. The healer's mind touching his mind had eased his grief and given him comfort.

"We can gain some ground yet before it turns dark." The god of war could sense his brother's muddled state.

Hercules nodded again. He tried for a moment to remember the dream, but it was gone. "Thanks, Ares. I never meant to sleep."

"It's all right. You needed it."

The demigod woke the healer, and at the startled look on her face he pulled her into his arms. "I dreamed I was calling to you," he told her.

"I was dreaming also."

He patted her shoulder. "Thank you for helping me."

"It helped me also." He rose and pulled her to her feet. She smiled at him. "I am going to refresh myself at the stream then we can go."

She took her pack with her and made her way to the small stream. It ran cold and clear over small stones. The banks were grassy and the long green blades of grass hung over the water to caress its surface. It was pleasant here. The girl could hear the birds in the nearby brush. Tiny blue flowers grew close to the ground, almost lost in the grasses that protected them. The child of the earth could feel the earth's comfort gently flow to her. A tiny bug scrambled over a mound of dirt, leaving his tracks on the damp brown soil. The empath bathed her face in the water. She found a small blue stone shining at the bottom of the brook and retrieved it. It would join the other pebbles she kept on the mantle. She sat back on her heels and stared out over the grassy meadow. Life did go on. There had been a time she wondered if it would. She still wasn't sure if she was glad of this or not. With a sigh she rose and returned to the others.

Ares offered her a leg up to the horse's back and she accepted. "Thank you, Lord Ares."

"My lady," he half bowed in salute.

"It is not every lady who can claim to have been served by the god of war."

"And not every god who can claim such pleasure at serving a lady."

She smiled at him. "Tonight when we camp, will you wash my feet?" she teased.

"If you will wash mine."

"I live to serve, my lord,"

"Hmmm. Somehow I don't think that is true. No," he shook his head, "I don't find you servile at all."

"Would you want me to be?"

"No," he shook his head again. He placed his hand on her thigh where it hugged the horse. He looked up at her and studied her face a moment. "No, Sira, I wouldn't want you that way at all." His voice was deep and whispery. The empath felt a tingle at the base of her spine. "When this is over, if you are still alone I want you with me. Not to serve me. No little one, not to serve me, but so that I might serve you."

The healer was shocked. She felt his sincerity. She realized that perhaps for the first time he was actually willing to give of himself. The healer was surprised by the emotions that his statement aroused in her. She had wanted to help the god of war deal with the emotions that made him what he was, and to bring forth more of the emotions she found so appealing to her healer's heart. She felt the need to heal stir deep inside her. She knew what he had just promised her. She wasn't a fool. Is that what she wanted from him?

He sensed her confusion. "There is time, my sister. I'm not expecting an answer now." She only looked more confused. He smiled at her and turned to mount his own horse.

They rode into higher and higher ground. The forests of Neberous were a wild, high country. The hunter had always liked the area. He had hunted here often before he had given his heart and soul to the empath. The girl found a peace in the majestic pines that brushed the sky and shaded the ground. Ferns grew in the pine needle carpeted soil, their pale green fronds made all the paler by the darkness of the tree trunks they surrounded.

Thysis rode beside the healer, not speaking, and yet soothing and comforting her. His mind had stayed on hers from the start and she leaned on his mental support with gratitude.

Hercules slowed his horse and waited for the salesman to catch up with him. "Tell us what you know of the village of Neberous."

The salesman was fighting his horse. He wasn't very comfortable on a horse. He liked them, but his riding skills were poor. Little Sal wasn't anymore happy about being on the horse than the salesman. He rode the saddle in front of Salmoneus or rode the man's shoulder with a definite look of annoyance.

The entrepreneur had tried to convince the cat to stay at Alcmene's with Hercus, but the cat had jumped from the boy's arms and pounced on the salesman's leg to climb to his place on the horse's back. With a shrug that was supposed to look annoyed but which failed miserably, the salesman had turned his horse and joined the others.

The healer sent her mind to calm the horse, and when it was under control the salesman took a deep breath to calm himself. "There's a lot of prosperity in the village, I know that. I told you I was selling boots and shoes now. By the way, if my cart is still there I have a pair of boots that would look wonderful on you."

"Salmoneus," the demigod interrupted.

"Oh. Sorry. Where was I? Oh yeah, the village has grown a lot now that the old temple is occupied. The man who lives there has brought a lot of changes to the sleepy little mountain village. I made a fair profit on my merchandise. I was really doing well before the magistrate decided to exact an unfair tax on my booth." The demigod sighed in frustration. Trying to get the point from the entrepreneur could be painfully tedious.

"I went to the temple after I woke up from the conk on my head. I was looking for Iolaus. As I said before, the boots I saw before I passed out were none of the ones I sold. The temple was close. I couldn't help but wonder if the people there had something to do with this whole thing."

The god of war smiled. "What kind of boots were they wearing?" He was teasing but the salesman took the question seriously.

"I looked at them first thing. They were all wrong. The old man who lives there is a little eccentric, if you ask me. He's made himself some kind of self proclaimed monarch of all he surveys. He even wears a crown of sorts. He has, however, made the valley prosperous. He's built a water channel to irrigate the farms. He's started the people cutting wood from the forest to sell in the cities. He employs a lot of people, either in the old temple to serve him or to work the land and do the logging. Everyone has a kind word for him. He invited me into his study and offered me some ale. He was a gracious host."

"But?" the healer asked. She had sensed the salesman's hesitation.

"But, there was just something about him I wasn't taken with. You know how sometimes you feel someone is just telling you what you want to hear and you don't feel they're sincere?" He shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe I'm just jealous of his wealth. Anyway, after I left there I went to the village. I stuck around for a few hours, looking for the boots I had seen." He shook his head. "The thing is, Iolaus isn't the first person to turn up missing. Some villagers have gone missing also. The old man suggested it was highwaymen. But that couldn't be it. My things were left untouched. It's like they wanted Iolaus." He shrugged again. He carefully steered his horse around a gully. "But what could they want with people?"

The healer and the demigod looked at each other. It wasn't the first time people had turned up missing to feed some evil magical beast. The girl shuddered.

"Why not take both of you?" the god of war mused. "Where does this old man get his wealth?"

"Nobody seems to know. But he has gold, silver, jewels. The whole damn village shines with the stuff."

"Okay," the demigod nodded, "we visit the village first. The boots are our only lead so Salmoneus can be on the lookout for them and we can ask around a little."

"I need to visit the place where Iolaus was�" The girl couldn't say the words. "Where Salmoneus saw him last." Thysis reached out to take her hand. "I must get a feel for him if I hope to find his spirit."

The elder of the clan of the wolf and the lion spoke for the first time since leaving the stream. "Yes, my daughter, we must try. Perhaps together, our minds will find what we seek."

Their camp that night was a dry one. However, there was water in the water skin and in their flasks. They gave most of the water to the horses and saved the rest for themselves. They made no tea tonight. They dined on rabbits roasted over the fire and the last of the cheese they had brought from Alcmene's.

The healer cleaned their plates as best she could with sand then packed them away. She would wash them when next they found water. The god of war offered her a water flask that was full and she narrowed her eyes at him. He gave her an innocent look that didn't fool her for a moment. She shook her head, and returning the flask to him she drank from her own depleted supply of the life giving liquid. With a look of disgust he tossed the flask on his bedroll.

When the others took to their bed the god of war sat by the fire. He watched the yellow-orange tongues of flame consume the fuel he occasionally fed them. The coals glowed red with heat, then purple as a breeze fanned them, then red again when it passed. His mind wasn't really on the fire. He had made his declaration to the empath. He wasn't really sure why. He hadn't meant to, at least not yet. He had been thinking about it since his talk with Jason in the Argonaut's study. Still, he had meant to wait. He wasn't convinced the hunter was dead. He knew with a conviction born of his new tie with the healer she would never be his while the hunter still lived. He took a few moments to entertain some ideas of how he could eliminate that problem.

He shook his head. He had promised her he wouldn't harm her or her family. He wouldn't break his word, not to her. He didn't want her that way; that would spoil the whole thing. He wanted her completely and he wanted her to come to him of her own free will. He understood the odds of that happening were slim, but somehow that only added to the excitement of the game. He thought back to his conversation with the healer. She had been shocked and confused by his suggestion, but she hadn't been repulsed.

He hadn't failed to sense her excitement at the prospect. She wasn't adverse to his advances, he was sure. Still, even if the hunter was indeed dead, that was no guarantee she would come to him. There was still the matter of her feelings for the demigod. He admitted his brother had a much better chance of holding her heart and he also admitted the demigod was a much better choice if Sira wanted a dull human existence. He was counting on her wanting something more. He knew very well that danger excited her. He had felt that. He was convinced that with a little prodding she could learn to truly embrace it. Still, forcing her would spoil things. I'll do as Jason suggested and as I promised myself, he thought. I'll play this one fair. I'll live the thrill of the challenge and embrace the unknown outcome. Then win or lose, I'll accept it like a god.

He sighed. It wouldn't be easy. He hated to lose and would hate losing to his half brother even more. But he had vowed to carry a campaign off straight for perhaps the first time and he meant to do so. "Let the chips fall where they may," he whispered.

When he first came to Sira it had been because he had felt her pain and need. He still wasn't sure how these things were possible, but with her they were. He had found himself drawn to her even before that brief encounter in the old castle at Yucaipia. Back then it had been the sense of power he had felt from her, but after that brief kiss on the back of her hand it had been more. He was awed by her power still, but that was secondary to the other emotions that drew him to her.

Finding her so pitiful in her grief, he had felt pain in his own heart, something he wasn't used to feeling. He had stayed because he really wanted to help her. There had really been no ulterior motive behind his actions. The problem now was he would hate to give her up. She had seen and felt a side of him he wasn't even aware existed. A side he must hide from others. But with her it didn't matter. With her he could be Ares, not the god of war. She was the first to see the distinction between the two. He dared to hope she loved Ares enough to bring about the possibility of them becoming more than the soul brother and sister she called them now.

He was honest with himself. The god of war still wanted a certain raven haired beauty. He doubted anything could change that. But Ares wanted the yosemin healer. He allowed his mind to dwell on the two women. He remembered his suggestion that he could have them both. He smiled. What glory that would be. The warrior princess to stimulate his warrior half and to arouse his desires with force, Sira to stimulate his softer side, the side he only recently found he possessed. Sira, to touch his heart and fulfill the longing need still empty from his childhood. He could easily imagine making love to her tenderly, then being with Xena on a wild ride of excitement and danger.

Yes. To possess them both� Still, I'll play this one straight.

They rode into the village of Neberous shortly after midday. The village had sprung up near the temple and been named after the forest that surrounded it. The healer and the elder covered their feet before they entered the village. They hoped to put people at ease so that they might glean information from them. Hiding their differences might help. They found a place to get food and water for the horses and left them in the care of a bent and crooked old man. The price he had quoted for this service had shocked the demigod but he said nothing.

The healer stayed close to her more than brother of the soul. She was apprehensive among so many people. She left her mind open in case she might feel something that would help them find out what had happened to the hunter. This, however, left her vulnerable to the people's emotions. Human emotions were so often chaotic and unfocused which could be hard for her at the best of times.

The others spread out, moving among the stalls as if shopping. The demigod bought some bread and cheese at an elevated price and was given his change in gold. The frown that was a habitual part of him deepened. The salesman had been right about the prosperity in the village.

They met back at the horses. No one had found out anything, however. The demigod turned to the salesman. "There aren't any gold mines around here, are there?"

"Not that I've ever heard of." He scratched absentmindedly at his beard. "I usually know about such things. You know, so I know the best place to make a dinar. I had heard of the wealth here in Neberous so I came to check it out. But I didn't hear anything about a gold mine."

"So where in Tartarus is all this gold coming from?"

The village was on a main road through the mountain range and had always seen a lot of travelers. Still, it had never been particularly prosperous. No one remembered whom the old temple had been built to honor. It had been abandoned long ago. For a few years a group of monks had called it home. They had made many improvements. It had been the monks who started to cultivate the rich soil of the valley floor. The village had soon followed as those who traveled over the mountain range stopped at the monastery for food and rest.

Then when the monks had left the old temple to make a pilgrimage to their homeland and never returned, the old temple had stayed empty for many years.

The old man who occupied the temple now had been there less than two years. He had come with his two servants for a visit and then stayed on. He had worked hard to make the old place habitable. He employed the local people whenever possible. He was generous with his wealth and advice. He brought new farming techniques with him and helped the people to build the irrigation canal. He started the people cutting the trees of the forest to sell to ships that sailed along the coast just on the other side of the mountain range. Then he had purchased a ship of his own to sail the lumber directly to Corinth and save the profit for the community. He set up a school for all children who wished to attend. He built a hospital then sent to the orient for a medicine man.

The god of war had grown very tired of hearing about the wonderful man who had given so much of himself to the community. The salesman had asked some direct questions about the missing people only to be told to see Strabiss for the answers. "He will help you find your friend," the people of the village told him. "Go to the temple and ask Strabiss."

The god paced outside the lean-to where they had left the horses. "If I hear one more word about how wonderful this Strabiss is, I'll flatten this whole damned place."

"I'm with you," Salmoneus offered. "He wasn't one damn bit of help to me."

"Let us leave here," the healer suggested.

The demigod could sense her tension. "All right, this is getting us nowhere." He turned to the salesman. "Nothing on the boots?"

"I saw my boots everywhere. The thieving dogs have helped themselves to my merchandise and my cart. It's over there doing duty as a food stand. But I found nothing even close to the boots I saw standing over me."

"I am sorry about your things, Salmoneus," the healer apologized.

"Don't be silly. It doesn't really matter." The salesman still felt guilty about the trouble he blamed himself for bringing to his friends. His merchandise was a small price to pay compared to the price the hunter had paid.

They left the village and followed the main road out of the village. Shortly after leaving it the salesman led them down a much smaller track that led back into the forest. "We left the main road here to head back toward Iolaus' camp. I had the cart so we had to stay to a road."

They rode on a little further, then the healer stopped her horse abruptly. Swinging her leg over her horse's back she slid to the ground. She removed her moccasins then knelt to place her hands on the soil of the road. Closing her eyes she opened her mind and began to sway slightly. With a fluid movement she rose and started to walk forward. The others, still mounted, stayed where they were.

"Is this the spot, Salmoneus?" the demigod asked.

"No, I don't think so. It's a little further on, I'm almost sure of it. We did come this way, however."

The empath stopped again. Once more she put her hands on the soil. She closed her eyes and began to chant. She swayed slightly with the rhythm of her incantation. The demigod had seen her entranced too many times not to recognize it now. He knew she was calling on the powers of the earth to assist her. She was surrounded by a blue-white light that eddied and undulated around her and made a halo of color over her pale hair.

The old yosemin motioned for Hercules to help him from his horse, then he joined the girl. He folded his old bones slowly to kneel on the trail and placed his hands over hers. Within moments he too, was entranced.

The half god son of Zeus felt the healer's mind call to him and he also joined her. Salmoneus and Ares looked at each other but made no comment. Sira linked her mind to that of the elder and her more than brother and pulled their energy to her in an attempt to strengthen her own earth given powers. The girl rose and started to walk slowly around the two men.

Salmoneus turned once more to the god of war. "I recognize that tree." He pointed to the side of the track. "I think this is the place." He looked about him. "Yes, I'm sure of it. She's found the very place where Iolaus was� Was�" His words trailed off and he sat his horse in silence once more.

The healer, her eyes closed, moved around the kneeling men. She turned her head from side to side as if listening for a faint sound, rather than feeling with her mind for a vagrant trace of energy left by the passing of the man who held a part of her soul. She started to circle them again then stopped. She stood where she was a moment then turned and headed to the side of the road and through the brush that ran along its edge.

The god of war slid from his horse and followed her. He watched as she felt ahead with her mind, searching for the invisible trail. The healer stopped then turned slightly to the left. She stopped again and moved back to the right. She continued to cut back and forth, letting the earth guide her.

"Ares, come help me." She held her hand out to him. He stepped forward and took it with his. "Open your mind to mine. Still your conscious mind and let me guide you. Now send your power to me, as you did in the old temple. Yes, that is the way. Now walk with me." Again Sira began to search for the force she kept losing. Try as she might, the trail seemed to stop. It faded away to be lost to her. In frustration she let another barrier drop from her mind and tried again to find the trail. She knew she was risking much by letting her defenses down. The pain and anguish of those first few hours of grief could so easily engulf her. They could rob her of the earth and leave her lost forever.

She opened her eyes and dropped the god of war's hands, then returned to the place where she lost the hunter's energy. She began to search with her eyes. It had rained since the hunter had disappeared but the girl searched anyway. Using her mind and her eyes she found a place under some brush that showed where something heavy had been dragged. She knelt and placed her hands on the marks, then standing followed once more, an unseen trail.

The god of war was fascinated by the child of the earth. He felt her power and energy surge around him like and invisible wall of electricity. The things she could do with her mind stimulated and tantalized him like a strong wine. He was intoxicated by her. He felt addicted to the power that was such a part of her. It was this force that had first drawn him to her. He had felt it and come to see for himself where it came from. He would never forget that first light touch of his lips on the back of her hand. He had been shocked by the energy that flowed to him.

When he'd watched her bathe in the river he'd been stimulated by her beauty and poise. Her lack of modesty at having him see her that way had touched a responsive cord in him. Her lack of fear of him and his evil drew him to her and forged a deep well of admiration for the girl he watched so closely as she used the power of the earth. Zeus had felt her charisma also. He, too, had been mesmerized by the earth being. The god of war had tried to turn his father against her, but the king of the gods refused to listen to him. What had he said? "She is someone you can't manipulate." He admitted that was part of his fascination for her. She was worthy of him.

His father had told him she was a throwback to the ancient times. "Her people often possessed these powers in olden times."

"You don't find a threat in that?"

"No, Ares, not from Sira. She's no threat to the gods of Olympus."

The god of war laid a hand on the girl's arm and she looked up at him. She nodded then returned to the road and the two men who still knelt there. She went to her knees beside them once again. The god of war could see the tears in the girl's eyes. The demigod opened his eyes then rose. Thysis also opened his eyes. Ares could see he was stiff and took his arm to help him rise. He felt an almost painful tingle in his hands at the touch of the old man.

"Thank you, my son," the old one said in gratitude.

Sira rose and the demigod took her into his arms. "My more than brother, he was alive when he left this place in the road."

"What?!" He held her at arm's length. "You're sure?" She nodded. He pulled her back into his arms. "Thank the earth."

"Yes, she led me to his trail."

"Then we can follow it and find him?"

She shook her head. "No. The trail ends just beyond the bushes." The big man tightened his grip on her.

"Let me get this straight," the salesman questioned. "You found a trail, but now you've lost it?"

"It is not a trail you can see, although I did find where he had been dragged. The trail is of the earth's energies. If he had died here I would have felt that death in the earth. He was dragged from here, and some part of him touched the earth and left a trail. But the trail ends just beyond the brush at the side of the road."

"You don't mean?" The demigod started to object, but she interrupted him.

"No. His life's force thins out slowly. It does not stop and I felt no death at the end of the trail. It is more like he was carried and he could no longer touch the earth.

"So, he is still alive." There was excitement in her more than brother's voice.

"He was alive when he left here," the healer whispered. "Still, I cannot touch his mind."

"There might be a way to know for sure if he still lives." Everyone turned to the god of war. He stood a little apart from the others, his back leaning nonchalantly against a tree. One knee was bent so the foot could steady him against the rough bark of the pine tree that stood to the side of the road. He pulled absentmindedly at his earring. "There may be a way," he repeated. "But the one who could settle the question of whether Iolaus lives or not would not be receptive to my inquiry. But you, my little brother, could ask him."

"Hades," the demigod whispered. "I've been such a fool. We would know if he does live or not. I should have thought of this myself. Forgive me, Sira. We could have known all this time if Iolaus really is dead."

"So, there was a doubt that he had indeed been killed?"

Thysis answered for the demigod. "I have never believed he was dead. I would have felt his death." The girl pulled away from the demigod and stood looking from him to her father of the soul. Anger was plainly written on her face. "Think about it, my daughter. Did you feel his death? Or was it just that you could no longer feel his mind and soul?" The girl closed her eyes and tears escaped the corners. "You could no longer feel him. You were told he was hurt. The pain was so great that you closed your mind to him and the earth. But did you feel his death?"

She shook her head.

"We could have known all this time?" the salesman asked.

"Yes," Hercules answered, "if I hadn't been so stupid."

"No, my son," the elder interrupted. He came to the big man and placed his hand on the demigod's gauntlet clad arm. "You were not a fool, or stupid. Sira needed you. The earth held you there to comfort her and to show her that life and love were still possible. You did all the right things. You called her son home to her. Despite your animosity toward Ares, you allowed him to be a part of her recovery. You have loved her and kept your mind for her. She was led here for a reason. A lesson needed to be learned. Do not take the earth's deeds as your folly." He turned to Ares. "Besides, our godly companion could have suggested this long ago."

Ares chuckled. "If you knew what was in my mind, old man, why didn't you make the suggestion?"

"Because I wished to see if you would do the right thing. I am proud of you for doing so."

The god of war shoved away from the tree. He wouldn't have admitted it, but the old one's words pleased him.

The healer went to stand before him. "Why did you wait to say anything?" She was no longer angry and her voice was gentle.

"Does it matter?"

"To me it does."

He inclined his head. "I wasn't sure I wanted to know if Iolaus still lived."

"You bastard!" Hercules snarled.

The healer ignored her more than brother and placed her hand on his arm. "Thank you for being honest and for doing this for me. It is not always easy to do the right thing."

"No. In fact, it's damn hard."

"It gets easier with practice." She turned to the demigod. "This thing you must do to get the answers we seek, it is dangerous?" He hesitated to answer. "I do not believe that Iolaus would go to the human's place of rest. I believe he would go to the earth. If this were the case, would Hades be able to tell us?"

"I'm not sure. But I aim to find out."

"It is dangerous. I can sense that from you." She came to him and ran a finger over his cheek. "You must not do this. I could not bear to lose you also."

He pulled her into his arms. "We have to know, my sister. Someday there may be a time for us. I want that beyond all other things. But to live without knowing what has happened to my brother would spoil it. I don't want you at his expense. I have to know if he lives."

She nodded then turned around in his arms. "My brother," she addressed the god of war, "I must know. Did you suggest this course of action because you wished to put Hercules in danger, or because you care for me?"

She sensed his answer before he could voice it. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I am truly blessed. Thank you, my brother. I feel your love and I am enriched by it."

He had meant to tell her he had suggested it to bring danger to Hercules. Damn! She reads my mind too well. How can I manipulate her if she knows the truth before I can weave my deception? "Let's say, that part of it is an added bonus."

She smiled at him. She wasn't fooled. "You are a god. You would not be harmed by going to the underworld."

"Yes, you're right. But what I said before is true. Hades wouldn't give me the answers we seek. He and I aren't exactly on the best of terms."

"Ares is right, Sira. Hades can be treacherous and deceitful. He can also be vindictive."

"Then how can you be sure he will help you?"

"If anyone has a chance of getting the truth from him, it would be me. We're on good terms. Besides that, he owes you."

"You refer to the old master in Yucaipia?"

"Yes. If the other gods had become aware of his negligence it could have made a lot of trouble for him. I think he'll cooperate."

"Still, it is dangerous. Let me try to find Iolaus with my earthly powers."

"This is something I must do, my sister. Perhaps it will ease my guilt at not thinking of this myself."

"You should have no guilt. Thysis is right. You were guided by the earth to help me. I doubt I would have lived if not for your love. He is also right that I turned my back on the earth when she could have eased my pain and suffering. I have learned from this and I have found a deeper love for you and the others because of this. The delay in coming to this course of action has been well used." She put her arms around him and rested her cheek against his broad chest. "You must be careful. I cannot bear to think of you getting hurt. Were I to lose you also," she shook her head, "from that my soul would never recover."

He kissed the top of her head. "I'll be fine. I've been to the underworld before. I'll come back to you, my more than sister. You're a part of my soul. If what I find in the underworld is not the answer we hope for, I want�" He stopped talking. It was too soon. What he had been about to declare would be unfair to her.

She sent her mind to his. "I will be here when you return. Should the answer you receive be the wrong one, then I too want this. It is not too soon. Not between us. I think perhaps Thysis is right, and we are meant to be together someday. Should the earth grant my soul mate life, then our time will be when the earth sees fit. But should my mate not have the earth's blessing, then, my more than brother, I could not go on without your soul's touch on mine. I will wait for you for as long as we must and take comfort from our love."

The big man buried his face in her hair. "I love you, Sira. But I want him alive as much as you do. Please don't think that because I want you so much I would wish harm to him. He's my more than brother. You've brought us even closer. I grieve for him."

"I know this. We both love him, and our love for each other would be diminished should he be gone. I never doubted your intentions, or your love for him or me."

The others couldn't hear their conversation. They had no way of knowing what the demigod and the healer talked so earnestly about. But the old yosemin knew. He could feel it in his heart. He was awed that the earth had seen fit to grant her chosen one two mates of the soul. How fortunate Sira was to know and love them both at the same time.

He had seen the earth's destiny for these two people he loved. As much as he would like to see them together he knew the girl's heart and soul still belonged to the hunter. He loved the golden one also. He would not wish for him to be gone so that these two people could be together. They were right. Better to await the will of the earth, and let her decide the time and the place.

The demigod looked to the others. "We should find a place to camp. I don't know how long this will take."

With his arm around the girl's shoulders he led her to the horses. The healer jumped to the horse's back unaided and took the lead. She led them through the brush and into the forest. Then following her senses she led them to a small brook. They followed it for a little way looking for a place to stop. The girl rode through a small ravine that took them around a bend in the brook and to their campsite. It offered fuel and concealment. The brook provided them water. The salesman picketed the horses on the rich grass near the water.

The demigod went to the god of war. "I'd like a word with you." The dark god turned to him and raised an eyebrow but said nothing. "I need a favor." The half god son of Zeus took a deep breath to calm himself. This wasn't going to be easy. "I need to know that you'll take care of this bunch while I'm in the underworld." The god of war still said nothing. "Will you give me your word?"

"Why ask this favor of me?"

"We've already lost one of our own in this forest. I don't want to lose anyone else. There's no better warrior. Who else would I ask?"

The dark one studied his brother's face a moment. "You have my word, my word as a god."

"And your word as Ares?"

The god of war narrowed his eyes at the man who stood before him. "All right, you also have my word as Ares." The big man nodded. "What if you don't return, little brother?"

The demigod ran a hand across his neck. The muscles were tight with tension. "I trust Sira to do what is best for her. But she's going to need a friend."

Ares nodded. "I'll take care of her and the others."

"Good. Thank you."

"You'd best take care of yourself."

"Why the sudden concern?"

"If you don't come back, you'll spoil the game. I don't want her by default."

"Don't you ever do or say anything without first seeing what you stand to gain from it?"

The god chuckled. "Never, little brother, never."

The half man, half god shook his head, then going to Sira he took her hand and led her a little apart from the others. He turned to face her and took both her hands in his. He raised one to his lips and kissed the fingertips. "Remember what he is, my sister."

"The earth will guide me. I will send her with you, my more than brother. Be careful."

He dropped her hands and stepped away. He sent the healer a reassuring smile. "Hades!" he shouted. He waited a moment then shouted again. There was a flash of light and he was gone.

The healer sat on the grass where she was, and crossing her legs she rested her arms on her knees. She brought the first two fingers together with her thumb to form a circle. She then closed her eyes and began to chant. She swayed with the rhythm of the chanting. The grass bent to surround and caress her, as the earth sent power to its chosen one.

The healer sent her mind to her brother of the soul and was comforted when she was able to reach his mind. She linked her mind to his and followed him on his journey. His thoughts began to fade and she strengthened her mind. After a few moments his thoughts began to fade again and she lowered yet another barrier on her mind. She called upon the powers of the earth to aid her and felt renewed strength. But again his thoughts began to fade. Could she risk lowering the barriers completely? Could she drop the last barrier on her pain and grief and allow these emotions to engulf her again as they had that morning at the cabin? If she did, it would leave her vulnerable to destruction should the demigod not return.

Ares spent some time making the camp comfortable. He found a grassy place near the fire to spread the healer's bed and spent some time clearing the small rocks and twigs away to make her more comfortable. He gathered more wood and hauled water. These weren't things he was used to doing. He could so easily have used his godly powers to provide them with shelter. Still, that would be using an unfair advantage that the healer wouldn't appreciate anyway. He kept busy and tried not to watch the healer. He wasn't sure what she was doing, which annoyed him. He was nervous and not sure why.

He took a mug of tea to the old yosemin. "Thank you, my son."

"What is Sira doing?"

"She is following Hercules with her mind. She is linked with him through the earth." The old one chuckled. "That does not please you?"

"I should have kept my mouth shut about the underworld."

Thysis chuckled again. "But your conscience would not allow it."

"The god of war doesn't have a conscience."

"But you do, my son. You cannot hide your conscience, at least not where Sira is concerned."

"Why is that?"

The yosemin laughed. "It is called love."

The dark one shot him a disgruntled look and returned to the fire. I should have kept my mouth shut about going to Hades, he thought. Still, Hercules would have thought of it sooner or later, or the old man would have said something. Damn! I might stand a chance against Hercules, but if Iolaus still lives I won't. I don't see how Hercules can be so content to wait for her. What's that old mortal saying? "Good things come to those who wait?" Can I be as patient as my brother? Then, too, while she lives longer than humans she won't live forever. Unless, of course, she were immortal. If I knew she would be here long after Hercules was gone. He scratched at his chin. This might just be entertaining at that.

Hercules found himself in a sunny green field. A tranquil river lined with shade trees flowed past. The air was clear and flower scented. "Eternal spring," the big man whispered. "The never changing consistency must get boring."

"No, Hercules, it doesn't get boring," the god of the underworld said from behind him. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm looking for someone."

"You're sure they're here?"

"I hope he's not."

"In Tartarus, perhaps?"

"No, Hades. I hope he's not in the underworld at all. I'm looking for Iolaus."

"Ah, yes, Iolaus. I've had him before."

"Is he here now?"

"In the Elysian fields, you mean?" the god hedged.

"You know what I mean. Is he in the underworld at all?" The god of the underworld hesitated. He couldn't help wondering what the demigod was up to. "Well?"

"Why should I answer your question?"

"It does you no harm to. Besides, you owe Sira a favor."

"The nature child? How do you figure that?"

"Because, my dear uncle, if Zeus and the other gods had found out how careless you were with the dead by letting them escape the underworld then not recovering them, you would have been in serious trouble. Then too, there's the matter of the portal she closed. I wonder what Father would have thought of that. A portal to the underworld that anyone could use to come or go."

"Who says any of the other gods would have found out?"

"Are you kidding? With an open portal?"

The god of the underworld sighed. "All right. To answer your question, Iolaus is not here."

"Not in the Elysian fields, or not in Tartarus?"

"Not in the underworld at all."

"If he chose to, could he go to the yosemin place of eternity?'

"Yes, he could choose to go there. But he's human. I would know if he were there."

"And is he?"

"No. He is still on the mortal plane."

The demigods' knees felt weak. Iolaus was still alive, but where was he? "Do you know where he is?"

The god looked perturbed. "Not exactly. He's in the Neberous forest area, but I can't get an exact fix on him at the moment."

"You can't sense him at all, can you?"

"Well�"

"That has us all worried. That's why I'm here." The god nodded but made no comment. "Thank you, Hades."

"The yosemin and I are even now."

"Okay."

"You ready to go back?"

"I'm ready."

"You plan to look for Iolaus, don't you?"

"Yes."

"How do you hope to find him when I can't?"

"I'm trusting in the earth to lead us."

"Worshipping false gods, nephew?"

"I never worship gods of any kind. But I can appreciate the gods that help and care about people."

Hades nodded. "Well, good luck." He raised his hand in preparation for sending the big man back to the mortal plane. "Take warning, my nephew. Your friend isn't mine now, but if things remain unchanged he soon will be."

"What's that mean?" Light flashed and the demigod found himself standing once more on the grass beside the healer.

She opened her eyes but made no move to go to him.

"Well?" Salmoneus asked.

The demigod ignored him, and going to the healer he pulled her up and into his arms. "He's alive, my more that sister. He's alive."

She began to tremble. She had felt the answer from his mind even before he returned to her, but hearing the words made it all the more real. Tears spilled from the corners of her eyes and left a damp mark on his leather shirt.

"Thank you." A silent message passed between them. She wasn't just thanking him for bringing her the news about the hunter. She was thanking him for accepting, without bitterness, the role their love must take. She knew from her touch on his mind and soul that he was willing to accept this with love and compassion for both her and the hunter. She was filled with emotion for this very special man/god she loved more than a brother. He truly was a healer. His compassion ran deep and pure, even when it meant his own disappointment.

"There is no disappointment," he whispered in her ear. "I want him back. There will be a time for us someday. I can wait."

There were pats on the back and laughter. The hunter was alive. Everyone was talking at once. That is, everyone except the god of war.

So, he thought, the hunter lives. So the stakes have changed a little, but not the game. His impulse was to use his powers and disappear. No. I'll play my hand as it lies.

Sira walked alongside the brook. She had gone to the grassy bank to find solitude where she could thank the earth and try once more to reach the hunter. She hadn't been successful in finding his thoughts but she had found a comfort in the earth. Now she walked along the water's edge for pleasure.

Ares came to find her. "Everything all right, little one?"

She linked her arm through his. "Yes. Everything is fine. I only sought the earth."

"So your golden hunter lives. I'm glad for you."

"But not so glad for yourself?"

He sighed. "The game isn't over yet."

She turned to face him. "You know how much I care for you. Is that not enough?"

He shook his head. "I hate to lose."

"But you have not really lost. Perhaps you must settle for less than you had hoped, but you have not lost completely. We have touched too deeply for that."

He pulled her into his arms and she came willingly. "The problem is, I want it all. I always have."

"In fighting so hard for it all, you lose far more than you gain."

"There is, however, a thrill in the pursuit."

"Please do not make me hate you, my brother," she whispered.

"You said we were linked and I wouldn't lose you."

"Yes. But I could hate you. The tie of soul would still be there no matter what, but the love could be lost. Having the tie of soul would make hating you very uncomfortable for me."

"And do you hate me, little one?" The question was whispered.

"No. I love you.." He started to interrupt but she rushed on. "I do not wish to bed with you although you stimulate me. You are very appealing and very masculine. The danger you represent stirs me as well. I was a little surprised to find this to be true, but it is. You are my brother of the soul. I have felt a need in you that has stirred my healer's heart and opened it to love."

"So you admit I stir your blood?"

"Yes. The tie of soul can bring that also." She grinned up at him. "But then I think you might stir any woman's desire."

"Oh, Sira, we could be wonderful together."

"Yes, Ares, we could. I could easily give my heart to Ares. But there is more to you than that, and that part of you I could just as easily hate."

He tightened his arms around her. "You're the first to see the difference between the two."

"Now others have also seen it." She shook her head. "What you are thinking is wrong. It does not weaken you. It strengthens you. One without the other would be only half."

"You see that? Both of these make me what I am."

"Yes. I did not say you should give up either. But both sides might borrow something from the other."

He laughed. "Damn it, Sira. I want you. I'm addicted to you. No woman has ever done this to me."

"But my heart and soul belong to another."

"And if he were gone?"

"Then I would still choose another. We have made our promise to each other."

He sighed. "I was afraid of that."

"It does not mean I love you less."

"Your life will be very boring without me."

She reached a finger up to caress his cheek. Capturing her hand he kissed the tips of her fingers. She leaned into him and he took her mouth. She gave herself up to him and his kiss deepened. She could feel his body respond. There was a force about the god that tingled and caressed her. She allowed herself a moment to fantasize about what making love to him might be like.

It was the god of war who pulled away. His breath was ragged. She could see the desire in his eyes. "Tell me, little one, are you willing to give that up?"

"The physical part of it I am, yes. But the mental part, the soul's part, I am not. Please do not make me."

"Damn it, Sira." He turned away. "I wonder if you understand the danger you're in. No woman has ever stirred me as you do. I could so easily lose control with you."

She lay her hand on his gauntlet clad arm. "I understand the danger. But Ares would never hurt me."

"The god of war could, very easily."

"The physical pain would not matter. But what you could do to my soul frightens me very much. I hope that Ares would not allow that to happen."

He was angry. "I can't be what you want, Sira. I'm weak willed and petty. I know that even if you don't. The only thing I do really well is hateful to you."

"Please, my brother. Do not make me hate you. That I could not bear. I need your love. Whether you want to admit it or not, that is what you offer me. Do not let the god of war take that from us."

"Damn!" He stepped back from her, and in a flash of light he was gone.

She wiped a tear from her cheek then went to sit on the grass by the brook. She let her feet dangle in the water. She needed the feel of the earth to comfort her. What Ares wanted from her she couldn't give. She belonged to others. He said he couldn't be other than what he was, and that frightened her. But then what did she want? Perhaps just a kinder and gentler god of war? Then again maybe she did want the danger he represented? She felt confused.

"Iolaus," she whispered. "Where are you, my love? I need you so." She sent her mind out once again to search for him. Still she was disappointed.

Tomorrow they would follow the vague trail the hunter had left and hopefully get further than they had today. She would have welcomed Ares' strength of mind to help her. She sighed. She knew she would miss him. She would miss the challenge he brought to her. She hadn't meant to make him angry.

She rose, then sending a prayer to the earth she headed back to camp. When she got there the god of war was stretched out on a blanket, both hands behind his head. The healer stopped over him and he grinned up at her. "Did you enjoy the kiss, little one?"

She smiled at him. "Yes."

"I did too."

She was annoyed. She wasn't about to let him know how pleased she was that he hadn't disappeared. But he knew anyway. He was getting too perceptive. His grin broadened and she stuck her tongue out at him. He chuckled and she walked away.

She wondered why he hadn't left, but she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of asking. She wondered not for the first time just how far she could trust him. Her heart and soul were still bruised and sore. Knowing that her lover still lived had opened her heart and soul a little more, which left her vulnerable. She had sensed from her more than brother the warning Hades had given him. Iolaus was in danger. Fear burned inside her. She couldn't lose him again. The pain would be too overwhelming. She wondered if the love both Hercules and Ares offered would be enough to save her a second time. She had experienced first hand, the destruction that grief could perpetrate in her. And now she had once again left herself open to the devastation. She knew how much she might need Ares. She was willing to accept the danger from him if it meant she would survive. She had Hercus and his uncle of the soul to think about. She must be there for them. I will need all the strength I can get, she told herself.

She wondered if she should put a barrier between herself and the man she loved beyond all others. It would cushion her should this happen again. I could put a barrier between our love and slowly build a safety net, or I can continue to be completely open with our love and its hold on my soul, and leave myself open to destruction. As a couple live together, the eventuality of loss due to old age would build a barrier of its own. She wasn't fooled, however. She knew even this would be hard for her. To protect herself from the pain of a sudden loss of her soul would take much work. It would also limit her love for the golden hunter. She knew there was really no choice. She couldn't do it. She couldn't block her feelings for the mate the earth had brought to her. He was too much a part of her. She would never be whole without him and she knew it. She could only accept the danger and hope that the love of her friends and family would help her to survive. She needed Ares now. She needed him more than he understood. She was most willing to use him if that was what it would take.

She wasn't particularly pleased with herself for being so selfish but she refused to apologize for being so. She wanted life. She would not like living without the hunter, but if the earth saw fit to bring this to her she wanted to survive. She wanted a chance with the demigod and she wanted to be there for her son. The danger to her was real, more than the others realized. She knew how slim her chances for survival might be a second time.

The god of war was thoughtful. He had surprised the empath, something not easily done. He could feel how pleased she had been to find him in camp. He had felt some of her churning emotions. She thought herself selfish because she was willing to do whatever it took to protect herself. He didn't see it that way. She's not being selfish, he told himself. There is nothing selfish about wanting to survive. On the contrary, she's being a true warrior. By my fellow gods of Olympus, she is truly worthy of me. I must have her. I want her now, but if the fates see fit to make me wait, then she must be mine someday. It's up to me to insure the possibility of that someday becoming a reality.

What if both Hercules and Iolaus were eliminated? No, that would spoil it. Besides, she would know I'd had a part in their demise and she would never come to me. She must be mine because she wants to be, not because I've forced her. Otherwise she will never truly be mine. And I want all of her, her mind, her soul, and her willing body.

The healer shot a glance at the god of war. How had three such strong personalities won a place in her heart and soul? Was it that she was drawn to their strength? Or was it something in her that had drawn them? What if she were forced to choose between the three? She knew the answer. She would choose Iolaus first. His hold on her soul was the strongest. Then it would be the demigod. That choice had already been made. Then would she choose the god of war? Not him, but perhaps Ares. She was honest with herself and admitted she had deep feelings for him. He excited her. There was an unknown quality about him that excited and confused her. There was a danger in him that stimulated something in her. She was taken by surprise. She hadn't known that was a part of her.

His kiss of earlier had been unexpected but she wasn't surprised that she had enjoyed it, only surprised she hadn't sensed his intention. Could he take her to the point of losing control and allowing a physical relationship? Once again she was honest with herself. She just wasn't sure. Perhaps that was part of the attraction. He had a dangerously sensual appeal she found hard to resist.

She knew that while she loved him, and love was the only word available since like didn't begin to describe her feelings, she knew their soul's touch was fragile and unstable. While the soul's impression could never be erased, she knew their friendship could be.

She wondered if betraying their friendship would stop Ares if he stood to gain something from the betrayal. That he had softened, she could sense. That he was often given to kindness and unselfish generosity, she had seen first hand. She could sense that the hatred between Ares and Hercules had eased on both sides. But how much had he really changed? She knew his mind and soul were in turmoil. She knew that at times he wasn't happy with the changes she had invoked in him. She still felt confused.

For now I must put this aside. I need to build my strength. Tomorrow I must use my earthly powers to search for my lover. Please let me be strong, my mother.

They dined on quail Thysis had caught. Sira found a pale green, small leafed plant growing in the brook and gathered some of it to help fill their bellies. It tasted like the earth and left a slight tingle on the tip of their tongue, but it was cool and refreshing.

The god of war declined the food. He had no need to eat. He offered to provide them with a feast. The suggestion was ignored.

The night was cold and the healer was glad for her bed near the fire. She hadn't noticed the cold as much when the hunter's love was always there to protect her. Now, however, she seemed to be cold all the time. She found it hard to sleep. Her mind refused to be still. It was late when sleep finally abducted her conscious thoughts. Her dreams were filled with the dread she had felt before. Once again she was surrounded by the blue crystal that vibrated through her and left her feeling nervous and on edge. It was like scraping fingernails across a pewter plate. She knew the hunter was here but she couldn't reach him. She could sense his weakness and was frightened. She could sense he was being drained of all that made him Iolaus, all that made him dear to her. The empath cried out in her sleep. Her body trembled with the terror the dream invoked. Both Ares and Hercules came to her. She grabbed a hand from both to lend her strength, and rather than turn away from the dream, she embraced it. She opened her mind to it and pulled it to her. This was no ordinary dream. She sensed the hunter for the first time since that moment in her garden when she had felt his lack of mind's touch on her. Dreams were fantasy, this was reality. He was being drained, his thoughts and senses taken from him. She sent her mind out in a blast of thought that hurt the demigod and the god of war. She pulled the faint force of the hunter's thoughts to her. She felt his panic and sensed a dull vibration that seemed to come from the earth itself. She called to the man she loved. But while she could sense him, she felt no response to her mind on his. The traces of thought that came to her began to fade. She pulled the strength of Hercules and Ares to her and tried once more to touch the hunter's mind.

"No!" she shouted as the thoughts were lost. "Iolaus!"

"Sira," the demigod called to her. "My sister."

She was lost in a trance. She didn't hear him. All she could hear was the vibration of the walls and floor of the blue chamber. All she could feel was the hunter's mind, dull and unresponsive to her. She felt panic sweep over her. What could have robbed him of his very senses and left him this way? "Iolaus," she whimpered. "I will find you, my love. Wait for me."

The demigod was frightened. He had seen her like this before, and knew how deep she could fall into the abyss of darkness her trance could bring to her. "Sira." Nothing. "Help me, Ares. We have to reach her mind. We have to bring her back."

The god of war was shocked by what he felt from the healer. He had sensed something of this when she walked the battlefield outside of Acubus. He had felt this same loss of conscious thought when he'd planted the image of her son lying among the dead. "What's happened?"

The big man heard the fear and shock in his brother's words. He really does care for her, he thought. "She's entranced. Help me touch her mind. If we can reach her she'll come out of this."

Thysis joined them. "I, too, will help"

The demigod used the methods the empath had taught him and pull the minds of the others to him. Then he began to call with his mind to the girl. Over and over he called to her, reaching deeper and deeper to reach her.

She responded slowly. Then with a rush that left the demigod feeling lightheaded, she grabbed onto his thoughts and used them to pull her mind back from her terror and fear.

"Sira," the half god called. She jerked, then jerked again. She began to twitch with spasms and the god of war pulled her into his arms.

"He is not Iolaus," the healer moaned. "They have stolen his mind."

"Sira. Pull out of this. Fight it."

She cried against the god's shoulder. "We have to find him. His mind is not his own."

"You mean he's possessed?"

"No. It is like his mind is being taken from him. There is a barrier there I cannot get past. He did not respond to me."

"We'll find him, my sister," the demigod assured her. "At least you've felt him. You know without doubt he is still with us."

"You felt him also?"

"Yes, I felt him. We'll find him. This dream you had, I felt it through our contact. You've had it before." It was a statement not a question.

"Yes, but it was no dream. He is calling to me." She took his hands in a tight grip. "Please, we must find him, we must." Terror swept over her, and through her to the men around her.

The god of war was totally unprepared for an emotion he had never experienced before. The intensity of it rocked him. "We'll find him, little one. Hercules and I are here. We'll find him." He turned to the demigod and grabbed his arm. "We must find him."

For once the half god son of Zeus didn't object to the touch of his brother. "As soon as it's light we'll search for him. If we can't follow the trail then we'll head toward the old temple. I'd like to know more about this self proclaimed king."

The old yosemin sat back on his heels. "Iolaus' thoughts are being shielded. Something is blocking his thoughts from getting through. He is being held somewhere. The old temple might be a good place to start looking. It is no wonder we could not sense his mind on ours." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I think we should hurry. I fear for our friend."

The night was almost over. The healer didn't even try to sleep again. She sat by the fire, staring moodily into the flames. She felt nervous and anxious. She had tea ready when the sun was but a promise on the horizon. She rushed the others through the first meal of the day. She drank some tea but she couldn't eat. She brought the horses in from the field where they had been picketed for the night and the camp was soon packed. She jumped to the back of her horse, and not waiting for the others she headed back toward the track where she had first felt the hunter. The god of war shrugged, and putting heels to his horse's sides he followed her.

She stopped in the road and slid to the ground then led the horse forward through a break in the brush. The god of war followed her, and taking the reins of the horses he tied them to a low hanging branch of a nearby tree.

Sira sent him a warm smile. "I am sorry about last night. I did not mean to bombard you with my emotions."

He smiled back at her. "So long as you're all right."

"I am. Are you?"

"I'm not used to feeling anything like that." He shrugged.

"Thank you for coming back yesterday."

"I never left. I just returned to the camp, and you're wondering why."

"You are beginning to sense people's thoughts. So why are you hanging around?"

"I thought you liked having me around," he stated with a feigned hurt in his voice.

"You know I do. But that still does not answer my question."

"I'm here because it pleases me to be."

She chuckled. "And you always do what pleases you?"

"Usually, yes," he agreed.

The healer laughed. "Well, whatever the reason, thank you. I am glad that you are here. I will need your help on the trail today."

The demigod came through the brush and joined them. "I'm glad for your help too, Ares," the big man stated.

Ares looked shocked and the healer giggled at him.

She returned to the place where she had lost the trail the previous day and took a seat on the grass. She crossed her legs, and closing her eyes she brought her first two fingers together with her thumb to form a circle. She chanted the yosemin word for earth over and over in a rhythmic cadence, allowing her mind to open and become one with the earth. She took her time; too much depended on the success of this to hurry. The elder of the clan of the wolf and the lion came to sit beside her and lent his strength and earth given powers to the girl he called daughter.

Salmoneus took Little Sal and the horses over the ridge and found a good place to make a camp. He had a strong suspicion they would be here awhile.

The empath placed her hands on the soil and sent her mind to the earth. Hercules joined the yosemins and placed his hands over those of the girl he loved. A blue light glowed around her, sending energy to engulf him and draw him into her trance. He came willingly and sent his own powers to join hers. She always said he was strong with the power of the earth, and he had every intention of using that strength now to help find his more than brother. He hadn't said it, but the healer's dream of last night had frightened him. He, too, had sensed the hunter's lack of responsiveness.

With a shrug the god of war joined them also. It wasn't always easy to keep his god given powers from cropping up, but out of respect for the healer and the elder he did his best. The empath led their minds to the earth and drew strength from them.

In one fluid movement she rose and began to walk forward slowly. She was following a trail with her mind, a trail the others couldn't see. Even the elder whose mind was strong couldn't feel the earth's force left at the hunter's passing, but he had no doubt the girl did.

Sira took her time searching ahead before each step. She lost the trail then found it again. Over and over she would return to the last place she had felt the energy of the man she loved beyond all others and try to find just a little more.

She maintained the link of mind with the others. The god of war was awed by the child of nature. Never before had he seen such powers. The force of her will was a formidable thing. She wasn't a god, at least not like the gods of Olympus. She couldn't do the things they could. But she could do other things, things that to him were nothing short of miraculous. He had always thought of his family as the most powerful. They were gods, awesome and awe inspiring. Now, however, he admitted there were others that commanded respect. Maybe Sira wasn't a god, but she had the power and the presence to be one.

Sira worked her way beyond the camp Salmoneus had made for them. Midday came and went, and still the girl searched. She topped a rise, and before her lay fields of cultivated land. In the distance she could see the old temple surrounded by a wide canal of muddy water. She stood looking over the distance at the fortress. She shivered as a wave of almost revulsion swept over her and she narrowed her eyes. There was something there. It was as if the earth were trying to tell her something.

She moved forward slowly. The closer she came to the cultivated area, the weaker the thread of trail became. Where man had been and changed the earth, the energy the hunter had left faded. She moved slowly but she lost the trail and moved back a bit. Over and over she tried to go on, only to lose the trail in the turned soil.

The sun was well past its zenith when she began to build the barriers on her mind needed to bring it back from the trance she had remained in throughout the day. She stood once more on the ridge as slow tears spilled from her chin to the grass. The blades of green carpeting caressed her bare feet, sending comfort to one of its own and her tears were absorbed by the soil.

"I have lost the trail," she whispered.

The demigod put his arm around her. "You're exhausted. Rest for now. We can try again in the morning."

She nodded but she wasn't hopeful she would have any better luck tomorrow. She stared at the old temple, and once again she shuddered. "The trail seems to lead in the direction of the old temple."

"That's what I was thinking," the brother of her soul stated.

"There is something about the place�" Her words trailed off and she shrugged.

"Tomorrow, if you can't find the trail again, I think we'll pay a little visit to the place."

With his arm still over the girl's shoulders the demigod led her to their camp. Salmoneus brought her a mug of tea. She smiled absentmindedly at him. The demigod explained what he and Sira had decided if she was unable to find the trail tomorrow.

Ares looked annoyed. "Why not just go there now?"

"Because we have no proof they had anything to do with this."

"I went there right after," Salmoneus reminded them. "I really didn't see anything out of the ordinary, but the place sure gave me the creeps."

"I still wonder where the old man gets all his wealth," Ares mused. "The gold the villagers are passing around is pure. Too pure, if you ask me."

Hercules took the mug of tea the salesman offered him and cupped his hand around it. "We can't just go riding in there demanding they release Iolaus. If he is there they might just kill him." He turned back to the entrepreneur. "Tell us about this so called monarch."

"I don't think he has any real right to that title, but he sure seems to think he does. He has this real 'mightier than thou' attitude that stuck in my craw. He's short and thin and old, although he seems to get around all right despite his age." The salesman took a seat on the grass beside Little Sal and began to stroke the cat's gray fur. The cat opened one yellow-green eye and stretched. With a satisfied look he rolled over on his side for a belly scratch.

"I was led into this large room all lined with shelves that were filled with scrolls, parchments and parchment cases. The old man sat behind this table in this big chair that looked for all the world like a throne. He wears this sort of crown thing on his head." The salesman shrugged. "The people in the village have nothing but good things to say about him, and it's easy to see what he's done for the area. They say he's generous and kind." He shrugged again.

"Why," Ares questioned, "do I get the feeling you don't trust him?"

"I don't know really. There's just something about him that rubs me the wrong way. Like I said before, maybe I'm just jealous of his wealth."

The healer was tired and disappointed. She had hoped for more. It was as if the earth were trying to tell her something, but she couldn't seem to grasp its message.

She found a place a little apart from the others and sat with her back against a tree. She needed rest. She closed her eyes and let her mind drift. Sometimes the mind at rest could pick up things that the conscious mind could not. She began to get drowsy. She sent her mind out to the hunter. She ached deep inside with longing for him. She began to doze off then sat up abruptly and grabbed for her moccasins. "Someone is coming," she announced.

Thysis also put his suede moccasins on to cover the brown spots on his feet. Ares went to kneel beside the healer. Three men approached the camp on horseback. They stopped their horses at the edge of the camp and the demigod came forward to greet them. There was an old man of indeterminable age and two younger men. These two looked so much alike they could be nothing else but brothers. The empath touched the minds of the two men. They were both large men, strong and muscular. One of them possessed a mind almost simple. Sira found it dull and sluggish. The other one seemed intelligent enough but the healer sensed a cruelty about him that repulsed her. The old man she could not touch at all. Something was shielding his mind from her.

"Hello, strangers." The old one dismounted, and trailing his reins he came forward. He was short and thin, his shoulders stooped and angular. His head was covered with sparse gray whiffs of hair cut around his ears. He wore a gold ring on his head much like a king would wear a crown. His eyes were a dark brown ringed in pale yellow. Sira shivered. Something about him made her feel uncomfortable. If she had been asked to describe him based on her first impression, she would have said he was arrogant and self important "I'm Strabiss. I live in the castle you can see."

"Hello," Hercules greeted him. "I hope we're not trespassing. We were going to seek you out. We have heard so much about you."

"So, you are strangers to our forests. You're most welcome. This is my land, but it is open to those passing through."

"That's most generous. We seek a friend of ours who disappeared in this area."

Strabiss stepped forward. "Yes, I remember you," he spoke to the salesman. "Salmoneus, isn't it?"

"Yes. I came to the temple before, inquiring about Iolaus."

"Yes, of course. I'm sorry to hear about your friend."

Hercules motioned to the fire. "Will you join us? We were just about to have tea."

"Yes, and thank you. There's a bite to the air this evening. Tea would really hit the spot."

"He makes me sick," Ares mumbled to the healer.

"Shhh. Behave yourself."

The old man accepted the tea, and with a salute of his cup took a sip. "Tassis tea," he stated in surprise. "I haven't had Tassis tea in years. So, are you planning to stay in the area long?"

He was fishing and the half god son of Zeus knew it. "I'm afraid we must. Our sister is ill," he lied. "She is the wife of the one we seek. All this has been too much for her."

The empath sensed instantly what her brother was up to and sent her mind to the others to let them know. It was an unnecessary precaution. They were already ahead of the game.

Sira shivered. It was a reaction to the man who sat so arrogantly by the fire but the god of war took advantage of it. "Come, my sister. It is warmer by the fire." He stood and offered her a hand. She rose slowly as if the weight of the world were on her shoulders. She walked beside the god, holding tightly to his arm. Her step was unsure. She stumbled but continued. Then without warning she simply let go. She hadn't warned Ares, trusting in his quick reflexes to catch her. She knew genuine surprise would be much more convincing. The god of war caught her as she began to fall and picked her up. Hercules sprang to his feet and spread a blanket beside the fire for her. Ares helped her to lie down, then sitting beside her he took her hand.

"Is she all right?" the demigod asked. His feigned concern was well done.

"I think so," Ares stated gravely. "She only swooned from weakness. We should find better shelter. She is flushed and it promises to be cold tonight."

"I'm sorry your sister is ill," Strabiss intoned.

Hercules turned to him. "Thank you. Your concern is appreciated. I'm Hermous. This is Aramond, and our father, Thysis. And you know our old friend and family solicitor, Salmoneus. Our sister is Sira."

Ares looked up briefly to nod at the old man then turned back to the healer. "You should try to eat something. You haven't eaten all day."

"No. I cannot."

"At least take some tea. You must do something to help yourself, Sira." The god pleaded with her, warming to his part.

The girl only shook her head. She shivered. He pulled a blanket over her then turned to the demigod and shook his head. The big man put his head back and closed his eyes as if in pain.

Thysis squeezed his shoulder. "Aramond is right, we should try to find shelter."

"If I may," the self proclaimed monarch interrupted, "you would be welcome tonight at the castle. There is plenty of room for all of you."

Hercules offered his hand. "We have heard of your generosity. Now we have seen it first hand. Thank you so much. We're most appreciative. We gladly accept your offer."

"Do you hear that, Sister?" the god of war asked. "You can sleep indoors tonight."

"It will not matter if he is not there."

Ares looked apologetically at Strabiss.

"I'm sure your sister will feel better once she is settled. Contose can lead you to the castle. His brother Plantose will ride ahead with me to prepare for your arrival." He stood. "Let me speak to Contose a moment then we will head back. Follow when you can." He walked purposely away and joined his companions at the horses.

Hercules knelt on the blanket beside the healer.

"Aramond?" Ares questioned. "Really, Brother, Aramond?"

"I had to think of something. How far would we get as Ares, god of war, and Hercules, legendary hero?"

Sira sat up and buried her face against the demigod's shoulder. Her body shook.

"Is she crying?" Ares asked.

"No, she's laughing,"

"Oh," the god of war smiled. "Well, at least Aramond is better than Hermous." The healer laughed harder.

"Stop it, Sira," Hercules scolded. "You're supposed to be sick."

"I cannot help it," she giggled into his shirt.

"What did you perceive from our friend?"

"Nothing. He is shielded in some way. I could not touch his mind. It is not a mind barrier, that I could sense. It is more a lack of thought, as if he has none, which, of course, is impossible. It is not something I have felt before."

Thysis nodded. "I felt it also. He is shielded in some way."

"Our friend is returning," Ares warned.

"Do you need any help with your sister?" the old man asked. "I could send a wagon."

"No. That won't be necessary. I think we can manage, but thank you for the offer." The demigod turned back to Sira. "Do you think you could ride?"

She nodded. "Yes, I think so."

Salmoneus and Thysis saddled the horses then led them to the camp. Ares helped Sira to her feet but she staggered and clung to him.

"Perhaps she had best ride on the horse with you, Hermous," the god of war suggested.

Hercules nodded, then mounting his horse he held his arms out to the girl. Ares lifted her up to him and the demigod made her comfortable on the saddle before him.

Ares and Salmoneus hastily packed their things while Thysis doused the fire with sand.

"Well, then," Strabiss nodded, "I'll just ride ahead." He mounted his horse and rode away, Plantose riding beside him.

The brute waited until they were out of ear shot then turned to Strabiss. "Why in Tartarus did you invite them to the castle?"

"Because the irony appealed to me."

"It's damn dangerous, Strabiss."

"I don't think so. What can they do? They'll never find the girl's husband and they will leave in grief." He shrugged.

"I still say it's dangerous."

"Must I remind you who's in charge here, Plantose?"

Contose took the lead and the demigod rode close to him. "I understand other people have gone missing." The simple one said nothing. "It seems rather odd, don't you think?"

"Highwaymen. The riches that Strabiss has brought attracts them."

"Why steal people?"

"They work as slaves."

"Really? Where?"

"I don't know."

"Iolaus might still be alive then, if he is working as a slave."

"No. He's dead."

"How can you be sure?" Contose booted his horse and moved a little ahead of the demigod, putting an end to the conversation.

"Friendly sort."

"He is lying," the healer stated.

"I figured as much. He's coming back."

The healer lowered her head once more. She could sense little from the man. His mind was too undisciplined and sluggish. She had to be careful. She had no wish for him to know her mind intruded on his.

As they neared the temple they could get a clear view of the moat and drainage ditches that had been built to bring water to the fields and to collect the run off. All the area around the temple was cultivated. With the newness of the year, the fields were still just brown furrows that promised a wealth of produce later in the year. There were many men and women working the fields. As they drew closer they came to an elaborate stone bridge that spanned what used to be the moat and now was the largest irrigation canal. The bridge was newer, its stones still free of lichens.

The god of war rode up to the demigod. "Is this a castle, or an old temple?"

"It's supposedly an old temple, but I noticed Strabiss calls it a castle."

"It doesn't look like any temple I've seen before."

The stone bricks of the entry way that led through the outer wall of the courtyard were old for the most part. Evidence of recent repairs showed in several places. The original stones were dark and softened by time and the elements, their surface covered with moss and lichens. Vines climbed over much of them, obscuring the stones and making parts of the wall look like they were made of the ivy itself.

The stone pillars were massive; reaching into the heavens, their empty windows covered with rusty metal bars. Two huge wooden doors, their hinges as large as a man, stood open now to admit the travelers.

"It looks more like a castle than a temple, that's for sure," the god of war mused. "Look how large everything is."

Inside the outer wall several structures could be seen scattered around the main building, built of the same stone as the wall itself. Here again, there was evidence of repair work having been done.

Contose led them to the stone fortress. Stone steps, four high, led to the massive doors that stood open now. Strabiss stood in the door like the perfect host. Ares dismounted first then helped the healer down. She stood swaying on her feet. The others left the horses with Contose, who, without a word, started the horses toward what was obviously the stables. Hercules looked after the huge simpleton.

"Don't worry," Strabiss assured him, "he's very good with horses. He'll bring your things to the rooms I've had prepared for you." He smiled benevolently down on them. "Come, I know you're tired from the day's travels."

Ares helped the healer mount the steps, now worn and indented by many feet, and she leaned heavily on him. They walked into a huge hall, its floor made of stone, smoothed and polished with time. A massive stone staircase led to upper floors far above their heads. The stones of the staircase were newer and didn't match very well with the rest of the room.

Three young women came forward to bow before them. Strabiss motioned to them with a wide sweep of his arm. "They will lead you to your rooms. I must ask a favor. The castle is massive. Much of it has not yet been repaired. There are many twists and turns. The castle was added to and built onto many times over before I was fortunate enough to acquire it. It could be dangerous and you could easily get lost. Please do not wander around by yourselves. My servants will come for you when the meal I have ordered prepared in your honor is ready."

Little Sal, riding on the salesman's shoulder, bounded to the floor and went forward to rub against one of the women's legs. Strabiss stepped back. So, he doesn't like cats, the healer noted. She found him repulsive, and in her opinion, not liking cats made him even more so. The woman Little Sal chose to bestow his affection on most certainly liked cats. She knelt and scratched his little gray ears. "Isn't he cute, Mersha?"

Mersha stood a little apart from the others. She was slightly older and a bit better dressed. She sent a tolerant smile to her companion. "Come, I will show you to your rooms."

"Come on, Little Sal," his namesake scolded. "Don't pester the nice lady."

"Oh, but he's not. I love animals."

"Little Sal and I go way back. We're great friends."

"I could tell that just by looking at you. You love animals too, don't you?"

"Yes, yes, I do. I love all the little creatures of the earth."

Sira hid her face against the god of war's arm to hide her smile. Hercules sent an annoyed look at the salesman then came to Sira. "Let me carry you, my sister."

She turned gratefully to him and he picked her up with ease. The older woman headed toward the stairs.

"I will see you for the meal," Strabiss called after them. "Remember, no wandering about."

The cat lover picked Little Sal up. He crawled to her shoulder and made himself comfortable. The girl scratched at his chin and was rewarded with a loud purr.

"So, what's your name?" the entrepreneur asked.

"Dayna."

"A beautiful name for a beautiful girl." The girl blushed.

They began the climb to the top of the staircase. It seemed to take forever before they stepped into a wide hall and turned to the left. They turned several times, and twice they stepped down to different levels.

"This place has an interesting design," the god of war stated in annoyance.

"It's been remodeled and added onto so many times. The legends say it all used to have ceilings as high as the one in the main hall."

"One would have to wonder if the original owners were giants."

"Strabiss says the castle was built for Cronos. Then when Zeus eliminated the titans to become the king of the gods the fortress was abandoned. He knows all about such things."

"Does he now?"

"Oh yes. He's studied many scrolls and parchments from ancient times. He read about this place and just had to come see for himself. He fell in love with it and with the village and forest and just couldn't bear to leave."

"How fortunate for the village."

"You're so right. He's done so much for us."

"So, you're from the village?" Hercules asked.

"Yes, we all are. All his servants are except Plantose and Contose."

At the mention of these two the third servant girl shuddered. Sira hadn't failed to see the tremor. She sent her mind to the girl's, carefully so she wouldn't know of the intrusion. The healer sensed revulsion and hatred toward one of the two men who served Strabiss. Without risking the girl knowing of her mind's probe the healer couldn't tell which brother the girl found so undesirable.

They came to another staircase leading still higher.

"Shall I carry Sira now, Hermous? You must be getting tired." He wasn't of course. He was Hercules after all. But any normal man would be.

"Thank you, Aramond. I'm about done in. I wonder why Strabiss put us so far away?"

Mersha turned to them. "He asked me to apologize to you for this. He is a very private person, and he's not used to having guests. He hoped you would understand."

"Of course," the demigod stated. He handed the healer to Ares and rubbed at his shoulders for effect. "He was most generous to have us here at all. A barn stall would have been acceptable."

The older woman smiled at the big man. "He is a most generous man."

The girl who had found the mention of Contose and Plantose so unpleasant sent a look of disgust to Mersha. So, the healer thought, not everyone thinks Strabiss is so wonderful.

They climbed the stairs that led to a long hall lined on either side with doors. "This used to be rooms for the monks," Mersha told them. "You can see once you're inside that walls were removed at a later time to enlarge the rooms. We have the next five rooms for your use. The three here on the right and the two directly across from them." She pointed the rooms out. "The middle one here on the right is by far the nicest room. We thought perhaps your sister might like it."

"Thank you so much," the half god son of Zeus smiled at her.

She opened the door to a large room. The walls were the same gray stone as the rest of the old temple. The stone floor had been covered by a large rug of faded red and gold that stretched down the middle of the room to leave the rest of the floor bare. Heavy red curtains blocked the light from the two tall windows. A large high bed sat between the windows, the foot of which stuck out into the room. It was covered with a red quilt that matched the thick red curtains that hung suspended around the bed to smother it in darkness.

The healer shivered. The room was oppressive and lifeless. The only adornment in the room was a large mural depicting monks being led to an altar for slaughter. One unfortunate monk had already met with the ax man, only to be relieved of his head. The severed head lay on its side, its dead eyes staring out at the observer with terror.

The demigod pulled the bed curtains aside, then going to the windows he did the same. Ares laid the girl gently on the red cover and felt her head for fever.

"There is fresh water on the washstand, towels and linens inside of it." Mersha looked around the room with a satisfied air. She obviously found the room pleasing. "One of us will return to guide you downstairs when the meal is ready. Is there anything else you might need now?"

"I'm sure everything will be just fine," Hercules assured her. "Thank you again for your hospitality."

Dayna lifted the contented cat from her shoulder. He wasn't pleased by this in the least and jumped to the massive black oak table that held a prominent place in the room to sit glaring at the girl. "Oh, Puss, don't be angry," the girl soothed. "I think you're a very handsome little man and I will visit you again, if dear Salmoneus will allow it."

"Of course, dear girl." The entrepreneur took her hand and kissed her knuckles. "You are most welcome to visit."

The cat sat swishing his tail as if annoyed the man he loved was getting the girl's attention. With a mighty leap he joined Sira on the bed, and making a little nest for himself on the red cover he began to wash his paws.

The servant girls showed the others to their rooms then excused themselves. The minute the demigod closed the door behind them the healer scooted across the bed. Swinging her legs over the side she slid to the floor. Hercules listened at the door. "They are gone, I felt for their thoughts," Sira told him.

He turned around and smiled at her. In two long strides he came to her. Picking her up he swung her around. "You did well, my sister. I was beginning to believe you were sick myself. I know we had decided to try again to find Iolaus' trail, but I saw an opportunity and took it. I hope I've done the right thing."

"You have. I sense Iolaus here. I cannot reach his mind but I sense him all the same. He has at least been here."

"Then what are we waiting for?" the god of war demanded. "Let's hold the little bastard upside down and see what shakes out."

"If we go barging into this we could get Iolaus killed," the demigod retorted.

"If you think I'm going to play pussy foot with that hypocrite, you're mistaken."

"You'll do what I say. The whole point in being here is to find Iolaus, not so you can play war god."

"Stop it!" the healer demanded. She turned to the god of war. "I understand your frustration, my brother, but Hercules is right. We must play the game for the time being. We need time to search for him."

"We have today only, little one. It may not be enough."

"Then little sister may just have to have a relapse. I cannot see him putting us out as long as I am ill. It would not be good for the image he wishes people to have of him."

"I'm sorry, Ares," the demigod apologized. "It's not easy for any of us to wait. But for now, Strabiss has the upper hand. Still," he scratched at his neck, "you could search with no one being the wiser."

Ares smiled. "You have a point, little brother, about playing this your way and about my searching. Yes, I like the idea." He took a deep breath in preparation for disappearing.

"Not yet. We have to have a reason for your disappearance."

"He could be staying here to look after me," Sira suggested. "I am far too ill to go down to dinner."

"Yeah. That makes sense. All right, Ares, wait until we're called to dinner, then do your stuff."

The god of war had a satisfied look on his face.

The empath wandered about the room. It had a slightly musty odor and the girl turned up her nose. "If I stay in this tomb for very long I will be sick. Can we not cover that abhorrent painting?"

Thysis smiled at her. "This whole place is detestable."

"What did you get from Contose and Plantose?" the demigod asked.

"I had to be careful not to tip them off. Contose," she shook her head, "the candles are burning, but no one is home."

"Well, if you ask me," Salmoneus interrupted, "Strabiss' dung wagon is a couple of shovels short of a full load."

"My sentiments exactly," the god of war nodded. "I don't appreciate being exiled to the farthest reaches of the almighty king's castle. Who does he think he's dealing with?"

"Aramond," Sira teased him. He stopped his pacing, and turning, he looked at her a moment then he laughed.

"Well, Aramond doesn't appreciate being treated like a stooge."

Hercules smiled. "What about Plantose?"

"He is intelligent enough. I get a sense of cruelty about him. Did you see the way the other servant acted when the brothers' names were mentioned?"

"I don't think that one cares much for Strabiss either," Thysis offered.

"Well, Mersha seems to think he's special."

The elder nodded. "She is in love with him. Love is blind."

Ares laughed. "It would have to be to love that old fossil."

"No matter what we think of him, he has done a great deal for the community," Sira reminded him. "It is not hard to see why a simple peasant girl would be impressed by that."

"All right, little healer. I didn't mean to be cruel about her. She can't help it if her mind is warped by the old fool's persona."

"Be nice," the healer laughed.

Hercules smiled at the two of them. "We should play the game right. Let's freshen up before dinner. Sira, get into bed."

She raised her eyebrows at him. "Be nice," he told her.

The demigod had just reentered the healer's room when he heard a light tap on the door. Mersha smiled at him from the other side. "The meal is ready when you are."

"Thank you." He stepped from Sira's room and knocked on the elder's door first, then the salesman's. Salmoneus took Little Sal to Sira. "Be a good boy and stay here with Sira. I'll bring you something to eat." The cat looked annoyed and leaped to a small table beneath the window. "You be careful, little man. I don't want to find a flat little fur ball lying in the courtyard." The cat ignored the man and sat swishing his tail. Sira gave the salesman an encouraging look and he nodded.

Mersha looked concerned. "Your sister won't be joining us for dinner?"

"I'm sorry. She's really far too ill. Aramond is staying with her as well."

"Then I'll send a tray up for both of them."

"That's very thoughtful. Give me a minute with her then we'll go down to dinner."

"Of course."

The demigod bent over to plant a kiss on the girl's forehead. "They're sending up a tray," he whispered. "Don't let Ares leave until it arrives."

"Be careful. Strabiss gives me the creeps."

"Don't worry. He's not fool enough to harm us."

"He took Iolaus." The big man frowned and nodded.

When he joined the others in the hall Thysis laid a hand on his arm. "How is she, my son?"

"Not well, Father. Hopefully a good night's rest will do the trick."

Mersha led them back the way they had come after leaving Strabiss. "How long did it take you to learn your way around?" Salmoneus asked her.

"Weeks, actually. In fact I haven't yet learned my way completely. There are many places I haven't yet visited."

"It's certainly not like any temple I've ever seen."

"As I said before, Strabiss thinks it was built as a fortress for Cronos, then became a temple to him later. Later still, a sect of monks lived here. No one knows what happened to them. Then much later, a different group of monks claimed it. The history is really very fascinating."

"How did Strabiss learn so much of the history of this place?" the demigod asked.

"From the scrolls and parchments he collects. He also entertains bards and storytellers. He's very educated."

"I'm sure he must be."

Ares paced the floor in annoyance. He wasn't happy with the delay in his plans.

"Will you light somewhere?" Sira scolded. "You are exhausting me."

"I hate not doing something."

"Then take one of these hideous bed curtains and cover that painting."

He turned to look at the offending mural. "I rather like it, myself."

"You would."

He laughed at her. "I refuse to apologize for who I am."

"I was not asking for an apology, so there. Now are you going to cover it, or not?"

"Our host might not like us covering his art."

"To Tartarus with him. I will never be able to sleep with that thing looking down on me."

The god laughed again. "Your wish is my command."

"Good," she purred. "That is the way I like it."

"Your wish will always be my command, little one." His voice was a sensual whisper.

She watched his face for a moment, a serious look on hers. With a smile at her he proceeded to cover the painting.

At a tap on the door he opened it to the servant that had been made uncomfortable by the mention of Contose and Plantose.

"Let me take that," he offered and took the tray from her. "It's much too heavy for you."

"Thank you. It is heavy." The god of war set the tray on the table then turned back to the girl. She lowered her eyes. "Is there anything else you need?"

"No, I don't believe so." He gave her a winning smile. "Perhaps your name? So that I might thank you properly."

"Mysella. My name is Mysella."

He took her hand in his. "Thank you, Mysella."

The girl blushed. "Then if there is nothing else?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare so rudely at you. I was captivated by your beauty."

The girl met his eyes for a moment, then looking confused she turned to leave the room. Ares stood watching her back a moment.

Sira followed the girl's mind to be sure she left the upper floor. "You, my brother, are an insatiable flirt."

"I wasn't flirting," he denied.

"Yes, you were. May I have your name so I can thank you properly? I was captivated by your beauty. Do women really fall for that stuff?"

"She seemed to," he grinned.

"See? You were flirting." She came to the table and examined the tray of food. "I am starving."

"Then eat."

"I cannot. I am supposed to be sick, remember? If we eat all this they will never believe I am sick."

"Then eat my portion. I don't need to eat."

"That is right, you are a god," she teased. "I am glad. That means more for me."

He chuckled. "See you later."

"Wait. How will you search without being seen?"

"It's a god thing."

"You will be careful?"

"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

"Thank you."

"Thank me when I find your golden hunter."

"May the earth go with you, my brother."

He touched a forefinger to his temple and was gone.

The girl took up a piece of melon and started to eat. She took some meat to Little Sal where he sat by the window. She stood looking out the window to the far horizon. The sun was almost gone from the sky. It hung low along the mountains, a fiery sphere of orange light. Sira sent her mind to the earth and prayed the god of war would be successful in his search.

She saw someone leave the temple and head toward one of the outbuildings. It was too dark to really see them, but the healer knew it was either Plantose or Contose. She sent her mind to him. Plantose. She shivered as her mind touched his. She could feel his cruelty.

If Strabiss is supposed to be such a scholar and such a caring, loving person, why does he keep someone like Plantose around? she wondered. "Where is Iolaus?" she asked. She got a fleeting sense of the hunter from the mind of the brute.

She closed her eyes. Why would they take him, and why are they holding him? She remembered well the work she had seen done in the valley. All that Strabiss had done here was to be admired. Why would someone who could bring about such changes and command such respect from the villagers need to kidnap people? Was he using them for some form of slave labor? Surely with the way people looked up to him, finding labor couldn't be so hard. Could it be the type of work he needed from these people was dangerous? Where are you, my lover? Help us find you.

Mersha led them to a large room. Its walls were hung with tapestries. In the middle of the room was a long table of heavy, dark wood. The table was now set for a meal. As they approached the table Strabiss stepped through a door at the other end of the room.

"Welcome," he smiled at them. "Mersha, please let the kitchen know we are ready to dine."

"Of course, Strabiss."

He smiled warmly at the woman then turned to the others and motioned to the tall backed chairs around the table. "Please be seated. I trust you found the rooms to your liking?"

"Of course, and thank you," the demigod nodded.

"Forgive me for putting you so far away. I'm not used to having guests, although I do have the occasional storyteller stay with me. Then too, the rooms I have you in are by far the nicest. That part of the castle is the newest."

"The rooms are great. The quiet will do my sister good, I'm sure."

"Your numbers are a bit depleted tonight, are they not?"

"My sister wasn't well enough to join us. Aramond is sitting with her."

"Of course. We can have something sent up to them."

"I believe Mersha was going to do just that."

"Good, good. She is a treasure. No disrespect to the local people, I love them all, but it isn't always easy to find such an efficient housekeeper among the lower class. Mersha is a delight."

"She has been very thoughtful."

"Good." Strabiss unfolded his napkin as Dayna placed a plate of food before him. She had served the others first, giving the salesman the largest portion. "If you don't mind my asking," Strabiss continued, "what is wrong with your sister?"

"Grief and fatigue mostly. She is taking the disappearance of Iolaus very hard. She isn't sleeping or eating." He shook his head. "They were so in love."

There were tall golden goblets of wine set before each of the places. The demigod ignored his and reached for the water set before him instead. "Your man Contose had an interesting theory about the people who are turning up missing."

"Really? Care to enlighten me?"

"He says they are being taken by highwaymen to be used as slave labor."

"Oh, really? Why take people when there is so much wealth to take? Does he know where these slaves are taken?"

"I gather that he doesn't. But he was insistent that Iolaus was dead."

"I'm sorry, Hermous. You must understand, Contose is quite simple minded. I, myself, suggested highwaymen as a possible solution, then discounted it when no one with any wealth was robbed. I'm afraid I can't explain the disappearance of your friend. As for the others, I must be honest. One of them turned out to be a thief. I caught him stealing from me and suggested he find a healthier place to live. I said nothing to the villagers out of respect to his family. They know of course, and I have taken care of his wife and children since. One of the men who is missing ran away with a woman fortuneteller traveling through the village. His father refuses to believe this however, and insists on claiming his son is missing." The old man shrugged. "Things happen. The village sits on the crossroads through the mountains. We see so many travelers." He shrugged again.

"We wished to find Iolaus and return his body to our home. But I fear that will prove impossible." Hercules turned to Thysis. "I'm sorry, Father."

"We have done what we could. Perhaps coming here was not a wise idea after all. I fear for your sister."

"Surely she will heal in time, Father?"

"I hope so, my son."

Sira paced the floor of her room. She'd finished eating then washed herself in the cold water on the washstand. She hadn't brought any night attire with her. It was hardly appropriate on the trail. She slipped a loose fitting, woven moss dress over her head and covered her feet with cloth shoes.

Little Sal slept on the bed, a gray ball of fur against the red cover. "This is driving me mad," the girl mumbled to herself. She sent her mind to that of the demigod.

"The meal was wonderful," Thysis assured Strabiss.

"Thank you. As I said, I don't have many visitors." He rose from the table. "Would you care to join me in my study?"

"Yes, of course. That is most hospitable of you."

The demigod rubbed at his temple. The constant need to maintain their deception was wearing thin. He would have excused himself, but he wanted to give Ares as much time as he could.

Strabiss led them to a room on the ground floor. The walls were lined with shelving that held scrolls and parchments by the hundreds. There was a large fireplace lit now with a warm fire. A large desk held a prominent place in the room, and behind it was a large chair looking for all the world like a throne. Other chairs rested on a red carpet near the fireplace. Strabiss went to a sideboard. "Would you care for wine?"

Both Hercules and Thysis declined, but Salmoneus took the offered libation and made himself comfortable in the largest chair. In the pocket of his robe was a small packet of food for Little Sal, courtesy of Dayna.

Thysis moved about the room looking at the scrolls and parchments. "A hobby of mine," Strabiss explained. "I love to find the ancient writings and decipher them. There are scrolls here dating back to the time of the Titans. This castle was built for Cronos. I don't know if he actually lived here but I tend to believe he did at times. Then it was turned into a temple to honor him. Later, unfortunately, it became a temple to Ares, god of war. While the monks did a lot to improve the place and make it habitable for normal sized beings, they destroyed a lot of the ancient history as well."

"This was once a temple to Ares?" Salmoneus asked in surprise.

"Oh, most certainly. The old writings don't lie. His worshipers of the dark side lived here for many, many years."

"How interesting," the entrepreneur stated. Hercules sent him a warning look. "So, tell me more," the salesman encouraged.

"I've been unable to find out yet why Ares' followers left here. The place was abandoned for a long time. Then another sect of monks claimed it. They were worshippers of Demeter. The village came to be while the people of the earth goddess held the temple. They, too, made many improvements. The road that leads east and west across the mountains was made by them so they could reach other temples of the earth goddess. Travelers coming from any of the four directions were welcomed. A stable was built for their horses, a tavern set up to house and feed them. The original tavern still operates today, but of course it is no longer run by the disciples of Demeter."

The old man took a sip of his wine. "What do you think of the wine, Salmoneus? We make it here ourselves."

The conversation led to talk of the valley and Strabiss' plans for it. Hercules excused himself, using concern for Sira as a reason. Strabiss opened the study door and called to the man sitting in a straight backed chair beside the door. "Please ask Dayna to escort our guest to the upper rooms."

"Yes, Strabiss." The man rose and hurried to the back of the hall. Within moments Dayna tapped at the door and opened it carefully.

"Dayna, please escort Hermous to his room."

She curtsied and motioned for the demigod to precede her from the room then followed him. They headed toward the massive staircase.

"How many times have you been up and down these steps today?" the big man asked.

"Too many," the girl smiled at him.

"I'm sure I can find my way. You don't need to show me."

"No. It's better if I do. I don't want to risk making Strabiss angry."

"Is he a tyrant or something?"

"No, not really that. But he expects certain behavior from his servants. It's a good job for the most part, as long as you don't anger him. The money is good. He pays in gold. Anyway, there are dozens of others waiting to take my place if I mess up. So why take the chance, I say. One more trip upstairs won't kill me."

"You and Mersha seem quite content here, but I wonder about the other girl who was with you today."

"Mysella? She's Plantose's girlfriend. He isn't always the nicest of people."

"Why does she stay?"

"It's really none of my business."

"You're being tactful. What you mean is, it isn't my business. And you're right, it isn't. Forgive me."

She smiled at him. "She stays because she's supporting her mother and six younger siblings with the money she makes here. Her father and older brother were killed while making repairs on the outer wall of the castle. They were both stone masons. A rope broke and the platform they were standing on collapsed."

"Why not just tell Plantose to get lost?"

"I don't think that would be a healthy thing to do."

"Does Strabiss know about all this?"

"He knows Mysella's father and brother were killed and he knows that Plantose considers her his woman. But I don't think he knows the rest. I don't think he sees what a brute Plantose can be. He raised the brothers, you see. He thinks of them as more like his children rather than servants." She shrugged.

"No wonder Mysella is unhappy."

"She could just ask Strabiss for help. If she told him she needed to stay at home with her family and help them and needed money to do so, he would give it. I've seen him do so before. After Mysella's father and brother were killed he offered to help the family. They're just too stubborn. They refuse to accept charity. So Strabiss gave Mysella a job here in the castle."

"Then he must truly be a generous man."

"Yes, he is."

Hercules said goodbye to the girl at the door to Sira's room then let himself quietly in. The healer sat up and searched his face.

"It went well. He's the perfect host, at least that's the part he portrays."

"You are saying that somehow it is hard to believe in his sincerity?"

"Exactly." He shrugged. "Ares isn't back yet?"

The empath slid to the ground. "No, not yet." There was concern in her voice.

"He's a big boy. He can take care of himself."

She smiled at him. "I know. I guess I just cannot help it."

"I wonder what his reasons are for being here in the first place."

"Must he have a reason beyond a desire to help me?"

"You forget, this is Ares we're talking about."

The healer sighed. "He wants me to be his."

"I thought as much." The demigod began to pace. "If the bastard lays a hand on you he'll have me to deal with."

"It is not like that, my brother."

"Then what is it like?" he interrupted.

"It does not really matter. He knows this could never be. My heart and soul belong to others."

"So that's it. He wants to find Iolaus and kill him."

She turned to stare at him. "No! It is not like that either." Then in a whisper, "Besides, even if Iolaus were gone there would be another."

He closed his eyes for a moment. He knew whom she meant. His heart felt full, as if it would burst. He wanted to take her into his arms. But this thing with Ares stood between them. "Then he'll simply try to kill me as well."

"You are wrong, my soul. He is no fool. He knows the depth of my love for both Iolaus and yourself. He does not want me that way. He knows that were he to hurt either of you, I would hate him. I would fight him with all that I have and he would never truly have me."

"Yeah, well, he likes that kind of thing."

"Not with me. Do you not see? The thing that makes me desirable to him is the fact that I see Ares. Not the god of war, but Ares. I see his softer side and the love he has hidden for so long. I love that part of him and he feels that. I do not believe he has ever felt love from anyone. I do not believe he has ever loved anyone. He wants that from me, not hate and anger. He has a desire for Xena, but that is different. The god of war needs her. Ares needs me. He would not risk losing my love by harming my family. Besides, he has given me his word that he will not harm any of you."

The demigod came to her and put his arms around her. "I hope you're right, my more than sister. For your sake if for no other reason, I hope you're right."

"I feel so lost," she whispered. "All that I have that makes me whole is being torn apart. I have to trust my feelings, my brother. Your love helps to hold me together, and yet it also adds complications that I am just not strong enough to deal with right now. Do not ask me why I need Ares so much. I am not really sure myself, other than the fact that he is a part of my soul as well. But for now I need you all. Please do not ask me to give that up."

He soothed the hair from her cheek. "I'm sorry, my sister. I haven't been very fair to you, have I? I can't seem to look past my own feelings about Ares to see your needs."

"Did someone mention my name?"

"Ares. What did you find?" The girl's voice was nervous and shaky.

"What I didn't find was Iolaus," he stated in annoyance.

Hercules tightened his hold on the healer as he felt her slump in his arms. "You checked room by room?"

"Are you kidding? This place is a labyrinth. I haven't covered half of it. Who on Olympus built this monstrosity anyway?"

"According to Strabiss, followers of Ares did a great deal of it."

"What?! That's bull. No followers of mine were ever here. Damnation! Don't you think I'd know if that were the case? The little wizened prune, how dare he insinuate such ridiculous fodder."

"Calm down, Lord Ares," Sira chuckled. "You will explode."

He smiled at her. "I'm not done looking. I came back to check on you and to give you a progress report." He began to pace. "I just don't get it. Usually I can sense people. I can get a feel for them. I have this gut feeling Iolaus is here, and yet I can't feel his presence."

"We may not be able to use the earth's power to find him. He is being shielded by something, I am sure of it, just as Strabiss is being shielded."

The god let his breath out with a sigh. "Then you'd better plan to be real sick, because this is gonna take awhile."

"If we have to take this place apart brick by brick, then so be it. I feel as you do. Iolaus is here somewhere and I will not leave until I find him."

A grin spread across the god of war's face. "Damn it, I like it." He turned to his brother. "She's my kind of woman, Brother."

"Mine too."

The god laughed. "Seems we're always competing for the same thing, doesn't it?"

"It's like that between brothers sometimes."

The god nodded. "I never really had a brother, not like you mean. I could get to like this. Still," he tugged at his mustache. "I hate to lose."

"So do I."

The dark god laughed again, then in a flash he was gone.

"I believe he rather enjoyed that." the big man stated.

"I know he did."

"You, my little healer, are exhausted. I want you to try and get some sleep. I'm going to do a little discrete searching of my own."

"I will come with you."

"No, not this time. If I get caught I might be able to lie my way out of it. But if they see you up and around, how will we ever convince them you're really sick?"

"Damn! I hate being stuck here. I am going mad."

He chuckled. "Just try to get some sleep."

"Sure, like I will be able to sleep knowing you are out there." She let her breath out with a huff. "Check back with me before you retire. I will be awake."

"Can you tell where Strabiss is?"

"I cannot sense him, but I sense Thysis and he is still with Strabiss and Salmoneus. They are playing chips together."

"How about Contose and Plantose?"

"Contose is with the horses. Plantose?" She moved her head from side to side. "No. I cannot sense him at all. I could easily earlier, but not now." She turned anguished eyes to her more than brother of the soul. "What could be shielding them so completely?"

He shook his head. "We'll just have to keep looking. Could you sense if someone was close to me?"

"If they were not shielded."

"Good. Touch my mind if you feel danger or if you need me."

She nodded. "You know I will."

The big man took her into his arms and took her lips gently. "We'll find him, as you said earlier, even if we have to we'll take this place apart brick by brick." He kissed her again then released her. He shut the door of the healer's room quietly behind him and stood looking up and down the hall. Where to start?

He turned to the right and began by opening the first door past his own room. He didn't really believe he would find the hunter here so close to where Strabiss had exiled them for the night, but he must check anyway. He wished now he had asked the god of war where he had already checked.

Most of the rooms were still in desperate need of repair. He walked gingerly over loose stones and rubble to search the rooms. He carried an oil lamp he had brought with him from the healer's room. It let off a dark smoke that annoyed him but he continued to search. The hall ended on a flight of stairs that led to a wooden door. The steps were broken and chipped. He carefully moved ahead, feeling each step carefully to be sure it would hold his weight.

When he reached the door he found it was almost rotted away. He pushed on it with his shoulder and the latch broke apart to clink nosily on the stone steps. "Damn!" He carefully picked up the broken pieces of metal and wood and stepped through the door. He found himself on the roof. Here, too, he could see the destruction perpetrated by time and the elements. There had at one time been a protective wall of stone around the outer walls of the roof. Much of this was now scattered about the flat surface waiting to trip the demigod. He took his time, and as before felt ahead with his feet before taking a step.

An hour of painstaking search brought him nothing besides bruised shins and a sore toe when a stone rolled on him. He made his way back to the door and took a minute to prop it closed with a rock. He only hoped no one would venture this far and find the broken latch.

This time he went past the rooms assigned to them and began to search rooms leading back down the hall. His lamp was almost out of oil as he finished the last room leading off the hall. There were still two other corridors, one to the left and one to the right that needed searching, but he was weary. He needed his wits about him for this. With a reluctant sigh he returned to the healer's room.

She had known from his mind that he hadn't found anything. She put her arms around him. She could feel his weariness. "You have done enough for now, my brother. There is only a little of the night left. Go rest. We will try tomorrow."

He nodded. "I'm sorry."

"Do not be foolish. Go sleep."

He let himself into the room opposite hers through a connecting door. He knew he should bathe. He was dirty from the search. He hated to make the effort. Still, he wouldn't want to be caught like this. He'd have a hard time explaining how he had gotten so dusty sitting with a sick sister.

He poured water from the pitcher into the wash basin and stripped his shirt over his head. He shook it out to get most of the dust off it then tossed it on the foot of the bed. He washed his hands, arms, face and chest in the cold water. He shivered as the cold, rough cloth touched his skin. Next he removed his boots and wiped them down with a cloth from his pack. His pants he also shook before they joined the shirt on the bed. He stood unclothed before the washstand, dreading the moment he must touch the freshly rinsed cloth to his lower half. He put his leg up on the washstand and examined the bruise on his shin. With a disgruntled snort he lowered the leg and finished his bath.

When he was dry he pulled a pair of loose fitting, woven moss pants on and tied them loosely around his waist. Then with a sigh he crawled between the blankets. The bed was far too soft, but at the moment he was too tired to care.

The healer also went to her bed, not because she felt tired but because she felt chilled. She knew she would never be able to sleep, but once she was settled she did feel drowsy. She closed her eyes and sent her mind to the earth. "Help us find him, my mother," her mind begged. She yawned. "You have led us this far. I cannot believe we have come so far just to fail."

Little Sal joined her on the bed. She stroked absentmindedly at his soft furry side. His purr seemed to lull and relax her, and sleep claimed the earth's chosen one.

She walked down a long tunnel. It was honed from solid rock, but the rock was not like anything she had seen before. She placed her hand on the wall but felt nothing of the earth in the pale blue stone. The walls, floor, and ceiling were smooth and shiny, seeming to give off a luminescence of their own. She walked forward. Here the stone was transparent and crystalline. The smoothed surface distorted and obscured the crystals she could see behind the tunnel wall.

Her footsteps echoed off the wall, as did her thoughts. It threw them back at her over and over. She felt trapped, imprisoned. She was being smothered and suffocated in a never ending hole through which no sensation could be trusted, no sound relied on.

The tunnel vibrated with a steady pulse. It was like the purring of some giant cat who had swallowed her and purred at its now full tummy. She stopped walking, but the sound of her steps echoed on to die slowly away like the fading of a life. When the sound was gone she felt almost bereaved. I am deaf! she thought in panic. I can feel the vibration but I can no longer hear it.

She shouted, only to have the sound thrown back at her. Her hands flew to her ears as the noise hurt them and left a ringing sound to replace the echo. She sent out her thoughts, only to have them also bounce back at her. They flooded over her and she went painfully to her knees on the cold blue stone. "Iolaus!" she screamed with her mind. The scream woke her and she lay trembling in the high bed. She shivered with cold. Her body was drenched in perspiration.

"Iolaus," she whimpered, her voice shaky and hoarse.

The demigod sat on the bed next to her and pulled her into his arms. "It's all right, Sira. It was just a dream." He soothed and rocked her like a baby. "It's all right now, I'm here." He kissed the top of her head. "You don't need to be frightened, my more than sister."

She turned her face up to him and he took her lips with a gentle kiss. She parted her lips in invitation and he moaned. He took her tongue. He felt as if he were falling. She took his mouth with hunger.

"Oh, Sira, I've waited so long for this."

Her hand in his hair sent a shiver up and down his spine. He could feel her mind and soul possess him. She slid her hands down his neck. He began to tremble as she passed them over his chest. They were hot, almost too hot and it drove him mad. He felt as if he couldn't breath. He moaned and his kiss became demanding. It seemed to set her on fire and she whimpered with desire.

"I want you," she whispered breathlessly. He lay her on the bed and lowered himself to her.

He jerked upright as he passed from the dream world to reality. "By the gods!" he whispered. He shook with reaction. A shudder ran over his body. The dream had been so real. It wasn't the first time he'd had the dream, and as before it left him feeling out of control.

He heard her whimper. Had she really cried out, or was it still part of the dream? He heard it again. He rose and slipped through the door that connected with her room.

The empath sat in the bed, the covers pulled up to her chin. He sat on the side of the bed and took her into his arms. He stiffened. This was just too reminiscent of his dream. He was still lost in the emotions that had possessed him. He sat rigidly beside her. She felt no real comfort in his embrace.

"What is it, my brother?"

He let his breath out with a puff and seemed to slump against her. "Sira," he whispered.

"What is it?" she repeated.

"Being with you can sometimes be very hard," he confessed.

"I am sorry, my brother." She tried not to cry but the tears refused to go away. "I am fine now. You do not need to stay." Her voice broke.

With a moan he tightened his hold on her. "It's not your fault. It's me."

"No. It is the tie of soul. We cannot help that we love each other and find each other desirable. The earth has brought this to us for a reason."

"How do I keep my hands off of you? Don't you see? It becomes harder with each day that passes."

"I know. You must go to the earth with this. She will help you find peace with what has happened between us. I want you also, my brother. But my soul belongs to another. I cannot give to you what I give to him. He is my mate of the soul, my Anmchara. The earth must lead you."

"It's not like that, at least most of the time. The love I have for you is always there, but the rest of it, well�"

"I know. It is the same for me. Iolaus found a peace in the earth about our feelings for each other. You must also."

"Forgive me, Sira."

"No, there is nothing to forgive. You have done nothing wrong. What you feel is a natural part of our souls touching. Please do not put restrictions on us. I cannot lose you now, not when I am so vulnerable. Do not stay away from me because you think loving me is wrong. It is not. It is right and it is good." Her voice began to rise. He could feel her panic. "Please, my brother."

"Shhh, little one. I'm not going anywhere. I couldn't restrict my love for you if I tried. That's the real problem. Don't cry. I'm here."

"What if we do not find him in time?"

"We will."

"My soul is so torn. I need him to make it whole again."

"Shhh, we'll find him. Remember, we're going to take this place apart if we have to."

She laughed. "I love you, my more than brother. You are my soul."

"Shhh, lay here beside me and I'll hold you. Try to sleep."

Comforted in the circle of the demigod's arms the healer did sleep once more. After a time the half god son of Zeus also slept. Light streaming through the window woke him and he lay quietly enjoying his closeness to the healer. Maybe she's right, he thought. Maybe I do need to go to the earth about this. After all, she is of the earth.

Ares appeared in the room. His eyebrows shot up when he found the healer and the demigod in bed together. "Interesting," was his only comment.

"She had a bad dream," the demigod explained. "Get your mind out of the brothel." Ares only smiled at him. "Did you find anything?"

The god of war sighed then shook his head. "No." He began to pace. "Damn it, I know he's here somewhere."

"We need more time," the demigod stated. "I only covered this floor last night."

"I only got through the ground floor and there is still the out buildings," Ares stated.

The healer moaned. The demigod went to her. "Are you all right, Sira?"

She moaned again. "Little sister is ill. I cannot possibly be moved."

The big man grinned. "I really fear for her, don't you Aramond?"

"Yes, Hermous, I surely do."

The girl bounded to her feet, a wide smile on her face. Going to her pack she removed a small clay pot. Removing the lid she brushed a fine white powder over her cheeks. It was a powder made from dried plant milk and used to soothe an upset stomach. It did wonders to make the girl look ill. She ran her finger over the wick of a candle and made dark circles under her eyes. With a quick adjustment in the polished metal tray on the bedside stand she nodded and turned to the men for their approval.

"By the gods, Brother. She's on death's door. Whatever shall we do?" The god of war teased her.

"All right," Hercules cautioned, "let's not get carried away."

"One more night may not be enough. Better I appear quite ill now, than try to convince them later I have had a relapse."

"Point well taken."

The girl jumped back into bed. "Someone is coming."

There was a light tap on the door and the demigod answered it. It was Dayna. "I've�" she started to say. Her eyes got big as she took in the view of the demigod clad only in the loose fitting woven moss pants he had worn after his bath.

"It's� I mean� Oh my."

The big man smiled at her. "Have you come to take us down for breakfast?"

"What? Oh, oh yes."

"Give me a moment to dress and we'll be right with you."

She said nothing, only stood fanning herself. Ares gave her an annoyed look then went to the rooms of the others. "Go on down to a meal," he told them. "I'll stay with Sira."

Thysis took the dark god's arm. "Is she any better, my son?"

"No, Father. Maybe you better go in to her. She's been asking for you."

The elder made a great show of being worried. He took the healer's hand and held it. With an effort he heaved himself up on the bed beside her and planted a kiss on her forehead. He whispered to her and she whispered a reply.

"I will return as soon as I have eaten and gotten some fresh air. Aramond will stay with you until I return. Then I will sit with you for awhile, my child."

Dayna had recovered at last. "I'll send a tray up for her and you Aramond." She looked toward the bed. "The poor girl." The demigod returned to the others and the servant girl blushed.

"Let me get a meal," the salesman offered, "then I'll sit with her for a time."

"Thank you, Salmoneus. I would like to get some exercise if I can," the god of war stated.

"We must ask Strabiss for more time to let her recover," Thysis stated. "I only hope the rumors of his generosity are true."

"I'm sure he won't mind," Dayna assured them. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Salmoneus patted her hand. "That is very generous of you, my dear."

Mysella brought a tray to the room. Ares opened the door for her, and with a smile he took the tray. He took an apple, and taking a generous bite he chewed methodically.

"How is your sister?"

He set the apple beside the tray and shook his head. "Not well. She's worse than yesterday."

"I'm so sorry to hear that."

He motioned to the door. "She's sleeping now." The girl took the hint and nodded.

Ares followed her out and closed the door quietly behind him. "Salmoneus is going to sit with her." He gave her a dazzling smile. "Would you show me around the old temple?"

"No, I couldn't."

He looked disappointed. "I'm so fascinated by the old place and I'm afraid I'll get lost." She shook her head. "I would really enjoy your company."

"I don't think Strabiss would like us to wander around."

"Sure he would. He's so proud of this place that he's bursting. I can't wait to get a chance to speak with him in person. Hermous told me what he said about the place. He really believes Cronos once lived here?"

"I don't pay much attention to such things."

He took her hand. "Then worshipers of Ares? Just imagine, the great Ares may have walked these very halls." He kissed her knuckles. "It gives me chills just thinking about it. Please tell me you'll show me around." He looked deep into her eyes. "It wouldn't be any fun without you." His voice was a sensuous whisper. He knew he had her. He could tell by the way her pupils constricted.

"I guess I could show you some of the rooms."

"That's my girl. Wait and see, you'll have fun."

She blushed. "Why don't I go now? I'll bring Salmoneus back when he is finished eating, then we can start."

"Beautiful and practical. You're my kind of woman."

She blushed again and tugged lightly on the hand he still held. He tightened his grip. "Don't keep me waiting too long." He released her hand, and with a last look at him she hurried toward the end of the hall. He watched her retreating back, a thoughtful look on his face.

He returned to the healer. She sensed that he was alone and sat up. "What was that all about?"

"Mysella has agreed to show me around the dear old place."

"You be nice to her."

"Why, Sister, I'm wounded that you think so little of me."

"I know how damn charming you can be."

He smiled at her. "Are my charms working on you?"

"You know full well they are."

He laughed. "Then it's all been worth it."

She smiled back. "Are you going to eat any of that food?"

"Is that all you think about?"

She stuck her tongue out at him, and sliding to the floor she crossed the room to eye the tray. "Do you want some tea?"

"No. Help yourself."

Strabiss and Plantose were waiting for them when they entered the dining room. The old man wiped his mouth with his napkin then rose to greet them. "Come join us. Forgive me for not waiting. I've got a busy day ahead."

"Of course," the demigod nodded.

"How is your sister today?"

The big man slumped in his chair and sighed. "Not well, I'm afraid. I don't mean to take advantage of your hospitality or your generosity�"

"She's really that ill?"

"I don't know if we could make it to the village with her or not. That is, if we could find shelter once we were there."

"I'm sure she will soon be well. You're welcome to stay a little longer."

The demigod noted the way Plantose stiffened at this. "You're most generous."

"If you don't mind, I have gleaned some knowledge of medicine from the scrolls I read. May I look in on your sister?"

The demigod started to object but Thysis interrupted. "That would be good of you. Anything that might help would be most appreciated." Hercules sent the elder a wrinkled brow look.

"When we're done with the meal, I'll accompany you back to her room. There may well be something we can do for the poor girl."

The demigod felt like gagging. He sent his mind to the healer to warn her of the impending visit by the master of the house.

"Damn!" the girl stated in annoyance and went to stand by the window.

"What?" Ares asked her.

"Strabiss wants to insure I am truly sick. He is coming to check on me in a little bit."

"I see. Can you pull this off?"

She gave him a disgusted look but said nothing. She watched as Contose crossed the courtyard and headed toward the stable. The girl sent her mind to his. He wasn't a bad looking man, his light brown hair waved back from a prominent brow to curl around his ears. He was tall, almost as tall as Hercules. He was broader and heavier than the demigod, and yet he wasn't fat. She again sensed the dullness of his mind. What a waste, she thought. She kept her mind on his as he entered the stable. She sensed some of his dullness fade as he spoke to the horses. He liked the animals, that much she could sense. She felt a gentleness about him, much different than what she felt from his brother.

With a sigh she turned back to the room.

Strabiss chewed methodically on his breakfast. Plantose was right. I never should have allowed them to come here. I wonder if the girl is really ill? Well, I'll soon see. This isn't the first time my ego has gotten the best of me. Still, it was pleasant to talk with them last night. The old man has a quick mind. He also plays a mean game of chips. I wonder where he really comes from. He says they live in the forest at a hidden cabin. I wonder which forest, and why they hide out there. I have a strong feeling the old one was exiled there for some crime. He has that shifty look about him. I wonder if I can get the truth from him.

The self proclaimed monarch took a drink of tea. I'll remind Plantose to keep an eye on them. There's just something about them. What was it he said last night? He and the daughter don't get out of the mountains very often. That would explain the long hair and forest garb.

Salmoneus excused himself and Mysella came forward to escort him back to their rooms.

Sira lay in the bed and closed her eyes. She took a moment to still her mind then to open it to the earth. She let her mind become entranced. Slowly she began to chant the yosemin word for earth, and as the rhythm possessed her she visualized herself burning in mounds of molten rock. She felt the heat build and encouraged it to do so. She became pale, her face bathed in perspiration, and still she continued to manipulate her body with her mind.

The god of war watched her closely. She knows what she's doing, he told himself. She began to toss her head from side to side. In alarm he sat beside her on the bed and felt her forehead. She was burning up.

"Sira?"

"It is all right, my brother. It is all part of the charade. Put a cloth over my forehead as if we have been trying to lower the fever."

"You're sure you're all right?"

"Yes. I will be."

He did as she asked. She let her entranced mind take over her body as she continued to picture herself in the burning fires at the center of the earth.

There was a light tap on the door. The god of war answered it to find Salmoneus and Mysella there.

"How is she?" the salesman asked.

"Not good." The god's voice was filled with genuine concern and the servant girl laid her hand on his arm. He turned to her. "Maybe we had better postpone our little tour."

"Of course."

"You've been with her most of the time," Salmoneus objected. "I'll take care of her. Go on and try to relax."

The god stood in indecision for a moment. "I guess I could take a bit of a break." He noted the girl looked pleased at this.

The salesman took the cloth from the healer's brow, rinsed it then bathed the girl's face with it. She whimpered and he shushed her.

Ares stood watching for a moment. "He seems to know what he's doing." Mysella offered.

With a nod the god of war turned to her. He took her hand and led her from the room.

"Where would you like the tour to begin?"

He stood in indecision for a moment. "How about the next floor down."

She nodded and they headed down the hall. "Most of this part was built by the followers of Ares."

"Really? I thought you didn't pay much attention to such things."

"I've heard some of it," she blushed.

He smiled at her. He took his time, opening doors and milling about the rooms. It was pleasant company.

Strabiss stood over the healer. He lay a hand on her forehead. "She's burning up," he offered. "I wonder if there is more going on than just grief. Perhaps she has taken on some fever."

The girl tossed and turned as her self induced fever cramped her muscles. "My back hurts so bad," she complained.

The demigod took her hand. "Try to rest, my sister." He turned anguished eyes to his host. "Can you help her?"

"I had no idea she was so ill." He backed away. "I dare say some herbal tea might help."

The big man narrowed his eyes at the man. So, he thought, he knows less about illness than I do. Or is he just frightened of what she may have?

"You're welcome to stay until you can find a place in the village."

"All right, I'll ride to the village today and see what arrangements can be made."

"No, tomorrow will be soon enough. You understand of course, I can't afford to expose all of us to some kind of fever."

"Of course. You've been most generous to let us stay this long." What he didn't say was, if Sira did have some kind of fever the old bastard would be exposing the whole village.

"If she's better tomorrow we will see."

"I understand."

Ares turned to Mysella. "How long have you worked for Strabiss?"

"Almost two years now."

"Does it get boring sometimes?"

"Yes, sometimes."

"Do you have family in the village?"

"Yes. That's why I work here. My father and older brother were killed while trying to repair the castle. My mother can't support my six brothers and sisters. Strabiss has been very generous."

"Well, he should be if working here killed your family."

"Do you have family besides those with you here?"

He shook his head. "No. No wife or children."

She blushed and tried to pull away from him. He refused to release her hand.

"Why are you frightened of me?" He was a little surprised by the sincerity in his voice then realized he shouldn't be. He really wanted to know. He'd been gentle with her. What had he done to frighten her?

She refused to look at him and he reached out to lift her chin with the side of his knuckle. "Why do I frighten you?"

"It's not that."

"Then what?"

"It's just that� Well, I'm not free to�"

"I'm sorry Mysella, I didn't realize you were married."

"No, I'm not married."

"Engaged then?"

"Not that either. Not really. It's Plantose. I'm his girl and he's very possessive. He gets jealous easily."

"I see." Something in her tone and the look on her face disturbed him. "He doesn't hurt you, does he?"

"It's� No. Well,"

"Why do you stay with him?"

"I have to work. I've explained that." She tried to pull away from him once again but he still refused to release her. "When I first came here, he was very charming. He's handsome. He's so big and masculine. I didn't know what he could be like. I really cared for him at first."

"You mustn't let him harm you."

"What can I do? If I leave here, my family starves. If I stay he will have me. He's sometimes very gentle and loving."

"I'm sorry, Mysella."

She looked up to search his eyes. She jumped as she heard the bellow.

"What are you doing here!"

"It's all right, Plantose. I was just showing Aramond around the castle."

"No!" He took a step toward them and Ares put the girl behind him. "You may not show these fools the castle. You have no business doing so."

"It was my idea," Ares stated. "I was fascinated by the history of the place and asked her to lead me around."

The brute took another step toward them. "Take your hands off of her or I'll kill you."

"Take one more step and it won't be my blood that stains the carpet."

"You? You're nothing. I'll crush you with my bare hands."

The god of war pushed the girl back. "You mean you'll try." Plantose started forward.

"What is this?" Strabiss demanded. He and Hercules were returning to the ground floor when they'd heard angry voices.

"Plantose, what goes on here?"

"He was digging about and Mysella was helping him." The self proclaimed monarch turned narrowed eyes on the god of war and the girl he meant to protect.

"It wasn't like that. She was just showing me some of the castle," Ares offered. "No harm was done."

"I asked you not to wander around."

"You asked us not to wander around alone. You said nothing about staying in our rooms. Mysella was with me to assure I didn't get lost."

"There is still the danger from the disrepair of most of the upper floors. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you."

"I meant no harm."

"Mysella knows better," Plantose bellowed.

"I dragged her into this. Don't blame her."

"He was trying to steal my woman."

"Calm down, Plantose," Strabiss hissed. "There was no harm done. Go make sure the horses are ready. We need to check on the break in the levee out by the south field. Go!"

The brute shot a look of hate at the god of war then turned and stormed from the room.

Strabiss ignored the tirade. "Leave us, Mysella."

"I'm sorry, Strabiss. I meant no harm."

"We'll talk about it later. Go help in the kitchen."

The girl slid out from behind the god of war and ran down the hall.

"She's done nothing wrong," Ares stated.

"It'll be fine. There was no harm done."

"I don't want her reprimanded because of something I've done."

"Don't be silly. She won't be. Plantose gets carried away sometimes, but he'll calm down."

"I meant no harm."

"Of course. I understand. The old place fascinates me also. When I return from the fields I'll show you around myself."

"I'd like that."

"Good." He turned to Hercules. "Do you still wish to check on your horses?"

The big man nodded. "Yes." He had used the horses as an excuse to leave the castle in hopes that he might get a chance to check the out buildings.

Ares returned to the healer's room. He was seething with anger. He hadn't liked Plantose's reaction or that of Strabiss. He was also concerned for Mysella. He had no wish to bring her harm.

The healer was looking much better. She had shed her fever like she might shed a cloak. The dark god stood over her shaking his head. "How are these things possible?"

She smiled at him. "The mind can do much. I am still a little weak, and I could use some water."

He chuckled. "So now you wish me to wait on you."

"Of course. I like you best when you are serving me."

His eyes sparkled. "You are a tease."

She laughed. "What happened?"

"We got caught. Plantose wasn't very happy about it either." He handed her a mug of water. "If Salmoneus can keep an eye on you, I'll continue searching, but in a godly way this time."

"What if you are missed?"

He stretched and yawned. "I was up all night with a sick sister. I had to get some rest."

She grinned at him. "By all means, you should retire to your bed."

"Care to join me there?'

"Not this time. You need rest, remember?"

"You're right, I wouldn't get any rest that way, would I?"

"Please, Aramond, this is no way for a brother to talk."

He laughed, and with a salute to the forehead he was gone. Salmoneus shot a pink faced look at the healer.

She laughed at him. Little Sal jumped to the bed and demanded attention and the salesman picked him up. Taking the chair beside the healer's bed he began to stroke the cat's gray furry ears.

The healer sent her mind to her son. She spoke with her earth's power to the boy each day. It helped to ease her loneliness, and she knew it helped to ease his as well.

Strabiss escorted the demigod to the stable. He left him there with Contose. The old man was helped to his horse by Plantose and they left the courtyard at a gallop. The demigod tried for a moment to make conversation with Contose, then giving up wandered from the stable. He watched to see if the simpleton would follow but when he didn't the half god son of Zeus began to explore the out buildings. Two hours of painstaking search netted him absolutely nothing and he returned to the castle feeling defeated. How much longer could they stay here? How much longer could the hunter wait for rescue? Hades had hinted that he wasn't long for this mortal plane. His own mind had touched the hunter's through the healer. He could feel the weakness of his more than brother of the soul.

He let himself into the castle. No one bothered him and he ascended the stone staircase. He made a decision. It would be soon or they would confront Strabiss. Voicing the words the god of war had before, "He's here somewhere. I just know it."

Strabiss was in a black mood. He had been foolish in letting this bunch into his home. He admitted the offer had been prompted by his ego. He was sure he had them where he wanted them, and having them where he could keep an eye on them had appealed to him.

"We should tell them to get out," Plantose grumbled. "I warned you they were dangerous."

"You, my big dumb oaf, have no right to tell me anything."

"You forget, Strabiss, I'm not the one you made simple with your greed. Don't talk down to me."

"You and your brother were nothing when I found you, and you'd still be nothing without me. How is our friend?"

"He's strong. He still fights me at times."

"You're not to hurt him. He's the best we've had. With the villagers stirred up about the missing people, we can't afford anymore to disappear."

"I haven't hurt him."

"See that you don't."

"I could bring someone from elsewhere. We don't need him."

"You overstep your bounds, Plantose. I do the thinking and the planning around here, not you. Learn your place or you'll be the next to turn up missing." He touched heels to the horse's side and rode ahead. The brute stopped his horse where he was and stared through narrowed eyes at the old one's back.

The demigod let himself into the healer's room. At the look on his face she declined asking him if he had found anything. She began to pace the floor. They were running out of time and she knew it. How much longer could the golden one wait? Anger welled up in the girl. She had an almost uncontrollable urge to break or smash something.

Her brother of the soul could sense her mood. "We'll not wait much longer. The thing is, we need to be sure that Strabiss and the two brothers are all together if we confront them."

"Did I hear war talk?" the dark god of war joined them.

"Not yet. But soon if we still haven't found anything. There's a chance Iolaus is being held underground. Have you been searching for possible access to lower chambers?"

"What do you think?'

"All right, go on the tour with Strabiss. He won't show you anyplace that might give us a clue to Iolaus so that will eliminate those places. Tomorrow will be the last day. After that all bets are off."

"I say we go after them now, especially Plantose."

"And risk getting Iolaus killed?"

"How do you know they haven't killed him already?" Sira gasped at this.

"Because," Thysis interrupted, "while you have been in here arguing loud enough to alert any who might be near, I have felt Iolaus."

Sira closed her eyes and sent her mind out. "No, my daughter. I have lost the thread of his thoughts. But he is here and he is alive. He is being shielded in some way, the same way that Strabiss is being shielded, perhaps. I fear that the place they hide him may also be shielded."

"All the more reason to confront Strabiss," the god of war responded. "We may never find him on our own."

"I share your concern, my son. But give us more time. We are not used to violence as a means of obtaining our goals. Give us the next day or so. "

"Even if we find him, how can you be sure we won't have to fight to keep him or to set him free?"

"Being forced to commit violence to protect yourself or your own, and deliberately seeking violence are two different things."

"You really believe that?"

"Yes. Premeditated violence, verses self defense. Surely if you think about it, you will see my point."

"And what if we don't find Iolaus?" the god asked in exasperation. "What if we have to use violence to find him?"

"Then we will do what we must, but we will know we have done all we could to avoid the situation."

The god of war stared at the elder for a moment then he shook his head. "What really frightens me, is what you're saying is actually beginning to make sense."

The elder laughed. "That is the humanity coming out in you, my son."

"That's what scares me."

Strabiss sent Dayna to bring Ares down for the promised tour. Thysis accompanied them as the self proclaimed monarch took them through some of the ground floor rooms. He talked enthusiastically about the old temple.

"It wasn't until after Cronos, that the castle was made to accommodate average sized people. Worshippers of Ares made the most changes here."

The god of war rubbed at his chin with a knuckle. "How did you come to that conclusion? I mean that followers of the great Ares, god of war, used this for a temple?"

"I've read it in the scrolls. It's the only explanation that fits what I have read."

"How interesting." He shot a raised eyebrow look at the elder. "You really pride yourself on being so informed, don't you?"

"Of course," the old one stated. "If a man doesn't have his intelligence, what does he have?"

"Humility?" the elder mumbled. Ares, closest to him, heard the comment. He had a hard time keeping a straight face.

"I'm sorry?" the old man questioned. The elder only shook his head.

The god of war hoped to see Mysella but he was disappointed. He saw Mersha and asked if a tray of food could be sent up to Salmoneus. The demigod was napping and the salesman sat with the sick girl. His real motive was to feed Sira. He knew she must be starving. She had eaten some dried nuts and berries she kept in her pack but it was little enough to keep her full.

The salesman opened the door to Dayna and took the tray from her. "How is the girl?" the servant asked. The entrepreneur shook his head gravely. "I'm sorry, Salmoneus."

He took her hand. "You're very considerate."

The girl gave him a shy smile. "I've brought you plenty of food and some broth for Sira if she's up to it. There's also something for Master Sal."

As if knowing he was being talked about, the cat jumped from the foot of the bed, and walking with a regal air, tail held high, he came to the girl and butted his head against her hand.

"Oh, Puss. Like your master, you're a real charmer."

"Does that mean there's hope for me to be petted like you're doing for Little Sal?"

The girl blushed. "I think I might enjoy that."

"I know I would."

The girl bent and kissed the cat's head and the salesman licked his lips. The girl smiled coyly at him. "I've never kissed a furry face before." Salmoneus rubbed at his beard suggestively. "Shall I stay for awhile and help you watch Sira?"

"Yes, that would be very nice," the salesman nodded.

Oh great, the healer thought. Now I have to stay in this bed and pretend to be sick while Salmoneus and little Miss Fur Lover trade innuendoes.

The god of war tapped at the door then let himself in quietly. He'd been ready to pop in on the healer when he felt the presence of Dayna and thought better of it. The servant girl excused herself. Salmoneus offered to walked her to the end of the hall.

Taking her hand he kissed her finger tips. She pulled him to her and planted a quick kiss on his lips. He looked startled. With a giggle Dayna bounded down the steps.

Sira helped herself to some of the food left on the tray. Salmoneus had saved her at least half but she knew it wouldn't be enough. With a tap on the door the salesman let himself into the room. He hummed a little tune and his face wore a look of contentment.

The healer grinned at him. "Thank you for saving me some food."

"You're welcome. But I tell you, I'm starving. I hope they serve dinner soon."

"I know what you mean. I could eat tray and all."

With a sweep of his godly hand, Ares covered the table with food. "Be my guests."

Salmoneus whistled and dug in. "Come on, Sira. This is wonderful."

"I only eat things of the earth."

Ares chuckled. "This is of the earth. I just made the things the earth provides appear here on this table."

The girl picked up an apple and eyed it suspiciously. She sniffed at it, then holding it in her hand she closed her eyes a moment and sent her mind to feel the fruit.

"It is of the earth." She searched the god's face a moment. "Thank you." She took a bite of the apple. She knew he had done this for her. He held out his hand and a goblet of red wine appeared. He took a thoughtful sip as he watched the healer.

"I smell food," the demigod came yawning, through the connecting door. "Wow!" He took a poultry leg. "This has to have come from you, Ares. Strabiss isn't that generous."

"Humph," the god snorted. "He's an even bigger fool than I thought. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep my hands off of his scrawny throat."

"He's mine first," the demigod stated.

Ares stayed with Sira when the others went to dinner. "I'll search again if you're all right alone."

"I am fine," she assured him.

"You're a nervous wreck." He took her hand. "You don't fool me."

She turned to face him. "Find him for me, my brother."

He nodded. "We're doing our best. I know how much you need him. For you only would I do this."

She laid her cheek against his chest. "I know. I have sensed that from you. Thank you."

He ran a hand over her hair. "Is this what it feels like to love someone?"

"Yes. To love someone and to be loved by them."

"Now I begin to understand Jason."

The god of war had searched for most of the night. He'd searched every room he could find but he had still not found the hunter. He returned to the first floor to begin his search once more. He hoped to find the hidden door to a room he hadn't found before. He felt weary. Gods never needed to sleep, but they must rest at times. He hadn't done either since they came to the temple. He searched a little longer then returned to his room. He stood in the hallway watching the girl who stood outside the door to his room. She couldn't see him. Hiding himself from mortals was an easy trick.

What could she want at this hour? he wondered. Something about her stance concerned him. With the power of his godhood he appeared in his room. With a wave of his hand he stood dressed in cloth pants, his hair mussed as if he had been sleeping. He jumped into the bed and pulled the covers up just as the girl entered the room without knocking.

Not sure of her reason for coming here he pretended to be asleep. The girl came to stand beside his bed. She stood watching him in silence for so long that he began to get nervous. At a light touch of her finger on his lips his eyes flew open. He didn't move and he said nothing. The light in the room was poor but he could tell by her eyes she'd been crying. He rose up on his elbow.

"I felt the need of you," the girl offered. The god of war raised his eyebrows but still said nothing. The girl stood in indecision for a moment then she slipped her dress over her head and stood before him unclothed.

His eyes traveled slowly over her. She was young, her body firm, her skin white. "Mysella?" he questioned.

"Don't think me wrong to be here." She turned slightly.

The god of war threw the covers aside and jumped to the floor. Gently taking her arm he turned her around. He gasped. "Who did this to you?" Her back was covered with a fine network of welts, cuts and bruises. Her right side was covered with a massive bruise that spread from just under her arm to below her waist. "Who hurt you? It was Plantose, wasn't it?" The girl said nothing. She stood before him as tears dripped slowly from her chin. "I'll kill the bastard. This is my fault, isn't it? Because you were with me today?"

Not sure how to deal with her pain, he searched her face. He knew she was physically injured, but he also knew her emotional injury also needed attention. He took her gently into his arms, careful not to hurt her. "I'm so sorry." He picked her up, and carrying her to the bed he sat on the edge and cradled her like a baby.

She began to cry harder. "This wasn't just your fault. He came to me this afternoon. I just couldn't be with him. I told him I was leaving. He went mad. He forced himself on me and hurt me. He's hit me before, but never this bad. He enjoys hurting people."

"He won't hurt you again." The god's voice was harsh.

"No. No, you must promise me you will do nothing. He's threatened to harm my family."

"Where I plan to send him he won't be able to harm anyone again."

"Please. You mustn't. I came here to persuade you to do just that. I planned to give myself to you. I wanted you to kill him. But you might be hurt. I don't want that."

"I'll be fine."

"Please, you don't know him like I do." She ran a finger over his chest. "I don't want you hurt, Aramond."

He sat in silence for a moment. What in Tartarus do I do now? he wondered. If I tell her I'm a god it might jeopardize our whole reason for being here. If I try to kill the bastard, I may be letting Sira down. But I can't sit by and let Plantose hurt Mysella again.

The girl turned her cheek where it rested on the god's chest and planted a light kiss there. "Do you hate me for what I've done?"

He tightened his arms around her. "You've done nothing wrong. You didn't deserve this, Mysella."

"It was wrong to come here."

"No. We're friends. I'm glad you came to me."

"I stood watching you sleep and I knew I couldn't ask you to do this."

"Shhh. It's all right." He rose, and sitting her on the bed he took up her dress and pulled it over her head then sat back down beside her to help her get her arms through the sleeves. She turned to him and searched his eyes. "I want you," she raised up and took his lips with hers. He responded to the kiss. Seeing her naked hadn't been easy for him. He found her very appealing.

She ran her hands over his bare chest. The kiss deepened. The girl began to unlace his trousers but he pinned her hands. "Wait, Mysella."

"I really want you."

"This isn't right."

She stiffened then started to rise. He grabbed her hand as a sob shook her. "It's because of him, because he� Hurt me."

"No. I want you, Mysella. You've done nothing wrong. You're a very beautiful and desirable woman. But you're hurting now. You're vulnerable. I can't take advantage of that. If I do I'm just as bad as Plantose." He stood and pulled her back into his arms. "I can't let you do something you may well regret later."

"I've never wanted a man before. Not for that. But you� Well, it's different with you. You're not like anyone I've known before."

"Then let us wait. You need to rest. Stay here with me tonight, then we'll decide what to do about Plantose in the morning."

She let her breath out in a sigh. "No. I'll return to my room. I don't want to do anything that will anger him even more."

"I won't let him hurt you again."

"But you won't always be here, will you?" He didn't answer. "I'm sorry, that wasn't fair. You're right, we should talk about this when I've calmed down. I'll seek you out tomorrow. We can talk then."

"If you don't come to me, I'll come looking for you."

She sighed again. She reluctantly left the security of his arms and headed toward the door. He followed her. "I'll walk you down," he offered.

"No. If they find you downstairs they'll just hurt me again. I'll be fine."

"They? I take it you're referring to Strabiss?" She nodded. "Does he realize what's going on between you and Plantose?"

"Yes," she lowered her eyes. "I went to him after the first time Plantose hurt me. He did nothing. The next time Plantose hurt me, I went to Strabiss again." She shook her head. "He doesn't care. He isn't what he appears to be. He didn't offer to help my family out of the goodness of his heart. He wanted my mother to be beholding to him. Despite the hard life she has lived she is still a beautiful woman. My father hadn't been dead a month when Strabiss suggested she would be well cared for if she agreed to share his bed." She shivered. "She refused. Oh, it was all done tactfully and politely, but the implication was there. When my mother refused he settled for the next best thing. He took me into the household. Now he still has something to hold over my mother. It hasn't done him any good, however. My mother is stronger than people think."

"Knowing how he is, why did you agree to come here?"

"Because I was a fool. I thought I loved Plantose. It was a way to be close to him. Besides that my family needed the help. We weren't making it on our own. I had to help support them." She wiped a tear from her cheek.

"I'm sorry you've had such a rough life," he whispered.

She searched his face for a moment. "Thank you for not hating me and for not condemning me."

"Condemn you? How could I? Your bravery would make even the great Ares proud."

She smiled at him then slipped from his room.

"Mysella," he stopped her, "come to me if he comes near you again." She looked skeptical. "Promise me." She nodded then started on down the hall.

He watched her back as she moved away. There were blood stains on the back of her dress. When she was out of sight he also slipped from the room, and concealed in his godly pose he followed her.

She went to a small room off the kitchen and slipped quietly under the covers spread over a small cot. She shared the room with Dayna, who slept on a similar cot across the room from Mysella's. A washstand was the only furniture in the room besides the cots.

The bloody bastard, the god thought. With all the rooms available in this old relic and all the wealth floating around you'd think he could do better than this for those who serve him. He returned to his room. With a very human sigh he began to pace. You're becoming a big softy, he told himself. You wanted that girl. What was all that drivel about not taking advantage of her? he condemned himself. He remembered how she had looked standing naked before him. Her skin was so white. You could be touching that flesh now, but no. You send her away. You've been hanging around Sira too long.

He stopped pacing as the image of the marks on her back filled his mind. No, Ares, not even you could hurt her after what that bastard had done to her. "Mark my words!" he hissed to the empty room, "I will not leave here while he still lives. To Tartarus with this, 'try the peaceful way first' philosophy. He's dead already. He just doesn't know it yet."

The sun was but a promise on the eastern horizon when the demigod rose from his bed to open his door to the insistent tapping. "Ares?"

"I need to talk to you, Brother."

The demigod did nothing to hide his yawn. "What? Now?"

The god of war pushed past him and began to pace the floor of his brother's room. "Yes, now. I have a mortal dilemma."

The habitual frown between the big man's brows deepened. "You mean a moral dilemma?"

"No, I mean a mortal dilemma. Well, actually I guess I mean both." Now Hercules raised an eyebrow. The god of war began to explain about Mysella. As he did he could see the anger flush his brother's face. "My first impulse was to find Plantose and give him a taste of what it felt like to be slapped around."

"I thought you liked that sort of thing."

Ares gave him a disgusted look. "There's nothing I admire more than a warrior. But a true warrior doesn't prey on innocent women. Beating Mysella for no reason, taking advantage of her and exploiting her. No, Brother, I don't like that sort of thing." He explained everything to Hercules, including how the girl had come to him. "So now what do I do? She thinks I'm Aramond. I wasn't sure what to say. I was concerned I might put Iolaus in danger if I told her the truth, but I can't sit by and let that bastard hurt her again. Then, too, I would really like to be with her, and she wants to be with me, or actually with Aramond. You've had more experience with adoring women. What can I offer her? A quick roll in the hay and more disillusionment? Damn! Why can't I just be Ares, god of war? Life was much more simple back then."

The demigod smiled despite himself. "Let me get this straight. You're coming to me for advice?"

"I know, it's hard to believe. Damn it, I want her, but I don't want to hurt her."

"For now you're doing the right thing. Until we find Iolaus, things may have to remain as they are. Then when this is over, if you still want her, you'll have to be honest with her and let her decide. She's an adult. She can make those decisions for herself. As long as you're completely honest about your intentions, you've done all you can do."

"So, in other words, be a god about this and let the chips fall where they may."

"Yes, be a god, or a man about it."

"I won't let him hurt her again and I won't leave here as long as he's alive to do so."

The demigod let his breath out in a sigh. "You're right, he'll have to be stopped. All I ask is that you wait until Iolaus is safe."

"All right. As long as he doesn't hurt her again. Iolaus or no Iolaus, if he touches her again he's a dead man."

"Fair enough. How did the search go last night?"

"I've searched every room. Now I'm going back over the ground floor rooms. There must be a place we've overlooked."

The demigod poured water from the pitcher on the washstand into the basin. "I can't seem to shake the idea he's being held somewhere underground."

"I'm looking for a passage way."

The big man nodded. Bending over the basin he washed his face in the cold water. He used the time to think. He rubbed the towel over his face. "If you find nothing by tomorrow, then we go for Strabiss. I won't wait longer."

The god of war rubbed his hands together. "Now you're talking my kind of talk."

"Just promise me you'll keep looking. Don't stop just so you can have your confrontation with Strabiss."

Ares laughed. "You know me too well, Brother. I was just contemplating that."

"Ares," the demigod threatened.

"All right, Brother, I give you my word. I'll do my best to find him. But I'm doing it for Sira, not for you."

Hercules nodded and offered his arm to the god. Ares looked at it a moment then took the offered arm in a firm warrior's grasp. "I'll take your word, Ares, and may the earth be with you in your search."

"Let's hope."

Hercules chuckled. "You sound defeated."

Ares snorted. "I've always just taken what I want. It's not easy waiting. I wanted Mysella but I sent her away. I want Plantose dead, but he still lives. I want to work dear old Strabiss over very thoroughly, but he still has his health. What's happening to me?"

Hercules chuckled again. "There should be some satisfaction in doing the right thing. What's the matter? Don't tell me this is the first time?"

"It's one of very few times at any rate. I guess I can live with it. Sira said it gets easier with practice. Maybe she's right."

"What am I seeing here, a kinder and gentler god of war?"

"Sick, isn't it? I'm getting soft, Brother, too damned soft. I don't think I much like it either."

"Well, for what it's worth, I do."

Ares whirled around to pin the demigod with narrowed eyes. Then the look softened and the god nodded. "In that case put in a good word for me with Sira." He grinned and was gone.

Thysis stayed with the healer when the demigod and the salesman went down to breakfast. Strabiss met them in the hall. The big man could feel Salmoneus stiffen but he said nothing.

"How is your sister, Hermous?" the old man asked.

"She's better today. In fact I've come to ask a favor. Since she is better, I would like one more day before we move her. I know I said I would find a place in the village, but that may not be necessary if she continues to improve. We can find shelter in the forest until we can make a start for home."

"You feel tomorrow she can be moved?"

"Yes. Either way we will leave here tomorrow. You've done so much for us. We don't wish to presume on your hospitality any longer than necessary."

"Very well, you may stay. Where is your father and brother this morning?"

"Father is with Sira, and Aramond is resting. He stayed with Sira most of the night. He's not really much for socializing. He's much more comfortable in the woods than indoors."

"I see, and yet he seemed quite taken with the castle."

"I think it's the thought that Ares, god of war may have been here. My brother is, after all, a warrior."

"Yes, of course."

The meal was quiet. Strabiss excused himself early. Plantose wasn't present at all. When they were done eating they returned to the upper floors unescorted. The salesman waited until they were in the healer's room. "Sira, is it safe to talk? Can you sense anyone around?"

The girl closed her eyes a moment. "It is safe. What have you found?"

"The boots Strabiss was wearing today. They're the ones. From when Iolaus was taken. They're the same boots."

"That confirms it then," the demigod sighed. "Maybe we should confront him. Have you noticed that when Plantose is around, Contose isn't?"

"And when Contose is around, Plantose isn't," Thysis supplied.

"I wonder?" The big man narrowed his eyes. "I wonder if one of them is watching Iolaus at all times?"

"I wonder how loyal the brothers are to Strabiss?" the healer questioned.

Hercules turned to look at her. "What do you have in mind?"

"What if we took a hostage of our own?"

The room was filled with light. "Not making war plans without me, are you?"

Hercules smiled at him. "I'm glad you're here. Sira's come up with an interesting idea."

"I heard."

"What if," Thysis mused, "we were to take whichever brother isn't with Iolaus at the same time we take Strabiss?"

"That way," Sira supplied, "we should have no trouble convincing the remaining brother to turn Iolaus over to us."

Ares chuckled. "I thought you two were peace loving."

"We are, my brother. I have been trying very hard to reach Iolaus. I do feel something of him. Give me tonight to keep trying. Then if we still have not found him, then we will do what we must."

The god nodded. "All right. I'll keep looking then. But first I want to check on Mysella." He turned to the demigod. "Did you see her at breakfast?"

"No," the big man shook his head.

"If he's hurt her�"

"Calm down. She may just be resting."

Ares took a deep breath to calm himself. "I'll be around. If you need me, Sira can reach me." As quickly as he had come he was gone.

"What was that all about?" the healer asked. "No!" she whispered, reading his mind. "Plantose has hurt her?"

"She came to Ares last night. I guess Plantose hurt her pretty bad."

"I could help her."

"Not this time, my more than sister. Ares is right. It might put Iolaus in danger. None of her injuries were life threatening."

"But what if he tries to hurt her again?"

"Then he'll deal with Ares."

The girl studied his face a moment then nodded. She knew full well what he meant. She knew she should be shocked and dismayed by what Ares was contemplating. She should be shocked that Hercules was taking it so calmly. She felt she should be ashamed that all she could think of was that the brute had asked for it when be chose to be cruel to an innocent girl. What has happened to my training as a healer? she asked herself.

She went to stand by the window and looked out over the cultivated fields. "Guide me, my mother. Am I wrong to feel as I do?" She wished she could feel the earth beneath her feet. She needed to draw strength from the soil.

Little Sal came to rub against her legs and she bent to pick him up. He began to purr as he found a place on her shoulder to perch. She scratched under his chin. "Thank you, little creature of the earth. You have brought me peace." The cat purred louder.