Hercules: The Legendary Journeys

Honor Among Thieves

The Seventh Adventure In The Empath Chronicles

By Donna Eisner

Copyright January, 1998 By Donna Eisner. Please Do Not Alter Without Author's Consent.

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

This story contains scenes of violence and sexual situations, but no more than you might encounter while viewing the average episode of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.

The empath sat in the sun in Alcmene's garden. It was pleasant and warm. She should have been relaxed and drowsy, but she wasn't. On the contrary, she was restless and irritable. Tomorrow Hercus and Thysis were leaving. They had a mission that the elder felt couldn't wait; he felt the need to deliver the yosemin book of clan to his people. The healer understood. However, she wasn't happy that she must once again be parted from her son and her father of the soul.

They had been back from the Neberous forest for almost a month, but it seemed only days to her. The month had been spent practicing hand to hand fighting skills as well as practicing with weapons. Both Hercus and Sira joined in this. The demigod was amazed at how quickly both mother and son progressed. Still, the boy's mental training was incomplete. He needed to continue his studies with his grandfather of the soul. He was ready to go even if his mother wasn't ready for him to leave.

The boy had spent a great deal of his time with his father. He'd stayed close to the hunter, following him around as if they were attached to each other. It had tugged at the empath's heart to see the way the boy used his sensitive mind and yosemin teachings to touch his father's mind, and thereby help the healing of his churning emotions to begin. Sira had been keenly aware of her son's pain at the belief that his father had died. Then when the hunter had been found so mentally drained, she'd felt her son's worry. He'd known when his father was once again himself, and much of the worry had dissipated. Still, there had been an unease that only left the boy after he had been reunited with his father for a few days.

The empath sighed and turned her face to the sky. The warmth of the sun felt good. She would face the inevitable. Her son must have time with the elder if he was to gain mastery over his strong mind and the powers he'd been granted by mother earth.

She and the hunter had made their own plans to return to their cabin in the forest. The girl felt the need of her home. Nothing yet had been said to the demigod, but sensing his needs the girl was sure he was as ready as she was to return to their home.

Sira felt agitated, but her mood wasn't coming from the fact that Hercus was soon leaving. She was bored. Inactivity was not something she was used to. Still, her mood didn't come from this either. She knew where her mood came from, but she refused to acknowledge it to herself, let alone to anyone else.

The hunter found the healer in the garden and came to sit on the grass beside her. "Alcmene just received a message from Corinth. Iphicles' birthday is coming up and they're having a celebration for him." There was excitement in the golden one's voice. The healer smiled at him but made no comment. "We're invited."

"To Corinth?"

"Yes, my love. It should be fun. They have a wonderful marketplace in the city. There's no telling who all will be there."

Sira heard the excitement in her husband's voice. She knew he wanted to go to the city and to the celebration, but the thought sent shivers of fear up and down her spine.

"Sira?" the hunter questioned. In one fluid movement the girl rose, and without a word made her way to the house. "Sira!" The hunter rose and stood staring at the girl's back. Now what was that all about? he wondered.

He followed her to the house. Not finding her in the kitchen or the front room he made his way to their bedroom. He found her standing at the window, her back to him. He quietly closed the door behind him then stood for a moment with his back to it, watching the healer. He wasn't sure what to say to her or what had upset her. He came to stand beside her. He'd felt her disquiet of the last few weeks. He'd asked her more than once what was bothering her but she'd refused to admit that anything was wrong.

"Did I say something to upset you?" He bent forward to try and see her face and realized she was crying. "Sira?" He turned her around and pulled her into his arms. "What's troubling you? You haven't been yourself since we got here."

"I would be afraid to go to Corinth. All those people." She shivered.

"All right. I can understand your reluctance, but there is something else troubling you besides that. Are you this upset because Hercus and Thysis are leaving?"

She sighed. "I am not happy that I must always be apart from my son and my chosen father."

"But that's not the real problem, is it?" She said nothing. The hunter tightened his grip on her. "We don't have to go to Corinth. We could go with Hercus instead, if that's what you want."

"Hercus would hate that. He likes to think of himself as grown up." She sighed again. "That is not what I really want, anyway. I have no desire to visit the yosemin village, at least not now. Someday I might want to, but I am not ready for that yet." She pulled back so that she could see his face. "You really want to go to this celebration?"

"Well, yes, I did, but not if it's going to upset and frighten you." He smiled at her and ran a finger along her jaw line. "I thought you might enjoy it. I know how much you crave adventure and excitement."

"I am not sure I would find something like that exciting. I have no idea how to conduct myself in such royal company. Besides that, I have nothing to wear. Somehow I cannot see woven moss trousers being acceptable."

Iolaus smiled despite trying not to. Sira had sounded so much like the stereotypical giddy young girl and it touched his heart. "You have a point. I wouldn't want so many men seeing you in those trousers. They don't leave much to the imagination."

She shoved at him. "Be serious for once. You know full well what I mean. I have no social skills. I would embarrass not only myself, but you as well."

"Oh, Sira, that's not true. You have wonderful manners. Nothing you could do would embarrass me. Besides that, you wouldn't be expected to conduct yourself in any special way. Iphicles isn't like that. You know him; you met him right here in this house."

"That was different."

"I don't see how."

"Well, I still do not have anything to wear."

"I would think you might borrow a few things from Alcmene. We wouldn't be leaving for a bit yet. Maybe you would have time to make a few things."

She sighed again. "I can tell that this is really important to you. Is Hercules going?"

"He said he was."

"I thought we were heading back to the cabin."

He smiled at her. "All right, little healer." He reached for her hand. "We'll go home."

"No, we will go to the celebration."

He searched her eyes. "You're sure?"

"Yes, but promise me you will kick me under the table if I start to commit a social blunder."

"Don't be silly. Everyone will love you just like I do." He pulled her to him and kissed her nose. "They have big soft beds in the palace."

"I prefer a blanket under a tree."

"They have huge tubs to bathe in."

"A stream does me just fine."

He ran a thumb over her pursed lips. "There's still something bothering you, isn't there?"

"No," she lied. She carefully kept that part of her mind closed to him.

"You're sure?"

"I am sure. I am a little tired since someone kept me up most of the night. Maybe I will take a nap."

"I can't imagine who could have been so rude." He gave her a mischievous smile. "Do you want me to lay down with you?"

"Yes, but if you do, I doubt I will get a nap."

"That might be the case since you can't seem to keep your hands to yourself. So, what's it to be?"

She put her arms around his neck. "Maybe I am not that tired after all."

The healer sought out the mother of the demigod. She found the older woman excited about the upcoming visit to Corinth. The girl asked her about clothing.

"Oh, my dear, You don't have to worry about that at all. I have a huge closet full of things." She took the healer's hand and led her to the alcove in her bedroom. She pulled the curtain aside and stood looking in. "Now let's see." She reached in to pull a gauzy, pale lavender gown from its depths. She held it up and eyed it with a critical look. Then she nodded in satisfaction and handed it to the healer. "This will do nicely, I think." She reached back into the little room that held her clothing and produced a dark green outfit. "This should look wonderful on you, Sira. It will bring out the color of your eyes and make your skin glow."

Sira eyed the dress with suspicion. Alcmene laughed at her, then hugged her. "Don't look so frightened. It won't bite."

"I cannot take these things from you."

"And why not?"

"They are yours. It would not be right for me to use them."

"If they're mine, I have the right to decide what to do with them. I want you to have them. We'll fix them to fit you. By the time we're done, you'll be the best dressed woman at the dance."

Sira turned horrified eyes to her friend. "There� There is to be a dance?"

"Of course. It'll be fun. I love to dance."

"But I do not know how to dance."

"Then I'll show you. I've watched you practicing hand to hand combat with the men. You have a natural poise and agility. All you need is to learn a few steps." The older woman hugged a shift of dark brown chiffon shot with threads of gold lovingly to her. "Oh, Sira. I'm so looking forward to this. I get so restless here on the farm at times. Jason is away so much and I do get lonely."

Sira sent her mind to the older woman's. "I have sensed that from you. I am sorry."

"It's not something to be sorry about. It can't be helped at any rate." She turned back to her task and pulled another dress from her closet.

Alcmene needs this, the healer realized. She deserves to have some diversion in her life. Since she seems to want the rest of us to be with her as well, the least I can do is try to get into the spirit of this thing.

"I hope I will not embarrass you."

Alcmene jerked her head from the closet to pin the healer with a surprised stare. "Whatever do you mean?"

"I do not know how to conduct myself at something like this."

"But, my dear, your manners are impeccable. You'll do fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course. What has you so frightened?"

The girl let her breath out with a sigh. "I am not used to being around so many people."

"You mean humans, don't you?"

"I cannot help it. Humans and yosemins have long been enemies."

"You won't be alone. Iolaus will be with you, as will Hercules, Jason, myself, Iphicles and Reyna. You're not being led to the slaughter, you know."

The girl smiled despite her fear. "I suppose that is the way I have been looking at this."

"But you said you'd agreed to go. Why, if you're this frightened?"

The girl smoothed the lavender gown out on the older woman's bed with a delicate hand. "Iolaus wants this very badly. I could not deny him."

Alcmene came to take her hand. "I'm sorry the anxiety and fear you've so recently lived through has left you feeling so vulnerable. I've seen it in you and in Hercus. It will ease with time."

The healer hugged her friend. "You are a healer."

"I remember the feeling too well. After Amphitryon was killed, it took a long time to feel secure and confident again. Most of the people in the village didn't know that Zeus was Hercules' father. Still, I wasn't always treated very nicely because I had a child out of wedlock. Being married to Amphitryon shielded me from some of that. After his death I lived in constant fear my neighbors would discover the truth and be even more cruel." She shook her head. "Time heals much."

She hugged the healer, then returning to her task she took a cape from the alcove and held it out to the healer. Sira hesitated taking it from her hand and Alcmene sighed. "Don't be stubborn. I refuse to allow you to spoil the pleasure I derive from sharing my things with you. Now take this so I can get back to my fun."

Sira chuckled. "It will take us weeks to alter all these things."

"Not really. They'll need shortening and some serious tucking at the waist." She held a dark blue dress up to the girl. She nibbled at her lower lip in concentration. "We may need to add a bit of room in the bodice as well." Sira giggled and her friend laughed. "Tell you what. We'll get Winnie to help. She sews wonderfully. Besides that, she loves pretty things. Ezekial is doing well with the farm, but there's no extra money for the simple things a young girl likes. We'll offer her a couple of pretty dresses as payment for her help." Alcmene smiled. "It's a sneaky way of giving her something. She's stubborn about such things. Like someone else I know," the older woman added under her breath.

The empath smiled at her friend. "A lot of people have a hard time accepting charity."

"But it's not charity. Charity is when you give out of a sense of duty. It's not the same as giving because you enjoy it. Besides, there's no such thing as charity between friends and family."

Sira came to stand before the older woman. "You are right. Thank you, my mother, for all you have done for me and for all you have been to me."

Alcmene smiled as tears filled her eyes. "I've always wanted a daughter. I'm very proud of the one I now have."

The morning sun was still a promise in the eastern sky when the empath stirred up the fire in the farmhouse kitchen. She'd visited the river upon rising and felt more at peace now. She hadn't slept well. There were too many things to bring her anxiety, and her mind refused to release any of them. She'd spent time sitting on the riverbank letting the earth comfort and soothe her before slipping into the water to find comfort in the liquid earth.

She hated good-byes. She knew how hard it would be to watch her son and her chosen father walk away from the farm. She was as anxious as the elder to have the yosemin book of clan safely delivered into the hands of the council that governed the village that had so welcomed her son. Knowing this, however, did little to relieve the loneliness the separation would bring.

She had tea ready when her son joined her in Alcmene's kitchen. The mother pulled her son into a tight embrace. "I will miss you, my son."

"I will miss you also, my mother. Perhaps you could visit us in the yosemin village?"

The empath sighed. "There may come a time when I will be ready to do just that. For now, I am not ready."

"What is it you fear?"

"It is not that I fear going there. I do worry that I would no longer fit in. I cannot pretend to be what they would expect an empathic Dea to be. Still, this is not the reason I do not wish to visit our people."

"I understand. You do not wish to be reminded of how much you have changed."

The healer closed her eyes for a moment. "You are too perceptive at times, my son."

"Thysis does not consider the changes that have occurred in you as being something to be ashamed of. On the contrary, he sees it as following the earth mother's desires. Not all you have learned as an apprentice healer was directed by the earth. My grandfather of the soul feels that much of what is expected of us comes from a fear generated in the past, when our survival depended on taking to the woods to become docile farmers. Times have changed. If our people are to continue to inhabit this mortal plane, we must also change. He feels that you and I may well be the ones to bring about this change."

The empath wiped the tears from her cheeks. "You have grown in the ways of the earth, my son. I am most proud of you."

He smiled at her. "I will endeavor to learn even more. It is very important to me to do so."

She smiled back. "Yes. The earth needs your strength."

Sira wrapped the leather-bound book carefully in the woven moss cape she had brought from the old temple in the Neberous forest. Then she just as carefully covered it with oil cloth. Her son held the pack open so that she could slip the book beneath the leather flap. She patted the pack with a loving hand.

The elder smiled to himself. He could sense her desire to open the cover and gaze upon the suede pages. The ancient picture writing of the earth's people was no longer used. There were few who could still decipher its meaning. Sira was one of these few, as was the elder himself.

Even if she hadn't been able to read the language she would have gleaned much from the anthology. The spirits of those long dead elders who had recorded the forming of the clans still clung to it as if it had become their final resting place with the earth. The empath had sensed them, as had her son and her father of the soul.

At the last minute the hunter chose to walk a little way with the travelers. He had wanted to, but hated to leave his mate of the soul alone to endure her pain at their departure.

She had sensed his wish, however, and insisted he follow his desire. "I will be fine. Our son needs your company as much as you need his. I have much to keep me busy." She sealed her declaration with a kiss.

The hunter hugged her tightly, his face buried in her hair. After her bath she'd left it hanging down her back in a shimmering cascade of gold and silver that reached to her calves. "I won't be gone long," he promised her.

Turning to the elder he lowered his eyes. "My father, I would be honored to lighten your burden by carrying your pack for a time."

"Thank you, my son. You are truly of the earth." The elder handed him the pack that held the clan book.

The golden one turned shocked eyes to the old one. "You wish for me to carry such a cherished part of the

earth?"

"Of course, my son. The earth could find no better guardian of her people's history."

Sira and Winnie were in the garden sewing when Hercules joined them. He'd been repairing a wheel on the wagon they would take to Corinth. The day had been hot and sticky as thin vaporous clouds turned the sky pale and added moisture to the early summer day. He sank into one of the wooden chairs beside the girls and heaved a sigh.

"You're hot and thirsty," Winnie sympathized. "I'll get you some cider." She set her sewing aside, and bounding to her feet she headed for the house.

Sira watched her back a moment. "You have got to stop leading that girl on, my brother."

He looked startled. "What? Winnie? She's just a kid."

"She is nearly thirteen. Some girls are already contemplating marriage at thirteen."

"Girls don't marry that early. Fifteen or sixteen, maybe."

"Believe me, they have started thinking about it much before that."

"Well, I wasn't leading her on, anyway. Can I help it if I'm irresistible?" He gave her a mischievous grin.

"It must be the fact that you are so modest," she grinned back at him.

Winnie brought cider for them all, but she couldn't stay long. She needed to get home to fix her father's dinner. She left reluctantly, taking the sewing with her. "I'll finish this tonight after dinner," she promised and walked away with an air of dignity.

The demigod had been about to take a drink of cider, but the mug stopped halfway to his mouth as he watched the girl's retreating back. "You're right, my sister. She is growing up. I wonder how I missed that?"

Sira smiled at him but made no comment. She tied off the thread she was using to shorten a dark blue traveling dress then snipped it with even white teeth.

"You're feeling better now that you have something to keep you busy," her brother stated rather than asked.

"I was not feeling bad."

"Well then, preoccupied, perhaps?"

"I do not know what you are talking about," she hedged.

"You know you'll see him again."

"Who? You are making no sense."

"Yeah, right. I'm talking about Ares and you damn well know it. You don't fool me for a second."

"I have no desire to see Ares. I do not care if I ever see him again."

"You, sister, are a liar," he chuckled.

"He lied to me. He promised he would not harm my family, then he deliberately hurt you." There was anger in her voice.

"He didn't really hurt me. He could have, but he didn't. He only stunned me. Besides, I provoked him."

"Do not defend him. I am not through being angry with him yet."

The big man chuckled again. "Remind me never to tick you off, my more than sister."

"Well, you are doing a pretty good job of it right now."

"Why? Because I guessed what has you upset? I know you miss him, but I repeat, you will see him again."

She let out an exasperated sigh. "The only reason I miss him is because I did not get the chance to tell him what I think of him."

"I say again, you are a liar."

She picked up her sewing then stood up to leave. He grabbed her hand. "I love you, my more than sister."

She stuck her tongue out at him and walked away.

The healer and the hunter lay in each other's arms in the bed they always shared while staying at Alcmene's farm. The window was open to let the night in. The lacy curtains on either side of the window swayed gently with the coming of the evening breeze. Outside the window a mockingbird called to the night sky with his ever changing song.

"Iolaus?" the empath whispered. The night had cast a spell of benevolence over the child of nature. She had no desire to disturb it with the sound of her voice.

"Yes?" the hunter whispered back.

"What are we going to give Iphicles for his birthday?"

"I don't know. I hadn't really thought about it."

"Will you? I have racked my brain and cannot come up with anything."

"You have a point. What do you give to a King?"

"You are a big help," she teased.

He rolled over to hover above her. "I'm afraid my mind is a bit preoccupied at the moment."

She gave him a wicked smile. "Preoccupied with what?"

"A certain green eyed nymph of the forest." He bent forward and kissed her nose. With a moan he rolled to his side and pulled her tightly against him. As her hair fell around her he could smell the flower scented, earthy smell of her that always stirred his blood. "You smell wonderful."

She ran her fingers lightly over his bare chest. She shivered with anticipation. "Iolaus?"

"Yes?"

"Make love to me."

"That was my plan, my dear."

"Then what are you waiting for?"

He chuckled and took her mouth again.

The empath carefully folded the clothing she planned to take to Corinth then packed it in a trunk she had borrowed from Alcmene. The trip would take three days since they must travel slowly with the wagon. The nature child planned to wear her own clothing most of the way then change into something she had borrowed from her friend. While she had accepted the clothing in good grace, she had insisted the alterations be reversible. She had every intention of returning the clothing once they returned to the farm.

She stopped her task for a moment and stood staring into the trunk where she had just placed a pale green gown. It was trimmed in tiny pink lacy roses. The older woman's words came back to her. "You'll look lovely on the dance floor in this gown. I'll pile your hair up on your head. If we can find some pink rosebuds to put in your hair it would be just perfect."

The yosemin closed her eyes for a moment. She was still apprehensive about this whole thing. Even if she need not fear persecution for her differences, there still remained the fact that she wasn't used to being around crowds of people. She shuddered at the thought. Will I be able to feel the earth there? she'd asked herself over and over.

With a sigh she returned to her packing. They would leave in the morning. She sent her mind to her son. She found an instant response that comforted her. He'd been gone for three days now, and the pain of separation hadn't begun to ease yet. She felt her son sending her strength and she smiled to herself. While not an empath, her son was a healer. He was always more concerned with others' needs than his own. No wonder he so needed this time to learn and grow in the ways of the earth. Sira remembered her own need to bring comfort and healing to others. It wasn't that she always wanted to, but more that she must. The pull of the earth to use its powers for the good of others was an overpowering thing. She felt the earth responding to her need as well, and sent her love to the boy who looked so much like the human she loved above all others.

As always, when meeting strangers she planned to hide her feet. The brown spots were her most noticeable yosemin trait. She also planned to shield her telepathic abilities from others.

She left her packing once more and went to stand at the window. The evening was pleasant. Bats made a silhouette against the darkening sky, streaked now with a lavender glow.

She could hear her friend in the farmhouse kitchen. "I should be helping Alcmene with dinner," the girl told the bats. With a last look at the sky she returned to her packing and finished it quickly so she might help with the dinner preparations.

Her friend gave the healer a warm smile when she entered the kitchen. "Did you finish your packing, my dear?"

"Yes, thank you." She curtseyed, using the things the older woman had taught her,

Alcmene laughed and came to hug her. "You're still nervous about this, aren't you?"

"Yes. I cannot seem to help it." She gave her friend a sheepish smile. "I will probably trip all over myself on the dance floor."

"Don't be silly. Just remember whatI've taught you, and you'll be the best dancer there."

"Will we practice again tonight?"

"I've shown you all you need to know." Sira's look turned to one of panic and Alcmene rushed to ease her concerns. "Iphicles wasn't born a King. He comes from humble stock. Most of his friends come from the same. You're far more sophisticated than most of the people you'll see at court. Now stop worrying."

Sira smiled at her. "I still feel bad that we are not bringing a gift for the King."

"Iphicles will be happy that we're there."

"All right, my mother. I will try and relax. I know this is something both you and Iolaus need."

The older woman gave her a serious look. "That's the only reason you agreed to this, isn't it?" Sira said nothing. "You're always the healer."

"There is a reward in being near those I love. As you told me yourself, I am not being led to the slaughter."

"Then stop acting like you are. Besides, you may enjoy yourself. It should at least offer distraction."

When the dinner was over and the clean up done the women announced their intention of walking to the next farm. They wanted to give Winnie something for her labor in altering the garments Alcmene had given to Sira.

They'd picked two dresses to give her. The one the older woman picked was a red gauzy chiffon. Sira was reluctant to pick one of her friend's dresses to be given away, but Alcmene insisted. The healer picked a simple dress of dark blue with paler blue ribbing around the neck and at the long sleeve cuffs.

Still, Sira wished to give something of her own to the girl. The problem was, she had very little of value to share with the girl she had healed when she'd first come to the fertile little farming community. The healer simply didn't care for trinkets and expensive bobbles. The one thing she did have that she thought the girl might like was a small lavender crystal that hung around her neck on a leather cord. It was the healing crystal given to her when she went into the healer's hall as an apprentice.

Iolaus offered to escort the ladies, and walked hand in hand with the healer. He could feel her start to relax as the late evening breeze fanned her face.

"As soon as the celebration is over in Corinth I'll take you to the forest," he whispered to the girl beside him.

"I will be fine. The need is not too great, yet. I find a comfort in the earth no matter where I am, but to return to my forest would be good. Still, there is no need for concern."

"Would you tell me if that changes?"

She smiled at him. "Perhaps."

He stopped walking and turned to watch her face. Sensing their need to be alone Alcmene strolled a little ahead of them. "Please, Sira. You know I worry about you. I want you to promise me you will be honest about your needs."

She raised up on her toes to kiss his chin. "I promise."

He studied her face a moment through narrowed eyes. "You gave in far too easily. Why do I feel I'm missing something here?"

She laughed as she tugged on his arm. "Come on, oh mighty hunter. Our mother cannot dally any longer without looking like she is fidgeting, and she would be mortified if she was caught being annoyed at our delay."

He followed her obediently. "Yes, my dearest." She laughed again.

The morning dawned bright and sunny. The healer was up early despite being up late in the night. After leaving the farm where Winnie and her father lived the empath and her golden hunter escorted the mother of Hercules to her own farm then continued on to the river. The night was pleasant and warm. The nature child couldn't bear to leave the sweetness of the summer night so soon.

The lovers stood facing each other beside the river.

"I came here," the girl whispered, "when I thought I had lost you. I came to the river to remember the times we had shared here. When we lived on the farm and I missed the forest so much the river was all that kept me from going mad at times."

He pulled her into his arms. "I wish I had known sooner, how much you need the forest of your birth to renew your energies. I never should have tried to make you, or myself into something we were never meant to be."

"We were both new to the ways of living for someone other than ourselves. You did what you thought was best for both of us. I have never regretted the time we spent here. I learned much about the race of people I had pledged my life to."

He kissed her neck, slightly damp from perspiration. As a wave of desire took his breath away he ran his tongue lightly over the sensitive skin below her ear and tasted the salty taste of her. His hands on her hips sent a tingle along her spine that settled in her lower abdomen with a painful urgency.

His tongue on her flesh set her on fire. Her hand slipped under his leather vest to caress the bare flesh underneath. He sought her mouth. His lips were warm and inviting and she parted hers in invitation.

He pulled her closer to him with his hands on her buttocks. She could feel his need, which only stirred her own and she moaned. Her kisses became urgent and demanding.

With hands that trembled slightly she began to unlace his trousers. Leaving her task for a moment she helped him pull her top over her head. He caressed her through the soft folds of the woven moss fabric of her camisole and she threw back her head as a shudder of anticipation possessed her.

His tongue on her flesh just above the low cut top of her undergarment drove her mad. Helping him to loosen the leather lacing that held his pants around his hips only made it all the harder to obtain her goal and she groaned in frustration.

"Let me," he whispered.

He'd removed his boots when they'd first arrived at the water's edge. When the lacing finally gave way to his tugging he let his pants fall around his feet. The healer drew in a quick breath. Her camisole followed her top to land in a heap on the grassy riverbank. Seconds later she also stepped from her trousers to stand naked in the moonlight before the man she loved above all others. The silver brilliance of the nearly full moon seemed to catch his eyes and light them with a phosphorescent glow. She could see the fire of desire kindle in his eyes as he stood watching her. His look was a caress and she began to tremble uncontrollably.

"My soul," she pleaded.

"You look so beautiful." His eyes trailed slowly over her then came to rest on her face. "I can see the earth glowing around you. I feel the energy in the air, like a soft breeze that sends me comfort. To the soil, to the trees. To the earth, my mother, I give my mind and soul." He whispered the earth's prayer to her.

She did nothing to try and hide the tears that stained her face, and he came forward to take her once again into his arms.

"Take me to the water," she begged. "I want to be with you in the liquid earth." Without a word he picked her up and waded into the river.

It was almost morning when they returned to the farmhouse and to their bed. They had slept for a time on the grass under the large tree where she had once healed his hand, and where she had healed Winnie's burns.

The hunter fell back to sleep at once, but the girl, held so lovingly in his arms, did not. Their lovemaking helped her body to relax. She felt comforted and loved, but her mind still refused to cease its constant meandering long enough to allow her to return to the dream world she had left behind under the comforting boughs of the tree by the river.

The yosemin stirred up the fire and set water to boil for tea. They were simple tasks that did much to clear the fog her sleepless night had left her with.

The demigod joined her in the kitchen. He wore nothing but the dark blue woven moss trousers she had made for him. His hair was tousled, his eyes filled with sleep. The girl gave him a mischievous grin.

He yawned. "What's so funny?"

"You look very cute and boyish this morning."

He smiled back at her. "Is that a good thing?"

"Very much so."

"Well, then I guess it's okay." He yawned again. "Is the tea ready?"

"Almost. If you wish to return to bed I will bring you some when it is done."

He scratched at his chin, as if in thought. "Thanks, I'd love to be waited on by such a beautiful woman, but unfortunately my duties of the day call to me. Maybe another time?"

She removed the pot from the fire and added the tea. Leaving it to steep she turned back to the man watching her. "I would love to serve such a handsome man. I live for the next opportunity to do so."

"I thought I was a cute little boy?" he reminded her.

"I said you look like a little boy. I meant your smiling sleepy face. There is very little else about you that is boyish."

He chuckled. "When will I learn not to wander around the house without a shirt?"

"Never, I hope. I would wilt with disappointment if I was never again afforded a glimpse of your magnificence."

"Your flattery could go to my head if I didn't know you were kidding."

She met his eyes. "What makes you think I was kidding?"

He laughed. "Maybe I better get some clothing on."

"Chicken," she teased.

"You've got that right. I'll be back in a minute."

"The tea is done."

"I'll be back," he called over his shoulder. She turned away as a wide smile crossed her face.

He was soon back and she handed him a mug of tea. He wore a light blue, long sleeved shirt she had made for him, with a light brown suede vest over it. He wore the woven leather pants he favored tucked into calf high, dark brown boots the hunter had fashioned for him during the long winter just past. The clothing did little to change her opinion that he was far from being a little boy.

He smiled at her as he took a sip of the fragrant brew. "You make the best tea. Thank you."

"Thank you."

"How did Winnie like the things you and mother took to her?"

Sira smiled. "First, she was speechless, then she cried, then she thanked us and cried some more."

"The crystal you gave her meant the most to her." Alcmene came up beside her son and put an arm around his waist. "Good morning."

He kissed her forehead. "Good morning, mother."

"Good morning, Sira. You look lovely as always."

"Good morning, my mother."

The demigod's eyebrows shot up at this. He hadn't heard the girl address his mother in this way before. His heart filled with joy. It made him feel warm all over to know that the girl he cared so much about had joined his mother in the earth's tie of soul. "So, Sira gave Winnie a crystal?"

"Yes, and Winnie was most impressed."

"It is just a small, little thing," the empath insisted.

"It wasn't so much the crystal itself, as the significance of it that touched her heart. Tell Hercules what you told Winnie."

Sira took a mug of tea to her friend, then taking her own she took a seat at the table. "The crystal is of the earth. It has been blessed by our mother and by the elders of the clan of the wolf and the lion, as well as the elder of the hall of healing. This form of pale lavender crystal is given only to those going into apprenticeship as a healer. It is given to the apprentice by the healing elder and is to be worn by the healer until she passes it on to the one she has chosen to follow her as the elder of the hall of healers, or the Dea. When the time comes for this, the Dea gives her own crystal to the elder and takes hers in return, later to be passed on to the Dea she chooses when her time to step down from her place as elder healer arrives."

She smiled at the demigod. "You are wondering why I gave it away? It is mine to do with as I wish. The tradition of my people is to keep it for the Dea. But still, it is mine to do with as I please. Since it is unlikely that I will ever be a healing elder, I chose to give it to one who has the power to heal the green growing things of the earth. Winnie's power to heal plants is truly a gift from the earth. Who better to have a healing crystal?"

The big man came to plant a kiss on the top of her head. "No wonder Winnie was so touched. You couldn't have given her anything she would treasure more."

"Ezekial was a bit misty eyed, himself," Alcmene chuckled. "He never says anything about it, but since the time you saved Winnie's life he's been a different man. He has a great deal of respect for the things Winnie can do with the earth's power she seemed to have retained from the healing."

"Thank you, both. It was a hard decision to make. I wanted Winnie to have something I valued, but I was not sure if she would like such a simple gift. Seeing her joy last night filled me with joy. So has your praise." She rose. "Now I must see to food to break our fast if we ever hope to make a start for Corinth."

"I get the hint," the half god son of Zeus smiled at her. "I'll hitch the horses to the wagon and bring it around so it can be loaded with the endless bags and trunks you women seem to need to take everywhere you go." Both women laughed at him.

The demigod took the first turn with the wagon. The others would ride horses. They left the farm through the main gate then turned east. Alcmene put her arm through that of her son. "It's been nice having you home again," she stated.

"It's been nice for me, too."

"Are you really happy living in the forest so isolated from the real world?"

"Yes, mother, believe it or not, I am happy there. I guess you could say I'm hiding out. It definitely makes it hard for people to find me to ask for help." He sighed. "It's not that I no longer want to help people, because I do. Still, it's been good to have time for myself."

"Will you stay there again for a time once the celebration is over?"

He chuckled. "I know you worry about me, but it's not necessary. I'm doing what I want to do."

"I do worry about you. Still, that didn't answer my question."

"I don't know the answer, mother. Having idle time on my hands has always been hard for me. So far, I haven't found that to be so when I'm with Iolaus and Sira at the cabin. I don't, however, know if that will always be so."

His mother nodded. "I know you and Sira have grown very close and that you have a special bond."

"Yes, we have. But you're fishing, mother. Don't ask me to try and explain the feelings Sira and I have for each other. I don't think it's explainable in human terms."

"And it's really none of my business?"

Her son smiled at her. "I wasn't trying to imply that. I meant it when I said I couldn't explain it. The three of us are bonded in such a way that just isn't explainable. And you can stop worrying about something happening between Sira and myself. It's not like that."

His mother blushed. "It really is the three of you, isn't it? It's not just you and Iolaus, or you and Sira?"

"No. It has something to do with the tie of soul and the earth's involvement." He shrugged.

"I guess it doesn't really matter if I understand it, as long as the three of you are happy."

"That's the spirit. Just accept it, as I've learned to do."

"Iolaus has also learned to accept it, hasn't he?"

"He's the one that helped me to. He's changed so much since he met Sira. He's found a peace with himself and with others. I wish I could find the source of his serenity."

His mother nodded. "That's it. He does have a serenity about him that draws people and animals to him. He's come a long way from that skinny little boy who took to stealing to feed himself."

The demigod chuckled. "He was a little rascal. He used to get me into so much trouble."

Alcmene laughed. "Remember the time he accidentally killed the widow Rotella's cow? You two boys came to me in a total state. You were both convinced the widow would have you thrown in jail. Iolaus was ready to flee the country right there and then." She laughed again.

"It took us forever to pay her back for that cow. That old thing was nothing but a bag of bones. She didn't give more than a cup or so of milk, anyway. We worked on that farm for months to keep from being hauled before the magistrate. To top it off, the widow never missed a chance to remind us that nice young boys didn't shoot cows with slingshots."

Alcmene laughed again. "She really did take advantage of you two. No telling how long she would have kept you around if her son hadn't returned from the war."

"So you knew she was using us, and you did nothing to stop her?"

"It did you and Iolaus no real harm to help an old woman. She really did need the help, you know. "

"So that was it? You two cooked this up between you, didn't you?"

She chuckled. "It really wasn't like that. At least not at first. She was about ready to release you from your burden and came to see me about it. She'd been very angry with you both, and me also at first. But as she got to know you boys, she'd grown to admire you. When she told me she was going to let you off the hook I convinced her not to. It kept you both out of trouble for a time, and helped her keep her farm until her son returned."

"Why, mother, I never realized you were such a schemer."

They found a pleasant meadow to stop in for their nooning. The grass glistened in the summer sun and moved in waves as a light breeze teased it with a loving caress. A small brook ran through the far side of the meadow just where it disappeared into the trees. The grass was sprinkled with spots of color from the many wildflowers. The healer bounded from her horse and danced about the grass in enthusiasm. The hunter left his horse as well and came to take her in his arms and swing her around. They walked hand in hand to the brook to slake their thirst with the icy cold water.

Alcmene turned to her son, a look of wonder on her face. "They are so beautiful together. It's like the feeling I get when one of the flowers blooms in my garden. You can feel their love fill the air."

"I know," her son whispered. "It's so often like that with them, and it always leaves me feeling just as you do right now."

The Argonaut came to help Alcmene from the wagon. When he had her safely in his arms he pulled her tightly to him and kissed her. The demigod knew he'd also been touched by the lovers who walked along the tiny brook looking for pretty pebbles to add to the healer's collection which held a prominent place on the fireplace mantel at the hidden cabin.

Sira asked permission of the earth mother first, then gathered some of the wildflowers to take to her chosen mother.

The healer insisted Alcmene rest while she fixed the meal. She heated the pot of stew they had brought with them while Jason cut thick slices of bread to accompany it. There were apples for dessert and tea to help them relax.

Alcmene had offered to help, but Sira refused to hear of it. She knew that the older woman was unused to traveling, and certainly not used to cooking over an open fire. Besides, the child of nature enjoyed waiting on the woman she had chosen to call mother. The empath had been trained since birth to respect the elders of her village and to serve them joyfully.

They stayed long at the nooning. There really was no need to hurry, and they all seemed in agreement that they should try and make the trip as easy on Alcmene as possible.

When they did leave the meadow, Iolaus drove the wagon. Sira rode her horse close to the wagon to be near him. She still found it hard to be separated from the man she loved beyond all others. She'd also found it impossible to build any kind of barrier between herself and the other half of her soul. She was fully aware how vulnerable to destruction this left her, but she had no choice. She simply couldn't limit her soul's involvement with those she loved. But then, she'd never been able to limit her feelings with anyone. Her teachers had tried to train her to do so, but somehow she simply couldn't. Some elder healers said it was necessary to save an empath's tender heart, but Sira wasn't convinced this was the case.

Should her soul's involvement bring her to death someday, then so be it. She knew she would rather die than to be closed to her feelings and emotions.

The hunter sent his mind to her and shot her a mischievous smile. The healer blushed then sent her mind to him. He squirmed on the wagon seat, and this time he blushed. Alcmene looked from one to the other of them, then shook her head. She had a strong suspicion about what had just passed between them. She turned away to hide her smile.

The demigod rode a little ahead. He was hoping to find a good place to stop for the night. They hadn't stopped again since their nooning, and he knew his mother must be getting tired.

The hunter kept shooting glances at the woman who rode the wooden wagon seat beside him. He was also concerned that she might be getting too tired. He sent his mind to the healer.

She responded at once and rode ahead to join her brother of the soul. "I think our mother is getting tired. Have you found anything that might make a suitable place to stop for the night?"

"Not yet, my sister. Mother is tough. She'll be all right."

"I know. I just hate to tax her so early in the trip."

He turned to smile at her. "You'll never know how much it meant to me to hear you call her mother."

Sira smiled back. "Of course she is my mother. She is the mother of the two men I love most in this world. I have long thought of her in this way, but I was not sure how she would feel about me addressing her in such a manner. It was not until I saw how she accepted Ares that I knew I need not fear that she would take offense."

"She is rather remarkable, isn't she?"

"Yes, she is that."

They rode on in silence for a time. "There," the healer pointed. She'd spotted a grassy area surrounded by trees and brush that promised water. They rode closer and the healer dismounted to walk through the brush to a small spring. There was shade to cool and shelter them; plenty of grass for the horses and water to refresh them.

"This is perfect, Sira. I'll ride back to tell the others."

"Iolaus already knows we have found a place to stop."

The demigod smiled at her. Then mounting his horse he rode quickly back to the wagon. The healer watched his retreating back a moment. He sits a horse like he does everything, she thought. He always has an aura of poise and dignity about him, just as his mother does. With a smile she began to gather wood to make a fire. She knew Alcmene would want water heated to bathe with once the camp was set up. They'd brought a tent for the older woman's comfort and to provide her with privacy. Once it was set up she could bathe and change so that she would be more comfortable.

The men began to make camp while Sira began their meal. Alcmene offered to help but Sira refused to let her. "When your tent is set up, take a bath and make yourself comfortable. I will have Jason set up the garden chair we have brought for you. The tea will be ready when you are finished.

"Sira, I'm not helpless, you know."

Sira smiled at her then gave her a hug. "Of course you are not. I never meant to imply that you were. I just like doing things for you."

The older woman sighed. "I can't argue with you when you tell me things like that."

"Good. Now the tent is ready. I do not want to see you again until you have bathed and changed."

"Pushy yosemins," the healer's friend mumbled good naturedly.

Sira laughed at her and returned to her chosen duty. The light faded as the empath prepared their meal of salt pork and squash roasted in the coals of the fire.

Jason placed his wife's chair near the fire since the evening was cool. When Alcmene left the tent he rose to escort her to her place of honor. "You look lovely, my dear."

She'd dressed in a practical, dark gray, long sleeved, wool traveling dress. She did look lovely. Her light hair and skin were highlighted by the darkness of the dress. She looked refreshed from her bath and a light scent of soap followed her to the chair by the fire.

The Argonaut pulled a fallen tree branch the hunter had brought to the fire for just such a purpose close to the woman he loved, and taking her hand he kissed her knuckles lightly.

The healer brought them both a mug of tea then a plate of food. The former King of Corinth gave her a warm smile. "Thank you, my dear. This smells wonderful. What did you spice it with?"

"In the yosemin language it is called tivela. I do not know what the Greek name for it is."

"Is it something you brought with you?"

"No. I found it growing near the spring."

"Well, I'm glad you did. This is excellent."

When the meal was done the demigod offered to clean the dishes and the healer took him up on the offer. Gathering her things she made her way to the spring. It was deep enough to swim in, but she had no desire to spoil their drinking water. She contented herself with pouring the fresh water over herself with a gourd. She enjoyed the shiver the cold water brought to her.

When she'd finished she wrapped her damp hair in a towel and returned to the fire. The night was comforting to the child of nature. Her mind told her there was nothing in the night to fear and she pulled the cool air around her like a child's security blanket.

When she was seated by the fire once more she removed the towel from her head and shook her hair around her. Taking up a wooden comb she began the laborious job of putting the long pale strands in order. The hunter took the comb from her. "May I?"

"Please."

He went to stand behind her and began combing her hair gently. She sent her mind to him in a caress of love. He felt her mind's touch on his and closed his eyes for a moment as he reveled in the warmth and love he felt flow to him.

He strengthened his mind's touch on her, and their minds and souls mingled and combined as one. A pale light surrounded the lovers as they came together in a silent, nonphysical lovemaking. Their love filled the air and touched the others with gentleness.

The stars had fled the sky to make room for the coming of the sun when the demigod rose and made a dash to the woods. When he returned he stirred up the fire and added bits of dry grass and bark until he was rewarded with a tiny flame. He carefully placed small twigs over the hungry, orange tongue of fire. When they had caught he put larger pieces of wood on the fire. Then taking up the pot the healer had used to make the tea the night before he headed to the spring.

They were still among the mountains they must cross to reach the road that would take them to the port city of Corinth. The morning was brisk and damp. Dew clung to the grass and foliage, and darkened the demigod's boots and woven leather pants with moisture. He wore a dark blue, long sleeved shirt woven in a v-shape at the neck that laced with a black cord. He watched an opossum amble slowly across his path, not in the least disturbed by the human who dared to enter his domain.

"The night's almost gone, little friend. You'd best be finding a hole for the day."

The rat-like marsupial stopped in his tracks and turned to watch the man who had spoken to him. He raised up on his back paws and sniffed the air. Then, as if to say, "Just what do you think I was doing before I was interrupted by you?" the little woodland creature turned and continued on his way.

The big man smiled to himself and did the same. When he returned to camp he put the pot of fresh water near the coals to heat.

Taking up his things he returned to the spring to refresh himself. Pulling his shirt over his still damp torso he returned to camp once more.

The healer had made the tea in his absence. She handed him a mug of the dark fragrant brew. "Feel better, my more than brother?"

He gave her a warm smile. "I feel great, my sister. It's amazing what a quick wash in cold water can do for a person."

"That is because you took the earth into your heart first, my brother."

"This is a beautiful place. It would be hard not to feel the earth here."

"Yes. We were led here for the night. Our mother felt our need and provided well for our comfort."

The big man ran a finger lightly along the girl's jaw line. "I like it when you talk like this."

"You are yosemin."

"Thank you, my sister of the soul."

They took to the trail once more. The cool morning gave way to a hot day. Clouds hugged the horizon and added a moisture to the air that only intensified the heat.

The Argonaut led them to a small village nestled in a fertile little valley surrounded by mountains and rolling hills. They stopped at an inn near the far side of the village. The inn was operated by a very old and stooped woman. Her two granddaughters helped her with the cooking and serving, but the ancient one was ever present, greeting her guests and bringing them refreshments.

She was delighted to see the former King once more. He often passed the village on his trips to and from Corinth and he always made a point of stopping at the inn.

The old one led them to a large round table under a tarp canopy at the side of the inn. "It's a pleasant day. Will this suit you, my friend?"

"It's perfect. Thank you."

A much younger version of the grandmother took their order.

"I'll bring their tea," the old one insisted. "It's not every day we're blessed with such exalted company as Jason of Corinth and Hercules, the son of Zeus."

The demigod gave her a warm smile, turning his full charm on the poor woman. His blue eyes sparkled, his face wore a boyish smile. "It is we who are honored. Jason has bragged about you and the inn endlessly for days. If half of what he says is true, we are truly in for a treat."

She laughed. "I've heard you're a charmer; now I see the rumors are true." He laughed.

She brought a tray of mugs and a large pot of tea to the table. With a hand that shook slightly she filled each mug then began to place them before her guests. In doing so she brushed the healer's hand with hers. Setting the mug aside she placed her hand on Sira's arm.

"Questa?" she said in excitement. "But no, you're much too young," she finished in a deflated voice. "Still, you do resemble her."

The empath placed her hand over the gnarled and rough one that still rested on her arm. "Questa was my grandmother."

The old one nodded. "Yes, you have her about you."

Sira sent her mind to touch the old woman's. "You are not yosemin," she stated rather than asked.

"No, but your grandmother and I were very close once. She taught my mind to see."

Sira rose. "Please, my grandmother, sit. You should not be standing and serving me. It is I who should serve you."

The old one folded her brittle bones slowly and took the offered chair. The hunter took another chair from one of the other tables and brought it to the healer. The others sat silently watching the two women; the girl they knew and the old woman who had somehow stirred something in the empath. They could feel the change in the air, and see it as a glow around the yosemin.

Sira poured a mug of tea for the old woman. "Did my grandmother live here at one time?"

"Not here, but in a village very much like this one."

Sira took a deep breath then seemed to relax. "That explains why I cannot feel her presence here except in you."

"Your grandmother once healed my daughter. My daughter was very close to death, but as you can see by the girls who help me here your grandmother saved her life.

"When her beloved Clavus died I was with her. Her grief was so overwhelming." The old one shook her head.

Sira took her hand. "You are Amanda. My grandmother spoke of you often."

"You speak of her in past tense. I thought perhaps she had gone to the earth. It has been long since our minds have touched."

Sira and the ancient one talked for a long time. The food was served. The others ate but the healer didn't. She was too intent on her conversation with the friend of her grandmother. Few words passed between the two of them, but much was said.

No one suggested they should move on. Jason and Alcmene went to the market for a time and the demigod went to tend the horses. The hunter stayed near the woman he loved, content to be near her.

It was Sira who finally realized the day was slipping away. She wished she could stay and talk with the woman who had done so much for her grandmother. Still, she knew she was keeping the others from their plans. She excused herself reluctantly.

"We will pass this way again soon. May I stop and see you again?"

"Who can predict the future, my granddaughter?" The old woman used the yosemin address of clan to her new friend and it touched the empath's heart. "What will be cannot be changed. But yes, if I'm still here you must stop. I will know if you pass and do not."

Sira hugged the old woman and clung to her a moment. The hunter knew some message had passed between them.

The old one passed something to the girl. "To remember your grandmother, and old Amanda."

Tears filled the healer's eyes. "Thank you, grandmother."

When they left the village Sira and Iolaus rode their horses. The healer moved a little ahead of the wagon and her golden hunter followed her. Sensing the girl's need to be alone with the hunter the demigod stayed back beside the wagon with his mother and the former King of Corinth.

The healer was quiet and thoughtful. The hunter kept shooting sideways looks at her. "Are you all right?"

She turned to give him a sad smile. "Yes, my love."

"What did the old one give you?"

Sira still held the unopened package in her hand. "It is my grandmother's healing crystal."

"Like the one you gave to Winnie?"

"Yes."

He could feel her emotions. What the girl held in her hand was very special to her. "Will you wear it?"

Sira nodded. "Yes, but there is a ceremony that goes with the placing of the crystal around a healer's neck. I would not want to draw upon the power of the crystal without first taking the earth into the stone and into me through the earth's handiwork."

"Can I help?"

"We shall see. The bringing of the earth to the stone is usually performed by the elder of the house of healers. Still, you are of the earth and you hold a special place in her heart as well as mine." She nodded. "We shall see."

He drew his horse closer and reached for her hand. "I'm glad you met Amanda."

"Yes, it was good to get a feel of my grandmother from her and to touch her heart and soul."

"She must be damned old."

"Yes. She must be close to two hundred."

"How is that possible? I thought you said she wasn't yosemin."

"It is possible because she is the half mortal daughter of Zeus." The healer dropped the hunter's hand and urged her horse to a trot, leaving her astonished husband behind.

"Sira!" he called after her. "Sira, wait!" He rode faster to catch up with her. "Why didn't you say something? Sweet Zeus on a stick. That makes her Hercules' half sister."

"Yes, I know, my love."

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"It did not seem the proper subject to broach in front of Alcmene."

The hunter nodded. "You have a point." He rode in thoughtful silence for a moment. "Perhaps when we return, Amanda could place the crystal around your neck."

Tears filled the healer's eyes. "I fear I will not be seeing her again; at least not as Amanda."

"You mean she� But how do you know?"

"I felt it when we hugged. The earth has already called her home."

The hunter reached for her hand once again. "I'm sorry."

She squeezed his hand in return but said nothing. The forest around her was lush and green, and the child of nature sent her mind to the trees to seek comfort. The wind that ruffled the dark green foliage seemed to whisper to her and soothe her like a baby.

The hunter broke the silence. "I guess this proves once and for all that Hercules isn't immortal after all."

"No, my love. It proves nothing. What part of the god's immortality passed to Amanda may not be the same that passed to Hercules; just as one child may have blue eyes while their sibling has brown. Besides, what a god might bestow on his beloved son, he may not bestow on a daughter."

"Are you going to tell Hercules about Amanda?"

"I do not know. I have tried to decide." She shook her head. " I just do not know."

They found a place to camp that night by the river they would now follow for the rest of their journey to the port city of Corinth. They had crossed the last mountain peak and started down the other side before stopping. They were still high in the dense forest of evergreens. The air was thin and cold and there was still travel time left to them that would take them to lower ground, but the hunter had found the offered campsite and seen the value of it at once. With an insight born of his love for the child of nature he had taken into his heart, he knew Sira would find a comfort here in the ancient, majestic timberland.

He felt the demigod's resistance to his suggestion that they make their camp here and sent his mind to his friend. The big man shot a quick look at the healer. Something in the look changed his mind and he added his approval to the grassy area surrounded by tall trees.

"I'm ready to stop," Alcmene stated.

The healer knew her chosen mother was tired. The day had been warm and sticky; the travel slow with the climb. Sira had ridden ahead to wet a cloth with the cool mountain water then brought it back to the older woman to refresh her face and neck.

Alcmene fanned herself with it now. "It's nice and cool here. Can't we stay?"

Jason took her hand. "Of course, my dear. We were just concerned for you. It will be cold here tonight, but if you're tired we'll stop." He sent her a mischievous smile. "I can always keep you warm tonight."

The mother of Hercules blushed. "Then by all means, let's stop." They all laughed and the decision was made.

The nature child threw her leg over the side of her horse and slid to the ground. With a light step she left the others to make camp and went through the trees to the river. The demigod stood watching her back for a moment then turned to the hunter. "What's wrong with Sira?"

The hunter looked to where the healer was just disappearing into the forest. "She's just a little melancholy about Amanda and her grandmother."

"Then I'm glad we decided to stay here. It will do her good."

"Thanks, Herc. I hoped you'd understand."

"I think mother got the hint also."

The hunter smiled at his friend. "You guys are great. Let's get this camp set up, then I'll go after Sira."

The big man patted his friend's back. "Come on, then."

The healer made her way to the water and stood on the rocky bank to watch the liquid earth rush by her. The river was swift as it rushed down the mountain on its endless quest for the sea, playing among the rocks like a naughty child. By the time the river reached the city, however, it had settled into a quiet and respectful adult, spreading its banks and bringing needed moisture to the valley below.

The healer found a quiet pool, and stripping to her undergarments she waded into the water. She closed her eyes and let the water caress her calves first, then waded deeper to let the water flow over her thighs, then deeper still to surround her waist. The coolness soothed and comforted her, easing tight muscles and washing away the cares of the day.

With a quick breath for courage she lowered herself fully into the water. The cold on her face took the breath away and she laughed with pleasure.

The nature child sent a prayer to the earth mother to love and protect the woman who had befriended her grandmother. Comforted she prayed to the water mother to share her abundance. Wading to shallower water she stood poised. With a swift fluid movement she sliced through the water and came up with a wriggling fish.

The former King of Corinth broke through the screen of brush and ferns that lined the riverbank, a bucket in his hands just as the empath threw her second fish on the rocky bank. He stopped to watch her.

She waited a moment, then the quick slice through the icy water and another fish joined the first two among the rocks.

"Bravo, Sira. How do you do that? I've seen Hercules catch fish with his hands but not with such ease. That's amazing," he laughed as another fish landed on the bank.

"Come into the water and I will show you," the girl offered.

Before Jason could get his boots off two more fish joined the others. "Oh! This water is freezing, how can you swim in this?"

Sira giggled. "It is not cold to a yosemin."

"Well, it sure in Tartarus is to a human," he complained. Still, he waded to where the girl waited for him.

"Now," she instructed, "watch what I do." She shut her eyes and waited with her hands just over the water. The easy plunge of her hand, and yet another fish was caught.

"I would swear you can see the fish. And yet your eyes were closed the whole time."

"I can see the fish with my mind."

"That's not fair. You have an advantage."

"It can still be done with the eye. Look into the water, Jason. Just be still and look. Do you see the fish?" He nodded. "Now put your hands over the water. Remember, the water distorts what you see. The fish are not really where you think you see them." She put her hand in the water near him. "Plunge your hand in and try to touch mine."

He did as he was told, but only lightly brushed her fingers.

"You see? My hand was not where it seemed to be. For those who cannot feel the fish with their minds it is harder. You must learn the angle of the distortion and adjust to compensate for it."

"It can't be done," he laughed.

"Of course it can. You said yourself that Hercules catches fish with his hands. That is how he does it. I only offer a way to bring more fish to you and keep them there so that you may catch them. Fish are curious. They will swim near you to try and figure out what you are about. If you learn to slice through the water carefully and not disturb or frighten the fish the earth mother will provide you with abundance. Xena is very good at catching fish. You are not going to let a human female out do the mighty Jason, are you?"

He laughed again. "I don't know. Maybe I should quit while I'm behind."

She laughed at him. "It is not as hard as it sounds." She put her hand into the water again. "Touch my hand. Go slowly and feel with your mind where my hand really is." He did as she instructed and took her hand in his. "Good. Do it again."

After he had managed to capture her hand several times she showed him how to slice through the water. "Now," she told him, "try for a fish." He looked skeptical. "You will do fine. Just remember what I told you."

His first attempt got him nothing but a handful of water. On his second try he got his hands on a fish but it wriggled out of his grip. On the third try he managed to splash himself thoroughly. He laughed at himself and the healer laughed with him.

"Do not try so hard. Just relax and go slowly." He tried again and was at last successful. "You did it! Great job."

The former King laughed again. "By accident, I assure you. But now that I've vanquished myself, I depart while I'm ahead." He gave her a formal bow.

"Spoken like a true warrior," Sira teased.

Jason shivered. "I still don't see how you can stand this cold water."

"That," Alcmene called from the bank, "is just an excuse not to try and catch more fish."

"Oh, my dear. Come in and I'll show you how to catch your dinner."

"No, no. I have better sense than to get soaking wet in an icy stream." The older woman had been a bit shocked, when looking for Jason, to find him in the stream with Sira so scantily clad. The girl's wet clothing left very little to the imagination. And apparently she did feel the cold after all.

After watching the two for a time, however, Alcmene found herself envious. It would be nice to be so uninhibited; to feel such freedom from convention. She had never considered herself conventional. If she had been, Hercules would never have been born. She tried always to judge people by their deeds rather than by a preconceived idea of convention.

Sira added several more fish to the pile on the bank before leaving the water. Jason strung the fish on a stick through the gills to make carrying them back to camp easier. The healer stood in the dwindling evening sun for a few minutes to dry herself before retrieving her things and following the others back to the fire. Without dressing she set about cleaning the fish, letting her undergarments dry on her body. The others seemed undisturbed by this and Alcmene decided not to let it bother her either. She knew the girl wasn't parading around in her under things to attract the men. She simply didn't think about it. There were preparations to make for dinner and her things needed to dry.

Again Alcmene offered to help, but again the others declined her help, telling her to rest. "You're all treating me like an old woman," she objected. "I'm not, you know."

Hercules gave his mother a hug. "Of course you're not. We never meant to imply that you are, but there are plenty of us to do the work. Why not enjoy it while you can? Consider it our treat."

Sira had gathered several of the white tubers she enjoyed. After cleaning them she wrapped them in leaves then placed them in the coals to roast. She spiced the fish and cooked it over the fire on a spit. There were melons and squash from Alcmene's farm to add to the dinner. When it was ready Jason supplied a light wine to accompany the food.

When they were all seated the Argonaut proposed a toast. "To good friends and loved ones. To good food and easy travel." The others saluted with their wine while the yosemin and the demigod raised their mugs of tea.

The morning was cold and clear. The hunter was the first to leave his covers. He built up the fire then returned to his bed. Sira wrapped herself around him to warm him. He shivered beside her. "I can see my breath out there."

"I know. Is it not wonderful? Thank you for suggesting we stay here. It is so beautiful. Just down from where I fished I found a rock with a yosemin clan marking on it."

"What's that mean?"

"There must have been a village near here at one time. The marking is very old. My mind found none of the earth's people still here, and yet I can sense them all the same. Sometime when we can I would like to try and find the site of the old village."
"Yeah, that might be kind of fun. We could take a little time now."

"Before the others rise?"
"Why not? Think you can use that mind inside your pretty head and locate the village site?"

"Of course."

He rose and pulled her to her feet. "Come on, then."

The demigod had heard their conversation and sensed the girl's thoughts. She had wished he could be with them in this, but thought he was sleeping and didn't wish to disturb him.

He sat up in his blankets. It always gave him a warm and comforting feeling to know both Sira and Iolaus wanted him with them. He was beginning to sense these moments and was still surprised at how many times he felt their wish to have him be a part of the things they did.

"Hey! Want some company?" he called after them.

Both Sira and Iolaus nodded and motioned for him to join them. When he did the girl walked between the two men, her arms linked through theirs. "I was wishing you were awake to join us," she told her more than brother of the soul.

He smiled at her. "I know."

She found the site of the yosemin village with no trouble. Her mind led her to it. It was an ancient site indeed. There was still evidence of the clearing that was always the center of the yosemin community. Rotting hand hewn planks still gave evidence of the healer's hall, not far from which the healer found the holes that had once held the poles for the council's tent.

In the time before the remembered time, when the earth's people had never stayed in one place for long; as they followed the great herds of animals that fed and clothed them, the first tent put up and the last taken down had been the council's tent. Later, as the yosemin people took to the forest to hide from their enemies, most communities built more permanent shelters such as the healer's hall had been. Still, some continued to make the council hall from hides stretched over poles. The hide structures were sometimes massive in size, housing the village's treasures. The children were taught to read and write the yosemin language here, using leather bound, suede pages filled with the stories and tales of the different clans that made up the individual communities.

Bards and soothsayers were always a part of the education of the young, and as they told their stories the children wrote them down to take with them should they move on to other villages or form new ones of their own. What made the village system work was the fact that they were always kept small. Seldom were there more than a hundred adults within a single village unit, and most of the time much less.

When the original clan, the clan of the wolf and the lion first broke up into smaller stationary groups scattered among the mountains and forests, there were twenty clans and twenty villages. But leaving the life of the nomad behind wasn't easy for some. Clans mixed and blended; new clans were formed whenever three or more of the original clan elders could be brought together and convinced that a new clan was needed. The earth's people in the villages became a mixed group of many clans, and much of the history of the once proud and numerous people was lost in the changing of village locations and changing of clan. It became the duty of the council, not only to govern the people of the village, but to preserve the history as well. Too many times, the villages were attacked and plundered. The structures that held the history books were often targets for destruction, whether it was because the people attacking the village knew of the importance of the hall, or because it was one of the largest structures, was unknown.

Sira found bits of pottery still faintly showing the clan markings. Trees distorted over time by the houses built in and around them gave even more evidence of the once large village.

The hunter found a line of small, pale blue crystals, each with a tiny hole drilled in them. Without disturbing them he called the healer to see them.

"It was a necklace, wasn't it?" he asked in wonder.

"Yes." She rose from her inspection of the crystals to give the hunter a sad smile. "I wonder what the girl who wore these was like. Was she a weaver, or a keeper of the banners?"

"Perhaps she was a healer."

The girl took his hand. "I wonder why they left here?"

The demigod came to stand beside her. "Some of the timbers of the healer's hall have been burned. There is other evidence of fires as well. And yet the forest itself didn't really burn. The trees here are far older than the village."

The girl nodded. "Many villages were destroyed in the not too distant past." She shook her head. "So much of our history has been lost. I hope the book of clan that Strabiss found will help to answer some of the questions of who and what we were in the time before the remembered time. It is the original book showing the forming of the original clans and the scattering of the people to the forests. Perhaps before this part of the record was set down on the suede pages in the picture writing of my people there will be a history of what went before."

"Shall I retrieve the crystals for you?" the hunter offered. "You could restring them. It would give you something to remember the village and the girl who wore them."

She shook her head. "No." Kneeling beside the pale stones once again she carefully lifted but one of the tiny beads. "Forgive me for taking what does not belong to me. I wish only to honor you. Know that this crystal will be kept safe. And as the hunter of the clan of the wolf and the lion suggests, it will serve as evidence of your existence."

They returned to their camp to make ready to leave the mountain clearing where they had camped. They should be able to reach Corinth by late afternoon. The others were looking forward to it, but the child of the forest would have been content to stay awhile near the old yosemin village, taking time to discover even more of its treasures. She must tell Thysis of this place. He might even know of the people who used to live here. It wasn't surprising that the village hadn't lasted, not with the bustling port city of Corinth so near.

They followed the river on its downward path. It would take them to the city before turning off and ambling through a long, low valley, and ultimately to the sea. The river supplied the valley with its main water source, making irrigation to the farms much easier. The little valley was a fertile one, providing tradable goods to ship from one of the largest ports in Greece.

The cold morning gave way to a warm afternoon. High ethereal clouds turned the sky to pale, grayish blue and added moisture to the sky. They made good time, joining the main road into the city before the sun had reached its zenith. They passed small hamlets as they moved closer to Corinth and encountered several travelers coming or going from this central hub of commerce.

Several people waved to the former King, calling greetings with smiling faces. The empath knew that Jason had been a favorite with the people, but she was still surprised by how many still knew him and counted him as a friend. He acknowledged each greeting with a wave and a hearty hello. He made no class distinction in his enthusiasm at seeing those who had once been his subjects. Many of the people he knew by name and called several to him, offering food or water to ease their burden. The girl had a great deal of respect for the quiet, good humored man she counted as one of her family. But as the day drew on her respect for the former King of Corinth grew.

"Jason!" a voice called from the side of the road. A little man bent almost double with age and hard work shuffled toward the wagon.

The Argonaut pulled the horses to a stop. "Restex, my old friend. How are you? How is Della?"

The old man shook his head. "Not well, I'm afraid. I go now to see if there is someone who might help us."

"What's wrong?"

"Nasty boils all over her legs. She's in so much pain that she can no longer walk." He shook his head again. "She runs such a fever, I fear for her."

The healer rode her horse closer to the wagon and whispered something to the former King. He gave her an uncertain look. She could sense his emotions. He wanted to help this man, and yet was reluctant to ask Sira to get involved.

"It will be well, Jason. If there is time before we must be in Corinth, I would be happy to try and help."

Jason turned to Iolaus but made no comment. The hunter rode to the girl he loved and took her hand in his. With a smile he nodded to the former King.

Reassured, Jason turned back to Restex. "This young lady is a healer; perhaps she might help."

The little old man slumped even further over with the relief that flooded over him. "Please, my Lady, will you help?"

"Of course. You need not ask. I am happy to."

The demigod dismounted and led his horse to the farmer. "Let me help you mount and you can ride ahead. We'll follow with the wagon." He lifted the man to the horse's back then handed him the reins.

"It's not far," the farmer assured the empath. "This really means a lot to me." He turned the horse away from the river and away from the road and headed toward the west. Sira and the hunter followed.

"We'll take the rode around," Jason stated. The demigod found a place in the back of the wagon and they turned to retrace their steps.

The old one led the healer and the hunter to a small farm hut set at the end of two cultivated fields just showing growth in the midsummer sun.

Without a word the hunter helped the old one from his horse then took the reins of all three horses and led them to a pitifully knurled and bedraggled tree to tie them up.

"She's in here. Please forgive the mess; it's hard being farmer and housewife."

Sira laid her hand on his arm. "Do not worry. I understand."

She followed him into the dark hut. The place was closed up tight, and the heat inside was overwhelming. Along with the heat lay a smell of stale food and old fires. The woman who lay in a disheveled mass of blankets was as frail looking as the farmer himself.

Sira knelt beside the bed and the farmer's wife turned feverish eyes to her. "Do not be afraid. I am a healer. I would like to try and help you, if that is all right." The woman only nodded.

Sira could sense her pain and illness. She closed her eyes for a moment. She knew well the feelings that swept over her; compassion, tenderness.

Without leaving the woman's side she called to the hunter. "Iolaus, open the windows and let the light in."

"We've kept the place closed up to keep the evil out," the farmer offered. "Is it wise to expose my wife to the outside?"

"Part of her illness comes from the stale air and darkness. It is damp and hot in here. She needs fresh air and sunshine."

The hunter did as he was told. The sunlight glared on the unclean interior of the hut. Sira made up her mind at once. While she healed the farmer's wife, the others must clean the hut. It was no wonder the poor woman was ill.

"I will need a light to see her better." The farmer took a burning twig from the fire and lit a smoky candle of animal tallow. "Let us get these covers off so that I can see your legs."

She worked gently, trying not to hurt the woman. The farmer hadn't exaggerated. The poor woman's legs were covered with huge boils. Some had broken and now oozed a foul smelling, watery liquid. Others were reddish, purple with abscess, and still others were fiery red lumps.

Sira ran her hands over the woman; not touching her but feeling with her mind. "I will need to clean the boils and abscesses, then treat them with a salve. Once the boils are better, the fever will go away." She heard the wagon pull up outside the hut. In one fluid movement she rose, and taking the hunter's hand she led him outside to the others. The farmer stayed with his wife.

Jason climbed from the wagon and came to Sira. "Can you help her?"

"Yes. She is quite ill, but I can help her."

"I'm sorry to put you through this, my dear."

She laid her hand on his arm. "Do not be silly. I am a healer. This is what I do. Besides, it was my idea." She smiled at him. "I am going to need the help of all of you. The place must be cleaned and the bedding washed. I will need a tub big enough for the woman to soak in. Hot water and soap will do wonders for her legs. Are you all willing to help?" They all assured her that they were. "Good. I need my pack. I will give her something to ease her discomfort. When we get her in the tub of hot water it will hurt her at first."

The hunter brought her the pack. She gave them all a warm smile. "Everyone ready?"

Alcmene graciously offered her clean down mattress from the wagon and the men made a wooden platform outside to put it on until the hut could be cleaned.

Sira mixed a white powder from her pack with hot water and took it to the woman. "This does not taste very good, I am afraid, but it will ease your discomfort and help you to sleep."

The old one took the girl's hand. "Can you really help me? I've been down for weeks. I wouldn't want to leave Restex. He's so helpless."

"You will be fine. I have seen this before. It takes time to recover, but you will do so if you are willing to do as I show you."

"Anything. I'll do anything. What caused this? Why did I get these terrible boils?"

"It is caused by a tiny bug. A bug so small you cannot see it. It gets into your mattress and bedding. Once it is there it is hard to kill."

"But Restex isn't affected."

"No. Apparently you react differently to the bugs and the waste they leave behind than your husband. The bugs live in most beds, and believe it or not they have a purpose. But when a home is closed up for too long without airing out the mattress or washing the bedding, these bugs can get out of hand. You are sensitive to them, so you must be careful to keep your bedding and mattress clean."

"The winter was long. The hut was closed up to keep us warm. But when we would have opened the windows and welcomed the sun I was sick. We kept the place closed to keep the evil away."

"Do you really believe evil will follow the sunshine into your home?"

The old one smiled despite her illness. "No, but sick people must avoid cold air."

"But not fresh, clean, warm air. You are right; you would not want to catch a chill when you are sick. But the sun can do much to heal, as can fresh air." Sira smiled back at the woman. "Drink this and you will feel better. Then we will help you bathe. A clean body, dressed in clean clothing, makes a world of difference."

She helped the farmer's wife sit up and drink the bitter tonic. She drank every last drop without objection. When she was done Sira sat beside her, soothing her to sleep with a light touch of her mind.

When things were ready Alcmene shooed the men from the hut and helped Sira get the ill woman into the large tub of water. It was very warm. The old one cried out with pain as the hot water touched her legs. Sira deepened her mind's touch on the old one and took some of the pain to herself. She let the woman soak in the hot water for a time, keeping it hot with fresh water from the large pot on the fire. After a time the old one slept again, propped up in the tub with clean towels. As she slept Sira healed her. Not a total transfer of the woman's illness to herself, but taking as much on herself as she could, and letting the earth wash them both in the healing light.

Alcmene helped Sira wash the woman. Sira washed her hair and body with a greenish soap she took from her pack. It smelled of growing things and filled the air with a clean scent.

When the woman was clean they helped her towel off and slipped a clean nightdress, also provided by Alcmene, over her head. Sira called for her brother of the soul. He carried the woman to the clean outdoor bed and laid her down gently.

Sira knelt beside her. "We must open the abscesses on your legs if they are to heal. It will not be pleasant, I am afraid."

"It's all right. I trust you."

The healer kept hot, wet towels on the woman's legs to keep the skin soft. She asked for a bucket of fresh hot water, and when the hunter brought it to her she poured a green liquid into it. She placed a small knife with a narrow blade in the water.

"The house must be cleaned. Her old mattress must be thrown out. Preferably burned or buried. The bedding must be washed and left in the sun to dry. Everything should be washed down with strong soap. What cannot be washed should be left in the direct sun. Her bed should be moved to where it will get sunlight and fresh air."

Jason nodded at her. "Don't worry, we'll take care of everything."

Sira nodded then turned to the demigod. "Would you be willing to help me with her? There will be much pain. If you were willing to take some of it from her it would help."

He knelt beside the girl he loved more than a sister and took her hand. "You know I'll help."

The healer made herself comfortable beside the farmer's wife. Closing her eyes she sent a prayer to the earth mother, letting the slow cadence of the familiar words soothe and relax her. She began to sway as the prayer gave way to a chant sung slowly in a soothing rhythm repeated over and over. She hummed in time to the movement of her body, letting the earth's healing energy build and grow.

The demigod, sitting beside her, his mind open to the healing felt the energy on his skin as an almost painful tingle that ebbed and eddied around him with the rhythm of her chant. A glow of pale blue light surrounded the three of them.

The hunter, going to the well for a bucket of water, stopped for a moment to watch the girl he loved so completely. She was always beautiful to him, but never more so than when she was in a healing like this. The healing light made a halo around her pale hair, lighting it with an almost phosphorescent blue glow. His feelings for this remarkable woman swept over him, bringing the sting of tears to his eyes.

He felt her mind touch and caress his, and he drew a deep breath of wonder and amazement that someone so special could love him as completely as he loved her. He sent a prayer of thanks to the earth for sending her to him. Then with a lightened step he made his way to the well.

Cleaning the many boils and abscesses on the ill woman's legs was a laborious and painful job. The healer used the demigod's god given strength to help in the healing and to take away some of the woman's pain. She also drew much of the discomfort to herself. She left the abscesses open to drain with a bit of clean cloth in the wound to draw away the poison and keep the wound from sealing over again, thus trapping the puss and fluid beneath the skin to fester even more. The boils she also opened then rubbed with a white salve made from the milk of the thistle.

Perspiration beaded her upper lip. Her hands began to tremble. The demigod took the tiny knife from her, and doing as he'd seen her do he continued to treat the ill woman's legs.

The sun had almost reached the horizon before he finished. The healer made him wash his hands and arms in the water treated with the green liquid just as she had done. She looked to the west and the fiery ball of gaseous vapor that warmed and lit the earth with its brilliance. With a deep breath she let the golden rays of the setting sun lift some of her tension, washing it away as she pictured the sun's rays passing over her like a strong breeze.

She asked the hunter to bring her more of the tonic made from the white powder she carried in her pack. He helped the farmer's wife sit up long enough to drink the liquid then lowered her gently back to the mattress. He stayed at her head, offering his help in the healing and the yosemin took it willingly.

"Is the house cleaned?" her mind asked him.

"It is, my love," his mind replied.

The demigod lifted the woman once more and held her while the former King of Corinth carried his wife's mattress to the freshly cleaned bed and spread it out on the rope stays. As soon as the old one was settled the healer took a seat on the bed beside her, and using the powers the earth had given her she healed the ill woman.

She was most pleased with the hut and the job of cleaning it the others had done. It looked and smelled clean. There was a warm fire burning in the fireplace with dinner cooking over it.

"Thank you all for your help. Everything looks wonderful." She followed her statement with a warm smile and a light touch of her mind on the others.

The Argonaut came to kneel beside the bed and gave her an earnest look. "Thank you for helping my friends. Restex was once employed at the palace and we became good friends."

The little old man came to sit beside his wife and the healer on the bed. "It was the King that gave me this farm and helped me get started farming. I hated to leave his employ, but with a growing family to think about we needed the space. He was just a boy, then, trying his best to take his father's place; burdened with responsibilities he wasn't ready to handle yet, but he always had time for me and my family. His friendship has meant the world to Della and myself."

The former King gave his friend a warm smile. "You earned my friendship and respect long before I was King, just as you had my father's. I always felt blessed by your friendship."

"Now you've brought this young woman to heal my Della. I won't be forgetting this." He turned to Sira. "What you've done for my dear wife�" His voice broke.

The healer took his hand. "I feel your emotions; words are not needed."

The healer stayed with the ill woman throughout the night. By morning her fever was gone, and much of the swelling in her legs was gone as well.

Sira bathed them in the green liquid and hot water then smoothed the white salve over them once more. When she was done she turned sleep starved eyes to the hunter.

He pulled her into his arms. "I've fixed you a place to rest near the wagon. You need to get some sleep or you'll be of no help to Della."

She nodded as she stifled a yawn. "Keep an eye on her for fever. If it starts to rise, wake me."

"We'll watch her. You just rest."

It was well past midday when the healer woke to the insistent call of a mockingbird. She loved to listen to the funny little feathered bird who expended so much energy calling for a mate. The girl rolled to her side to look for the one who serenaded her so sweetly. He sat high on a branch of the knurled old tree near the gate that led to the farm hut. With a smile the girl relaxed back into her covers. She sent her mind to the ill woman. She sensed no fever in her light touch and knew the woman was sleeping naturally.

The hunter left the hut and walked quietly toward the bed he had made for the healer. He had no wish to wake her but wished to check on her. The girl watched his approach. A tingle started in the pit of her stomach. He always had the power to stir her blood. His hair shown with a clean golden shine as it curled around his face and to his collar. He wore black leather pants tucked into calf high black leather boots. The dark purple, loose fitting shirt he'd put on after his bath made his skin glow.

He stood over the healer and she smiled up at him. "Did I wake you?"

"No, I was awake. How is Della?"

"She's sleeping quietly. The fever's gone. Alcmene bathed her legs in the green liquid a little bit ago then put more salve on them. She looks much better."

"You are all freshly bathed. I can smell soap on you."

"Want me to bring you water? You can use the tent for privacy."

"Please." She sat up and held her hand out to him. He pulled her to her feet to kiss her nose. "Maybe you can help me bathe?" she suggested.

His eyes sparkled. "That might prove quite interesting."

She ran her finger down the open necked "V" of his shirt. "I really do need help, you know?"

"Well then, I guess I'll have to be the gentleman and help you."

"I hope you are not a gentleman at all."

He laughed. Turning her around he swatted her bottom. "Go on; I'll meet you at the tent with the water."

"Hurry," she coaxed over her shoulder.

When the hunter and the healer joined the others in the farm hut Sira was happy to find her patient fairing so well. She showed the farmer how to bathe his wife's legs and how to put the salve on them. "As long as the afternoons stay warm, take her out for some sun each day. Air her bed out in the sun at the same time."

The little man took the healer's hand. "You've worked a miracle with my Della. I don't know how to thank you."

"Just promise to take good care of her. That will be thanks enough."

"I will. I'll take real good care of her. I'll do my best to keep the house up too."

The empath gave him a warm smile. "I am sure she will be fine."

The travelers made ready to leave the following morning. Jason was anxious to reach the city. Della was so much better, there really was no need for the healer to stay longer. Still, no matter how healed they were the empath always found it hard to say good bye to someone she had healed, and agreed to leave with reluctance.

Morning found Della even better. She was up on her feet now and the healer knew she would recover quickly. The farmer's wife might look frail, but in truth she was a strong woman, used to hard work.

The demigod drove the wagon when they left the farm. The morning was warm, with the promise of a hot day to follow. The clouds were gone now, chased away by a strong warm breeze. Just past midday Sira's mind led them to a shaded place just off the main road. It was nestled in a small grove of trees with a small stream that fed the larger river.

They made their nooning here even though they could have made it to the palace before evening. Alcmene asked to stop so that she could refresh herself. She wanted to bathe and change before entering the city. The healer did the same. She packed her woven moss pants and top in her trunk, to be replaced by a dark green traveling dress. The dark forest green color brought out the color of the girl's eyes. She left her hair hanging down her back in a silver-gold cascade.

On her feet she wore dark brown, high topped leather slippers the hunter had made her. She left the stream to join the others at the wagon and the hunter went to meet her.

"You're beautiful, Sira," he told her in a breathless whisper. He pulled her to him and kissed her, then held her away from him so that he could admire her. "I think we should let the others go on to Corinth, and we should stay here in the woods for a bit."

"And ruin my new dress rolling around in the grass? Think again." She gave him a playful shove.

"You wouldn't be in the dress while we rolled around in the grass," he reasoned. The empath just laughed at him.

When they left their place of nooning the hunter drove the wagon. Sira rode in the wagon behind him now, using a trunk as a seat. She rested her hand on his shoulder. He could feel her churning emotions through their tie of the soul. He knew she was nervous.

The gates to the city were opened wide to allow the almost steady traffic in and out of the city to flow smoothly. People milled about everywhere. Men leading donkeys, their backs laden with bundles of sticks or kegs of wine for sale. The marketplace was teaming with life and noise.

The girl's grip on the hunter's shoulder tightened. He sent a silent message of reassurance to her. She felt overwhelmed by the mass of people crowded within the stone walls of the city.

The hunter brought the wagon to the palace after carefully maneuvering around people and stalls. Two guards at the entrance stepped down to greet them. They both knew Jason and the greeting was enthusiastic. They left the wagon and its belongings to one of the guards and followed the other one up the stone steps that led to a massive dark wooden door.

As they entered an older man dressed in white and gold robes rushed to greet them. "King Jason!" he exclaimed. "We've been expecting you. Some travelers told us you would soon be here." He bowed low to his former employer.

"Come, Clavus, I'm no longer King, and you don't have to bow to a friend." The Argonaut offered his hand to the man.

"You've come for the young King's birthday, then?"

"Of course. I couldn't deny his mother that."

The man bowed to Alcmene. "It is wonderful to have you here again. We don't see you enough. Jason seems bent on keeping you at the farm and away from the good life."

Alcmene smiled at him. "The farm takes a lot of care. I have some good people there to help me, but I just can't stay away for long."

"Let me show you to your rooms. I've made sure they are ready for your stay. Your things will be brought up later."

He nodded to the demigod, gave a mischievous smile to the hunter and nodded formally to the healer. "It's about time we meet your lovely wife, Iolaus. Jason has told us so much about you. I am Clavus. If you should need anything, just let me know."

Sira gave him a warm smile. "Thank you for making me feel welcome."

He looked to Iolaus. "She is far too charming for you, old friend." The hunter faked a punch at the man's middle and he feigned an injury. "Come on, I'll show you up."

Sira and Iolaus were given a room next to the demigod, while Jason and Alcmene were put in a much larger room at the end of the hall.

Once inside their room with the door shut the healer grabbed the hunter. "Hold me, Iolaus."

"It's all right, my love. There's nothing to worry about."

"I did not know whether I should curtsey to Clavus or not. I almost did, then decided not to at the last minute since Jason treated him as a friend. Is he someone really special? Have I offended him?"

"Sira. You did fine. Actually, he's a servant. There was no need to curtsey to him."

"He is a servant? He was dressed so nicely."

The hunter hugged her tightly. "Just be yourself. No one expects you to act a certain way." There was a light tap on the door. The girl stiffened. "Relax. I'll get that."

He opened the door to a servant girl. "I've come to take you to see the King. He is most anxious to see you all."

The demigod stood outside the door waiting for the others. He gave the healer an encouraging smile and a wink of camaraderie. She took a deep breath to calm herself and took the hand the hunter offered her.

"If you'll wait a moment for me I will also lead Jason and his wife to the King's private hall." She sped away without waiting for the others to give their permission.

The demigod grinned at the girl he called more than a sister. "Nervous?"

"Is it too late to change my mind about this whole thing?"

He laughed at her. "Far too late. But don't worry, Iolaus and I will protect you from the wolves."

"That, my brother, is not funny."

The servant returned with Jason and Alcmene. With a smile at all of them in general she led them back to the main staircase they had ascended to reach the floor where their rooms were. She turned right when they reached the main hall and led them to a set of double doors. The doors were massive, reaching high above their heads. The wood was studded with silver that shown with a fresh polishing.

She opened the door and Clavus met them just inside the large room. Iphicles sat in a massive black wood chair covered in red velvet cushions. He was talking in earnest to an older gentleman, but seeing the others arrive he nodded to the man and rose to stride toward his family.

"Mother." He gave her a warm hug. "I'm so glad you decided to come." "Jason." He stuck his hand out to the former King who took it in a firm warrior's grasp. He offered his hand to Hercules first, then to Iolaus. Turning to Sira he also offered a hand. She laid hers in his palm and he gave it a squeeze. "I'm glad you could make it." The healer was a little surprised. She could sense enough of the King's mind to know his greeting was genuine.

"Thank you." She curtseyed to him and kept her eyes lowered out of respect.

"I've had the table set for a meal. I know it's a bit early yet for dinner and a bit late for lunch, but I haven't eaten. I hoped you would join me." He gave them a warm smile. "It's really great to have you all here."

The King himself led them to a long narrow room. Down the middle of the room stretched the longest table the healer had ever seen. The table was laden with mounds of food and the yosemin wondered how many people would be eating with them. There were only seven places set at the far end of the table but there was enough food here to feed six times that.

The King held a chair out for his mother, while the hunter did the same for Sira. The girl shot what she hoped were inconspicuous looks around her. She had never seen any place like this one. The ceilings were far above their heads, leaving a wide expanse of wall along each side of the table. Both walls were covered with large tapestries, plaques of silver or bronze, crossed swords and warrior's shields. Tables ran along the sides of the room, covered with large urns and vases. The room seemed terribly cluttered to the healer. She felt overwhelmed and out of place.

She couldn't help but think that it wasn't fair that some should have so much while others had so little. She'd seen the people milling about just outside the gates to the city. Some of them were so pitiful and dirty that the healer's heart went out to them. The children were the worst. Some had open sores; their eyes and noses often caked with mucous and filth.

"Why do they live like this?" she had asked of the hunter. "The river is right there. Why do they not bathe themselves and wash their clothing?"

"Ignorance. They've never been taught to live any other way."

"Then why does someone not show them a better way?"

"People are resistant to change. They would resent it if someone tried." He reached back over his shoulder to take her hand. "You can't solve all the world's problems, love."

She said no more, but she couldn't help but think the yosemin way was better. No one went hungry, at least. The children were the children of the whole village; loved and protected by all. The old ones were honored and cared for. No one was without shelter.

Jason and Iphicles talked of the kingdom. Sira paid little attention. She wasn't really hungry and her stomach was too full of butterflies to eat anyway so she contented herself with studying the wall coverings.

A tall, slender, dark haired woman rushed into the room. "I'm so sorry I'm late," Reyna apologized. "I meant to be here to greet you but lost track of time." She kissed Alcmene's cheek first, then Jason's. "I help out at the foundling home. Things were so hectic there today."

The King left his chair to pull one out for her. The men rose formally until she was seated.

"There's no need to apologize, my dear," Alcmene assured her. "We know how busy you are."

Iolaus introduced the girl to Sira. The healer carefully avoided touching the girl's mind with hers. She had no way of knowing how much the Queen knew of her earth given gifts.

When the meal was over Reyna offered to show the women around the palace. "There have been so many changes."

Most of the rooms the girl showed them to were done quite simply. Alcmene mentioned the difference between them and the dining room. "Yes, well, that was Ossagol's idea. By the way, have you met him yet?"

"I don't believe we've had the pleasure."

"He's Iphicles' new regent and advisor. Frankly, he gives me the creeps. Not that he's bad or anything. I guess he really knows his stuff. But, well, he's very tall and very thin, with stooped shoulders. He reminds me of a vulture." The girl giggled. "Forgive me. I know I'm being unfair. Anyway, it was his idea to make the formal dining room so fancy. We do a lot of entertaining and he says we need to make a good showing." The Queen sighed. "If you ask me, I think some of the wealth should go to the needy, and not to decorate palace walls."

With Reyna's voicing of Sira's own thoughts earlier the healer relaxed a little and found herself enjoying the tour and the company.

There were to be guests later for dinner so the Queen excused herself to get ready. Alcmene offered to help Sira do the same. She knew the girl was nervous about tonight.

When Sira was ready Alcmene excused herself. "You look stunning, my dear. Now I must run so that I can get myself ready." She gave the girl a quick hug. "You'll do fine tonight."

The hunter joined her soon after. His first thought was that Sira looked lovely. She wore a pale turquoise blue dress of chiffon. Alcmene had braided her hair then piled it on top of her head in a becoming twist, holding it there with two silver combs. The neck was low, showing the girl's pale skin and ample figure. She wore no adornment besides the gold band on the middle finger of her left hand.

The golden one stood watching her for a moment. She really did look lovely. But somehow this just wasn't his Sira. He realized he much preferred her in the woven moss top and pants she so often wore. In her own clothing she always looked relaxed. The simple garb allowed her natural beauty to catch his eye.

Sensing the hunter's thoughts the girl sighed. She knew she looked more than acceptable. Still, she agreed with her lover's thoughts. This just wasn't her.

When Iolaus was ready Sira giggled at him. He didn't wear formal clothing any better than she did. "We look like two strutting peacocks." The hunter laughingly agreed with her.

"So how was your tour of the palace?"

"It was enjoyable. I like Reyna. She showed us a lot of this place and yet I got the impression we had only scratched the surface. You men were talking about the treasury room and about Jason's crown at the meal so she showed us that room first." The healer went to a polished silver mirror hanging on the wall to check once more that her hair was still in place. "The security precautions were very impressive, and yet Reyna says they do not keep that much treasure there."

The hunter came to stand behind her and watched her reflection in the shiny metal. "No, but the crown alone is worth protecting. Jason did so much for the kingdom and the surrounding provinces. He was loved by so many. His crown has become a symbol to the people. Iphicles refuses to wear it. He says it's too special and he has yet to prove himself worthy of King Jason's crown.

That's one thing about Iphicles. He understands the people's need to be reassured." He kissed the healer's neck. "Jason visits often, and Iphicles is smart enough to ask advice. The people see the crown as a promise from the King that he will follow in Jason's footsteps." He kissed the other side of her neck. "The crown also has quite a monetary value as well. But I think that is secondary to the sentimental value as far as the people are concerned."

The dinner guests were to meet in the King's hall before dinner. The introductions would be conducted there. They were to enjoy refreshments together as they awaited the announcement that dinner was ready.

Jason and Alcmene had already gone down. Hercules knocked on their door and the hunter opened it to him. The big man was dressed all in black tonight. His black cloth pants were tucked into black leather boots. His shirt was black silk, with puffy sleeves that ended in long cuffs tied with black silk cords. The low "V" neck showed his dark skin to perfection.

"Are you two ready?"

The hunter bowed formally. "We are indeed, my friend."

"Sira, my sister, you look absolutely breathtaking tonight. Still, it's a shame you're not wearing your pants. They would make quite a stir, I would imagine."

"I would be a heck of a lot more comfortable if I were."

When they entered the King's hall the only person Sira didn't know was a tall thin man. She knew immediately who he was, however, by Reyna's description. This had to be Ossagol. And the Queen was right; he did look like a vulture.

Sira was introduced to him and he took her hand in his. His hand was cold and clammy, leaving the healer's hand feeling damp. She took an instant disliking to the Regent. The child of nature's telepathic perception often led to a quick judgment of people, which might have been unfortunate if her judgments were ever wrong. So far, they never had been.

A short time later the other guests were announced. There was a wealthy landowner and his wife. The man seemed jolly and well fed; his substantial tummy bulging under his snowy white robe. The wife by contrast was wizened and peevish, her face wrinkled and seamed as if with time, and yet Sira sensed her age to be akin to Alcmene's.

The other two guests were local dignitaries. The King's hope was to win the support of the local aristocracy. He wanted to clean up the river that supplied the city's needs then flowed past Corinth to bring water to the rest of the province. The river was slow and sluggish by the time it reached the city. There was intense farming above the city, and the sandy soil from the farms had clogged the river. In winter the river tended to overflow its banks now that the channel it followed was so clogged with sand and silt. While the flood waters provided a needed service by leaving in their wake, nutrient rich soil, their destruction to the farms and the loss of life was far too costly.

The solution? Dredge the river. More and more of the city's drinking water must come from wells since the river moved too slowly to cleanse itself. Still, many outside the city relied on the muddy contaminated water, and illness was rampant.

The King hoped first to dig more wells outside the city to meet the immediate needs of his subjects then dredge the river channel. The people who would be most affected were the ones down river of the dredging. They, too, would need a source of fresh water. The project was ambitious to say the least, and would require financial backing.

Both Iphicles and Jason felt very strongly about the project. The former King had gone far afield trying to gain support for the project.

While they waited for dinner to be announced Jason began outlining their plans to the men who'd been invited to the palace for the sole purpose of gaining their promise of financial backing. Sira listened with interest to the proposal. While the people upstream might not be as concerned with the quality of their water, they were still affected by the flooding. The city itself was now in danger of flooding, and the water was already almost unfit for drinking. The people downstream were the most affected with both flooding and poor water quality. Unfortunately the farms on the lower end of the valley were the poorer ones. Taxing these people of their hard earned money would put an unfair burden on them. Still, the province was a prosperous one. And if the people who could spare the brass would do so, the safety of the city and surrounding valley could be guaranteed.

The King joined in the discussion with animation, voicing his concerns for the people who looked to him for a solution to the danger the river now presented. As Sira listened to him she could feel his emotions. She began to see there was more to this half brother of Hercules than she had first thought.

Dinner was announced. Sira found herself seated between the landowner on her one side, and Iolaus on the other. The landowner seemed determined to entertain Sira. He told her outrageous tales of his exploits as a younger man. The empath could of course tell when he was lying, which was most of the time. He also kept trying to take her hand or to pat it. Every time he succeeded his wife gave Sira a nasty look.

The healer was glad when the women could leave the table and return to the King's hall. She avoided getting anywhere near the landowner's wife, and stayed in the hall for only a short time. She excused herself with the excuse that she was tired from their travels. Her conscience pricked her a little. She knew that Alcmene was also tired and must also wish to retire. Sira knew she should stay and try at least to help Reyna entertain her guest. Still, considering the woman's obvious dislike of her Sira decided the effort would be wasted. The empath couldn't help but wonder what the woman would think if she knew how well her thoughts were being read.

Why the foolish woman chose to blame Sira for trying to flirt with her husband instead of laying the blame where it belonged, was beyond her.

It wasn't long before the hunter joined her in their room. He changed immediately just as the healer had done. When he was done he stretched out on the bed, his hands behind his head, and heaved a sigh of relief. "I don't know about you, but I'm ready to return to the forest. I find it much more entertaining than what we just sat through."

Sira giggled. "Was that man not awful? If he had tried to touch me one more time I would have zapped his dirty old mind."

"Tell me about it. I was about ready to deck him."

"I wonder what the little woman would have thought of that?"

"Wasn't she just the sweetest thing? I could hardly keep my hands off of her."

The girl joined the hunter on the bed. "I could tell you were taken with her. You did an admirable job of restraining yourself."

The golden one shivered. Rolling over, he pulled the healer down on the bed beside him. "You were the best mannered person at the table, and by far the loveliest." He kissed her nose.

"Is that what you told old wizened face after I came to our room?"

Iolaus laughed. "What an appropriate name for her. We must tell her when we see her again."

The healer moaned. "We do not have to see her again, do we?"

The hunter took her mouth playfully, then all of a sudden he became very serious. The empath forgot all about the King's guests.

The healer woke before dawn. She was used to rising early, and even though she could have slept in she woke. She slid carefully from the bed. She wished she could make a trip to the woods but contented herself with the porcelain pot provided for such things. She took the braid from her hair, and taking a chair by the window she began to comb the long strands. She hadn't lit a candle, preferring the comfortable silence of the dark. She watched as the sun made its first appearance in the sky. The city was already waking up. She couldn't see the streets since the window opened onto an inner courtyard, but she could hear the calls of vendors offering their wares even before it was light. When her hair was combed she returned to the bed she shared with the hunter.

She entertained herself with watching the hunter sleep. She loved the way his blond hair curled around his face, and how his eyelashes rested on his cheeks while he slept. She sent a prayer first to her gods then to the gods of Olympus, thanking them for bringing him into her life.

She sent her mind to their son. It was met with an immediate response. She missed him terribly, but the mind's touch did help.

The hunter stirred beside her and opened his eyes. "How come you're so beautiful in the morning?"

"How come you tell such stories in the morning?" she teased.

He chuckled. "You look beautiful to me." He raised up on his elbow to kiss her.

Later, they bathed each other in a large stationary tub that took up one corner of the room. They

used water left for their use the night before rather than wait for warm water. They were in a hurry now. They had arranged with the demigod to meet in the dining room for the first meal of the day then to go together to the marketplace.

They were only a little late making it to the large over stuffed room. The half god son of Zeus gave them a tolerant smile but made no comment.

Food was being kept warm in silver bowls with candles beneath them. The healer was once again astonished by the amount of food waiting for them.

"Besides the seven of us, who else eats in here?"

The demigod laughed at her question. "Just us. But don't worry; the food doesn't go to waste. Reyna sees that it's put to good use. What we don't eat, the servants do. And what they leave then goes to the foundling home or to the poor."

"Is it true that Reyna started the foundling home?"

"Yes. She's done a lot of good here. She gives untiringly of herself to the people and has helped a great deal in bringing my brother to an understanding of people's needs. Iphicles tends to be a bit hot headed, but he's smart enough to ask advice of Jason and Reyna. The combination seems to be a winning one."

The three of them were undisturbed, and the healer was able to relax and enjoy the meal. They talked of the palace and the King's river project while they ate.

When they were finished they left the palace through a side door. The morning was warm, but to Sira the sun felt good as it shown on her back. She was pleased to feel the earth beneath her feet even in the city and opened her mind to her mother. She stayed close to the men as they stepped around a corner of the palace wall and the market opened up before them. The noise, as on the day before, was deafening. Still, as they began to walk among the stalls the healer forgot her concerns and began to enjoy herself.

The demigod went a little ahead of the others. He wasn't really interested in the market. He had come because he wanted to see his sister's reaction to it. He'd been pleased when Iolaus and Sira agreed to come to the city. Then seeing how uncomfortable Sira was he felt for her. Last night, seeing her dressed for dinner he had realized just how out of place she was here. Not that she hadn't looked beautiful, or that her manners weren't impeccable. It was simply that this wasn't the Sira he had grown to love. She was much more at home in her woven moss garments, walking a mountain trail. She was truly a child of the forest.

The big man approached a stall selling sweet meats. He knew the man already standing there, his back to him. He placed his hand on the man's shoulder. "Autolycus. I bet I can guess why you're in Corinth."

The King of thieves jerked around. "Hercules, you old bum. I wondered if you'd be here for the King's big shindig."

"And you're here because the purses will be fat."

"Come on. You know I don't pick pockets anymore. You're just being nasty." The master thief turned to smile at the demigod, but his attention was caught and held by something else.

Hercules followed his line of vision to try and guess what had so drawn his friend's attention. Sira and Iolaus were standing before a stall in the market where a young boy was doing a dance to attract the shoppers' attention. Somehow the big man knew Autolycus wasn't watching the dancer, however.

The empath stood watching the boy, her face lit with pleasure. She wore a dark blue dress today that made her pale skin and light hair shine. The dress also flattered the girl's ample figure. The sunlight made a halo around her that seemed to call attention to her beauty.

"Autolycus. Autolycus?" Hercules tried to get his friend's attention.

Without taking his eyes from the scene before him the King of thieves whispered. "Who is she?" He pulled his eyes away for a second. "The girl with Iolaus, who is she?"

The demigod chuckled. "She's my sister, Sira."

The thief frowned. "You don't have a sister. At least not a mortal one."

"How do you know she's mortal?" the big man teased.

Autolycus didn't take the bait. "No, really, Hercules, who is she?"

"She's Iolaus' wife."

The thief looked at the demigod to try and judge whether he was still teasing. "I knew Iolaus had taken a wife, but, that's his wife?"

"That's her," the half man confirmed.

The King of thieves shook his head. "She looks about twelve. There's not much to her, well, except in some places."

"Well, if she were twelve, what you're thinking right now would make you a lecher." Autolycus laughed. "Would you like to meet her?"

"I always like to meet beautiful women."

The big man sent his mind to the healer and the girl looked up to where he stood with a dark haired, good looking man. A wide smile crossed her face and she turned to say something to the hunter. They walked hand in hand to where the demigod waited.

"How'd you get her attention?" the thief wondered out loud.

Hercules smiled. "You'd be surprised, my friend. You would be surprised." Hercules introduced her to the thief. "Sira, I'd like you to meet Autolycus."

The darkly handsome man bowed over her hand. "At your service, my Lady."

Sira smiled. "Somehow I do not believe you are at anyone's service." She had perceived the rogue's temperament and independent spirit with her usual aptitude. "But thank you anyway."

The hunter chuckled from behind the healer. Autolycus was a real charmer, but his charms were wasted on Sira.

"So, old man," the thief teased the hunter, "you have a charming wife. What she sees in you is beyond me." He stuck out his hand and the hunter took it in a firm warrior's grasp.

"I'm a great lover, of course. Check your purse, Sira. You can't trust this man for a minute."

"But I never steal from my friends," the thief objected, smoothing his pointer finger along his thin black mustache and trying to sound genuinely wounded, but failing somehow. "Now, my old friend, I must excuse myself. Bigger fish to fry." With a quick touch of his forefinger to his temple he was gone, disappearing into the crowd in seconds.

The demigod looked perplexed. "Don't tell me we really offended him?"

"No," Sira shook her head. "Something caught his attention. I felt that much."

"I wonder why he's in Corinth?" the hunter mused.

Hercules laughed. "Because Iphicles is entertaining wealthy people while he tries to gather backing for the river project. Where there's wealth, you'll find the King of thieves."

The healer refused to purchase anything in the market. "Most of these things can be gleaned from nature or we can make ourselves. Why pay someone else for them?"

The demigod did purchase a length of silk as a gift for their hostess. They ate their noonday meal in a tavern overlooking the market.

They stayed late in the market. As evening fell minstrels and clowns joined the market crowds to replace the merchants as they closed their stalls. As they headed home they were entertained by the talents of the performers.

Sira enjoyed watching the dancers and listening to the music. She was, however, curious as to the purpose of the entertainment until she saw a passer by drop coins in the pottery bowl set on the ground near a young girl who danced in seductive rhythm to a man playing some kind of stringed instrument.

"Do they do this every evening?" she asked the men.

"Yes, most of them do," the hunter assured her.

"Do the shoppers keep giving them money? Surely they have seen the performers before."

"Yes, you're right. The performers change all the time. Most of them are nomads; never staying for long in any one place. But as they go on their way others take their place."

"I do not understand."

He laughed. "The customers keep coming for the fun of it. It gives them a chance to relax and enjoy themselves, or to meet friends."

A loud burst of laughter jarred against the stalls and buildings as it echoed through the marketplace. "It is an excuse to become intoxicated and foolish, is it not?" She nodded, not waiting for an answer. "Yes, now I begin to understand."

"You're right. That's a part of it too."

"Do these people not have anything better to do with their time and their money?"

"Some of them don't, I suppose," the hunter laughed.

The yosemin shook her head at the people milling about the marketplace, dropping money in hats and bowls set out for just such a purpose. "All this finery. All the wealth. I think Reyna has a better idea. Why not spread the wealth a little among those who need it?"

The demigod took her hand. "If you think about it, my sister, you will see that is exactly what they are doing. This is the only living many of these traveling entertainers have. While it may not seem much of a life to us, most of these people are very happy with it and wouldn't wish it any other way."

She studied her brother's face a moment. Then looking around the market she watched the people around her. "You are right. It is not a life I would embrace, but then I am sure most of these people would not want to live off the land in a secluded cabin in the forest."

The big man tightened his grip on her hand to let her know he was proud of her reasoning. He smiled into the darkening streets. He could have pointed out that she wasn't really content to live in a secluded cabin in the forest, either. She didn't fool him for a minute. She enjoyed the nomad life as much as the entertainers did. She was most content when the three of them were on the trail in search of the next adventure. He'd felt her thrill to the fight and the challenge of pitting her wits and skills against a worthy adversary. Ares was right. She was a warrior.

When they returned to the palace the empath excused herself. She was tired from her day and felt the need of a bath to wash away the dust of the city. She voiced her wish for warm water and the hunter requested that water be sent to their room. He walked with her up the wide stone staircase that led to the upper floors of the palace. He stayed with her until the water arrived, then excused himself with the promise to return to freshen up himself before dinner. He gave the healer a kiss then let himself out of the room to leave her to enjoy the deep tub of water.

He wanted to have some time with Iphicles, but smelling the flowery scent that filled the room as the girl poured an oil she had made from the jasmine flower into the heated water he almost changed his mind and stayed with her. He never smelled the sharp poignant scent of the yellow flower without being moved. The scent of the flower always seemed a part of the child of nature, and he found it hypnotic and seductive.

Sira took her time relaxing in the warm scented water, letting the oil soothe and comfort her skin. When she at last left the tub she dried herself then slipped a light woven moss shift over her head. Sitting on the bed she rubbed oil on her feet and up her legs. The soft covers of the bed were just too inviting and she laid down with a contented sigh. I will not sleep, she told herself, but a little rest cannot hurt.

The hunter let himself into their room. The light was gone from the day and the healer hadn't left a candle burning. He moved quietly into the room. With the aid of the moonlight he found a candle and lit it. He smiled as he watched the healer sleeping. Her hair lay around her in shiny folds of gold. Her brown spotted feet peeked from under her shift, looking small and delicate and inviting. The brownish green of the unbleached woven moss was a natural color for the little forest creature he'd fallen so deeply in love with. The room still smelled faintly of flowers and growing things and he pulled the scent into his nostrils with relish.

He stripped his clothing off, and using water she had left for him in a jug on the washstand he bathed himself. His skin was still slightly damp as he went to the bed to once again watch the healer in her slumber. He shivered as desire swept over him.

The girl woke to the light touch of the hunter's lips on hers. She touched his mind with hers and let her thoughts mingle with his. She kept her eyes closed tightly, not wanting to break the spell.

"I love you, forever," he whispered. "Thank you for being here with me."

She said nothing with words but her thoughts caressed him. "I will always be where you are, my love. Even unto death."

He kissed her neck, under her ear, then the little triangular indentation at the base of her throat. His kisses moved lower, their feather light touch now on the soft white skin at the swell of her breasts. A whispered moan escaped her lips and she arched her back.

He changed his position on the bed and began to kiss each brown spotted toe on her oiled feet. He took her little toe into his mouth to caress it with his tongue and she whimpered. He kissed her ankle, the back of her knee and still higher. Slipping his hands beneath her shift he raised it slowly, letting the caress of the soft cloth tantalize her sensitive flesh. His tongue on her skin set her on fire and she closed her eyes even tighter. To open them would break the dream like spell her lover had cast. Her breathing was labored, her muscles tight. Her hips seemed to move of their own volition. Her cry of pleasure drove the golden one mad and he moved to hover above her.

They were late to dinner. It was an informal one tonight with only the seven of them in attendance. When the lovers strolled into the dining room hand in hand the look on their faces left little doubt as to the reason for their tardiness. The three men grinned and Reyna blushed. Alcmene tried in vane to hide her humor behind her napkin.

"Sorry we're late, everyone," the hunter apologized, trying to hide his own smile.

The healer felt relaxed and euphoric after her nap and the activity thereafter. She found herself enjoying the easy conversation and friendliness at the table.

During the meal, the King entertained them with stories of some of the foolish squabbles he had been forced to arbitrate.

When the meal was over the seven of them went to the parlor for refreshments. The Queen had been up late the night before to entertain her guest, then up early to help at the foundling home. She tried to hide her fatigue but wasn't very successful at it. She yawned with some embarrassment, then yawned again.

The King smiled at her. "Go on to bed, my dear. You look exhausted."

"I am tired."

"Then by all means, get some rest."

She nodded as another yawn overtook her, and with an apologetic smile she left the room. She went to the kitchen to leave last minute instructions then went to her room. She and Iphicles had sitting rooms of their own on either side of a large central room where the bed they shared rested. Connecting doors opened to the bed chamber. The doors were seldom closed between the three rooms, however.

The girl sat at her dressing table to comb her hair. She always enjoyed this nightly ritual, but she enjoyed it most when Iphicles helped her. With another wide yawn she braided the dark strands in one long plait down her back.

As she was finishing she thought she heard something near the window, but when she turned around she saw nothing amiss. She went to the wash basin to refresh herself before slipping a snowy white sleeping gown over her head.

Too tired even to clean up after herself she left the room in disarray and went to the huge four poster bed she shared with the King. Sliding beneath the covers she turned her back to her dressing room and snuggled deeper into the comfort of the bed. She closed her eyes, lost in a trance of fatigue. She heard a rustling sound and thought it must be her husband coming to join her. Then through the fog of her sleep she realized the sound came from her own chamber. Probably just the maid. I'll have to apologize to her tomorrow for leaving the room such a mess. Too tired to care now she drifted to sleep.

It was much later before the King joined her in their bed. Knowing how tired she was he slid carefully under the blankets beside her, hoping not to disturb her. He was tired himself. Closing his eyes he relaxed tired muscles. Letting his mind drift he too, was soon asleep.

The empath woke with a start. The hunter was already awake although he hadn't risen. "What is it, Sira?"

He could sense her worry.

"It is Reyna."

"Is she hurt?" The hunter jumped to his feet with concern. Grabbing his trousers he began to pull them over his hips.

"No, not hurt. Upset, I think. They heard a shout from down the hall. Sira left her bed and headed to the door, Iolaus on her heels.

Hercules met them in the hall. "What is it?"

"We're not sure," the hunter shrugged.

The healer led them to the rooms the King and Queen shared. There was a large hole in the floor of the Queen's chamber and the King had called an alarm. He held his wife in his arms as she cried.

"He was in here as I bathed and dressed. I heard him." There was panic in the girl's voice and Iphicles tightened his hold on her.

Hercules and Iolaus took one look at the hole and headed back down the hall. The chamber the hole led into was the treasury.

"He could have killed me!" the Queen cried.

Sira stepped carefully around the gaping hole in the floor and went to the Queen and laid her hand on the girl's shoulder. "It is all right now, Reyna. Iphicles has sent the guards to search the palace. If the thief is still here, he will be found."

The King frowned at the healer. What she had said was true, but she would have had no way of knowing he'd dispatched the guards. He'd heard his wife's exclamation of fear and had gone to her dressing room to find her standing in the middle of the floor, her arms wrapped around her as she stared at the hole in her chamber floor.

Iphicles had run to the hall to send the guard stationed there to sound the alarm. Concerned by his wife's obvious state of shock he'd returned to her.

"He was in here," the girl sobbed. "He watched me. He might have hurt me. She shuddered. "�or worse."

"Perhaps. But I do not think that was ever his intention. He came to steal from you, not to harm you." The healer sent her mind to the frightened girl, not enough to alarm her, but enough to send her comfort. "Come to my room, Reyna. We will have tea sent up."

"No."

"Iphicles needs to be the King right now. I know you need him, but he will return to you soon. Come on, where is that strong woman who helps all the needy children at the foundling home?"

Iphicles was again surprised by the healer. He'd just been thinking he needed to be downstairs, but couldn't leave the girl he loved in such a state.

"It'll be all right, my dear. Go with Sira. I'll return as soon as I can. You're safe now; no one will harm you."

Reyna reluctantly turned away from Iphicles. Sira put an arm around her and led her back through the bed chamber and into the hall from the King's dressing room, rather than making her pass the hole in her own floor. The King watched them depart, a frown on his face.

Sira led Reyna to her room. Just as they entered the Queen threw her hand to her mouth and ran to the washbasin. Sira kept a hand on her back as she was sick, then when the girl was through she led her to the bed and made her lie down. She brought a damp cloth to soothe and cool the girl's forehead.

Reyna laid her hand over Sira's. "I'm sorry," she apologized in a shaky voice.

"Do not be silly," Sira told her. "When you are feeling better some tea will help."

"I don't want anything. I feel so ill."

"It will pass. It is shock. It happens like this sometimes, especially to women in your condition."

Reyna gasped. "How� How did you know? Not even Iphicles knows yet."

Sira smiled. "Let us just say I guessed." There was a light tap at the door. "Come in, Alcmene."

"Are you all right, my dear?" the older woman asked Reyna in real concern.

"Yes, Alcmene. Thank you. Sira's made me feel much better."

"Will you sit with her, Alcmene?" Sira asked. "I may be of help downstairs."

"Of course, Sira. I'd be happy to stay with her." Sira smiled her thanks and headed toward the door. "Uh, don't you think you should put something over your nightdress before you go?"

"Later," was the reply thrown back over the healer's shoulder as she left the room.

She found the King pacing the floor of the treasury. "They took so little; it's as if they came especially for the crown."

"Perhaps they did," the demigod offered.

"But why? Why take only the crown? It's real value lies in its sentimental value, not really in the gold or jewels. There are other things of more value here." The King ran an agitated hand through his hair. "Damn! What thief would be so bold to cut a hole through Reyna's dressing room floor just to steal Jason's crown?"

The demigod and the hunter exchanged looks. "Autolycus," they said at the same time. As they did Sira walked into the room.

"Reyna?" the King questioned.

"She is resting. Your mother is with her." The healer went to stand beside the hunter. "You suspect Autolycus?" At the hunter's nod the girl continued. "I do not feel him in the room."

The King ignored her comment. "Where can we find this Autolycus?"

"Knowing him, he's long gone," the half god offered. "There's no way he'll be able to sell the crown here in the city."

Sira closed her eyes for a moment. "No, Autolycus is still here in the city. I can sense him."

"Could you find him, my sister?"

"Yes."

"What are we waiting for?" The hunter headed toward the door.

"A change of clothing might be in order," Sira laughed. The hunter looked down at himself clad only in the pants he had worn to dinner last night and laughed also.

"All right, but let's hurry. I don't want him getting away."

"He will not. I will know if he tries."

When the hunter and the healer left the room the King turned to his brother. "What was that all about? How will Sira find this thief?"

"It's a long story, and I don't have time to tell it now. I've got to get dressed, myself." At the look on the King's face he smiled. "Trust us; we'll find Autolycus."

"The chances are this thief won't be hiding out in the best of areas. You can't really mean to take Sira with you?"

Hercules laughed. "Believe me, brother, she can take care of herself."

They left the palace through the same side door they had used the previous day to reach the marketplace. When they reached the side of the palace the hunter turned to Sira. "Which way?"

She turned right and headed along the outer edge of the market, still sleepy and quiet with the early hour. She continued on into an unsavory area, following her mind's lead and letting it take her in the direction they must go.

The demigod moved closer to her. He had to admit his brother had been right. The King of thieves wasn't living in luxurious surroundings. His apprehension grew as they moved deeper and deeper into the labyrinth of small huts and old shops at this end of the city.

The air had an unclean smell to it, due in part to the people's habit of throwing their garbage into the streets rather than burying it.

The healer turned into a narrow alley between brick fronted shops. "Wait, Sira." The demigod took her arm. "Perhaps we can find a better way through this part of the city. I don't like the look of this place."

"It will take us to where we want to be," she objected.

"Herc is right, Sira," the hunter added. "Why invite trouble?"

The healer had continued to walk further into the alley while they talked. Ahead of them, an intersecting alley came into view. And as it did a man stepped from the shadows near it.

"Well, well. What have we here?" Two other men followed him into the narrow path the healer had taken, successfully blocking the three of them from going further. "Mighty fine looking ones you are to be wandering about in this pit of humanity. Lost, are you?"

The demigod stepped in front of the healer. "We'll thank you to stand aside and let us pass."

The man scratched at the stubble of whiskers on his chin. "We would, you being such a gentleman and all. But this is our alley, you see. To pass through it you'll have to pay a toll."

"Correct me if I'm wrong," the demigod stated. "I do believe this alley belongs to King Iphicles, if it belongs to anyone."

"Well, he aint here now, is he? But we're here to see to it that the toll on this alley is paid, right and proper."

The healer sensed the two men that stepped into the alley behind them. She opened her mind and pulled the power of the earth to her as she steeled herself to do what she must to stop these men.

"Just what is the toll you expect us to pay?" the hunter asked.

The man chuckled. "Why, your purses, of course."

"And should we refuse to give them?"

The man threw his head back and laughed. "Then, my friend, we take them." He didn't wait to see the reaction his words might have. Pulling his sword he headed toward them. The two men behind them moved forward at the same moment.

Sira turned quickly to throw her mind out in a concentrated blast intended to delay the two men as the demigod stepped forward to meet the leader.

One of the men Sira had blasted was writhing on the ground, both hands to his head. The other one was stumbling from the alley. She hadn't really meant to be so harsh on them. It wasn't always easy to control the strength of her thoughts when faced with danger. Still, these men had meant to harm her and the men she loved. She admitted to herself that she wasn't sorry that her mind blast had been so strong.

She heard the clash of swords as the hunter engaged with one of the men. The demigod threw a low punch with one hand while blocking the leader's sword with the other. He threw his fist to the side to land a blow on the third man then kicked the leader before he could recover from the first punch.

Iolaus blocked his opponent's sword with his own then kicked a wicked blow to the man's middle. Sira turned to hit the man with her mind. He dropped his sword with a scream as his hands flew to his head in a vine attempt at stemming the crippling blast of pain the girl sent his way.

The demigod threw a quick left in the face of the leader then followed it up with a right to the middle that sent him flying back to land with a thud against a stone wall. Swinging around, his fist took the third man on the jaw. The half god son of Zeus cringed at the sickening sound of bones cracking beneath the blow his godly strength had delivered.

Sira's mind shot out to cripple the leader as he started to rise. The man the hunter was fighting screamed again as the pain exploding in his head strengthened.

The demigod cringed again as his sister of the soul's mind blast touched him.

"Now why'd you go and do that?" the hunter complained to the healer. "I was just starting to have fun."

"That is why I did it. You were enjoying yourself too much. Let us not forget why we are here."

"Are you going to release those men?" the demigod asked, a look of pain on his face.

"When we are free of this place, I will. Why do you ask?"

"Because you're hurting me as well."

The girl smiled apologetically. "Sorry." She narrowed her mind's power and directed it at the men who had tried to waylay them. "I do not always realize my own strength of mind."

"Yeah," was her brother's only comment.

Sira led them to a row of doors built into an almost solid wall of mud bricks. Few windows were there to break up the expanse of brown weathered wall that almost seemed to lean toward them as they approached.

The girl pointed to a door just before them. "There," she whispered. "He is in there."

"Allow me." The son of Zeus offered. With a kick he sent the door crashing into the room to smash against the inside wall. In two long strides he grabbed Autolycus by the throat. Jerking him from the bed he lifted him off the floor.

"Hercules! What in the name of the gods?" The man hung from the big man's outstretched arm, dangling there clad only in his under things. "Put me down!"

"Where is it, Autolycus?"

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

The grip on his throat tightened. "You're lying," the demigod stated. A quick shake of the thief gave his growled statement emphasis.

Sira placed her hand on her brother's arm. "He is not lying, my brother."

"The crown, Autolycus. Jason's crown. Where is it?"

"I don't know. Let me down. I don't even know what you mean," the King of thieves squeaked. "I can't breath."

"He is telling the truth, Hercules," Sira insisted. "Put him down."

Still holding the thief above his head the demigod turned his attention to the healer. "Are you sure he's not lying?"

She nodded. "Put him down, my brother."

Reluctantly the big man did as she asked and released his hold on the King of thieves. Autolycus tumbled to the floor. He stayed where he was, rubbing at his throat and trying to catch his breath.

"That hurt, Hercules." Iolaus offered him a hand up. The thief flinched, thinking the hunter might want a piece of him as well. Assured the hunter only wanted to help him up, he took the offered hand and rose to his feet. "What's this all about, anyway?"

"Someone broke into the treasury at the palace and took Jason's crown," Iolaus told him.

"So of course you blame me."

"Who better?" was the demigod's reply. "This whole thing stinks of you."

"Well, you heard the lady. I was telling the truth. I didn't steal the crown." He was thoughtfully silent for a moment. "How did the thief pull it off, anyway?"

"He cut a hole through the floor in the Queen's dressing room, which just happens to be directly above the treasury. He lowered himself down through the hole and grabbed the crown. Then he must have come back up through the hole since the two guards outside the door of the treasury heard nothing. The thief left through the window into the Queen's chamber. I found rope fibers on the wooden railing outside her window." The hunter paused. "You know, Autolycus, Hercules is right. This does sound like something you would think of."

"Well, I don't know anything about it," the thief insisted.

Sira turned to the demigod. "Now he is lying."

The son of Zeus made a grab for the thief, but he ducked under the grab and slid away only to be caught from behind by the hunter.

"Talk, Autolycus," the half man, half god demanded.

"Look, I didn't take the crown. Damnation, man, there would be no way to fence the thing, anyway. It's too well known." He looked thoughtful again. "Oh, I guess you could break it up and sell the jewels. The gold would bring in something. But that would be a real shame; it's a beautiful piece. Then there's�"

"Autolycus," Hercules interrupted, his voice even and calculating, "stop stalling and start talking."

"I don't know anything."

"He is lying," Sira stated in a matter of fact way.

Hercules grabbed the thief by the throat once more. "How could she know if I were lying or not?" the thief gasped.

The demigod tightened his grip. "Talk."

"All right. All right, just put me down."

Hercules put him down but kept his grip in his throat. "Well?"

"Look, I say again, I didn't steal the crown. I had nothing to do with the actual stealing of the thing."

"Go on."

"I would if you'd stop interrupting me." At the look on the demigod's face the thief rushed on. "You're right, the plan was mine." He flinched as the demigod tightened his grip. "Wait! Let me finish. The plan was mine, but it was never supposed to be carried out. Can't you turn me loose, Hercules? You're hurting me."

"I'll do more than that if you don't get to the point." The big man dropped his hand but stayed close to the King of thieves.

"Well, you know how it is. You're bored, so you begin to work out a plan in your head. You work on it for days, planning each step; considering every angle. You might even go so far as to scout it out, but you never really plan to do the job. The thrill is in the planning of the heist, not in carrying it out." The thief ran the side of his pointer finger along his mustache. "I can't believe he did it. He knew better; we discussed it."

"What are you mumbling about, Autolycus?" the demigod demanded. "Who knew better?"

"Verinder."

"Who in Tartarus is Verinder?"

"He was this kid I met here in Corinth. He was about eighteen or twenty when I first met him. He tried to pick my pocket. The thief chuckled. "Can you believe it?" A stern look from the son of Zeus wiped the smile from his face. "Anyway, he wasn't a bad kid. I kind of took him under my wing, as it were. He reminded me of me a few years back. He does have nerve, I'll give him that."

"Where's this Verinder now?"

"We kind of had a falling out. I tried to teach him some values. I mean, there's a certain code a master thief must live by, you know?"

"What kind of code would that be?"

"Oh, you know. Never steal from those less fortunate than yourself. Never hire out your talents to another when you can do the heist for yourself. Never steal from your friends, and never break up a really beautiful piece to sell it. If you can't find a buyer who'll buy it whole, then don't steal it to begin with. That's why the palace treasury was never to be done. We're friends, Hercules. The stuff in the treasury belongs to your family. Then, also, the crown can't be fenced. Not unless you break it up, and it's too nice a piece for that. Besides that, there really isn't that much monetary value in it. It's more a sentimental thing. You know. King Jason's crown? The one his father wore before him? I have a lot of respect for the man who brought back the golden fleece. There just isn't that much in the treasury anyway. Your brother doesn't really go in for all that expensive stuff, you know. He usually puts most of the kingdom's wealth back into the community."

"So you're saying this Verinder must have stolen the crown?"

"It has to be him. No one else knew of my plan."

"What was your falling out over?" the hunter asked.

The King of thieves sighed. "Verinder was too willing to hire out his services to just about anyone with a dinar. He has this kid sister to look out for. He justified his breach in ethics by saying he had to feed her. But the thing is, he could have done the heist for himself and made more of a profit. He never wanted to leave the city to find a fence for the stuff. Anyway, he just wouldn't listen to me. I took him in and showed him what it meant to be a professional thief. I made him more than just a two bit pickpocket. Then he sold out."

"Where is he?"

The thief went to a pitcher of water on a stand by the bed and poured himself a drink. The room was old and shabby, but it was almost meticulously clean. The dark haired man straightened a pot that sat on the same table as the water. "I don't know."

Hercules turned to Sira. "There is a hesitation, but I think he does know where to find the boy."

"Who is she, anyway?" the thief whined. "What? Is she reading my mind or something?"

The hunter raised his eyebrows at this but made no comment.

The demigod narrowed his eyes at the thief. "Let's go, Autolycus."

"Go? Go where?"

"To find this Verinder. You're going take us to him."

"Look. I may not approve of the kid's ethics, but I'm not going to lead you to him."

"I think you will," the demigod stated.

"And why do you think that?"

"Because," the big man smiled, "the alternatives are, shall we say, unpleasant."

"I really don't know where he is."

"He is sure now. He knows where to find the boy."

"Lady," the thief whined, "I wish you'd stop doing that. It's unnerving."

The girl came to stand before him. "Where is he, Autolycus? You know the crown must be returned. Do the boy a favor and lead us to him. If we can bring him back now, the King will go easier on him."

"I'm really not sure where he is. I know where he usually stays. I know where his sister lives. I guess we could try there. He'd be a fool to go to either place, but I guess that would be the best place to start."

"Will you take us there?"

"I really didn't steal the crown, you know, and I never meant for it to be stolen by him."

"I know. I also know the reasons you gave for why the crown was never to be stolen are true. But now that the crown has been stolen by Verinder using your plan, you are at least in part responsible for the theft. It is important that we recover the crown. Will you help us?"

"All right." He heaved a deep sigh. "I'll take you to where he usually stays. He'd be a damn fool to go back there, but the very foolishness of it might just appeal to him. As I said, he does have nerve."

The King of thieves dressed quickly. "I don't believe Verinder would chance going to where his sister is. He really loves the girl, and he wouldn't want to bring trouble to her. After something big like this heist, a thief needs to lie low. There's just too great a risk that you were seen by someone. You have to play the game like someone is watching you all the time. Every move must be planned as if you're making them among a crowd of people. The first time you forget and you're careless, that's when you're caught."

He led them to an even worse area. They had passed through a gate in the wall of the city to find themselves among the mud huts and scattered brick buildings that surrounded the rock wall the city hid behind. Thin, mangy dogs wandered the narrow winding avenues between the buildings rummaging in the garbage thrown in the dusty streets.

The healer shivered. Why? she wondered in her mind, would people choose to live like this? They passed unmolested, but the yosemin could feel the eyes of hungry children following them as they passed.

The master thief led them to a large building set among several smaller ones, all made of aged and crumbling bricks. Remnants of a grander time still clung to the balconies and window frames crumbling now from lack of attention.

Autolycus looked around him. "This used to be one of the best parts of the city. But when the wall around the main body of the city was proposed the group of businessmen who owned these buildings refused to pay their fair share of the tax needed to build the wall. Jason's grandfather was at war with another province, fighting to save his sovereignty and the city. The wall was a needed protection. When the King learned that these same businessmen had loaned their support to some of his enemies, he had them all beheaded then left their families and businesses outside the protection of the wall."

"How do you know all that?" the hunter chuckled.

"My great grandfather was one of those businessmen."

"Oh."

Sira started to move ahead but the hunter laid a hand on her arm to stop her. "Wait. You can't go in there, Sira. It's no place for a lady."

"I can sense what goes on here, my husband. I am not shocked. There will always be houses like this as long as there are men to pay the women who work in them."

The hunter blushed, and Hercules turned away to hide his humor.

"There's a back door to Verinder's room," the thief suggested and turned aside to lead them behind the row of buildings.

Sira stopped short and grabbed for the hunter's arm to support herself. "Someone is hurt in there." She pointed to a door cut into the brick structure.

"That's Verinder's room," the thief announced in agitation. He tried the door but it was bolted from the inside.

"Hurry," Sira whimpered.

The demigod pulled Autolycus aside and kicked the door open. The boy lay on the floor in an ever widening pool of his own blood. Sira, heedless of the crimson stain, knelt beside him.

The King of thieves took the boy's head. "By the gods, Verinder. Who did this to you?"

"Autolycus. Take care of Albida." The boy's words came on waves of pain. The healer closed her eyes. She rocked back and forth with each wave of agony that swept over them both. "Promise me, Autolycus. Swear on our friendship; on the damnable honor you're so proud of. Swear you'll look out for her."

"I swear it, Verinder. I'll make sure she's taken care of. What happened, man?"

"The woman. She came and offered me money to steal King Jason's crown. Albida needs things. It wasn't for me. Your plan was brilliant, Autolycus."

The healer moaned with the boy's pain that she took willingly to herself. The demigod laid a hand over hers where it lay over the boy's wound, applying pressure in an attempt to stop the flow of the precious fluid of life. He sent his own mind power to help her, and his strength to try and hold back the blood.

"I used to brag that I could pull it off," the boy continued. "I did it too. And I wasn't seen. She came to me here. She was going to pay me. She came to me so sweet and loving. She smelled so good. You should have seen the excitement in her eyes when she saw the crown."

The boy's mind was beginning to wander. The empath fought desperately to stop the bleeding, but the boy was so weak.

"The woman did this?"

"She was so cold blooded." The boy reached a hand, stained red, out to the King of thieves. "Oh, Autolycus, it hurt's so much." The hand dropped. Verinder's eyes stared straight ahead.

Tears cursed down the healer's cheeks. "I cannot help him, Hercules," she wailed in despair. "I cannot stop the bleeding. No!" she cried. "No! I was too late." She slumped against the demigod. "I was too late."

"It's all right, my sister. You did all you could. Come away now."

She shook her head, lost in the healing trance; unable to release her hold on the boy, even in death. The demigod rose and pulled the girl up with him. The hunter took her into his arms and pulled her away from the scene of gore lying on the stone floor.

The demigod shot a look of sympathy at the King of thieves. He still knelt on the floor, the boy's head in his hands. Hercules pulled a blanket from the bed and covered the boy. Autolycus looked up at him with shock and pain plainly written on his face.

Sira stood within the shelter of the hunter's arms as sobs shook her. She looked at her hands still covered with blood. She turned them over to examine them as if she'd forgotten how the blood had gotten there. Iolaus took her to a washstand. Holding her hands over the basin he poured water over them. He knew the empath was still entranced. She had done a transfer without the conscious participation of the injured boy. The boy had died while she was in the beginning stages of the transfer, leaving her mind and soul muddled and foggy. He couldn't even begin to imagine what this might do to her.

The son of Zeus came to them. "Is she going to be all right, Iolaus?"

"I don't know, Herc. Nothing like this has happened before."

The demigod sent his mind to the girl, only to be met with confusion. Then in a rush that left him feeling light headed for a moment her mind cleared. She pulled away from the men and crossed the room to the bed. She bent and picked up a blue and green scarf from the floor where it had fallen when the demigod took the blanket to cover the boy.

Hercules got to her in two strides to catch her as she began to fall. "What is it, Sira?"

"Venin," the girl whispered. She turned to the demigod. "You never found the body, did you?"

The big man looked to the hunter then back to the healer. "No, we never did."

She turned accusing eyes on the hunter. "She went over a cliff, Sira. No one could have survived that."

"She did. She was here, and she has the crown. Jason's crown."

The hunter crossed to her. "What would she want with it?"

"She was obsessed with Jason," the demigod offered. "Maybe she took it to lure him into coming after it."

The healer began to pace the floor. "Perhaps she took it because she knows it has been influenced by a god."

"What?!" Hercules exclaimed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Ares!" Sira called. "I know you are out there. Show yourself."

A flash of light and the god of war stood before the healer. "Ah, my little warrior. You called for me?" His voice was low and seductive.

"I really wish you would not call me that."

"But it's the truth. You are a warrior."

"I am not a warrior."

"Oh, but you are. I saw what you did to those men in the alley. It was beautiful. The mighty warrior, Sira. She even draws blood from the gods."

"Only because you let yourself bleed to try and humiliate me. Gods do not bleed."

"That's not true. Gods bleed just like mortals. We must make a conscious effort not to." He paused a moment then took the girl's hand. "Your little . . . love bite took me by surprise. I wasn't prepared."

Sira drew her hand away. "So tell us, Ares. What influence do you have over the crown?"

The god turned away. "None. Absolutely none," he growled in bitterness.

"You are lying, Ares," the healer stated.

"She always says that," the King of thieves offered from across the room.

"No, Sira, I'm not lying. Oh, I did have an influence. Yes, once I did, but no longer, thanks to Zeus."

"Suppose you tell us about it," the demigod suggested.

"Why should I?"

"Stop it, Ares," Sira interrupted. "Do not pick a fight. Please tell us about the crown."

The god shrugged. "Jason was a magnificent warrior. Jason is a magnificent warrior," he corrected himself. "Still, all his battles were tempered with compassion and emotions that limited his effectiveness. It was counterproductive. So," he pulled at the earring he always wore. "So, I enhanced the crown. When Jason wore the crown into battle, when his energies were high and the lust for the battle overtook him the crown would give him strength. It could heighten his strength and his effectiveness."

"What you mean," the demigod roared, "is that it could turn him into a bloody murderer."

"No! That was never my intention. Besides, that could only happen if that was already a part of Jason's make up. The crown wouldn't change what he was, only strengthen it." The god sighed. "In Jason's case, rather than make him a monster it simply made him a better fighter. But it also made his annoying compassion and sensitivity even more pronounced. I gambled and lost." He shrugged.

"What part did Zeus play in this?"

"He should have left the crown alone!" the dark god stormed.

"Get to the point."

"He wasn't happy with what I had done to the crown. He couldn't, however, undo what I had done, so he put his own special twist on it. By the time he was done, only someone with extreme powers could activate the god's influence on the crown. Someone like Sira, for instance. Maybe even you, Hercules. Certainly any god. Any god, that is, except me. He shielded it from me. I can't even touch it."

"Now we know why Venin wanted the crown," Sira whispered.

Ares came to stand before her once more. "No, Sira. No one knew of this. Venin took the crown only because it belonged to Jason."

"So, you know Venin, then?"

"I know of her," Ares corrected. "It's my job to know of people like her."

"Did you set this whole thing up, Ares?" the half man asked.

"No, little brother, I didn't. I had nothing to do with it."

The empath began to pace. "We must recover the crown. It is far too dangerous to be left in the hands of someone like Venin."

"What can she do?" Ares objected. "She has no power beyond her hate."

"If she were to realize the potential of the crown she could and would do great harm with her hate."

"How could a mortal gain that much power?"

"I do not know. But I can name three times before when mere mortals have gained such power. Do not underestimate her resourcefulness. There are powers out there, both good and evil. I, for one, am not prepared to take a chance on this."

The demigod came to stand before her. "What do you fear will happen if she finds the power of the crown?"

"Ares said that it would strengthen a person's own powers. Venin has a powerful hate, now. If that kind of power is made stronger, will anyone be safe? Especially us and those we love? She has good reason to wish vengeance on us." She turned to the god of war. "Will you help us, my brother?"

Ares narrowed his eyes at the girl. "Maybe this will teach my father not to meddle in my affairs. With me in control of the crown only Jason could use it. Now anyone with power can."

"Do you know where the crown is?"

"No, I can't trace it. Not anymore."

"But you could find Venin."

"No, Sira. I have an opportunity to teach Zeus a lesson here. I'm not going to do anything."

Sira sighed and went to stand before him once more. He always stirred an odd combination of emotions in the healer. Anger, frustration, compassion and love to name a few. At times he had such a vulnerable quality about him. He could be gentle and even kind at times. Perhaps Sira had seen more of this side of him than anyone else, for she seemed to invoke an odd mixture of emotions in him as well.

She knew he still clung to the conviction that she would be his someday. She knew that being near him had given her added strength and direction while it had revealed a side of him he hadn't even been aware of.

She could see the god of war tighten his muscles to prepare for battle with her; she could sense his excitement at the prospect. "Surely you realize," she whispered, her voice gentle and pleading, "how much damage could be done by this mad woman." He said nothing; only watched her face with an earnest look. "Many innocent people could be hurt or killed."

"In the battle of Corinth, ten thousand men lay dead or dying. I instigated that battle. I sent my greatest warrior to insure it would be so. What do I care about a few more puny mortals?"

"Yes, you sent your greatest warrior, but where is she now? Even she has turned against you."

"Things are not always as they appear. That game is not yet played out." He pulled the corner of his mustache between his thumb and pointer finger. "I say again; what do I care about mortals? Sorry, little one. This line of defense won't help you. You forget, I am the god of war."

The girl lay her hand on his arm. She could feel his emotions surging around him and her. She almost jumped at the shock of energy that flowed between them.

"You forget we are linked by the soul. Now tell me you do not care."

He jerked his arm away. "That won't work either."

"Will you help us because it means so much to me? If you remember, we," she motioned with her hand to indicate the demigod and the hunter, "made quite a team." He shook his head. "But why?"

"I've told you. I plan to make a point here."

"You would risk people's lives to prove a point with your father?"

"If that's what it takes, yes."

"Then why can I feel your remorse at this foolish stance?"

"I have no remorse, little one. I have no wish to harm you, but I can't help you either."

The girl watched him, unshed tears in her eyes. "Very well. I can feel that you really mean this. If you will not help us, will you at least give me your word that you will not help Venin?"

"I can sense your anger, little healer." She refused to credit his accusation with a reply. He smiled at her.

"Damn it, Ares, you do make me angry."

"I like it when you're like this."

"Will you give me your word?"

"All right. You have it, but only because any interference on my part would lessen the sting of the point I hope to make with Zeus."

"I have your word?"

He laughed. "Yes, my sister, you have my word. I will not help Venin."

"You will not hinder us?"

"I will not. But I don't promise to stay away. I just can't seem to resist you."

Sira let the breath she'd been holding out with a rush. She was angry and frustrated. Should I ever, by some miracle of longevity, end up at his doorstep, I might just kill him that first day, she thought.

As if reading her thoughts the god laughed again. Stepping back he motioned across his middle with his hand and was gone in a flash of light.

"Oh, he makes me so damn mad." The healer stomped her foot in frustration.

The hunter couldn't help but smile. All traces of Sira's confusion at the failed healing seemed to have left her. If it took her being angry at the god of war to bring this about, then he was grateful. Could Ares have caused the confrontation to achieve this end? No, he thought, that would be giving too much credit to the god. But then again, he had helped Sira before.

The golden one wondered, not for the first time, about the hold this tiny woman seemed to have on those around her.

"The only thing worse than an immature childish man is an immature childish god." The healer paced the room in anger. "And I know you are out there, Ares. I know you heard me!"

The girl's pacing turned to a purpose and she walked from place to place about the room, She stopped briefly at the table, then the washstand.

"What are you doing, Sira?" the demigod asked her. "What are you searching for?"

"I am trying to get a sense of Venin. I cannot feel her yet except in the scarf." The girl stopped now at the bed. What had Verinder said? She had been so loving. Loving like a black widow, the healer thought.

She knelt before the bed and placed her hands on the pillow. Closing her eyes she began to sway.

"What is she doing?" the King of thieves whispered to the hunter.

His only answer was a, "Shh."

The child of the forest stood up, her back straight, determination etched in every muscle.

The demigod grinned at her. "You've got it, haven't you? That's my girl."

The yosemin headed toward the door and Hercules followed. "Autolycus," he threw back over his shoulder, "stay with the boy."

"Wait. Hercules. I can't stay here. Hercules!"

"Just stay with him until I get back."

"How long will that be?" He got no answer.

The hunter ran to catch up to the others. "Do you really believe he'll stay there?" he asked of his friend.

"I don't know. He has his own set of values, that's for sure."

The healer headed toward the docks following a vague impulse felt only by her and unseen by any of them. When the telepath was entranced like this there was no stopping her. Heedless of the throng of people milling about the market and the docks she continued on. She led them to the furthest pier and stood looking out to sea. "There." She pointed to the horizon where a ship could still be seen. "She is there."

"Damn!" Hercules swore. "It could take us days to get a ship. By then she could be anywhere."

"Can you keep her located with your mind?" the hunter asked hopefully.

"I have her for now. Let us hope I can continue to get a sense of her."

The healer began to notice the stares they were receiving as well as the whispers. She looked down her front. She had forgotten that the dress she wore was smeared with blood. As the realization came to her a wave of grief swept over her. Such a young life wasted by the hatred of madness. There had been a time when Sira had wondered if Venin could be saved from her own hate by the power of love and the power of the earth. After healing Jason she had doubted the possibility and she had known that she could never be the one to try. What sense of Venin had passed to her from the Argonaut in the healing had left her no doubt that she would never be able to put aside her own loathing of the dementia that gripped the girl long enough to allow the earth to do its work.

"Maybe we should get out of here," she suggested. "I do not like the way these people are looking at us." The demigod took her arm and they turned away from the docks to make their way back through the market.

As they approached the brick building where Verinder's body lay, all was quiet. The house was still. The services the girls provided here were best suited to the nocturnal hours.

"You know," the son of Zeus stated, "I was just thinking that the door to Verinder's room had been bolted from the inside. Venin must have gone back through the house to get out of here."

"She must have felt right at home. Remember, she used to be a� Well, you know," the hunter stammered.

Hearing their voices Autolycus jerked open the door which swayed dangerously on its damaged hinges. "It's about time you got back here. I've been stuck here long enough. What are you going to do about Verinder? We can't just leave him here."

"Calm down, Autolycus. We'll return to the palace then send a couple of guards down here to take care of him." The demigod stood looking around the shabby room. "Not much to show for twenty years of life, is it?"

"I don't want him just thrown into some pit somewhere," the thief shivered. "I'd like him to have a proper resting place. I'll cover the cost, somehow."

The healer put her hand on the thief's arm to lend him comfort. The look he gave her tore at her sensitive heart. Autolycus may act tough and unfeeling, but the girl could sense his grief. He had cared for the boy more than he'd admitted.

The King of thieves said nothing. He knew he was being a sentimental fool. The sooner I'm out of here, the better, he thought.

Sira went to kneel once more beside the young man. Such a waste, she thought again. The thought kept repeating itself over and over again, reverberating through the emptiness she felt at the boy's passing. She hadn't known him, and yet through the transfer she had gotten a sense of him.

She gave the yosemin prayer of death, and for a moment let the despair she felt earlier pass over her. Tears filled her eyes.

Iolaus pulled her to her feet and into his arms. "Let's get you back to the palace and cleaned up."

"Well," the thief stated, "I'll meet you later to arrange for the boy. I've done all I can here." He began to head toward the door.

"Wait, Autolycus," Sira called to him. "Come to the palace with us. As soon as I have changed, you and I have something to do."

"We do? What?" the man gave her a perplexed look.

"Albida," she reminded him.

"Oh, yeah. I did say I'd check on her, didn't I." Sira nodded. "You're willing to come with me?"

"Yes, I will come with you, but not for the reason you are thinking. My offer to come along was not so that I could insure you would keep your promise. I know that you will. I wish only to help in what could be a very uncomfortable situation."

He nodded. "I guess it's up to me to tell her about Verinder, isn't it?"

"It would be best to hear such news from a friend."

The thief nodded. "All right."

They took a more direct route back to the palace on their return. There was no need for Sira to find the way with her mind and the demigod had no desire to encounter trouble again.

The hunter reached to take the healer's hand and she smiled sadly at him. He knew how hard death of any kind was for the girl he loved. He could sense her grief and pain at the young man's death, and her worry and concern for what might lay ahead.

"Do you really believe Venin might find a way to activate the godly influence on Jason's crown?"

"I do not know, my love. But we must not take the chance that she could. Even if I do not believe it, Ares obviously does. I believe he is working on the same assumption as I am. She is evil. She would seek out anything that might enhance that evil. Now she seems to have a ship at her disposal. She could go just about anywhere to search out any and all rumors of power and corruption. I am not willing to take that chance."

"Something else that we should consider," the demigod added. "The stealing of the crown proves Venin is still obsessed with Jason. I can't see Jason and my mother going through life always looking over their shoulders, wondering when or where she might turn up next."

"Which," the hunter stated, "brings up another interesting question. How much do we tell Mom and Jason about this. Like for instance, do we mention Venin?"

The demigod shook his head. "I'd rather not mention her. I hate the thought of upsetting my mother. Especially right now when she's having so much fun. But then again, I don't want to lie to them."

"It wouldn't be a lie; just an omission," the King of thieves offered. "There is a difference."

"Is that safe?" the hunter added. "What if Venin heads back this way and tries to get to Jason?"

Sira nodded. "That is a possibility. Still, I would know if that were the case. I have touched Jason deeply enough. I could get a warning to him. Let us wait to mention Venin."
"Are you sure your sense of Venin is strong enough to know what she's up to?"

"Yes, my love." She took the hunter's hand. "I understand your concern. But my mind's hold on her senses is growing stronger rather than growing less. It has gone beyond distance now. Remember, I got a very real sense of her through Jason's healing. Ever since that healing I have had moments when I felt her. I thought it was just something I had not released during the healing. Now I know it was her I felt. I will keep a part of my mind for her now and until we find her. I believe Jason and Alcmene are safe, at least for the moment. Besides, why take the crown if you plan to come here for the man? I believe as Hercules does. She has taken the crown as a lure to bring Jason to her."

"So we're agreed, then?" the half god asked. "We don't mention Venin to Jason or my mother. But we are going to need Iphicles' help in getting a ship. I think he should know."

"Agreed," Sira and Iolaus said in unison.

What, the master thief wondered, is all this talk about touching Jason and sensing Venin? This whole thing just keeps getting more bizarre by the moment. The quicker I'm out of this, the better. Damn. Why in Hades' name I ever agreed to see to Albida, I'll never know. It's not like I can support her, and I sure can't raise her. I've only seen her a couple of times. Let's see, she would be about eight or ten now. What do I know about kids that age? Especially girls. Oh, for the love of Zeus, what do I know about kids of any age or gender?

When they reached the palace Sira excused herself so that she could change. She was approaching the door to her room when Alcmene came through it. "Sira! By the gods, what's happened?"

"It is all right, my mother. I am not hurt."

"Hercules? Iolaus?"

"No, they are fine. The man who stole the crown."

"You mean?" the older woman interrupted.

"No," Sira reassured her. "We did not draw his blood. The one who convinced him to steal the crown in the first place did that."

"So you found Autolycus? Is he dead?"

"Yes, we found Autolycus, but he is not the one who took the crown."

The mother of Hercules put her fingers to her temple. "I'm confused."

"I know. I am sorry. Where is Reyna?"

"She's resting."

"Is she still in my room?"

"Yes."

"I do not want her to see me like this. May I come to your room?"

"Of course. You're right, it wouldn't be good for Reyna to see you looking like that. The shock might be too much for her. It just about did me in."

Sira chuckled. "I am sorry, my mother, but I think it would take a lot more than that to do you in." Alcmene led the healer to her room. "Do you think you could slip into my room and get a few things for me without disturbing Reyna?"

"Of course." The older woman hesitated. "He's dead, isn't he? The man who took the crown? He's dead, isn't he?"

"Yes, my mother, he is."

Alcmene could hear the pain in the girl's voice. She stood at the door for a moment then gave a nod to acknowledge Sira's answer. "I'm sorry."

Sira sighed. "So am I. He was little more than a boy. He has left a much younger sister behind. Autolycus has agreed to be the girl's guardian. When I have changed we are going to check on her."

"If there is anything I can do, let me know."

"Thank you, my mother. Your love and concern has helped already."