Sira joined the men in the King's hall. Jason had already gone looking for a ship for them. The King paced the floor as Ossagol his regent tried to persuade him that the pursuit of the crown was foolhardy.
"I disagree, Ossagol. There is a very good reason for trying to retrieve the crown. If we don't, every thief and lowlife in Greece will see us as an easy target and come for a piece of the pie."
"That's the warrior in you talking. Not the thinking, planning King I know."
The healer decided she didn't like the regent very much.
"This kingdom was founded on warrior thinking. The crown means too much to the people for us to do nothing to try and bring it back."
"It's time for a change from that way. Barbarism is no longer acceptable." Sira took a deep breath of annoyance. The regent put a hand to his temple and gasped. His angular face was etched in pain.
"Are you all right, Ossagol?" the King asked in concern.
"I seem to have developed a very sudden and very severe headache." The hunter looked at Sira but she refused to look at him. Her face wore a beguiling look of innocence. "I think perhaps I should go lie down."
"Of course, my friend, and I hope you're feeling better soon."
Iolaus crossed the room to where the empath stood. "Sira," he accused. "You've been hanging around Ares too much. He's having a negative effect on you."
"I do not know what you are talking about."
The hunter smiled. "Yes, definitely a negative effect."
Sira, deliberately ignoring him, went to Autolycus. "Are you ready?" she asked.
"I've been thinking," the thief offered. "We aren't going to the best of neighborhoods; maybe I should go alone."
"No. I will come. I might be able to ease the girl's grief."
The demigod and the hunter joined them. "I'm going back with the guards to retrieve Verinder's body," the demigod added as he turned to the hunter. "Why don't you go with them?"
"Is it really such a bad place?"
"I would say it is definitely no place for a lady. I wasn't much impressed with the woman who keeps Albida. For that matter, neither was Verinder, but he was kind of between a rock and a hard place. Verinder lifted some things from the woman's stand in the market and owed her something for it. Albida agreed to go with her and help her as payment for what Verinder had taken." He gave the hunter an earnest look. "I'd feel better if you came with us."
"Let's go, then."
The thief hadn't been exaggerating about the condition of the area where Verinder's sister stayed. He led them to a mud hut set among similar ones at the end of a muddy, garbage infested track. A dirty blanket hung over the door pulled back now to admit light and air. The dark interior of the hut was smoky. The thief stopped outside the door to the hut and called out. A young girl emerged from the hut. She was dressed in dirty, ragged clothing too small even for her too thin frame. Sira knew at once that this was the young thief's sister. She looked too much like Verinder to be anyone else.
She gave the three of them a surprised look. "Yes?"
"Albida, I don't know if you remember me," the thief began.
"I do," the girl interrupted. "You're Autolycus. Verinder's friend."
The master thief turned to the empath. "There's a lot of things I'd rather be doing than this." The child of nature could sense his emotions and gave him an encouraging smile.
"Has Verinder sent you? He speaks often of you. Are you looking for him?" The girl was getting concerned.
"He's spoken of me?"
"Of course. He admires you very much."
"This only makes it harder."
"Albida! Come away from the door, you retched whelp. You've work to do," a harsh voice called from the hut.
The girl turned to look back to the hut, and as she did the dirty scarf she wore around her neck slipped. She quickly pulled it back into place, but not before the healer had seen the massive bruises the scarf was worn to hide.
"I have company," the girl told the voice inside the hut.
"Is it that no account brother of yours? I have a bit to say to his flea infested hide."
A very fat and very filthy woman, her gray thin hair straggling over a skull too small for the rest of her, heaved and waddled herself from the hut. She stood glaring at all of them. "What's this about?" Not waiting for an answer she turned on the girl. "Get yourself back in there and finish your job." A small child, also dirty and unkempt crawled from the hut and another child began to cry from within. "Take care of the baby, you fool."
"We came to talk to Albida," the thief stated. His anger was poorly concealed. "I'm a friend of her brother."
"I remember you. You're the thief that filled that boy's head full of nonsense. He's not been any good to me since he started hanging around with you. He used to do odd jobs and stuff for me and give me something for the care of his mongrel sister. But once he began to hang around with you he figured he was too good to pay his debt to me. He knew I couldn't run my stall no more. Not with my ill health and the little ones to care for. Still I kept Albida here and took good care of her."
Albida gave the woman a look of hatred. Her emotions were clearly written on her face, and the healer could also feel them like a blast of hot wind. The uncontrolled emotions would have given her an idea of where the hatred came from, even if the bruises hadn't.
"I really need to talk to Albida," Autolycus insisted.
"I say who she talks to. She's indentured to me for her upkeep."
Iolaus stepped forward. "Come now, my good woman. Let's you and I talk for a moment while my friend talks to the girl." The hunter turned his full charm on the woman. "I understand how you must feel after opening up your home to the girl, but there can be no harm in letting her speak with her brother's friend, can there? Look, she's quieted the baby up and all's well." He held his hand out to the woman.
She blushed and held out an unclean hand for him to take. Sira sent a mental thank you to her husband.
Autolycus led Albida to a pile of wood beside the hut. "I don't know how to tell you this," the thief paused and the healer sent her mind to the child.
Before Autolycus could go on the girl blurted out the fear that had been growing inside her from the moment she had seen her brother's mentor standing outside her door. "He's dead, isn't he? Verinder is dead." She flew into the thief's arms to sob against him. He turned a startled look to the healer. She strengthened her mind's touch on the girl and sent comfort to the dark haired man who was so obviously out of his element.
"I'm sorry, Albida."
Sira knelt beside the girl to pat her back. "I knew he was dead," the girl cried. Somehow I knew. Now there will be nothing to keep her from, from�" The girl cried even harder. "Oh, Verinder."
Sira shot a look at the woman still in earnest conversation with her husband then motioned for Autolycus to step aside with her. "We cannot leave Albida here with this woman. She abuses the child."
"How could you possibly know that?"
"The same way I knew when you were lying."
"Yeah, well, I've been meaning to ask you about that."
"Not now, Autolycus."
"So how do you plan to get the girl out of here? Besides, even if we do, what are we going to do with her?"
"I do not know, but I refuse to leave her here." Sira returned to the girl. "Albida, how would you like to leave here with us?"
The child turned a tear stained face to the empath. "Yes. Oh, yes. I'm a good hard worker. I can take care of babies. I've taken care of loads of them for her. I'll work hard for you, I promise."
"We will not worry about that for now. Verinder wanted Autolycus to take charge of your care. Right now the important thing is to get you away from here as soon as possible."
"I'm ready now. There's nothing here I want."
The healer sent her mind to the hunter to let him know that they were leaving. The woman waddled up to them. "Had a nice little talk, did you?"
"Albida is coming away with us," the empath stated.
"What?! You have no right to do that. She's indentured to me."
"Her brother is dead. Autolycus is her guardian and he wishes her to be anywhere but here."
The master thief looked a little shocked. He hadn't really said anything of the sort. True, he hated the thought of leaving the child in such a retched state, but it hadn't been his idea to whisk her away.
"What about what I've got coming?" the woman objected.
"Call it even for the abuse you have heaped on Albida all these years."
"Now see here."
"No, you see here. You are lucky we only plan to take the girl away and not to press charges. I do not think King Iphicles or Queen Reyna would be pleased to hear how you have abused this child."
"The little fool's lying to you. She's always lying. I aint abused her." Sira pulled the scarf from around the child's neck. "Well, even if it were true she deserved it. Besides that, what makes you think the King or Queen would give a damn?"
"The King is my brother. And believe me, he would care," Sira hissed through clinched teeth. "You can find Albida at the palace if you wish to make an issue of this." The healer took the girl's hand, and turning her back on the woman she walked purposefully away.
Iolaus and the King of thieves followed in her wake. The thief turned to the hunter. "Doesn't your wife ever tell the truth? I never said I wanted Albida out of there."
"You didn't say it, but you thought it." The thief looked skeptical. "Come on, you know damn well you couldn't stand to see her living with that woman."
"Maybe, but what about this King being her brother stuff? Alcmene never had any girls."
"In a round about way, what Sira said is true."
"Oh, thanks, old man. That really clears things up."
"It's a long story, and there isn't time to discuss it now."
"Then tell me, just what is a guardian?"
"Someone who takes over the care of a child for the parents. It makes you kind of like the girl's father. She's your ward."
"Now wait a minute. I never agreed to that."
"Actually, you did, my friend."
"I never said I'd be Albida's guardian."
"You swore to a dying man that you would make sure she was taken care of."
"I didn't know that made me her guardian."
"Well, Verinder knew."
The master thief groaned. "Isn't there any honor among thieves anymore?" The hunter chuckled. "You really think that's what Verinder meant?"
The golden one nodded. "He must have thought a lot of you, Autolycus."
"Well, he had a funny way of showing it."
"In the end he trusted you with the most precious thing in his life. If that doesn't show how much he respected and trusted you, nothing ever could."
The King of thieves was thoughtfully silent.
When they reached the palace Sira took Albida straight to her room. Reyna was no longer there. The empath called for water then pulled a dress from her closet. "While you bathe I will shorten this dress. It will be big on you, but you must have something to wear. When you are ready we will go to see Queen Reyna. That is, if she is well enough. It would be rude not to ask her permission for you to stay here in the palace."
The girl looked frightened. "What if she says no?"
Sira smiled at her. "Do not worry; she will not say no. She loves children as much as you do."
"I don't love children."
"Yes, you do. I can sense that. I understand your bitterness now because you were forced to care for that woman's offspring. But you have a good heart."
"The babies I cared for weren't her offspring. She collects unwanted children like most people collect dinars."
"Why? What does she do with them?"
"She sells them to people."
The child of nature looked shocked. "What kind of people?"
"Sometimes to nice people that can't have children of their own. Sometimes to men that sell the children into slavery."
Sira took an abrupt seat on the edge of the bed. She could tell that what Albida told her, the girl felt was the truth. "What a horrible thing to do."
"The only reason she kept me around is because she was a little afraid of Verinder, and because she was too fat and lazy to do things for herself."
"Then I will speak to the King myself about this. She must be stopped."
"Would the King really care?"
"Yes, Albida, he would."
The girl seemed shy about taking her bath but the healer insisted. She helped the girl wash her hair, checking all the while for vermin. Then leaving the girl to enjoy the water Sira set about shortening the dress she had picked out for the child.
When the dress was done the empath helped the girl put it on. The child looked shy with wonder at the pale pink, high waist gown. Sira combed the girl's long dark brown hair then braided it in two long braids down her back.
"You look much better now," the healer announced as she had the girl turn around for her.
"What will my duties be now?" She lowered her eyes, not sure what to call this new master.
"You must call me Sira, and I am not your master, Albida. I did not bring you here to serve me. You are no one's slave. You are still too young to be on your own, however."
"You don't want me to be your servant?"
"Of course not."
"Am I to serve the Queen?"
The healer chuckled. "No. You are not to serve anyone." There was a light tap at the door. "Come in, Alcmene," she called.
The older woman let herself into the room. "So," she smiled at the girl, "this is Albida. I've spoken with Iolaus and Autolycus already. They told me about you."
The child curtseyed. "Hello."
"I'm Alcmene, the King's mother. I've come to take you to see the Queen. I've filled her in about you and she can't wait to meet you." Albida's eyes were big with wonder. Alcmene smiled and turned to Sira. "The men thought you should join them in the King's hall to discuss what Hercules found out this afternoon. At least Hercules and Iolaus thought you should join them. Iphicles still thinks women should be kept barefoot and in the kitchen," She shook her head. "I can take Albida to see Reyna if you would like to go down."
"How is Reyna?"
"She's much better. She's a strong girl; she'll come out of this. She would like to see you later."
Sira knelt before Albida. "Go with Alcmene. She will take good care of you. You will love her and Reyna as much as I do."
"Will I see Autolycus again?"
"Of course. He is your guardian. You will see him soon."
Alcmene offered the child a hand, and the child followed the mother of the King obediently from the room.
Albida looked around her with excitement. She had never seen any place so grand. The dress she wore felt so soft against her clean skin. Oh, Verinder, she thought, if only you were here to share this with me.
"Sira," the demigod rose from his chair to cross the room and take the healer's hand. I'm glad you could join us."
"Now can we get on with this?" the King asked in some annoyance. He was turned toward the demigod and didn't see Sira stick her tongue out at him. But the hunter did, and laughing he took her hand.
"What about Jason?" he asked.
"He's still scouring the docks for a ship."
The demigod stood once more and began to pace. "Venin has a ship of her own. The woman that runs the whore� Excuse me. �the house of ill repute is an old friend of hers. She admits that she led Venin to Verinder. He used to brag that he could get into the palace treasury and steal the crown. Venin mentioned her desire to own something of the former King and a match was made. Anyway, sometime after Fashidra, Venin married a sea Captain. Just a few weeks later he died in his sleep."
"Imagine that," the hunter interrupted.
The demigod smiled then continued. "The ship has a legal registry, but I found out later at the dock that while she sometimes runs legitimate cargo, she also has no qualms about a bit of pirating. They say Venin runs a tight ship. No one seems to know for sure where her home port lies, but the general consensus is that it lies to the south of here."
Sira closed her eyes for a moment. Opening them she nodded. "She is headed south."
Iphicles looked disbelieving and Autolycus looked confused. "So if we get you a ship," the King asked, "you plan to go after the crown?"
"That's the plan, yes."
"You and Iolaus?"
"Yes, and Sira, of course. And Autolycus, if he'll agree to help also."
"Why, Sira, of course?" the King asked in annoyance.
Sira rose to her feet. "Because, my brother," she addressed the King, "he knows damn well I would refuse to stay behind. He also knows I can find Venin when perhaps no one else can; and further more, he knows I can help in other ways." The girl's anger was poorly concealed. She turned to the King of thieves. "I believe Albida would like to see you." She turned back to the King of Corinth. "When I am not so damn mad I need to speak with you about the woman who was keeping Albida." With that she turned and left the room.
Autolycus sent an apologetic look at the King and followed the healer from the room.
Iolaus laughed. "That's my girl." With a wide grin he also followed Sira.
Hercules turned to his brother. "She always like that when she's angry?" the King asked.
"Pretty much."
"She doesn't pull her punches, does she?" he grinned. "She didn't give a hang for the fact that I'm King."
"No. Those kind of things don't impress her," the demigod confirmed. "I think it's time we had a talk, brother."
"Why did she call me brother?"
"Call for some food and something cool to drink, and all will be revealed to you."
Sira found the women in the King and Queen's bed chamber. Reyna was sitting up in the bed looking much better than when Sira had seen her last. The healer crossed to her and took her hand. "I am glad to find you feeling better."
"I do, and I'm glad you came up. I wanted to thank you for making me feel better, and for bringing Albida to us. She's a delight."
"Guess what, Sira," the girl interrupted in her enthusiasm. "Reyna� I mean, the Queen said that I could stay here for as long as I want."
"I am glad, Albida." She hugged the girl.
"Of course I'll have to make sure it is all right with Autolycus."
"Speaking of which, he is waiting in the parlor to see you."
"I'll take her down," Alcmene offered. "You look tired, Sira. You should rest before dinner."
The dinner was a quiet one, as there was to be no quests tonight. Reyna didn't come down and Albida asked if she might stay with the Queen. Sira understood. The girl was shy about meeting too many people all at once and she was enjoying her new found freedom. "Do you think it would be all right, Sira?"
"I am sure it will be. We can always ask Reyna. If she is too tired you could stay here and I will send up a tray."
"I'm not used to being around so many people. I do want to meet Hercules, however."
"I'll introduce you to him at a quieter time."
Sira hadn't napped as Alcmene had suggested, and now she wished she had. She felt tired and sore from the long day, and on top of that Iphicles kept shooting odd looks at her which was beginning to make her nervous. The healer sighed. Her anger had gotten the best of her, and she knew she had been rude. She hoped to get an opportunity to apologize to him. It was a breech of manners in the extreme to have been rude to one's host, and after all he was the King. Sira had been taught to respect those in authority.
Another of his looks. Perhaps she really had insulted him. She sent her mind out lightly. She had no desire to frighten him. She was met with skepticism, then a challenge. "So if you are telepathic, what am I thinking now," his mind asked her.
She strengthened her mind on his then wiped her mouth on her napkin. "I wish Reyna had felt like coming down to dinner," the healer stated. "I miss her lighthearted chatter."
"I was just thinking that myself," the King added.
"I know."
Coincidence, the King decided. "What am I thinking now?"
"Iphicles, have you checked on Ossagol? I do hope he is better."
"No, I haven't looked in on him yet. I plan to after dinner."
Sira strengthened her mind's touch. She found strength in the King's mind. His thoughts were organized. She sent a message of her own and the King used his napkin to wipe his mouth. Finding it needed it he nodded slightly to the healer.
Hercules looked from the empath to his brother, then back again. He knew something had passed between them. The demigod had been a little surprised by his brother's reaction to the things he was told about the empath. Hercules had expected Iphicles to laugh at him and refuse to believe a word of it. Instead he found the King open and accepting. He asked several questions and accepted the answers. The demigod found a new liking for this half brother he had never had the chance to get to know.
They were just finishing the meal when Jason returned. "I've got us a ship. Well, actually Iphicles has a ship for you. The first in the Royal Corinthian Navy." The former King laughed. "Don't look so startled, son," he said patting the King's shoulder. "I got if for a song." The Argonaut took up a plate and filled it from the sideboard then took a seat at the table. "I'm starving. I've been out all day making this deal." He took a large bite and chewed methodically. He was animated as he told them of his acquisition. His enthusiasm was catching and everyone joined in the discussion.
"I've even got a Captain at your disposal. He's an old friend of mine."
Ossagol walked into the room and Jason paused. "I'm sorry to disturb you, my King, but the thief� The friend of Hercules is here asking to see the child. I told him to go away, but he insists he is the child's guardian and that he has a right to see her."
"And so he does, Ossagol. What's the problem?"
"I thought the Queen had offered to look after the child. And after all, we really don't want to be associating with the likes of him. It really is bad for your image, Sire."
"Autolycus is welcome here anytime, Ossagol," the King stated. "He is still the child's guardian. Please show him to the study and we will join him there. Then inform the Queen and Albida that he is here." The King's voice was tempered with restraint.
"How is your head, Ossagol?" Sira asked, her voice innocent. Iolaus kicked her under the table.
"It was better, but the pain seems to be returning." Then as an afterthought, "Thank you for asking."
"Sira," the hunter whispered, "stop picking on the poor man."
"Well, I do not like him," she whispered back.
"Nobody does, but you're supposed to be a healer. Remember that." The grin on his face somewhat took away from the reprimand. The healer giggled. "Sira."
"Oh, all right. He is not worth the effort, anyway."
When Jason had finished eating the King came to stand beside the healer's chair. "Shall we go to the study?" he asked and pulled her chair out for her. Offering her his arm he held her back a little from the others. "Wait, little sister. I wish a word with you. I had a long talk with Hercules this afternoon."
"Yes, I know."
The King smiled. "I've always wanted a sister."
Sira stopped to stand in front of him. Taking both his hands in hers she searched his face. She let their minds touch. She could feel his strength. His mind was strong and responsive, and she knew, given time he could grow strong in the uses of the earth's powers. She sent a thought to him and he leaned down. She stood on her tip toes to kiss his cheek. "Thank you, my brother."
"I look forward to getting to know you better," he told her.
They joined the others in the study. The demigod gave them both a raised eyebrow look but said nothing.
Autolycus was shown into the study by a maid. "I'm surprised you'd have the likes of me in your palace," he commented with sarcasm in his voice.
"You're always welcome, Autolycus," the King rushed to soothe him. "I'm sorry if Ossagol was rude to you. I've spoken with him about it." He rose and showed the thief to a chair.
"All right. Look, no matter how unwittingly, I agreed to be Albida's guardian. A good friend helped me to realize the importance of that responsibility." He inclined his head slightly at the hunter. "I want to be sure Albida is being cared for. I understand from your regent that the Queen has offered the child a home here in the palace. I simply wish to make sure that Albida's best interests are being considered."
Reyna entered the room at this point. "I can assure you they are my first priority."
The King of thieves rose to bow to the Queen. "I meant no disrespect. Forgive me if I sounded rude; I'm rather new at this whole guardian thing." He gave the Queen one of his most charming smiles and she relaxed. "I'm glad you've taken a special interest in Albida. Still, she is my ward. I want to know that I can see her and have at least some say in her future. I will be providing whatever I can in the way of support." He paused to take a breath.
The Queen didn't wait for him to finish. "Do you really believe you could raise her better alone than we can here at the palace?"
"No, my Queen. I never meant to imply that."
"You say you want to do the responsible thing . I see nothing responsible in insisting on supporting her with your ill gotten dinars." The King of thieves tried to interrupt, but Reyna rushed on. "You will be most welcome to visit her or take her for outings. If any major decisions need made on her behalf you will be consulted. But for her sake your responsibility should stop there."
The room was filled with silence as the master thief was lost in thought. "Albida's brother was my friend. He charged me with his sister's care. On my honor I swore to do just that. I have every intention of seeing to it she is properly cared for. You are right, my Queen. She has known enough of thievery. I'll gladly accept the roll in her life you have suggested." He rose and bowed once more. "Thank you for all you are willing to do for her. I feel your generous concern for her well being. Now if you will permit me, I'd like to see her."
"Of course. Cora will show you to her." She indicated the maid waiting just outside the door. The thief nodded to the King, then the Queen and left the room, his back straight. The Queen watched him walk out then turned to the others. "The man is a complete scoundrel; a rogue. But I must admit he is exceedingly charming." She chuckled. "Why do I feel I've just been manipulated?"
Iphicles rose. Going to her he took her hand. "Because, my dear, you have been. You just gave Autolycus exactly what he wanted."
"I did? Well, well. He really is a scoundrel," she laughed.
Sira had wanted a moment to speak with the King about the woman that had kept Albida, but she didn't want to bring up the subject in front of Reyna. The King and Queen excused themselves soon after. Hercules also asked to be excused. He had something on his mind and had been thoughtfully silent through dinner, and later in the study. Sira and the hunter walked hand in hand up the wide central staircase that led to the upper floors as the demigod let himself out of the palace and headed into the city.
He found Autolycus in a tavern near the wharf. "Join me in a drink?" the big man offered.
"Sure, pull up a chair."
The big man motioned for the bar maid and ordered another ale for the thief and tea for himself. When it arrived the big man lifted his mug. "Here's to 'honor among thieves'."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You started it with your pretty speech to the Queen."
The dark haired thief ran the back of his pointer finger along his mustache. "That was some of my best work," he commented as a smile split his face. "Verinder would be proud of what I've done for his sister."
"I'm sure he would," the son of Zeus smiled back. "Now on to the reason I sought you out. I came to ask you if you'll join us when we go in search of Jason's crown."
The thief took a sip of ale to give himself time to think. "No, I think not. There's really nothing I can do."
The demigod sighed. "We could use your help. One can never tell when your special talents will come in handy."
"I do have special talents, don't I?"
"So you'll come?"
"I didn't say that. There's something a bit bizarre about Iolaus' wife. I don't think I care to get involved."
Hercules chuckled. "She's really harmless, at least to those she likes."
"Does she like me?"
"Yes, she does."
"How come she calls you 'brother'?"
"It's a long story."
"That's what I keep hearing."
"If you want to hear it, you'll have to come with us." Autolycus shook his head. The son of Zeus sat back in his chair. "I thought Verinder was your friend?"
"He was."
"Then don't you want to avenge his death?"
"Like how?"
"How about helping to bring his killer to justice?"
"Damn it, Hercules, that's not fair."
"You spout off about your damneable honor, then you turn your back on a fallen comrade."
"Stop it, okay? Just stop it. I'm looking out for his kid sister, aren't I?"
"No, you just manipulated someone else into doing it. We just discussed that, didn't we?"
"What good could I do out there, anyway?"
"Look, I've seen you in a pinch. You're cool; you don't lose your head. There's no way we can tell what we're going to face. Believe me when I say, we can't take this woman lightly."
"You really think I could be of help?"
"Yes, I really do."
The King of thieves scratched at his chin. "Well, let me think on it, old man."
The big man rose. "You know where to find me."
With a quick salute to his temple he left the tavern. He was tired. So much had happened today. Was it just this morning they had discovered the theft of the crown? he thought.
Venin. Who would have thought she could have survived that fall? He shook his head. It just wasn't possible. She couldn't have gone over the cliff. Somehow she must have jumped or been thrown from the horse, then used the horse's fall to fool them into thinking she had gone over, as well. He remembered her scream. That was what had really convinced him she had gone over the cliff. He felt guilt grip him. The truth is, I wanted to believe she was gone, knowing what she had done to Jason. Finding her would have meant dealing with her. He remembered his feelings at the time. He'd been consumed with anger at what she had done to a man he both loved and admired, and for what she'd done to his mother. He wasn't sure he would have been able to keep his hands from around her throat.
He let himself in the side door of the palace and walked slowly up the back staircase. He covered a wide yawn with his hand. Letting himself into his room he looked to the washstand. A candle had been left burning for him but it was almost burned down now. I should wash up, he told himself, then covered another yawn. With a sigh he sat on the bench at the foot of the bed and removed his brown leather boots. Feeling half asleep he unlaced his woven leather pants and tossed them on a chair in the corner. Removing his shirt, it followed his pants.
The water in the pitcher was cold and he dreaded using it. Still he poured it into the basin and proceeded to take a bath. He washed his hair last, pouring the remaining water over his head to rinse it. He shivered and sputtered as the water splashed around him. He dried himself off vigorously with a soft white towel left out for his use then pulled a pair of loose fitting woven moss trousers over his hips, lacing them loosely around his waist. With another yawn he left his room in disarray and slipped beneath the sheets. The bed was cool and inviting. He stretched, then rolling in the blankets he was almost instantly asleep.
Sira awoke to a light tapping at her door. She jumped up. Not bothering to cover her night dress she opened the door a crack.
"I'm sorry to wake you, Miss." Cora, Reyna's personal maid stood on the other side of the door. "It's Queen Reyna. She's most ill. She's asking for you. Will you come?"
"Of course. Let me get my robe." The empath slipped back into the room.
"What's wrong, Sira?" the hunter asked from the bed.
"Reyna is not feeling well. She is asking for me."
"Need my help?" he offered.
The healer stopped long enough to kiss his nose. "I do not believe so. Go back to sleep. If I do need you, I will send for you."
"If you're sure." He yawned. "Love you," he told her in a sleepy voice.
The maid led Sira through the King's chamber to the bed chamber the Queen and King shared. Reyna lay in the bed on her side, her face buried in the washbasin. Iphicles held her head as she was ill. He looked up with pleading eyes at the empath.
Sira came to the girl. "It is all right, love. You will feel better in a moment. Try to relax." She turned to the King. "My brother, could you find a piece of dried salted meat?"
"I can't eat, Sira," the sick girl moaned.
"I know. You do not have to eat it."
"I'll see what I can do," the King nodded.
He stood for a moment watching as Sira took away the basin and made herself comfortable on the bed. She took the girl's head in her lap and placed her fingers on the Queen's temples. The healer looked up to see Iphicles still watching her. He was clad only in loose fitting pants. Alcmene has two strong sons, the healer noted. She sent her mind to the King to reassure him. With a nod he left the room.
"You will be all right, Reyna. Try to relax. This is a natural part of being a mother."
"Oh, Sira, I'm so frightened."
"Shh, there is nothing to fear. Does the King know yet?"
"No."
"He should. There is so much comfort he could give you." Then in a rush the empath knew where the girl's real fear came from. Now she understood why Reyna hadn't told the King. Sira longed to comfort the Queen. But to admit she had read the girl's thoughts might frighten her even more.
"I lost my first baby, Sira." Tears streamed down her flushed cheeks. "It was very hard on both of us. I don't want to get his hopes up."
"Just because it happened once, does not mean it will happen again. Now I want you to try not to worry. I want you to relax. For now, the important thing is to help you through this morning." Sira closed her eyes. "Relax and open your mind and let it drift."
Iphicles returned with the salted meat. Sira broke off a small piece of it. "Reyna, I want you to suck on this. Do not eat it; just suck the salt out."
"It will make me sick again," the girl objected.
"No, it will not. Trust me, the salt will help." Reyna reluctantly did as she was asked. "Now," the empath told her, "I want you to close your eyes and let your mind drift. Picture a pleasant scene in your mind. Concentrate for a moment on details of the scene." She looked up at the King and motioned with her hand for him to join them. "Iphicles is going to take your hands." The King sat down carefully on the bed and did as Sira had instructed. The girl's hands looked small and pale in his.
"Close your eyes, my brother, and let your mind follow ours. Relax, Reyna, and picture the scene in your mind. Now take a deep breath, and as you let it out feel the sickness leaving you with the breath. See it dissipate in the air like a vapor. Take another breath. See the sickness leaving your body. Picture yourself surrounded by a blue-white light."
Alcmene had heard of the Queen's illness and came to offer her help. She took in the scene before her in a glance. The sick girl on the bed, her head cradled in the healer's lap. Sira's fingers at the girl's temples. Sira's eyes were closed tightly as she swayed slightly with the rhythm of her softly voiced instructions. The King, her son, beside the girl he loved, his broad shoulders straining the seams of the shirt he had obviously quickly thrown on.
"See the blue light surrounding all of us, washing about us like waves lapping at the beach. It washes us clean, removing the sickness from us."
The older woman stood transfixed by what she was witnessing. There was a visible glow of blue light surrounding the three people on the bed. The air seemed to be filled with electricity.
Reyna was relaxed and drowsy now. She'd unconsciously swallowed the small bit of meat.
"Let yourself drift into sleep. Relax and sleep. When you wake, you will be well. All sickness will be gone."
As the Queen slept the healer continued to heal her. She found nothing amiss with the baby the girl carried and was sure in her mind there would be no complications.
The healer laid her head back against the headboard. After a moment she opened her eyes. She touched Iphicles' mind, and a moment later he opened his eyes. He smiled his thanks to her. "She should be all right now," the healer whispered. Very carefully she slid out from under the sleeping girl and stood stretching cramped muscles. Laying her hand on the King's shoulder she whispered. "If you can stay with her for a bit, it would help. Keep a hand on her and your strength will flow to her."
"I can stay. Thank you for helping her."
Sira smiled at him. "Call with your mind if you need me, my brother."
"I'm not sure I know how to do that."
"Just think of me and I will know."
"Yes, my sister, I will."
She tiptoed to the door and put an arm around Alcmene. "Why do you cry, my mother?"
"Because it's so wonderful to see Iphicles like this. He's changed so much. It touches my heart to see the two of you as friends. Your healings always stir emotions in me and I love you, my daughter." She paused. "I don't know why I'm crying."
Sira smiled at her as she led her from the room. "Promise to keep a secret?"
"Yes." The older woman wiped her tears away.
"I am going to be gone soon, on a ship at sea. Reyna may need you. Do not be afraid to give her the salted meat. It really does help. Calla says it has been used for years for sea sickness. I know it has always been a part of the yosemin healing. Get Iphicles to do just as he did today. If you need to, have Jason help. He knows a great deal about healing from his own. You, my mother, are strong of mind also. Do not be frightened to open your mind to the light. Just remember to anchor yourself."
"You believe she'll be sick again?"
"I know she will." Sira smiled at her. "You are going to be a grandmother."
They had come to the door to the older woman's room. Alcmene stopped abruptly in her tracks. "Do you mean it?"
"Yes. But no one knows about it, not even Iphicles. Did you know that Reyna lost another baby?"
Tears again filled Alcmene's eyes. "No, I didn't. We have a lot to talk about, then. I lost a child also."
"Alcmene." Sira searched her face. She'd been taken totally by surprise, something not easily done.
"It was long ago. Amphitryon had come home for a few days. Iphicles was less then two and Hercules was still small. I was alone. These things happen. It was a little girl. She was just too early. It was winter and very cold. She wasn't strong enough to make it."
Sira put her arms around her chosen mother and sent her comfort.
The King had chosen to stay with Reyna most of the day although just as Sira had said, when she woke she felt no more illness.
Alcmene and Albida were going to the market. The child needed everything and Alcmene planned to see she got it.
Sira went in search of the King. She needed to speak with him about the woman who had kept Albida. She found him still in the bed chamber sitting at a table working on important papers. Reyna was napping again, but he hated to leave her. Finding her sick two days in a row had frightened him.
Sira tapped lightly then poked her head in to motion for him to join her in the hall.
"Is something wrong?" he asked.
"I have wanted a chance to tell you something that Albida told me about the woman who she stayed with before coming here." The King gave her a raised eyebrow look and waited for her to continue.
She watched his face turn white, then red with anger. "Do you think these things are true?"
"Albida believes them."
"You do also, don't you?"
"Yes. The two babies she had the day we went there were too close together in age to both be hers. Besides that, she was fair of skin, while the one child was very dark. Still, the father might have been dark and one of the children a friend's."
"But you don't believe this." It was a statement rather than a question.
"No."
"You would know if she were lying, wouldn't you?"
"Yes."
"Would you be willing to come with me to see this woman?"
"Yes, if I can be of help I would."
"Good. See if Iolaus would be willing to come with us. He talked to the woman, didn't he?"
"Yes, while Autolycus and I talked to Albida."
"Let me tell Reyna where I'll be." He started to turn away.
"But not what I have told you. She might be upset even further."
The King nodded. "You're right. I'll say that I must conduct some business. She'll understand."
The hunter wasn't just willing to come along; he insisted. The demigod also joined them, along with two guards. The six of them walking through the marketplace made quite a stir. It wasn't often that the King mingled in the market with the people. He was friendly with everyone, while not stopping to talk with them. Purpose was written on his face and in his step, and no one offered to waylay him.
When they arrived at the mud hut the old woman came waddling out to greet them. She was too rotund to curtsey but she tried anyway. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"I've come to ask you a few questions," the King stated without preamble.
"About Albida? I hope she's not causing you too much trouble. She was a nasty little thing. Always lying and stealing, just like her brother."
Two children played outside the door and another one could be heard crying in the hut. The King ignored her comments. "Are all these children yours?"
"Of course. What a question."
The King turned to the healer. She shook her head.
"How many children do you have?"
"These three, is all."
"They are all very close in age, are they not?"
"Well, the man will have his fun, you know."
The King shuddered then turned to the healer once again. She shook her head once more.
"It's been suggested that you deal in children; selling them to the highest bidder."
"That's nothing but a damn lie. That miserable girl tell you that?"
"She is lying again," Sira stated. Unable to stand the crying in the hut she moved forward to go for the child. The woman moved surprisingly fast for such a large woman and stepped in front of her, reaching out to shove the healer aside.
The healer's hand moved so quickly, her first two fingers jabbing in the flab around the woman's neck to stab the pressure points that Xena had taught her. As she did she also threw out her mind to stop the woman.
The woman went to her knees, gasping for air. "Tell the truth. I have cut off the flow of blood to your brain, and you will die if I do not release it soon." All three men had rushed forward to help the healer but she needed no help. "Well, I am waiting."
"Stop it," the woman gasped. "I'll talk."
The healer made the quick stab with her fingers and the woman slumped forward with relief. The healer bent over to enter the hut and emerged with not one baby, but two. The hunter came forward and took one of the babies from her. The one the healer held was a newborn, not over a few days old.
"Take this woman away!" the King ordered in disgust.
"Wait," Sira stopped the guards. "Where are these children's parents?"
"They don't have none. These was unwanted babies I've taken in out of the goodness of my heart."
"You make a very poor liar." The healer handed the baby she held to the King and started to walk toward the woman.
"Wait. Keep her way from me." She turned to the hunter. "You were taken by me. Remember? You were going to come back some night and be with me. You know I wouldn't do anything wrong."
The hunter looked startled. "You really believed I took your proposition seriously? You better talk while you can. I've seen enough people die from her nerve pinch. I'm just not up to seeing another one today."
"Those are my babies. No one wanted them."
"They have been stolen," Sira interrupted. "These were not unwanted babies. They have been stolen from their mothers." The healer's voice was shaky with her anger and with the sadness she knew this woman had inflicted on mothers left to cry for their lost babies. "What kind of animal are you?"
"I've done nothing wrong."
"Stealing babies is a serious crime in my book!" the King bellowed. "Take her away before I let Sira at her again." The guards grabbed the woman by the arms and hauled her to her feet. "By the time I get to the dungeon you had better be ready to tell me everything, or so help me, I'll reestablish the use of the chopping block." He took a deep breath to calm himself then turned to the healer.
"I will take the baby," she offered.
"No, it's all right. I've got this one." He looked concerned. "How in Tartarus are we going to find who these babies belong to?"
"Spread the word that you have them," the demigod suggested as he bent to pick up one of the children playing outside the hut.
"That might start a stampede," the hunter offered. "We have no way of knowing how many babies she's stolen."
"She did not steal them herself," the healer interrupted. "She had someone helping her. If parents come forward I will know whom the babies belong to."
"Are they all from our city?"
"Yes, that was the impression I got from her mind."
"Damn! I wonder how long this has been going on." The King looked overwhelmed. The child he held began to whimper and he put it over his shoulder to pat its back lightly. "We should take the babies to the foundling home. They have the facilities to take care of them until the mothers can be found." The King handed the newborn to the healer and took up the other child. "They are all in need of a bath and a change."
The healer smiled. He was right. The sooner the babies were taken care of, the better. No wonder the two younger ones cried.
They headed back toward the market. They had only gone a short way when Sira stopped. She turned her head from side to side, as if listening for a vagrant sound. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath to calm herself. Within moments she was entranced.
"What is it, Sira?" the hunter asked. She opened her eyes, but not with the clear vision she usually had. Her eyes were glazed with the trance she had put herself into. "Sira?"
"There." She pointed to their left at a row of cottages made of mud bricks. Without waiting for the others she moved forward, following a vague trail with her mind. She stopped before one of the cottages. The infant she held cried loudly, as if angry that the motion had stopped.
A woman came running through the door. "My baby. That's my baby. I know that cry." The woman sobbed, shaking with her urgency to see the baby and be proven right.
Sira handed the child to her. "She is safe, little mother. She is hungry and soiled, but she is safe." She laid her hand on the woman's arm to comfort her.
"She's been gone three days. I've looked everywhere for her. She was stolen right from her bed while I worked here in the yard."
"Why didn't you come to the palace and report your loss?" the King demanded.
"But I did, your Majesty. I spoke with your regent. He said that soldiers were looking into the matter."
The King exchanged looks with the demigod.
"It is well now, little mother. There are three other babies we have found. We wish to find their mothers.
Will you spread the word that the babies will be held at the foundling home?"
The woman cried openly. "I will do that. How can I thank you?"
"Do not thank me. Thank the King. He is the one who acted quickly as soon as he was told of the missing babies."
The woman turned to Iphicles. "I have heard that you are a great and merciful King, and that you care for the people. Now I know that it's true. May the gods bless you, my King."
He wiped a tear from her cheek. "I'm only sorry I didn't know of this sooner. How many heartaches could we have prevented?"
The healer laid her hand on his arm. "I do not believe there have been so many babies stolen. My mind tells me that the stealing of the babies is a new thing. There was some truth in what the woman said about the babies being unwanted. Not these, I believe, but others. You had no way of knowing about this. You cannot blame yourself, my brother."
"Ossagol has a lot of explaining to do."
Sitting on a stone bench before the cottage the mother put the tiny baby to her breast. She drew in a quick breath of pain and pleasure as tears again stained her cheeks. She looked down at the round pink face of her child. "I thought I'd lost you forever." Her voice broke and the King turned away.
The healer did nothing to hide the tears that slipped from her own eyes.
The King cleared his throat. "Let's get these babies to the home." His voice was husky with emotion.
The King didn't stay long at the foundling home. He was concerned for Reyna, and the healer also knew he needed some quiet time to come to grips with what had happened today. The demigod left to go in search of Jason and the ship he had purchased.
The hunter stayed with Sira, helping with the babies and entertaining the older children. She could sense his joy at the simple fun the children found in the littlest of things.
A woman came shyly forward, led by one of the nurses that took care of the home. "Excuse me, my Lady." She talked in a singsong voice, bunching her words together in a delightful way. Her skin was dark and smoky, her hair braided and hanging to her ankles. A bright red dot adorned her forehead. "Is it true that you have found some babies?"
Sira smiled, and turning she reached behind her to lift up the dark skinned baby she had first seen on the day they had gone for Albida. Turning back to the woman she handed the child to her.
The woman went to her knees. She wailed with wrenching sobs as she held the child to her. "Little Shing. My son." The healer put her head back as she was assailed with the mother's pain. "You are my master," the woman cried. She took up the hem of the healer's dress and kissed it. "I will serve you for what remains of my life, gentlewoman."
Sira bent to take the woman's arms and helped her to her feet. "It was not I who found and saved your child. It was King Iphicles. You must tell the people of his greatness. If you do so, I will be well served."
"I will, gentlewoman, I will."
"Take your son home, then."
The woman searched the healer's eyes, then nodding she turned to rush down the long hall to the outside door.
The hunter came to the empath and took her in his arms. "Are you all right, my love?"
"I do not know how much more pain I can feel today." She cried openly against his shoulder. "How horrible it has been for these women."
"I'm sorry you must feel their pain so deeply."
"I wish to see the woman responsible for this. I must know if there were more babies stolen."
"Not now. Come back to the palace and rest."
"No. I cannot. It must be now."
"I'll take you."
His own heart was torn from the sadness he'd witnessed today, and from the pain the empath felt. He wished he could shield her from it somehow. Not being able to do so made him feel inadequate. It was his place to protect her. That was one of the hardest parts of living with who and what she was. He couldn't shield her from the deep emotions that made her an empath.
He'd been struck dumb for a moment when the woman had made to harm her and the healer had reacted so quickly. He knew she practiced the pressure points the warrior princess had shown her, but he hadn't been aware she had become so proficient at using them. Thinking back on it now, he smiled.
"What is humorous in this day from your Tartarus?"
"I was thinking about how you stopped that woman. I say again, you've been hanging around Ares too damn much." He grinned.
The healer's hand tingled where the god of war had kissed it in the underground chambers of the old castle. Her mind was filled with two words. Little Warrior.
Sira sat on a wooden crate outside the cell where the woman was held. She had found a much different person than the one who'd she seen at the hut. The few hours in the damp dungeon had taken their toll. The woman was willing to talk. She still tried to insist that she had done a service to the unwanted children by finding them a home. When the subject of slavers came up she shied away from it, but did finally admit it had been the only way to relieve herself of some of the children. Especially the older ones. She had no idea where most of the children she dealt with had come from. Her partner had supplied them and found the buyers for them. She had been behind the scenes; caring for the children, only taking an active part in the selling when people came directly to her. It was only of late that she had suspected some of the children might have been stolen from their parents, and then only when she had heard the rumors of people missing children.
"I tried to tell the fool this wouldn't work. I was bound to get caught. Someone might see the children and recognize them. But he needed money, he said."
"Who said?"
"No. I won't tell. He'll kill me if I do."
"You will rot in this cesspool if you do not."
"The King's well known for his generosity. He'll not keep me here for long. Not once he knows I'm ill."
"You are not ill," Sira stated in disgust.
"But I am. That's why I took to selling babies. I couldn't work my stall anymore 'cause I was so ill all the time."
Sira closed her eyes a moment and sent her mind to the woman. After just a few minutes she opened her eyes. "I believe you are ill. Since your time here on this plane is limited, would telling us who this partner of yours is be so dangerous? I will see to it that you are well taken care of for the time that remains to you."
"What do you mean? I'm ill, is all."
"Your time is limited."
The woman gave a skeptical laugh. "How would you know, anyway?"
"I am a healer. I can sense these things. Do you wish your remaining time to be spent here, like this?"
"I don't believe you. You're just trying to get me to tell you what I know. Well, it aint gonna work."
Sira strengthened her mind's touch on the woman, guiding her mind to see the truth. It wasn't easy since the woman's mind was unfocused. The healer also gleaned an insight into what had made the woman what she was. Perhaps she could not be held entirely responsible for her wasted criminal life. Sira sensed unhappiness and despondency that stemmed back to a sad and lonely childhood at the hands of an abusive father fighting to care for a family on an impoverished farm.
"Will you tell us who your partner is?" the healer whispered with compassion.
When the healer returned to the palace she gave the information to the King himself. He sent for his Captain of the guard, as well as Ossagol. His anger was poorly concealed when the regent entered the room. The King had asked Sira to stay. "I need to know what was behind this. If anyone can get to the truth, it will be you."
"I will stay."
The demigod came to stand before his sister of the soul. "You're exhausted, my sister. Perhaps this should wait."
"No. It must be now. My mind needs an end to some of this before it can rest. I must know we have done all we can to stop this man."
The Captain of the guard was aware of the situation. The King's regent had come to him several days ago asking him to investigate.
"Why?" the King bellowed, "wasn't I told of this? Damn it, this is my kingdom. If there is something so heinous going on, I must be made aware of it."
"But I thought it best to find out first if what these two women claimed was true," the regent objected. "If it had proved to be so, I would have come to you, my King."
"I'm to know first, Ossagol."
"I mean no disrespect, my King. But could you have done more than I have done? I put your men on it. After all, we had no clues to go by. All we did have were the hysterical claims of two women who said their babies had disappeared. I meant only to ease your burden, my King. I know the petty squabbles of the people can be very trying for you."
The King turned to the healer.
"He is telling the truth." she told him.
"This is far more that a petty squabble, Ossagol."
"I am sorry, my King. You know how seriously I take my position here. If I have overstepped my boundaries, please forgive me. I meant only to help."
The King turned to his Captain of the guard. "What have you found out?"
"Precious little, I'm afraid. We've uncovered rumors of a baby selling ring here in the city, and found one other mother who claims her child was taken from its cradle left in the yard for a few moments of sunshine while the woman bathed. But either no one knows anything rock solid, or no one is talking."
Sira came forward. "This other woman who spoke of a missing baby. Could you find her?"
"Yes, my Lady."
Sira turned to the King.
"Send a guard to bring her to the foundling home," the King instructed. "Her baby may be there."
The healer gave the guard Captain the information she had gleaned from the dying woman in the dungeon then turned to the King. "Her time is almost over. I promised her she would be protected and taken care of."
"I'll see to it. She's a bloody monster, but a few weeks of our care can't hurt now."
"Thank you, my brother."
"Hercules is right. You do look exhausted. Go rest."
"Not yet. I will need to be at the foundling home when the mother arrives."
He put an arm around her shoulders and she leaned into him, taking comfort from the man she had so recently touched in soul. "You give too much of yourself, my sister."
The demigod stood watching his brother and the woman he loved. He'd never had a chance to get to know this half brother. They had seldom gotten along long enough to do so. He'd always thought of Iphicles as a hot head, not given to deeper thoughts, much like Alcmene's mortal husband. Now the big man realized he had never given him a chance. Iphicles had always been jealous of him, but that was surely understandable. He had outgrown his petty, impulsive childhood to become a thoughtful, sensitive man, and one damn fine King.
The King kept his arm around the healer, taking as much comfort from her closeness as she took from his. "Iolaus told me what you've been saying about the recovery of the babies being my doing. Why? It's not really true."
"It is true. You did not hesitate to do what had to be done. I played a minor part, only. The people need to know what kind of King they have. Especially now with the crown missing. I understand how the theft of the people's symbol of security could cause unrest. Besides that, you have one heck of a fine King's footsteps to follow in. That in itself can be daunting."
"There you go again, worrying about others."
"It is what I do. It is the reason the earth mother put me here."
There was a light tap at the door. The guard standing near it opened it at the King's nod. The hunter had returned to the foundling home after taking Sira to see the woman in her cell. He stood at the door now. "There are two women at the home claiming the last two babies are theirs. I'm sorry, Sira, but we really should be sure. Will you come?"
"Of course." She turned to the King's regent. "You will come with us also." It was a statement rather than a request.
"Oh, no. There's no need for me to be there. I don't really like children much; the noise and all."
"You will come all the same."
"No, really."
The King interrupted him. "You will go with them, Ossagol, by my order."
"But really, my King, I."
"Now! You have taxed my patience enough this day."
Ossagol sighed. "Very well, my King."
Sira lay in the comforting arms of the hunter. It had been late by the time they'd returned to the palace. Ossagol had excused himself at once, claiming his headache had returned. Sira denied having a hand in the man's pain this time. "He is feeling emotions he is unused to feeling. The pain in his head comes from them, not from me."
"He didn't handle the pain and anguish of those two mothers well, did he?"
"No. I can only pray to the earth we will find the mother of the last child and the child of the other woman. Perhaps if this man can be found he will know where some of the babies are."
"How horrible for her. When I think about how I'd feel if we lost Hercus�" His words trailed off.
"I know, my love. I have been going through the same torture."
"Do you think it's too late to touch our son's mind?" he asked.
"No. I do not think he will mind the intrusion."
No one needed to come for the empath this time. She knew before anyone, save the King, that Queen Reyna was ill once more. Sira left her bed without waking the hunter and tiptoed barefooted to the King's chamber. She went on through to the bedchamber to take the girl's hand. The King shook his head at her, worry and concern marring his handsome features.
"Do not worry, my brother. All will be well. What ails your wife is not serious, or I would know it." She wished that Reyna would relent and speak to her husband about what was really causing her sickness in the mornings.
But so far, she'd refused to do so, and it wasn't the healer's place to mention it.
The Queen wasn't as ill this time, and was able to return to sleep quickly with the empath's gentle ministering.
When the Queen was better the healer changed into a serviceable traveling dress she had borrowed from
Alcmene. They were all going to the ship today to meet the Captain and crew.
The King chose to stay behind with the Queen while the others made their way to the wharf. Alcmene and Albida were going to the market again and followed the others that far before leaving them to enjoy the stalls and shops along the main street of the city.
The healer took one look at the ship and turned in disgust to the Argonaut. "The ship may be sound. I have no reason to doubt your word on that, but it is filthy. It will have to be cleaned before it will be safe to live on for any length of time."
Jason smiled tolerantly at her. "Ships are not your aunty's parlor, my dear."
"I do not know what an aunty is, but I know this ship is crawling with disease and vermin."
"But, Sira, it could take days to clean the ship. Why delay?"
"Because it will do us no good to go after the crown if we all end up sick, or worse. Ask the King to send us some servants from the palace. Along with the crew and ourselves, it should not take long to have the ship clean."
The former King started to protest further, but the hunter placed a hand on his arm to stop him. "You might as well concede this one, old friend. You can't hope to get the best of her."
Jason looked annoyed for a moment, then he laughed. "I guess this ship is going to be cleaned, then." He sent a crew member to the palace with a request for men to help with the intended scouring, leaving his annoyance behind with no real effort.
The empath took one look at the galley and gasped. "This place reeks," she stated, wrinkling her nose.
"Humph," was the cook's reply. He was a round shouldered, pudgy man. The few teeth left in his head were stained with tobacco. The shirt he wore was covered in dried food and stains, most of which hadn't come from today.
Sira turned to Jason. "He will have to go, and this place will have to be scrubbed from top to bottom."
The cook spit a stream of disgusting brown liquid on the floor of the galley. "Now wait a minute," he started to protest.
"Save it," Jason interrupted. "You heard the lady; you'll have to go."
"I suppose ya think you'll find another ship's cook on this short notice?"
"If not, I will take over the duties of cook myself," the child of nature stated. "Then at least the food would be wholesome and clean."
The man took a step toward the healer. The demigod laid his hand on one pudgy shoulder. "I wouldn't if I were you."
"I been cook on this scow for six years, now."
"Then it's time for a change." The half man, half god led him aside.
"I thought this here ship belonged to King Jason now. That's what we was told. How come he listens to
that. . . Female?" He'd been about to use stronger language until he'd seen the warning look in the big man's eyes.
"You don't know her like he does." He slipped a few coins into the man's hand and suggested he gather his things. "And while you're about it, may I suggest you avoid the lady."
"What's she, some kind of witch er somethin'?"
"No. Well, not a bad witch, anyway. But believe me, it doesn't do to make her angry."
The cook was packed and gone in less than ten minutes.
The ship had never been designed to carry passengers. Sira had the hold cleaned out and scrubbed from one end to the other. Every surface came in for its share of the strong lye soap the healer insisted be used. When the clean up was completed she had a rope strung from one side of the hold to the other. One side would be for the small cargo they would take on board, most of which would be for their own use. The other side of the hold she had curtained off again to make two rooms separated by a thick tarp.
She then supervised the clean up of the galley. Some of the pots were beyond saving and she had them thrown out and replaced with new ones.
A small man not much taller than Sira herself walked up the gangplank. His eyes were slanted, his skin a dusky tan. His shiny black hair hung in a braid down his back to below his waist. His trousers and vest were of silk as was the brimless cap he wore. His feet were clad in slippers.
Walking beside him was a cat, but a cat unlike any Sira had seen before. His fur was tan for the most part, with his tail, feet, ears, and face a dark rich brown. Clear blue eyes looked out of the dark narrow face.
"You need cook. I cook," the man stated simply. His words were spoken in a halting rhythm, but the man's voice was soft and musical.
Sira lightly touched his mind with hers and found a lively, open spirited mind behind her touch. She held her hand out to him. He grasped it with a hand no bigger than her own. His grip was firm and warm. His hands were clean and smooth skinned. The yosemin liked him at once. Now if he can just cook, she thought.
The little man gave his name as Tang. He went into the galley and in an almost screaming voice he shooed the cleaning crew out then set to work himself. He flew about with a purpose. Less than an hour later he sought out the healer and handed her a plate of rice and meat.
She took a bite and chewed methodically, then took another bite. With a wide smile she held out her hand to him once more. Again he took it in a firm grip. "You cook," she stated.
Nodding he grinned at her, showing even white teeth. "I cook."
The day had grown warm. After lunch the King had joined them on the ship. Reyna was feeling much better and he'd wanted to see the first vessel in the Royal Corinthian Navy. He was impressed with the size of the ship, and like Jason was surprised at how few dinars it had taken to purchase. Jason had meant only to hire a ship rather than buy one, but the deal had been too good to pass up. He'd inspected the ship himself to check for soundness then made an offer. The owner and Captain of the ship had only recently lost his wife and wished to return to his family home near Tripolis. He wished only to be out from under the burden of the ship, not caring that he could have sold the vessel for much more, given time.
Jason's friend Captain Bradous had arrived. He was a tall, thin man of few words. Those he did use were clipped off in a miserly way, as if each one was a precious and hard earned dinar.
He was introduced to the empath. "Never was one to have a woman on my ship. It's said to bring bad luck."
The healer and the Captain had a staring contest while the girl sent her mind to touch his. The good Captain was the first to lower his eyes. "Just an old superstition of course, " he added.
Sira decided she liked the Captain. Her light mind's touch was satisfactory, and with a nod to Jason she gave her approval, for what it was worth.
"We'll need new ropes fore and aft," the Captain told the Argonaut.
"You're the Captain. Whatever you feel we need, we'll do our best to provide."
Sira excused herself to see to the cleaning of the crew's quarters. The boson accompanied her to insure the crew did indeed clean the space they called home.
After a few minutes, seeing that the boson would follow her instructions she left him and the crew to it and went back on deck. She stood facing the windward side, letting the light harbor breeze fan her face for a moment then she turned to watch the men at work.
The King and the demigod were working side by side. They'd removed their shirts when the afternoon sun had turned the day hot and sultry. The empath always enjoyed watching the demigod at work. His physical strength was never more evident than when he was at labor. Iphicles was strong and muscular as well, and in their build she could see a resemblance between the brothers.
The hunter worked nearby, also without a shirt. As the healer watched him, a tingle started at the base of her spine and traveled painfully along her taut nerves. She watched as a trickle of perspiration rolled slowly down the hunter's neck and on down his chest. She watched it without breathing as it went lower, and still lower. Unconsciously she licked her trembling lower lip.
Almost gasping she turned her back to the ship. Now she felt hotter than ever; her face felt flushed and she had to take a couple of deep breaths to calm herself.
She turned to her right, but that was no better. Jason worked here, also without a shirt. She ducked her head and headed toward the galley. Even if Tang is working without a shirt, she told herself, I think I can handle it. Living for who knows how long, on a ship full of virile men isn't going to be easy, she decided.
It was late when they all returned to the palace. Sira felt tired and dirty, but the ship was ready. They had accomplished it all in one day. Captain Bradous proved to be a true task master, and yet he'd been fair, working beside the crew to get the ship ready to sail. When the day was over he'd ordered a measure of rum for each and every one of them then stood sipping his own grog with them. He knew how to temper his firmness with fairness, and Sira knew the crew would like him all the more for it.
The healer filled the tub in her room with water, wishing all the while that she could simply walk into a cold mountain stream and let the ever moving water carry the dirt and fatigue away in its current.
She slipped into the water with a sigh, relaxing tired muscles slowly. She leaned her back against the back of the tub as she went over in her head, the mental check list of things that had needed done to make the ship ready for sailing.
Iphicles had pulled several strings to get the ship supplied so quickly. But the rumors had already spread throughout the streets of Corinth. The crown of King Jason had been stolen. King Iphicles' half brother, Hercules, son of Zeus, was going after the thief. Everyone was helpful and generous. This was yet another sign of the younger King's willingness to continue the old ways, and evidence that he really did care about his sovereignty and its people.
He knows we need that symbol to keep the faith. He truly is a mighty King. King Jason chose well, his successor. Isn't he trying to find a way to stop the flooding, and doesn't the Queen help with the poor and the orphans? Long live the King!
There was to be a guest tonight, a wealthy man who just might make or break the river clean up project that both Jason and Iphicles felt so strongly about.
Before Sira had finished her bath the hunter joined her, and of course this had its inevitable effect. The lovers were therefore, hard pressed to be on time.
Albida was to come to dinner with them. She now had suitable clothing to wear, and the Queen wanted her to start her education as far as manners and decorum were concerned. Reyna had already started to educate her scholastically, and found her quick and adaptable. The Queen insisted she was well enough to join the others for refreshments in the study, and Albida was to join them at the table when the meal was ready.
Sira and Iolaus were the last to enter the study where wine was being served.
Sira liked the King's guest, Parenthis. He was of an age with Jason. His hair was thick and just starting to gray. He wore it in a tight cap of curls about his head.
As always, the empath refused the wine and Parenthis looked pained. "I've made my fortune from the grape. I certainly hope there aren't many like you who refuse to drink their offerings." There was no sting in his words.
She smiled at him. "It is just that I prefer to keep my wits about me at all times."
"And a keen wit it is too, I'll wager." He held his glass up. "Here's to intelligent women, not afraid to stray from the crowd."
"Here, here," Jason added.
The discussion over dinner was animated. Parenthis remained unconvinced that the river clean up was needed.
"Don't get me wrong; it's admirable that you want to provide clean water for the province, but I just can't see the expense. Dig more blasted wells if you need cleaner water."
"There still remains the problem of the flooding," the King reminded him. "Left unchecked, the river will soon be overflowing its banks here and flooding the city."
"Then why not just dredge here near the city?" the grape baron suggested.
"That would hardly be in the best interest of my people." The King sat back in his chair. He looked weary. He'd been awakened early by Reyna's illness, then he'd worked hard on the ship today.
Sira closed her eyes a moment then tapped first the demigod's then the hunter's mind. Pooling some of their strength she sent it to the King. A smile crossed his face and he seemed to gain strength with each breath.
"No, you're right," Parenthis nodded. "But it would be in the best interests of your treasury, and mine also if you have your way."
Albida was quiet. Reyna had showed her a few things before dinner. She was a little mimic and soon picked up the behavior that would be expected of her. The Queen had seated her next to Hercules. She was completely in awe of the half god. With his usual insight he guessed her nervousness and treated her with friendship and respect. Under his attentions she could forget, at least for a time, that she was an orphaned waif, sister to a pickpocket, ward of the King of thieves, and completely dependent on others for her keep.
When she reached for the wrong fork the big man nonchalantly cleared his throat and innocently indicated the proper utensil. Albida gave him a shy smile.
The others left the table after dinner to go to the study and leave the King, Jason, and the grape baron to discuss the river project.
A message came that Autolycus wished to see Hercules in the library and the son of Zeus excused himself.
"Well, Autolycus?" the demigod asked.
The thief jumped and quickly replaced a silver dish to the table he stood beside. "Ah, yes, Hercules. I've been thinking about what you said about helping you recover Jason's crown. And you're right, there may well be a need for my special talents. The best way to catch a thief is with a thief." He adjusted his tunic, then reaching under it he removed another silver dish to match the first, and with a sigh set it on the table beside its mate. The demigod smiled but made no comment. "The thing is, what's in it for me? Say, there wouldn't happen to be a reward for the crown's recovery, would there?"
"Sorry, no reward."
The King of thieves threw up his hands. "So I say again, what's in it for me?"
"How about the satisfaction of knowing you've done the right thing?"
Autolycus sat back in the chair he had just taken, a disgusted look on his face. "That might be enough for some, I suppose."
"I'm sorry, Autolycus. I can't offer you riches. But who's to say what riches Venin might have stashed away? Gold? Silver? Jewels? Jade from the orient, perhaps?"
The King of thieves sat up straight, a thoughtful look on his face. "I hadn't thought of that. Still, I like my hide in tact, and this woman sounds like the type that wouldn't blink at leaving it less than that."
Parenthis had left and the others had gone to their rooms. Hercules stayed in the quiet library where he had talked to Autolycus. The big man was sorry the master thief had decided not to go with them.
I came here, he thought, to celebrate my brother's birthday. Instead, I'll be at sea, the gods only know where, when they have the celebration. Still, he was honest enough with himself to admit he would be happier at sea than at the party. He'd wanted to come to the celebration in the hopes that he might meet an agreeable young woman. He'd grown impatient with his solitary life. Then again, any woman he might meet at the King's celebration would hardly wish to live in a secluded cabin in the middle of nowhere. But then, would any woman? There was also the question of whether another woman could accept his feelings for Sira. It did credit to Iolaus that he could.
But even more than that, he wasn't really looking for that kind of commitment anyway. He was looking more for a few kisses in the moonlight, a stroll in the garden. Someone to send flowers to or take to the market and purchase a length of silk for.
But it would take a special woman even for that, given the fact that he couldn't hide his feelings for Sira. The son of Zeus knew that the hunter had been jealous in the past. But since the time they had battled the wizard and Sira had healed the earth, Iolaus had never again shown or said anything to indicate he was still jealous.
The hunter knew that his friend and Sira had made a commitment to each other when they had both feared that he was dead. They had pledged themselves to one another. Rather than being upset by this, the hunter was glad.
He'd known all along that he couldn't hope to live as long as the yosemin girl he loved. There was a good chance that Hercules was immortal or that he would at least enjoy a longer life due to his godly half. Iolaus had worried about the healer and how she would fair once he was gone. He knew how he would feel to be left behind. The healer had almost died rather than live without the part of her soul that he possessed. Now, however, she would have Hercules. Even if the demigod were to marry he would outlive his mortal wife. There was still the chance that the demigod might take a god or another yosemin as a wife, which might complicate things. Then again, his friend made it obvious he wanted his chance with Sira, and the hunter doubted he would do anything to jeopardize that.
Hercules found the empath more than desirable and he knew that she felt the same about him. Still, there had never really been a question of them being together in a physical way, not while the healer's heart and soul belonged to the hunter. Perhaps that was why the hunter wasn't jealous. He knew without question that the healer was his.
Sira herself had suggested the demigod seek a yosemin companion. "She might be more tolerant of the unique circumstances you find yourself in." But the big man had no real desire to do so. There again, he wasn't really looking for a commitment, and he wasn't the type to take a woman or a relationship casually. He wanted a chance to be with the healer in soul, but loved his friend and brother too much to wish for that eventuality at his expense.
Hercules admitted it left a solution to his loneliness far from easily remedied. Am I sorry that I'm in this situation? he asked himself. With a smile he shook his head. No, he admitted, the real truth is I wouldn't want it any other way.
He'd been feeling sorry for himself, but now he realized how foolish that was. He was happy to be a part of the empath's and the hunter's life. Their love and the touch of their souls filled his loneliness. Being a part of their son's life eased his loneliness for his own children. He and the boy were tied by a bond stronger than that of blood. They were tied in soul.
He rose and stretched stiff muscles. Tomorrow would come too soon. They must be up early since the Captain of the newly christened Alcmene wanted to sail with the morning breeze that habitually fanned the harbor in the early part of the day then died away as the sun rose higher in its cerulean dome.
He quietly let himself out of the library and into the hall. The empath was coming down the hall from the kitchen. She smiled sweetly at her brother of the soul then linked her arm in his.
"I am sorry Autolycus will not be coming with us."
"Oh, you know that, do you, my telepathic sister?" She gave him a warm smile. "Where have you been? You should have gone to bed long ago."
"As should you have. I was in the kitchen leaving last minute instructions, should Reyna be ill again in the morning."
"Isn't it interesting that she is only really ill in the morning?" He gave her a knowing smile.
"Oh, you know that, do you, my telepathic brother?"
He laughed. "Come on, I'll walk you to your door."
"That is the best�" She stopped in mid sentence. The big man could see her strain her mind to sense something.
"What is it?"
"Listen; I can hear voices."
Now that she had pointed it out to him, he too, could hear it. "It's only the servants," he suggested.
Sira pulled back on his arm to stop him from going further. Closing her eyes for a moment she let her mind feel ahead for the sounds she'd sensed more than heard. "It is Ossagol and Parenthis," she whispered, putting her finger to her lips to indicate they should be quiet. She moved slowly ahead, careful not to make a noise. "Open your mind, my brother," her mind told him.
The demigod did as she instructed, closing his eyes and letting the empath bring the voices to him. "This is eavesdropping," he whispered in protest.
"Shh, just listen."
She felt him stiffen. "Why that dirty�" his mind shouted. Sira laid her hand on his arm to restrain him.
"He honestly thinks he is doing the right thing,"
"By going behind my brother's back?! He's trying his best to sabotage the river project."
"I believe he feels the end justifies the means," her mind offered. "Let us break this up, shall we? Not that way," her mind stopped him when she realized he meant to kick in the door. "Like this." She sent her mind out in a strong blast. The demigod put both hands to his head for a moment until the empath could narrow the force she was exerting and concentrate it on the two men behind the door. She grabbed her brother's arm and ran silently around the corner to hide behind it.
Both men left the room. Parenthis looked stunned more than anything, but Ossagol looked painfully ill.
The yosemin and the half god followed as Ossagol let the grape baron out of the side door then turned back to the hall. As he did he came face to face with the source of the pain in his head.
"Oh my," his face was twisted in pain, his shoulders slumped with the pressure the healer lavished on him. He looked all the more like a vulture, and the healer couldn't help but think that it was an apt comparison. "I'm really not feeling well," he stammered. "Please excuse me; I must lay down."
Sira felt no sympathy for him and added a little extra kick to her mind's blast. The regent put his fingers to his temples and moaned.
"Yes," the demigod nodded. "It is rather unhealthy for regents around here, and somehow I don't see it getting any better. Especially when the King finds out you've been undermining his pet project."
"I don't know what you mean. Now I really must get to bed."
"I wonder how Jason and the King will feel about your treason?" The big man was unrelenting.
"It isn't treason. This project is doomed to fail. It's far too costly. There isn't enough equipment. How many people will demand restitution for damage done while the river is being dredged? Besides that, every man jack of them will blame every damneable ailment from a hang nail to old age on the project. It's foolhardy in the extreme. I only have the King's best interest at heart."
"Somehow I don't think my brother will see it that way. "
"I've devoted my time and my expertise to helping him make a good name for himself. I've tried to talk him out of this foolishness, but he won't listen." He rocked back and forth with each wave of pain that exploded in his head. "I really am very ill. I have to lay down."
The big man put a restraining hand on his shoulder to stop him from walking away. "I wonder if your bed will be a safe place for you tonight?"
"Are you threatening me? Just what do you have in that half human mind?"
"Waking the King and letting him deal with you."
Sira eased off the pressure a little. "Come on, Ossagol. We will help you pack."
"I refuse to leave. I have done nothing wrong. Surely you see that?"
Sira turned innocently to the demigod. "Do they still send traitors to the chopping block here in Corinth?"
"Not anymore. Life in prison, now. But I suppose my brother could always reinstate the practice. He is, after all, the King."
Sira eased her mind's blast a little more. "Sure you do not want help packing?"
"No!" The regent shoved past them and hurried down the hall.
"Now what?" the healer asked.
"I guess you could fry his brain," her brother teased.
"That is not funny," she scolded, then she smiled. "Then again, in the mood I am in..." She left her thought incomplete but the implication was there.
The demigod chuckled. "In the morning we'll talk with Iphicles. There's really nothing we can do tonight."
"I hope he does not try something drastic in the night."
Hercules scratched at his chin as he tried to hide his smile. "I doubt he has it in him. You hit him pretty hard."
"Yeah, maybe I did over do it a little, but I was mad. Maybe I really could have fried his brain." Sira could sense a godly presence. "Go away, Ares." she thought.
The demigod left her at the door to her room. He took her briefly into his arms and for just a moment gave himself up to the pleasure of being close to her. She melted into him, offering warmth and love with the deepening of her soul's touch. "Sleep well, my more than sister."
"You also, my more than brother."
He took her lips and she gave them willingly, letting him lead the embrace. He pulled back reluctantly and stepped back. She touched her finger tip to his lips then to her own and let herself into her room.
Now why did you do that? he rebuked himself. Perhaps my actions were born of my thoughts of her earlier. Damn! Now you'll never sleep.
The empath sent comfort to her brother. She never turned away from his simple caresses. She needed them as much as he did. The soul's touch could have such a profound influence on one's needs and desires. She changed into her night attire and went to sit on the bed beside the hunter. Crossing her legs she closed her eyes. She had other things on her mind besides sleeping.
Opening her mind she sent it in search of the grape baron. Yes, he was there. She had deliberately kept a light touch on his mind. She let herself become entranced, pulling the power of the earth to her and letting it build the strength of her thoughts. She began picturing deep water. Deep swirling walls of brown muddy water. She knew from her mind's touch on Parenthis that he was sleeping. She sent her mind to invade his dreams. Water rushing to shatter wooden structures. People running before the destructive tide, screaming in fear and death as it overtook them. Animals churned under the waves of boiling water, bodies floating on the surface, their dead eyes staring at him, pleading for an end to their suffering. Fields of grapes smashed to mush with the force of the waters that never stopped coming.
Maybe Iolaus was right, and Ares is having a negative effect on me, she thought while not relinquishing her hold on the grape baron's mind. Still, she could feel the earth mother send her more power and she relaxed a little, knowing she still held her mother's approval. She longed to lay in a grassy meadow, letting the tiny shoots of grass and vines curl around her to caress and comfort her. She must soon return to the forest and renew her energies. She could never stay for long from the damp, cool green depths of the forest. Its rich soil, the ferns and vines, the tall trees and the cold mountain streams called to her, pleading with her to return to whence she came. To once again join them as one of their own.
The candle on the table burned itself out, and still the yosemin empath used her earthly powers to send images to the grape baron's tortured dreams. She pictured the city of Corinth crumbling beneath the waters of a river gone mad with angry flood waters rushing down upon the city, leaving waste and destruction in its wake.
The hunter found her still sitting cross-legged on the bed when he woke just before dawn. At his touch she turned sleep starved eyes to him. He helped her lay down, easing cramped legs slowly. She was asleep almost at once.
The morning was a busy one. The Queen was again ill, but not so severely this time. It was discovered that Ossagol was gone. He had packed his few possessions then left a parchment addressed to the King before leaving the palace through the side door.
Iphicles was shocked and saddened to learn what the regent had tried to do behind his back. Hercules explained how he and Sira had found the regent and the grape baron deep in conversation during the night.
"So," the King sighed, "I've not only lost my regent, but Parenthis' backing as well. Damn! I was really counting on it too."
"You wouldn't want Ossagol as your regent under these circumstances," Jason rushed to soothe him. "And we can find other supporters for the river project."
"You're right, of course. This is just one more delay."
A messenger arrived from Parenthis. The King took the parchment from the messenger with resignation. "Well, here it is," he sighed dejectedly, then handed the parchment to Jason. Seeing the words on paper would only drive the blade of disappointment even deeper.
Jason began to read, and as he did a wide smile split his handsome features. "I think you will want to read this, King Iphicles."
The former King never addressed him in this way, and something in his friend's voice made him turn around to take the porous paper from the Argonaut's outstretched hand.
"I can't believe this. He's giving his wholehearted support to the project. He wants to meet with me today to go over the details."
The demigod thought back to what he'd heard the night before. He would have wagered any number of dinars that the grape baron would not only refuse to help the King with the river project, but perhaps even do his best to convince others not to lend their support. He wondered what could have happened to bring about this change of heart. Well, he thought, whatever it was I'm glad.
Hercules found himself eating alone in the dining hall, but the hunter soon joined him. "Where's Sira?" the big man asked his friend.
"Apparently she was up all night in meditation or a long distance healing or something. She was so out of it, all I could get from her mind was something to do with Parenthis and a flood."
The demigod had been about to take a bite of melon. He stopped with the fork halfway to his mouth. "I'll be damned."
"What, Herc? What's going on?"
The son of Zeus quickly explained about Parenthis and Ossagol. He left nothing out, not even trying to gloss over Sira's part in debilitating the regent. "She must have linked with Parenthis. I bet she filled that poor man's mind with images of floods."
"No," he looked skeptical. "You really think so? That poor bastard," the hunter laughed. "If that is what happened, you can bet he didn't sleep well last night."
Hercules smiled. "Your wife, (my more than sister), is quite amazing."
"Uh, Herc? I've been meaning to ask you something. Is it just me, or does it seem Sira's powers and capabilities are growing stronger and more diverse?"
The half man, half god sat back in his chair. "No, my friend, it's not just you. You're right, they are." He paused, thinking back to what his half brother Ares had implied. "I think it's just that as her horizons expand, her powers do the same. I remember when we fought the half yosemin sorceress that destroyed her village. Thysis said even back then that he had never known anyone, human or yosemin, with such power."
"So you believe she's just tapping something that was there all along?"
The god of war's words came back to him. Things are not always as they appear. She will someday be mine. Had the god of war somehow brought godhood to the empath? He'd had ample opportunity to do so. Ambrosia could be melted in a hot liquid and administered without anyone being the wiser. It would be like Ares to meddle with another person's life if he believed he could gain something from doing so.
"Herc?" the hunter intruded on the big man's musing.
"Yes, Iolaus, I believe Sira is tapping existing earthly powers."
The hunter chuckled. "Well, all I can say is, I'm glad she's on our side."
"Me too, old friend, me too."
The healer entered the dining room, a hand over her mouth to cover a yawn. The hunter jumped to his feet to go to her. "Are you all right, my love? You look dreadful. Perhaps you should go back to bed."
The girl smiled at him and gladly accepted his offered hug. "I am fine. We do not want to keep Captain Bradous waiting. He made it clear the Alcmene must sail before midday." At her husband's skeptical look at her professed soundness she continued. "I can grab a nap once we are underway."
She sipped the tea the demigod brought to her. She had no appetite this morning but forced herself to eat a roll from the tray on the sideboard. She needed the energy the grain would bring her.
"I thought you might like to know," the demigod stated, his tongue firmly in cheek, "that Ossagol is no longer the King's regent. He left his employment here sometime in the night."
"I am glad. I hated seeing him so unwell."
"Oh, and there was a message from Parenthis this morning," the demigod continued. "It seems he's had a change of heart." Her brother tried to look serious but failed somehow. "He plans to lend his complete support to the river project." Sira wore a beguiling look of innocent interest. "I wonder what might have changed his mind?"
"I wonder," the healer added. Both the hunter and the demigod looked at each other and laughed. After a moment the healer joined in the laughter.
They were in what served as the Captain's quarters on the Alcmene. It was a small compartment with a built in berth. A table sat in the middle of the room which left little room to maneuver. On the table now were nautical charts painted on thin, soft leather parchment.
"But where, southwest?" the Captain asked in exasperation. "You can't just head southwest with no destination in mind."
Iphicles and Jason had accompanied the others to the ship. They had officially christened the ship the Alcmene then joined the others in the Captain's quarters.
"Why can we not just sail southwest?" the healer asked.
"Why? Well, because," the Captain's voice was taut, "southwest is a very large area. We'll never find this thief just sailing about in the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Crete. Have you any idea how much water we're talking about here?"
"When we are closer I will know the direction to take." The Captain gave her a disbelieving look. The healer pointed to a land mass. "This is where we are now, is it not?"
"Yes."
"This body of land looks like a four fingered hand. The thumb of that hand is pointing in the direction we must go." The Captain started to sputter, but the empath continued. "If you insist on a destination, then sail toward these tiny specks of land." The girl trailed her finger southwest toward the island of Rhodes.
"You can't be serious. Every sailor knows to steer clear of those islands. They're nothing but a haven for pirates."
"Well," the Argonaut stated, "that's what you're after; a pirate. And speaking from experience, old friend, that's just the kind of place this woman would go."
The demigod placed a hand on the former King's shoulder. "You know?"
"I overheard you and Iphicles talking."
"I'm sorry. We tried to keep it from you to protect you and mother."
"I understand that. It was a noble gesture. Your mother still doesn't know and I hope to keep it that way. I'd come with you, if it weren't for the fact that we're just starting to get somewhere on the river project. And I can't leave your mother. If she finds out who we're dealing with, she'll need my support." He turned to Captain Bradous. "This woman must be stopped. My life and the life of my wife may depend on it." He took the healer's hand. "You must listen to Sira, my friend. You may not always understand, but you must follow her directions. In my absence she is my agent. You will follow her orders as you would mine."
To say the good Captain was shocked would be an understatement. He'd never worked for a woman. In nearly fifty years at sea he never had. Only one other time had he even been on a ship with a woman aboard.
When he was eleven and life with his chronically ill mother and drunken father had become unbearable, he'd run away. He'd barely survived those first few weeks. He reached Corinth and found odd jobs to supply his food, sleeping in barns or stables. He'd even stolen a few times to get by. Then a man he ran an errand for to earn a little brass offered him a job aboard his ship as a cook's helper. Often it seemed his life started then, not eleven years earlier in a mud hut in a nameless village.
He learned quickly, and despite his lanky build he grew strong and muscular. By the time he was thirteen he could be found working as a seaman beside the best of them. At fifteen he was a boson. Then the ship he'd called home for four years changed hands. The new master took an instant dislike to young Bradous. He called him crude and dirty, nothing but a bilge rat. He stripped him of his hard earned title, making him a sailor once more. He never missed a chance to torment the young man, even having him flogged once for a minor infraction. The former boson, now sailor packed his duffel and walked away. That night he was sleeping on a new ship. He'd been taken on by a man who seemed fair and who seemed to foster great loyalty in his men.
Captain Jacko he was called. Short for Jackous. The name had caused too many brawls to be used seriously so the man had shortened it to Jacko. The Captain and young Bradous soon discovered they shared a kindred spirit, and Jacko took the young man under his tutelage. He taught him to read and write, and more importantly he taught him navigation. Bradous' ability to quickly absorb information made him a quick study.
Bradous became the youngest ship's master when Captain Jacko, dying from a pirate's blade, gave the ship to him. Being so young, the new master had been forced to fight more than once to keep the ship, but keep it he had.
He was in his forties when pirates took his ship from him, and almost his life. Using money he'd saved throughout the years he bought himself another ship. She was a beauty, but she was a ship of bad luck. Her first voyage under the new master was a disaster. He took on a woman passenger, and despite the fact that he was an intelligent, thoughtful man, when things began to go awry he couldn't help but think back on the old sea tale telling of the curse a woman could bring to a ship. All ships were female; all of them were jealous and possessive mistresses. If the ship became jealous of a woman passenger, disaster would surely follow.
His crew became ill with fever and he lost over half of them. He couldn't sell his cargo due to the fear the fever generated in would be buyers. For three years it had been one thing after another. He ran aground, he lost cargo in storms. He sacrificed the little finger of his left hand to a rope not secured properly. Then his ship was wrecked in a freak storm that seemed to come from nowhere. He and three of his crew survived on a small stretch of land in the middle of nowhere for nearly two years before a ship, blown off course in a storm found them when coming to the island looking for fresh water.
The once proud Captain Bradous was broke. He had no ship; in fact he had nothing. Since he couldn't give up the sea he worked as Captain for others, all the while longing for a ship of his own. He never had taken orders well, and had admitted long ago this was part of the reason he could never get along with his father.
When he first returned from his forced exile he'd found it hard to secure a position onboard a ship except as a seaman. He'd refused to do this. He was a Captain. It wasn't his fault he'd fallen on hard times with a cursed ship. For almost a year he'd been forced to stay in port. He drank too much. He became surly and mean with his unhappiness. He'd finally decided signing on as a common sailor would be better than staying away from the sea. He understood the sea. It held no fear for him. It was all he'd known for over forty years. It was his friend, his lover, his adversary, but it was always there. The sea was consistent in it moods and emotions, which he'd come to understand and love.
Then by chance more than cunning he landed a Captain's position. That was when he first met Jason. The King had been his first passenger.
And now? Now he was being told by this man he both liked and respected that he must listen to a woman. A woman who knew nothing about the sea or sailing.
He knew very little about women beyond the bedroom, but he was observant. He hadn't failed to see the respect these men gave her, and somehow he knew she'd earned that respect.
He couldn't remember the last time he'd been stared down. It was a favorite trick of his. He judged a man's character by how long it took before they lowered their eyes. But this slip of a girl had stared him down. He wanted to believe he had given in easily because she was a woman, but he knew in his heart that hadn't been the case.
Now he must make a choice. Refuse to accept this girl's directions and be landlocked for who knows how long, or go with it and hope she didn't get them all killed with her foolishness. A choice? he asked himself. There really was no choice.
"Do you know which island we will find this woman on?"
"No," was the healer's reply, "but I will when we get there."
"I say again, that whole area is a pirate's haven. We can't go blundering about among those islands and hope to survive."
The Argonaut put a hand on the Captain's shoulder. "No put down intended, my friend, but it will do you no good to argue with her. Better men," the demigod smiled as a thought crossed his mind, and gods, "have tried," the former King concluded.
The Captain squared his shoulders. "Very well, then. I'll follow your directions," he told the healer, "but I am still Captain of this vessel, and I will rot in Tartarus for eternity before I will willingly let anyone, either by design or ignorance, destroy my ship."
Sira smiled at him. "Then we understand each other. This ship is named after a woman I love and admire very much. I would not want it destroyed any more than you would."
The empath stood on the deck. There was a fair breeze blowing in from the west. She'd braided her hair to keep it from her face then put a light shawl over it to help tame it, but still, pale golden whiffs had pulled loose from their bindings to tease her face. The air was fresh with the smell of the sea. Gulls called in their squeaky voice as they searched endlessly for food. The healer turned her back to the deck and looked out to sea. With a deep calming breath she let her mind drift. "Water mother," she prayed, "help us in our quest. Protect us. Bring our father of wind to us in favor and ask the sun to shine on us. We pledge our souls to you".
The demigod came to stand beside her. In her trance she hadn't heard his approach, but she felt his prayer join hers. Her eyes were tightly closed, but she reached out unwaveringly to grasp the hand of the son of Zeus.
"Est ingrasha nor ot ingrasha cantos, ingrasha orb res ingrasha geo, esh pola ah chieve. In the name of the earth, the sun and the sky, we will be victorious." He gave the ancient yosemin warrior's prayer.
"May the gods of Olympus be with us," she returned.
Jason and Iphicles were leaving the ship. The King grasped his brother's arm in a firm warrior's grasp. "Bring back the crown, and this woman to justice." The demigod gave him a thoughtful nod.
The Argonaut took Sira aside. "Don't be too hard on Captain Bradous," he whispered to her as he hugged her. "He's a good man."
"He does not like women," she commented.
"The only women he's known are the sea and his ships," the former King chuckled. "You'll bring him around."
"Make ready to sail!" the Captain ordered.
"Wait!" Sira interrupted. "Someone is coming." She and Hercules went to the Captain where he stood near the gangplank watching Iphicles and Jason disembark.
The demigod looked up and down the dock. "I see no one, my sister."
"Wait, my brother."
"My eyes are keen," the Captain stated. "I see no one approaching."
"Wait, someone is coming." The demigod's face broke into a wide smile. "Autolycus," he said under his breath.
The thief approached the gangplank and gave a smiling nod to the present and former Kings of Corinth as they left the ship. He stopped just short of the platform. Captain Bradous wore nothing that would distinguish him as the master of the ship. His clothing was perhaps neater than the average seaman but he wore no adornment that gave his position away. He did, however, carry himself with an air of authority and pride that drew attention to him even in a crowd. His stance was that of a man long used to the swaying of a ship at sea.
"Permission to come aboard," the King of thieves requested of the Captain personally.
The good Captain turned to the healer and the demigod, and at their nod he turned back to the dock to incline his head at the late arrival. The King of thieves took the gangplank in three long strides. Swinging his pack from his back he offered his hand to the son of Zeus who took it in a firm warrior's grasp.
"Do I dare hope that you've decided to join us after all?"
"Yeah, well, you said yourself this woman may have a pirate's treasure. Anyway, this voice inside of me kept telling me I should."
Hercules looked past Autolycus to where Sira stood watching their exchange. She held up her hands innocently as she shook her head. "It was not me." The big man looked skeptical. "I swear it."
"Well, I wouldn't be here despite the voice if you hadn't used the T-word." The frown between the demigod's blue eyes deepened. "Treasure," the thief clarified.
The hunter offered his hand. "Glad to have you with us, Autolycus. Come on, I'll show you where to stow your gear. It's a light crew so you'll be expected to lend a hand."
"Who? Me? I don't know anything about ships."
"You'll learn," the hunter smiled at him.
The empath went to check on Tang. He was bustling about the galley in his slippered feet. He stopped long enough to bow to her then continued his task.
His cat sat placidly on the bench built along one wall of the tiny kitchen. Sira took a seat next to him. "Hello," she greeted him. "You are a very handsome man, but I guess you get that from the ladies all the time." The cat eyed her with indifference. "Would you object to me petting you?"
"He Mister High and Mighty," the cook told her. "Not always friendly."
The healer sent her mind to touch that of the cat then reached out to stroke his chin. "What is his name?"
"Chi, as in the Greek alphabet. Mister Chi is the twenty second son of a proud and noble cat to the emperor of the Srivijaya empire. Chi is twenty second letter of the Greek alphabet."
Sira smiled in delight. "I knew he was of royal blood." She stroked his ears, then down his back and was rewarded with a loud purr.
"He like Sila."
"I like him too."
The cook handed her a mug of tea. It was lighter in color than what she was used to, but the aroma it gave off was tantalizing. She took a sip, then another one. Closing her eyes for a moment she let the warmth of the tea engulf her. "This is very good, Tang. Thank you."
"Sila like. Tang make for you. Tea from my homeland."
The healer covered a yawn then gave him an apologetic grin. "Sorry. I did not sleep last night." She held out her cup for a refill. "I think I will take this with me and go take a nap." She covered another yawn. "Thank you, Tang, and you, Mister Chi."
The healer sent her mind to the hunter so he would know where she was then made her way below deck to the corner of the hold she had chosen. In her absence someone had placed a thick woven reed mat on the floor then covered it with a goose down quilt. There were blankets of wool over this and fluffy down pillows to make a comfortable bed. More of the pillows were placed against the wall in an invitation to lounge and rest there. A wooden crate had been fastened to the deck to do duty as a table and more reed mats carpeted the rest of the floor so that she wouldn't have to walk on the bare boards of the bottom deck.
She was delighted. There hadn't been time yesterday to do anything about making the hold comfortable. They had brought a few things from the palace but nothing like what she found here. Looking on the other side of the tarp that divided this half of the hold she found it done in a much more simplified version of her side. She knew who had done this. She could sense Tang in the items that offered such comfort. She wondered where he'd found all this and when he'd had time to fix the rooms. She covered another yawn. I must thank him, she promised herself. But not now. Now I am just too sleepy.
She sat on the down comforter, drawing her knees up under her chin. She sipped her tea with pleasure. When it was done she sat the cup aside and stretched out on the bed the little cook had made for her. Rolling in her blankets she let her mind drift where it would, lulled to relaxation by the easy sway of the ship. She liked the feel of the ship. She wished she could remove her shoes and feel the mist dampened deck beneath her. She found a comfort in the soothing cool feel of the rail beneath her hands. It was as if the ship herself were welcoming her. She could feel the water mother in the wooden structure as if the yosemin goddess of water's power surged through the vessel. No wonder Captains fall in love with their ships. Smiling at her own musing, she drifted to sleep.
It was past midday when she woke. She stayed where she was a moment without moving. Was she sick? she asked herself. So much had been said about becoming ill on a ship. But no, she felt fine. In fact she felt hungry.
She relaxed a little, hoping to return to sleep. After a moment she realized something was nagging at her and she opened her mind to it. While she wasn't ill, someone else surely was. She sent her mind, first to the hunter, then the demigod. Both of them were fine. Then she had it. It was Autolycus who was ill. She smiled in spite of herself. He always played things so cool; she wondered how he would handle this. She rolled over and pulled the blankets off of her. It had grown warm with the strengthening of the sun. She hoped she might still sleep, but having once felt the King of thieves' discomfort she was unable to close it from her mind. With a sigh of resignation she rolled over and sat up. She took time to rebraid her hair, then tying a scarf over it she made her way to the deck.
The hunter came to put his arms around her. "Feeling better?"
"Much. I had a wonderful sleep."
"I wanted to come join you, but I knew you needed your sleep," he gave her a mischievous smile.
"Yes, I find it hard to nap when I have you to love instead. But then, it might have been worth it."
"Might have been?"
"I was very tired."
"So why did you wake up so soon?"
"Where is Autolycus?"
"Oh. Ever the healer."
She smiled at him. "But you love me anyway."
"Of course." He pointed to indicate a lone figure lying on the deck, his head stuck through the gunwale.
The healer smiled at her golden hunter and went to kneel beside the thief. "Autolycus?" He turned bloodshot eyes on her but made no comment. "You look terrible."
"I assure you, I feel worse than I look." He put his head back through the railing and was sick again. She laid her hand on his back and he jumped as if he'd been stabbed. "What in Tartarus was that?"
"I am sorry. I did not mean to frighten you. I can make you feel better if you let me."
"That didn't feel better," he stated.
"I am sorry. Sometimes my earthly powers just seem to leap out anymore. I promise to be careful this time."
Autolycus was ill again. "You promise you're not going to hurt me?"
"I promise."
"It felt like your hand was on fire."
She touched his back again, "I am sorry." She took her time, letting her healing powers flow over the ill man slowly; giving him time to adjust to the forces she exerted on his behalf.
The thief felt comfort from her touch this time. "What are you doing, anyway?"
"I am a healer. I can make you feel better, but you need to relax and open your mind to mine."
"How in the name of Zeus do I do that?"
"Just relax. Let your mind drift, as if you are trying to sleep. Close your eyes and count slowly in your mind; picturing yourself descending a long staircase as you count. With each step and count, you become more relaxed."
She began to describe a scene to the thief. Using his own thoughts, she spoke of treasure rooms filled to overflowing all there for him to plunder with no fear of repercussions for the deed. He relaxed, letting his illness slip further and further from his mind as his thoughts were redirected by the healer.
She called upon the blue-white light of healing, and despite not feeling the earth beneath her feet she was able to call upon the earth mother, using the powers the earth had given to heal the King of thieves.
She found no need to transfer his illness to her, and yet through the link of the earth the illness did affect her. Beads of perspiration glistened on her upper lip; her face took on a waxy look and her hunger of earlier was gone. Still she healed the ill man.
When at last she built the barriers needed to bring her mind back from the healing they were both feeling better. She opened her eyes to meet his earnest gaze. "Feeling better?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact I am."
"You should go lay down in the hold. I will bring you some tea and dried salted meat. It will also help."
"I'm not so sure about that."
She smiled at him. "Who is the healer here?" She stood and gave him a hand up. "Go on down. I will be with you soon."
The demigod found her in the galley. "That was a nice thing you did for Autolycus. I take it he's feeling better?"
"Yes. I am taking him some tea and dried meat. It will help also."
"He should love that; being served by a beautiful woman."
"He was not sure he wanted me to touch him at first. I kind of overdid the energy and frightened him." She sighed. "I never know just how strong I should make the healing forces nowadays, any more than I know how much to tell people about myself."
"Speaking of which. I wanted to apologize to you for not asking your permission to speak to Iphicles about you."
"No. It is all right." She put her hand on his arm. "He is your brother, and therefore mine as well. I feel a strengthening of the bond between you and him, and I am glad to be a part of that. He took it very well."
The big man nodded. "Better than I thought he would, to be honest."
"He has a strong, lively mind, my brother."
"So I'm beginning to realize."
She gave him a warm smile and he ran a knuckle across her cheek. "Call me if you need me," he offered.
She sat cross-legged beside the King of thieves, her hands on his stomach. Much of the color had returned to his face and he'd accepted the tea readily. When he finished it the healer made him lay down once more, a bit of the dried meat in his mouth.
"How'd you know I was lying back there in Corinth?" he asked her. He'd been watching her face for a time, studying her simple beauty.
She opened her eyes to smile at him. "I am a telepath, and when I feel your thoughts I can feel the emotions behind them."
He picked up her hand and fingered the gold band she wore on the middle finger of her left hand. "That's pure gold," he commented.
"It is raw gold. Iolaus and I found it. He made the ring for me."
"You found it?"
"Yes. I seem to have a knack for finding the treasures of the earth."
"Are you saying you could find more of this?" There was excitement in his voice.
"Yes. There was even more where we found this."
"If you can find the stuff so easily, how come you're not rich?" he asked in skepticism.
"We are," was her simple reply.
"Excuse me?"
"Not rich in dinars and gold, but rich in what really matters."
"Dinars matter." She looked dubious. "Don't scoff at it. You need dinars to survive."
"I lived for eighty years without ever having seen a dinar."
He laughed in disbelief. "Okay then, what about this dress?" He held the sleeve up and fingered the fine fabric. "It cost plenty if I'm any judge, and believe me, I am."
"Alcmene gave the dress to me."
"Still, someone paid a pretty dinar for it."
"I make my clothing from woven moss I gather from the forest. It costs nothing."
"Your shoes, then? What about your shoes?"
"I made these from deer hide I tanned myself, from a deer Iolaus downed."
"Ah ha! Arrow heads. You must have bought them."
"I can make them from slate rock."
"What about swords? The metal?"
"We did not use swords, but we did use knives. Metal is a gift from the earth. We had tradesmen who worked in metal."
"So how did you pay him for the knives?"
"We traded for them. While he made knives, I might make clothing. He must wear something." She shrugged.
He lay in silence for a moment. "All right, for now. But this isn't over yet. I'll catch you." He frowned at her. "You never needed money?"
"No, never. Pretty wonderful, is it not?"
"Wonderful?! It sounds like a living Tartarus to me." He shuddered and she laughed at him. "There must be some reason why even you might want a bit of brass."
"It would be nice if I could help King Iphicles to clean the river."
"Well, then?"
"Much of the earth's treasures are buried. They must be buried for a reason or the earth mother would not have put them there in the first place. To find these treasures in volume would mean digging for them and disrupting the earth. I do not think the earth mother would be pleased if I were to do this."
"Does Hercules know where this gold is?"
"Yes. He was with us when we found it." The King of thieves was thoughtfully silent. "Do you really think you can convince Hercules to take you to the gold?" she asked, reading his thoughts.
"Lady, I wish you wouldn't do that. It's unnerving. A person's thoughts should be their own; they should be private."
The teasing smile left her face. "You are right. I am sorry." She sighed. "Where I come from, we communicate with telepathy. With my people the touch of the mind is expected and anticipated. We build barriers to shield the thoughts we wish to remain our own. But it is different with humans. You do not expect your thoughts to be felt, and you have no defense against it." She rose. "It was wrong of me to intrude. Now you should rest. I will leave you to do so."
"Sira," he sat up. "Wait." She waited but she didn't turn around. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. Thank you for helping me."
"Now who is reading thoughts? But you do not need to apologize. What you said is the truth. You did not hurt my feelings. Hearing the truth did." She left the hold to find her way to the deck.
There was the smell of Tang's good cooking in the air. She'd been hungry earlier, but no longer. With a sigh she went to the ship's rail, her back to the deck.
Sensing her disquiet the hunter came to stand behind her and put his arms around her. "All right, my love?"
She leaned back against him. "I was just thinking about something Autolycus said."
"Just what did he say?"
"That a person's thoughts should be their own. He is right, Iolaus. I should not invade another person's mind and thoughts without their permission." She turned in his arms and buried her face against his shoulder.
"He's just sore that you knew when he was lying."
"Yes, but that does not change the truth."
"You had a good reason to invade his mind." He stroked her hair. "We were trying to find the crown. It was important we find the truth."
"That sounds like Ossagol. The end justifies the means."
"You've done nothing wrong," he insisted. "Don't start second guessing yourself."
"Maybe I have done the wrong thing."
"Look, you always say that the earth gave you your powers, right?" The healer nodded. "Well, has she turned her back on you? You've told me before that using the earth's powers for evil or in ways they aren't meant to be used would lose you the privilege of having them in the first place. The earth is still with you. I can feel it and so can you. If you've done such horrendous things, how come you're still the earth's chosen one?"
The girl tightened her arms around the hunter. "The earth is with me. And you are right, it would not be if I were to use the earth's gifts in an improper way. Still, lately my abilities seem to have strengthened and grown. I cannot always control their strength. I have done things I never imagined possible."
"Hercules and I talked about that."
She raised her head so that she could watch his face. "You have?"
"Yes," he nodded. "You've found new confidence in your abilities. You've been channeled to use what you have in new ways. Don't worry, you'll get a handle on it."
She raised up and planted a kiss on his chin. "I love you."
"Well, of course. What's not to love?"
She laughed. "Be serious."
He picked her up and swung her around. "There is one major problem with us being on this ship."
"No privacy," she finished for him.
"You're reading minds again," he teased.
"Actually, I was reading body language this time," she smiled at him, and he laughed. "Do you have any idea how many times I've thanked your gods for Tassasin?"
"What?! You thanked the gods for that murdering swine? Why?"
"Because he brought us together," she whispered.
"Yeah. Yeah, I guess he did, didn't he? I'll be damned. Bless old Tassasin." He laughed. "If he could look out of Tartarus and see me so happy, he'd be furious."
"Are you ever sorry we are not wealthy?"
"What? Are you kidding? We could be if it were important. Where would we spend money living in the forest. I've found everything I need with you and the earth." He took her mouth with hunger.
She moaned. "Oh, for a place to be alone."
The healer found a time to thank Tang for making a comfortable place for her and the others. He gave her a warm smile and another cup of his special tea. Mister Chi was nowhere to be found and the girl asked about him.
"He hunt for his dinner. He very good ship's cat. Keep mice and rat away."
"I would think that would be below his royal heritage," the girl teased.
The little man shrugged. "He no like rice." His laughter was soft and musical and the healer joined in his joke. Sira had missed the midday meal, but Tang hadn't forgotten. He brought her a plate of fruit and another of baklava. She gladly accepted the offerings of the earth but declined the sweet confection of pastry, nuts and honey. "You no like baklava?"
"I like it in moderation. It is very sweet. I prefer the taste of fruit and other growing things."
"You no Greek?"
"No."
"I Greek now. It now my new country. I have been to many since leaving my home, but Greece welcome me the most."
"Yes, I guess you could say I, too, have adopted it as mine. Still, there are some things I prefer from my own culture."
"Me too." he nodded, holding out the pot of tea in an offer to refill her mug.
"What do you call this tea?"
"It green tea. Not so strong like Greek tea."
"Or Tassis tea."
"I like Tassis tea. It good for healing."
Sira saluted with her mug. "So is this, I think."
"It help with upset stomach and fever."
"No wonder it helped Autolycus."
Mister Chi strolled indifferently into the little cook's domain. Taking a wide berth around both the healer and the cook he took his favored place on the wooden bench. The healer removed her scarf, and folding it neatly she placed it near the cat. "A royal cushion from your humble servant." The cat paid not the least bit of attention to her. "So we have already forgotten who it was that petted you. Perhaps I will not do it again."
Chi took a tentative step on the scarf first with one paw then the other. With three turns to pat the scarf into the shape he wished he laid on it on his side in an invitation to her. Sira laughed and did as she was bid. The cat's purr filled the tiny enclosed wooden structure that made up Tang's world.
"Now we remember?" the healer teased and rubbed at the cat's chin. He gave her a playful bite and tucked his head under to expose his belly to her. "So it is here you wish to have your royal petting, is it?" The cook shook his head and continued removing the skins from a basket of turnips. "You are lucky to have one of the earth's creatures as your friend and companion," the healer told the cook.
"I no have him, he have me. He the boss and he know it. He brought me here to this ship."
"How did you know we needed a cook?"
"I just come into port. Work on ship I no like the master on. I leave that ship and tell Chi I need new job. We walking in market and Mister Chi go into tavern. Big soft man say he cook just kicked off ship owned by King of Corinth. I drink tea but not come to dock. Mister Chi get tired of waiting and head this way, I follow." He shrugged.
"So the earth sent you."
"The cat bring me."
The empath laughed. "Yes," she nodded, and the earth sent him.
"No matter how or who. Only matter I here now to work for Sila."
"Well, in truth, Captain Bradous is in charge."
"He think that. I know better. You boss lady. I like work for boss lady."
"I like you work for boss lady too."
The light was fading from a lavender flushed sky when the cook announced their evening meal was ready. Captain Bradous took the wheel and sent the sailor whom he relieved to get his meal. The evening was pleasant and most of the men took their plates to find places on the deck to eat.
One burly, red haired sailor fixed a crate along the mast step to sit on. He'd almost finished his meal when Sira, who'd been helping Tang, brought her plate to the deck to join the others. The sailor rose without a word and offered her the crate with a lavish sweep of his massive forearm. She inclined her head in a gracious acceptance and made herself comfortable.
The hunter came to sit on the deck beside her. He gave her the boyish grin she loved so much and she smiled back at him. "Why is it, the crew seems to avoid me? Is it because of what Captain Bradous said about women being bad luck on a ship?"
"No. It's not like that."
"But they are avoiding me?"
"Yes."
"Will you explain, please?"
He bit at the inside of his cheek. "The men are all seasoned seamen. They've been at the game long enough to know how hard it can be to sail for sometimes months without female companionship. Having a woman on board can, how do I put this, stimulate the need."
"So my being here is a distraction, as well as a reminder of what they cannot have?"
"That's about it. It's doubly hard when the woman is as beautiful and desirable as you."
She chuckled. "What do you hope to gain with all your pretty compliments?"
"Why, the lady's affection, of course."
"As if I would be attracted to a common sailor like yourself."
"A sailing man makes the best lover. His need is always great."
"Then you leave on the first ship available, leaving me to raise your offspring alone and in shame. No, no, my handsome golden sailor. I will not take a chance on dallying with the likes of you."
The hunter laughed. "Then my life is surely over."
"Until the next likely damsel comes along."
He rose and planted a kiss on the top of her head. "Just don't be looking at any other sailors while we're on this voyage."
"I do not know about that. The man who graciously gave me this seat was so big and muscular."
The hunter laughed again. "You leave that poor man alone. He wouldn't have the least idea how to handle a woman such as yourself."
"And you think you can?"
"No, I know better. I learned that long ago." He dazzled her with a boyish smile. "I'm going for more food, need anything?"
"More tea would be welcomed."
He took her mug. "Thank you, lovely lady, for allowing me to serve you."
The empath woke to the raucous rolling of the ship. She sent her mind out and knew they were in for a storm. She felt for the King of thieves, concerned the rougher seas would bring a return of his illness. She sent her mind to his but found nothing amiss. Relaxing she rolled over to curl herself around the hunter. She knew by her senses it was not yet dawn and hoped to return to her slumber. The hunter had come late to their bed. He'd been taking his turn at the wheel. Everyone was expected to do their part to keep the ship afloat. All, that is, except Sira. The Captain could find nothing he thought her capable of doing. She wondered what he would think if she went up into the rigging. They held no fear for her; she'd climbed too many trees to be intimidated by their height.
She felt restless and unable to relax. She knew she would never sleep now. Afraid she might disturb the hunter she rolled away from him and left their bed. Washing in the water she had brought to the curtained off corner of the hold, she washed quickly and quietly. She eyed the dress she'd meant to wear with distaste. Then making up her mind she dug in her pack, using her sensitive fingers to feel for what she wanted rather than trying to use the dim light of a single candle to see with. Finding what she sought she pulled her trousers and shirt from the leather pack. When she was dressed she covered her brown spotted feet with moccasins made of soft suede. Braiding her hair in two tight plaits she wrapped them around her head and secured them there with two polished sticks. Now I feel like myself, she thought.
She left the hold and made her way to the deck. It was very dark since the stars had faded to make room for the coming of the sun. Sira stood on deck letting the strong wind buffet her a moment. The air was clean and damp, smelling of the sea and the healer tasted salt on her lips. She twirled around with the pure joy of life, then looking to see who might be watching she went to the rigging ropes attached to the starboard pinning pegs. With a leap she grabbed the ropes and scurried up to the horizontal spar. She stopped here for a moment, then with a laugh of pleasure she climbed to the wicker basket attached to the main mast.
Here she stood to watch the coming of the dawn. There were clouds along the horizon and the sun seemed reluctant to wake this morning. Still, it did finally make an appearance, almost seeming to sigh in resignation at the inevitability of its expected service.
The yosemin said a prayer to her father sun and to the sky. She asked that the wind be gentle with them. She knew without doubt now that it would indeed rain.
She heard a shout below her and looked down to see Captain Bradous and Hercules looking up at her.
"Uh oh, I have been caught," she laughed and waved at them, then jumping to the edge of the basket that made up the crow's nest, she took hold of a rope. Wrapping her knee around it she swung out and down to the horizontal spar. Faster than a seasoned sailor she scampered down the ropes then jumped to the deck, landing lightly on her feet.
"It is so beautiful!" she shouted, then ran to the men.
Her brother of the soul grabbed her up and held her over his head a moment before setting her back on the deck. "You were wonderful, my sister," he congratulated her.
"I watched the sun rise from up there. It was unbelievable. I have never seen anything like it. You have to come up there with me, my brother. You can see forever, and you feel so small because from up there you can really believe the world goes on forever." The big man chuckled at her enthusiasm. "You stand there and watch the sun come up and you see all that water. You feel how big the world is and say to yourself, I am like a grain of sand in this vastness. Then you begin to wonder why you are here. Why have the gods put us here? You feel humbled and your heart swells until you think it will burst. Tears fill your eyes at the wonder of it all. Then you see a tiny spider on the edge of the basket and you think. To him I am a god. This basket is his world." She shook her head. "You just have to sing. It is so overwhelming and if you do not let some of the joy out you will burst. You want to shout and sing and� Oh, my brother, it is so wonderful." She threw her arms around her brother of the soul and hugged him.
The Captain turned away. How many times had he felt just like this? The vastness of the sea could truly humble a soul. Many people couldn't take it; it drove them mad. Then there were others, others like this little slip of a girl that seemed almost to be born of the sea itself. Seeing her in the crow's nest he'd been frightened and angry. Then seeing her stunt he thought his heart would stop. Still, he had to admit seeing her so unafraid; seeing her agility and the way she took to the ropes had been awe inspiring. And now to find out she was a kindred spirit. She had been humbled by the sea and found a glory in the experience.
He'd never realized that a woman might be able to find pleasure in these simple things. For the first time he admitted he had always thought of woman as a different race. They were shallow and selfish, devoid of any real feelings and emotions. Perhaps I've misjudged them, he thought.
Sira turned to the Captain. "It will rain later. A storm is coming."
He looked quickly around him. "No, I think not," he shook his head.
"It will rain," she stated.
"I've been at sea all my life. I can tell when a storm is brewing."
She linked her arm through his. "Come on, I will buy you a mug of tea." The good Captain was startled. This girl seem completely unpredictable. "It will rain," she insisted. When he started once again to protest she held up her hand. "If I am wrong and it does not rain, I will scrub the entire deck by myself. But if I am right and it does rain, then you must agree to stop thinking of me as some three headed, green sea monster. Agreed?"
"Madam, I do not think of you as a sea monster." The healer's arm was still linked through his. He was a little surprised. For some unknown reason he had no desire to have it otherwise. He'd always shrunk at the touch of a woman, not so with this girl.
"Yes, you do. So is it a bet?"
"It won't rain, and the deck does need a good cleaning. Very well, it's a bet."
"Good." She stuck her hand out to him. He hesitated a moment as panic welled up inside of him. He quickly swallowed it and took her hand. A flash of heat, almost electrical, passed through her hand and into his. The very air seemed charged with it, like it might be in a lightning storm. In surprise he realized he liked the feel of her hand in his and dropped it quickly.
She smiled at him then stuck her head around the door to the galley to see if Tang was up. He was not only up, but had breakfast well underway.
"Sila," he smiled at her. "You wish tea?"
"Yes, please. May I have three?"
"Yes. Same old tea for them, green tea for you."
Tang poured the tea for the men and Sira handed it out to them then took her own mug of green tea. With a smile she planted a quick kiss on the cook's cheek. She stepped back to study his face. She'd felt a quick jab of mind from the little man. Not so much in communication, as in a searching. She sensed a strong mind behind the probing. She knew at once this man was a sensitive. No words were spoken between them, but the girl and the man smiled at each other in understanding. With a nod the healer took her tea and joined the others at the ship's rail.
The King of thieves joined them there.
"You're feeling better, my friend?" the demigod asked.
"Yes, much. You can't keep a good man down, you know."
Sira handed him her mug of tea then returned to the galley for another one. When she returned the thief smiled at her. "Thank you, Sira." He was feeling a little guilty. She'd done so much for him yesterday, then he'd hurt her feelings. She smiled back at him. Well, he thought, at least she doesn't hold a grudge.
Fixing their midday meal proved a challenge. The sea was rough now. The wind, strong and undirected, seemed to buffet the ship from every side. The empath helped Tang and everyone was at last fed. "If the storm continues, just give us some dried meat and bread for dinner. We can have fresh fruit with it."
Tang nodded. "It will rain. I will keep tea hot."
"Well, just be careful with the fire, my friend. Do not take chances." Bracing her legs wide apart and swaying with the pitch of the ship she crossed the deck. Dark clouds had covered the sky to leave the day looking much later than the actual hour. "Still think it will not rain, Captain Bradous?"
"I feel no rain in the air."
"You are a very stubborn man," she announced then walked away. She stood watching the rigging blow in the wind. All but two small sails had been lowered. The mast and spars looked like trees left dead in the forest as their light wooden color shown starkly against the blackening sky. As she watched one of the ropes came loose. She looked around her quickly. She knew the rope needed securing, but everyone seemed occupied with an important task.
With a shrug she leaped to catch the ropes and climbed to the horizontal spar.
The Captain saw her there. "What in the name of the gods is that confounded girl about now?" he shouted. "She'll be blown overboard." He ran to the demigod and pointed up just as the first few drops of ran fell.
"Damn!" the big man swore. As if his words had angered the gods the rain came in a stinging rush. The child of the forest, unperturbed by the wind or rain, secured the rope fast and began her descent.
The hunter looked up, then stood transfixed with shock and fear at finding Sira where she was. Time seemed to stand still. The son of Zeus ran to the ropes, but before he could climb to Sira she did a flip and landed on her feet beside him.
He grabbed both her arms and shook her. "What in Tartarus were you thinking? What were you doing?"
She could feel his fear. "A rope was loose. I fixed it. I did not mean to frighten you." He pulled her into his arms just as the hunter came running up.
"Is she all right? Sira, are you all right?" His voice was an anguished croak.
"I am fine. I simply fixed a loose rope. There was no one else to do it and it needed done right away. I knew what I was doing."
"You might've been swept overboard by the wind. One slip on the wet wood and you could have crashed to the deck."
The Captain sent a sailor to the rigging to be sure it was well secured, then went to the others. The hunter put his arms around her back and shook his head at the demigod. The sailor who'd gone to check the ropes came up to the Captain. "She's a right good sailor, she is. The rope's as secure as can be." Sira looked up to smile at the red haired sailor who'd given up his seat on the crate for her. "Interesting knot," he commented. "You'll have to show me that one."
Captain Bradous fidgeted. "Young woman, I don't know what possessed you to take such a chance. You frightened us all and have managed to distract us from our duties. In the future, kindly leave the mechanics of sailing to the sailors. And stay out of the blasted rigging."
Sira gave him a warm smile. "I am touched, my friend. I had not realized you cared so deeply. I am sorry I frightened you. I simply did what had to be done. As for staying out of the rigging, well, I am not sure that is a promise I can make. There is something very exhilarating about being up there." Her face took on a mischievous look. The Captain stood in open mouthed astonishment at the empath's comments. Rain streamed down his face in rivulets. His hair hung around his face in dripping curls, his mustache drooped. "It is going to rain," she stated.
He nodded. "So it is." His face broke slowly into a smile, then he laughed. "So it is," he repeated. "So it is." Shaking his head he walked away.
A wave broke over the deck and washed around their feet. "Go below, Sira," the hunter demanded. "This is only going to get worse."
"No." She shook her head.
"You'll be safe there." He had to shout to be heard above the roar of the sea and the wind. The force of both had intensified even as they spoke.
"Are you coming down?"
"No. They'll need my help." Another wave struck their legs. They could all feel the ship beginning to come around to put the storm behind them.
"Then I will not go either. Five minutes down there and my imagination would be running rampant. At least up here I will know if you are swept away."
"What good will that do you?"
"I could jump in after you," she stated simply.
He looked shocked. He could feel her mind on his. "You would too, wouldn't you?" His voice had softened.
"Better that than living without you. I have tried that, remember?"
"He pulled her into his arms. "Oh, Sira."
"Please, Iolaus," she pleaded against his shoulder.
"Very well, my love. But at least promise me you'll stay out of the rigging until the storm is over."
"I promise you that." Her mind caressed his and he drew a quick breath.
"If I were to be swept overboard you would follow me, wouldn't you?"
She let her mind make her answer. "I would have no choice." He knew in his heart he would do the same.
There had been cold meat and fruit for the evening meal, with tea to wash it down. Sira had brought endless
mugs of tea to the men. The wind and rain had turned cold, and the warmth of the tea was welcome. Now, however, there was to be no more tea. Keeping a fire going was just too dangerous. With nothing to do the empath found a place at least partially protected from the storm beside the galley wall, and here she stood watching the hunter and the demigod. Her body was numb with cold, her mind numb with fear. Tang had tried to coax her to join him in the galley, but she refused. Water washed under the door to soak the little room anyway and she doubted she would be any more comfortable there, and from there she couldn't watch the two men she loved.
The Captain manned the wheel himself, not trusting his ship to anyone else in this tempest. He was running
before the wind, doing his best to keep the ship from turning to the lee and breaching. Should the storm manage to turn the ship so that the wind and waves hit it from the side, the ship would surely capsize.
The healer had tried to bring the Captain tea but he ignored her, not wanting the distraction. She admired his stance and determination. He knew what he was doing, and would do it for as long as it took for the storm to blow itself out.
The healer felt exhausted and drained by the constant struggle against the elements and the struggle to stay on her feet as the deck bucked and pitched.
Autolycus put a slicker in her hands but she just stood looking at it. He took it away from her and slipped it over her head. "Go below!" he shouted over the wind and rain. She seemed not to hear him.
Her eyes ached from trying to see through the sheets of rain hurled at them by the gale. She located Iolaus first, then Hercules, and was reassured.
"He's fine. Go below," the King of thieves told her again.
"Go to Tartarus," she shouted back at him.
"Fine, suit yourself."
Sira turned away from the thief, and as she did she saw the man falling. Her heart constricted painfully. He'd been trying to secure a rope in the rigging but couldn't keep his hold in the gale force winds. A wave washed over the man where he lay on the deck. Sira screamed then ran forward. The demigod caught at the man's shirt with one hand while holding onto the mast step with the other. Without the half god's quick grab the man would have been lost.
Sira knelt beside the man, but the demigod turned loose the mast step and pulled her to her feet. "Don't be a fool. You'll be swept overboard." He picked the man up and threw him over his shoulder. "Grab my belt," he shouted to the healer, "and follow me."
She did as she was told and the son of Zeus moved toward the door that led to the hold. When they reached it the healer moved forward to open the door. The wind pushed against it as Sira struggled to force it open. She called upon the earth to help her and at last wrenched the door out of the way. The demigod started down the steps and the girl followed, using the earth's power once again to give her the strength needed to close the door behind her. When the door was closed they were left in darkness as no lights burned. It was far too dangerous to leave a lamp or candle burning and take a chance on it overturning.
Sira moved ahead of her brother of the soul and the man he carried. Using her mind and her keen night vision she moved ahead of the demigod to lead them to the crew's quarters. Feeling ahead with his feet the big man found a bunk and laid the man on it. The sailor moaned but made no comment.
The demigod found the lamp that hung by the door, and moving cautiously ahead in the dark he made his way to the table. He soaked the wick in the oil of the lamp, then holding his arms over the lamp he struck his gauntlets together to make a spark. Once, twice, and the wick caught.
Sira stood swaying on her feet, her eyes squinting in the sudden change from darkness to light. She felt unbalanced. She had stood so long braced against the wind, now that it was gone she couldn't seem to stay upright. Her ears rang from the sudden cessation of the tempest that battered the tiny wooden vessel humans were foolish enough to brave Poseidon's domain in.
Hercules watched her for a moment. Feeling her struggle to master her emotions, he started toward her. The injured man moaned once more and the big man could see the fog that shrouded the healer's mind clear almost instantly.
She went to the sailor. It was the red haired one who'd admired her knot in the rigging that morning. Was it this morning? she asked. It seemed a lifetime ago. She braced her legs against the side of the bunk to help keep her feet, then ran her hands over the man, not touching him, but feeling for his injuries with her mind.
She was relieved to find only a dislocated shoulder from the fall. "His shoulder is dislocated," she told the demigod.
"I can put it in place," he offered, then joined her beside the man.
Sira nodded. "The sooner, the better, before it swells too much."
"Come on, friend," the half man told the sailor, "let's get you to a bench. It'll be easier to do this with you sitting up." He helped the man sit up, then stand up. With his arm around the man the demigod helped him to the bench beside the table.
"Ready?"
"Wait," Sira stopped him. Using pressure points the warrior princess had taught her she numbed the man's arm. "That should help a little with the pain." She sent her mind to the man, pulling some of his pain to herself. "All right," she nodded at her brother of the soul.
The demigod carefully picked up the man's arm. "This is going to hurt like Ares' sword, my friend," he warned.
The sailor scratched at his chin with his good hand. "What are ya waiting for, man? Get it done." The sailor grunted with pain as the half man, half god gave his arm a quick jerk. The crack of the joint going back into place sounded loud in the room.
With hands that shook slightly the healer cut a length of blanket to make a bandage and strapped the man's arm to his chest to keep it immobile. "I need to release the pressure points or you will lose the arm," she told the sailor. "This is really going to hurt." She placed her hand on his shoulder to bring even more of the man's pain to herself.
"Gods on Olympus! It hurts anyway. Get on with it."
Taking a deep breath to calm herself she made a quick jab at the pressure points to release the flow of the nerves and blood she'd restricted. She cried out but the sailor only turned a deeper shade of white.
The demigod put his hands on the healer's shoulders to steady her. "Not too much, my sister. He's tough; he can handle a little pain." She took several slow, even breaths to help pull the earth's energy to her and nodded. "I really need to get back up there. Will you be all right?"
She nodded again, and with a smile of encouragement he started to turn away. "Look out for him, my brother."
He knew she referred to the hunter. He turned back to study her face. "I always try to, my sister. For you and for me."
"The earth is with you. Use her strength to help you."
"You also, little empath."
He walked purposefully from the crew's quarters headed toward the steps that would lead him to the deck. He'd felt the healer's anguish and fear. She wanted to be back on deck to watch for the man she loved above all others, but she had been claimed by the need to heal. Her heart was torn between the two. She had done the only thing she could. She had charged him and the earth with the protection of the hunter.
He paused a moment at the door that would return him to the raging tempest to send his mind to the healer. He felt her response. With a mighty shove he opened the door, and taking a part of the healer with him he stepped into the watery Tartarus that threatened the ship and its crew. He located the hunter first and sent his mind to reassure the girl he called more than a sister.
The healer helped the injured man to his bunk then pulling the bench close she sat next to him. Placing her hands on the injured shoulder she sent her mind to feel for how bad the injury really was. She was gratified to find that it would heal without the necessity of a transfer. She was already bonded with him in the healing, and could never walk away from it. She'd been concerned that she would be forced to do a transfer and be tied in mind and soul to the sailor for the duration of the healing. She had no objection to the man himself, but to being left so immobile.
She settled herself more comfortably on the bench as she anchored herself to the earth and called on her mother to bring her the blue light of healing. Swaying slightly she chanted the yosemin word for earth over and over to bring her mind to a relaxed, entranced state.
The sailor watched her for a time, saying nothing, only admiring her beauty. He was surprised by the glow of light that surrounded her, and through her; him as well. He could feel the energy surging through the air as an almost painful tingle on his skin.
After a time he became drowsy as the pain he felt eased. As his mind drifted he got a sense of the healer's mind on his and found a comforting sense of femininity. He was reminded of his mother and the comfort he always took from her hugs and caresses. He wasn't sure how this was possible, but was too sleepy to care.
He noted that the storm seemed to have eased and this also brought him comfort. Since he'd never sailed with Captain Bradous, and sailing with a new master was always an uneasy thing, knowing that the good Captain seemed to have brought them through the worst of the storm relatively unharmed was reassuring. It was a good omen for the success of the quest the Alcmene and her crew had embarked on.
Every man on board knew why they were here and that what they were doing was important. Besides that, this was a mission not only for the current King of Corinth, but for Jason the Argonaut. The man who'd brought home the golden fleece.
"Storm sounds easier," the drowsy man told the healer. "Your man's come through safe, I'll wager."
The healer had kept her mind linked to the hunter and the demigod. She'd also sensed a lessening of the wind and rain. "Yes, he is safe."
The sailor could hear the relief in her voice. "The Captain's done good."
"He has indeed." Sira sent her mind to feel for the little cook, the King of thieves, and the Captain. She sensed fatigue in them all, but from their minds she knew the worst was over.
"Maybe you'll get a chance to show me that knot, now that I'm out of it for a day or two."
"I will if you will show me some you know."
"Deal." He yawned, then yawned again. The healer helped his mind to find slumber, and while he slept she healed him.
Other members of the crew began to find their way to the crew's quarters. Sira knew they had earned the right to relax and unwind, and she knew they wouldn't find that easy with her in their domain. After a time she left the injured sailor sleeping and went to the deck.
Now she knew just how much the storm had eased. Ahead of them the sky was black. Streaks of lightning zigzagged across the face of the clouds, and rain could be seen across the distance. Wind still whipped around her but the rain had passed.
The hunter came to take her in his arms. "Are you all right?"
She began to sob against his shoulder. "I watched for you as long as I could."
"I know, and I watched for you. It's over now, why are you crying?"
"Because you are safe."
"Didn't want to have to throw yourself off the ship, eh?" She cried even harder. "Come on, little healer, it's to bed for you. You're exhausted."
"But my help may be needed."
"Not now. Things will be fine without you for a bit." He kissed the top of her head. "Come on, humor me." She followed him from the deck and to their corner of the hold. He helped her remove her salt stained
clothing and wash the brine from her skin before pulling a loose shift over her head. He helped her lay down then joined her on their bed. He laid behind her and pulled up to encircle her with his arms and his love.
"I would have followed you into the sea," she whispered.
"Shh. Sleep now." He felt her jerk as slumber claimed her. He stared unseeingly across the dimly lit room, his mind lulled by the love he felt for this tiny creature of the forest who had claimed his heart and soul so completely.
"I would have followed you into the sea as well," he whispered into the night.
They stood around the table in the Captain's cabin. "We're lucky," the captain told them. "We were blown in the general direction we wished to go." He stretched his tired muscles. "We're not bad off. In fact we faired better than I thought we would. She's a good ship."
Sira could sense the Captain's fatigue. She knew he hadn't yet taken to his bunk even though they were well out of the storm and a new day had dawned.
"Still, we did lose a lot of our fresh water and some provisions." The Captain pointed to a small dot of land showing on his chart. "If you look closely you'll see where we are. We've left the Gulf of Corinth and made a good start through the Ionian Sea before the storm overtook us. Running before it put us further into the Mediterranean than we'd planned, but that's easily remedied by heading east through the Sea of Crete. We've added a day or two of sailing to reach our destination, but then we still don't have a definite plan on that, anyway. We're here." He pointed to a place of blue on the map. "Just east of us is this small bit of land. There are a few other islands here as well, but they've never been charted. We should be able to pick up some supplies there. It's a small island, but I've been there before. The people don't mind doing a bit of trading. The people there are a native sort, running to dark skin and black hair. The people may well have come from Crete originally, but they've been so corrupted by sailors of all races that their origin is questionable. They're so inbred that they're slow in the mind. We'll have to be careful and keep our eyes open. They'd as soon cheat you as look at you, and there have been rumors of them taking to violence, although I haven't experienced that in my dealings with them."
He rubbed at the small of his back. "With some tobacco and mulled ale we should be able to get what we need from them. That's one of the reasons I insisted on bringing so much of the stuff. It's good for trading. We'll lose a day or more if we decide to do this, and with the need to find our course again." He shrugged. "We're talking four to five days added." He looked up from his chart to study their faces. "So what's it to be?"
"Make it so, Captain," the demigod spoke for them all.
"Good. I hoped you'd see it that way."
"How long until we reach the island?" the hunter asked.
"Tomorrow, if the wind's with us." He looked from one to the other of them. "We're on short rations until we do."
Sira went to see the injured sailor and found him sitting up in his bunk. "How is the shoulder?"
"Not so bad. Your healing did wonders."
"So you know I am a healer?"
"Only explanation that fits. I remember last night."
She put her hand on his shoulder, and closing her eyes she sent healing to the torn and stretched muscles and ligaments.
"How is it, your hand becomes so hot?"
"It is part of the healing. If you will allow me I will heal you again today."
He nodded. "How's the ship?"
"The ship is fine."
She pulled the bench up to his bunk once more. He watched as she began to sway and chant. Closing his eyes he found it easy to follow her chanted instructions and open his mind to her and the earth. She stayed with him in the healing for a long time. When it was done the sailor sat back up in his bunk.
"I don't know what you do or how you do it, but I know it really does help. Thank you."
"You are welcome," she smiled at him. She took up a length of rope. "Ready to learn that knot?"
"With one hand?"
"I was coming to that. We need to release your arm and you need to start moving it a bit. I do not want it to become too stiff."
"This isn't going to be pleasant, is it?"
"No, I am afraid it will not be."
He gave an exaggerated sigh. "All right. You're the healer."
She removed the bandage that held his arm across his chest. Helping him and going slowly he was able to move the arm to his side and back again. "You should work on this a bit each day. Go slowly when you do. But the more you move it now, the better, as long as you are careful. Too strenuous a move could cause the shoulder to dislocate again; too little movement will leave it stiff."
"I'll work at it. I'm not looking to be left useless from this."
"Good. Use your judgment and stop when it gets too sore."
"Right. Now to that knot."
The empath spent a pleasant hour with the man.
He told her his name was Tribbous. "But everyone just calls me Knots." He told her he was the youngest of four sons born to a poor farmer. "Never could get a thing to grow. I hated the soil and it hated me." He chuckled. "I been at sea eighteen years now. I took off with a traveling troop of performers, but that wasn't for me either. Then I found the sea. Something about the sea and the tall ships gets into a man's blood and possesses him. I would never willingly give it up."
"Do you miss your family?"
"Sometimes. I been back a time or two. I don't belong there any more now than I did then. But it's good to see my mum now and again."
"She must be very proud of you."
"Why? What's to be proud of? I'm just a common sailor."
"She would be proud of the fact that you sought your destiny and found it." She smiled at him. "She must feel pride in the fact that you are honest and that you have a good heart. You work hard and pull your weight. That is a lot for any mother to admire in a son."
He nodded. "She's always said she was proud of me, but I never knew what she meant. Maybe you're right."
The healer went to spend some time with Tang and to help him if she could. His galley had been made quite a mess by the storm, and the first meal of the day had been fixed on the deck in a small clay brazier.
She found the little man happily going about his chores, not in the least perturbed by the added labor. He greeted Sira with enthusiasm but refused to allow her to help in his endeavor to clean the galley. He handed her a cup of tea and motioned to the bench.
"Your company most welcome, Sila, but I clean up."
"I could help."
"You stay and talk to Tang help enough." Mister Chi opened one sleepy eye at the girl from his place on the scarf she'd given him. When she sat on the bench beside him he curled his head under and exposed his belly.
"I guess I have my orders." She gladly gave the cat what he wanted and was rewarded with a deep rumbling sound from the little furry emperor's cat's son. "How serious is the loss of water and food?" she asked the cook.
"Not too bad. Captain Bradous just cautious. If islanders not give us food and water, then we be in trouble. If we get food and water, all's well."
"Then we will just have to be nice to the islanders and make sure they help us."
In the afternoon Sira again healed Knots' shoulder. She was well pleased with how well it was healing. The injured man told her he'd been moving the arm just as she'd told him to do.
She enjoyed talking with the soft spoken giant of a man. He wasn't overly tall, but he was wide and muscular. His hands and arms were huge and taut, sporting bristles of thick red hair.
The empath told him about herself and her people, going into detail about Hercus and his studies with her chosen father.
"You miss him terribly, don't you."
"Yes. We have the tie of soul, and our minds are linked. I speak by mind to him two and three times a day." She shook her head. "Still, it is just not the same as touching him or talking with him in voice."
"It doesn't seem right that you have to be separated from him."
"It is the way of my people to wish the best for their children. Right now being with his grandfather and teacher is what is best for him. His mind is very strong; maybe even stronger than my own. Without discipline he would be lost. My destiny lies with my husband's people, at least for now. The earth has shown me this."
"I've never had children. At least none that I know of. Sometimes I wish that were otherwise." He shook his head. "It's the price one must pay sometimes for following their destiny."
The morning was bright with a slight breeze by the lee. As they approached the island the Captain called for the sails to be lowered so they would come in slow. A man in the crow's nest and another at the bow kept a sharp eye out for the reef.
As they drew closer a boat set out from shore and approached the ship.
"Hello!" the Captain shouted when the boat was within ear shot. "We would like permission to come ashore. We would like to trade for supplies."
"Yes, come ashore, and welcome," a man called back. "Do you have rum?"
"Only a little, I'm afraid. But we have ale."
"That will have to do, then. Come ashore."
The Captain ordered the ship's boat put out. "It will hold six of us," the Captain stated. "We'll take two crew members to row."
The demigod knew who the good Captain had failed to include in the six. He could feel his sister's anger start to rise. "Sira will come with us. Iolaus, myself, and you. Autolycus, if he'll come, and one crew member. I'll help row. One crew member will be enough."
Before the Captain could object the son of Zeus turned to the King of thieves. "Will you come with us? Your charm might come in handy."
"There probably hasn't been a dinar on this pit in longer than I've been alive. But it's a chance to set my feet on a surface that doesn't move. I'll come."
The Captain looked from the demigod to the thief. "I approve of taking Autolycus, but I must object to taking the woman. There's no need to expose her to danger."
"She comes." The big man was firm. "If these islanders mean to give us trouble, she'll be the first to know. Besides, I refuse to try and live with her on this tiny ship if we try to deny her this." He smiled at the Captain.
Captain Bradous studied the demigod's face through narrowed eyes for a moment. "Very well." He turned away and the empath stuck her tongue out at his back. She went below to get a scarf and the Captain turned back to Hercules.
"I didn't wish to make a scene in front of Sira. However, I must again object to her accompanying us. It's no fit place for a woman."
"No ordinary woman, perhaps. She can take care of herself. I'll watch out for her and so will Iolaus."
When the empath joined them on deck once again she knew the Captain had been arguing against her accompanying them to the island but she said nothing. With ease she lowered herself over the side of the ship on a rope ladder and found a place in the small boat. The sailor had entered the boat first and offered her a hand but she didn't need it. The others followed, and the demigod took up the front ores while the sailor took the back ones.
Several people were on the shore to greet them. Hercules pulled the boat well up on shore then turned to greet their welcoming committee.
The hunter offered the healer a hand out of the boat. As she stood to take his hand her scarf slipped down around her shoulders. There was an instant hush in the tight knot of islanders. They stared in open mouthed curiosity at the child of nature.
A man came forward. "Don't mind them; they're animals," he apologized, but he, too, was staring at Sira.
She stepped from the boat and threw her one long thick braid over her shoulder. "What is it?" she asked.
Autolycus laughed. "It's your hair. They've obviously never seen a blond woman before."
The empath looked over the people gathered on the beach. Most of them were very dark, their hair black, their skin dark brown. Two had lighter features, but they were far from blond. "Surely they have seen blond sailors before?"
"Men, not women," the islander clarified for her.
She realized the truth of his statement when she noted that the islanders weren't paying any attention to Iolaus. "I did not mean to cause such a stir."
The man turned to his friends. "Get by, you mindless pack of fools. You're embarrassing the poor woman." He turned back to the demigod. "We've food ready for you. No sense in negotiating a trade on an empty stomach."
He headed away from the beach, leaving the others to follow. With a shrug the half man, half god did just that. The others fell in behind him, and the remaining islanders took up the rear. Sira could hear them exclaiming about her fair skin and hair.
The man led them to a small village of grass huts set among a large range of cultivated fields. Domestic animals were kept in neatly kept pens and children played together before the huts. In the middle of the homes a large outdoor table had been set up and was now loaded with food. Women dressed in brightly colored wrap around sarongs, their feet bare, their long back hair loose down their backs, still carried food to the already heavily laden table.
"We'll eat first," the apparent leader stated. "Then we'll talk." He filled a wooden plate and moved to find a place on the grass to eat.
"I guess we eat," the King of thieves offered.
"We should humor the man," the Captain added.
As the empath ate she watched the people around her. The Captain had said these people were slow witted. He was very much mistaken. The healer's light mind's touch found a welcome intelligence in the people. There was laughter and happiness; the children played happily together. The food was varied and well prepared. The people were clean and neat, as was the village.
Sira was impressed by what she saw. She knew the islanders must be hard workers to glean so much abundance from the land.
When the meal was complete the men went to talk business while the women began to clear away the food. Sira joined them and was welcomed with much laughter and pointing of fingers at her hair. The laughter was friendly and welcoming, not malicious, and the child of the earth joined in that as well. Their homes were clean and well cared for. Sira found a friendliness in the little village that she took to at once.
She felt her brother of the soul's mind on her and went to join the men. The demigod took her arm and led her aside. "Well, they've agreed to the trade, and a generous one it is. There's just one condition to the deal."
She eyed him suspiciously. "What condition is that?"
He smiled despite himself. "They want you to let your hair down so they can see it."
Sira was shocked. She sent her mind to the demigod's to try and sense if he was teasing her. "You mean it? They really want to see my hair?"
"Yes. They were quite insistent."
"All right. What can it hurt?" She pulled the long braid over her shoulder and began to loosen it. Every move she made was watched. The women came to watch her as well, bringing the children with them. When she finished removing the braid she threw her hair behind her shoulders and turned her back so the people could see her long silver-gold tresses. The sun caught and reflected off her shimmering mane and the islanders oohed and ahhed in wonder.
The village leader stepped forward and whispered something to the demigod. "He wants to know if he can touch your hair," the big man explained.
"All right." The hunter stepped up to Sira. He really wasn't concerned, but he wanted to be ready just in case. The leader picked up a handful of her hair and watched in fascination as it slipped through his fingers. He repeated the motion.
Captain Bradous wasn't at all pleased by this whole business. He hadn't been impressed with the leader's nonchalant manner of conducting business or his seeming indifference at the prospect of obtaining the things the ship had to trade. The man was a barbarian. Seeing him fondle Sira's hair turned the Captain's stomach and sent icy fingers up and down his spine.
"This your man?" the leader asked pointing to the hunter.
"Yes."
"He beat you?"
The healer had carefully shut her mind away from these quiet peaceful people so that she wouldn't alarm or frighten them. Because she had, she couldn't get a sense of what the leader was driving at. She shook her head. "I do not understand."
"Your man, does he beat you?"
"No. He does not beat me."
"He will; they always do. If he beats you too much you can come to me. I'll take good care of you. I never beat my woman, you can ask her. You come to me. We'll sail together and catch fish to eat on the beach. We'll swim together and grow vegetables. We can make love in the sun all day."
Captain Bradous took a step toward the leader. His anger seemed to radiate from him in waves. The demigod laid a restraining hand on his arm.
"You're not going to let him get away with insulting her like that, are you?" The Captain's words were spoken through clinched teeth.
"She can handle this," was the big man's reply.
Other than a slight pink flush, the empath showed no sign of being disturbed. The hunter was red with anger, but at a mind's touch from the girl he loved he held his tongue.
"Thank you," the earth's child stated. "It is a very generous offer. If my heart and soul were not pledged to another, I would surely consider it." She took the hunter's hand. "He has never beaten me before. However, if he should start to do so I will remember your offer of a safe haven."
The hunter had taken the healer's lead and his voice was grave and serious. "I will only beat you when and if you really deserve it."
"That is only fair." The empath turned to the leader. "Do you not think so?"
He nodded. "That's fair. But remember, I will take good care of you. My woman never wants for a man."
"I will remember."
"That's my girl," the son of Zeus whispered under his breath.
An awkward moment was averted and they left soon after to return to the ship. The deal had been made and sealed with a warrior's grasp. Captain Bradous and his group would return to the ship and load the goods they were trading. When the boat was loaded they would return to the island.
Once the boat was well away the Captain could contain himself no longer. "That man should be flogged. The insolent barbarian. How could you stand to let him touch you?"
"He meant no harm or disrespect. It is just that he thinks differently than we do."
"He doesn't think at all," the Captain argued. "I would have gladly strangled him with my bare hands."
"He thought he was giving me a compliment. Besides, it is over and done now." She sighed. "Perhaps you were right, Captain. Perhaps I should not have insisted on going to the island. Still, no real harm was done, and we will get our supplies. If we had made an issue of the man's advances, who knows what might have happened?" She leaned back against the hunter. "I never meant to cause such a stir."
"You've done nothing wrong, Sira," the hunter assured her. "I'm proud of the way you handled yourself back there."
"Well, just remember the offer he made me, the next time you feel like beating me." The others laughed. All, that is, except the Captain.
"Another thing that bothered me is that man seemed completely indifferent about whether he received anything in trade for the food we asked for. I don't mind telling you I'm suspicious of that."
"Why?" Sira asked. "They do not need the things we offered. There is plenty of food on the island. I would say by the barrels I saw in a couple of the huts, they have recently made another trade and are not wanting for spirits or tobacco."
"Then why trade at all?" the King of thieves asked.
"Because it gave them a chance to celebrate with a feast. It gave them someone different to talk to. I think we were invited to the island as a distraction, more than because they needed what we had to offer."
"Then your unique appearance gave them what they really wanted." The thief chuckled. "No wonder they were so insistent that they get a look at your hair." He scratched at his chin. "Did you see the size of that ruby that
licentious old fool was wearing? He said a sea Captain gave it to him. Makes you wonder what he did to earn such favor."
"Well, he didn't get it by charming the women," Iolaus offered. Everyone laughed again. "Or maybe he did. He says his women never lack for a man."
"I can't believe you're all taking this so casually," the Captain blurted out.
Sira smiled at him. "Thank you for caring enough to be so concerned. But since I am not, you have no reason to continue to be."
"Humph," was the Captain's only reply.
"What bothers you so much about what happened today?'
He didn't answer right away. "I don't know. Perhaps it's because they're such ignorant and dirty people."
"But they are not. Maybe they cannot read or write, but they are very intelligent. They are clean, their homes are clean. The children were even clean and well disciplined."
"But they have no ambition. They're content to stay the way they are, never getting anywhere, never accomplishing anything."
"It is not a bad way to live," the child of the forest stated. "Their goals and accomplishments are just on a less grand scale. They strive for the simple things. To have the best boat on the island. To grow the most squash. To have the most goats. I say again, it is not a bad way to live."
The Captain sat in silence for a time. "Perhaps you're right. Perhaps I have misjudged those people. It wouldn't be the first time I've been accused of being arrogant and snobbish. Forgive me."
"There is nothing to forgive." Sira admitted to herself she was a bit surprised by his apology. He wasn't the type to do so.
The Captain was silent for the remainder of the trip back to the ship. He was so absorbed in his own thoughts that he was surprised when the little boat bumped against the ship. He hadn't noticed they had come so far.
` Why was I so concerned by what happened back there on the island? he asked himself. Why did I apologize just now? He admitted apologies never came easy for him. Still, he knew he'd been wrong. He had overreacted, and his hot temper could easily have caused a blood bath. Every islander wore a knife at their belt, while his own party had left their weapons behind in the interest of peace. Knowing this, however, did little to change the fact that seeing that man touching Sira's hair had made his skin crawl. It still did, in fact. It was almost as if the idea to apologize had been planted in his head.
Sira was first up the rope ladder to the ship's deck. Damn those pants, the Captain thought. She should be dressed in lace and frills. Or should she? The garments seem a natural part of her, as if she was born to wear such simple natural garb. The way she scampered up the ladder also seemed natural to her, and being totally unconcerned by how much of her shape showed in the pants as she ascended the ladder seemed natural to her also.
So why, he wondered, had he thought of her in frills and lace? Then he knew. What a fool I've been. As a young man, and especially after he became Captain of his own vessel he'd dreamed of having a wife and children. The wife he always pictured in his mind was dainty and frail; her hair was always golden. He'd picture the mother of his children sitting in a soft chair by the fire, two children at her feet. A boy with dark hair like himself and a girl with long pale braids. He'd see a woman on the street and think, she would fit the roll of wife to the great Captain Bradous. Later, as time went on and he knew he would never marry, he often saw a young girl on the street and told himself she could be the daughter I always wanted. It was never really a conscious thing. It wasn't something he planned or dwelt on. It was just a thought that popped into his head upon seeing a dainty, pleasant, blond haired girl. He'd thought about what it might be like to have a daughter. She'd bring him his pipe and call him Daddy. It was always a foolish thing that entered his head at the sight of a girl like Sira.
He remembered now the first time he'd seen the empath standing on the deck next to Iolaus. She seemed so delicate, like a cherry blossom bud just opening to the spring. Now with a rush he realized she was anything but a frail, delicate flower. It wasn't that she was hard or harsh; it was simply that she was made of sturdier stuff. He'd see her with the hunter. She could be sweet and coy. She had a feminine poise about her that was very appealing. Still, despite her diminutive size, she was far from helpless.
His paternal instinct had been roused by the thought of a man he considered dirty and crude, making advances to her. As he watched the healer now on the deck of his ship he knew she had guessed the reason for his concern even before he knew the reason himself. He felt flushed at the thought. She'll think you're a complete fool, he decided, and without a word to anyone went to his cabin.
They stayed anchored off the island through the night. Hercules had gone back to the island on two trips to bring back some of the supplies and drop off the ale and tobacco they'd promised the islanders. In the morning they would have to make another trip to the island before they could be underway.
Tang was most pleased with the supplies he was provided with and made a huge stew of mutton for their dinner. The little man seemed never to stop. He was always cleaning or cooking something. He brought tea to the crew, he made pies with dried fruit. He found that the Captain had a sweet tooth and went out of his way to satisfy it. He made pies now with fresh fruit from the island.
"Where'd you learn to cook Tang?" the hunter asked. "These pies are wonderful."
"Some from my mother. She good cook. When I not work with father I like to help her cook. I work as a ship's helper to come to this country. I work with cook." The little man rose from his place on the deck to bring another piece of pie to Iolaus. He got a smile by way of thanks. "I like experiment and make up new stuff." He chuckled. "Sometime work, sometime not. Mostly work, now."
In the morning Hercules and Iolaus made the trip to the island. They gathered the last of the supplies and filled the last of the water barrels with fresh water.
Sira took some sewing and went to the galley. She sewed while Tang peeled some of the roots gleaned from the island. After a bit the healer felt restless and went to stand at the rail of the ship. She wished the men would hurry; she was anxious to be underway. She hadn't forgotten for a moment why she was here. She felt the direction they must take with a clear sense and no longer feared she might lose it. Still, the longer they delayed, the more likely it was that Venin would learn of the power of the crown of Jason.
She caught the ropes and climbed to the wicker basket near the top of the main mast. Tendrils of hair had escaped their braid to tickle her face. The sun was warm and pleasant. She looked to the island to see the boat was just setting out to return to the ship. From her vantage point she could see almost the entire island. She hadn't realized it was so small. What had brought people to this remote little oasis of land in the first place? What had made them decide to stay?
With a light heart the child of the forest watched the boat that carried the two men she loved closer to the ship. When it drew near she climbed down the rigging and stood watching her men. She always thought of them in this way. Her men. Both of them were hers as far as she was concerned. She would never willingly give up either of them. Feeling her thoughts both men looked up to smile at her. The hunter, she thought. She loved the way his blond hair curled around his ears. His blue eyes enchanted her. She could never look at this man and not feel a tingle at the base of her spine. He stirred the very core of her being. My other half she thought. A half I cannot live without.
The demigod. My more than brother. Also a part of my soul. A part of the whole that made up her existence. She wasn't sure she could live without him either. The three of them were intertwined in soul. The three parts making the whole. One part was never completely happy without the other parts, and the healer was glad it was this way.
As the ship made ready to set sail the Captain asked Sira to come to his cabin to give him a direction. She stood over the chart, her eyes closed and her mind open. Then without looking she placed her finger in a patch of blue where no island was drawn. "This is where we must go," she stated.
"There's nothing there," the Captain objected. "That's just open water."
"Steer that way all the same," she told him.
"That's in the heart of pirate waters."
"Then it is surely the place to look."
The others were in the cabin with them. "Speaking of pirates, Sira," the hunter interrupted the inevitable argument. "Your friend from the island sent you something."
He pulled something wrapped in a bit of cloth from his belt. Sira removed the covering, and in her palm lay the ruby Autolycus had so admired.
The thief whistled. "Would you look at that? Doesn't that fool know what that thing's worth?"
"I cannot accept this," the empath objected. "Why did you take it, Iolaus?"
"I didn't know what it was. It was wrapped in the cloth." The hunter tried in vane to hide his smile. "He said it was to help you remember him."
"Oh, for pity's sake. What am I going to do with it? Here, Autolycus, you take it." She took the thief's hand in hers and placed the ruby in his upturned palm.
He admired the stone in the light. "It's a beauty, I'll say that."
"It is yours, then."
"What?! You can't be serious. You'd just give this away?"
"What use is it to me?" she asked.
The King of thieves studied her face a moment. "You're serious, aren't you? Well, here." He thrust the red stone at the girl. "I don't want it either. Do you think I have no integrity? You've insulted me." Sira hadn't reached to take the ruby from the thief, even though he waved it beneath her nose. He took her hand as she had done to him and placed the stone in her hand. Then turning he stormed from the cabin.
Sira stood in open mouthed astonishment. "I did not mean to insult him. What did I do?" Her voice was filled with confusion.
"It's his pride. And your charity and his manhood." The demigod stopped, not sure how to explain.
"I will never understand humans," the girl stated in exasperation. Then she, too, left the room.
"What's she going to do?" the Captain asked.
"I think she means to throw the ruby overboard," Hercules answered him. The ship's master raised his eyebrows but made no comment.
The nature child stood at the ship's rail, the ruby in her open palm. With a shrug she started to throw it, but then she stopped. A smile broke over her face, and she tossed the stone in the air to deftly catch it as it fell. Turning she made her way to the hold and safely stowed the stone away.
Night came reluctantly to the sea, as if the sun fought to hold its mastery over the sapphire blue vault that roofed the earthly plane. The stars were late in venturing out of their daylight beds, not wishing to incur the wrath of their larger brother, the sun. Sira sat on the mast step with the demigod and the hunter, watching the descending sun paint the sky with crimson.
One of the sailors passing them stopped to watch the sky as well. "Bloody skies tonight," he offered.
The daughter of the earth had found a pleasure in the colorful display set before them, but at the sailor's words a shiver of foreboding ran painfully across nerves suddenly set on edge.