Hercules: The Legendary Journeys

A Mother's Instinct

The Ninth Adventure In The Empath Chronicles

By Donna Eisner

Copyright June 1998 By Donna Eisner. Please Do Not Alter Without Author's Permission.

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

This story contains scenes of violence and mild sexual content, but no more then you would see while viewing the average episode of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.

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She stood on a ridge looking down into the valley. A tall sandstone cliff rose up from the valley floor, golden and brown in the darkening sky. Her son stood before the entrance to the black hole of a cave.

Anger gripped her, filling her mind and soul with an awesome power of its own that blended and mixed with the earthly powers she called upon to stop the men who held her son.

The sky darkened even more. Lightning flashed to blind her for a moment. The sound it brought deafened her. The ground beneath her feet shook.

She had no control over the powers that swayed her. Try as she might, the anger seemed to possess and control her.

A tree exploded before her to shower those in the valley with splinters. No! her mind shouted. No!

Another tree splintered. The echoes of its demise filled the air. A huge fissure snaked across the valley floor, and a man screamed as it swallowed him in its gaping mouth.

The healer woke from a sleep of only a few hours. She shook in fear for a moment, still lost in her dream. Willing her mind to relax she sent her mind out to touch that of the Queen. She was relieved to find her sleeping.

Next the healer sent her mind to the little Prince. A smile crossed her face. She rose from her bed, and as she did her hand moved to cover a yawn. Slipping into woven moss pants she took up a loose fitting silk top and pulled it over her head.

Covering another yawn she left her room in the palace to walk barefooted down the hall. She headed for the nursery, finding it by the cry of the baby more than by her mind's touch on the infant.

She slipped into the room to smile at her mother of the soul. The older woman sent a pleading look to the empath. "Oh, Sira, I'm glad you're here. I can't seem to stop his crying. I was really getting concerned."

The empath held her hands out for the infant. Alcmene gladly handed the crying bundle to the girl. The healer began to croon to him as she paced the floor. Sending her mind to touch his he stopped crying.

"Thank the gods," the baby's grandmother breathed a sigh of relief. "He is all right, isn't he?"

"Yes, my mother, he is perfectly fine. He needs his mother. He is hungry."

"He just ate two hours ago."

The empath chuckled. "He is a very large baby. He will require a lot of sustenance to fill the emptiness. Until Reyna's milk comes in, he will be hungry a great deal."

"That poor girl. She's so tired. I hate to wake her again."

"He is sleeping now. That will buy us a little time. Stay with him. I will be back as soon as I can." She put the child down in a white wicker basket. With a smile of reassurance to Alcmene she left the room to make her way to the kitchen. Cook greeted her with a wide smile. "Have you looked in on the little Prince?"

"I have just come from him."

"Isn't he the sweetest thing? Looks like his father already, bless his little heart."

"He is not so little and he has a very big appetite. Could we cook some rice and a couple of turnips?"

"I suppose, but why?"

"I can make something to help fill his belly until his mother's milk comes in. She is tired and needs her rest. Waking her every hour or two to feed the young Prince will only delay her recovery."

The cook nodded as she set about preparing the asked for items. While the food cooked Sira boiled a clean white rag. When it had boiled for a few minutes she took it from the water with a long wooden spoon and let it hang on the end of the spoon until it had cooled enough to wring out.

Cutting a portion of the rag she strained the water from the partially cooked rice then waited while the turnip cooked completely. Removing some of the turnip she mashed it with a fork then mixed it with the rice water to make a thick liquid.

The cook gave the mixture a skeptical look. "That's going to feed the Prince?"

"Yes. It has food value, but even more, it has starch. The starch will help to fill the Prince's little tummy."

"I guess you know what you're doing?"

Sira smiled at her. "I do."

"How ya gonna get the stuff down him?"

Sira picked up the rest of the rag she'd sterilized. "I can dip the corner of the cloth in the mixture and he can suck it off."

The cook raised her eyebrows. "Well, if that works. But if it doesn't I can always find a woman to supplement the milk. Lots of women will help out in this way for a few dinars."

"Let us try this way first. If the Prince will not take the mixture we may have to find someone to help. Reyna needs time to recover. The birth was a difficult one."

"That poor girl. So brave, too."

"Yes, she was strong throughout the birth. She deserves a rest."

"Well, go try the mixture, then. Hopefully it'll work and all will be well."

"Thank you, Cook." The woman smiled at her.

Sira and the cook had become fast friends. Sira had taken over the Queen's duties at the foundling home. Since the home's food supplies came from the palace, Cook had a hand in supplying them. She took her duties seriously. When Ossagol had been regent to the King of Corinth he'd insisted on an abundance of food being prepared as a show of the palace's wealth. The uneaten food was taken to the home for their use, but much of the food spoiled before it could be used.

Reyna stopped the waste of the food by sending the supplies directly to the foundling home where it was prepared as it was needed. Sira had worked with Cook to modify the supply list even more, adding more rice, grain, fresh fruit and vegetables to the menu to save cost, but also to give the children more nutritious meals.

Cook had been impressed with the yosemin's understanding of the foods the children needed to grow and flourish. But even more than this she'd been impressed by the healer's compassion for the children that found themselves at the foundling home.

Sira was always ready to soothe an upset or lonely child. She changed diapers or fed a child while all the while keeping them entertained with a story or a song. Sira's sense of humor won her a place in the old cook's heart. The old one's own good nature had found a welcome in the empath and the two of them were friends though no words had passed between them to make it formal.

The empath returned to the nursery and the crying Prince. Taking the infant from Alcmene Sira cradled him as if she were going to nurse him, then dipping the tip of the cloth in the mixture she'd made she brought it to the little round pink mouth.

The Prince sucked hard on the cloth for a moment and only gave it up reluctantly so that the healer could once again dip the cloth in the mixture of starch and vegetable. The girl smiled at the child held so lovingly in her arms. As she fed him she sang a song from her own childhood. The words were yosemin, and yet Alcmene could feel the forest in them.

She was tired. She'd stayed with Reyna and Sira for the entire two days it had taken for the Prince to be born. At times she'd dozed on a couch in the girl's room but she'd never left her side for long. Something in the Queen's struggle to give birth to her son had touched the grandmother's heart deeply. Maybe it was the fact that Iphicles had taken such an active part in the delivery, or the fact that Hercules and Iolaus had also helped. Maybe it was the struggle the empath fought to help the girl through her pain. The baby was large and he was breech. With her mind's touch and a gentle hand to guide him, Sira had turned the child from the inside while Iphicles pushed down on Reyna's abdomen from the outside.

"If we do not turn him he will tear Reyna to pieces, or never make it out alive." The grandmother shivered as she remembered the empath's words. Fear had torn at her and she'd taken a seat on the edge of the bed.

Hercules had taken her hand to give her comfort and strength, and in his touch she'd felt his mind on hers. She'd often felt the mind of the empath on hers and had come to expect it. She knew that Hercules had become quite good at using the powers of the earth to communicate with Iolaus and Sira, but this was the first time his mother had felt his mind's touch. Despite her fear for Reyna and the baby she'd felt pride in her half god son.

The healer had gone to Reyna, wiping a cool cloth across her forehead. "If you will allow me such an intimacy, I can turn the baby. It is either that, or I cut him from you."

Reyna had cried out. "No! No, you'll kill him."

Sira had told her days ago that the child she carried was a boy. The empath's sensitive mind had known the child's sex for a long time but she had said nothing. It wasn't until later when the tired mother had needed comfort and added strength to make it through the last few days before the child made an appearance that the empath had given the girl the news.

"No, my sister. I have done this before. I can give you even more of the powder that relieves your pain. I can give much of your pain to the others and to myself. The operation is not that dangerous if you know what you are doing, and I do. But still, I believe your son could be turned and that you could still deliver him the way nature intended. There is a small cut I can make before the head crowns that will help him come through and help protect you from harm."

"Let's at least try to turn him. But make it fast, I can't do this much longer."

Sira turned to the men. "I need your strength. I wish to give some of it to Reyna and to bring some of her pain to you so that she can save her energy for the delivery."

Hercules stepped forward. "That's why we're here, my sister. We'll do what we can."

"Good. I would like Jason to assist also. He has learned much in his own healing. Thysis' strong mind will add much, as will Hercus'." She turned back to the whimpering mother. "I know it is embarrassing to have so many here at a time like this, but their help is needed."

"It's all right. We'll do what we must to bring the little Prince into the world." The girl snatched at the empath's hand as another pain gripped her. "Please hurry."

Hercules was already out the door, going to the King's study to ask the others to help. When he returned with them he found Iolaus at Reyna's head already entranced in the healing.

Sira sent a smile of thanks to them all. "Find places beside Reyna where you can touch her. I will lead you to the healing as your minds find peace." She turned to Iphicles. "I have need of your help in a more physical way, my brother. As I turn the baby, you must push from the outside to help him turn." He nodded nervously.

Hercus was the first to find his way to the empath. He willingly took the pain and fear from the Queen allowing Sira to bring it to him and yet pulling it to himself as well. Next were Thysis, Hercules, and then Jason.

With much of the pain eased and the strength of the men to help her Reyna was able to relax a little, which eased even more of her pain.

Turning the baby proved easier than Sira had expected. Once she was sure the baby was ready to enter the earth she made the small incision to widen the opening the baby would pass through. Reyna wasn't even aware of it. The pain had been shared by them all and therefore eased.

Now even Iphicles joined in the earth to help the woman he loved, and his strength added much to the healing. He had the strongest tie of soul to the girl and she felt more comfortable sharing her pain, fear, and weariness with him.

Almost two days to the hour from the time of Reyna's first pain the baby Prince had come crying into the world. There was no need to startle the newborn into breathing; he was more than ready to greet the outside world. Sira tied the cord and cut it, then turning the child over her arm she helped him cough out the last of the mucus from his lungs then placed him in his mother's arms. He needed no lesson in what was expected of him and took his mother's breast into his mouth, his lips pressed firmly against her flesh.

Reyna gasped as the pain in her stomach became intense, but now it didn't matter. She held her son. She cried openly, looking down on the child that had put her through so much pain and her heart melted. The King bent to place a kiss on the tiny red cheek of his son. He also cried, and felt no shame in doing so.

Sira used needle and thread to sew up the incision she'd made and the small tear the Prince had given his mother in entering the world. Again, because the other's helped, the girl felt little.

Now Sira slowly released the others from the healing, slowly letting the barriers build so that Reyna wouldn't be hit with a sudden rush of pain. The empath sensed her son's reluctance to release his hold on the new mother. He'd been awed by the healing and the birth, and wasn't yet ready to relinquish his hold on either. Sira waited to approach him until the last. When she did he asked to be allowed to stay with Reyna until she found sleep.

"I will build the barriers then, my mother. Go rest. I will call for you should it be necessary."

"You are sure, my son?"

"Yes, very sure. She will still need help for a bit, but you are so tired. Go rest. You have earned it. The earth is well pleased with you, empath."

"You are a healer, son to the earth. Your mind is strong in the healing powers of the earth."

Sira helped Reyna move the Prince to her other breast. The Queen was only half awake, but she took the empath's hand in hers. "Thank you, my sister."

"The earth has smiled on you, little mother. Your son is healthy, his mind strong. Sleep. The Prince will sleep also, and together you will heal from the trauma of the birth."

Sira turned to the King. Stay with them, my brother. Use your mind to touch them and the bond between the three of you will be formed."

"I don't know how to thank you, my sister."

"The tears in your eyes and your love for your family is thanks enough for me. Bring the earth into your heart, my brother."

"I will, Sira, I will."

Alcmene woke with a start. She'd never meant to sleep. Her musing about the birth had lulled her mind, and her exhaustion had done the rest.

Sira smiled at her. "Go rest, my mother. The Prince is sleeping for the moment. He will wake again in a couple of hours and he should go to his mother then. The more he nurses, the sooner her milk will come in."

"You need to rest more than I do."

"I will sleep here on the cot for a bit then return to my bed once he is with his mother."

"Albida will be back any day. I'm sure she'll be a lot of help. She's been wonderful at the foundling home."

"She will be sorry she missed the birth."

"Yes, but it was good of Autolycus to take her with him on the Alcmene. He's been very good to her. You won't believe the difference in her. Sailing to Kerkira to sell the ruby was a golden opportunity for her to meet new people and learn new things."

Sira placed the sleeping infant in his bed then stretched. "I am glad Autolycus found a buyer for the stone I gave the King. His offer to deliver it himself was thoughtful."

"I just hope his thieving ways don't get the best of him."

Sira chuckled. "Yes, it was a bold move on Iphicles' part to trust the King of thieves with such a valuable jewel."

"You do think he'll come back, don't you?"

"I am sure of it."

Alcmene placed a kiss on the empath's cheek. "Call me if you need me."

"I will."

Sira covered a yawn as she stretched out on the cot placed in the nursery for just such a purpose. It seemed she had just closed her eyes when the little Prince once again demanded to be fed. Sira changed him then took him through to the Queen.

Reyna reached for him eagerly. "Is he all right?"

"Of course."

"I was getting concerned when he slept so long."

"Oh, he was not sleeping. He was demanding to be fed. I gave him something to help him get by so you could rest."

The girl drew in a quick breath of wonder as the baby attached himself to her breast. Sira smiled at her. She remembered clearly the sweet sensation that giving nourishment to your offspring could bring. There was something magical in the process that did much to heal the mother and child and make the lasting bond of soul between them.

"Where is the King?"

"I was dozing in and out. He said something about going to the study to brag about his son."

Sira chuckled. "If you are all right for now I will send your maid to you to help with the baby. I see she has already helped you bathe."

"Yes, the first time they brought my son to me."

"Try to rest, little mother. Call if you need me."

The Queen nodded. "I will. For now I'm just going to lay here and admire my son."

Sira made her way down the stairs to find the Queen's maid in the kitchen. At Sira's request she bounded to her feet. "Another chance to see the Prince? I don't need to be asked twice."

Cook gave the maid a tolerant look. "Then go take care of mother and son."

Sira smiled at both women as she left the kitchen. She started for the stairs that would take her to her room. Stopping at the bottom step she turned to make her way down the main hall of the palace and to the King's study instead.

The hunter looked up to dazzle her with a blue eyed smile. He came to her to take her into his arms. "Why aren't you sleeping?"

"Because the little Prince needed me."

The King placed the mug of tea he'd been nursing aside. "He is all right, isn't he?" Concern was thick in the father's voice.

"Of course. All he suffers from now is too large an appetite."

The men chuckled.

"How is Reyna?"

"She is feeling better. She was almost asleep when I left her. How are you three holding up?"

The hunter moaned. "I, for one, feel like a dirty, wrung out dish rag."

"Thank you all for lending your strength to Reyna. It was a difficult birth, but your strength and your willingness to take some of the pain to yourselves made it much easier."

The King hugged her. "Thank you, my sister, for being here. What you did for Reyna …" At a loss for words, he shrugged.

Jason joined them, saving the King from becoming too sentimental. The Argonaut dropped into a chair. His fatigue seemed to fill the room. He was supervising a dredging barge in the river clean up project and he worked as hard as any of the men.

"I've just seen the Prince. He was sleeping peacefully. He rose to offered his hand to Iphicles. "Congratulations, my boy."

The former King resumed his seat with a weary sigh. Sira poured some wine in a goblet and took it to him. He gave her a smile of thanks. Standing behind him she put her hands on his shoulders. Closing her eyes she began to rub his tired muscles.

"So?" the demigod asked of the King, "what are you going to call your son?"

Jason had closed his eyes. The empath's ministering had made him feel relaxed and drowsy.

"Reyna and I have decided to name him after his grandfather and my new sister. His name will be Jason Siree."

At this, Jason's eyes flew open. Sira felt the surge of energy that shot through the Argonaut. He cleared his throat, then cleared it again.

"Congratulations Grandpa." The hunter offered his hand, a wide grin on his face.

"I'm… Well," the former King stammered. "I don't know what to say." He was thoughtfully silent for a moment. "Grandpa. I kind of like the sound of that. Grandfather to the future King of Corinth. Yes, I definitely like the sound of that."

The little Prince was two weeks old and he'd just returned to the nursery after the public ceremony announcing his given name. He was tired, hungry and very cross. His mother took him to the nursery and despite his protests took care of his immediate needs before she sat down to feed him.

The Queen put her head back against the high backed rocking chair. She was tired herself. It was the first day she'd really been up for any length of time, and it was the first time she'd taken such a predominate hand in caring for her son.

There were always so many willing hands to help her. She'd promised herself that she'd be her son's primary caregiver. No Nannies for her son. She hadn't realized just how hard it could be.

Sira had chosen to stay in the King's study with the others. Thysis and Hercus were returning to the yosemin village in the morning and Reyna knew the healer wished to spend as much time with her family as possible. Hercules had chosen to escort the travelers.

Iolaus had jumped in to help supervise a work crew on the river project so that Iphicles could spend more time with his family. Sira had seen little of him of late.

The Queen eased her position in the chair. She wasn't sure how long Sira and Iolaus planned to stay in Corinth, but she secretly hoped it would be for a very long time. It was comforting to know a healer was so close should little Jason need one.

Reyna moved the still hungry baby to her other breast. "Don't you ever get enough, little one?" She ran a finger through her son's silky dark brown curls. Brown eyes peeped from drowsy eyelids. She smiled at the rosy pink lips pressed so earnestly against her flesh.

There was a light tap at the door. Albida stuck her head in and Reyna smiled at her to let her know it was all right for her to enter.

The girl's help was invaluable. She'd almost single handedly cared for the many children that passed through the hands of the wretched woman who'd boarded her. Albida had a real way with the young Prince. When she wasn't with the little one, she could usually be found helping at the foundling home. Lately, however, she'd spent more time with her guardian.

The master thief, true to his word had supplied a buyer for the ruby Sira had contributed to the cost of the river clean up project. He'd also set about making the palace treasury burglar proof.

Seeming to have a special knack for talking people into parting with their dinars, he'd set his mind on raising the still much needed revenue required to make a success of the river clean up project.

Ossagol had been right about one thing. The project was far more costly than either Iphicles or Jason had believed. The formal dining room had been redone in a much more modest display and many of the things Ossagol had decorated it with had been sold, the revenue going toward the project the former regent had fought against.

Autolycus had proved valuable here as well, getting the best price for the many urns, vases, and tapestries the King and Queen no longer wished to keep.

The thief took a personal pride in his endeavor, stating it fulfilled his needs since he could rob people of their dinars and not worry about being arrested.

Autolycus and Iphicles had become fast friends.

With the thief's connections he could show Albida a world she'd never realized existed. At first Reyna had been concerned at just what the girl might learn at the hands of the King of thieves. But after she got to know him and to see him with Albida she relaxed. He took very good care of the child and was very protective of her. He seemed to need the girl's love as much as she needed his. They shared their memories of Verinder, the girl's brother, which soothed their grief at his untimely death.

The healer and the hunter were up to see the travelers off. They went a short way with them, dreading the moment when they must say goodbye.

The empath wished they could stay longer in the port city. It had been good to have her family close. She'd learned much about her son that brought her pride. Thysis' mind on hers had been comforting and reassuring.

She also knew she would miss the demigod. She was glad he'd chosen to escort Thysis and Hercus back to the village. She'd worried about them traveling alone. Still, she knew how hard it would be to be separated from the part of her soul the half god possessed.

She knew he had also been concerned about the elder and the boy making the long journey to the yosemin village alone, but the empath also knew the demigod wished to return to the village to see the village Dea.

Sira was glad her more than brother of the soul wished to be with the apprentice healer. The empath feared his guilt at being with Dasay when he'd made a commitment to herself might make him stay away.

She admitted that knowing he had someone he found special also relieved her own guilt at having taken his heart when her own wasn't free to give itself to him.

Thysis was anxious to return to the village to be on hand for the planting celebration. The earth's people were usually quiet and reserved, but during this weeklong celebration they relaxed and enjoyed themselves.

Other than fresh meat, the earth's people ate nothing but preserved foods from the last harvest, to represent how they had used the earth's bounty. The celebration was held right after the planting. Hercules was looking forward to the celebration, himself. Sira had wanted to be there for this as well but felt she was needed here in Corinth more.

The good byes were said. Sira stood watching her loved ones walk away. Hercus, so small in size and yet so mature. Thysis, his back bowed more of late. A stab of fear went through the healer. She hadn't realized how frail her chosen father had become.

He'd been quietly reserved while they'd stayed the two days near his old village. He'd spent a great deal of time sitting in meditation under the trees that now grew over the place where Mela had been buried. He dug up the rest of the tiny blue beads that Iolaus had found, then buried them under the tallest tree over the grave.

When they'd left the village site he'd seemed more alive, as if he'd found a peace with the past. But watching him now Sira realized how much slower he'd become in his movements. With pain at his slip into old age the healer pulled her eyes away to watch her more than brother.

He stood so tall beside the elder and the boy. His broad shoulders straining against the woven moss material of the shirt she'd made him. "Go easy, my soul. Thysis seems slower these days."

The half god looked to the man he called father. He'd also missed the signs of his age that seemed to have come overnight. "I'll watch over him, my love. We'll take our time and rest often. He's tough. He'll be fine."

The half god's endearment touched the empath's heart. His strong mind on hers gave her comfort. "Give Dasay my love."

"You know I will."

Sira turned away to bury her face against the hunter's shoulder. His arms went around her. He knew how hard it was for her to say good bye

"Come on, we'll walk by the river. That will make you feel better."

He took her hand to lead her from the road. Finding an open place in the brush and trees that hid the river from those traveling the main road into Corinth he made his way to the grassy bank that contained the wide river.

The water was only a little muddied here at the base of the mountains that must be crossed to reach the city. The empath turned to once again seek the comfort of the hunter's arms.

"If we move further up the river the water is clearer and drinkable. We could stay a day or so beside it."

"Yes, we could. I have my bow. Food shouldn't be a problem."

"It is warm enough, we would not really need blankets."

"We can always cuddle if we get cold."

The girl looked up to search his face. "Could we not stay?"

He smiled at her as he bent to take her lips with his. "Let the others know we're safe, then."

The healer kissed him back. Using her mind she touched that of the Argonaut and the King. Communication with them wasn't easy, but with a little effort she was sure she'd gotten her point across to them.

Jason's mind had grown stronger in the ways of the earth after the healing she'd done on him. She'd touched his mind to let him know when it was time to bring Alcmene from their farm to be on hand when the little Prince was born. Despite the fact that he'd just returned there he'd come back with Alcmene immediately.

The hunter kissed her chin, then the cord under her right ear. "I think being out here with you will do us both good. We haven't seen much of each other lately."

"I know. I am sorry I have been so tired at night that I fall asleep before we can be together."

He chuckled. "I've been just as tired. I haven't minded you going right to sleep. I've been worried about you. You should have slept the healing sleep and you never really did."

"I will catch up on the sleep soon."

"How are the nightmares?"

"I have been too tired to have them, I think."

"Maybe they're just gone."

"Let us hope so."

He kissed her again. "Come on, let's find a place to camp."

"Once we do, will you join me in the river?"

He stopped walking to pull her into his arms once more. "Let's hurry, then. I can't seem to keep my hands off of you."

She kissed him, parting her lips to receive his tongue. "We could stay here for a little while then find our camp."

He didn't answer her with words, but his actions let her know that he approved of her idea to postpone their search for a camp.

The demigod found a place to stop for a short rest. He didn't make a fire since it was still well before midday and they wouldn't be staying long. Thysis lowered himself to a rock, heaving a deep sigh.

Hercus uncorked his water flask and handed it to the elder.

"Thank you, my grandson."

"You are welcome, my grandfather."

"It will be good to get back, will it not?"

"Yes, I miss my lessons with the hunting master."

"You learned much from Tang."

The Alcmene had been in port and Sira had taken Hercus to meet her friends onboard the ship. Tang and Hercus had hit it off at once and the little man had gone out of his way to show the boy ways to use his small stature to advantage. While Hercus was small, he'd taken to heart what his Uncle Ares had told him and worked hard to tighten and build his muscles. His natural agility had impressed the once fighting master, now cook of the Alcmene.

"I hope Tang takes you up on your offer to visit our village. He could do so much to help the other boys."

Thysis sighed. "Yes. It is important for our youth to learn ways of defending themselves if we are to make our place here in the world of the humans."

The boy went to his knees before the elder and reached out to place his hand on the old one's knee. He could feel it twitch with fatigue and sent strength to his soul's grandfather. "We have made a start in the right direction, my grandfather."

The elder smiled at him. "Yes, we have. It will be good to return and take time to learn from the book of clan. When I study the book, I wish for you to be with me. You have learned well the ancient picture writings of our people. You can learn much from the book that I feel you will need to know someday."

The boy looked shocked. "You mean it? You want me to be a part of this?"

"Of course. It was the earth herself that called you to break the seal on the book. Your soul is yosemin, my young apprentice. Who better to learn the old ways and bring this knowledge to the people?"

"But you will be there to teach our people."

"I have been on the earth mother a long time, my grandson of the soul. The earth will call me home soon. Should this be before the secrets of the book of clan have been explored, then you must continue my work."

"Why me, Grandfather? There are others better suited. Others who have been trained as scholars."

"Yes. But none of them were called by the earth to open the book."

The hunter found a place to make a camp among tall pine trees that graced the river with their shade. A large granite slab would serve as a back to their fire so the heat the burning wood generated would be thrown back at them. The empath found several roots still slightly green with the newness of the season that could be roasted in the coals to add to the rabbits the hunter provided as they'd hiked the steep slope of the coastal mountains that hemmed in the fertile Corinthian province.

Not bothering to gather wood yet the lovers went to the river. Here it flowed swiftly to cleanse itself among the rocks. They'd gone further inland than they'd originally planned because the child of nature wished to be among the tall, red trunked pines.

The spray of the river that fell in a waterfall along the path they'd taken dampened them and the healer reveled in each tiny moisture filled drop that graced her skin.

Where they stood now, the water leveled out into a large deep green pool that called to one of its own. The call couldn't be denied and the girl threw her top aside to expose her nakedness to the feel of the mountain air. Her pants followed. Not waiting for the hunter she waded into the river with a squeal of delight at the icy feel of the liquid earth about her ankles.

The hunter stopped to watch the woman he loved. A glow of energy flowed about her to blend into the green canopy of the forest that surrounded her. Her hair hung loose down her back in a silver-gold cascade of shimmering light. He drew a quick breath. There was something primitive and natural about the tiny forest creature who possessed his heart and soul, and it took his breath away. It was like looking on a golden sunrise, or watching the mist rise over the meadow on a winter evening. Her beauty filled him with wonder and awe, robbing him of breath and tickling his middle with butterflies.

She looked up to capture him in a forest green gaze that only intensified his sense of awe. His clothing joined hers on the grassy riverbank, so lost was he in his need to be near the object of his wonderment that he didn't feel the cold of the water. Pulling her to him he swung her around then hugged her tightly to him, his face buried in her jasmine scented hair.

"Thank the earth for bringing you to me," he whispered.

She closed her eyes, lost in her love for the man who held such a part of her soul. "Yes. Thank the earth."

Still holding her he waded further into the pool to immerse them both in the life giving fluid.

The water was too cold to stay long, but the river had done much to ease the healer's loneliness and she made no objection to leaving the water to sprawl on the grassy riverbank to receive the hunter's kisses.

His lips felt warm on her chilled flesh and sent a shiver along her spine. His hands caressed her to warm her further. Taking her lips with his he bit lightly on her lower lip then caressed it with his tongue.

Her hands in his hair pulled his lips tightly against her own as her tongue sought his. Her hands caressed his face and neck as he trailed kisses over her chin, her neck and lower.

She arched her back as a whimper escaped her lips and his muscles tightened with his need of her.

His kiss on her abdomen sent a chill of desire over nerves stretched taut with her own need.

Her mind touched his and he began to tremble. Still his kisses went lower and her body began to tremble.

She drew a quick breath at his ministerings, lost in the physical touch made all the more intense by their soul's touch.

She couldn't breathe. Her mind was no longer her own as her thoughts blended with those of the man she loved above all others.

He moved to hover above her. The desire in her eyes fired his blood and he moved to take her. She moaned with her need of him, reaching her arms out in an invitation that he couldn't refuse.

Her hips made an invitation of their own. Her eyes grew large, her breath unsteady as he gave himself to her.

His hands caressed her to drive her mad. Her muscles ached with the tension he seemed determined to build inside of her.

With a cry of pleasure she lifted her hips to hold him fast and his own cry of release joined hers.

She whimpered as tears of love spilled from her eyes. Her trembling seemed to intensify and she cried even harder.

"Forever, my soul."

He rolled over to pull her on top of him, his arms holding her tightly against him. "Even unto death."

Hercules gathered wood to make a fire for their nooning. Thysis looked as if he needed a hot meal and the stimulation Tassis tea would give them. Besides, it gave them an excuse to stay longer and therefore give the elder more of a rest.

The demigod knew how much the man he called father hated to be fussed over and had no intention of drawing attention to the fact that he'd been lagging the last few miles.

The trip to Corinth had been tiring for the elder, and seeing his fatigue now the half god wondered if it had been a wise one. Still, Thysis had wanted a chance to visit the site of his old village, and Hercules suspected he'd wanted to do so while his loved ones were with him.

Hercus started the fire with the first load of wood, then put a pot of water on to heat while he skinned the rabbits he'd taken with his bow.

There should have been two more of the furry creatures to prepare, but he'd missed twice. With a sigh he drove his knife into the tough hide of one of the rabbits.

The half god dropped an armload of wood next to his first load. "The rabbit's already dead, my nephew."

The boy sat back on his heels. "I should have had those two rabbits. I cannot believe I missed either one of them."

"Don't be so hard on yourself. Everyone misses once in awhile."

"Do you?"

The big man chuckled. "More than I care to admit. I say again, we all miss at times."

"Well, I cannot afford to miss."

The half god came to kneel beside the boy. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Hercus looked up at his uncle of the soul. "I have to be just a little better than the other boys. I have to prove I can be the greatest warrior our people have had since before the remembered time."

"Why? Why do you have to be the best?"

"Because I am not one of them. Not really. I am different, therefore I have to be better."

"There will always be someone better than you, Hercus. No matter how great you are, there will always be someone, somewhere, who might be better at something. The trick is to be the best you can and give the things you deem important in your life your all. If you were perfect you wouldn't be here on this mortal plane. Still, I understand the need to be better at things. Like you I've always been different. I've felt the sting of that also. Being different isn't the problem. It's thinking that because you're different you're not as good as the others."

"At first, when we went to the yosemin village I just wanted to fit in. But now, now it has to be more than that. I want to be a champion of my people. The village is close to human settlements and there are those of human blood who still hate and fear us. We must be prepared to defend ourselves should it become necessary. Still, more than this we need to be able to make our own place in the human world without giving up our beliefs or our heritage. That will never happen if we stay cowering farmers, hiding out in the forest in a vane attempt to save ourselves."

"Then maybe your differences are a good thing. You're part human too, my nephew. Use that part of you to make a place for yourself among your father's people as well. Prove to them that they have nothing to fear from those of the earth. Maybe you can't change a nation overnight, but you can make a start. From single grains of sand a mountain can be made."

The boy smiled at the half god. "You are yosemin, my uncle."

The big man patted him on the back. "Let's get these rabbits cooking. I'm starving."

The former executioner slumped into a chair at the table in the corner of her hut. With a sigh she put both hands to her head. It pounded with a dull, persistent throb in time to her heartbeat. She'd been sick that morning and the queasiness still lingered.

What's the matter with me? she wondered. Since I lost my godhood I've never been sick. Well, never except when I was pregnant. A shaft of fear shot through her to settle in her stomach adding to her nausea.

No, she scolded herself. Just because you're feeling a little under the weather doesn't mean you're pregnant. She tried to think back to her cycle. Things had been so busy. She'd tried so hard to learn as much as she could about survival. How long has it been? How long has Ares been gone? She tried to think but the pain in her head only seemed to intensify.

Too tired to try and figure it out now she went to her bed. She never laid down during the day, but she just couldn't keep going. Evander was with Dasay for the moment but he'd be back soon, and then there'd be no chance to rest.

She smiled to herself. Evander never seemed to stop for more than a moment. He'd grown and matured even more in the short time they'd been in the yosemin village. He seemed to love everyone and they seemed to love him as well. He was only three, and yet he seemed more like five or six to her at times, then in the next breath he was like her little baby again, clinging to her skirts and wanting to be held.

Being here had been good for him. He'd found friendship and distraction, but also discipline, discipline and courtesy as well as a discipline of his strong mind.

The girl's eyes flew open. Will we have to leave here? No. I refuse to believe any of this. I'm just tired and ill. It will pass. She closed her eyes once more as she rolled over to put her back to the room.

Dasay found her still sleeping when she came to return Evander. Nemesis had looked tired and drawn that morning when the healer had come to request the little boy's company. She'd packed a lunch for her and a couple other girls from the healer's hall then thought to invite the little demigod on their picnic.

Not wishing to disturb the sleeping mother, the Dea put a finger to her lips to keep Evander quiet. Leading him by the hand she tiptoed from the hut.

"Let us not wake your mother. You can come to the hall with me. We will be having our lessons soon, but you can play in my room."

The boy looked interested. He loved the large wooden structure Dasay called the hall. It was always shaded and cool, and he loved the smell of the place. There were always good things to eat. He also liked the fact that the healing apprentices always made a fuss over him. They always said he looked like his father and how handsome he would be someday.

He put his hand into the healer's and she smiled down at him. "Why the big sigh? Do you not wish to come to the hall?"

"I do. It's just that I miss my father."

"He has an important job to do."

"But he said he'd come to see me."

"He will, Evander. He gave his word and I believe him."

The boy nodded. "It's just hard to wait to be with someone you miss so much."

"Yes. Yes, it certainly is." Now the healer sighed. She wasn't thinking of Ares now, but his half brother. "Yes, it is hard to wait for someone you miss so much." She smiled at him. "Come on. You have always liked going to the hall and there should still be some honey cake left."

The boy smiled back at her as he tugged on her hand. "I knew there'd be something good to eat at the hall."

"Oh, so it is the food, is it? And I thought you liked to be with us girls."

The half god gave a hand to the elder of the wolf and the lion as he lowered himself to a log at the edge of camp. It was late evening. Hercules had hoped to find a place to stop earlier, but nothing presented itself and Thysis had insisted he was fine.

They'd found a good place for their night camp, following Hercus' promise of water just beyond a screen of brush and trees. There was a clear spring bubbling up from the sand to provide water for them with the brush and trees to give them fuel for their fire.

Hercus again cleaned the rabbits that would be their dinner as the demigod gathered wood.

Thysis closed his eyes to send his mind to the earth. He was tired and felt the need of the earth's renewal.

Hercus sent him a look of compassion. He could feel his grandfather's fatigue like a visible wall around the elder.

The boy was nine summers, but the early years of the yosemin children brought great changes. Hercus had matured more even than the average child of the earth. He seemed in maturity more like twelve or thirteen. The boy's body was just now beginning to catch up with his maturity. He worked hard to build his muscles, using tricks his Uncle Ares and his Uncle Hercules showed him. He'd worked with his father to learn even more. His arms were powerful, his chest muscles taut and bulging.

The boy placed the stick with the rabbits on it in the forked sticks on either side of the fire. Removing the boiling water from the fire he put the tealeaves in it to seep.

Hercules joined him near the fire. "Is Thysis all right?"

"He is meditating." The demigod nodded. "Would you mind watching the meat while I bathe?"

"Sure, no problem." He grinned at his nephew. "But you'd better hurry or there may not be any rabbit left."

The boy smiled at his Uncle. "I will hurry, then, since I am hungry."

The demigod turned the rabbits then poured himself a mug of tea. He shot a glance at the yosemin sitting so quietly on the log near the screen of brush. In concern he sent his mind to the elder, not to intrude on his meditation, but to check on him.

Thysis opened his eyes to watch the big man for a moment. Hercules brought him a mug of the strong tea. "I didn't mean to disturb your meditation, my father."

"You did not." The elder reached for the tea. Taking it from the demigod he set it aside and took the man's hand. "Do not worry about me, my son. You are right in your thinking. This trip has tired me, but we will soon be at the village and that will do much to ease my fatigue. It is not my beloved cave, but it is almost as good."

"We'll go easy on the trip home."

Thysis nodded. "You are a good son."

"Rabbits are almost done. Rest here and I'll bring you a plate."

"There is a nice log near the fire with my name on it. I can at least keep you company while our young companion bathes."

The half god smiled at the old one then offered him a hand up, which he took with a nod of thanks.

Prince Jason whimpered from his basket sitting next to his mother's side of the bed. The Queen slept on. The little one whimpered again. The King rolled to the side of the bed only half aware of what had awakened him. His son was getting impatient and his whimper was more of a cry now.

The King yawned as he fought his way out of the blankets that seemed determined to hold his muscular legs in bondage in the bed he shared with the Queen.

Little Jason's cry became insistent. His mother woke, but since the King seemed about to go to his son the girl snuggled deeper into her covers. She could get a few more minutes of sleep while Iphicles changed their son.

Finally winning his way from the bed the King took up the crying bundle in his massive arms. "All right, little one, Daddy's here now." He cradled his son to his shoulder as he made his way to the nursery.

He yawned again as he placed the baby on the changing table. Little Jason was not happy with life in general and protested his ire loudly.

"Well, we know you have a healthy set of lungs, my boy." He removed the wet diaper and dropped it into the pail beside the table. Another yawn claimed the King's attention for a moment. He turned back with a new diaper ready to slip under his son's little pink bottom when the Prince decided he enjoyed the freedom of being without the confines of a diaper and showed his joy with a natural act.

The King quickly placed the clean diaper over his son, but not before his hands were washed in his son's fountain.

"Jason. Hasn't anyone told you it's very disrespectful to pee on the King of Corinth? Just look at the mess you've made of the changing table, not to mention yourself and your father."

The little Prince seemed not in the least perturbed by his father's reprimand. With a good natured smile at his son the King dried his arms with a towel then dried his son, moving him to the cot along one wall before putting a fresh diaper on him.

Jason seemed quite happy with himself now, his anger of earlier gone. "You're quite happy with yourself, aren't you? Well, Cora isn't going to be very happy with you, young man. Not when she has to clean the changing table."

Iphicles washed his hands and arms at the basin, then too tired to make an effort at setting the room to rights he lifted his son to his shoulder once more to make his way back to the bedchamber.

Sitting on the edge of the bed beside Reyna he shook her gently. "I'm sorry, my dear, but our son insists that he is starving."

The Queen gave a sleepy moan. Fumbling with her nightdress she untied the drawstring neckline to expose her breasts to her son. The King laid him gently next to his mother then waited to be sure she wouldn't need any help before he returned to his own side of the bed.

The earth's chosen one and the golden hunter of the forest lay unclothed in each other's arms. They'd not bothered to dress after their bath in the afternoon. It was a pleasant day they both seemed determined to devote to each other, and clothing would have spoiled the primitive mood of their surroundings.

Sira had fished to provide their meal, cooked over the fire the hunter made from the wood he gathered as the girl he loved used her earthly powers to find the water mother's offerings.

Their minds had blended and merged throughout the day and they'd stayed close to each other, touching and kissing often.

It had been a long time since they'd had the freedom to be alone in this way, and the empath reveled in the renewal of their soul's touch as they made their camp for the night.

Tomorrow would come too soon for her. They must return to Corinth. Iolaus to help on a dredging barge in the river project, while she must continue her work at the foundling home. These were duties they'd both asked for, but right now the intrusion of them on their closeness made the yosemin healer almost resentful.

She snuggled closer to the man she loved above all others. While she'd given her heart and soul to two others, the hold the hunter had over her was the strongest. Never could this part of her be for another, not even after the hunter was gone physically. She could and would be in soul with the demigod, of this she was sure, but the hunter would always hold a part of her that she couldn't share with another.

She admitted she looked forward to a physical relationship with the half god. His magnificence fired her blood and stirred her needs. For now, however, that was also a part of her that she could give to no other than her golden hunter.

She rolled over to hover above him, her hair falling around them in a scented cascade of silken strands. He reached up to caress her cheek and she bent to kiss him.

"What? Again?"

"It has only been four times."

"Only four? Then by all means…" He didn't finish his thought as he rolled her over to take her mouth with his. His hands caressed her and she drew a quick breath of anticipation. Her hands touched him and his kiss deepened.

A large rodent ventured out of hiding among the brush near the river to take a drink of the icy water. Smelling man, it stopped to rise up on its hind feet to sniff the air. Vague sounds could be heard on the other side of the trees, but these didn't bother the scavenger of the night.

Assured that no immediate danger awaited it from there the rodent ambled along the sandy riverbank to find a good place to drink while the earth mother turned slowly in her search for dawn, and the lovers forgot about the concerns awaiting them when it came.

Iphicles woke feeling refreshed despite his sleep being interrupted by his son. Opening rich brown eyes he watched mother and son as they still slept beside him.

Jason was cradled beside his mother's breast, his lips only inches away from it, his mouth pursed as if he still suckled his mother's nipple. He'd fallen asleep while nursing and lost his hold but wasn't aware that he had.

Reyna, turned slightly toward their son, slept also. Her face wore a slight smile, as if giving nourishment to her offspring had pleased her and made her happy.

A dark brown lock of hair lay across her cheek and the King reached out with a gentle hand to take up the silken strands. He rubbed the hair between his thumb and fingers, liking the feel of it on his flesh. It was clean and shiny and he knew it would smell like soap.

A sense of wonder swept over him. It was still hard for him to believe these things were his. He remembered his childhood; the younger brother of Hercules, always living in his brother's shadow; never quite measuring up to his own expectations.

He realized that much of the tension between him and the demigod was of his own making. He remembered the early years when he worshipped his powerful brother. There'd been friendship and love between them, then. It was only later that he began to feel inadequate. He remembered his almost fanatical struggle to build his muscles and the constant nagging little voice in his head that reminded him that no matter how hard he worked he would never be as good as Hercules.

It wasn't until he met Reyna that his feelings of jealousy began to wane. She made him feel special. She gave his life worth and value. Because of her he'd been able to set his loneliness aside and take a good look at his half brother.

Then to be crowned King when Jason stepped down. That had done even more to reshape his life and give it value. But the thing that made it worth living was his family, the woman and child who lay beside him. For them his struggle to provide fresh water to the city and to stop the flooding of the Corinthian River was worth it. For them, leaving his life apart from his mother and brother and embracing his childhood memories was worth it.

Reyna had given him back the family he'd shunned in his pain and loneliness at growing up in the shadow of a real life hero.

In finding his family again he'd found a friendship with Iolaus, then Jason, and now with Sira, her son, and the elder of the clan of the wolf and the lion.

He'd been surprised and yet pleased when the elder called him son. He'd openly accepted the friendship the old one offered him and found his life enriched by that friendship.

He tried to remember the last time he'd felt the old sting of loneliness or jealousy, but try as he might, he couldn't remember.

He reached out to smooth a knuckle over his son's cheek and tears stung in his eyes.

"Thank the gods, both yosemin and human, for bringing these things to me," he whispered.

The hunter knelt beside the healer where she slept on the grass near the fire. He smiled at the childlike look on her face as her long dark lashes brushed her soft cheeks. Her lips were slightly puckered and he longed to kiss them.

Her hair fell around her in a shimmering pool of silver-gold, only adding to her look of innocence and youth. He marveled again that the years they'd spent together hadn't aged her at all. But then, he admitted he hadn't aged either. For that matter Hercules hadn't seemed to age any more than he had.

Maybe Sira was right, and the earth was keeping them young for a purpose. Whatever the case, he was glad that the three of them had stayed young together. He smiled again.

The empath's eyes opened to stun him with their dark green depth and he drew a quick breath as her youthful beauty was replaced with the finely crafted beauty of a woman.

She reached out to caress his cheek where pale golden stubble glistened in the rays of the morning sun. Her mind touched his with love and he closed his eyes to savor the feel of her hand on his cheek.

"Lay back down with me."

He did as she asked, taking her into his arms. He placed a light kiss on the top of her head. Her hands caressed his smooth almost hairless chest, and where they touched he felt a tingle.

"Forever, my love." Her mind caressed his.

"Forever. Even unto death."

Hercules stirred up the fire and added small bits of wood to it until he was rewarded with a flame. Slowly adding larger chunks of wood he soon had a fire going, and taking the pot he left the camp to fill it at the spring. When he returned to the fire he put the pot on to heat then left the camp once more to check the snares.

He skinned the rabbits where he found them, taking apart the snares and packing the leather cords Hercus had used to make them in his waist pack.

He had the meat cooking when the boy joined him at the fire. The demigod handed him a mug of tea.

"Sleep well?"

"Yes. Except I kept having this dream that I was tied up outside of a cave and Dasay was somewhere close, also tied up." The son of Zeus raised his eyebrows at his nephew who smiled at the look. "I know. I have a vivid imagination. So, did you sleep well?"

"I did. I hope Thysis did too."

The elder rose up in his blankets. "I did, thank you."

Hercus hadn't taken a drink of his tea yet, and rising he took the mug to his grandfather. "Greetings of the earth morning, my grandfather."

"Greetings, my grandson." The old one rose with more agility than Hercules might have expected considering his fatigue of the night before. He made a trip to the woods then returned to take his plate of food.

Finding a place on a log by the fire he took a generous bite of rabbit. "Good food and good company. What more can a man ask of the earth?"

The demigod saluted with his mug of tea.

They went slowly for the elder's sake. By midmorning Thysis was bathed in perspiration and his step faltered.

They stopped near a small brook to rest, letting the coolness of the water refresh them. When they started on the demigod went even slower, finding the easiest trail to take them up and over the mountains they must cross to reach the forest where the yosemin village of Zirrith was nestled.

Their nooning was a long one, taken in a grassy meadow that offered no fresh water but shade and an abundance of wood from the grove of trees that surrounded the small oasis of grass and flowers.

Thysis was quiet. He refused to admit it to the others or to himself, but he was not faring well. He'd felt well that morning, but before they'd gone far the pains in his side had started again. The stop at midmorning had done little to ease his discomfort. He fought a silent battle, using his earthly powers to keep that part of his mind from the others. He must at least make it back to the village. He must have time to work on the book of clan. Somehow he must convince the elders of the village that Hercus should have an active part in deciphering the ancient writings of his mother's people. On this he must not compromise. In the empath's son he sensed the destiny and hope for his people. The people he'd turned his back on for so many years. Now it was up to him to bring this destiny to light. It was his atonement for his sins against the earth. It was the one thing he could do to truly redeem himself. This was the vision that had come to him as he sat upon the grass beneath the tall trees that had grown over Mela's grave.

With a sigh the elder called upon the strength of the earth to help him, and with renewed determination he took to the trail, his mind ahead of them to the next camp and the next chance for a rest.

They found a place early that offered water and wood and the demigod announced his intention of stopping. Sensing his reason for wishing to stop, Hercus began to gather wood at once.

Thysis took a seat on a conveniently placed rock. Pulling his water flask from his belt the elder uncorked it.

"Here," the half god reached for the flask, "let me get you fresh water."

"Thank you, my son."

Hercules emptied the flask and refilled it with the cool mountain water from a small stream then returned it to his father of the soul.

The elder took a long drink. "This tastes good and will do much to renew my strength."

Hercules knelt before the old one. "Why don't we stay for a few days right here in the forest? You can rest. There's water and plenty of wood. We can hunt."

The elder reached out to pat the half god on the shoulder. "No, no. I may draw on your strength and that of the boy from time to time, but we will go on. I will feel better once I have rested in the village for a day of so." He took another drink. "Do not be so concerned. I have a few miles left in me, yet."

The demigod nodded and rose to gather dried leaves and bits of bark to start the fire. He had no intention of pushing his earthly father. Thysis was a warrior as surely as the earth turned, and he had no desire to humble this great man by forcing him to rest.

The elder closed his eyes to draw on the earth's offered strength. I should not have tried to go to the city. It was too much for this old flesh. He sighed. To go to the earth now would be all right. I have made my peace with my mother. I wish only for this chance to fight this last battle for Hercus' sake. The boy's training is incomplete, and I do not trust Fahr or the others of the village to see it to its completion. But the empath. Yes, his mother could now complete the training of the mind the boy still requires.

He was glad the boy had chosen hunter as his trade in the village. Thysis had no compulsion to train the boy in these skills, but he'd seen to it that Clanis was allowed to instruct the young apprentices in hunting and fighting skills. Still, these things the boy could learn from his father and his three uncles, not to mention the empath herself.

The true fight now must be to find direction for the boy's strong mind. The earth's powers that surged through the boy were far stronger than that of his mentor or the others of the village. What the boy had gained in discipline over his senses must not be lost.

He threw a long white braid over one shoulder and settled himself more comfortably on the rock by the fire.

Hercus knelt beside him, and placing his hand on the old one's knee he sent healing to his grandfather of the soul.

Thysis opened his mind to the boy. "You have learned much from your mother. I am most proud of you. Should it become necessary, I wish for you to go to your family. Your mother can continue your training of the mind, and your father and uncles can help you with hunting skills and the skills of the warrior. I hope that you will find time to read from the book of clan and to bring the earth's message to the people. But this could wait until you are older."

"The earth will renew you, my beloved grandfather, and together we will learn the secrets of the book of clan. Open your mind and your soul to the earth's healing powers and let the strength she offers soothe and renew your soul."

Hercules came to sit on the grass beside the man he loved as a father and the boy he loved like a son. He placed his hand over that of the apprentice and sent his mind to the master. Night descended over the mountain valley where they camped and still they healed the elder.

Thysis felt peace wash over him. It was good to be here with those he loved, the boy who was such a part of his soul and the man/god who'd become more than a son to him.

He remembered the first time he'd seen the son of Zeus sitting alone on a rock. He'd felt the sorrow and revulsion coming from him in almost visible waves of pain at the death and destruction the sorceress had spewed forth in her hate. The feelings were mirrored in himself.

About the demigod was a sense of the healer he sought and he could feel the compassion in this giant of a man's heart. He sensed a loneliness born of personal loss and a strength and pride born of confidence in himself. Thysis had liked him instantly. In that first few seconds of observation as he'd approached the slumped figure of the powerfully built man he'd known they would be friends.

In their shared feelings about the horror and evil left in the village behind them their friendship was forged. Their feelings for Sira and Iolaus had shaped it. Their joint struggle against the evil sorceress had sharpened and honed the friendship and their struggle to help Sira when she thought her mate of the soul had gone to the earth polished it to a fine thing. Like a well crafted sword it would weather the ages and endure.

In the half god's touch the elder found a renewal of his strength and his natural optimism returned to strengthen him even more.

Parenthis the grape baron and financial backer of the river clean up project and Captain Bradous of the Alcmene were at the palace for dinner. Reyna was down for the meal as well. There were dark smudges of fatigue under her eyes but she was in good spirits.

Sira and Iolaus had returned to the palace and they now sat across from the grape baron and the captain.

Autolycus the king of thieves and Albida his ward had been invited to dine with them as well but the master thief had plans of his own. He'd taken his ward with him to introduce her to a fine family here in the city. He'd made it his personal endeavor to help the girl find friendships in the better homes of the city despite her humble beginnings and the Queen approved wholeheartedly.

The captain was complaining that his ship had been pressed into service as a barge, ferrying goods from local ports to the city.

"She's a sea going vessel. We've hardly had full sail up in over two months."

Parenthis laughed. "She is a fine ship and I sympathize, but really, Captain. Now that the mission to rescue the crown is complete, what does the kingdom need with such a ship?"

Jason answered before the captain could voice his indignation. "Should we ever find ourselves at war, the ship may well prove indispensable. A sea going vessel can bring in needed revenue and for now her services locally are proving invaluable."

The grape baron inclined his head at the former King. "But it seems using his ship locally is not to the Captain's liking."

Jason smiled at Captain Bradous. "No, not to his liking, but Captain Bradous always does what he must to keep himself, his crew, and his ship busy."

The captain saluted the Argonaut with his wine goblet. "Tis true, but it's a free born man's right to complain about things that are not to his liking, whether they be of necessity or not."

The hunter held up his own glass. "I'll drink to that."

The younger women saluted with water, Reyna, because she feared what might pass to little Jason through her milk and Sira because she never drank spirits.

Parenthis mentioned it to her. "Still not taking of the grape, I see." The girl shook her head. "A little wine is good for the soul."

"How can losing touch with one's soul through the numbing effect of alcohol be good for anyone?"

The grape baron laughed. "Your point is taken. Thank goodness for the sake of my purse that most people see it differently."

"Believe me, my friend, it is nothing personal."

The wine connoisseur held up his glass. "Let us drink a toast to the little Prince."

All joined in the toast as the meal was being served. Parenthis gave a raised eyebrow look to the serving maid. He'd been seen talking with her in the kitchen now that he spent most of his time here in the city. His vineyards were close enough that he could ride to them in a morning and he'd found friendship and companionship in the former and present King of Corinth.

The maid blushed at his boldness and turned aside to hide her pleasure at the grape baron's look.

Sira looked from one to the other of them then wiped her mouth on her napkin to hide her smile. Reyna also noted the look but made no comment.

The empath sat on the cot in the nursery as the Queen fed her son. Reyna looked up to smile at Sira.

"Did you enjoy your time in the forest?"

"Yes." There was a wistful sound to the one word. "I enjoyed it very much."

"I missed you and your help, but I'm glad you chose to stay. Iphicles tells me that you must visit the forest often or you become ill."

"That has proven to be true."

"I hope your being here isn't too hard on you."

Sira smiled at her. "I am here because I wish to be. I have just come from the yosemin village. I feel no weakening of my strength at being here."

"Iolaus said you were having nightmares."

"My husband talks too much."

"I was up one night before Jason was born and I heard you cry out."

"It is nothing. The healing of Ares left me with the nightmares, but I am often plagued with nightmares after a healing."

"Would being in the forest help ease them?"

"Are you trying to get rid of me?" the empath joked.

"You know that's not the case. I wish you could stay here all the time. I'm just concerned for you."

"Well, do not be. I am fine."

"Would you mind rocking little Jason? I need to talk with Turella, the serving maid. Did you see the way she acted around Parenthis?"

"I saw it, but I would say Parenthis is the one to speak with."

"Men will have their flirtations. It's up to us women to discourage them when it's unseemly or inappropriate."

"I touched Parenthis' mind when his thoughts about the girl were unguarded. He is not wanting a simple flirtation."

The Queen gasped. "I won't have that sort of thing going on under my roof. Next the girl will turn up pregnant and expect us to support her and the child."

Sira laughed. "You take me wrong, oh mighty Matriarch. I meant that Parenthis really cares for the girl. And she for him."

"Oh." The Queen blushed. "Cares for her as in a marriage way?"

"Perhaps. The girl is definitely thinking in this way, but I do not think our friend the grape baron has come to this same conclusion yet."

"Maybe he just needs someone to plant the idea in his head?"

Sira's smile broadened. "Maybe."

Reyna laughed. "It really is good to have you here, my sister."

"Then stop worrying about me." The healer jumped to her feet to place a kiss on the Queen's forehead. "Shall I tell the King his lady awaits?"

Reyna giggled. "Yes, please. Jason is sleeping for the moment, at least."

Sira let herself out of the nursery to go in search of the men sharing drinks and stories in the King's chamber.

Morning brought renewed energy to the elder of the clan of the wolf and the lion and for once his pains stayed away through the morning. They stopped at midmorning to rest then continued on, climbing steadily now.

The forest seemed to bring an energy of its own to the old yosemin and they made good time. Their place of nooning was among massive slabs of granite torn up from the earth in some bygone upheaval. Water seeped from a crack in one enormous boulder to gather in a shallow basin before spilling over and disappearing among other mammoth sized rocks.

Hercus scampered up the rock to the water to fill their flasks and the water skin. Once they were filled he climbed further to try and find the source of the water, but in this he failed. The crack from which the water flowed was too small to allow him to enter. He contented himself with standing at the very top of the slab looking down on the world around him. He could see over the trees to the far mountains where the yosemin village awaited their return. Turning the other way he could see the coast range that led to the Corinthian Valley they'd left such a short time ago. Beyond this he could get a glimpse through the clear spring air of the ocean.

"Someday I will travel the ocean just as my mother did." He turned back to watch his uncle and grandfather sitting by the fire. They seemed so small in the vastness of the world around him and he laughed.

"We are like ants in all this beauty and wonder. We live and love and face the world as if it were put here for us alone. How foolish we are."

His heart lightened by his insight, he made his way down from the rocks to bring the water skin and flasks to the others.

The demigod looked up at him with a tolerant smile. "What did you see from up there, my nephew?"

"Everything. I felt so small and insignificant. It brings one perspective to see the vastness of the world around them."

"It scares the Tartarus out of most people."

"Why? It feels so wonderful to know the world will keep on turning whether we are here or not. It is a promise of eternity for our children and our grandchildren. It gives us hope."

"You sound very much like your mother."

The boy gave him a wide smile. "I could see the Corinthian Valley from up there and I sent my mind to my mother. It was good to feel her response."

The half god smiled back at him. "I'm glad your mother didn't see you standing up there. She'd have died of fright."

"Not my mother. She would have come to join me."

The demigod laughed. "I guess you're right, at that."

The six men left the trail to find a place for their camp. A small spring offered them water and they took the offered shelter of tall pine trees they found near the spring.

The leader ordered two of his men to find wood then turned to another man. "How about you find us some meat?"

The man called Loxias straightened from his crouch near the spring and without a word took up his bow to head back the way they'd come and to a screen of brush overlooking a meadow.

He wasn't enthusiastic about hunting. He was good at it but it required effort on his part, which as far as he was concerned made it distasteful.

"We've plenty of beans from the settlement. I don't see why we need meat." He kicked at a beetle as it ambled across his path. "Carneus is getting out of hand with this leader crap."

The light was fading as the man settled himself among the bushes. "How's he expect me to find game in the dark? We shouldn't have stayed so long in the settlement. I'd like to ask him what all that interest in the stories of this powerful empath was all about."

He took up a twig and started to chew the end. I can't believe we're not going back to raid that village. It would have been easy pickings since most of the people there were at least in part yosemin. They never fight to defend themselves or their homes.

He scratched at one bare foot, scraping away the caked dirt of the trail and revealing the brown spots that marked his own yosemin blood. He was small in stature, his eyes a strange turquoise green shot with yellow.

His mother said his human father had been large and powerful, and he'd often cursed his luck in taking on so many of the earth's traits rather than those of his human half.

He reached to the back of his neck to finger the scar where his clan marking had been. He remembered still, the pain he'd endured as the elder of his clan cut the mark away before demanding he leave the village and never return. His long greasy hair covered the scar but the hair couldn't cover his anger at the treatment he'd received all those years ago at the hands of his mother's people.

The old argument filled his head. "I never meant for her to die. She wanted me. She knew what I wanted."

He looked down at the crescent shaped row of tiny marks on his hand left by the girl's teeth as she'd fought him. Who says yosemins don't fight? He laughed at his own wit. The light was gone now and he'd never tried to find game. With a shrug he rose and made his way back to camp. Let Carneus be angry. He can get his own game if he wants it so badly.

The leader of the rag tag band of misfits was angry indeed. He'd looked forward to some meat. "One of these days, Loxias, you're going to push me too far."

Unperturbed by his leader's outburst and threats the little man filled a plate with beans and took it to the angry Carneus. "I'll find us meat tomorrow. Care to explain why we aren't raiding that village?"

"I don't have to explain anything to you."

"Come on, Carneus. We've been together since the beginning. Our shared hatred of the yosemin has made us companions if not friends. What have you got rolling around in that head of yours?"

"You heard the stories of this empath?"

"I heard them, but I don't believe them. There hasn't been an empath for generations." Carneus only scratched at his chin with a ragged, filth encrusted fingernail. "So what about the empath?"

The leader rose to walk away. "Not yet, Loxias. I need time to think on this."

"Bastard."

The word was hissed through clinched teeth but the leader heard it. Still he chose to ignore it. He was at least in part yosemin. Not half like Loxias, but part yosemin. It had given him keen hearing and his small stature but little else that could be called of the earth.

Loxias was as least partially telepathic. Carneus would never admit it, but he'd always been jealous of that part of the little man who'd run with him for nearly ten years now. Loxias was also the best tracker he'd ever seen; seeming to smell his prey like a dog might a bone.

Carneus considered himself superior if for no other reason than the fact that he was less yosemin than Loxias. His hate for all things yosemin ran deep. He'd never lived with the yosemin people but everyone in the little village where he'd lived with his drunken father knew he was tainted with the blood of the little people. He'd been taunted and teased by the other children of the village and the pain this had brought him had festered and oozed over the years until it had sealed into a baneful, evil thing.

He'd taken his hate out on the half yosemin man who'd fathered him and left him drowning in his own blood.

He'd taken to crime to get by, raiding small communities and hamlets to feed and clothe himself. He took women as he pleased, discarding them like so much refuse.

It was Loxias who'd suggested they raid the scattered yosemin communities hanging onto life on the outskirts of the human settlements. Most of the people there weren't full blooded yosemin but there was enough of the tainted blood to make killing a pleasure as far as Loxias was concerned. Hating the yosemin even more than Loxias, Carneus was all too willing to go along with the suggestion.

They'd picked up others of part yosemin blood and a few that Carneus was sure had no claim to the earth. Still, they were his type of men: dirty, undisciplined, and willing to kill to get what they wanted. They got by, but they never really had money. Sometimes a few dinars found among the earth's people but never enough to take them out of the life of hate and crime they were all a part of.

Carneus looked about him at the men lounging on the ground near the fire. He felt the anger build. I hate each and everyone one of these cutthroat bastards. He turned away. I need money to make it in the human world. He scratched at his chin. And just maybe I've found a way to get some.

The travelers arrived at the yosemin village just as the sun descended below the horizon. Dasay, Nemesis, and Evander met them at the edge of the tall trees that concealed the village from view.

The demigod hugged the former executioner and his nephew then put his arm around the Dea. She leaned against him and his mind sought hers.

"I want to take you into my arms so damn bad."

"I know. But not here, not in front of others."

"Will you meet me tonight?"

"I cannot. Melay is with her friend for tonight. I cannot leave the girls alone."

"Soon, then?"

"Yes. Soon."

There were other greetings and calls of friendship as they entered the village. The elder of the council came forward to greet the travelers. Fahr, the village leader, should have done this but he was nowhere to be seen.

Tella smiled at Thysis. "Welcome home, my friend." The elder of the clan of the wolf and the lion held out his hand and the council leader took it. Next he turned to Hercus. "My young apprentice. I trust your journey was rewarding."

The boy lowered his eyes in subjugation. "It was most rewarding, council leader."

Tella turned to Hercules next. "Warrior of the village." The big man kept his eyes lowered out of respect. "Come greet me, my son."

Hercules offered his hand and the elder took it in a firm grasp. "Thank you for your welcome, Father."

Now the elder turned to Dasay. "Thank you, Dea for offering our friends entry into the village."

The girl blushed. "I did not mean to presume, Father Tella."

"It is well, my daughter. You were understandably anxious to meet them." The girl shot a look at the demigod. Tella looked from the girl to the half god, then back again. A slight smile crossed his lips but he made no comment.

Thysis touched the girl's mind. "Hold your thoughts, my dear. They do you credit but they are unguarded and therefore too easily felt by a keen mind."

The girl blushed again.

Nemesis nodded to the council elder. "I was just about to offer the travelers food and drink. Will you join us?"

"Thank you, sister to the empath. I would enjoy the company, but Bethie awaits with a meal prepared. Perhaps later I will stop by for a mug of tea."

"Yes, please. Your presence blesses our table with the earth."

"Spoken like a true yosemin. You have learned much, my daughter, and the earth is enriched by your diligence."

Nemesis lowered her head. "You honor me with your praise, council leader."

The empath moved restlessly as the dream gripped her with fear. She could sense a willingness to do evil possess her, building inside of her with a force of its own. Her own mind's power grew and built to overwhelm her. The earth shook beneath her feet and she whimpered with her fear.

"Hercus!" She shouted with her fear as she sat bolt upright in the bed she shared with the hunter.

His arms went around her to comfort her. "It's only a dream, my love."

She trembled within the safety of his arms. "It was so real. I was filled with hate and anger."

"It's all right now, I've got you."

"Hercus was in danger."

"He's fine. He's with Hercules and Thysis, nothing has happened to him."

"I know. I sense that he sleeps in his bed in Thysis' hut. But what if this is an omen of something to come?"

"You're just upset. You've overdone again and tired yourself out."

"I have done little today. I am not overly tired."

He pulled her back down beside him. "Put it in the earth's hands, little empath. She will protect our son should protection be needed."

The girl slumped against him, drawing comfort from the other half of her soul. "You are right. I cannot go on seeing monsters where none exist. Maybe I should seek out Ares. Maybe there is something left from the healing that I need to transfer back to him."

"If you really believe that, maybe you should call to him." There was real concern in the golden one's voice."

The empath sighed. "I am just being foolish. It was just a dream. I am sure the dreams will go away soon."

"There. That's more like the little woodland creature I love."

She rolled over to kiss him. "Are you very tired?"

He smiled into the night. "Why? Have you got something in mind?"

She didn't answer him with words but her hands spoke volumes.

The half god son of Zeus wasn't sleeping either. He walked along the river where he and Dasay had met before. She'd said she couldn't come to him tonight, but he'd hoped against hope that she'd find a way.

It was far too late now to expect her. He was disappointed but not angry. The girl took all the risks in their relationship and he must trust her to set the time and place where they might meet.

"I hate this," he whispered into the night. "I want to be free to see her and not put her in danger. I want to hug her in front of any damn person I wish." He walked back toward the large pool nearest the sleeping village.

Am I ready to make a commitment to this girl? I love her, that much I can say without question. Every second I'm away from her, I think of her. Would taking this promise thing with her hurt Sira's feelings? Would I want to give Dasay up if she found her mate of the soul? This sharing thing, I'm not sure I could share her with another man. Better to walk away than to have my heart torn over and over again knowing she was with someone else. And what of Sira and Dasay sharing me? Surely one or the other of them would be jealous. Or would they? They do feel quite differently than I about such things. I can just imagine what my mother would say about such a relationship. But damn it, I don't want to give her up, and I can't keep asking her to take the risk of being caught in this.

Finding a rock near the water he sat down to stare moodily out over the water, as black as the night sky above him. Maybe I'd better have a talk with Thysis. Maybe he can shed some light on this whole business.

The morning sun was just cresting the horizon when the former executioner stumbled from the cottage to be sick at the edge of the clearing behind the hut. The half god raised up from his woven moss mat on the floor to watch her rush from the hut, her hand over her mouth.

He'd noticed the dark circles under her eyes last night but had made no comment. He had asked her if she'd seen Ares, and when she'd said no and he'd heard the pain behind her single word answer. He'd chalked her obvious fatigue up to lack of sleep as she pined away for the man who was now a god and might never return.

He had to resist the impulse to defend his godly brother's absence. He still believed Ares would return, but time meant little to a god with eternity stretching out before him while those of mortal blood found counting the minutes as they ticked away a tiring exercise in futility.

Rising, he went to the girl where she leaned against a tree fighting for composure.

"Nemesis?" She looked up at him, misery plainly written on her face then turned to be sick once more. He held her head as she vomited then turned her to him to hug her. "What is it, Nemesis?"

"I've been sick for a couple of days. I'm sure it's nothing. No one else in the village seems sick so I don't think it's anything to be concerned about."

"I'm concerned."

"I'll be fine."

He picked her up. "Come on. Let's get you back to bed."

"Really, Hercules, I'm fine."

"Maybe, and maybe not. I want Dasay to take a look at you."

"No! No. That won't be necessary. I'll be fine in a few days."

He laid her on the bed then took a seat beside her, feeling her forehead for signs of fever. Reassured that there was none he searched her eyes. "How's the tummy now?"

"It's better."

"Think you could keep some tea down?"

"Yes. Tassis tea seems to be the only thing I can keep down these days."

The big man went to stir up the fire. "At least let me go by the healer's hall and ask if they have something for an upset stomach."

"I guess that would be all right if they have something."

"If not I'll go in search of the Ometo bush. I know it helps with nausea. That much I remember from my academy days."

The girl smiled at him. "You're a love for being so concerned."

He smiled back at her as he placed the pot of water on the coals to heat. "You're to rest today. I'll take care of Evander and do the cooking. Maybe you just need some rest."

"I haven't been sleeping. I'm so tired all the time, but when I lay down at night my legs ache and I can't seem to sleep."

"He'll be back, Nemesis. Remember, time is different to a god."

She rolled onto her back to stare at the ceiling. "Maybe it's better if he doesn't come back."

"What do you mean, better?"

"We can both get over him. Evander and I, and we can live our own lives. After all that's why we came here in the first place to learn how to do just that."

"I thought you liked it here."

"I do. More than you'll ever know. It's the first place I've ever felt welcome. I didn't mean that I wanted to leave here, only that I didn't want to spend my entire life waiting for Ares to show up."

The half god sighed. "I guess you have a point. Why put your possible happiness with someone else aside to wait for someone or something that might take a long time to happen if at all?"

"I guess I could have gone with him. I did think about it."

"I guess you could have, but it's still a possibility. Call to him. I bet he'd come, then."

"I don't want him to come because I call him here. I want him to come because he wants to."

He brought her a mug of tea then sat back beside her. "Wouldn't it be nice if our lives and loves were simple?"

She smiled at him as she sat up to accept the tea. "You're thinking of your love for Sira?"

"Partly."

"You shouldn't put your possible happiness with someone else aside to wait for a woman who can't be yours for perhaps many years to come."

"And if I commit to another? What then? What about once Sira is free to be with me? I love her too much to risk losing my chance with her."

"I guess you'll have to cross that bridge when you come to it. I'm not saying it would be a bed of roses, any more than it would be for me to put my love for Ares aside. Still, Sira is right. There can be love and companionship with others along the way."

"I'm living proof there can be other loves along the way. Now I have to find a way to make this work for all of us."

"The yosemin feel very different about such things. Be honest with Dasay. She's a smart girl, given to clear thinking."

The half god nodded. "I… Hey, how'd you know I was talking about Dasay?"

Nemesis chuckled. "It was plainly written on your face, and on hers yesterday when we greeted you in the meadow."

"She could and would be in lots of trouble if this gets out. I don't want to turn her people against her."

"I know. I won't say anything. But I do think you should try and work something out. What you share now isn't fair to either of you."

"Most assuredly not to her." He rose. "Why don't I head over to the healer's hall and see if they have something to make you feel better? Then I'll come back and fix us breakfast."

She smiled at him. "That sounds like a plan. Maybe you'll even see her there."

He smiled back at her. "Maybe."

He left the hut to make his way to the main entrance of the healer's hall. He called then waited to see if someone came to the door. He wasn't sure what he'd do if no one did. He knew he wasn't welcome within the walls of the sacred hall of healing.

Melay herself came to his second call. She looked a bit startled to find him standing before her. He lowered his eyes quickly.

"Yes, warrior?"

"Forgive my intrusion, healing mother. Nemesis, sister to the empath, is feeling a bit under the weather, and I wondered if there might be something that could settle her churning stomach."

"I see. It is unusual for a male to make a request at the healer's hall."

"I'm sorry, my mother. I'm afraid I'm still not used to the ways of the people I have so recently sworn my loyalty to."

The elder smiled. Stepping out of the hall she stuck her head back inside. "Lea," she called. She waited somewhat impatiently for the apprentice to come to her summons. When she did the healing mother gave her a stern look. "Lea, I want you to go to the Dea and ask her to make up a powder for upset stomach then bring it to the bench at the back of the hall."

The girl bowed. "Of course, my mother."

Melay turned back to smile at the half god beside her, her neck craned back to see his face. "Come. We will wait in comfort for the Dea to bring you something for the clan sister."

"Thank you, my mother."

Melay led him to the bench where Dasay had sat that first night he'd talked so long to her. The elder took the bench and the half god took up a place on the grass beside her.

"So, I guess I've committed a social blunder by coming to the hall, myself?"

"It is usual for one to find a female to make the request for aide."

The Dea hurried from the back of the healer's hall. She stopped before the healing mother, her eyes lowered.

"Prompt as always, Dasay. The village warrior has requested the powder for his clan sister, Nemesis. She is ailing, it would seem. Why do you not go with him to check on the poor dear? Then you can show the warrior how to administer the powder."

"Of course, healing mother."

Melay turned to the demigod. "Do not worry about coming in person to request our help. There can be no blunder among friends." She held her hand out to the man towering above her and he took it with a firm grip. Her grip was surprisingly strong and he smiled at her.

"Now run along and tend to that poor girl. Dasay, you may stay with her if she needs you." She turned to make her way smartly toward the hall.

Hercules watched her back for a moment then turned to the Dea. "If I didn't know better I'd say she was throwing us together."

Dasay frowned. "No. That could not be the case."

Hercules looked around him to make sure no one was watching then took the girl in his arms to kiss her soundly. Setting her back on her feet he stepped back and looked around once more. Assured on one had seen them he gave the girl a wicked smile.

"No one's looking. Shall we do that again?"

Now the girl looked around her. "We might get caught."

"You could always say I forced you."

"Or that I forced you." She moved closer. Her arms went around his neck as her lips sought his.

She broke away reluctantly. "I guess we should take this medicine to Nemesis. Or was that just a ploy to try and see me?"

"No. Nemesis really is ill. But I'm glad coming for medicine gave me a chance to see you, too."

They made their way toward the hut where Hercules hoped Nemesis still rested. Fahr stepped from his hut, a mug of tea in his hands. He liked the early morning hours in his little village, the smell of cooking in the air, the blue smoke of the cooking fires, making a wreath around the tops of the pine trees.

He looked up to see the demigod and the Dea walking next to each other. He'd started to bring the tea to his lips for a drink but stopped short. The couple wasn't touching. In fact, there was a respectable distance between them. Still, something drew his attention. He frowned. It was an energy in the air that touched him. His frown deepened.

Evander was sitting on the edge of his mother's bed entertaining her while he waited for his Uncle Hercules to return.

"I've been looking after Mommy, Uncle Hercules."

"So you have. Good boy."

Evander left the bed to hug his uncle's legs and the big man lifted him up to surround him with muscular arms.

Dasay took the boy's place beside the former executioner. "You are ill, my sister?"

"It's nothing. I told Hercules not to bother you."

"It is no bother. I have brought something to settle your stomach."

"I'm sure that's all I'll need."

"You are not feverish. That is a good sign. Let me make the powder up for you."

The Dea rose. Hercules was bustling about in the kitchen preparing a meal for the little demigod and himself.

He looked up to stun the healer with a blue eyed smile. "How's the patient?"

"I do not think it is anything serious. Could I have some hot water? The powder works better if it is made up like a tea."

The son of Zeus poured the water into a mug and handed it to the girl. "Will you heal her?"

"I do not believe she wishes me to, and since it does not appear to be too serious I should not need to. If it gets worse, then I might."

The girl mixed the powder in the mug of hot water and took it to Nemesis then sat on the bed once more to watch her drink it. When it was gone Dasay took the mug away.

"You should lay down for a bit until you feel better. There is more powder should you need it."

"Thank you, Dasay."

"You must send Hercules for me if you begin to feel worse." Nemesis looked skeptical. "I mean it. I want your promise."

"All right. I promise."

"Good." The Dea rose to rinse the mug in the pan of water near the stove.

"Join us for breakfast, Dasay?" the half god invited.

"I should get back."

"Melay said you could stay."

"To treat Nemesis, not to share your meal."

Evander took her hand. "Please join us, Dasay."

Hercules set her a plate then went to Nemesis. "Is the food going to bother you? We could take it outside."

"No. I'm feeling better. I think I'll just take a nap." She covered a yawn then shrugged apologetically.

He smiled at her. "Once we've eaten I'll take Evander out so we won't disturb you."

"Thanks, Hercules." She covered another yawn and settled herself more comfortably on the bed.

Hercules took a set at the table next to the healer. Their legs brushed as they shared the simple meal of boiled grain, honey, and bread toasted over the fire.

The adults washed the dishes while the little demigod played quietly on the floor near the door.

When the kitchen was set to rights the three of them left the hut. "Come with us to the river?"

"No. On that I must say no. But you can walk me back to the healer's hall."

Hercules smiled at her. "All right, then. Come on."

"Will you meet me tonight?" The healer's mind touch was a caress.

"I'll wait at the usual place," he assured her.

Lea waited outside the healer's hut for the Dea. The older girl gave the younger apprentice a raised eyebrow look.

The younger girl lowered her eyes. "Forgive me, sister. Melay asked me to look for you. Fahr wishes a word with you as soon as possible."

"Why?"

"I am sorry. I do not know."

"I will go to him. You have delivered your message, and thank you." Lea gave the demigod a sly smile and bounded back to the hall.

"I must go, Hercules."

"Is everything all right?"

"Oh, yes, I am sure it is. Fahr sometimes likes my company. We do not talk much but he seems happy to have someone to read his scrolls to. He writes stories about animals in very yosemin situations. They are really quite funny."

"Fahr, funny?"

The girl smiled. "Be nice. He can be very good to me." Now the half god raised his eyebrows at her. "I said be nice." She shoved at him playfully.

"Thanks for your help with Nemesis."

"Do not hesitate to call me if she gets worse."

He sent his mind to her. "I want to kiss you."

"Did I not tell you to behave?"

"No. You said to be nice. Kissing is nice."

"It is the way you do it, anyway."

"This day is going to seem like years."

"For me also, my love."

The empath sat the little girl back on her bed. "Now no more running up and down the steps." She eyed the bandage on the girl's leg.

"Thank you, Sira."

"You are welcome."

"Can I go play now?"

"I do not see why not."

The girl bounded up and was gone in a flash. Sira stood watching her retreating back as she shook her head.

The housemother smiled at her. "She never stops, that one."

The healer laughed. "I hope you have a ready supply of bandages waiting."

"We always do. I've just made tea. Will you join me for some?"

"I would love some tea."

"It's really good of you to help us out here."

"It is not out of the goodness of my heart. It is because I enjoy it so much. It helps to lessen my loneliness for my own son."

"You said that he's away at lessons?"

"Yes, with my family."

"It was good of you to come here to help the Queen in her confinement."

"I promised her I would. I am glad I was here since she had such a bad time of it."

"The poor dear. She just works too hard, that's all"

"Well, she has plenty of helpers now. The little Prince is a real charmer. He has wrapped everyone around his little finger and he knows it too."

"Like his father, is he?" Both women laughed.

The golden one wiped the perspiration from his brow. One of the men he worked with pulled the rope that held the water jug up from the river and offered the jug to him.

"Thanks." He tipped it back and took a long drink. Waiting a moment he drank again. "That hit the spot." He handed the jug back.

The man smiled. "Maybe I'd better go refill this."

"Oh, no, you don't. That's just an excuse to get out of work. There's two other jugs, and we're almost done for the day."

The man laughed good naturedly. "Well, it was worth a try."

Another man raised up from the hand operated pulley that operated the dredging scoop.

"Are you two going to talk all day, or put in an honest day's work?"

Iolaus laughed. "I guess we've had our orders." He patted his partner on the back.

Both men added their strength to the pulley.

Hercules walked along the river as he had the night before. He was getting concerned. He paced for nearly an hour then took a seat in the grass near the place they always met. Stilling his mind he sent it to the healer. Nothing. Not as if she were not there, but like she was guarding her thoughts from him.

"Dasay?"

She didn't respond. He felt bereavement. He could sense the girl, but he couldn't touch her mind. What could have happened to make her turn away from me? Pain and loneliness filled him and he jumped to his feet. He started to head for the village then stopped.

What are you going to do, storm the healer's hall and make a fool of both you and her? Could she have been caught? Calm down, he told himself. Maybe something has frightened her and she's trying to protect us both.

"Dasay." His need for her only seemed to intensify.

Then his mind was filled with a strong sense. Not of the Dea, but of the empath. "I have touched her mind, my brother. I believe she guards it not from you, but from someone else. She is well, my love. Wait until you can speak with her. If she is in danger of exposure she must keep the barriers on her mind up for the moment."

"What have I done to her?"

"No, my soul. I sense no real danger, more a concern of future danger. If you must leave the village to protect her we will meet you, and together we will fight for her. Do not be afraid to go to Thysis and Melay. Maybe even Tella. They will be your strongest allies among those in the village. I suggest caution. Still, the planting celebration should be soon. The Dea will be expected to be there. Perhaps you will get a chance to talk with her then."

"I won't let them hurt her."

"I know. Neither will I."

"The celebration's tomorrow. I'll wait to see. Maybe Thysis can get a chance to talk to her if I can't"

"Or Hercus. He will know how to be discreet, and he is with you in this."

"I love you, Sira. Thank you for understanding."

"I love you also. You are my soul. I want your happiness. I sense your feelings for Dasay and am filled with joy. Your love for her touches me deeply. We will come if you need us."

"Thank you, my soul."

The half god stayed in the forest near the river, his mind open to the Dea, while not trying to intrude on her thoughts. He knew sleep would be impossible anyway.

It was the cold that finally drove him back to Nemesis' hut. He built up the fire then stretched out on his blankets on the floor. His mind refused to relax and he tossed and turned in agitation. Finally his body's need to sleep overcame his fear and apprehension and he dozed in and out of a troubled sleep.

Guilt rode him. If the love between him and the girl had been found out and it was known that Dasay had been meeting him in the night, her punishment could be a real one. She could be stripped of her clan right and be forced to leave the village. Her trial would be a public one, and the half god could only imagine the humiliation this might bring to the painfully shy healer. Even if the elders of the clan were willing to overlook her indiscretions, there would be those of the village who would not. Her ability to heal could well be hampered if the love and trust of the one in need had been sacrificed by behavior they considered inappropriate. I don't want to give her up, but I can't let this thing between us put her in danger.

Could I just walk away? He felt pain as a tingle in his stomach that spread to leave him feeling hot all over. I love her. I need her. If there's ever to be a chance for me to have a woman while I wait for Sira, this is the one. He rolled over once more. It's more than that. I don't just want someone to fill my bed since Sira can't. I have real feelings for Dasay. He sat up in his blankets. Do I dare ask her for a commitment when my soul is consumed by another?

He felt a peace wash over him. Yes! his mind shouted. I feel the earth in this. I've been led to this as surely as I was led to Sira. Thank you, my mother, for showing me. I am truly blessed. His mind more at ease he lay back down and was almost instantly asleep.

The Dea paced the narrow confines of her sleeping chamber. Her soul ached for the half god son of Zeus. She felt tired in mind and soul. It wasn't easy to maintain the barriers needed to shut her mind from others. She'd felt the demigod's mind on hers and known that he was worried. She'd gotten a sense of the empath and felt a comfort in this, but she must not lower the barriers now. Not when she could still feel the mind of the village leader on hers.

She'd been shocked and frightened when she'd gone to him thinking he wished her company to share yet another of his stories and found that he meant to question her about her feelings for Hercules. She'd feared for a moment that he knew of their nocturnal activities, but had been smart enough to keep that part of her thoughts hidden away.

Her mind had grown stronger since her first encounter with the earth's chosen one. She'd learned much from her mind lessons with the empath. Now she put this training to good use. Once she realized that Fahr was still unaware just how deeply her feelings for the half god went, she relaxed a little while strengthening the barrier on her emotions as far as Hercules went.

Fahr hadn't forbidden her to see him in so many words, but the words he'd used left no real room for doubt of his meaning. She'd longed to rush to the man she loved to find comfort in his arms and in their touch of the soul. She worried and fretted about not meeting the half god in their favorite place by the river. She'd conjured up picture after picture of what he might be going through as he waited for her. She'd played through her head, every, emotion remotely possible that might touch him in his waiting. She'd even feared he might come after her.

Now what? she asked herself. Do I wait until Fahr backs away, then go on seeing Hercules? Do I dare ask him for a commitment? Even if I did, would the council sanction it? And if so, would it be sanctioned by the people of the village? I owe them something for my years of training. I am the Dea. I have a responsibility to others.

She sighed in frustration. I cannot give him up. I love him. I need him and I know he needs me. I sense his loneliness and the pain he still carries for those taken from him. If I turn away from him it will tear his mind and soul yet again. It will tear my own.

Morning came too early for the half god. He woke to the sound of a child at play and for a moment he was back in his home with Deianeira and his children. He could smell tea and cooked grain in the air and hear the rustle of a woman's skirts as she prepared the first meal of the day.

Pleasure filled his mind and soul, but almost a quickly as it did reality flooded in to erase it. No! Not yet. Let me dream for just a moment longer. But it was gone, and he opened his eyes to watch Evander at play on the floor.

The half god was taken aback by the boy's resemblance to his father and now loneliness for the Ares he'd gotten to know for such a short time joined his other loneliness. Depression swept over him. It had been a long time since he'd felt the numbing tingle of these dark emotions. Sira had taken this from him almost without his being unaware of it.

Why is it here now? Then he knew. Dasay. I can't give her up. His mind was comforted by a strong sense of the empath and he latched onto her offered comfort like he might a rope thrown to him as he sank into quicksand. He didn't give a damn that he might be using her. Without her he was lost.

"Sira!"

"It is well my soul. Trust the earth."

Evander came to sit beside him. "Are you all right, Uncle Hercules?"

He pulled the boy into his arms. "I'm fine."

"Evander," his mother scolded, "I told you to let your uncle sleep."

The half god rolled over and sat up. "It's all right, Nemesis. I was awake." He watched her for a moment. "How are you feeling this morning?" She looked slightly pale, but seemed lively enough.

The girl brought him a mug of tea and he smiled his thanks. She gave him a warm smile in return. "I'm feeling fine this morning, thank you." She wasn't about to tell him she'd been sick earlier. "You should see the people. Everyone is up early for the first day of the celebration."

"Is that excitement I hear in your voice?"

The former goddess laughed. "You can tease all you want, but it's been a long time since I've felt this at home. Clea has invited us to share a table with her and Clavus. There's to be food and dancing." The girl laughed again.

"I'm glad you've found a place here, Nemesis."

"I have. All those years of fear when I was under Hera's thumb, all the fear and loneliness after I lost my godhood." She shook her head. "It all seems like a bad dream now. I've found a home and friendship here."

The half god rose to plant a kiss on her cheek. "Your enthusiasm reminds me of the old Nemesis. The one I proposed to all those years ago."

She looked up to smile into his blue eyes. "I really did love you, you know."

"First loves are always the strongest."

"Will you join us at our table?"

"I'd like to, but Thysis has invited me to be with him tonight. Hercus will be with the other apprentices. I wouldn't want to leave him alone on such an important night."

"Then stop by if you can. I think you and Clavus would find conversation easy."

He gave her a boyish smile. "You even sound like the earth's people, my sister."

She shoved at him. "There was a time that naughty little smile would work on me, but no longer. I had every intention of sounding like the earth's people."

He laughed at her. "Don't take offense. I was only teasing you."

"I happen to admire the people of the earth very much. They have an open mind and a heart filled with compassion that I found sadly missing among humans."

He kissed her cheek again. "You don't have to convince me. I fell under their spell long before you did."

"You don't think I'm getting too comfortable here, do you?" All trace of her jaunty enthusiasm of earlier was gone.

"No, Nemesis. You're right. What you have here is special. Don't let my foolishness spoil it for you."

"I've got food ready for us. Don't touch the pies on the counter. Clea's taught me how to make a very good pie, but they're for the celebration tonight, not for now."

He lifted the cloth that covered the pies on the table and whistled. "If they taste as good as they look, I'm not sure I'll be able to resist."

She swatted his hand. "They taste even better than they look and you just leave them alone."

Hercus stood along the outer wall of the council hall along with the other junior apprentices. Disappointment burned deep within him. At each of the four seasons the council chose those apprentices they deemed ready to take their place as senior apprentices. From here they would go on to become trades and craftsmen. As seniors they could and would be expected to teach younger apprentices and be given at least some standing in the village.

Five times now, he'd been passed up for the honor now being bestowed on the boys he'd trained with each day. Five times he'd been overlooked and left to stand and watch as others less ready than he received the coveted amulet of their chosen trade.

Thysis had stormed from the council platform in annoyance. His lanky blond half yosemin apprentice wished he, too, could storm from the council hall to seek comfort from the earth.

The ceremony of amulet seemed to drag on forever. He watched as Dentax went to his knees before Fahr to receive the amulet of the hunter. Dentax, his friend. They'd joked about taking the vow of amulet at the same time. Dentax, while older in years, was far behind Hercus in ability and in strength of mind. But as the seasons had passed and still Hercus was left a junior apprentice, the boys had laughed about the possibility of becoming seniors at the same time.

Hercus looked away as anger rushed in to push the disappointment aside. That should be me up there. He looked back to see his friend pull his long black hair from under the leader cord that held the amulet in place. His clan markings seemed to glare in the smoky light of the council hall before the shiny black locks fell back into a shimmering mane down the boy's back.

Hercus reached up to rub his neck where no marking darkened his skin. His sigh seemed loud even to his ears. Dentax looked up to give him an understanding smile and Hercus looked sharply away. The senior apprentice sent his mind to his blond friend to lend his comfort only to find the half yosemin's mind closed to him.

The ceremony was finally over and the black haired boy approached his friend. Hercus turned before he could reach him and left the hall.

Dentax stood staring at his retreating back. It is just not fair, he thought. He deserves this honor more than I do. Why should the fact that he is only part yosemin make any difference? He is stronger in the earth than any of us.

Hercus left the clearing around the village to find a place by the river. He took a seat on the grass, and crossing his legs he opened his mind to the earth. The grass beneath him bent to caress him and he began to relax slowly. He felt guilty now that he'd been so rude to Dentax. It wasn't his friend's fault that the council chose to pass him by yet again. He sighed as the pain of his rejection knotted his stomach. His time was running out and he knew it. Three more seasons only, did he have left. Then he must be released from his lessons for a full season before he could once again take up his studies as an apprentice. It would be a bitter pill to swallow to be forced to go through a second two year cycle of study. He knew that due to his age it wouldn't be unusual for him to go through three cycles before he was chosen as a senior apprentice, but he was ready now, and to be forced to wait was unfair; even degrading. If he hadn't been chosen as a senior after the three cycles, then he would be released from his lessons. Once this was done he would be just one of the earth's people. There would be no chance for him to be a master, then. He couldn't be a hunter of the village and would be forced to stand back as the other hunters left the village in search of food to supply the village he called home.

He wasn't fit to be anything else. No other trade had caught his fancy. Thysis had insisted he could still be a scholar even without being a master, but the thought of being such an unimaginative member of such a proud clan almost turned his stomach.

Beneath his disappointment was also a nagging sense of betrayal. He'd thought his people better than this. He had no illusions about the reason he'd been passed up for senior apprentice so often. He wasn't a full blooded yosemin. The human blood that tainted the blood of the earth's people had soured his chances of becoming the one thing he desired most.

He knew without conceit that his mind was stronger than the others who'd been honored tonight. The strength of the mind and the apprentice's ability to perform his chosen trade should be the things his advancement was based upon.

Clanis had told him more than once that he was the best hunter. Hercus could see for himself that his warrior skills were honed and sharp. He'd worked hard to build his muscles, and his arms bulged against his woven moss shirt.

He was young in years on the face of his mother, and yet his maturity was far beyond many of the others who'd already been chosen for the honor he coveted.

He'd grown so much in the past year, standing almost as tall as his yosemin mother. He knew he'd never be really tall, at least not by human standards. But he still had several years of growth left to him and was sure in his own mind that he'd stand his own among the earth's people.

My blood should not make the difference in my being honored as a senior. The earth's people are supposed to be above this kind of prejudice. Has the outside world so influenced us that we have lost sight of the earth's teachings?

I will not be a scholar left to a life of bitterness by the bigotry of those in power. Should I not be chosen at the beginning of the next season, I will leave here. There will be a place for me with my mother and father. Still, I will not turn my back on the earth, or her people for that matter, even if they have turned their backs on me. To live a solitary life in the forest would be good. My mind would find time to learn and grow just as my grandfather's mind has.

He felt the earth send comfort to him and he relaxed. He'd made a decision and the earth hadn't turned her back on him. The thought gave him the will to face what might come and he rose.

First I must seek out Dentax and apologize to him. I was rude to him when I should have been congratulating him. Then I must seek out my grandfather. He, too, may need comfort.

The boy threw his almost waist length curly blond hair behind his back. Taking a beaded leather band from his waist pack he tied it around his forehead to hold the hair in place. Picking up a good sized rock he gripped it firmly in his hand, palm up. Stiffening his elbow he brought the rock up to his shoulder. He could feel the muscles of his arm stretch, and the familiar feeling also brought him comfort. I am stronger than most of the other boys, too.

He pushed these thoughts aside as he moved through the forest to enter the clearing near the healer's hall. His bare feet made little noise on the richly carpeted forest floor. He avoided a branch that hung over the path he trod. The sound of it hitting his leather clad leg would be loud in the stillness of the late evening.

He smiled to himself. They may not think I am fit to be a hunter of the village, but whether they wish to acknowledge it or not, I am a hunter and a warrior. No one can take that from me.

He found Dentax with the other apprentices of the village. He stood a little apart from them. For the first time he felt as if he didn't belong here among those of the earth, and the feeling cut deeply into him.

The dark haired apprentice looked up to search his friend's eyes, then detaching himself from the others he came to stand beside the boy he admired and envied.

"Are you all right, Hercus?" The blond sighed. "Come on. We have some time before we are expected to serve the elders."

Dentax took his friend's arm and led him out passed the last hut and to a grassy patch under a tree. He took a seat on the ground, and after a moment Hercus joined him.

"Congratulations on being chosen. The amulet suits you well."

The boy fingered the stone for a moment then removed the cord from his neck and tucked the necklace into his waist pack. "This whole thing is a travesty. You are the one who should have been chosen."

"It would appear those of the council do not agree."

The half god fidgeted beside Thysis. The old one did his best to ignore it for a time, preferring to enjoy the good food set out before him by the apprentices of the village. His anger of earlier was gone now. He wished to have a chance to speak with his grandson of the soul but he must await the proper time. He was glad to see Hercus taking his place beside the other junior apprentices. He could sense how deep the boy's despair ran.

The elder sighed. He is so young. In maturity and ability he is most ready to take up the responsibilities that come with the wearing of the amulet, but in years he is too young.

Thysis was sure the council's decision not to choose the boy was largely based on this. Not that those of even younger age hadn't at times been chosen for the honor of becoming a senior apprentice. He knew that the boy's mother had been chosen when she could count but six summers. Four times a year the council sat in session to decide who would be chosen. Eight seasons or two summers were given before the apprentice must leave his lessons for one of the four seasons before returning to study once more.

If the boy is not chosen by the time his eight seasons is over, then he will discontinue his hunting and fighting lessons. But his lessons of the mind must continue. On that I will not comply with the decision of the council. Even, he decided, if it means leaving here to return to my cave.

The old one shot a sideways look at his silent companion. "Stop fidgeting, my large friend. She will be arriving soon."

"I need a chance to talk to her." Hercules stopped as he realized the man he called father had read his mind once more. "I'm worried that someone has learned of our…" he hesitated, "relationship."

"I understand. Still, I sense more of caution than of fear from the girl."

"I've been so selfish. I've put her in danger for the sake of a few moments of pleasure."

The elder smiled. "Correct me if I am wrong; she was a willing party to your encounters."

The half god sighed. "Still, I never should have allowed this to go on. I've got to know what's happened."

"If you are unable to speak with her, I will do so for you."

"Thank you, Thysis. I couldn't ask you for help, but I can sure accept it when it's offered."

"Why could you not ask?"

"It isn't fair to involve you in this."

"Humph. You talk foolishness at times, my son of the soul." He gave the demigod an earnest look. "You have a point about putting Dasay in danger, Dasay and yourself. You might not be accepted here in the village if this were to come to light."

"It's also unfair to you and Hercus, not to mention Sira. I should leave here." He ran an agitated hand through his hair. "I love her, Father. I don't want to live without her."

"Then ask her to go into promise with you. It would give a validity to your trips to the forest and give the people the comfort of a commitment between you two."

"I understand that the vow of promise doesn't give us free rein to be together in a physical way."

"It does as far as the ancient laws are concerned. That was the whole idea behind the vow in the first place. Still, it is true that some look at it differently now. But the people understand the pull of the earth. It may no longer be acceptable for you to live openly together as mates might do, but showing the girl affection or walking from the clearing with her would not be outwardly opposed. You would both be free to open your hearts to a mate of the soul should the chance come for either of you."

"I've been afraid to make a commitment to her."

"And now?"

"Now? Now I'm still not sure."

"Search your heart, my son. You will find the way." Thysis watched the half god stiffen as the apprentices from the healer's hall made their way to the tables around the clearing. They came laden with plates and bowls filled with preserved fruits and vegetables.

The elder followed the demigod's gaze. "She seems outwardly calm."

Hercules sighed. "She's so beautiful." Thysis smiled to himself but made no comment. They both knew whom they were talking about.

The half god watched the slender brown haired girl, his heart pounding. With a rush he realized how much he'd missed her. His breath caught and he looked away. If someone were to see the way he was looking at the Dea they would know without doubt his feelings for her.

The evening slipped into night, and still Hercules hadn't found a chance to speak with Dasay. His nerves were on edge and the tension brought a dull ache to his neck and shoulders. Reaching back to rub his neck in a vane attempt to ease the tension he looked up to see the girl sitting quietly alone on a bench near the elder's platform in the clearing in the middle of the village. Taking a deep breath and squaring his shoulders he came to stand before her.

His heart turned over painfully when her eyes looked up from below her dark lashes to search his with longing and desire.

"May I join you?"

She drew a quick breath at the sound of his voice. She could sense his tension as well as see it in the puckering of his brow. She longed to smooth the wrinkles from his forehead.

"Dasay?"

She looked around her nervously. She knew she shouldn't be here with him, but she had to speak with him. Looking around her once more she nodded.

He sat beside her. He longed to take her into his arms, but sensing her fear at being found with him he forced himself to keep his hands lying loosely in his lap.

"What's happened?"

The girl drew a ragged breath. "It has been suggested that I avoid your company."

"Suggested by whom?"

"It does not matter."

"It was Fahr, wasn't it? Yesterday, when he sent for you." The healer neither denied nor confirmed his suspicion, but he knew he was right. "So he knows."

"Not all of it; only that we have feelings for each other."

"I'm sorry, Dasay."

"No. It was not your fault. I am in no trouble for the moment. I closed my mind to you because I could feel the mind of Fahr on mine, and I could not let him know just how deeply my feelings for you run."

"It tore me apart when I couldn't touch your mind."

The girl closed her eyes for a moment. "I am sorry, Hercules."

He sighed. "I should leave here. My being here puts you in danger, and that's the last thing I want."

"Not yet, my lover. Do not leave yet. I must talk with you."

He fought the impulse to take her into his arms. Her endearment sent a shaft of pain and longing through him to rob him of his breath and senses. "Go into promise with me. Come back to Corinth for a time." The girl's breath caught on a sob. "Dasay?"

"Do not leave here yet. Keep your mind for me and I will find a way to come to you." She jumped to her feet. "I must go."

"Dasay."

"Wait for me."

She moved into the crowd before she could change her mind and reach out for the man she loved. She shook with emotion. He wants to be in promise with me. She was in shock, her mind in chaos.

Fahr grabbed her arm to stop her flight. She hadn't seen him in her confusion. With a rush she clamped a strong barrier on her mind that left her feeling light headed and she swayed on her feet.

The elder reached out to steady her. "I did not mean to startle you, Dea." The girl said nothing. She didn't trust her voice to be steady if she tried. "You were talking with Hercules."

"Yes, Elder."

"Did my talk with you yesterday fall on deaf ears?"

"No, Elder." She knew she was being far too formal. She should have addressed him as Father, but couldn't bring herself to do so. "He asked if he might sit beside me. It would have been very rude indeed to deny him that. I spoke only briefly with him."

"What was the topic of your conversation?"

The girl stiffened. It was not his business and they both knew it. "I told him that I must not see him again."

"You what?" There was anger in his voice. He'd made it clear to the girl yesterday that Hercules must not be insulted in this. Fahr had no desire to anger Thysis, and slighting Hercules might do just that. It was bad enough that he'd done his best to keep the council from accepting Hercus as a senior apprentice. If Thysis were to find out just how deep Fahr's resentment of the elder of the clan of the wolf and the lion ran he wouldn't fail to make a challenge.

Fahr knew how deeply the elder was respected by the other members of the council and by the village as a whole. Not only this, but he was needed to decipher the book of clan. Fahr had argued against allowing Hercus to be a part of this as well, but his objections had been overlooked and now the boy would help the old one in bringing the truths of the ancient book to light.

He felt that Thysis, the empath, and those they loved were a threat to his people. They wished to change the ways of the earth's people, and that change frightened Fahr even more than he cared to admit.

Would this change loosen his hold over the people of his village? Would his strong mind no longer be needed to guide and protect these people? He needed their adulation. Something in the worship of the people of the village nurtured him and gave his life meaning. He'd be lost without that command of others and he knew it. A rift between him and Thysis could and would tear the village apart. He wasn't prepared to find out just how loyal his little band of earth's people might be. Fear of finding out filled him and his grip on the healer's arm tightened.

"Just what did you say to Hercules?"

"I told him nothing that would cause him to be angry. I owed him an explanation and I gave him one. Now if you do not mind, Elder, you are hurting my arm." She tried to pull her arm away but he only tightened his grip on her.

"You would do well to speak to me with respect."

"I mean no disrespect, Elder. I am tired. I wish to retire." She tired once more to pull her arm away. "You are hurting me."

Hercules had watched the exchange between Fahr and the girl he felt so strongly about. He rose. He could see that Fahr was detaining Dasay and that she wished to get away from him. He wasn't sure what he meant to do, but he couldn't sit by and let the elder hurt her.

She pulled her arm away just as Hercus came forward to stand beside her. He kept his eyes lowered but his young voice was firm. "Is everything all right, Dea?"

The girl sighed in relief. Forcing herself to be calm she smiled her thanks at the junior apprentice. "Yes. I am tired, however. Would you mind walking me to the healer's hall?"

The boy offered the girl an arm. "It would be my honor."

Hercules breathed a sigh of relief. Hercus' timely appearance prevented what might have been an ugly scene. The demigod could still feel his anger for the village elder and his treatment of Dasay. He knew that someday he and the elder might indeed bump heads. He had to fight the desire to pursue that end now while his anger burned deeply through his being.

Thysis came to take his arm. "Not now, my son. Not like this. For the girl's sake if for no other reason."

The demigod turned to the elder. "If he hurts her…" He couldn't finish his thought.

"Calm yourself. No one is going to harm Dasay. If we must we will take her from here. But I do not see it coming to that. Give this some time to blow over."

The half god took a deep breath to calm himself. "I should leave here, now before this goes any further. If she's forced to leave it will tear her apart. The scandal would be bad enough, but if they ban her from the village or strip her of clan it will cut her so deep she may never heal."

"I will fight for her, my son. For your sake as well as hers. But I do not believe she will be forced to leave. Fahr may be nasty to her in private, but he would not dare push this too far. But still, to protect her you must put your feelings into a commitment of some kind. The people will back you if they see you really care for her. You are, after all, a member of the most honored clan of our people. The book of clan will once again, I believe, relieve the people's doubts about what the vow of promise means and why those from before the remembered time saw the need for such a vow. The mind and the soul are too strong to turn away from. The depth of feeling the tie of soul can bring to those of strong mind is an awesome force that no one fully understands. What it brings to us physically can be understood. It is a thing of the mind and the heart, my son. You must protect the girl if you can. If you cannot, then perhaps you should leave."

"I asked her, Father. I asked her to go into promise with me. I want this. I wasn't sure, not until I saw her look up at me. The emotions that gripped me were so powerful, so overwhelming. I would take her as my mate if that's what it takes to protect her. I would give her up if she found her mate of the soul."

Thysis took the big man's arm and led him from the clearing. Once they were in the forest he stopped to find a seat on a rock under an ancient pine tree.

"You forget, my son, that you are already tied in soul to another."

The half god let his breath out in a puff. He went to his knees on the grass beside the elder. Without really thinking about what he did he laid his hands on the soil.

"I've been such a fool. I don't know what to do. I love them both so completely."

"You have a tie of soul with Sira that cannot be denied, my son. If you were to give Dasay a child, then the vow of mate would protect her and the child. But to take the vow when that part of you belongs to another would not only be unfair to her, but to yourself and to Sira. A marriage of convenience to protect your offspring is one thing. To commit to the vow of mate when your soul is not in it would be a sin against the earth and her love. I know you care deeply for Dasay. That love does you credit. But the vow of mate is not what the earth would expect of either of you."

The half god sighed. "I wish I could love her that much. I wish I could release the feelings I have for my brother's wife and embrace Dasay with all of my mind and my soul. But you're right, I can't do it. I love Sira far too much. Tell me what to do, Thysis. I can't seem to think past the confusion in my mind. I want them both. I…"

The elder put a hand on the tall man's shoulder. "You have done the right thing by asking her to go into promise with you. There is nothing wrong or sinful in your feelings for either woman. You are far too hard on yourself, my large friend. Trust in the earth. She flows through you."

The demigod spread his fingers in the soil, letting the sense of comfort he felt there flow through him. "Guide me, my mother. I don't want to hurt either of your daughters. Help me in this."

The elder blinked as tears filled his eyes. He could feel the energy of the earth as it surged through the half god. "You are yosemin, my son."

The warrior of the clan of the wolf and the lion looked up to try and see the elder's face in the dark night. He couldn't, and yet he could sense the old one and took comfort from their bond of soul.

"Dasay asked me to give her time to find a way to speak with me. I'll stay away from her until she can."

"I will speak with her in the morning. I must spend time with Hercus. In the ceremony of the amulet he was passed over once again. His heart is sore."

"I'm sorry. In my selfishness I forgot. Why would they deny him?"

"Because he is so young, but also because there are those who resent the fact that he is not fully yosemin, and yet he commands more of the earth than most of them do. Prejudice of any kind is frowned upon in our beliefs. But knowing that does little to stop people from fearing and hating those considered different. Hercus will, I suspect, find this kind of bias no matter how strong he becomes. It is something to argue against should he be granted a place of honor here among our people."

The half god sought the comfort of the forest. Thysis went in search of his young apprentice but the demigod couldn't bring himself to leave the night behind for the gaiety of the celebration. For him the night had grown depressing and oppressive with its undertones of bias and jealousy.

If the people of this village won't accept Hercus with his half yosemin blood and his strong tie to the earth, how will they ever accept me?

The big man found a place to sit near the river. It had been a long time since he'd felt the sting of his differences. As a child he'd felt them keenly, but much of that had faded as he'd matured and found a place for himself among the humans of the world. But the fact remained, he wasn't either fully human nor fully god, and he was most assuredly not yosemin, at least not in blood. But in his tie to the earth he was.

I am of the earth. Sira has brought this to me whether Fahr or anyone else wants to believe it. My feelings for Dasay grow stronger with each passing day. Why can't that be enough for them? I wouldn't take her from the village unless she wishes to leave. I wouldn't ask her to give up her place as the Dea even though it restricts our time together. The problem is, would anyone believe this?

The apprentice healer paced the cramped confinement of her room in the hall of healers. Her mind refused to relax as she repeated in her mind the few words she'd exchanged with Hercules. Go into promise with me. Come to Corinth with me.

She hugged her arms tightly around herself as a wave of pleasure swept over her then just a quickly fled as apprehension clouded her thinking once more. If I do this I will be turning my back on my people. Fahr's objection to my seeing Hercules proves that. If I go into promise with him I will lose my healing edge amid the fear and hate my people still have for humans.

She stopped to look out the single window cut in the thick wooden wall of the healer's hall. She breathed deeply of the cold night air.

"Guide me, my mother. Help me to find my way in this. You brought us together. Please help us now."

Thysis sat on a bench at the table set beneath the tree his hut was built under. Across from him sat the empath's son. The boy fidgeted nervously as he exercised his arm muscles with a stone in each hand.

"You still have time, my grandson."

The boy sighed. "I should have been chosen."

"Yes. But there are still three seasons in this cycle, and two more cycles before you must leave your studies completely."

"It will not make any difference. I am not yosemin as far as the elders are concerned."

"That might be true of some of them, but not all. You are, after all, very young. Wait your time, my young apprentice."

"It is more than humiliating to be passed over season after season. Everyone knows I will never be chosen. I will wait one more season, then I will leave here."

The elder sighed. "At least give it until the end of the cycle before you make such a drastic move."

"So it can look like I bailed out just because I was not chosen?"

"It will, I am afraid, look that way no matter when you leave. I say stay and fight this. Even if you must go through another cycle you can fight for what you have earned. The fight in itself will impress those who must choose you for the wearing of the amulet."

"I am not like the other boys. I have tried to fit in. But the truth is, I do not. My mind is stronger than most of theirs. Being forced to go through another cycle with the least experienced apprentices is grossly unfair."

"I need your help with the book of clan. Give that a try first before you decide. Our lessons of the mind can continue even if you must take a season off."

The boy dropped the rocks he'd used to stretch and strengthen his arm muscles on the ground. "All right, my grandfather. I will wait for the next three seasons before leaving. That will give us some time to search out the secrets of the book of clan. But once my three seasons are up, I will leave, at least for a time to seek the company of my family. Uncle Hercules has a valid point. I must also make a place for myself among my father's people. Maybe it is time I looked into doing just that."

The elder looked out beyond the village to the dense forest that protected the tiny hamlet from the outside world. His heart was heavy. He'd hoped the boy would stay here among the earth's people until the secrets held within the book of clan could be revealed. Thysis was sure there would be much to change the thinking of the people of the earth and he looked forward to the changes with an anxious heart. His real fear was that he wouldn't be granted enough time here on the mortal plane to complete the task. In Hercus he'd seen the hope of the future for those who worshipped the earth. The boy could be trusted to deliver the truths of the old time without bias or prejudice.

He couldn't help but believe there was a destiny set before the empath's son that went way beyond the here and now. In the boy he saw himself. And seeing it he was given a glimpse of what his own life might have been like if he'd had the training of the mind needed to learn control over the gifts the earth granted him. Still, he couldn't force the boy to something he wasn't ready for no matter how much he felt the hours and days ticking away from his own life.

"You must seek out your mother. Your lessons of the mind are not yet complete. She can help you, perhaps even more than I can, now that you have learned to respect her and see her as a person rather than just a part of you. Should you find it necessary to leave here, I will miss you greatly. But I do understand your pain. I had hoped that, together we would find a way to help at least this little band of our people to look past the hate and fear of others. But perhaps that is not yet the will of the earth mother."

The boy reached out to squeeze his grandfather's arm. "I will await the will of the earth, my grandfather. I will not leave if I do not feel her backing in my decision."

The old one nodded. "That is all that can be asked of you, my grandson."

The elder rose. "I must seek an audience with the Dea and your lessons with the hunting master await you. We will talk more on this, my young apprentice. I will also speak with Tella. It is within my rights to ask for an explanation."

"I would not wish you to force the issue with the council leader. The victory would be small indeed if it were given rather than earned."

The old one smiled at the boy. "I had no intention of forcing an issue, only asking for a reason for the council's decision in this."

The boy smiled back. "Then I guess I should get to my lessons. Master Clanis will be impatient with me if I am late."

"Later today we will read from the book of clan. It will serve as your lessons of the mind."

"I look forward to it, my grandfather."

The elder asked Clea to call at the healer's hall while he waited outside the door. The girl who came at the call first went to the healing mother before telling Dasay that she had a visitor. Melay came to greet the elder and to give her thanks to Clea for being his messenger.

The healing mother led the elder to the bench behind the hall. "Would you sit, my friend?"

The old one nodded. "After you, honored mother of healing."

The old woman smiled at Thysis. "I hope you may be able to cheer up the Dea. She has not been herself the last day or so."

"Yes, well, it is probably only the coming of the spring. It seems to touch the young people at times."

"Yes, perhaps you are right. It is up to us to see that she finds peace with it, is it not?"

The elder of the clan of the wolf and the lion studied the seamed face of the old woman. "I will do everything in my power to protect the girl."

"And I will back you in this."

The elder nodded. "It is good to have you with us, Melay. Your heart is truly of the earth."

"It is getting there, my friend. When I think of the years I wasted in hate and anger, my heart grows heavy."

"Yes, I, too, have these regrets. Still, the earth willing, there will be time to find peace."

"Yes. Helping Dasay may well be good for me. It will give me something to look forward to. A bit of confrontation can clear the head and give an old life meaning."

Thysis laughed. "You and I think alike."

Dasay came to stand before the elders where they shared the bench. Her eyes were lowered out of respect. Her every move spoke of her tension. "I am sorry I kept you waiting, my father."

"Do not be. It has been rewarding to speak with your healing mother."

Melay rose to take the girl's arm. "There is no hurry to return to the hall, my dear. We will not be having the morning lessons. There is plenty to keep us busy in preparation for the second day of the planting festival."

"Thank you, my mother. I will not leave all of the work to others. I will hurry back to help you."

"No hurry. Enjoy your time with Father Thysis. His lively mind should help to clear your head."

"I am sorry, my mother. I know I have been sluggish. It is nothing that a good night's sleep would not fix."

"Come to me if you find sleep a problem. I will give you something to help ease your mind and make sleep easier."

"Thank you, my mother."

The healing elder smiled at the girl, then at Thysis. With a back only slightly bent with time the old one left the others and returned to the healer's hall.

Thysis rose. "Would you do me the honor of walking with me?"

The girl kept her eyes lowered. "Of course. The honor is mine, Father." The girl stood back to wait for the elder to rise. She meant to take a place slightly behind him as was expected of her station but the elder linked his arm through hers to stop her from doing so.

"I am sorry to hear you are not sleeping well, my daughter." They'd left the clearing around the hall to walk among the grass. "Your lack of sleep could not have anything to do with a certain half god, could it?" The girl steeled herself for what might come next. "Well, my dear?"

"Your mind is strong, Father Thysis. You have something on it, I presume?"

Thysis laughed. "A moment ago you called me simply father. I think our tie to this certain half god would make that title much more respectable."

"So you know of my feelings for Hercules?"

"I know of them and I know of his feelings for you. They run very deeply, my daughter."

"Is this when you tell me to avoid him?"

The elder laughed again. "I have not asked to speak with you to reprimand you, my dear. On the contrary, I have come to offer my help and my protection should either become necessary." Thysis found a log to sit on and lowered himself slowly onto the offered seat.

"I am sorry, my father. I was being unjust."

"I love Hercules also, Dasay. I would want his happiness. He has been put into a unique situation because of his strong emotions. He is forever tied to the empath, and yet he cannot act on this because of his love for his brother. He has known loneliness in his time and seeks the companionship that loving a woman can bring him." The elder turned to watch the girl standing beside him. "In you he has hope of filling that need."

"I understand his tie to Sira. It takes nothing from us. I, too, need someone to fill my loneliness."

"Good. Then we are clear on this much. Now, my dear, you must decide what is to be done about your feelings for Hercules."

The girl began to pace. "I cannot give up my place here among my people. I have no desire to jeopardize it, and yet I cannot stay away from him. Fahr knows that I have feelings for Hercules, while not really knowing how deeply they run. He has suggested that I keep my distance."

Thysis narrowed his eyes at the girl. "Has he given a reason why you should put a hold on your heart?"

"Many. He has a valid point. If the people do not approve of my being with Hercules because he is not really yosemin, then my effectiveness as a healer may well be jeopardized."

"Come, Dasay. Give our people some credit."

"It is just that many would look down on the fact that he is not yosemin, or really human. He has the blood of a god within him. Then there is the fact that the Dea is supposed to save herself for her mate of the soul. And no matter how deeply my feelings run for Hercules he is not my soul's mate." The girl sighed. "I wish that he were. It would make loving him so much more acceptable. As the Dea I am expected to give my body to the production of strong minded offspring. Yosemin offspring. Healers are supposed to be above the needs of the body. We are supposed to devote our emotions to the pursuit of greatness in the earth."

"If you feel this strongly, you have a real dilemma. It may well come to you choosing between your love for Hercules and your love for these people."

"I know. I believe it has already come to that point."

"You cannot continue to put yourself or Hercules in danger. Sneaking away to see him is wrong if you refuse to make a commitment to him."

"I know, Father. Believe me, I know. Between us there has been a commitment, but that hardly justifies my behavior."

The elder rose. "Do not wait long, my daughter. Your decision must be soon. Know that I will be here to support you."

The girl took his hand. "Thank you, Father. Your love alone gives me support. When I can, I will seek out Hercules. Together, we will decide what is to be done."

The old one nodded. "Then go with the earth, my daughter."

Thysis left her where she stood. His heart was filled with pain. He saw before him the demigod's pain and longed to find a way to ease it. He has known enough of loss and loneliness. Guide them, my mother.

The planting celebration was well underway when he returned to the village. There was much excitement. Four elders from a yosemin village on the other side of the mountain had come to look at the book of clan. They'd been persuaded to stay for the planting festival. Thysis was asked to read to the men from the old tome. He'd wanted a chance to speak with Hercules, but that must now wait.

He led the elders from the other village, Hercus, Fahr, and Tella to the council hall. When they were comfortable the old one carefully opened the leather covering. He sensed again the thrill he always got when he looked upon the faded picture writings of those from before the remembered time. His reading was halted at first, then warming to his task he began to almost chant the words that leaped out from the suede pages to entrance him with their tale.

The tall powerfully built half god slipped from the hut he shared with the former executioner of the gods and her son. In silence he slipped into the forest behind the hut then moved into the dense trees and spring grass to be hidden almost at once. The hour was still early in the night, the moon not yet at its zenith. With the silence of long practice the big man made his way around the village and to the river.

He found her by mind rather than his other senses. Stepping into a slight clearing among tall aspen saplings he saw her. The moonlight reflected from her hair to turn it to silver and black, and he stopped in awed silence at the poised beauty of the girl who turned sharply at the sound of his quickly indrawn breath then stood sedately waiting for him to come to her.

With a moan torn from his constricted throat he took two long strides to reach her. With a cry of pain and pleasure she leaned into him, melting into him as his arms went around her in an offer of love and protection.

She sobbed against him, the hours and days of tension robbing her of the will to be strong, and he cradled her cheek against his powerfully muscled chest. She could feel his heart pounding in her ear in a fast rhythm that spoke of his own emotions.

Turning her face to him he kissed the tears on her cheeks, then her eyes. "By the gods, I've missed you." His whispered words made her cry even harder.

He took her mouth with a gentle kiss. "Your lips are so soft." His tongue sought the sweetness of her mouth and her breathing quickened.

"Tell me just what's happened."

She put a finger to his lips to stop him. "Not yet, my love. Later is soon enough." She melted down him to a blanket already spread out on the grass, pulling him with her. Her hands caressed him through the leather of his pants and his breathing quickened to match her own. Moving her hands up she slid them beneath the golden yellow suede vest he wore to touch his tanned flesh.

His own hands caressed her and she leaned forward to kiss just above his navel. With hands that trembled she began to unlace his pants. Pulling her down onto the blanket he stopped her, taking time to touch and kiss her. He helped her pull her top over her head then sought her sweetness with his mouth. She never wore anything beneath her clothing when she came to him like this and he found himself hoping she never would.

She arched her back as his hands slipped beneath the loosened ties of her skirt and she raised her hips so that he could pull it out of his way.

Her skin was silky and soft to his lips. The taste of her was intoxicating on his tongue. She caressed his chest then pulled his vest from his shoulders. He slipped it off to toss it on the grass then ran a hand up over her knee and higher to caress her inner thigh.

She managed to untie his pants then slipped her hands below the waist. He drew in a quick breath that only seemed to fire her desire.

"Take them off, please."

He moved to do her bidding, standing over her to remove the moccasins he'd slipped over his bare feet at the call of her mind on his. Sliding his pants over narrow hips and strong legs he stepped from them.

The girl watched every move he made. He watched her. The moonlight highlighted her figure to tease him with her promise of surrender. A shiver tickled up his spine. The girl raised up to pull his woven moss undergarments down over his hips and he threw his head back as a moan gripped him and he shuddered with his need for her.

Laying her gently back to the blanket he joined her to take her into his arms. Once again his lips sought hers. Her kiss was gentle at first, then in another breath it became demanding and urgent.

He moved to hover above her but she shoved him back then threw one leg over him to straddle him.

His hands moved to cup her breasts. "How can anyone so shy and reserved in most things be so bold in passion?"

She moved to take him, slipping down over him slowly and his breath caught. "It is my love for you that makes me bold."

She moved her hips slowly, letting the tension build. But when she would have sped their encounter to an end he rolled over to release their physical oneness. "Not yet, my lover. I'm not ready for that so soon. I've waited too long to be with you. These last two days have been a living Tartarus."

His hand caressed her thigh and she moaned with her desire. He took his time, giving her pleasure while abstaining from it himself. Over and over, she succumbed to his tenderness until her muscles ached with tension and longing. She begged him to take her and he moved over her.

His lips on hers, her tongue pulled to him, he took her and she cried out as yet another wave of pleasure shook her.

Still he took his time, slowing when he could have ended their lovemaking. She whimpered beneath him, and her surrender stirred his blood. His cry of release sent her with him and she clung to him, unable to release her hold on him. He rolled over to pull her with him, no more ready than she to release their bond of mind, soul, and body.

She cried silently beside him, letting her tears stain his chest and he tightened his hold on her. "Tell me, Dasay."

"I have told you. I have been forbidden to see you. I would not have dared to be here with you tonight if Fahr's mind had not been concerned with the elders from our sister village."

"He doesn't know that we…? Well, you know."

"No. Only that we have feelings for each other."

"Why is that wrong?"

The girl sat up, her legs crossed. "Because I am the Dea, because I am the hope of my village. Because I believe he has someone in mind to mate me with to produce strong minded children." She paused to catch her breath. Now she whispered. "And because you are not yosemin."

He sat up beside her. "That's the real problem, isn't it? I'm not yosemin. I'm a half breed, illegitimate bastard, neither man nor god." He reached up to take the amulet of clan he wore around his neck into his hand. "This really means nothing, does it? I thought I'd finally found a place where I belonged." He wrenched the amulet from his neck to break the cord. He meant to toss the thing into the forest but the girl stopped him.

She cried openly. "It is not like that. Not for most of the people. There are those in all societies that fear anyone they perceive as different."

He took her upper arms with hands that almost hurt. "Go into promise with me."

The girl cried harder. "I cannot."

He jumped to his feet. "Why?"

"Because I am the Dea. I cannot leave my people."

"I wouldn't ask that of you. If you can't come to Corinth with me then I'll stay here with you."

"For how long, Hercules? You would resent the confinement. You would hate the fact that I would not be free to be with you because of my duties as the Dea."

"But we've made a commitment to each other and to the earth."

The girl sighed. "I know, and it is a sacred vow that I hold dear. But it is wrong for us to be together in a physical way now and it still would be if we were in promise with each other."

"Thysis says that's not true."

"It might not be for others, but I am the Dea."

He came to kneel before her. "Then what is there left for us, Dasay?" His voice was filled with unshed tears and the sound tore at her heart.

"Just what we have now. A few moments stolen away when we can."

"We can't keep this up. We'll be found out, and then what?"

She put both hands to her head. "I do not know. I am frightened. I do not want to give you up. You give my lonely life meaning."

He pulled her into his arms, and now his own tears joined hers. "Don't send me away because your people are unfair."

"Do not go because I cannot be what you want me to be."

"Dasay."

"I need time; time to find my way. Time to speak with the earth. I have been so confused. Give me time to sort this out. Time for Fahr to ease his observation of my mind and my moves."

The half god sat back on his heels. "Then I'll go for now. I can't stay here and not be with you."

The girl threw her head back to cry out in her pain. "I do not want you to go in anger. Please try to understand why I cannot go into promise with you."

"Dasay."

"I do not want to lose you."

He took her into his arms. "You won't. I can't stay away long. I need you, my love. More than I thought possible. I'll go to give you time to think about this. I want an open commitment with you. I want to take you into my arms in front of the whole damned village and announce my love for you. I know we can't share a hut together because of your duties to the village, but we could be together at social functions. We could take a lunch into the forest and stay to make love under the trees. We could bathe together in the river."

"Yes, my love. I want these things also. Give me time. Let Thysis find the place in the book of clan that tells the true meaning of the vow you wish to take with me. Let me speak with him and learn more from Sira's mind. I need time, but not too much time. I need you with me."

He took her lips with his and she slipped her arms around his neck to replace the clan amulet he'd ripped away in his anger. He looked down upon it then back at her.

"I tied the leather cord for now but it should be replaced. Wear it for your two loves, for Sira, as her second mate of the soul and more than brother of her clan, for me as a promise of the earth in our love. I think maybe you are far more yosemin than I am, my half god lover. I feel the earth so strongly in you. I must find that place with the earth, myself. Then maybe there really will be a chance for us."

He rose to find his leather pants. Not to put them on, but to take something from the leather waist pack. Returning to her he took her hand in his to slip a delicate silver band onto the middle finger of her left hand. "This used to belong to my oldest son. It was a gift from his mother to him when he turned eight. He gave it to me to remember him one of the many times I left my family to help a village terrorized by a warlord. I never got the chance to return it to him. I've kept it all this time.

The girl wrapped her other hand around the hand to protect the silver band. "It is a part of your heart. I will treasure it."

He took her once more into his arms to cradle her like he might a child. Rocking her gently he kissed the top of her head. "I'll keep my mind open to you, my love. If you need me, you must call to me. Thysis is an ally. Don't be afraid to go to him."

"I will keep my mind for you and for Sira. She has taught me much already. Perhaps she can teach me to be bold outside of my love for you."

He shuddered as his pain filled his eyes once more with tears. "I love you, my little healer. I wish I could give my soul to you completely. I've even tried. But it's for someone else. I wish…"

She reached up to touch his lips. "No, my love. You do not want to give that up, even if you could. It is too precious, too rare. I would never wish to come between the two of you. Do you not see that would spoil it all? It all has to do with our tie of the soul, all of us together, Sira, Iolaus, Hercus, Thysis, you and I. We are a family. I have needed that family. I have missed my own so much, but having all of you has filled that loneliness. It is not just about you and I. It is about all of us."

He threw his head back. "What have I ever done to deserve you?"

"You are love."

His kiss parted her lips and she gave herself to him willingly. Now their lovemaking was tender and bittersweet with their pain.

As he took her he made his decision. Tomorrow I'll leave here. Not for long, but for a time. I need to do some thinking of my own.

He will leave here tomorrow. I know he will. Please, earth mother, protect him until he can return.

The half god bent to stuff clothing into his pack. The former executioner stood watching him. "Are you sure you have to go?"

At the sound in her voice he came to her. "What is it, Nemesis?"

"I'll miss you, is all."

He searched her face. "Are you feeling under the weather again?"

She shook her head. "It's just so sudden. Did something happen with Dasay?"

The half god sighed. "She's not ready to make a commitment, and being with me puts her position as Dea of the village in jeopardy."

She reached up to caress his cheek. "I'm sorry, Hercules."

He took her into his arms, needing the comfort of her closeness. "Look out for her for me."

"You know I will. You will come back?"

"Yes. But she needs time." He leaned back to study her face. "Are you sure you're all right."

"Just tired. The celebration keeps us all busy."

"I have to speak with Thysis. Then I'll hang around while you rest if you'd like."

"I'm fine. Clea has offered to watch Evander for a bit. I'd meant to bake but I don't have to. I can rest instead."

He kissed her forehead. "If you need me you can have Thysis call to me. We're always linked, I'll know."

"Stop worrying about me. I wish I could help you with this."

He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the knuckles. "I'll be back before you know it. Being with Sira and Iolaus will do much to ease my loneliness."

"Give her time. I know she cares for you."

"Yes. I have no doubt of that." With a smile he left her to seek out Thysis.

The elder sat at his outdoor table with Hercus. Both looked up at his approach. Thysis motioned to a bench. "You have time to join us for a moment before you leave."

Hercules smiled at the elder. "Can I keep nothing from you?"

"Not much."

Hercus rose to squeeze his Uncle's shoulder. "I will miss you, my uncle. Go with the earth and know that I will watch over her for you."

"Thank you, Hercus. She may well need a friend. I've never thanked you for getting her away from Fahr the other night."

The boy smiled at him. "She was holding her own. I fear that Father Fahr sometimes takes his duties too seriously."

"Humph." The elder of the clan of the wolf and the lion gave his grandson of the soul a stern look. "I believe your hunting master awaits you."

The boy winked at the half god then nodded to Thysis. "With the earth, my uncle." Both men watched as the boy made his way from the clearing.

"The boy needs to learn some manners." The elder meant to sound annoyed but failed somehow.

Hercules chuckled. "He seems to have gotten over his despondency at not being chosen to wear the amulet of a senior apprentice."

"He is yosemin. Still, his pain lies beneath the surface." The elder sighed. "Now tell me what happened to make your departure such a pressing matter."

"I believe you've already guessed."

"Did she give a reason for her refusal?"

The half god took up the chips that lay scattered pell-mell over the table. "She's scared. She fears her people will turn their backs on her for taking anyone into promise, but especially someone not of yosemin blood. She thinks that because she is the Dea she must give her life to the pursuit of healing, and her blood to a strong-minded offspring. She feels that even if we were to go into promise it wouldn't protect her from her peoples' ire at the physical side of our love."

"How can she think so little of the earth's children?"

"I'd say she has good reason. They haven't accepted Hercus. Sira's not in favor because she is strong willed and because she is tied to a human. My differences have contributed greatly to her fear, and with good reason."

The elder brought an angry fist down on the table. "Hercus was passed over because of his age. Tella and I have spoken of this."

"Yeah, well, that's a convenient excuse, isn't it?"

"He was sincere. I do not deny that there are certain of those in power here that are prejudiced. But you must understand that Fahr is not so much prejudice of humans as he is afraid of them. He fears change of any kind. He feeds on the adulation of his people. Without that he would fold like a fan. He has no strength of his own and must take his strength from others. In humans, in you and Hercus, in Sira and Iolaus, he sees a threat. In myself and the book of clan he finds much to fear. Still, he is only one man, no more and no less. He has influence with the council, but so do I. Not even Fahr would dare to cause a rift with me."

The old one changed his position on his bench. "Those who came here yesterday to learn from the book of clan proved that. There are two elders from different villages who have asked to be allowed to stay here and learn the secrets of the book. In this Fahr sees the thing he craves the most. He sees power. But for that power to nurture him the book must be deciphered. So far, Sira, Hercus, and myself are the only ones able to do this with any real accuracy. Others may know some of the old symbols, but not all of them. Some might, given time, figure out many more. Even I have some difficulty since the symbols' meanings have changed over time.

"Fahr will not wish to risk the edge my knowledge can bring to him and his village. The people are far more open minded than Dasay gives them credit for. Still, I can understand her fear. She has been trained in a very narrow minded environment. Until recently, Melay was too lost in her own hate and anger to find the earth and her teachings became warped. Dasay has spent much time with Fahr. His fear and hate of change and his bias toward humans has colored the girl's thinking."

"She hopes you'll be able to find something in the book of clan that will help to open the eyes of her people."

"Yes, there will most assuredly be references to the vow of promise. In the meantime I will speak with her. The vow itself would not turn her people from her. It would protect her. She walks a thin line here, my son. Perhaps it is best that you go for a time."

"Would they really make her leave here, stripping her clan rights from her?"

"They could." The elder pulled his hair aside to reveal a scar on the back of his neck. "I once had a clan marking here. When I betrayed my people and the earth it was taken from me. Beside it you see the mark of the clan of the wolf and the lion. The scar is not so much a physical one, my son, but rather one of mind and soul. I fear the healer would not be the same should this be forced upon her. Even if the council sees fit only to take her title and position from her the pain would be great. She would have lost something that is very important to her. Her refusal to take you into a commitment proves just how deeply she feels about her place here among her people."

At the pained look on the demigod's face the elder sighed. "I do not believe for one moment the council would force this upon the girl. Her strong mind and healing powers are far too valuable here. She is the hope of the future, whether it is by producing strong minded children or by teaching our youth the truth of the earth. Being in promise with you would not really take away from her usefulness. I wonder just how strong a child of your union would prove to be."

"But it wouldn't be yosemin."

"Yosemin means the people of the earth, but it means much more than this as well. It means our strength in the earth. Our willingness to accept the earth and to let her powers work through us and with us. You have accepted the earth and are far more yosemin than the narrow minded, fearful people who might hold a place of power here in this village."

The half god handed out the chips. "I doubt anyone besides you sees it that way."

The old one took up his chips and studied them with a critical eye. "Do not let the foolishness of a few sour you to the greatness of the whole."

"I'll try not to, my father."

They played the game in silence for a moment. The elder made a good move and his son of the soul moaned. "Keep your mind for me, my son."

Hercules looked up to study the elder's face a moment. There were dark smudges beneath his eyes and a weariness within them.

"Are you well, my father?"

"Yes. Tired, perhaps."

"Will you check in on Nemesis, for me? I don't think she's feeling very well."

"I will." The old one laid down the winning chip with a self satisfied smirk. "I will miss you, my son."

The demigod nodded. "I'll miss you, as well."

He left the hut, his heart sore. Evander stood watching him leave. Tears clouded the boy's eyes and he reached up to wipe at them. Nemesis came to squeeze his shoulder and he turned to bury his face against her skirt.

With a sense of self punishment Hercules left the village by walking past the healer's hall. Squaring his shoulders he forced himself not to look at the structure itself. As he passed through the clearing and into the forest his shoulders sagged and his step faltered. His resolve of only moments ago was gone and he longed to retrace his steps. With a deep breath he forced himself to walk on. As he did his sense of Sira strengthened.

Her mind on his sent comfort and understanding, and with a rush he shared his pain and loneliness with her, taking comfort from her offered love and lack of censorship.

"Hurry to us, my soul. We miss you so much."

"I'll be there soon."

The Dea stood at the window to her small room. She wasn't seeing the outdoors, however. She'd watched the tall powerfully built half man she loved walk past her window. And with his departure her heart seemed to explode inside of her. When he passed into the forest she slumped to the floor, her will to stand lost to her loneliness.

"I am such a fool." She whispered the words to the silent room. "I cannot let him go. If I must sacrifice my ability to help the people of this village to have him, then that is what I must do."

Comfort came to her and she rose to stumble from her room and out the back door of the hall. She almost cried out with her need to rush after the demigod. Instead, she slumped to the grass, her hands seeking the earth. The comfort of a moment ago strengthened to enfold her and she opened her mind and her heart to it.

He will be yours.

Where had the words that filled her mind come from? Now the need to be cautious swept over her. I must wait until Thysis can find the original laws in the book of clan. Then perhaps I can release the burden of sin weighing my shoulders down with its oppression. She knew that should she need Hercules she could simply open her mind to him and he would return. But for now this was best. Better to know a few weeks of loneliness now and learn what she could about her rights as the Dea than to take a chance on being stripped of her clan standing.

Speak with Thysis. Read from the books in the council hall. Then if there can be no way to keep my place as the Dea; if there can be no welcome in healing from my people, then I will leave here to follow him. But if I go it will be with my clan standing and my pride in tact.

The big man stopped once the sun was fully overhead. He made no fire for tea preferring to drink from the small trickle of water dripping down a mossy rock. Filling his water flask he moved to take a place on the grass, a large rock at his back for support. Opening his pack he removed the loaf of bread he'd brought from the yosemin village and broke off a generous portion. It smelled fresh and inviting as he bit off a chunk with even white teeth. Taking his knife from his waist sheath he cut off a thick slice of cheese then sliced an apple. He liked the tangy taste of the soured goat's milk that the yosemin village had traded for.

The day before he left the village the three men who traveled between the yosemin villages and the outlying human and yosemin settlements had arrived. They traveled between them, their wagons loaded with foods and tradable goods passed from one place to another along the way. The men were yosemin themselves, and shared the old laws and traditions of the earth's people while not wishing to spend their lives secluded in a hamlet hidden in the forest. The men were welcomed openly by the villagers with much good natured trading and easy banter between them all.

The nomads served another purpose as well. They spread the news of the village and passed on messages from one village to another. They'd stayed to celebrate the planting festival. They carried all they needed with them, sleeping beneath their wagons and sharing the food of the villages and settlements they stopped in. The food was good and the son of Zeus felt refreshed with the taking of it.

Packing his things back in the leather pack he rose to stretch. Filling his water flask once more he shouldered his pack and the water skin. Taking his bearings on a distant mountain peak he stepped past the trickle of water, making his way down a slight incline and to a game trail that led in the direction he wished to go.

Much of his gloom of earlier had eased. Being here among the tall pines and on the trail once more helped as had the comfort offered him by the empath. He hadn't realized just how much he'd missed both. Ahead of him lay the promise of love and friendship from his family and friends and he found he was looking forward to being with them once more.

Parenthis sat in the kitchen of the palace making easy talk with Cook while watching the serving maid Turella. He'd been spending a great deal of time watching her, and Cook was getting more than a little suspicious of his reasons for being here in the kitchen in the first place.

When the girl left the kitchen to check on the need to polish the silver in the dining room the cook gave the grape baron a suspicious look.

The man blushed. "What? Why the narrow eyed look?"

"I saw the way you were eyeing young Turella. She's a good girl. Don't you go getting any ideas."

"I am not getting ideas. She's very pleasant to look at, and I've always appreciated beauty of any kind. Something about her reminds me of a bunch of ripe red grapes ready for picking."

"I said don't you go getting any ideas. Queen Reyna wouldn't look on you with favor if you dallied with the maiden."

The man looked annoyed. "I have no intention of dallying with her. I wouldn't be that disrespectful to her."

"Humph," was the cook's reply to this.

Parenthis chose to ignore the rude sound. "Does she have family here in the city?"

"She does not. She was one of the first girls at the foundling home, coming there herself even though she was a bit old. She was asking for work. Her aunt had raised her after her unknown father left her mother and the foolish woman killed herself rather than face missing the blackguard. The aunt was old, and life ran out for her leaving Turella with nowhere to go. The Queen took her into the foundling home more to protect her than to get work from her. But Turella insisted she wanted to help. She worked hard. Then when the Queen needed a serving maid she asked Turella if she would like the position. She works hard and stays out of trouble, and don't you go getting her into any."

"I told you that wasn't my intention." He rose. "I like her. I wouldn't do anything to bring harm to her."

"She's far too young for you, anyway."

The man sighed. "I am fully aware of our age difference, Cook." His annoyance was poorly concealed. With a nod he left the kitchen by the door that led to the market. Standing on the stoop for a second he looked around him. Going to the kitchen had been a bad idea. I should have known better, he scolded himself.

Cook stood watching his back. Now why did I go telling him so much? It's not like me to gossip. She returned to the dough she was kneading. I think he really does care for the girl. Who would have thought?

The white haired man sighed. I need to get that girl from my mind. Cook is right; I'm far too old for her. Still, I really do like her. I bet her lips taste like sweet wine. Stop it, you damned fool. With another sigh he descended the three steps from the palace to make his way to the stable. Being among the grapes will ease my mind, he decided.

He stood rubbing his horse's flank. The big animal was as much a pet as a means of transportation and the grape baron never saddled him without petting and caressing him first. However, today his mind wasn't really on it. He heard her skirts rustle behind him. He knew who it was without turning around.

She came to stand beside him. "You're going to your vineyards?"

"Yes. It's been two days since I visited them."

The girl reached out to pet the horse's flank. "Someday I'd like to see them with you."

He turned to study her face. "I'm old enough to be your father."

"I know. I like that."

"I'd leave you well off when I went to the Elysian Fields."

"Let's hope that wouldn't be for a long time."

"I think you'd like the vineyards. I have a comfortable home there. It's small but well made."

"We could still spend time here in the city, couldn't we?"

"Of course. I'm committed to the river clean up project, but even more than that I've found companionship with Jason, the King, and in Autolycus. I'd always been a loner before this, but now I find myself looking forward to the companionship here in the city."

The girl looked up to smile at him. Setting the saddle aside he reached out to caress the girl's cheek. With a moan he took her into his arms. He'd wanted to for so long that now it felt right and he gave himself up to the pleasure of her warmth pressed tightly against him.

"I never meant to fall in love with you, Turella. It was just supposed to be a bit of flirtation."

The girl gave a knowing smile. "I meant for this to happen from the start. I wanted you and meant to have you."

He laughed. "I never knew I was so easily manipulated. But I'm damned glad that I am." He took her lips with his. The kiss was meant to be a friendly one but somehow became much more. He broke away from her reluctantly to stand panting before her.

"I must go home for a day or so. When I return I'll speak with the King and Queen about us."

"You should know something about my ancestry before you commit to this."

"Cook told me of your family."

"I'm glad. My mother and father weren't married. He left her just before I was born and I have no idea who he was. My mother was weak and foolish, but my aunt was anything but. I'm afraid I have a bit of a stubborn streak about me."

"That's okay. I do, myself. It promises a bit of diversion, don't you think?"

The girl laughed. "I'll want to stay here until the Queen can find someone to take my place. She's been very good to me and I owe her that."

"All right. I don't want to wait too long for you, however." She leaned into him, offering her lips to him once more and he took them with hunger. Again it was him that broke away. "I'd better go or I never will." He bent to retrieve the saddle. "I don't want to go. I want to rush the palace screaming my love for you and demanding a priest. Being away from you will be a living Tartarus." He turned to smile at her. "See what you've done to me? I've always sworn I'd never take a wife. I think I've always secretly feared women. But you…" He shook his head, unable to complete his thoughts. He laughed with the joy that seemed to spill from him. "Parenthis. Greatest grape baron in the Corinthian Valley in love for the first time."

The girl smiled coyly at him. "You must hurry back to me."

He threw the saddle over the horse's back then cinched it down tightly. He brushed her lips lightly with a kiss and she stepped back so he could lead the horse from the stable. "I wish I could take you with me now."

"I wish I could go. Sira is waiting for me at the foundling home and I'm late as it is. Take care, my love."

He took to the saddle, looking down on her with longing. "I really am too old for you."

She laughed. "I think it's too late to worry about that now. We've fallen in love and there's not much we can do about it at this late date."

He smiled. "I'm sure glad you feel that way, 'cause I have no intention of giving you up." With a salute to his temple he moved his horse smartly along the narrow passage that would take him through the market and to the gates of the city.

Turella stood watching him. The horse was a beautiful white thing, his mane and tail long and flowing. The man upon his back looked at ease with his spirited mount, his back straight in a regal manner. With a sigh of longing the girl retrieved her basket from the stable and made her way toward the foundling home.

Parenthis left the city at a gallop. The sooner I'm there, the sooner I can return. He felt almost dizzy with awe. He'd never meant to ask for her hand. Actually, he really hadn't asked for it as much as simply accepting that it was to be. I mustn't frighten her. She's young and naive. I must be gentle with her, like with a fine horse.

His stomach tightened with longing for her. He'd known women. There'd been a time he'd been somewhat of a philanderer. But that had been in his late teens and early adulthood. He'd never found a woman that stirred more than a passing interest in him and he'd made up his mind long ago that he'd never marry. The vineyard was his mistress and he'd needed no other. That is, until now.

He'd found an interest in Turella almost at once, but it was never supposed to be more than a flirtation, just as he'd confessed to her.

He knew what had changed all that. He'd watched Sira and Iolaus together. Their love seemed to be a living, breathing thing in its own right. It seemed to fill the air around them with a promise, and he realized for the first time in his life that he wanted the fulfillment of that promise.

Turella let herself into the foundling home. The older children were at lessons and the place seemed strangely quiet. With a smile the girl made her way down the corridor that would lead her to the large main room of the structure. Now she heard the familiar voices of the younger children, and across the hall the cry of a baby in the nursery. This had always been her favorite place to work. The babies hadn't known the pain and loneliness of abandonment nor years of starvation and abuse. Because of what the King and Queen did here, they might never know these horrors.

Turella remembered back to her own years with her aunt. While she never starved, there was little to fill her stomach at times. Her aunt hated being burdened with a child and never missed a chance to voice her anger at the situation the fates had thrust her into. She never failed to take her responsibility seriously, but love was not something that seemed to move her aunt and Turella well remembered the days, weeks, and years of loneliness she'd suffered.

Her aunt lived on a small farm many miles from any other, eking out her life in rocky fields that stubbornly refused to yield more than a miserly crop at the best of times.

Once a month the aunt hitched the old farm cart to the mule and hauled things to the market for trade. It was here that Turella first realized there was life and excitement in the world. She was expected to help her aunt, and there was precious little time to explore this new world, but at times she'd been given a bit of free time to wander the stalls. The noise and gaiety had stirred her blood. Sometimes the only thing that made her lonely life of drudgery worthwhile were her dreams of the city and the anticipation of her next trip there.

When her aunt had begun to ail she'd told Turella that should something happen to her, she should go to the foundling home to ask about work. "Speak with the Queen herself if you possibly can. She's got a good heart. Don't ask for a handout, but offer your strong back and you'll be welcomed."

Turella had worked hard to keep food on the table during the three months it took her aunt to die. She remembered still the morning she woke to find her aunt had gone to the underworld. She'd forced her tired body from her bed before dawn as she always did. Breaking the ice from the bucket of water she'd bathed her face then built up the fire in the old stone fireplace. She knew she should check on her aunt but knew if she did the woman would have a dozen instructions for her. She knew she'd never complete half of them and that her aunt would be angry with her.

She fed the mule and the chickens before going back to the hut to prepare a meal for her and her aunt. When it was ready she pulled back the curtain that gave the old woman the only privacy in the cramped little hut. Thinking the aunt slept she breathed a sigh of relief. If I can sneak out before she wakes I can make it to the field and not have to listen to her barked orders of impossible tasks.

Leaving the food on the table by the bed where the old woman could reach it she sneaked out the door. Shutting it quietly behind her she stood looking out on the lightening sky. Her breath made a white vapor in the air around her. She remembered even now the exhilaration of the cold damp air and the knowledge that she wouldn't have to return to the oppressive atmosphere of the hut until almost dark. She brought cheese and apples with her to keep the hunger away.

Her conscience pricked her a little. Her aunt wouldn't find it easy to make her way to the chamber pot, but she'd done it before and could again.

Turella worked hard that day. She knew that her aunt wanted her to make a trip to the city. She was excited about the prospect, and yet frightened. She'd never done this alone. Still, it must soon be done. They were out of so many things.

The light had faded from the day before she returned. The hut was dark and cold when she entered. Never before had her aunt let the fire go out. Sick or not, she'd done what she could. Now Turella knew fear. It seemed to take her forever to coax a fire from the bits of moss and shaved wood always ready at hand. Once the flames had consumed the wood she added more then lit the candle. In the shifting yellow light she made her way to the bed where her aunt lay. The tray of food hadn't been touched. Shoving the chamber pot with her foot she realized it had never been used. She knew before she made it to the head of the bed that she was alone in the room. She'd never seen death before, but she knew it at once.

She remembered her fear at that moment as she looked down on the waxen pale features of the woman who'd raised her. There was no pain at the loss, only fear. In death the wrinkles and lines had left the old one's oval face to be replaced by a beauty the girl had never seen there before. In the shifting light the old one's long thick gray hair looked dark and rich as it fell in one long braid over her shoulder.

"So this is what you used to look like."

Her aunt had told her more than once that she looked much like her when she was young. Turella had always hated hearing this since she never looked on the woman without thinking how ugly she was with her gray hair and wizened face. Once, after her aunt had become ill she'd lamented her years in the sun and the damage it had done to her fair complexion.

Her aunt had been married for three years to the man whose farm she now called her own. He'd been taken from her with a fever, as had her two sons. Now Turella wondered if the woman had known love. Perhaps some of her bitterness had come from the pain of loss. She'd sometimes talked of her parents, her sister, and her family, but only when she was tired or ill.

The night had lasted forever for the child not yet fifteen. She'd tried to sleep but couldn't. And when the dawn came she'd ridden the mule bare back to the next farm to ask for help with her aunt.

The farmer had reluctantly helped her bury the old woman then offered to take the mule and the chickens off her hands. She'd been shocked by the man's lack of feeling about her aunt or herself. With a flaring of her stubbornness, she'd refused his offer. For almost two months she'd stayed on the farm trying to make it on her own, but her aunt's words kept coming back to her. "Should something happen to me, go to the foundling home and ask for the Queen."

Her supplies gone now, she hitched the mule to the wagon loaded with household things and the chickens and made her way to the city. She'd found buyers for most of her things, then with the money safely hidden inside her undergarments she'd gone to the foundling home to look for work.

She'd been given much more. For the first time in her life she had plenty to eat. She was warm and clean without worrying about bathing in icy water. There was love given, something she'd never received from her aunt and it gave her a sense of belonging.

Then there was the Queen, tall and regal in her neat but simple clothing, her long dark brown hair down her back. She'd given the little farm girl a chance and been impressed with the girl's diligence to her duties. The chance to work in the palace had been like a dream come true.

Here, too, was friendship and love, and she'd blossomed from a shy withdrawn little girl to a woman with pride in herself and her abilities.

Turella smiled to herself. And now you've found love. She heard a baby cry in the nursery and turned toward the door that would take her there. I wonder what kind of father Parenthis will make? She entered the room, a laugh on her lips.

Sira looked up to greet her with a warm smile. "I am glad you are here. Have you brought the things I sent for?"

"Yes. I'm sorry I'm late."

"You are not really late. I was not sure how long it would take to get Iolaus back to the palace to find the herbs and remedies I needed. I could have come for them myself but I hated to leave the baby."

"How is he?"

"A little better, I think. I will try the medicine first, but if that does not help I will do a real healing on him."

"Do you know what's wrong with him?"

"Just lack of care or food, mostly. But that has led to a parasite inside his stomach. That is why I am keeping him away from the other children."

The girl set the basket on the table then lifted the lid. "What do you need first?"

"Hot water to dissolve a powder that I hope will help the little one's stomach."

"I'll get that for you."

"Thank you, Turella."

"I really am sorry I was so long in coming here. I didn't know the little one was so ill."

"It is all right. You had important things to take care of." The girl looked up to study the empath's face. Sira smiled at her. "When will Parenthis return?"

The serving maid laughed. "How do you do that? How can you always know what others are thinking?"

"I cannot always know. As for you and Parenthis, you shouted that out with your happiness."

"We're to be husband and wife."

Sira laughed now. "Yes, I gathered that. He is a very lucky man."

"You don't think he's too old for me, do you?"

"Do you?"

"No. I love him and the age difference just doesn't matter to me."

"Then he is not too old. Love knows no boundaries."

Turella smiled at her again. "I'd better get that water for you."

With a sigh the empath took a seat, the ill child in her arms. Rocking gently, she sent her mind to the infant. She'd been healing the baby almost since the moment the child was brought to the foundling home by one of the King's guards. The man had been young, not more than twenty, but he'd treated the child gently. He'd found it crying on the steps of a shop near the city square and known at once the child was ill.

He'd given the little one up reluctantly. He was drawn to the crying infant and wasn't ready to give it up. With a smile from the housemother he'd nodded and handed the child over to her. The housemother took the child then immediately sent the guard to the palace to find Sira.

The yosemin had felt the young man's concern for the infant and rushed to the home at once. When she arrived the baby had been bathed and dressed in clean clothing, which was soiled almost at once from the milk the housemother had fed him. His stomach had been unable to hold the nourishment and it had left the child in a foul smelling, whitish diarrhea that spoke of his illness.

The empath's sensitive mind had known at once what had caused the child's pain and strengthened her mind's touch to combat it.

She sent the guard back to the palace to find the hunter, who would know which jars and pouches the healer needed by the descriptions scribbled on a bit of parchment in flowery yosemin picture writing.

The guard found the hunter on a barge in the middle of the Corinthian River and rowed out to fetch him.

The river channel near the city had to be deepened first before any real work could be done further up river. The river would be cleaned from above the city to the ocean since the natural flow of the current could help to draw the silt away as the dredging barges worked.

Several wells had been dug in and around the city to supply the city's drinking water while the river was being worked, and the deepening of the channel meant to save the city from flooding had begun.

The golden one had willingly joined the young guard and the remedies requested by the empath had been placed in a basket.

The hunter had longed to join the girl he loved at the foundling home. He'd felt her mind on his and knew her concern. The dredging barge was short handed as it was and he knew he would be needed there. Torn between the two he'd returned to the barge, his mind more with the earth's daughter than on the tasks at hand.

The young guard, left with nothing to occupy his time besides his guard duties had returned to them. But like the golden hunter his mind was with the infant, not with guarding the palace or the streets of the city.

With a sigh the empath leaned her head back, her eyes closed as she rocked the child, soothing it into a fitful feverish sleep.

When Turella returned with the needed water Sira placed the baby in a basket while she made one of the powders into a broth that could be given the child through a cloth.

The child woke almost at once, but rather than cry it lay in a shivering bundle eyes wide open. Fear gripped the empath's middle. The crying was a healthy sign, the silent suffering of one so small was not.

The child refused the cloth and Sira was forced to administer the healing liquid by dropping it from a spoon into the tiny mouth, white now with illness.

The child's mind seemed to slip further and further away from the empath as the afternoon progressed. In fear for the child's life Sira transferred the illness to herself.

Iolaus, his mind still linked to hers, left the barge to make his way in haste to the home. He knew now the simple healing had turned into a struggle for life.

Sira's stomach knotted with cramps as she took more of the illness to herself, giving the child more of the powders.

The fever mounted despite her best efforts. When the hunter arrived he joined the empath in sending his mind to the baby. Sira looked up from her trance, a pleading look on her face. She knew now the struggle was in vane, but she refused to give up.

Should I have transferred sooner? Could I have done more? Pain and anguish filled the girl's mind. What kind of healer are you? she shouted at herself.

"Please, my mother, not another child. Not another boy."

When the end came the empath slumped to the tile floor of the nursery, all strength gone from her.

"Sira?" There was pain and compassion in the hunter's single word.

"I should have transferred sooner. He just seemed to slip away so quickly. His mind was strong as I rocked him, but when I put him down he seemed to slip away."

"You can't blame yourself. You did all you could."

"Like I did all I could for that boy in that burned out village?"

"Don't do this to yourself, my soul. Call upon the earth."

"I did."

The whispered words tore at the hunter's heart and he took her into his arms. "Let's get you back to the palace. You need to rest."

"I must bathe and change. I cannot know how dangerous the illness might be to others. I do not want to take anything back to the palace and the Prince."

The housemother had provided a dress given the home for one of the girls. Sira's small size set her in good stride now. The material strained painfully over the healer's ample bosom, but it covered her as the hunter walked her back through the streets of the city. Before they'd gone far, the empath stumbled and the hunter picked her up to carry her the rest of the way.

Alcmene went white with fear when the hunter entered the palace.

"It's all right, Mom. She's entranced in the healing sleep. Help me get her comfortable upstairs, will you?"

The older woman rushed to take up a candle as night had descended. "And the child?" Iolaus shook his head. "Poor Sira. She'll take this so hard."

"She already is."

Turella set the nursery to rights while Sira bathed. Following the empath's instructions she cleaned the room with a thick, green liquid dissolved in hot water. All the bedding was stripped and boiled at once. The furniture was washed down; the soiled diapers were burned, as was the cloth Sira used to feed the baby.

Once the room was clean and left smelling like the forest from where the disinfectant came Turella bathed herself in the green liquid and dressed in one of the house mother's dresses. She felt sore in mind and in body. Would the child have lived if I'd brought the medicine to Sira sooner?" Over and over again she asked the question, but there was no answer. Just as Sira had said, the child seemed to slip away so quickly.

The half god knew his more than sister of the soul struggled with a healing and sent his mind to comfort her. I should be there with her, he admonished himself. Moving on into the afternoon he'd known when the healing failed and strengthened his mind's touch on the woman he loved more than a sister.

He felt her pain at the loss and the pain of remembering another child lost so recently. "Please, my mother, don't let her go through that again. Give her strength." He'd quickened his pace for a time then realized the futility of it and slowed once more.

Finding a campsite under an overhang of rock he gathered wood in the waning light and made his fire. He heated water for tea while the empath bathed in the metal tub at the foundling home. He gathered more wood while the water heated then returned to camp to make the tea. A mug in his hands he'd settled himself against a log when he felt the healer's mind losing her battle against sleep.

"I'm on my way, my soul. I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Hurry, my more than brother. I need your strength."

"It's yours for the taking."

With anger at his inability to really comfort her he jumped to his feet. I've been a damned fool! I've been so lost in my own needs I've given little thought to Sira. He'd felt her fatigue and the anguished state of her mind and knew she'd been pushing herself far too hard of late. He knew she'd never slept the healing sleep after little Jason's birth. She'd come to Reyna still tired from the healing of Ares and the fight with Discord. I can't let my worries about Dasay touch her. She has enough to worry about without that.

He knew the empath slept, and yet through it she sent him comfort and love. Maybe I should just stay away from Dasay. My feelings for Sira only seem to increase as my love for Dasay increases. Am I mixing the two of them up? Is my almost uncontrollable need for Dasay really a need for Sira? He drew a quick breath, as his need for the empath possessed him. It wasn't just his physical need of her that must await its proper time and place. It was a need of her mind and soul on his. He'd become so dependent on her for his emotional support that his mind and soul were no longer his own.

How could I have let this go so far? Now he realized that part of his need for Dasay came from his need to detach from the empath. He'd thought by loving another, his need for the wife of his brother might be eased. How wrong he'd been. What frightened him even more was her seeming need of their tie. She, too, seemed to depend on him more and more. Not to the exclusion of the golden hunter, but almost as if the two of them fulfilled her at the same time when neither one of them alone could. He knew his own feeling for the man he called brother had a great deal to do with it. He and Iolaus were brothers in the truest sense of the word, and that bond had deepened with their mutual love for the tiny forest creature who slept so soundly in a bed in the palace of his brother by blood.

I can't walk away from this. I've tried that. Still, perhaps I need to try and build some barriers against it. But I don't want to hurt Sira, especially now when she's in turmoil. He took a seat near the fire once more. Digging in his pack he took out dried meat and more of the cheese he'd brought from the village.

With a sigh he realized he'd fallen into a depression. I haven't even tried yet to distance myself from either Sira or Dasay and I'm already depressed. Why must you always be a slave to your strong emotions? These very emotions had shaped him into what he was now. They'd given him a love of others that ran almost as deep as the empath's. He wasn't so much a hero, as a victim of his own need to act on his strong emotions. How in Tartarus am I ever going to detach myself from any of this?

He bit off a piece of the dry, stringy meat, chewing it in thoughtful silence for a moment. Why must life be so complicated? There was no answer to this and he knew it. Taking up his mug of tea he poured it back into the pot to warm it. There was a chill in the spring night. Or is it my mood? With an effort he shoved these negative thoughts to the back of his mind and settled himself more comfortably by the fire. It wasn't as pleasant to be here alone on the trail as it was to travel with Iolaus and Sira. He felt restless and out of sorts. He looked around once more at the empty camp.

"Damn!"

The sky darkened with menacing clouds shot with streaks of light. The ground beneath her feet shook with the sound of thunder. Hate and anger seemed to fill her with a will of its own as she looked down from the knoll into the narrow valley and the entrance to a cave.

She began to tremble, and her trembling seemed to shake the earth even more. In the distance she could hear the mournful cry of a wolf, the protectors of the forest, friend to those of the earth.

Not again! The empath joined her own cry to that of the wolf and they became one. Wind seemed to whip about her to catch at her hair while no wind touched the trees around her. The earth shook harder. A tree exploded before her, showering those in the valley with burning embers.

Still her anger built, growing inside of her like a malignant growth bent on consuming her. Now she felt an exhilaration in her willingness to channel the anger and hate through herself. It intoxicated her with its power of destruction. When had she felt this before? The answer was there lurking in the back of her mind, always just out of sight.

Another tree succumbed to her wrath. A fissure snaked along the ground to consume a man. His scream filled her ears.

"No!"

"Sira," the hunter shook her. "It's all right, Sira."

"No!"

"Sira."

Waking from the terror of the dream was almost worse than the dream itself, and the empath clung to the offered love of the golden hunter of the forest. "I killed them."

"It's only a dream, Sira."

"It is more than a dream. It is real."

"You're just tired from what happened yesterday."

"I let that baby die."

"Stop that. You did all you could. He was just too ill to survive."

"But I should have been able to save him."

"Are you questioning the will of the earth? If he'd been meant to stay here among us the earth would have found a way. The earth mother needed him elsewhere."

"I wanted him to live so badly. If he had lived it would have made up, at least in part, for the boy in that village."

"That's the real truth, isn't it? It wasn't that the baby really had a chance to live as much as you wanted him to because you still feel guilt about the boy in the burned village."

"The baby did seem to respond for a time. His little heart just was not strong enough to fight the days and weeks of starvation and neglect that had gone on before the illness."

The hunter rocked her like a child, kissing her hair, his mind touching hers. "I'm sorry, my soul."

"Yesterday. When the baby died I wished I could turn my back on the gifts of the earth. It seems lately my life has been filled with anger and death. I want to hide from the world. I want to have time to return to the innocence of the forest."

"We could return to the cabin. Maybe you just need a chance to renew yourself in the earth."

"That would be good. A few weeks of quiet could make all the difference. It is early enough in the year that we could start a garden. I could finish the blanket I started for Thysis."

"It seems like we've been gone forever. I hope the place is all right."

"It is. My mind would know if it were not."

"Then let's go there. When you can leave Reyna, let's go to the cabin. Maybe we can convince Thysis and Hercus to join us for a while."

"I wonder if Hercules would still be content to spend idle time there among the earth's offerings."

"You're speaking of Dasay?"

"Yes. His feelings for her run deep."

"I hadn't really thought about him not being with us. She could come and stay too?"

"Yes, but I cannot see her leaving the village. She is the Dea. Being thus is a sacred trust and one not to be taken lightly. She is not like me, Iolaus. She needs this for her own sake as much as for the village."

"You didn't need the title?"

"No. I had my empathy. I am afraid I was not a very dutiful Dea. I was even less dutiful as the healing mother. I may have been an elder, but I was not a conformist."

He laughed. "Yes. I could well believe that of you, little nature child."

She snuggled closer to him, her fear of earlier lost in her love for the other half of her soul. "Do you mind?"

"What? That you're not easily pushed around?" He chuckled. "Not in the least. No wimpy, milk toast woman for me. Herc and I talked about that once. We both seem to be drawn to strong willed women. He says it's because they bring out the warrior in us, but I think it's because we want to be protected from our own ego."

The empath laughed. "Now Hercules has found his own strong willed woman. She may seem docile, and she does need the backing of her people, but she has a will of her own not yet discovered. I pity that village once it has been awakened. She will never sit idly by and let the village take her life away in the interest of healing and producing strong minded children."

"You really think she'd fight them?"

"I know it. She is much stronger than Melay. She will fight for what she believes in. It may take cornering her, but she will stand should it come to that."

"What's going to happen to her if she's forced to leave the village?"

"It will cut her deeply. She may never fully recover from the wound, and yet I believe she will turn the pain into a positive thing and learn from it."

"Didn't you say that she'd refused to commit with Herc? Why was that?"

"She is not yet ready to take a chance on challenging her people. But it will come. Of that I am sure. She will make a stand, and in that stand she will prove her real worth to the earth and her people."

He brushed her lips with his. "Are you feeling better now?"

"Yes," she returned his kiss, "I feel much better."

"You didn't sleep long."

She sighed. "No. I fear I have left the healing sleep much too soon, but it is too late for that now." Her hands slipped up over his smooth chest to entangle in his hair. "Now I have other things on my mind."

"Really? What?" She took his lips with hers to make her answer.

The man known as Loxias added wood to the fire then shoved the pot of tea closer to heat. He'd slept for a time before his nagging dreams of death and devastation woke him. He shivered now as he remembered the dream. It was filled with a mind numbing power that shook the earth and brought death to even the trees around him.

He shook his head to clear it. Carneus snorted in his sleep and Loxias sent him a hateful look from across the fire. He was getting tired of the endless questions about this supposed empath. They hadn't raided a village in almost two weeks. The beans were all but gone which meant he'd had to hunt more of late.

Tomorrow I'm going back to that last village and take a few supplies. They were fools. With one other man I can get all we'll need to continue this latest foolishness of Carneus'. Who cares if there really is an empath? What good would she do us? If her mind is as strong as people say, she's far too dangerous to be of any use to us.

I wonder if that part about her traveling with Hercules is true? Surely no child of the earth would associate with a half breed bastard like the son of Zeus. They hate humans enough; what must they think of godly blood?

He shivered as the cold fingers of fear tickled his spine. Now where did that come from? He rose to make his way to the woods. Just the dream, I guess. He jerked around at some imagined sound in the forest then relaxed slowly. You're getting as skittish as a virgin, he scolded himself.

I wonder just how tough Hercules really is. Now he laughed at himself. That's dangerous talk even for you, Loxias. Your fight is with the bastards who did this to you. He rubbed at the scar left at the forceful removal of his clan marking. Maybe killing an empath would be a good thing, after all. He laughed again. Returning to camp he poured himself a mug of tea. It wasn't as strong as he liked it. They were trying to conserve their supplies. Tomorrow, that village is mine.

He returned to his blankets, nursing the mug of tea between cold hands. A shiver of apprehension shook him and he sighed. That damned dream really did unnerve me. How many times have I had it now? He set the tea aside to curl in his blankets. I just need more sleep. But in that he was disappointed, and night gave way reluctantly to the morning.

The half god rolled from his blankets before the sky was light. Stirring up the coals of the fire he added bits of moss and twigs to try and coax a flame from the glowing embers. Once it was burning he set water to heat for tea then made his way to the forest. Going to the spring near his camp he bathed quickly then checked his snares before returning to camp to make the tea. Skinning the rabbits the earth had provided he soon had them cooking over the fire. The smell made his stomach growl. Cheese and dried meat wasn't enough to keep a strong man going for long.

He sifted a bit of salt over the cooking meat, then taking a small leather pouch from his pack he ground a bit of the contents between his palms and over the rabbits. He smiled as he returned both the salt and the pouch of herbs to his pack. He savored the smell of the spices. Sira's cooking had given him a taste for the dark green leaves that now tantalized his taste buds.

As if the thought gave wings to his mind he opened it to his more than sister of the soul and found an instant response.

"You are well, my sister?"

"I am much improved. I am sorry I burdened you with my pain yesterday."

"Don't be silly."

"I will help you to build the barriers needed to find peace with your feelings for me."

He shifted uncomfortably on the sand near the fire. "I'm sorry, Sira. I wasn't going to bring that up to you. It's just that I'm so dependent on you."

"And I on you. Until you find your way to peace with our love we can temper it a bit if that will help."

"Maybe I'm just lost without Dasay."

"You have not lost her, my more than brother. She needs you more now than ever. She just needs time to prepare for battle, as it were. Give her time. Her feelings for you grow stronger, not weaker."

"Am I being fair to her?"

"Yes, as fair as she is being to you. You are not mates of the soul. You must remember that. Still, you share a deeper love than most people find, and it is not something to be taken lightly. Stop analyzing your every move and emotion. Let it go in the earth and she will guide you. Let us shield some of our dependence on each other for a time and see of that helps you with your churning emotions."

"I don't want to hurt you."

"You will not. Nothing can take away our love for each other. I speak only of tempering it now that you have given your heart to another."

"I love you, my more than sister."

"I love you, my soul. Hurry back to us."

"I am."

The half god removed the rabbits from the fire and placed them on a rock to cool. Rolling his bedding into a tight bundle he tied it at the bottom of his leather pack. Unable to resist longer he tore apart the meat, burning his fingers. His first bite was even better than he'd expected and he savored it despite burning his tongue slightly.

He ate the first rabbit, washing it down with tea. He'd meant to save the second rabbit for later in the day. Eyeing it he pursed his lips thoughtfully, then with a shrug it followed the first to appease his appetite.

He washed the pot he'd made the tea in at the spring then returned to camp to pack the rest of his belongings. Taking his things with him he filled the water skin and his flask at the spring then shouldered his pack. He looked back once to make sure his fire was out then headed from camp.

He kept a steady pace, his long legs eating up the miles that separated him from the hunter and the healer. A barrier might be erected between them just as he'd thought about and Sira agreed with, but it wasn't built yet, and for now he didn't care. He missed them. Skirting a deep ravine he found a way down the steep bank. It was a scramble to climb out of the deep cut left from a bygone rainstorm, but going around it would only add miles to his trip and he had no intention of doing so. The need to be with his friends and family burned deep within him and he smiled in anticipation. He'd lost the joy of a homecoming when he'd lost his family. During his few days with Serena they'd never been apart so he'd not felt the security it gave to arrive home to love and friendship. That had all changed for him when he'd come to stay in the secluded cabin in the forest with those he counted as his family.

Midday found him resting with his back against a grassy bank, dried meat and the last of the cheese making up his meal. He hadn't bothered to make a fire. That would only take more time.

The slender, dark haired healer looked up from the book she'd been painstakingly doing her best to decipher. It was written in a combination of Greek and the ancient picture writing of the earth's people. Thysis had taught her some of the meanings of the symbols, but the delicately painted script could have many subtle differences, which could make a world of difference in their meaning. She smiled at Hercus as he made his way through the central aisle between the benches in the council hall.

"How goes your endeavor, my sister?"

She sighed. "I think I may have found something. I mean, it does at least have something to do with the vow of promise, and I have been able to find the word Dea here as well, but the book is old and there is so much of the ancient calligraphy that I cannot really be sure if this means anything."

The boy came to stand behind her to peer at the old tomb from over her shoulder. He looked up then moved to pull a stool up beside her. Taking a seat he motioned to the book.

"May I?"

She nodded. She'd hoped the boy would offer to help her. His knowledge of the earth people's first language was well known now that he'd been helping Thysis in his deciphering of the book of clan. It was the only language his mother could read or write with any proficiency, and she'd taught her son from a very early age to know and understand the beautifully orchestrated scrawl. The hunter had taught him and the empath Greek, but it came much harder to the mother than the son, and he'd succeeded in both languages while his mother still struggled in the language of her husband's people.

The boy read in silence for a time then turned excited eyes to the girl. "Listen to this." He settled himself more comfortable, on the stool. "'The vow of promise was set forth to bring numbers to those of the earth. So many were gone now as our mother's surface fell prey to those who worshipped the false gods from the mountain. Those too in love to live apart and yet not mated in the soul, could find happiness with each other with the blessing of the earth mother. Their offspring could be loved and nurtured in the earth while the vow of mate was not yet taken…'"

"Wait," the girl interrupted. "Read that part again."

The boy gave her a raised eyebrow look. "This seems to change a bit of our thinking, does it not?"

"Read it, Hercus."

"Their offspring could be loved and nurtured in the earth while the vow of mate was not yet taken.'"

Dasay sat back with excitement. "This is a book written at the time of the establishment of this village. Our village has never been forced to move and we have never suffered the destruction that so many have."

"Where did you find this? I have looked through the scrolls and leather books here in the council hall a dozen times." He put one hand in the book to hold his place then shut the book to see the cover. "I have never seen this book before." He turned now to the first page of the book, reading in silence for a moment. "You are right about the origin of the book, but where has it been all this time? Who brought it here now?"

"I did." Both the healer and the junior apprentice jumped at the words of the elder of the clan of the wolf and the lion. "I put it here. I wondered if you two might not find it."

"Where did you get an ancient book from the forming of our village?" the girl asked.

"Let us just say, from a friend." The boy and the healer exchanged looks then turned twin looks of accusation to the old one. He shrugged. "I asked to borrow a book I knew our village leader had in his possession. The book has been in his workroom here in the council hall a long time. While not really hidden there, it would be bad form to take anything from the room without the permission of the room's owner." He shrugged again. "Can I help it if I, quite by accident, took the wrong book?"

"What book were you hoping to find?" the half yosemin asked, his tongue placed firmly in his cheek.

The elder's eyes danced with mischief. "The book of family. Not really one to be sequestered away in the village leader's private library. He was most accommodating in letting me look for the book while he entertained the visiting elders."

Hercus chuckled. "Of course you waited to ask for the book until he was otherwise occupied."

"He had the option of telling me to wait for a better time."

"You asked in front of his distinguished guests, of course."

"It was when the subject came up. We were all discussing the book of clan."

Dasay smiled at the old one. "How did you know this book was there in the first place?"

"I have had the privilege of visiting our leader in his work room at times."

"You recognized the book?"

"Not so much the book or its contents, as the age of the book. It surely must hold things our people would find interesting." The old one took a seat on a bench behind the others, folding tired old limbs slowly as if he feared the effort might crack and break bones gone brittle with time. With a sigh that settled him in his seat he gave his grandson of the soul an expectant look. "Go on with your narrative, my young apprentice."

The boy gave the healer a wicked smile then turned back to the book. "'Believing that the earth would wish happiness for her children, the people found a way to this happiness in the vow of promise. It is a solemn vow, not to be taken lightly. Separation of a couple in the vow should only be contemplated after much deliberation and guidance from the earth herself. Should one find their mate of the soul, a sharing of love by all parties could be entered into, should all parties agree. Or the vow of promise might be returned to the earth, should an agreement not find favor in all earth's children. Children born of the promise would be children of the village and subject to all privileges of such.

"'Those who heal shall be granted the same privileges as those who serve the earth in other ways. Much healing can be found in the earth once the healer has found happiness with one of close soul's tie. While a great deal of their time must, by necessity, be spent in study and in training of the young, they shall be granted time with their chosen one, giving first priority to their mate of promise until the earth calls them to healing.

"'The promise of the future in the village, the Dea shall also be granted this privilege. Her soul may be granted to another while her womb may be needed to further the production of those strong in the earth.'"

The half yosemin looked up to study the healer's face.

"Go on, Hercus."

"'The lending of her strong mind and soul to one in an endeavor to continue the hope of the people must be left to the healer herself. To force such a union upon a child of the earth would be harmful, not only to the healer, but to any possible seed she might bring forth. Since it has been noted by those from the time before the remembered time that the introduction of new seed to a woman of the earth oft times brings the blessing of children, it would be advantageous to the earth's healing child to bring forth those of strong mind if for no other reason than the love children bring to a village and to their mother. In love all healing is done, and love is a thing that grows stronger as it is shared with others."

The boy turned to the girl beside him. "This changes much, does it not?"

The girl said nothing.

"Perhaps we should have listened to the empath," Thysis whispered. "I believe she said something very similar to this."

Dasay turned to him. "Have you found anything in the book of clan to substantiate these axioms?"

The elder sighed. "Not yet, my child. But I feel sure it is there."

"If it is, the people would have no choice but to accept my vow of promise with Hercules."

"I still believe they will, anyway. Give our people a little credit, my child. You are loved here among us. There are but few who would wish you not to find happiness."

"Like Fahr and Melay?"

"Like the village elder and a few of those closest to him in their thinking. You sell your tutor far too short, Dea."

"I know her far better than most people."

"I do not believe you know her at all. She is no longer the embittered old woman of a few short weeks ago. She is finding her place with the earth just as I have. If you must know, it was she who made me aware of the existence of the very book my young apprentice is caressing so lovingly while we talk."

The boy looked up to grin at his grandfather of the soul. "If you can find these same beliefs in the book of clan it would do much to change the thinking of our people."

"Yes. Still, there will be those who disregard the painted words of our forefathers. Those who feel threatened by the prospect of change. Those who would not wish to return to our roots and the beliefs of a long ago time."

"Still," the healer interrupted. "I would be justified in asking the council to grant me the privilege of taking Hercules as my mate of promise."

"You are justified now. Remember, my child, some of the problem lies in the one you have chosen to love. He is not yosemin in blood." The girl started to protest but the elder held up his hand to silence her. "You well know where my heart lies, Dasay. He is far more of the earth than many who have the blood of the earth in their veins. My endeavor has been to find in the book of clan the original thinking of the people in regard to this. It was my belief and the belief of the empath that blood only played a small part in making one of the earth. The word yosemin means, of the earth, not of certain blood. If I can find these beliefs written in the words of those who came before, even Fahr will have to relent on the issue of Hercules' rights as a member of a clan and the warrior of our own family clan group."

"I believe Fahr has someone in mind to mate me with in the hope of producing a child of strong mind."

"That may well be so, although I know of no one here in the village who might command such reverence."

"I do not command such reverence. My mind is not really strong. Not like those who claimed the privilege of being the Dea in long ago times."

"Humph." Thysis shook his head. "Do not sell yourself short, my daughter. In you lies the hope of strong minded children. What must be understood by the fools who might oppose a union between you and Hercules is that any child of your union could not help but be strong of mind."

Hercus squirmed on his stool. "But the strength would be from the false gods of the mountain, and not of the earth."

"Do not be foolish. The strength comes from the earth. You know that from Hercules, as well as Ares. Those of Mount Olympus might try to deny this, but they are petty, selfish, self righteous fools who have lost sight of reality in their own conceit."

Hercus laughed. "Surely you are not trying to claim the powers of the gods of Olympus come from a tie with the earth's people?"

"And why not? It is widely known that Zeus is the son of a Titan. But the Titans had no claim to telepathy or the ability to move their physical form with the aid of the mind. The ability to shield themselves or objects was not a thing given them by the blood of a Titan. Still, the Titans were strong people with many abilities of their own, such as the ability to change their size as they saw fit."

The boy chuckled. "So a Titan changes his size to mate with those of yosemin blood and a god was produced."

"It is well known that the Titans were here in the time before the remembered time, when the earth was still new and her own race of people were yet young on her surface. The combining of two such strong bloods flowing with wonderment and mystery; think of it, my grandson. We know that before the now our people were much stronger of mind. Your mother is a throw back to that time, and yet I suspect even she is not as strong in the earth as those who once graced the earthly plane we still call home. If only there was a record of those times. The book of clan holds some of the secrets of the earth in her infancy, but not all. I fear those truths are lost to us forever."

Dasay and Hercus looked at each other. Mirrored in both their eyes was wonder and awe. The elder stood. "Read as much of the book now as you can. I cannot take it from this room, and I fear once Fahr learns it has somehow found its way here he will be less than pleased. I will, of course, confess my part in bringing it to light. It was, after all, an accident that I chose the wrong book. Then finding myself called away from the hall I was unable to find my error."

Hercus raised his eyebrows. "One might question why the elder had the book hidden among his personal things."

"It was not so much hidden, as lost in plain sight."

"I would still question his thinking in this. What did he hope to hide from the people?"

"He could," the healer offered, "always claim ignorance as to the contents of the book. Without your tutelage in the ancient picture writings I would not have gotten anything from the book."

"I am sure he will have an answer for any questions that might be asked, as will I when questioned about the surfacing of the book."

Dasay shifted her position on the wooden stool. "What if I need the book to show the people what we have found here today?"

"If the council requested the book be produced Fahr would not dare refuse. Now I must go. I agreed to have tea with Tella and his wife." The old one turned solemnly from the young ones and made his way slowly from the hall.

Hercus turned to the Dea. "Something has just occurred to me." The girl raised her eyebrows but said nothing. "What is to prevent Fahr from claiming the book has disappeared from the hall?"

"He would not."

"Are you so sure of that?"

"Then what can we do to protect it?"

"Tella has his own work place here in the hall. If the book were to somehow find its way to his desk he would be obligated to protect it."

"What if his protection is to give the book to Fahr?"

"I believe he is much smarter than that. He may very possibly ask Thysis to decipher the book although he can read some of the ancient writings himself."

"You are suggesting we sneak into the elder's work room and leave this book there? Have you given any thought to the danger of this?"

"I have. You need not be a party to it."

"What if you are caught?"

"Then I will confess my thinking in taking such a step and let the chips fall where they may."

"Hercus."

"It does not really matter, Dasay. I am no more a part of this village than my family is. Being overlooked for the wearing of the amulet proves that. I stay here now for my grandfather's sake, not because I feel any loyalty to the prejudiced fools in power here."

The girl studied his face. The need to comfort him burned within her, and yet she wasn't sure how to do so. "If I was forced to leave here would you come with me?"

She wasn't sure why she'd asked. Then in a rush of insight she knew. She was frightened. She knew no other world beyond this one. What might await her beyond the confines of the village and the surrounding forest frightened her far more than she cared to admit.

"I would consider it a privilege to do so. Together we would go to my family. You would be welcomed there, my sister."

She smiled at him. "Do we have much time before we must sneak this book into Tella's work place?"

"We have some time before the other apprentices come to lessons."

"Then let us put it to good use."

The boy gave her a wide grin. "Coconspirators?"

"More than friends."

The earth's chosen one didn't go to the foundling home. She knew she was hiding out, but seemed powerless to do otherwise. She felt tired in mind and in soul. Twice in a short period of time the healing sleep she needed to renew herself had been interrupted. It was as if something nagged at her subconscious, lurking just beyond her comprehension that kept her from healing.

She went to the nursery first to see the little Prince. Watching him in healthy slumber seemed to ease her pain. Carefully, so she wouldn't wake him she took little Jason into her arms then took a seat in the rocking chair. The sweet smell of him filled her nostrils as she took a deep breath. Tears stained her cheeks and she buried her face in the blanket. She'd hoped the infusion of human blood might offset the yosemin women's tendency toward infertility. She'd wanted a house full of children to fill the loneliness of losing her family. While she'd accepted the will of the earth in leading her in another direction, she still longed for the babies that never came to life inside of her.

Turella let herself into the nursery. The empath looked up through her tears to give her a sad smile. Encouraged, the maid came to stand beside the rocking chair. Reaching out, she pulled the baby's blanket aside to see his face.

Her voice was a soft whisper. "He's such a beautiful baby. He has his father's lips and eyes but his mother's nose. He should grow up to be a very handsome man." Her voice broke and Sira reached for her hand. "I was so lost in my happiness. I should have come to you straight away. Maybe that little boy would've had a chance."

"No, Turella. We could both second guess ourselves over this. Maybe if I had taken more of his illness to myself sooner. Maybe if I had given him even more of the powders. It does no good to put ourselves through this. We did what we could. The few minutes you delayed would have made no difference, any more than my delay in transferring his illness to myself made a difference. He had been called to the earth even before we found him. If this were not so we would have saved him. His soul will live again in another time and place, in this we can take comfort."

"How do you live with things like this over and over?"

The empath sighed. "Someone has told you of the boy in the burned village."

"I overheard your husband voicing his concerns for you to the King's mother. I didn't mean to eavesdrop and I never meant to bring the subject up now. I'm sorry."

"It is all right, my friend. I live with it because the earth gives me the strength to do so. It is not always easy even then, but I am a healer. Nothing can change that. Even if I were to lose the earth and somehow survive I would want to heal. There have been times I have wished it were otherwise, times when the pain seems too intense to survive. But that is when I feel the earth working within me to heal and comfort me."

"I hope to have children. I haven't talked to Parenthis about it, but I would like to have a child to love and nurture, as I never was. There have been men who stirred an interest in me in the past. There have been times when, if I'd chosen to, I could have been with a man." She shook her head. "I kept thinking about my own mother who never really wanted me in the first place. She fell for a worthless man, and her infatuation led to me. Perhaps if I'd never come along she could have kept her man happy. Once he was gone my mother hated me and herself and took the easy way out by killing herself."

"Perhaps the pain was just too great."

"I don't think so. I mean it was great, but if she'd really loved me she would have found a way to live with it. I heard enough times from my aunt how hateful my mother was about me. She blamed me for taking her man away."

"If he had been worth having in the first place he would have stayed whether she carried his child or not."

"I guess she didn't see it that way."

"You should not blame yourself."

"I did for a long time. My aunt did, and she never missed a chance to remind me that my mother did. It took a long time to let that go. In some ways I guess I still haven't, but I still try. Now that that baby died I have to wonder what would possess a woman to allow herself to become with child if she never wanted it in the first place."

"The flesh can be weak."

"I suppose. But shouldn't we think of what the consequences of that weakness might bring, and if it does shouldn't we be prepared to accept what comes of it?"

"If the world were perfect. Not everyone is as strong as you are. You have been raised in the fires of pain and loneliness and grown stronger for the struggle to rise from the ashes. There are many who cannot, many whose wounds run far too deep. I know a woman not unlike you in many ways. She had a father and a mother, and yet I do not believe she was wanted or loved by either. Like you she was used for gain. Used in a horrible way. For her there was no rising from the flames. For her hate was her only defense, and that hate twisted and shaped her into something far worse than the parents that gave her life."

"She's dead, isn't she?"

"Yes. The earth consumed her to stop her evil."

"Why do you sound so sorry about that?"

"Any life lost should make us sad, even a wasted and evil one. In the perfect world you spoke of she would have found peace with her pain or never have been put through it at all."

The maid smiled at her. You're right. None of us are perfect. I guess the best we can do is try our best."

"Yes. And with the baby that died we did."

Turella gave a sad sigh. "You really are a healer. Thanks for listening."

"It is you who has healed me."

"I went by the home today to return the borrowed dress. The house mother says no one got sick from what took the baby's life."

"Thank the earth."

Tella stood over the elder of the clan of the wolf and the lion. The old one seemed not to notice him as he read from the leather paged book describing the forming of the original twelve clans. Hercus sat beside his grandfather of the soul, asking few questions as he concentrated on the painted words before him.

With a sigh of contentment Thysis looked up to smile at the council leader. "I am sorry to make you wait, my friend. I was just too close to the end of the page."

"That is all right. I could see the animation on your face. It is rewarding to find that you enjoy the work we have set you to."

"This could hardly be called work. Work ceases to be work when it becomes your passion."

"I am heartened to hear you say that. Perhaps you would not mind if I asked you to lend your abilities to the deciphering of yet another book?" The council leader removed the book that Hercus and Dasay had been reading only yesterday from a leather bag. "I found this sitting on a bench in my work room. I have no idea how it got there or where it came from, but I do believe it might well be of importance."

The old one wore a look of innocence as he reached to take the offered book from the council leader. "This is the book that tells of the forming of this village and the laws set forth from our history that were meant to govern this village."

"I wondered. I cannot read well the old writing, but a few things I could make out. Where could this book have been all this time? I asked Fahr if he might know, but he was not of much help. His father had been the village leader before him. I thought perhaps the book had been handed down from him. Fahr says he does not remember seeing the book before."

"I am surprised he did not wish to keep the book himself. It does, after all, contain a great deal of the history of the early days of this village."

"As a matter of fact he did wish to keep the book. But as the council leader it should rightfully be under my protection. Besides, Fahr is no better at reading the old picture writings than I am. There may be much in the book to help us better understand those who came before us. It is rather an exciting prospect, do you not agree?"

"It is indeed. Still, I would imagine there might be some who would not see it that way."

Tella bit at his lower lip. "Yes. There may indeed be some who would not wish to return to an older way of life or to the beliefs of a long ago people. Still, with the unrest in the world around us, and the earth people's dwindling numbers I think it is time we found our real identity. If we are to survive among another race and keep our own beliefs we much first strengthen these beliefs."

"You are wise, my friend, very wise. I would consider it an honor to interpret the book. I will protect it with my life."

Tella looked uncomfortable. "I would not think it would need protecting."

"One cannot be too careful with something so precious."

The council elder nodded. "Perhaps you are right." He turned to Hercus but addressed the room more than the boy. "I wonder how the book got into my room?" He gave a shrug at the unexplainable event, then with a nod to Thysis he left them to their work.

The elder took his seat once more. Turning his attention to his work the boy beside him began to relax. "You think fast, my grandson. You have not only protected the book, but brought Fahr's deceit to light." The boy smiled but made no comment. "You take chances, my young apprentice."

"Perhaps I learned to do so from my tutor."

"Humph."

"There is writing at the back of the book much more recent than that at the beginning of the book."

"Is that so?"

"I wonder if the village leader saw fit to record something of the village's more recent history."

"You did not read the newer writings?"

"No. It seemed an invasion of privacy somehow."

"Going into an elder's private work room did not seem the same?"

"No. Not considering the reason I went there."

"Did you also expose Dasay to the danger you saw fit to take a chance on?"

"I told her to go and that I would not mention her name should I be caught. She refused. She watched to make sure no one was coming."

"I know you think you are not fully welcomed here. I think you are over reacting, but I do see why you feel this way. Still, it might be wise to curve your adventurous spirit a bit."

The boy smiled again despite himself. "What book was it you were looking for in Fahr's work room?"

"That is different. I am an elder, and I had the man's permission to be in his room."

"I will try in the future to curve my adventurous spirit. I fear it will not be an easy thing to do, however. Not considering those who made my existence here on this plane possible."

The elder sighed. "Yes, I sense the same mischievous, carefree attitude about you I often sense in your mother, your father, and your uncle of the soul."

"What you sense in us must be much like what I sense from you."

The elder gave the boy a stern look. "You would do well to learn respect for those who hold a station higher than your own."

The boy found it hard to hide his smile. "Yes, my grandfather."

The old one looked aside, trying to hide his own humor, which failed as badly as his student's attempt had.

The half god son of Zeus stopped only once to fill his water flask in a small brook. Shifting the water skin to his other shoulder he started to move on then stopped. Better to fill it now with fresh water than to risk not having it later.

When the skin was filled he moved on, taking a sight on the far mountain peak he'd followed since leaving the yosemin village.

He stopped abruptly as he sensed the mind of the Dea touch his. Pleasure flooded over him at the sense of love he got from her.

Closing his eyes he strengthened his mind to send his own thoughts to her. "I miss you."

"I miss you as well. I watched you walk from the village. I wanted to come after you."

"I almost turned around."

"Will you give me time?"

"All that you need." Love and comfort enfolded him with warmth and he threw his head back. He did nothing to staunch the tears that stung in his eyes. "Take your time. Find your way, and when you do I'll be here for you."

He moved on, his heart lighter than it had been in days. Ahead of him lay love and friendship, and behind him was the love and warmth of the woman he hoped someday to share a part of his life with.

His long legs ate up the miles. His lightened heart made the effort seem like nothing. He found a pleasant place for a night camp. It was late and the light was fading, but he hadn't wanted to stop even now. The promise the brook and stand of trees offered was just too good to pass up.

He started a fire from wood he found near the grove of trees. He dropped his last load of wood near the fire then looked up to watch the sun slip from view behind the mountains. With a sigh of contentment more than fatigue he knelt to add some wood to the fire. Once he had water on the fire to heat he took up the rabbits he'd taken with his long bow, and stepping from the camp he deftly skinned them.

His depression of the night before was gone now with the brief touch of Dasay's mind on his earlier in the day. She still wanted a chance with him. It was something to live for, something to look forward to.

He whistled a tune as he turned the cooking meat on the spit over the fire. His blanket was spread near the fire ready for him when he was ready. The water skin was full. A mug of tea sat cooling beside him.

He looked up to search the darkened forest around him. There was a welcome feeling in the darkness that called to him.

The empath's mind touched his.

The child of the forest sat cross-legged on the bed she shared with the golden hunter of the forest in the palace of the King of Corinth. The demigod's joy had touched and comforted her through the afternoon. She'd wanted to touch his mind much sooner but chose to wait until she was sure he was at rest. As her mind touched his she was filled with his joy and happiness. It flooded over her and she knew at once that he'd felt the Dea's mind touch his.

"She asked for time. But behind the request I felt so much more. Do I dare believe there's hope for us yet?"

The empath felt relief flood over her. In her heart she'd known this would come to pass, but had feared it would take much longer, leaving her more than brother of the soul with pain and loneliness.

"Yes. I wish I could have helped you to believe this before. I wish I could have saved you the pain of the last few days. Yes, you must believe."

"You're really all right with this thing between Dasay and myself?"

"Of course, my soul, more than all right. Your love for each other lightens my heart and fills me with joy."

"I love you, Sira. I don't know if it's really right to feel this way when I love Iolaus as a brother, but right or wrong I'm powerless to stop it. I need you, my more than sister, more now than ever. Your love and faith in me makes even the impossible seem plausible and right."

"The earth works through you, my more than brother. You are yosemin. Together, the four of us."

"The four of us. That has a nice ring to it. The four of us."

"One soul, one mind, one heart. Sleep well tonight, my soul. Slowly we will build a shield between us. Slowly we will find our way. Like Dasay, I need only time."

"Not too much, Sira." His plea tore at her heart. "I remember that feeling, when we broke the physical touch so we could go after Iolaus being held in the old castle."

"It will not be like that. We will go slowly. There is time. Dasay understands our soul's touch. She will give us time to build the barriers. She is love, my more than brother. Her depth of feeling runs deep. She will not mind the soul's touch as much as you will. Your soul is yosemin, but you were not raised as thus. You should not feel shame that your upbringing leaves you reservations about the relationship between the four of us. I love you all the more for your sensitivity and your fear that you might hurt us."

"How is it that I've been given two loves to fill my heart and soul?"

"I suppose it has come to pass in the same way that I have been given two men to fill my heart and soul."

"Let us build the barriers for now, but I won't give you up. That I can't do."

The empath's heart filled with joy. "There will be a time for us, my soul, a time when our minds and souls will be free to blend and mingle. A time when our soul's touch will fill the air around us, ascending even to the heavens in its abandonment. We must be content to await that time. Both our souls are now pledged to another. My soul is not whole by itself. Without the other half of it, which my mate holds I am not complete. You must understand that that part of me is for him and him alone. While he holds that part of me I will never really be free to love you as I might wish. For now, your soul has sought love and comfort from another and this love has grown stronger with each passing day. Hold it dear, my soul. Since your soul is now a part of mine and her soul waits for her one true mate you must be prepared for a time when your love for her must be put aside. Go to her when she calls to you. Go to her with love and an open soul, but you must not lose sight of the future. Guard your heart a bit, my soul."

The hunter entered the room to find darkness. He sensed the other half of his soul there, but thought she might be sleeping. He'd worked late on the dredging barge, hoping to finish a full section of the river before stopping for the day. It seemed the fates were working against him in this pursuit. A cable broke early in the day, sending a man to the earth as it snapped back to sever his head from his shoulders in a whining scream of air and rope cable.

The man had been with the hunter since he first took over the supervision of the barge so that the King could spend time with his new son. They'd both started that day, rowing out to the barge in a small dinghy to be greeted by those already at work on the barge.

The golden one quickly clamped his mind shut as he'd dropped to the barge's deck to narrowly avoid the lash of the thick hemp cable. Sira had experienced enough death of late. There was no help for the man at any rate as his head had disappeared in a shower of gore.

The afternoon brought more delays as the winch jammed.

His crew, shortened by one death and the men who left to take the man's body to his wife, the hunter abandoned his post to follow the others to the widow's door. He promised that her husband would be buried by the city at no cost to her, which did little to soothe her pain.

With the teachings of his empathic wife to guide him he'd taken the woman into his arms, his mind lightly touching her. She was in her fifties, as her husband had been. Their children were grown with families of their own.

Convincing her to pack a few things he took her to her daughter's home with a promise to come again in the morning to make the final arrangements for her mate of thirty four years. Feeling regret and grief he'd returned to the barge to find the winch repaired and his shorthanded crew hard at work.

They never completed the section. Night came to soon. When the fading light made further work too dangerous he'd finally called a halt to the work. Tired in mind and body the golden hunter returned to the palace to speak first to the King.

He knew Iphicles would do what he could for the widow. Talking with his friend he found some peace with the death of a man he'd counted as another friend.

"I'll make sure his widow doesn't go hungry, Iolaus. I can't support her completely. There's just not enough revenue left in the treasury to do so. But there's always food and shelter available, and she's welcome to both."

"She has family. I think she'll be taken care of, but a bit of food now and again would most likely be welcomed. You'll see to the man's burial?"

"Of course." The King left his place at his desk to pace the floor. He sighed as he ran a hand through his dark blond shoulder length hair. His full lips were pursed with the pressures of his office. "Maybe Ossagol was right. Maybe this project was a bad idea."

"Don't be foolish. The loss of a few lives is inevitable with an endeavor of this size. Don't forget why you started this in the first place. Think of how many lives are lost in the flooding. Think about how many are lost to disease because the river water they rely on isn't clean."

The monarch stopped his pacing to give the hunter an earnest look. "You're right, my friend. This is important. Still, I can't help but feel remorse at the growing number of markers that are sprouting up on the hill overlooking the river."

"I know, Iphicles. I knew Caprinus personally. His death touched me deeply."

The King saw the lines of fatigue on his friend's face. Beneath the dark tan the sun had left on his friend's face were wrinkles left white by the squint of his eyes as protection against the sun, wrinkles that weren't there only weeks ago. "Tomorrow I'll be on the barge with you. It's unfair to ask my subjects to work so hard or to put their lives in danger when I'm not willing to do the same."

"Morale is low. Some men have walked away simply because they've given up on the project. Seeing you out there, yourself, might make the difference."

"I've been selfish. I've been so wrapped up in my own family, I've lost sight of the fact that the men out there have loved ones as well."

Iolaus smiled at the King. "I'm going to wash up. Can I ask a favor? Don't mention this latest death in front of Sira. She's been through enough lately."

The tall, powerfully built monarch nodded. "It's not something I want to mention to Reyna, either."

Moving slowly and quietly so he wouldn't wake the empath the hunter lit a candle. The girl he loved sat cross-legged on the bed, her eyes closed. He stood watching her a moment. Love for this tiny forest creature filled him and he longed to go to her.

Sensing his thoughts she opened her eyes to dazzle him with a dark green brilliance. With a moan he came to her, pulling her into his arms.

"Why would you wish to shut me from your pain?"

"It wasn't like that. I wanted to spare you."

"Shutting me out does not spare me. It hurts me."

"I'm sorry, Sira."

"I can help you with your pain. Please let me."

With a flood of thought and emotion he tightened his hold on her. "It was so brutal. I went to his wife more to try and ease my own pain than to help her. It didn't help. It just made me realize how I'd feel if I lost you."

The child of nature pulled his pain and grief to herself, sending comfort and love to soothe and replace it. After a moment he pulled back to watch her face in the shifting light of the candle.

"What is it?" She shook her head. "Now who's shutting whom out?"

"I am just tired."

He pulled her back to him. After a moment of silence he tightened his hold even more. "You're more than just tired. What's happened?" Still she was silent. "It has something to do with Hercules, doesn't it? He's all right, isn't he?"

"Yes. It is just that he has expressed a desire to form a barrier between us."

"What? Why on earth for?"

"Because his feelings for me grow stronger, and because his feelings for Dasay do as well. He thinks putting distance between us will help him deal with his guilt over his feelings for both the Dea and myself."

"That's a bunch of centaur dung. If he's feeling guilty, he needs you both more than ever."

"He must find his own way, my love. If letting him feel a wall between us gives his mind a place to support itself, then for now it shall be so."

"What about you? Can't he realize what this will do to you?"

The girl began to cry silently. "No. He has not felt that, and he will not, not if I can help it. Do you not see? I am not free to be with him. My heart, my mind, and my soul are for you. I cannot give him what he needs or wants right now. His only chance to find a bit of that is from Dasay. If he needs to distance himself from me to find his true feelings with her then it must be so."

"Sira."

"I know. This will tear me apart. I feel so unlike myself at times anymore. For me, right now I need him more than ever." The hunter's arms tightened on her once more. "Please understand, my soul. He does hold a part of me that is separate and apart from the soul's touch you and I share. There is the soul's touch of the three of us, but between he and I there is more."

"I know that. I accepted that a long time ago. I won't lie and say that I'm never touched by the feelings the two of you share. But it's not so much that I'm hurt, as that sometimes I get jealous of the bond. It's kind of like when two children must share a favorite toy."

The girl nodded against his chest. "You are of the earth, and she has led you to a place of peace with her will. Your tie to the earth mother gives me strength even now when I feel so lost at times."

"What can I do to help? I know you're still having nightmares. Isn't there something I can do to help you through this?"

"You are doing it now, my soul. Just love me and share with me."

"Forever, one soul throughout eternity."

"Even unto death."

He kissed the top of her head, resting his lips on her flower scented locks as tenderness for her flooded over him. She turned her face up to him and he took her lips. The kiss was gentle meant to convey his love for her, not his lust. She kissed him back, opening her mouth against his. Almost unknowingly his tongue sought hers and she gave it willingly. After a moment he pulled away. His lower half tingled with his need of her. But he'd meant to love and comfort her, not seduce her. He wanted to give her strength, not take what remained of it in heated passion.

She ran her hands over his shirt where it rested against his chest, straining slightly across taut muscles made larger and firmer with his hard labor of late. Sliding her hand up under his shirt she caressed the smooth skin there. The feel of his flesh under her hands always stirred her and she sought his mouth once more. Now her tongue demanded access to his. She bit lightly on his lower lip and was rewarded when he shivered beside her.

Pulling his shirt up she helped him remove it then leaned forward to run her tongue across his exposed flesh. She tasted the salty taste of him and shivered, herself.

With his hands cupping her face he pulled her lips to him once more and now his kiss was demanding. The kiss she gave him was just as demanding and he cupped her breast as his tongue captured hers.

"I need to clean up."

"Then I will help you."

She scooted across the bed to go to the washstand. The water the maid had brought up for his use was still warm despite the lateness of his arrival. Sira filled the basin then turned to the hunter where he stood behind her. Loosening his trousers for him she caressed him and he drew a deep breath. He'd slipped his boots off before coming to her and now she pulled his pants down over his hips and to the floor where he stepped out of them. Her tongue ran lightly over his thigh as she rose to help him remove his undergarments. She stood watching him as he stood unclothed before her and the hunter read hunger in the deep green depths of her eyes.

Wetting and soaping a cloth she washed his face, moving down over his neck to his chest. With arms around him she washed his back, moving down to his buttocks. He kissed her forehead and she turned her lips up to him for their turn at his sweetness. She rinsed the cloth then resoaped it to wash his lower half. He smiled as she took much more time there than was needed to clean him. Moving down further she washed his legs then his feet. She found just as much pleasure in rinsing him as she had in washing him. His hands caressed and touched her only adding to her fever.

His head over the basin she washed and rinsed his hair. With a towel she rubbed his body dry, taking her time enjoying it as much as he did. She rubbed his hair to remove most of the water then smoothed the golden locks with her fingers. Pale, damp curls wound around her fingers, sending a shiver up and down her spine.

He reached to unlace the bodice of her dress pulling it loose with hands that trembled slightly. She stepped back to pull the dress over her head to stand before him dressed in snowy white silk undergarments. Her ample curves and her fervor pushed against the material in an invitation he had no intention of declining and he reached to caress her.

She drew a quick breath. The touch of his hand through the silk material was like nothing she'd felt before. She's always worn woven moss garments. The silk things were a gift from him and she'd worn them to please him. Now she found they pleased her, also.

His hand slipped over the soft material to below her waist and she clung to him for support since her legs had gone weak.

His mouth caressed her through the camisole and she began to tremble. When he moved to pull the thing over her head she helped him, as anxious to feel his hands on her flesh, as he was to touch her. Pulling her undergarments down over her rounded hips he kissed just below her navel and she moaned with her need of him.

He stepped back to watch her, letting his need for her build. She reached for him and he took her into his arms, lifting her up to carry her to the bed.

He was gentle and tender with her, loving her and giving her pleasure while abstaining from too much for himself. Her hands sought him and he pulled them away to kiss at her fingertips.

"Not yet, my lover."

"But I want you."

"In a little while." He took her lips once more as his hands reached to tease her and she moaned with her desire.

When at last he took her she moved beneath him setting the pace with her hips. He gave her command for a time then took it from her once more to prolong his own pleasure. No one disturbed them even though they missed dinner and the golden hunter of the forest took his time, letting the tension build between them.

Later they lay in each other's arms watching the shadows the dwindling candle made on the walls and ceiling.

"Think we were missed at dinner?" the hunter asked sleepily.

"Probably. Are you hungry?"

"No. I think I filled up on love."

"Me, too. Do you think it would be all right if we just stayed here and got an early night's sleep?"

"I don't see why not." His words were slurred with fatigue and the healer snuggled closer to him to send her love and speed him into slumber.

The Dea sat on the bed in her tiny room within the healer's hall. In her hands rested a tiny silver band.

She'd longed to wear the gift of love from the demigod, but feared she'd be questioned about it. She knew she'd never be able to lie about the gift. The giving of it touched her too deeply.

She kept it on a leather cord around her neck, tucked beneath her clothing to rest between her bosoms. Its presence there gave her comfort and a constant reminder of the man she loved.

Her mind was filled with his presence; his mind touched hers with love. She longed to give her mind to him fully, but in fear she kept a part of her mind on the village leader. He'd relaxed his vigilance since the half god's departure from the village, but not enough to make her fully comfortable with her mind's touch on the demigod.

She knew that soon Fahr would call for her. He'd requested her company twice now and told her yesterday that he would call for her again. The first time he'd asked her to come to him she'd feigned illness rather than face him. The following day he'd sent for her again. Fearing his wrath if she refused she'd gone to him. She'd feared what he might say to her, but he'd made no mention of Hercules or her feelings for the big man.

He'd read to her as he'd done in the past, making no mention of the tension between them. In fact, he'd seemed unaware of it. But while he'd seemed comfortable in her presence, she'd been anything but comfortable in his.

The light tap on the door to her room didn't surprise her. Right on time as usual, she thought.

"Enter, Lea."

The junior apprentice let herself into the room to give her healing sister a warm smile. "The village leader has requested your presence, Dasay."

With a sigh the Dea slipped the leather cord holding the silver band over her head to safely tuck it beneath her top. Rising she moved toward the door.

"Are you not going to change from your work clothing?"

Dasay looked down her front at the dress she wore. She'd put it on that morning, knowing she would be working in the garden that stretched out behind the healer's hall. When she'd returned from her labor she'd washed her hands and face but hadn't bothered to change her clothing. The dress was old and beginning to fray around the neck and hem. A smudge of dirt adorned the front to give evidence of her toil.

She knew she should change. It would be the respectful thing to do. "No, Lea, I will not change. After all, I would not want to keep the village elder waiting."

The younger girl raised an eyebrow at this, but said no more. Stepping aside she followed the Dea from the room.

The senior apprentice sought out the healing mother to ask permission to leave the hall.

The older woman gave her attire a critical look. "You are not properly dressed for the honor of being in the company of our village leader."

"Yes, healing mother. I thought since I should not keep the elder waiting that I would not change." The girl's tone bordered on insolence. She hoped her disrespect might get her confined to her room for the day and save her the task of pretending she found being with Fahr an honor.

"Very well. You may visit with the village leader, but I expect you back for afternoon lessons."

"Thank you, healing mother."

The apprentice left the healer's hall to make her way through the central clearing in the middle of the village.

Before she'd gone far, Evander came running to her. "Dasay!"

The girl knelt to give the boy a warm hug. "How are you?"

"Quite well, thank you."

"How is your mother?"

"Okay. I think she misses Father."

"We all do, Evander."

"I miss him very much."

"He will come to see you soon, I am sure of it."

"I know. He has important work to do." The child gave a wistful sigh. "Will you come to our table during the celebration tonight?"

"I would love to. I have missed our talks of late. Shall I bring honey cake?"

The boy looked up to dazzle her with a dark brown gaze. "Yes, please. It's my favorite."

"Mine, too. I have to visit Fahr now, but I look forward to seeing you and your mother tonight."

The girl wondered not for the first time if she should go against Ares' wishes and tell his family that he often touched her mind with questions about the health of those he loved. She'd wanted to so many times. She understood the god's reasons for asking her not to, but she still felt they were foolish reasons. How could he believe for a moment that they would no longer welcome him simply because he'd once again taken up his place as the god of war? He'd stubbornly refused to come to them until they called to him, and Nemesis had just as stubbornly refused to do so.

"I won't beg him to come back. If he gave a damn he'd come to us."

The god of war was just as adamant. "If Nemesis wanted anything to do with me she'd call to me."

The whole thing was foolish and destructive on both their parts, but sensing their stubbornness on the matter Dasay hadn't pushed either one of them. She'd followed Ares' wishes and kept his concern for the boy and his mother to herself in fear that if she didn't he would stop all communication with her, and them through her.

The girl stopped outside the elder's hut. With a deep sigh of dread she called to him. He stepped from his doorway, a smile on his face. It left him quickly to be replaced by a look of annoyance when he saw the way the girl was dressed.

"Did you come straight from the garden?" His voice was harsh.

"In a manner of speaking, yes."

He pursed his lips. "Really, Dea, you should have more respect for yourself and your station."

"There is no shame in the evidence of hard work, village elder."

"You seem determined to vex me today, young apprentice. I have given you permission to use my name rather than my title in our private communications."

"I am sorry, village elder. I find it very hard to do so. It does not seem proper."

His voice softened. "Come, Dasay. We are, after all, old friends."

"Is it not considered improper for the teacher and the student to use familiar names with each other?"

"We are more than just teacher and student, Dasay." The girl turned shocked eyes to him. "Come. I was a friend to your family. When your mother and her stillborn baby were taken by the earth I did what I could to comfort your father. I grieved for your loss."

"Thank you, village elder. Your concern for my family and myself are appreciated." He motioned for her to precede him into the hut. "Could we not stay in the daylight? It is such a pleasant day."

The elder looked annoyed again. "I thought to read to you from my latest works. You have always enjoyed listening to them."

"But that could be done there on the grass, could it not?" She pointed to a patch of pale green, spring grass beside his hut that would give them a clear view of the village.

"Very well. I shall retrieve my things and join you there."

The girl nodded gravely as she stepped passed him to find a place on the grass. She breathed a sigh of relief. She'd dreaded sharing the confined space of the hut with Fahr.

He came to sit beside her, closer than what made her comfortable. Pretending the need to adjust her position on the grass she moved over slightly. Not as far as she'd wished to, however. There was just no way to do so without offending him.

"You are right, it is pleasant here." She made no comment and he sighed. "Surely you no longer feel anger with me for protecting you from, shall we say, outside influences?"

The girl stiffened. "I was not aware that the empath or her family might be considered outside influences."

"They are not like us, Dasay. Surely you are mature enough to see that."

"There are differences even within villages or clans. Those differences are what makes us individuals."

"You have acquired a sharp tongue of late, my young apprentice."

"Is voicing my opinions having a sharp tongue? I will, the earth willing, someday be the healing mother of our village. Surely it is better for me to become more assertive before that eventuality?"

"Your thoughts and beliefs have changed, have they not?"

"I have been granted the privilege of touching in mind a wider range of people. Thysis and I have grown much closer of late. His mind is quick and sharp despite his age, and I find his wit most refreshing. The earth's hold on him is an awesome force that seems to draw me. He has been helping me to advance my learning of the laws of our people."

"I have seen you in the council hall a great deal of late."

"Yes. I believe that if I am to be fair to the young apprentices that may someday be my responsibility, I must have a working knowledge of our race as a whole. Hercus has been of great help in this endeavor. His understanding of the ancient writings is inspiring."

"Really." The one word was filled with anger. "You seem to have become quite the little scholar. A place reserved for the males of the village, I believe."

"It has come to that, I am afraid. Still, the book of our village laws and dictates that has so recently come to light gives no gender preference for the taking of amulet or of station. Thysis and Sira both believe that in our long ago past men were oftentimes healers and women oftentimes scholars or even hunters. While men have, it would seem, never been granted the power of empathy, they are very often stronger of mind than women and could therefore make very successful healers."

"That is foolishness, Dea. You would do well not to poison your mind with outsider's blasphemy."

"Perhaps you should read the book of village for yourself. It is very enlightening."

"I have read some of the book."

"Oh? I was led to believe you had never seen the book before."

He narrowed his eyes at her. "I was mistaken. I was in the middle of a discussion with the two remaining visiting elders. I did not take the time to really study the book that Tella shoved beneath my nose."

"I see. So, then you do know where the book has been all this time."

"No. I have not seen the book since I was a boy, studying with my father. It was then that I read some of the book."

"But you do not really understand our people's original language. It must have been difficult to really understand what was written there."

"I am not accustomed to being questioned, most especially by an apprentice."

The girl took a deep breath. "I thought we were more than that, because of our family tie."

He turned sharply toward her. Fear shot through her, but she didn't flinch. She could see the anger on his face and feel it in the air around him. "Your time with the empath and the son of Zeus has changed you."

"Yes, it has. Pretty wonderful, is it not? I have found a new confidence in myself. My studies of the mind with Thysis and Sira have given me new strength in the earth."

"I was not aware that you were in mind study with either of them. I thought I had made my concerns about Sira well known."

"You have, village elder. It is just that I do not share them."

"Surely you must see the danger to this village and to the yosemin people as a whole? All that remains of us are the small, scattered hamlets holding precariously to the old ways. If we allow outside influences to warp our beliefs, then they have finally won against us. What hope do we have of saving our way of life if we scatter among the humans?"

"Our way of life is already warped, my father. What were once our laws and our beliefs have been twisted by the influence of other races. The book of clan and the book of village prove that. Now our only hope lies in a renewal of the old beliefs. Only in strengthening and renewing our beliefs do we stand a chance of retaining any individuality whatsoever. Hiding out here in the forest has not protected us; it has very nearly destroyed us. In the empath and her family. In Thysis and Hercus. In the book of clan lies our salvation. Already the book of clan has brought villages together. The elders visiting here prove that. The promise of the empath brings us together. Her son, whose mind is stronger than his teachers, stronger than yours or mine, gives us hope of strong minded children. Should Hercules someday add children to his clan, they, too, will be strong of mind and strong in the earth."

"They are not yosemin. What hope is there for the earth's people if we allow the infestation of human or godly blood?"

"The word yosemin, means of the earth. Surely you have not fallen so far from the earth's teachings to be unable to see the earth as it works through Hercules, Hercus, and Iolaus?"

The elder raised his hand as if to strike her. The hand shook with anger. The girl narrowed her eyes at him. "Strike me, Fahr. It might serve to bring your bias to light."

He lowered his hand. "You are forbidden to touch in mind with the empath or any member of those she calls family. You are forbidden to visit the council hall or to read from any books held there. Your lessons will be confined to the study of healing given you by the healing mother."

The girl stood. "I do not believe you have the right to place such restrictions on me. I will confer with the council elder and with the healing mother. If I am wrong and you do have the authority to punish me for an open mind, then I will do my best to follow your guidelines. I have one request to make of you, if I may be so bold. Seek the council of Tella and Thysis. They may well be able to help you in finding what you have lost."

The elder stood. "Do not force me to bring your less than acceptable behavior to public light."

"I would welcome a public hearing of my supposed transgressions. I have the people of this village to consider. If I am to be a real healer to them I must be free to express my feelings."

"If your behavior does not improve you may never realize your dream of becoming the healing mother."

"If taking the place of such honor must hinge on my unblinking devotion to another person's biased and stilted beliefs then I would not wish the honor."

"You think you could live with the humiliation of being stripped of your station here in the village? What will the people think of you then, Dea?

"I believe the people would understand the emotions behind my acts of defiance. If it were to prove otherwise then I would leave here."

He laughed a bitter, cruel laugh. "Where would you go?"

"I have family outside of this village who would welcome me without trying to impose their will on me."

"You speak of Sira. Can you not see how she uses you? She manipulates you so easily. You think you have gained strength and confidence, but you have simply fallen under her spell. Sira is all the things the earth finds objectionable."

"The earth? Or yourself? If she did not hold favor in the earth, how is her empathy possible? How can the earth work through her if it has not chosen her for such favor? Now I must go."

She started to turn away but he took her arm to stop her. "We should not fight, my daughter. We have been too close to let something like this spoil our friendship."

"I really must go. The healing mother requested my presence at the afternoon lessons."

"Come, Dasay, do not go in anger."

"Will you rescind your restrictions on my activities?"

"On your mind lessons with Thysis, yes, so long as these lessons are restricted to the study of discipline over your earthly gifts. As to the other restrictions, I think not. I believe they are sound ones that may well protect you."

"I must go."

"Give me your word that your mind will not seek that of the empath or of the son of Zeus."

"This I cannot do."

"Dasay."

"I cannot. If you have any feelings for me as a friend of my family, do not ask this of me."

"I must do what I can to protect you. Surely you understand my feelings for you."

"That you feel a paternal instinct for me born of your tie to my family, I can understand. Still, I cannot help but feel you have lost sight of the true meaning of the word yosemin and of the true teachings of the earth mother. I will pray for you, my father. The earth will heal and soothe us both in this." Before he could detain her further she stepped around him to make her way through the village's center clearing.

Her mind was numb with the struggle she'd maintained over her deeper feelings. She'd wanted to do battle with the village elder. Never before had she found it necessary to put a hold on her temper. Never before had she felt the exhilaration of battle.

With a sigh she began to shake. She knew she'd pushed the elder too far. She'd been bold in her anger, but now the reaction to her ire came crashing in on her with the old fears and concerns.

She let herself into the healer's hall, then with legs gone weak she could go no further. Slumping against the wall for support she fought the tears that threatened to betray her.

Melay came to stand before her. "Tell me, my daughter." The Dea stared at her as if not recognizing who she was. The elder took her hand gently to pull her to one of the benches along the wall. "Tell me."

The girl found herself relaying the conversation between the village elder and herself. She kept a close rein on her feelings for the half god son of Zeus but she left little else out of her narrative.

"So, Fahr has grown bold in voicing his prejudice against those not within his inner circle."

"I truly believe he hates the humans and those who associate with them."

"The yosemin people have long hated humans."

"No, healing mother. Not hate. Fear. We have feared them. To hate them brings us to the same level as our enemy. It is below us to hate them for their own hate and fear of us."

"Perhaps, but we are not a perfect race, my child. We are subject to many of the same emotions as the humans, and hate is one of these emotions."

"You think Fahr is justified in his fear of Sira and her family?"

"I did not say that. I think Fahr is a fool. I never thought he would be a dangerous one, however."

"Does he have the right to forbid me the mind teachings of the empath?"

"No. In that he has definitely overstepped his boundaries. No one can control our minds. They are ours to do with as we see fit. The whole reason for teaching our youth discipline and direction is so that they will make the right choices as to how they use their minds."

"I have learned so much from Sira's mind touch on mine."

"Yes. That is what frightens Fahr. You are growing into a person in your own right, which means you are now not so much under his influence. He has always taken an interest in you and has followed your progress in the earth closely."

"He says that is because he took a special interest in my family."

The healing mother looked annoyed. "I do not believe he had any special interest in your family. Fahr and your father never really saw things in the same way. Your father, as a scholar knew much about the laws of the yosemin people. He was not adverse to voicing this knowledge. Fahr did not always agree with his interpretation of the ancient proclamations that govern our people."

"Then why would he profess a kinship with my parents?"

"I do not know."

"Unless he hoped to gain my favor by doing so?"

"One would have to wonder why he might take such interest in an apprentice healer. Even one who has been named as the Dea."

The girl sighed. "I believe he has it in his head to find a strong minded mate for me to be with in the hope of providing strong minded children."

"Yes. That has always been a passion with him. The mating between he and I was not a success. He was always very resentful of that."

"You and Fahr were mated to produce strong minded children?"

"Yes. We were together for six of my cycles, but no child came from the union. Fahr was younger than I and still idealistic. He was not willing to try longer, and neither was I. I could not stand being with him. There was no love between us, only the desire of Fahr and his father to produce a child who might bring the earth to the village. Fahr has always resented the fact that his village hosted no empath. In my family history there is the rumor of an empath." The elder shrugged.

"I would not be able to give my body to a man for the sole purpose of producing a child."

"Healers are not always given a choice in such things."

"They are if they chose to demand it."

The elder smiled. "And in so doing find themselves in disfavor?"

The girl gave the old one an earnest look. "Better to be in disfavor than to compromise one's principles."

Melay sighed. "Yes. Perhaps you have a point. Had I been more like you I might never have lost sight of the earth in the first place, and my teachings might not have become so one sided and warped."

Dasay reached out to take the old one's hand, then hesitated. Melay reached for hers instead. "You have been a good mother to us. It is true that only now do we get a sense of your depth of love and concern for all of us, but it is all the more special because of the delay."

The elder smiled at her. "Go to Tella. He should know of your confrontation with the village elder. He may well be an ally if you must at some future time demand your right to refuse the exploitation of your mind and body." The elder rose. "Go now, my daughter. Speak with the council elder then return here to make ready for the celebration."

"I promised Evander I would make him a honey cake."

"Lea can make it. If there is one thing she can do, it is making good honey cake. Run along and I will put the girl on it straight away."

Apprehension burned deeply through the healing apprentice. She'd never openly approached any member of the council, but more than this she wasn't sure what she'd say to Tella.

She found him near the raised platform in the center of the clearing. With eyes lowered she came to stand before him. He was in conversation with an apprentice from the council hall, giving instruction to the boy and she waited silently for the elder to complete them before stepping forward.

The elder looked up to smile at her, not that she could see the welcoming look with her eyes lowered. Tella was one of the youngest members of the council, given his position because of his strong mind and knowledge of the books and scrolls that occupied a corner of the council hall. He was an avid reader and scholar, but even more than this he had a way with people. His charm and sense of humor attracted people to him, as did his ability to listen with an open mind to what people had to say.

"You wished a word with me, Dea?"

The girl took a deep breath to steady herself. "If it would not be an intrusion."

"Not at all." He motioned to the platform. "Shall we sit?"

The girl waited for him to take a seat first then took the place beside him he'd motioned her to. "If you are busy now this could wait."

"No, no. There are things I could do, but sitting here in conversation with you is much more pleasant than doing any of them would be. What is it you wish to speak to me about?"

"I have but recently come from a conversation with the village leader that has disturbed me greatly."

"Yes. Fahr has already spoken with me about this." He could feel the girl stiffen beside him. "Perhaps you would like to tell me what was said."

"I fear it would make little difference now."

"On the contrary. I have yet to hear your side of the conversation. Your thoughts have validity. I would like to hear them."

"May I ask a question?"

"Of course."

"Does the village leader have the authority to put restrictions on whom I have mind lessons with?"

"He could make suggestions as to whom might be considered appropriate to teach such important lessons, but he cannot control your mind. Now may I ask a question of my own?"

"Yes, my father."

"Whom did our village leader tell you not to communicate with?"

The girl sighed. "He told me not to touch the mind of the empath or her family. At first he even said I should not touch mind with Father Thysis, but later rescinded that so long as my lessons with him were in the pursuit of learning discipline over my earthly gifts."

"So you have been in mind communication with Sira."

"Yes, my father, I have been. Why is that wrong?"

"It is not. I think it is a very good idea. You will learn much from her. Was his objection really about Sira, or a member of her family?" The elder noted the blush that colored the girl's cheek with a becoming pink.

"He does not think that I should speak with Hercules. He saw us walking together once and forbade me to be near him."

"I see. His tiresome objections to any one not fully of yosemin blood again."

"He sees no validity in the vow of clan that Hercules took. He considers him a dangerous outside influence that he fears will warp me in some way."

"Within the village leader's narrow minded view I do believe he is trying to protect you, Dasay."

The girl looked up briefly to study the elder's face. "I was also forbidden to study from the books and scrolls in the council hall."

"What on earth for?"

"I believe the village elder fears I will learn something that might give my objections to the unfair treatment of our healers validity."

The elder beside her chuckled. "So, we have a rebel among us."

"I am sorry, my father. I spoke out of turn."

"No. No, you did not. I agree completely with the idea that healers are treated unfairly. Just because the earth has called them to healing does not mean they should put their lives on hold or that they should sacrifice their own happiness. My mate was an apprentice healer. She was told not to pursue our relationship. She chose instead to leave the healer's hall so that being with me would cause no undue unrest in the village."

"I did not know this. She seems quiet content."

"I believe she has been. Love can make up for much."

"I believe Fahr has someone in mind to mate me with in the hope of producing strong minded children."

The elder nodded. "It has long been expected of the Dea in our village even if in no other."

"From what Father Thysis has learned from the book of clan and the book of our village it was a common practice among the yosemin people. In the empath's village the girl was forced to mate even for life with one chosen for her in the interest of carrying on the strength of the earth. Release only coming should one or the other of them find their true soul's mate. Still, in the ancient teachings it states that the healers should be allowed to make that choice for themselves, and that the vow of promise would not even be needed to give validity to the birth of the coveted child thus leaving the healer free to pursue love."

"Yes. I suppose it could be considered the proper thing for the Dea to agree to lending her body to such a pursuit in the interest of preserving the village's strength of mind."

"It should be up to the Dea's own discretion."

"I take it you would object to giving yourself in this way?"

"For now, yes. In time, if no mate were to come to me, if no love were to touch me…" She shrugged.

"Our healers have long been discouraged from considering love in their lives. We have always expected our healers to sacrifice themselves to the pursuit of healing and nothing else."

"Is that fair? There is nothing so far in the ancient writing that speaks of this sacrifice. Besides, Sira was right. That only limits our ability to heal."

"You have researched this well, my daughter. I, too, have never found any reference to this kind of sacrifice being expected. There are many accounts of our healers' lovers and mates with no mention of this being considered wrong."

"Can the village leader refuse me access to the books and scrolls in the council hall?"

"Not without the council's permission, and you may rest assured I would never agree to such nonsense."

"Must I give up my lessons with Sira or Thysis?"

"No one can control your mind, my child. Do not let our village leader's fears temper your determination to strengthen your mind or your knowledge of the ways of our people."

"Because I have spoken against his restraints he has threatened to bring me to public trial."

"He risks much in pressing for this. Prejudice of any kind is considered a grave offense. His prejudice against the empath and her family is sure to come to light in this." The elder turned to her. "Did you know that the people of the village have the right to vote against any leader or elder of the village while voting for someone to take their place?"

The girl took a quick breath. "This is true? An elder could lose his station if the people wished it?"

"Yes. There has never been a village vote in the remembered time, but there are accounts of it being done here in this very village. There are more recent accounts of the council voting someone out of their place on the council."

"But I thought the privilege of being the village leader fell to the next generation."

"In most cases. While a council elder is voted into their station by the council itself, the position of village leader has most often been determined by birth rather than by qualifications. One might wonder if that was why our long ago ancestors gave the council and the people the right to a vote."

Dasay could hear the humor in the elder's voice and smiled. "I feel much better now, my father. Please understand. I take my title and my importance here in the village very seriously. Still, I wonder if I might not better serve the village as a whole, not to mention the girls who might someday be under my tutelage if I am allowed to learn not only from the books offered here, but from Father Thysis and the empath."

"Yes, I believe you have a strong argument in this. If possible, try avoiding the village leader for the time being. I believe he will see reason in time."

The girl stood. "Thank you, my father. I know this all must seem trivial to you, what with the larger concerns of the village to consider."

"No. Your worries are valid, and I believe they do concern the entire village. It is my hope that the book of clan will settle some of these questions for us all. Until it does we must all do our part to keep the harmony of the village and the people. You are correct in your thinking. The Dea of the village holds an important place in our society. It is only understandable that over time it has come to pass that the Dea would be expected to be above reproach. The problem seems to lie in understanding what should be considered inappropriate behavior in the first place."

"Much has been said about the hope of the future. The empath's son is stronger of mind than most of those in authority here. Why would his mind's strength be any less important than another's simply because he is not fully of yosemin blood?"

"What makes you think the origin of his blood makes any real difference?"

"Because it does. Just as the fact that Hercules adding a strength to the village in the form of strong minded offspring is not being considered as important in one breath while he is being proclaimed as yosemin in another."

The elder laughed. "Believe it or not, there are those of us who have taken great consideration in the fact that our village has been graced with the presence of a mind as strong as that of Hercus'. As for Hercules, his strength of mind and his added strength to our numbers is viewed as a gift from the earth mother. You have a very good point about what offspring of his might add to our village, just as we have not failed to consider the value the offspring of the god Ares might bring to us."

Now the girl laughed. "Now I understand. I thought Nemesis and her son were welcomed because of the generosity of our people. Now I see it was not the only consideration."

"The fact of little Evander's origin gives him and his mother a certain security here among us. Both mother and son have proven an asset to our little hamlet, do you not agree?"

"Very much so." The girl smiled at the elder, her timid subjugation of earlier gone now. "So it is only a few narrow minded people who have not accepted the human factor in certain members of the clan of the wolf and the lion?"

"Just so." He stood. "Now I really must go. Once the celebrations are over, would you do myself and my mate the privilege of taking a meal with us?"

The girl blushed again. "I would be honored, my father."

"Go with the earth, my daughter."

The girl looked up to find Fahr watching her from across the clearing. With her head held high she moved toward the healer's hall. The village elder moved to intersect her.

"You have been in conversation with the council elder for some time, my daughter."

"Yes."

"And did he tell you that I had spoken with him first?"

"Yes."

"And so?"

"We had a very enlightening discussion. Now if you will excuse me, I must change before the apprentices come forth to serve the village."

"You will come to my table tonight. I wish to speak with you."

"No, thank you, village elder. I have been invited to join Nemesis and Evander for the evening."

"We have much to talk about."

"I do not believe we have anything to talk about."

"Do not be unkind, Dasay."

"I need time to think about the events of this day. If in the future you wish to read your stories to me I request the presence of another be involved. After all, I do have my reputation to uphold."

The man narrowed his eyes at her. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"It does not seem proper for me to be alone with you so much, village elder. Feel free to invite myself and Lea, or perhaps Evander to listen to your work. I have enjoyed listening to your literary endeavors and would not wish to deprive you of an admirer of your stories." She started to walk away. "With the earth, village elder."

The demigod bathed in the river that he would follow to the much larger river that flowed past the port city of Corinth. Tomorrow he would reach the city. Leaving the water he dried himself on the shirt he'd removed to bathe, then pulling a deep blue shirt of woven moss from his pack he set it aside to pull out a pair of loose fitting woven moss trousers of dark brown.

Pulling the pants over his narrow hips he tied them at the waist with a leather drawstring cord before pulling the shirt over his head. Returning to the river he rinsed out his things then left them on a bush to dry while he cleaned the fish he'd caught with his bare hands. He'd been able to fish in this way since he was a boy at the academy, and yet the healer had shown him a better way that never failed to yield an abundance of the wriggling water creatures.

Taking up his things including his wet clothes he returned to his fire. With a length of leather cord strung between two trees he made a line to dry his clothing on.

Once he had the fish cooking and tea ready to drink he stretched out beside the fire to rest legs gone stiff with the travel of the last few days. It would be good to rest for a bit at the palace. He wanted a chance to help his brother on the river project and to get to know his nephew better.

Turning the fish he gave a sigh of contentment. I'll be with them tomorrow, he thought.

The daughter of the earth left the palace by the side door that would lead her through an alley and on to the market in the town square. She planned to spend the morning at the foundling home then the afternoon with Autolycus and Albida, shopping among the stalls that sold material from around the world. Albida was becoming quite adept at sewing, and she hoped to make some of her own clothing under the watchful eye of the Queen and the King's mother. Sira looked forward to the distraction of the afternoon. She wasn't usually given to such things, but now she craved anything that might keep her mind busy. She'd tried unsuccessfully to find relief from her fatigue of late, and with her lack of sleep it seemed the nightmare that caused so much of it plagued her more than ever. Her feeling of unrest seemed to grow with each passing day and she knew her time was growing short. She must return to the forest soon.

Prince Jason was a healthy, good natured baby who really didn't need her care any longer. Reyna was doing quite well. Now the only thing keeping the empath from finding comfort from the forest from which she came was the absence of the half god son of Zeus. Barriers might be built to lessen their dependence on each other, but she knew it would do little to ease her need to have him near her.

Iolaus had been a bit testy of late, himself. He was working hard to help his friends with the river clean up project and fell asleep almost before his head touched the soft contours of his pillow. Still, the empath, with her tie to the other half of her soul knew that part of his mood came from missing Hercules as much as she did.

She started to step through the opening of the alley and into the market when one of the King's guards turned from his post there to smile at her.

She nodded to him but before she could move on he stepped forward. "Excuse me, my Lady, might I have a word with you?"

"Of course."

"You're the healer I've heard so much about?"

"Yes. I suppose that would be me."

"I'm the one who found that baby boy. The one you tried to help at the home." The girl nodded. "I wanted to thank you for trying to help the little tyke."

"I wish I could have done more."

"He was quite ill. I heard this whimpering and went to find the source. I thought it might be an injured animal." He shook his head. "How could anyone abandon a sick baby like that?"

"The baby had been neglected even before it was left to die on the steps of that shop."

"How'd you know it was left in front of a shop?"

Sira smiled but gave no explanation. "The house mother tells me you were very gentle with the baby."

"Poor thing. To live his few weeks on earth in illness and neglect." The young man sighed.

"But his last few hours were spent in love and care. You started it when you took him into your arms and brought him to the home. He knew something of love those last few hours. It was all we really could do for him."

The guard nodded. "My wife is expecting a baby soon. It's our first."

"You will make a good father. I can sense your depth of emotion."

"You can believe my child won't ever know the pain and suffering that little boy went through. If I were out of work or alone in raising the child I'd find a way to make it, even if it meant giving the child up to the home. Better that than killing an innocent baby."

Sira laid a hand on his arm. "You are a good man. You must not blame yourself for the stupidity of others. You are right. There are better ways of dealing with the situation of a baby. Still, it is not for us to judge others. We will never know the circumstances surrounding the child's birth or what came after."

He nodded again. "I know. I keep telling myself that."

"Take comfort from knowing you did everything you could for the baby."

"Thank you. I do feel better having talked to you about it."

"Perhaps you will make an even better father for the experience."

"Maybe so. It sure has made me think."

"Then as tragic as the child's death was, it served a purpose."

The guard nodded. "Yes. Maybe it has, at that."

Parenthis eased his mount around a stall in the market as he made his way to the palace stable. He was tired from his ride but he hardly noticed his fatigue. He was back, and his first order of business was to seek out Turella.

Passing by the stable the empath stopped as her mind perceived the presence of the grape baron. Turning aside she entered to find him rubbing the horse down with a towel.

He looked up to smile at her. "Well, if it isn't the tea drinker. How are you on this fine day?"

"Well, thank you. You must have made an early start from your home to make it to the city so early."

"I did. I had a very compelling reason for making haste."

"It would not have anything to do with a certain serving maid at the palace, would it?"

The man threw his head back to laugh. "So, you know about that, do you? Well, I'm glad. I want the whole world to know."

"I take it you have not changed your mind about Turella while you were away."

"Changed my mind? I'm more determined now than ever to ask for her hand." Now he turned serious. "I only hope there will be no objection."

"Why would anyone object?"

"The age difference, if for no other reason."

"Your love for her shines around you. I cannot see anyone questioning your sincerity. Besides, she is an adult. She has the right to make that decision for herself. Asking the King and Queen for her hand is a formality, really. She is employed at the palace, not enslaved."

He laughed again. "Well, then, if I should run into any trouble, I'll tell them to see you."

"I would be most willing to speak on your behalf. I do not think it will be necessary, however."

"I can't wait to see my girl. I can't believe how much I've missed her."

Sira laughed, and with a wave left the man to his work. The sooner he was done, the sooner he could be with "his girl".

The half god lowered his pack to the grass beside the small stream. Rubbing at his shoulder he bent to drink from the stream. With resentment at the necessity he filled his water skin. The water of the Corinth River wasn't clean enough for his taste, and since it would be late in the day before he reached the city he knew he'd need the water. He poured the stale water from his drinking flask then filled it, as well. Setting them aside he rested for a time, appeasing his hunger with dried meat from his much depleted supplies.

He didn't stay long beside the stream. It was early yet, and he hated to waste the day. Rising, he shouldered his pack once more and moved on, choosing to leave the stream now to cut across a grassy meadow and save himself some time. Midday found him nearing a screen of brush beyond which lay the main road into the city. He took a moment to find a way through the bushes and brambles that hid the road from his view. Finding what he needed he broke through the brush and stepped onto the grassy verge beside the dirt track that would take him where he wanted to go. With long strides he turned toward the sea and the city that hugged its shore.

A wagon approached from behind him. It moved slowly and for a time seemed not to gain ground on him at all. Then slowly it pulled alongside the big man.

The demigod looked up to see an ancient horse, his face white with age. The bones of the horse's back stuck through hide that hung loose on a bony frame. He walked with a peculiar gait that spoke of hips worn out from years before a wagon.

The half god's eyes looked up to the man sitting on a wooden crate that did duty as the wagon seat. The man looked as old as his horse, his dark skin wrinkled and seamed, the tight cap of curls on his head pure white. In the wide flat nose he wore a ring, and through his large thick lower lip could be found its mate. Each ear sported its own adornment. The dark hands that lightly held the horse's reins were knurled and cracked.

"You on your way to Corinth?" The man's voice was deep and resounding.

"Yes, I'm on my way there."

"You're welcome to ride," the dark skinned man offered.

"Would your horse be able to carry the extra weight?" He grinned at the man.

As if understanding the question and finding it an insult the horse snorted.

"You have a point," the man conceded. "You are a big one all right, and as slow as we move nowadays, you would most likely get there faster on foot."

The demigod chuckled. "But it does sound like good company."

The old one nodded. "I was thinking the same."

"In that case, I accept your offer."

"Whoa, Boy."

The horse stopped even though the man hadn't pulled back on the reins. Reaching behind him he pulled another crate forward. When the big man was seated a "let's go" to the horse set him in motion. Setting the reins across his knees the man pulled the cork on a flask and offered it to Hercules. "It's lemonade."

The demigod took a long drink then handed the flask back. "That hit the spot. Thanks."

The man took a drink himself, then corking the flask he returned it to the floorboards at his feet. "Big doings in Melfast."

"How so?"

"You haven't heard about the dragon, then." It was a statement, not a question. At the demigod's raised eyebrows the man continued. "Big thing. Breathes fire. They used to see dragons there as a regular thing, but with sacrifices and tributes of food they haven't seen one in our time."

The old one stopped talking to pull an old pipe from his waist pack. Pulling a leather pouch from his waist pack as well he began to pack the bowl of the pipe with the contents of the pouch.

"Seems the people got real lax in their duty to the dragon and it's mighty sore about it."

"Have you seen this dragon?"

The dark man put the pipe in his mouth for a moment then removed it. "I've seen it." Back went the pipe.

"You really believe the thing's been kept quiet all these years by giving it offerings of food?"

The stooped old shoulders shrugged. "I guess it doesn't really matter if that part's true. The thing's on the loose now and that's a fact."

"You from Melfast?"

"No, but Boy is." He motioned with a hand to indicate the horse before him. "I pass through there once and again. We were there about ten days ago." The pipe still rested between the man's full lips. Hercules wondered how he'd hoped to light it, but apparently he had no intention of doing so. "There are some nice people in Melfast."

The demigod grinned at the man's statement. "What's your name?"

"I'm Rastist, and you're the mighty Hercules, if I'm not mistaken."

Hercules nodded. "I guess the people of Melfast could use some help."

Now Rastist nodded. "I'd say they could."

The half man, half god laughed. "Care to come with me?"

The old man sucked on his cold pipe for a moment in silence. "Rastist, the dragon slayer. It has a nice ring to it."

Hercules stuck his hand out to the man. It was taken in a firm warrior's grasp that spoke little of the man's age or seeming frailty and the big man raised an eyebrow at his new friend.

Rastist handed the reins to the big man. "You only need to hold them. Boy knows what to do. He just likes to feel the reins on his back."

Reaching behind him he pulled a cloak aside to take up a sword the cloak had concealed. With a flat stone he took from his waist pack the man began to put an edge on the sword with a loving hand. The sword was long and wicked, its bone handle worn with age and much handling.

Hercules watched the man in silence. The rasp of the stone on metal spoke of skill and long practice.

"So," Rastist broke the silence, "when do we leave?"

"There's a couple of friends in Corinth who could be of great help to us." The old one nodded but offered no comment.

The light was beginning to fade when Rastist pulled his cart up before the door to the palace.

"You have friends in high places," the old one offered.

He crawled slowly from the wagon then stood stretching his back before he could stand erect. When he did he was a tall as the demigod himself.

A guard called a greeting to the half god, offering to take the horse and wagon for him.

Another guard at the door opened it to allow Hercules and Rastist to enter. The half god headed toward the King's study.

Sira stepped into the hall from a side door, her face lit with pleasure. "My more than brother."

In two long strides he was with her pulling her into a tight hug. "By the gods, I've missed you." The girl's mind touched his with love and he tightened his hold on her before releasing her reluctantly.

"Your room is ready, as is one for your friend. Dinner will be waiting for you once you have freshened up."

"Thank you, my sister. I'd like you to meet Rastist, the dragon slayer. Rastist, my sister, Sira."

The old one bowed to the girl. "At your service, my Lady."

Sira smiled at him, then linking an arm first through his arm then through her brother's she began to lead them down the hall. "Are you really a dragon slayer?"

The old one shrugged. "I guess we shall soon see."

Hercules tapped lightly at the door to Rastist's room and the old one opened it to him. "Ready to go down to dinner, my friend?"

"I'm ready." The dark one fell in beside the demigod. "So, how is it your sister knew of your arrival and that you would bring a guest?"

Hercules chuckled. "She's telepathic." The old one shot a quick look at the half god but made no comment.

Their arrival at the dining room was met with enthusiasm. When the introductions were made the hunter gave the half god his arm to be taken in a firm warrior's grasp. "It's good to have you with us again."

"It's good to be here."

Rastist was shown to a place at the table but he waited to sit until the women were seated. Taking his seat he turned to the demigod. "You didn't tell me your brother was the King, my friend," he accused. "Or that the mighty King Jason was your friend."

"Not just friend, but stepfather."

"I see."

Hercules laughed. "So why don't you tell us about this dragon?" The half god watched his sister of the soul's face. It lit up with the light of adventure at the first mention of a dragon.

The dark skinned man told them what he knew, which was little enough.

"Why has this thing shown up again now?" The hunter wore the same look of interest that his wife did.

"The people of Melfast believe it is because they haven't paid proper tribute to the beast of late."

Sira wiped her mouth on her napkin. "You say it lives in a cave? Perhaps it has been laying dormant there all this time. Or perhaps it was somehow sealed in the cave and has now won its way to freedom." She paused to look around the table. "Does anyone know the life span of a dragon?"

Her question was met with smiles and shaking heads.

Hercules cleared his throat. "Rastist and I plan to go to Melfast and confront the beast."

Sira and Iolaus exchanged looks and the hunter reached for the empath's hand. "Not without us, you're not."

Hercules smiled. "I was in hopes you'd say that."

Sira chuckled. "Was there any real doubt?"

The half god laughed. "Not really."

Continued