Suffering Heroes
Hercules glanced up from repairing his mother's wall and watched the young boy who sped across the field towards him. Standing up straighter he wiped sweat from his eyes and reached to put his vest back on. It was obvious that the boy was on some urgent errand, and one that would no doubt take Hercules away from his present duty.
"Hercules... Hercules," gasped the young lad as he reached the tall, handsome son of Zeus.
"What is it?" Hercules asked, moving to steady the boy as he slipped to a stop.
"A man..." the boy gasped. "He asked me... to give you... this." The boy held out a necklace that Hercules immediately recognised to be Iolaus'.
Taking it, Hercules stared down at the flat, broad, dark emblem that lay cold and lifeless within his grasp, and a ripple of unaccountable fear coursed through him as he asked, "Who... who gave this to you?"
The boy was trying to regain his breath, but finally managed to gasp, "He gave me ten dinars... to give that to you... and," he dived into one of his pockets and pulled out a piece of animal skin, "this...." Turning it over, he added in awe, "It has writing on it."
"Yes... I can see," Hercules confirmed, turning the skin over to read the carefully written words: If you value your friend's life you will be at the cave by the waterfall, near the bend in the river within half an hour of receiving the pendant. If you are later you will be in time to collect his body.
Hercules turned to ask the boy another question but noted with surprise that he had slipped away while he read. Glancing at the lowering sun, he made up his mind and, without a backwards glance, he headed towards the designated meeting point at a trot.
***
Hercules cautiously approached the waterfall, fear for Iolaus uppermost in his mind. He knew that his smaller companion would not have surrendered without a fight, a fight that he had obviously lost. As he entered the clearing just in front of the cave he paused and stared at Iolaus, who was tied firmly to a large tree: his arms were stretched backwards around the trunk, which was of such a size that his limbs did not meet; his legs were also fettered in a similar manner. Iolaus' jacket hung open, and while he gasped for each breath Hercules could see bruises beginning to darken the pale skin of his chest and lower body. His face, which he lifted at that moment to stare at Hercules, was also marked with the signs of a fierce fight. As Hercules had suspected, Iolaus had not given in easily.
Feeling his anger rise, Hercules cast a glance about. Seeing no-one, he began to march across the clearing intent on freeing his friend.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you... not if you value your friend's life."
Turning, the son of Zeus saw a dark-haired man step into the clearing. Seeing the glint of fury in Hercules' eyes, he held up his hands in mock defence and two more men stepped from their hidden positions, directly across the clearing from Iolaus, deadly looking spears held loosely in their hands.
"One more step and those men will spear him," he pointed to Iolaus, "like the squealing pig that he is." Seeing that the threat had the desired effect of stopping Hercules, he smiled and continued at a more leisurely pace, "Good. Now the reason why I brought you here is quite simple."
"Really," Hercules snarled, not daring to move but wishing to his father that he could reach the man who had hurt his friend. "And that is?"
"I want something, and you're going to get it for me."
"And if I don't?" Hercules asked, quietly relaxing his muscles. If the kidnapper needed his help then Iolaus was safe, as long as he was prepared to do as the other requested.
The man, as if sensing this, just smiled then nodded towards one of the spear-men, who heaved his weapon in the direction of Iolaus. His aim was true, and it buried itself deep into the bound man's side just above his hip. Iolaus jerked at the impact and cried out in pain as the lance drove itself deeply into the tree behind. A tremor tore through his body before he slumped against his bonds, mercifully unconscious.
Hercules leapt forward but was pulled up short as the man held up his hand in warning, his intention clear. The last spear had only wounded his friend, the next one would kill him. Easing back, the man indicated that Hercules could go to his friend.
The son of Zeus wasted no time and - upon closer inspection - he could see that, while the spear had bitten deeply into his friend's side, it appeared to be a clean wound with little or no blood seeping from about the wooden shaft. With shaking hands Hercules gently lifted Iolaus' head, making sure that his friend was still breathing. Then, seeing that he was only unconscious, he made to unbind him, but the now-hated voice cautioned him, "No... Hercules, that would not be wise.... He stays there... until you get me what I want."
"He'll die," Hercules snarled, turning back towards his tormentor. If rage could kill a man, then his adversary would have dropped dead upon the spot.
"The wound is not life-threatening." The man paused as if to consider before he continued, tucking a finger up under his chin in contemplation, "At least, not if you can get back within the day." Then he added helpfully, "And if you leave the spear where it is, he might not bleed to death."
"I will kill you for this," Hercules spat out, and knew deep in his heart that he meant the words.
"Sure you will," came back the disinterested tone. "Now would you like to know what it is I want, or are you going to waste your friend's life by threatening me some more?"
Hercules took a deep steadying breath, pushing the swelling anger and fear aside so that he could think rationally. While still leaving a hand resting upon his friend's shoulder, he asked as calmly as he could, "What is it that you want me to do?" As he spoke he moved slightly, so as to place himself in the line of the remaining spear thrower.
"Good... now we can get somewhere. At the moment I go by the name of Xenon." He looked across the clearing and smiled slightly. "That's not my real name, but it will suffice in this instance...." He paused, letting his words sink in before he continued, "And I am a collector. A procurer of artefacts, if you want, and this time I am after a box. Nothing special, just an ordinary little wooden box - but unfortunately," he began, before he stopped and sighed as if the box had been put out of his reach out of spite, "it is guarded by a monster."
"A monster?" Hercules questioned, unable to believe that Xenon was discussing the matter as if they had been friends for life. "You know," he added quietly, "it's a bit unusual for an ordinary little box to be guarded by a monster."
Xenon took the comment in good stead and advised dryly, clearly tiring of the talk, "That's not really the issue at the moment. All you need to concern yourself with is the fact that I have your friend, and I want that box so badly that I'm willing to kill him and risk your wrath for it." His voice had taken on the coldness of the grave as he finished, "So you either get that box or..." he paused for effect, "take him home in one." He motioned in Iolaus' direction and Hercules knew from the violence that the man had already shown that he would do as he stated.
"Where is the box kept?" Hercules finally asked, unwilling to risk further injury to his companion.
"It's in a cave... about half a day's run from here.... Arrian will show you the way." At the mention of his name, the guard who had wounded Iolaus stepped forward and crossed his arms. If he was concerned about the look of hatred that Hercules threw his way, he didn't bother to show it.
"What about Iolaus?" Hercules asked, glancing back at his friend.
"He will stay right where he is until you come back for him... with the box," Xenon promised.
"You will tend to his wound and cut him down from the tree," Hercules stated firmly.
Xenon considered the other's words before offering sweetly, "He will stay exactly where he is until you return. I believe that you will return much sooner if you know that your friend's life really does depend upon it." He then glanced at the setting sun; darkness was nearly upon them. "So if I were you, I'd make a start." As he spoke, Iolaus regained consciousness and attempted to move. As he did so, he groaned in agony.
The groan turned into a gasp of pure suffering, which subsided as Hercules spun to Iolaus and, clutching at both shoulders, prevented him from moving again, asking as he did so, "Iolaus... Iolaus, can you hear me?"
The blond man took a shallow breath and nodded slowly, before valiantly lifting his head to meet the concerned look in his friend's eyes. "Not so hot, huh?" he gasped out from cracked lips, his eyes dazed as he tried to take in his position.
"You're tied to a tree with a spear in your side," Hercules quickly informed him, hoping that the knowledge would prevent him from trying to move.
"That would account for the pain," Iolaus tried to joke, but it failed as he grimaced and fought against another groan.
"It's all right, I'm going to get you out of this," Hercules promised.
Iolaus stopped in his slow mental check of his injuries and tilted his eyes to look into his friend's face. He asked, "But not right now?" already knowing the answer from the tormented anguish he saw ripple across the handsome face before him.
"I've got to... get something... first," Hercules informed him, tossing a deadly glance as Xenon, who was watching the conversation evolve with growing interest.
"Like a knife?" Iolaus asked hopefully.
"It's a bit more... complicated than that," Hercules confided as he shot a glance back at the man who still held his spear at the ready. "But I'll be back as soon as I can... within the day."
"Day," Iolaus gasped, moving in reaction to the other's words... then he groaned as pain flared, making the world swim alarmingly before his eyes.
"Iolaus, don't try to move," Hercules begged. "Just rest against the tree... and concentrate on taking even breaths," he cautioned, before he let his own weakness show. Leaning in, he gently touched his friend's face, his actions capturing Iolaus' full attention before he whispered, "I'll be back sooner if at all possible - just don't do anything stupid."
"Herc..." Iolaus commented with a flash of his old self, "I'm tied to a tree with a spear in me... what in Hades can I do that's stupid?"
"I don't know," Hercules offered with a smile that he didn't feel. "But I'm sure that you'll think of something."
"Gentlemen, need I remind you that time is running out?" Xenon's words cut between them as effectively as any sword could. "And I will only give you until tomorrow sunset to bring me the box."
"I've got to go," Hercules informed Iolaus, wanting to ignore the other's words and desperately wishing that he didn't have to leave his friend in this manner, but knowing that while the other spear was aimed at Iolaus he had no choice. "Try not to move... I promise, I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Sure," Iolaus gasped as pain welled again. "I'll still be here when you get back." As he spoke he shifted, trying to ease the growing pain, and - with a soft gasp - he lost the fight to remain conscious, slumping back against the tree.
Hercules winced as the spear quivered at his friend's movement and, in one swift movement, he reached out and snapped it like a twig, leaving only a small stump sticking from the wound. At least the weight would not be countered against his friend the next time he awoke.
Xenon only smiled and commented, "Happy now...?"
"Not until I see your bones rotting in the sun," Hercules shot back as he moved away from Iolaus. Standing tall, he asked, "The cave?"
Xenon nodded, understanding that the threat had not been idle. Motioning towards Arrian, he ordered, "Show him."
Arrian moved over to pick up a sack and then disappeared into the woods. With a final glance back at his friend, Hercules followed.
***
The sun had long since fallen behind the hill, yet Hercules refused to rest or settle for the night, determined to push his way onwards towards their goal, and Arrian seemed content to follow his lead. By the time dawn crept over the hills, they were many miles from the clearing and the wounded Iolaus.
At first Hercules had been determined not to speak to his guide or even acknowledge his presence. At times he sped ahead, leaving the man trailing behind, until he was forced to wait for the other to catch up so that he could give directions... which he usually did by pointing in the direction that they needed to go.
By early morning, the son of Zeus began to question the man who now walked just in front of him, until finally Arrian spun about, annoyed at the continuing questions and demands for answers, and showed Hercules his open mouth. The tongue looked as if it had been ripped from his mouth by its roots, only a nasty looking stump now rested in its place.
"Did Xenon do that to you?" Hercules demanded in shock before he could stop himself, and he knew the answer by the look in the other man's eyes before he swung away. "Xenon really does take his collecting seriously, doesn't he," he muttered under his breath as he followed the speechless man.
A short while later, Arrian slumped to the ground and, pulling the sack that he had been carrying in front of him, he searched its depths until he found a portion of food and a flask of drink. It was obvious to Hercules that the man was not going to move again until after he had broken his fast and, as much as the man of strength wanted to push on, he realised the foolishness of such an action.
Within a few minutes he had gathered enough food from the surrounding area to make himself a decent breakfast, although with every bite he remembered Iolaus' injury and found that the fruit turned to dust in his mouth. Finally, unable to bear the inaction any longer, he demanded, "How much further?"
Arrian stopped eating and, lifting his head, he studied the man before him. Whatever his thoughts were of his present quest, he let none of it show on his face as he lifted a hand and pointed in the direction behind Hercules.
"How long until we reach it?" Hercules pushed, knowing that it would take at least a day to get back to the clearing. "Show me with your hands," he insisted, wanting to get to the cave as soon as possible.
Arrian considered the request before he held up one finger, then crossed his other hand across it.
"Half an hour?" Hercules demanded, angry that they were so close to their objective and yet were taking time to stop and rest. "We need to move on, otherwise we won't make it back before nightfall," he insisted, moving to stand over Arrian.
The mute made a big show of swallowing the final piece of meat, then carefully packing away the remainder of his food, he slowly stood and indicated that he was ready to continue.
Hercules glared at the man in reply, but it was hopeless as it had no effect upon Arrian, who just shrugged and began to move off in the direction that he had indicated.
The walk continued in silence and soon they stood before the gaping opening of a large cave. Moving further into its depths, Hercules was surprised when Arrian drew back and motioned for him to continue on his own.
"You're not coming with me?" Hercules asked in some surprise; for some reason he had believed that Arrian would enter the cave with him. Xenon had ordered him to show the son of Zeus exactly where the box was, but Arrian just shook his head and cut his finger across his neck. It was plain that he did not believe that Hercules would come out of the cave alive.
"You'll wait here?" Hercules asked, turning to look back into the cave, wondering just what type of monster he was about to face.
Arrian motioned towards the sun and then pointed towards the distant hills, the reminder of Iolaus' predicament a clear reinforcement of Xenon's threat towards his friend.
"Until the sun goes behind those hills," the man of strength confirmed, and Arrian nodded. Then, just as Hercules was about to enter the cave, he stepped forward and offered him his new spear.
Hercules felt fury sweep over him at this action; how could this man so callously injure his friend, and then offer him his weapon as protection. He was just about to refuse when common sense prevailed, and he realised that if he wanted to save Iolaus then he would need all the help he could get. With a forced smile and words of thanks, he took the spear and headed into the gaping hole, heading towards the heart of the mountain.
The cold hit him as soon as he left the domain of the sun, and he paused while his eyes adjusted to the muted light. Gripping his sword in one hand and the spear tightly in the other, he slowly began to edge along the pathway. It narrowed for a short while, then burst into a wide cavern which tapered up into an open hole in the roof which allowed a small amount of light to filter through. As he advanced, he could see a large rock protruding from the ground and upon its surface sat a small wooden container, which Hercules surmised was the box that Xenon had sent him after.
Glancing about, he looked to see if he could spy the monster that Xenon had warned him about. Standing silently, he strained to hear any sound other than that of his breathing... but he could hear nothing. Slowly he began to edge towards the box, his eyes shifting about, watching, expecting an attack at any moment.
The stream of light seemed angled to catch the edges of the box and Hercules could see that it was finely carved with what appeared to be an ornate hunting scene. The animals were so cleverly sculpted that they seemed to move as the light played upon it.
"It's very beautiful, isn't it?" a husky voice spoke from out of the darkness and Hercules spun in that direction, ready to fight, relaxing as he recognised the speaker.
"Father," Hercules acknowledged as Zeus, the king of the gods, stepped into the cave, light flaring about him. "Don't do that," Hercules concluded, bringing his breathing back under control as he totally relaxed his fighting stance. Then he asked, "Are you the monster I'm supposed to fight?" As he spoke, he raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
Zeus smiled at his son, his pleasure at seeing him clearly reflected in his eyes - he saw him so fleetingly these days that any opportunity to speak to him was a moment to be treasured. "Not quite," he ventured. "I took the liberty of helping him to sleep... he's in the corner over there."
Hercules followed the pointing finger and could just make out the bulk of a rather large, scaly creature. "What's in the box?" he asked as he turned back to his father, folding his arms across his chest. While he was pleased to see his father, he was also annoyed that once more the gods were involved.
Zeus shrugged as he offered, "All the ills of mankind." He gave a weak smile to take the sting out of his words.
"Pandora's box?" Hercules questioned, unable to keep the frustration from his voice. "I thought you'd gotten over Prometheus' theft?" he ventured with some surprise. His father was not the type to hold a grudge once proper retribution had been paid.
"I will never get over that," snapped Zeus with some feeling, before reining in his anger. Pointing at the box in question, he continued, "And that is not Pandora's... it..." he paused to consider his words before he continued, knowing that the words would hurt his son, "it's... er... similar."
"Similar?" Hercules repeated in disbelief. "When will you gods grow tired of the cruel tricks you play upon humans?" he snapped, annoyed that Iolaus had been injured for this.
"It's not me," Zeus began, before he realised what he'd been about to confess.
Seeing the truth flashing in Hercules' eyes, he shrugged weakly as his son hissed with real hate, "Hera."
"She was angry with me... so she made the box," Zeus agreed in a calm tone, then added fiercely, "but I placed it in here, with a fierce monster to guard it. She is unable to get to it, and any mortal who tries is killed." Then a smile flashed across his handsome face, "That's what really got her mad."
"And for this Iolaus is tied to a tree with a spear sticking in him," Hercules snapped, real anger colouring his voice as he thought of his friend's suffering for this box. "Damn it, father, he could be dead by now."
Zeus looked sad at his words and agreed with regret, for he really liked his son's friend, "I know, son." He paused, before adding in a hopeful tone, "He's still alive, and I am sorry that you both got mixed up in this... only, Hera wants the box back and..." he motioned towards Hercules and his obvious pain, "and this is her way of hurting me for taking it in the first place."
"I can't take the box out of this cave... can I?" Hercules asked, his tone hushed with pain as he realised that to do so would release a terrible curse upon the world. One that he knew Iolaus would not want him to do on his behalf. As he spoke, he turned wounded eyes upon his father, who only shook his head sadly, knowing what this decision was costing his son.
"Iolaus will die..." Hercules began, only to stop when he discovered that his voice didn't have the strength to continue. "Unless..." he turned hopeful eyes upon his father, who only shook his head once. Zeus would help if he could, but the king of the gods had his own agenda and would only alter it if his own son's life was in danger.
"I'm sorry, son, there are reasons why I can't... but," Zeus said, unable to witness the torment he saw in his son's eyes, "you could take this box." As he spoke, he drew an exact replica of the box from his person and held it out to his son. "Xenon would never know until it was too late, and whoever opens this box will not find the pleasure of Hera as their reward." The tone clearly informed Hercules that the person who dared to go against Zeus' wishes by opening the box would be very sorry for their actions. "Now," the king of the gods observed, "I'd better start making dying monster sounds so your watcher out there will think that you're killing me." The joker was firmly back in place, and Hercules had to smile at the childish pleasure his father got from these forms of play-acting.
Slipping into the role, Zeus began to issue forth sounds of a monster suffering the torments of a slow and painful death, and Hercules winced at the howls as his father motioned for him to take the box and leave the spear. With a last glance at Zeus stomping about the cavern, screeching and tossing an invisible weight against the walls, causing them to shake, he began to back from the cave.
The sunlight blinded him for a few moments after he'd left the cave and he stood for a few seconds waiting for his vision to clear. As it did so, he saw Arrian standing nearby, his sword at the ready, fear being quickly replaced with admiration. Moving towards him, Hercules held up the box.
Arrian licked his lips in open anticipation and, with gleaming eyes, he offered his sack for the box to be placed in. Hercules smiled, but firmly shook his head. "No, I think I'll just hold onto this until after I've got Iolaus... if you don't mind."
Arrian bobbed his head in understanding, then - turning - he slowly made his way back down the mountain, purposefully heading back in the direction that they had recently come from.
***
The sun was just beginning its downward trip behind the nearby hills by the time that Hercules and Arrian approached the waterfall beside the clearing. The son of Zeus had set a gruelling pace to get them back in time and now, as he approached the clearing, he knew that he was beginning to suffer the effects of his sleepless night and the strenuous trip across the mountains. From the staggering of the other man, he could tell that Arrian was near the end of his limit as well.
Entering the clearing, Hercules could see that Iolaus was still bound to the tree, his position unchanged, the spear still protruding from his side. He noted with a shiver of fear that he was unable to tell if Iolaus was breathing or not.
"So, you're back," Xenon sneered, appearing suddenly and planting himself firmly between the two friends. "I hope for Iolaus' sake that you have the box... otherwise..." he lifted his hand and, with a waving motion, he indicated the soldier who had remained behind, standing off to one side, a spear held ready in his hand. His intention was clear.
"I have it here," Hercules stated quickly, holding up the object in question for the other man so see. "Now... let Iolaus go." The edge of anger was back in his voice.
A gleam of pure greed entered Xenon's glance as his eyes rested upon the finely carved box. "Good... good..." he drooled. "You've got it."
As he spoke he edged towards the son of Zeus - who, seeing this movement, purposely held the box up out of reach and demanded, "After I've freed Iolaus... otherwise...." Hercules motioned throwing the box to the ground and, with his full force behind it, the wood would never survive the impact.
Xenon looked as if he would deny the command, but his eyes kept flicking from the box to the ground and he considered the unspoken threat of having it dashed upon the earth. Slowly Xenon lifted his hand and, twisting his wrist, he gave the command for the spear-man to help Hercules cut down Iolaus.
"Treat him gently," snarled Hercules, lifting the box higher as the spear-man made a grab at the ropes that held his friend.
"Do as the man says, Drago," Xenon said, a threat underlying his own tone. "We don't want anything to... happen to the box... now, do we?"
Hercules made his way over to his friend. "Iolaus, can you hear me?" he begged, raising a hand and gently lifting Iolaus' head so that he could check on his friend's condition. The face was burning with heat, and the eyes that flickered open in greeting were fever-bright.
The cracked lips curved painfully into a slight smile as the injured man gasped, his voice barely above a harsh whisper, "Knew... knew you'd... be back."
"Shh... don't speak.... You're going to be all right, Iolaus... I promise," Hercules advised as he bent to place the box firmly under his foot. Then, resting his weight gently upon it, he reinforced the threat of crushing the box. Once he was satisfied with this, he leant forward and gently placed both hands upon the remaining shaft of the spear, trying to ignore the dried blood that covered it. "Iolaus... I'm going to have to remove the spear." He could see that the shaft was deeply buried into the tree behind, and to try to move his friend without first removing the spear could very well cost him his life.
"I... I kinda... figured... that," gasped Iolaus, letting his head rest against his friend's shoulder as Hercules leant in to strengthen his grip upon the spear. "Don't hesitate... don't..." Before he could finish, Hercules acted. With a swift jerk of his powerful arms, he wrenched the spear from the tree and out of Iolaus' body in one swift movement. The smaller man cried out as agony washed over him, then he slumped against the few remaining ropes that held him as consciousness fled.
Hercules tossed the remains of the spear as far away from them as his strength could manage, then he moved to catch his friend as Drago cut the rope. With extreme care he slipped to his knees, the box forgotten, and gently rested Iolaus upon the grass. With shaking fingers he tore open his friend's vest so that he could inspect the wound more closely... he was glad that Iolaus was unconscious. Pulling the bag that he had slung across his shoulder in front of him, he reached into its depths and pulled out the wine flask that he carried there. Opening the bottle, he poured a healthy amount of the liquid over and into the gaping hole that tore into Iolaus' side. Hercules was concerned to note that the jagged edges looked red-raw and badly swollen.
"Now the box?" Xenon demanded, standing just behind the demi-god.
"You can wait a damned minute while I see to my friend," Hercules snapped back, not taking his attention from Iolaus.
"The box..." snapped Xenon. "The agreement was made." This time his tone would brook no argument. Glancing up, Hercules gauged his chances of surviving if he refused and realised that, while he might live, Iolaus was in no condition to protect himself.
"Here," Hercules finally conceded, pushing the box gently towards Xenon with his foot. "I hope you think it was worth it."
"Herc..." Iolaus suddenly gasped, his eyes flickering open and closed again in one breath.
"Iolaus... try not to move... you're going... you're going to be fine." Even as he spoke, his glance darted back to the raw wound and he hoped that his words were not a lie. He began to work with feverish speed to bandage the wound and stop the flow of blood.
"Hurts... oh Zeus, it hurts," Iolaus suddenly gasped, consciousness returning with shocking speed. He bit at his bottom lip, trying hard to suppress the tears that slipped from behind his tightly closed eyelids. "Never...hurt... this bad... before," he managed to rasp, trying hard to do as his friend had requested and not curl into a ball like he wanted to. Instead, his hand flayed as he searched for his friend's, wanting the comfort and support he always managed to glean from the other's solid strength.
Hercules licked at suddenly dry lips, their trembling betraying fear. Grasping the searching hand in his own grip, he leant nearer and demanded, "Don't you... dare give up on me, Iolaus... don't you dare...."
The wounded man's eyes flickered open at the tone of Hercules' voice and Iolaus stared into the fear-filled orbs of his best friend. He could see the tears that were being held back by sheer willpower. Forcing a wavering smile to his lips, he offered weakly, pushing the fever aside in the face of Hercules' own suffering, "Not even... I... would dare... that.... I... " He paused, a slightly startled look entering his features as darkness swept over him once more.
"Iolaus... Iolaus..." Hercules cried, fearing the worst as he witnessed his friend faint once more. Then, seeing the fever-triggered breathing in the body beneath him, he relaxed slightly.
Relaxed, that is, until the now-hated voice behind him commented, "Isn't that sweet... here you are, the son of Zeus, and you really do have feelings for your poor mortal friend." Xenon sneered as he moved away from the others, the box clutched tightly within his grasp. "It's a shame that this reunion is going to be so short-lived." As he spoke, he tore open the lid of the box, crying out in full-voiced triumph, "Hera... your servant has done as you wished; behold the cursed gift that you give to man."
"No..." cried Hercules, holding out his hand in denial, knowing that his father had blighted the box... and not even an animal like Xenon deserved to die under such a curse. But his words were in vain.
Xenon had shut his eyes in reaction as the lid flew off, the force of the power within causing it to fly halfway across the clearing. When nothing else happened Xenon opened his eyes, tilting the box to peer into its depths. A glow suddenly sprung up from the box to highlight Xenon's thin features, which smiled eerily as he peered into the box. The smile slowly changed into a grimace of pure agony as the flesh upon his face began to bubble and hiss. This was followed by a choked scream which ripped out of a throat that was festering into a boiling mess, much as the face had done, then fire spurted out of a gaping hole near the ear. This action of horror seemed to slowly travel down Xenon's body as the box dropped from fingers that had burst into flames. Within seconds the searing heat seemed to have encompassed the other man's body, until all that was left was a scorched stretch of earth and the lingering smell of burnt flesh.
Hercules looked away, sickened, before the process had been completed and wished that he could close his ears to the mournful cries of the dying man, but the voice seemed to be the last to die, ending as abruptly as it had started.
An eerie silence filled the clearing for several long, tense minutes before Drago, half-demented by what he had seen, leapt from his huddled position. Rage and terror filling his features, he brought his drawn sword down in a wide arc directed at Hercules, who was unable to move or defend himself because it would leave Iolaus defenceless and in the sword's path.
As quickly as the threat appeared, it was erased by the spear that flew through the air and struck Drago directly in the chest, stopping the downward motion of the sword as the weapon dropped from his powerless fingers. The man looked utterly surprised, turning his glance from the spear to the man who had thrown it. He tried to gasp Arrian's name, but his tongue had long since been torn from his mouth, much as his companion's had been. Blood was the only thing issued as his eyes glazed and he slumped to the ground, dead.
More tense seconds passed as Hercules stared at the man who had saved his life. Arrian just stood, pale-faced, frozen, looking at the body of the man he had just killed, as if his actions surprised even himself.
A groan from Iolaus brought Hercules' attention back to his injured friend. With infinite care, he continued to treat the other's wounds with what little medicines he had.
He rose to remove his shirt, intending to tear it into strips to use as binding for the pad that he had placed over the gaping wound. A hand reached over his shoulder, holding a long strip of cloth. Glancing up in some surprise, he saw Arrian standing behind him holding the cloth out for him to use. With a nod of thanks, he returned to his task. He was shaking as he tried to gently lift Iolaus while he padded the exit wound, but he found that he was unable to do both without causing Iolaus incredible pain, but again Arrian came to his aid, gently supporting the unconscious man so Hercules could work on him.
When Hercules had finished, Arrian laid Iolaus gently back down, supporting his head as he did so, then he frantically motioned towards the waterfall, then back to the three of them. Hercules nodded, not really understanding what Arrian was trying to tell him; all he knew was that they needed to do something about the fever which now seemed to have taken a deathly hold of his friend.
Arrian shook his head; obviously the man of strength did not understand what he was trying to say.... Again he motioned towards the waterfall, then back to the setting sun, then the waterfall.
"I don't understand." Hercules spoke slowly, damning his own weakness as his weariness finally caught up with him, befuddling his mind.
Arrian expressed his exasperation, before he motioned a roof over his head and drew sticks together to resemble a fire, then pointed firmly back towards the waterfall.
"You know somewhere where we can find shelter?" Hercules finally realised what the other was trying to say.
Arrian nodded his head frantically then, standing, he began to walk the way he had motioned, stopping only to wave for the other man to follow.
Looking first at Iolaus then back at Arrian, Hercules knew that another night out in the cold was not going to do Iolaus' injuries any good, and it just might give the fever the hold it needed to drag Iolaus down into Hades' kingdom. So, gathering Iolaus close, with infinite care he lifted him up, making sure that he didn't start the bleeding again, and turned to follow the other man from the clearing.
Arrian led him to a large cave that was hidden behind the waterfall itself. By hugging the wall of the mountain, Hercules was able to skirt the water and enter the hidden cave without getting either himself or Iolaus too wet.
Once inside, Arrian produced a light and set about preparing a fire in the middle of the cave, and the son of Zeus was able to surmise that this was where Xenon had stayed while waiting for Hercules' return. There was a comfortable bed of animal pelts in one corner, and Hercules immediately headed towards it and carefully placed Iolaus upon the soft layers, using another to cover over him. As he did so, he gently rested his hand upon the fevered brow, frowning at the heat that radiated from his friend. Turning to Arrian, he asked, "Will you stay?" He knew that this was the man who had speared his friend, had placed them in the predicament that they were now facing, knew with a sinking feeling that he still might bear the name of Iolaus' killer. Yet Arrian had proved himself to be a staunch ally, killing Drago when the man would have murdered Hercules.
Arrian stopped what he was doing. Seriously considering the other's words, he looked from Hercules towards the shivering Iolaus, then back to the son of Zeus. Finally he nodded, his features showing how ashamed he was of the injury that he had caused, then, turning, he went back to his preparation of the food.
***
Hercules awoke with a start. He had not intended to fall asleep, but it had been over forty-eight hours since he'd last slept. His worried glance fell upon Iolaus. The man had not awoken, but had slipped further and further into the clutches of a fever that ravaged his body. The son of Zeus was starting to despair of ever seeing his friend well again.
A strange, pungent smell began to fill the cave, and turning towards the fire he noted that Arrian was slowly stirring a obnoxious-looking stew. Moving over, he nodded his greeting and made to dip his finger into the pot, intending to taste the food.
Arrian shot out a hand and slapped Hercules' reaching finger aside, vigorously shaking his head as he did so, before indicating that the brew was for Iolaus' wounds.
Hercules had to admit that he was slightly relieved to discover that the foul-smelling stew was, in actual fact, a poultice for Iolaus' wounds. He made his way back to Iolaus and, squatting down, he began to bathe Iolaus' fevered brow until Arrian moved over with the pot and indicated that he was ready to apply the potion.
Lifting Iolaus as gently as he could, Hercules held him in place while Arrian applied the foul-smelling brew, layering a healthy amount over both the entry and exit wounds, using the padding to ease the warm paste into the wounds. His expression informed Hercules that he was suffering Iolaus' pain as the man writhed under the administration, babbling in a weak, breathless tone for Hercules to rescue him. The stuttered, torn words ripped at Hercules' soul, but there was nothing he could say or do that would ease his friend's suffering because Iolaus was too far beyond his words to reach.
When Arrian had finished and re-applied a clean bandage, Hercules settled his friend back upon the bed of pelts, but Iolaus was restless; the movement of being held had filtered through his fevered state and he was twisting, fighting to get free of the animal skin that covered him, back into the safety that he had just left. In desperation, fearing that his friend's tossing would cause further injury, Hercules lifted Iolaus up into his arms again and cradled him as he would a child, preventing him from moving. Finally the closeness of his friend and the knowledge that he was safe must had transmitted itself to Iolaus, who slipped into deep unconsciousness once more
As time crept on, the fever grew and Hercules became convinced that he was sitting a death vigil. He had to fight to prevent his heart from shattering totally at the thought of that loss: he had barely survived the loss of his wife and children, believing that he would never recover from that, but Iolaus had never lost faith in him... even when he, himself, had. The smaller man had kept him company, never allowing his troubled soul to dwell too long upon his loss, always reminding him that he was needed, that his ability to help others was too great a gift for humanity to lose, and that he alone could stand against the pettiness of the gods as they played their vicious games with the mortals.
Suddenly Iolaus gave a shudder that seemed to stem from his very soul and fell deathly still within his friend's arms, and Hercules was unable to prevent the gasp of pure agony that tore itself from his lips. Iolaus was dead. That one thought shattered his sanity. He was unable to hold back the inhuman keen that he issued at his friend's passing, until Arrian grabbed roughly at his arms, pulling Iolaus from his grasp.
Staggering under the weight of Iolaus, Arrian rushed towards the entrance of the cave and the freezing torrent of cascading water. Moving to stand directly under the downpour, he stretched Iolaus out and began to rub viciously at his upper chest, arms and legs. Then, turning him over so that the icy water reached all parts of his body, he began the process of rubbing Iolaus down again. As he did so he undressed the man, ripping the material from his body, until finally, no cloth protected him from the bitter cold of the waterfall.
Hercules regained his senses as he witnessed Arrian's actions, and with a cry of wounded rage he rushed the other man, intent with removing Iolaus' body from the water, seeing only a sacrilege in progress and believing that Arrian was also suffering a bout of insanity. But the small man roughly pushed him away, then kneeling down he began to punch Iolaus in the middle of the chest, maybe his own anger overcoming him as the body seemed to remain lifeless. It was too much for Hercules, who grabbed Arrian's arm before he could strike again and tossed him back into the cave with all his might. The man flew into the darkness and landed in a heap by the fire, where he lay stunned for several moments.
Hercules spun about, fully intending to follow up his attack upon the man who had killed his best friend. It was only the sound of a weak, gasping cough from behind him that drew him up short. In one fluid movement he threw himself down beside his friend. Gently, with shaking fingers and heedless of the water that gushed down upon them, he reached out and lifted Iolaus into a sitting position. The smaller man weakly coughed again and opened his mouth, choking as the downpour of water prevented him from breathing properly.
Hercules looked towards Arrian, bitter remorse filling him as he realised that Arrian's actions had only been to save Iolaus' life, and he had repaid him with violence.
Arrian rose slowly and limped painfully back to Hercules' side, motioning as he did so that Hercules should remove Iolaus from under the waterfall. Lifting the weakly struggling man, the son of Zeus did as requested and, laying Iolaus back upon the roughly-made bed, he began to gently dry him. Accepting the clothes that Arrian offered without a word, within minutes he had Iolaus laying back under the warm covers. Hercules noted with some surprise that the icy water seemed to have had the effect of breaking Iolaus' fever as he now lay shivering with cold under the blankets, instead of burning with fever. Hercules rested his hand upon the other's brow and smiled as his suspicions were confirmed.
***
After a few minutes of tense silence, Hercules knew that he would have to apologise to Arrian for his actions. Turning his body slightly so that he could face the mute, he opened his mouth... but the words were not there and he sat gasping, as helplessly without words as Arrian was to speak them.
Arrian watched his struggle for a few moments before he reached out and wrote a few words roughly in the sand: His death would have been my fault.
"I am sorry Arrian," Hercules suddenly stuttered, the words finally coming. "I should have trusted you."
Arrian regarded him a few more moments before he rubbed out his last words and wrote again, No reason to.
"Nevertheless..." Hercules began, but stopped as Arrian reached over and stopped his words with a gentle finger laid across his lips and a shake of his head. When the fingers were removed, Hercules felt compelled to offer, "You will always have my thanks."
Arrian nodded solemnly, before indicating in the sand, If he survived the waterfall, the fever should be broken... give him time to recover. Turning and limping back towards the entrance of the cave, he signed with his hands that he was going to look for some food, pointing towards Iolaus, his meaning clear.
Hercules nodded his agreement, knowing that the injured man would need food to regain his energy once he awoke.
***
Iolaus hurt. The agony began at his side and radiated outwards until his whole body was quivering with the pain. He thought that if he pretended that he was still unconscious, the torment would just go and leave him alone. He was wrong. He groaned again. He hadn't meant to, but the sound just slipped out.
"Iolaus... Iolaus?" Hercules asked, his voice barely above a whisper, spoken as if fearing the answer.
It sounded very close, and Iolaus was compelled to open his eyes. He blinked owlishly, then gasped again; the agony was even more intense once his eyes were open. He frowned in confusion... he felt weak - incredibly weak. He could not remember ever feeling so helpless and it suddenly frightened him. "Herc..." he gasped, choking upon the words, his voice barely there. Fear entered his eyes and he fastened his glance upon his worried friend, demanding an answer with his look.
Hercules, witnessing the fear, spoke to reassure his friend. In a calm, slow tone, he began, "You've been... ill... very ill. You were captured... a spear.... You nearly...." He stopped, unable to complete the sentence, unable to voice the words 'you nearly died'.
"Spear?" Iolaus rasped, his eyes widening as he remembered the fight before his capture, the clearing, being tied to a tree and then watching with utter horror as a spear flew in his direction. Then nothing, nothing but fragments of pain and terror.
"What happened?" he demanded, coughing upon the words and drinking gratefully from the flask that Hercules held to his lips while he supported Iolaus' head, allowing him to sip at the cold water. Weakly, Iolaus slumped back, his strength totally drained with this one action.
Hercules replaced the stopper and put the flask down, then turning back to answer his friend's question he noted that Iolaus was unconscious once more. Reaching out, he rested a large hand upon the bare arm, grateful that his friend had not died.
A hand upon his shoulder brought Hercules' head up sharply and he noted that Arrian was holding out a bowl of stew for him to eat. With a sigh, he accepted the food and began to spoon the broth into his mouth, his appetite growing with each mouthful. Yet, even as he ate, his eyes rarely left his sleeping friend's face.
***
Five days of constant nursing and not being allowed to move from the bed of pelts had greatly improved Iolaus' health, but not his temperament. Once he began to gain his strength back, he also began to lose his ability to do as he was told. Only that morning, Hercules had returned from a hunting trip to find his weakened friend staggering towards the entrance of the cave, leaning heavily against the cold walls. Arrian was nowhere in sight; he'd had a call of nature to answer and Iolaus had used the few moments alone to great advantage... only to cry out in protest as Hercules had paused at the entrance of the cave, thrown his catch down and marched over, bodily lifting Iolaus off his feet and firmly but gently placing him back upon the bed, pulling the pelt cover over his body, taking care not to catch his bandaged side.
Arrian entered the cave just as Hercules was replacing the covers over an arguing Iolaus. He paused, then looking down at his feet, he bent to pick up the dead rabbit that Hercules had tossed down so casually in his anger.
"One word, Iolaus," Hercules threatened, real anger colouring his tone and flashing within his eyes. "Just one more word... and I'm tying you to that bed for another five days... do you hear?"
Iolaus opened his mouth, but the words never came as he saw the raw torment in the other's eyes. Hercules had explained the events that had happened after his injury; Xenon, the box and his near-death by fever, but it was not until this moment that he realised just how much his friend had been affected.
Reaching out, he placed a hand upon Hercules' arm. Catching and holding the other's tormented glance, he agreed quietly, the promise set and sealed, "I won't move again, not until you give me the all-clear." Seeing the relieved look that filtered across Hercules' features, he smiled and added with sincerity, "I promise." He was rewarded by the smile his friend gave him.
Hercules, knowing that he had finally reached Iolaus, added, "And you'll eat everything that we give you... no arguments... nor pulling any more of those disgusted faces?"
Iolaus opened his mouth to disagree, but snapped it shut about a weak smile and, nodding, he confirmed in an innocent tone, "And I will eat everything that you put in front of me... without the faces," he added.
Hercules leant back against the wall of the cave and looked over at Arrian, who had raised an eyebrow at the capitulation. Then, glancing back at Iolaus who was still meekly looking at him with an expectant expression, Hercules said in awe, "Arrian, you'd better keep that spear handy...." Seeing the confused look this earned him from the mute, he continued, "If I'd known it only took being pinned to a tree by a spear to get Iolaus to do as he's told... I could have done it a long time ago." He just managed to duck the water flask that was hurled in his direction, enjoying the sound of his friend's outraged laugher as it rebounded off the walls.
THE END