Disclaimer:	This story is not intended to violate any copyrights held by MCA, Universal Studios, Renaissance Pictures or any other entity involved with the making of Xena: Warrior Princess or Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.
Bard Rates It:	PG-14 This story is rated PG-14 and may contain some scenes not suitable for anyone under the age of 14.
Summary:	Takes place after the events of Sacrifice II. Xena is forced to team up with Ares when an evil god returns with a little help from his friends.
Bard Notes:	Chapters 1 – 22: completed July 1999; Chapters 23 – 33: completed January 2000; Chapters 34 – 55: completed August 2000; Chapters 56 – 77: Completed March 2002.
Feed the Bard!	The author of this story is Skkye Blue at skkye_blue@yahoo.com. Bards are always hungry for feedback; please send a note.
Web Site Note:	If the font size on this page is uncomfortable for your reading enjoyment, please remember that you can make text appear a different size with your web browser. In Internet Explorer, please go to the View menu and choose Text Size; in Netscape, please go to your View menu and choose Increase Font or Decrease Font as appropriate. Thanx!

Webmaster Note: To make this story load a little easier in your browser, it has been split into several web pages. You will find the link for the part of the story below at the end of each page.

Dark Revelations (Chapters 56 thru 58)

by Skkye Blue

CHAPTER 56

"Mortals can be so incompetent sometimes!" Shaking his head with disgust, Dahak glared at the smoldering piles of ashes before him that only moments ago were the archers who had been sent out to find Lycus.

The evil god looked up from the ashes when he saw Minos and Discord enter the room. Both had triumphant smiles on their faces.

"I can’t believe those fools couldn’t find one small boy and then let two girls beat the shit out of them!" Dahak waved a hand and a lowly servant stepped forward and began to sweep away the ash heaps.

"The archers weren’t dealing with two ordinary girls, Dark One," Minos reminded his lord. "And they did make mention of a large man coming to the aid of the girls."

"They still should have been able to capture them Minos. I must have those children in my possession---soon, especially the boy."

"You will Dark one...you will," Minos assured with a sinister smile.

Discord stood in silence as the two men continued to talk. The smile had faded from her face as numbness began to shroud her. Ares was dead and Discord, as hard as she tried not to, couldn’t deny the sadness she felt.

The two gods had been cohorts in havoc for many millennia. Those had been some great times. A faint smile came to Discord’s blood red lips when she thought of those days long past. The two deities had been close...*very close*. But that changed when Ares made the warrior princess his Chosen. It was like Xena had cast a spell over him and nothing was ever the same between them. Discord’s lips twisted in an angry smirk. ‘What does Xena have that I don’t?’

For one, a son fathered by Ares. Any sadness over the war god’s death quickly left the goddess as she remembered that she would be the one dead if Minos had not struck when he did. Ares was actually going to kill her for threatening the life of that brat he shared with Xena.

And now, Discord had just learned that the brat had a sister! TWINS!!! That bitch had not only given Ares a son but a daughter too!

The goddess was so angry that she wanted all three gone---Xena and her twin brats joining Ares in death. But any plans to harm them would have to be scrapped because her lover wanted all three to live.

Under different circumstances, Discord would have disregarded Dahak’s orders and done away with them. But the goddess did have the sense to fear her evil lover’s wrath. She still had her secret stash of Hind’s blood she had kept to use as a weapon just in case Dahak tried to do away with her. But she now believed Ares’ words to be true----that Hind’s blood could not kill Dahak.

With no true protection against the One Great Evil, Discord shuddered at the thought of what he would do to her if she ever disobeyed his orders. That’s why she decided to go along with his plans and ditch hers for offing his ‘precious’ daughter and grandchildren.

The goddess’ thoughts came back to the voices around her. Dahak and Minos were still talking about Ares’ and Xena’s brats, a topic she had already tired of, so she decided it was time to change it.

"Can we forget about the br...I mean kids for awhile and celebrate our victory?" Three golden goblets materialized in Discord’s left hand as a wine flask materialized in her right. She handed one to each of her cohorts leaving the last one for herself. "We have overthrown the Olympian Gods. We can now rule." She poured wine into all three goblets, then raised her own in a toast. Dahak and Minos raised theirs too. "Today Greece...tomorrow the world!"

"Here...here!" Dahak downed some of the fermented liquid and his two cohorts followed suit.

The evil god removed the goblet from his lips and gazed at his compatriots. "Discord is right. Ares is dead and soon the other gods will be too. There is now no one standing in the way of establishing my kingdom."

"Yes, Dark One." Minos concurred as he took another sip of the wine.

"The only problem that still remains is Xena." Discord nonchalantly ran a long blood red fingernail over the rim of the goblet she held. Her dark eyes gazed at her evil lover.

"We have no need to worry about Xena, my dear." Dahak had a confident smile on his face as he let a hand caress the porcelain skin of the goddess’ face.

"That’s what you keep telling me...something about her dark side taking over and her joining us but I don’t see how that is going to happen when Xena is as we speak, off in search of this Holy Saber that is suppose to be able to kill you." The goddess waited for his response.

"Xena will indeed be joining us Discord. I made sure of that by placing the essence of an ally into the body of someone my daughter holds very dear. And in that ally’s possession is a substance that will ensure that Xena’s dark side takes over again and this time permanently."

Having some knowledge about the warrior princess’ small circle of close friends, the goddess’ interest was piqued. "Ooh, which one of her friend’s bodies did you use?"

"You’ll find out when they return to Greece," was all Dahak would say on the subject.

"Um Dark One, we must inspect the new lava plant facility being set up in Athens," Minos reminded his lord.

"Ah yes, this will be our biggest facility in Greece." The evil god was smiling over their accomplishment when he turned to look at Discord. "My dear, would you like to join us?"

"Nah, that’s okay," the goddess replied. "I’m going to head back on up to Olympus and start redecorating now that I am Queen."

"Enjoy yourself," were Dahak’s parting words as he and Minos were engulfed in a flame of fire, headed for Athens.

Discord was about to depart for Olympus when she saw Hope walk by the doorway. A mischievous grin crossed the goddess’ lips. She was in a good mood and wanted it to continue and nothing made her feel even better than making another feel lousy. Besides, Hope was female and Discord had never gotten along with her own sex. Especially if they took the slightest bit of the attention of a male from her and it didn’t matter if the female was the male’s daughter.

The petite goddess quickly made her way over to the doorway and spied Hope entering another room down the long corridor. With a wicked grin still plastered across her face, Discord made her way to the room where Hope was.

When she reached the room, she poked her head through the doorway. Hope sat at a large black marble desk, spotlighted by the large flame of the candle setting atop it. Her head was slightly bowed as a quill busily moved in her right hand across the unrolled scroll lying before her. She was so engrossed with her duties that she had not sensed the goddess spying on her.

Discord removed the grin from her face and replaced it with a look of innocence as she casually strolled into the room. "Y’know Hope, you really should have joined in our celebration instead of staying in this room with your face buried in an old scroll."

As soon as Hope heard the voice of her father’s lover, her whole body tensed. She didn’t like Discord and she knew the goddess felt the same way about her. Hope knew her father’s consort had only entered the room to aggravate her but she was determined to ignore whatever insult or dig the goddess would throw her way.

"I enjoy working with these old scrolls," Hope replied, not taking her eyes off of the unrolled scroll before her as the quill in her right hand continued to busily move across it. "Besides, I wasn’t in the mood for celebrating."

Discord put a hand on her chest in mock shock. "Why that really surprises me. When I think of your devotion to your father...the sacrifices you have made to re-establish his kingdom, why you of all people have more reason to celebrate than anyone else these latest victories." The goddess sat her small frame on a corner of the black marble desk at which Hope sat. "But I can certainly understand your apprehension for celebrating...I kinda felt that way myself."

The quill in Hope’s right hand stopped moving as she finally raised her green eyes from the unrolled scroll and looked at the goddess. "What do you mean?"

"I’m talking about Xena. After all, she will be joining us and she doesn’t exactly like you or me for that matter, so things around here will probably be tense." The goddess nonchalantly inspected her long blood red nails as she waited for Hope’s response.

"I won’t deny the bad feelings between Xena and me but if she is truly committed to our cause, she will bury those hostilities just as I have done." Hope turned her attention once again to the unrolled scroll before her, returning to scribbling upon it.

"Wow! You’ve been able to do that Hope? I am really impressed." The goddess feigned a look of admiration. "The way I see it, you have every reason to hold on to your hostilities for her...far more than she does for you."

Hope decided not to respond to the goddess’ statement. She dipped the quill she held into a bottle of black ink then continued to write upon the scroll.

Since she got no rise out of Hope, Discord continued to speak. "Xena tried to kill you when you were a defenseless baby. Then she forced your mother to abandon you in Britannia." The goddess shook her head with disgust. "I just don’t see how Gabrielle could have chosen her best friend over her child. But she did just that and two more times when she tried to kill you...and all for the love of Xena."

The quill Hope had been writing with snapped into two pieces. She was confident in her mother’s love for her but she couldn’t deny that the depth of her mother’s love for Xena still bothered her.

A pleased smile crossed Discord’s lips---she had accomplished what she set out to do.

Using every ounce of self-control to keep her anger in check, Hope raised her eyes from the scroll and once again looked at the bothersome goddess. "Look Discord, I appreciate your concern for me, but you really should worry about yourself when Xena gets here, after all, you did say she hates you too."

"Oh, I have nothing to worry about," Discord replied with firm confidence. "I am a goddess who has existed for aeons. Xena would never be a match for me so it would be wise for her to stay out of my way."

"If I were you Discord, I would not be so sure of that. When Xena gets here, she will no longer be the redeemed warlord with morals. She will be the evil Xena and she’s not going to be happy when she finds out you tried to kill her son. Why, I don’t even think father could stop her from coming after you." Hope’s green eyes stared hard into Discord’s emphasizing her last statement.

Discord suddenly felt very uncomfortable. Trying to put Hope in a lousy mood had blown up in her face because she was now the one feeling lousy. She remembered what the warrior princess was like when she was evil and now she had to worry about what Xena would do to her when she found out she had tried to kill Lycus. "I think I have kept you from your duties long enough so I will be going now." In a flash of bright light, Discord’s leather and lace clad form vanished from the corner of the black marble desk.

Hope had a triumphant smile on her face as she retrieved a new quill, dipped the end in a bottle of black ink and once again started to scribble upon the unrolled scroll before her.

**********

From a shimmer of white light, Discord’s appeared out of the ether and into a dark stone corridor just off of a large hall. Before heading up to Olympus, she needed to make a stop. Grunts shouts and the clashing of steel could be heard coming from the hall and that’s where Discord headed. When she reached the doorway, Discord crossed the threshold and observed the scene before her.

In the center of the hall stood a tall, muscular man with bronze colored skin and shoulder length dark hair. He was dressed in leather and dark gray armor. In his right hand, he twirled a very large sword, its blade glistening in the light of torches. Cautiously, the man began to move while his dark eyes followed the movements of his three opponents who began circling him. All three were covered from head to toe in armor.

One of the armor-covered men came at him, mightily swinging his sword which the man instantly blocked, with his own sword before delivering a swift kick, sending his opponent flying through the air. He collided so hard with a stone wall that his body was broken into pieces, that fell with a deafening clang to the stone floor then faded into nothingness. The two remaining opponents charged the man, which he met with a vicious swing of his sword to their necks. Their armor-covered bodies and their detached heads instantly fell to the floor where they too faded into nothingness.

Now standing in the middle of the hall alone, a pleased smile crossed the man’s handsome face while he held up the sword he wielded, letting his eyes wander over it in appreciation.

"Tell me something Kal, why is it that you war gods get so worked up over weapons? The actual battles are where the true excitement lies."

The god took his gaze off of the sword and quickly sheathed it in the scabbard hanging at his side then looked at the goddess who was heading over to him. "Battles are important Discord but being able to wield a weapon like this myself just adds to my excitement when I see them in the hands of warring mortals."

"Yes, watching mortals slaughter one another in battle is very exciting but there is something else that stimulates me even more," Discord purred. She now stood before the war god, her blood red lips twisted in a feral smile while her dark eyes, visibly filled with lust, raked over his dark form.

"And I know exactly what that is." Kal instantly wrapped his muscular arms around her petite frame while bending his neck to claim her lips in a hungry kiss.

Discord had become acquainted with Kal many centuries ago. The war god was always butting heads with Ares in attempts to acquire power, so the two were sworn enemies. Discord never had an active role in Ares’ disputes with the rival war god because she actually liked him. But it wasn’t until recently that she acted on her attraction to Kal.

Discord was well aware of Dahak’s numerous sexual encounters with his female followers and decided that it was ridiculous to limit herself to one lover and took another. It turned out that Kal had a sexual appetite that matched her own and made Discord sorry she had waited so long to be with him. The danger aspect also enhanced their involvement. Dahak and Kal were both gods with massive egos and would not appreciate Discord’s involvement with both at the same time. So, she made sure that neither ever knew about the other. But she did use Kal as a sounding board to discuss her alliance with Dahak.

When their lips finally parted, Kal gazed down at Discord’s face, his hands running through her raven tresses. "So, what brings you here? I wasn’t expecting you until later."

"I had a run-in with Hope and need to be cheered up," Discord smirked. She removed herself from Kal’s embrace and began pacing the stone floor.

"You two are still not getting along?" Kal wearily asked.

"All I did was try to be helpful to Hope by telling her she better watch her back when Xena returns to Greece…after all, there is such bad blood between them. You think Hope would show some gratitude for my concern but NO! She brings up the incident of me trying to kill Xena’s son and that I am the one who should be careful. Can you imagine me…a goddess being fearful of a mortal!"

"Then why are you letting what Hope said bother you?"

"It’s just the way she said it. She was practically gloating at the thought of Xena hurting me. You should have seen the look of glee in her eyes."

"Now Discord, I know you pretty well and you must have done something for Hope to dislike you so."

"I haven’t done anything," the goddess insisted. She stopped pacing and looked at Kal.

"Maybe she’s jealous of you," he suggested.

"Jealous of what?" Discord folded her arms across her chest.

"Your relationship with her father." Kal moved to stand before Discord.

"Hope has no reason to be jealous. My dealings with her father are strictly business."

"And you swear that’s all there is between you?" Kal looked at her suspiciously.

"YES," Discord assured with a look of innocence.

"Because I know your dealings with Ares went far beyond business…"

"Ares was different…he was family," Discord quickly said, cutting him off. "But Ares took me for granted. That’s why I sided with Dahak." Her lips twisted into a smile. "You’ll be pleased to know that Ares is dead."

"Really?!" Kal gazed down at her with a stunned expression on his handsome face.

"Yup. Dahak took him out with Hind’s blood." Discord smiled with delight.

"I always hoped that I would be the one to take out that arrogant Olympian but I can live with the One Great Evil having the honors." Kal gazed at the goddess thoughtfully while taking her face between his large hands. "It looks like talking about Ares’ death has managed to cheer you up."

"Somewhat but there is still a long way to go," she said in a sultry tone.

"Maybe I can do something about that." Kal leaned down and once again hungrily claimed Discord’s lips.

As the heat between them rose, their hands began to frantically roam one another’s bodies. A few moments later, the pair disappeared in a shimmer of light.

**********

A choir of tweeting and whistling birds brought Cyrus to consciousness once again. Slowly he opened his eyelids. His hazel eyes came to focus on a cloudless clear blue sky high above him.

A groan of discomfort escaped his thin lips. Cyrus lay upon the ground with his arms securely tied behind his back. When he tried to move his legs, he discovered they were restricted by tight binds around his ankles. Cyrus let the memories of the previous night run through his mind.

He had gone to find Xena after an argument they had regarding her actions and behavior earlier that day. Cyrus had found her with Joxer down by a river. There was something different about her---something strange. The last thing he remembered was asking her if she was all right.

Cyrus was brought out of his thoughts by the sound of a familiar voice.

"You woke up just in time for breakfast."

Cyrus stared up into Joxer’s smiling face.

"Eating breakfast in that position will be difficult." Joxer grabbed hold of Cyrus’ shoulders and moved him into a sitting position.

Cyrus felt the ropes binding his hands fall away. He quickly brought his hands in front of him and began massaging his wrists to bring back the circulation.

Joxer moved to stand before Cyrus. A devilish smile graced his thin lips as he placed the dagger he had used to cut the man’s hands free back in its resting-place on his belt. "You need the use of your hands to eat but I’ll keep your ankles bound so you don’t try to run away."

Cyrus gazed up at the man before him, his hazel eyes filled with confusion. "Joxer, what is going on? Why am I tied up?"

"Stop calling me Joxer. My name is Talon."

Cyrus’ eyes widened in understanding. "You are one of the fallen Watchers Dahak freed?"

"That’s right." Talon ran his hands down his shirt. "It’s not my old body but it will do." He handed Cyrus a tin plate with some fruit and bread lying upon it.

As soon as the plate was in his grasp, Cyrus tossed it and its contents aside and angrily glared at Talon.

"That’s all you’re gonna get right now, so you should have eaten it." Talon picked up his own tin plate and put the berries lying upon it in his mouth.

"Where is Xena?" Cyrus growled.

"I’m right here." Xena strolled into the campsite. She was wearing only her light brown shift that was darker in color because it was soaked with water as was her hair, indicating she had been in the river. In her arms she held four large fish that she deposited near the campfire. "We should be able to have some of these for lunch today too." She looked towards Talon. "I caught them, now it’s your job to clean and cook them."

"Yes ma’am." Talon gave her a salute as he went over to the fish and began to clean them for frying.

Cyrus gazed at the woman before him with a perplexed look on his face. "Xena, what has happened to you? Why are you helping this fallen Watcher who has stolen your friend’s body?"

"Well Cyrus, I guess you could say I finally saw the light." Xena retrieved a towel from her belongings and began to dry herself.

"I think dark would be more appropriate," Talon chimed in as he sliced open the fish, and tossed aside the guts.

"Good point," Xena confessed with a wicked grin as she ran the towel through her raven tresses. She turned to gaze at the former Watcher she called a friend. "I finally accepted who I really am and have joined my father."

Cyrus stared at her in disbelief. "The Xena I know would have never joined Dahak." He angrily glared at Talon. "What did you do to her?"

"I spiked Xena’s water skin with Dahak’s blood." Talon wickedly smiled as he placed the sliced fish in a frying pan over the fire. "Her dark side is back in control again as it always should have been."

"You MONSTER!!!" Cyrus growled. Concern was in his eyes as he turned to gaze at his friend. "You have to fight what he has done to you Xena. I know it will be hard, but if anyone can do it, you can!"

"I’m not doing any such thing." Xena’s tone was firm. She turned her attention from him and concentrated on drying herself.

Talon had a sinister smirk on his face as he used a fork to move the sizzling fish around in the frying pan.

Cyrus bowed his head and sat in silence. Xena had come so far from the troubled young woman ruled by darkness he had met so many years ago. She had a friend like Gabrielle and the children she had to give up back in her life. It greatly saddened Cyrus that Xena would once again let darkness rule her life.

"The fish is ready," Talon declared sometime later as he put the piping hot cooked pieces onto a plate.

The warrior woman came over to him and collected the plate with the fish after Talon got what he wanted. She retrieved the plate that Cyrus had earlier tossed aside then proceeded over to where he sat with still bound legs. "I will admit I was pretty ticked with Talon when I found out what he had done." She stooped next to him and put some of the fish on his plate. "But now I realize being good wasn’t really me---it was always such a struggle. I am more comfortable with who I am now. In fact, I feel great and want to feel this way forever."

"And so you shall," Talon added as an evil laughter poured from his thin lips.

This evil laughter reverberated throughout Cyrus’ head as he gazed into the eyes of the woman stooping beside him. A gasp of surprise escaped his lips as he watched her eyes change from their crystal blue color to a black as dark as the abyss of Tartarus.

Cyrus now feared that the Xena he knew, the one who had successfully reformed from her evil ways and had become a hero in the eyes of the people was gone forever.

CHAPTER 57

‘Im really enjoying teaching this slave a lesson’’ the man thought as a satisfied smile danced across his lips. His eyes beamed with pride as they gazed at the punishment he had inflicted upon the land-dweller slave. The prisoner had his back to him and wore only a loincloth. His skin glistened with sweat that mingled with the blood from the lacerations covering his back. Thick metal chains bound his wrists and ankles as he stood spread eagle before his tormentor.

With an eager grin, the man raised his arm wielding the charged baton. "Let this be a lesson to you...land-dweller...NEVER put your hands on a Meridian!" Once again, the man struck the prisoner with the weapon.

"UGGGGH!!!" Hercules roared in excruciating agony as he felt a powerful charge flow through every nerve ending in his body.

Up until now, the son of Zeus had always been impervious to the pain that immobilized full mortals. But not being in the Olympian realm where he derived his demigod powers, Hercules was now susceptible to all the agonies felt by full mortals.

When the weapon was removed from his body, Hercules drooped against the thick chains holding him upright. His throat felt dry and sore from the screams never before heard coming from his own mouth. Hercules couldn’t see his tormentor but felt his eyes raking over his battered body and heard the guttural chuckles of satisfaction that escaped the man’s lips. The sound mingled with his own ragged breaths, which he tried to soften so he could hear when the weapon was once again heading towards him.

Rising above the sound of his own breathing, Hercules heard the familiar hissing of the weapon before it once again, made contact with his flesh. Immediately his face contorted in pain. His mighty muscular arms pulled against the chains holding him in place. Hercules bit down on his lower lip trying to will himself not to cry out but the agony his body felt was just too much.

"AAAHHH!!!" Hercules screamed. His painful outcry echoed throughout the dank holding cell reverberating in his own head.

The prisoner’s agonizing screams incited his tormentor. With lips twisted in delight and eyes beaming with glee, the man extended the length of contact the baton had with Hercules’ scarred and sweaty broad back. His screams rose to higher decibels. The man’s excitement also rose so he ran the weapon over the prisoner’s muscular arms and legs.

Hercules howled in excruciating agony as his body began to convulse. His tormentor smiled sadistically while his eyes followed the path of the weapon he held in a hand as it traveled over the prisoner’s sweaty, muscular form---now trembling in pain or pleasure?

With his body uncontrollably jerking, Hercules had reached his threshold of pain. His blue eyes rolled back in his head and his body slumped against the chains as he slipped into unconsciousness.

"Damn!" The man swore under his breath as he pulled the baton back. His eyes raked over the torture he had inflicted upon the prisoner. Long red welts dotted Hercules’ legs and arms. But his back had received the worst of the punishment. It was covered with deep lacerations from which blood flowed, mingling with the sweat drenching his body. The man smiled sadistically with satisfaction. It was truly his best torture session---a work of art. How dare the prisoner pass out when it was just starting to get really good! The smile of satisfaction twisted into an angry snarl as the man swiftly brought the baton in contact once again with the bloodied and bruised back of the now unconscious prisoner.

"All right Martin, that’s enough!" Helena ordered as she burst through the door. Instantly, the young woman covered her nose with a hand to block out the smell of blood, sweat and fear that permeated the atmosphere of the dank cell. Instinctively, she recoiled as her violet eyes took in the sight of Hercules’ battered and bloodied form and the man who continued to torture him although he was clearly unconscious.

Martin only glared at the woman who wanted him to cease his fun as he continued to run the baton over Hercules’ scarred back.

His defiance angered Helena. "STOP IT! I say!" She yelled. "You know the law. I’ll bring charges against you for damaging my property!"

Martin glanced in her direction and saw the firm look on her face and knew her threat was real. He already had charges pending against him and didn’t need more. Reluctantly, Martin removed the weapon from Hercules’ body, and stepped away from the unconscious man.

Helena angrily glared at him. "How dare you punish a slave that you don’t own!"

"I had to teach him a lesson." Martin’s eyes focused on the baton as he twirled it in a hand. "I was beating my own slave and he was stupid enough to interfere." He finally hooked the weapon on the belt around his waist.

"If my slave did something wrong, I will be the one to punish him." Her tone was firm.

"Yeah, but you wouldn’t have punished him like I just did." The torture he had inflicted upon Hercules had him somewhat heated so with the back of a hand, Martin wiped away the sweat dotting his brow. "For a land-dweller, he was too uppity but I just broke him of that. You should thank me."

Helena narrowed her gaze. "You better hope he was not permanently damaged or you will be hearing from me," she threatened. "Now unchain him and have him brought to my residence,"

She ordered.

"Right away." Martin acknowledged her authority with a mocking bow that got a glower out of Helena. He looked towards the cell door and nonchalantly said, "Guards, get in here and bring a stretcher."

A moment later, two guards entered the cell. One carried a stretcher that he placed on the floor then joined his comrade who was already unchaining the unconscious prisoner.

"Place him on his stomach when you put him on the stretcher," Helena instructed. Her eyes were filled with empathy as they gazed at the torn, bloodied flesh on Hercules’ back.

The two guards unchained Hercules, carefully placed him on the stretcher lying on his stomach then proceeded to carry him to Helena’s residence. She walked alongside the stretcher. When they reached her residence, Hercules was taken to the slave quarters where he was laid upon a bed, still lying on his stomach.

Helena’s two younger sisters and mother were no where in the house. They had taken an entourage of servants and had gone to the palace where they would get dressed for the opening party to celebrate the coronation of their cousin Felix as Meridia’s new King. Helena was supposed to have gone with them but there was a last minute change in plans when she discovered what had happened to Hercules.

The opening party was not at the forefront of Helena’s thoughts as she rummaged through a box on a shelf in the corner of the room where Hercules lay unconscious. She would need some help tending to him. "Naomi," she called.

"Yes my lady." A faint voice replied from a room down the hall.

"Please come in here and bring some towels and a basin of water."

"Right away my lady."

A pleased smile crossed Helena’s face when she found what she was looking for, a bottle of ointment. She went over to the bed on which Hercules lay and carefully sat on the side. At that moment, Naomi entered the room. The slave woman gasped in shock when she saw the torn flesh and blood covering the man’s back. Naomi quickly made her way over to the bed. She set the basin filled with water and the towels on the side of the bed before seating herself on the bed opposite her mistress.

Helena watched silently while Naomi cleansed the wounds, gently applying the wet cloths. "My lady, why was he beaten?" She asked softly as she continued wiping away the blood.

"He was trying to help a female slave he saw being beaten by her master."

"Oh," Naomi smirked as she sadly shook her head. Personally, the slave woman thought this Hercules had acted like a fool. A slave’s life was already hard and short. So, why bother coming to the aid of another slave if it would definitely end your life a lot quicker?

When the blood had been wiped from Hercules’ back, Naomi reached for the bottle of ointment her mistress had brought.

"You don’t have to do that Naomi. I will apply the ointment," Helena said.

"As you wish, my lady." Naomi collected the basin filled with bloody water and towels and rose from the bedside.

Helena’s violet eyes watched the slave woman leave. Once alone, she poured some of the ointment onto a clean towel and gently applied it to the man’s broad muscular back.

A soft moan escaped Hercules’ lips upon feeling the ointment touch his tender skin.

She ran slender fingers through his brown hair, a faint smile crossing her lips. Over the years, Helena’s family had owned many slaves, so she had seen them come and go. But there was something truly unique about this man named Hercules. She had sensed it that day when she first saw him in the prison cave.

A moon had not even passed since that first meeting and Helena had already formed a deep affection for him. That’s why she was greatly pained to see this man in such a beaten condition.

"Ohhhh," Hercules groaned a lot louder than before.

"So, you’re finally coming back to the land of the living." A relieved smile spread across Helena’s face.

His head had been turned to the side, facing Helena as she sat on the side of the bed. Slowly, his eyelids opened. "Uggghhh," he painfully groaned again when he tried to move.

"Just lie still," Helena suggested, resting a hand upon a broad shoulder.

Hercules flinched away from her touch, an angry scowl upon his face.

The woman couldn’t deny being somewhat hurt by his reaction but figured he was blaming her for the torture that had been inflicted upon him.

"You know, I thought you were a lot smarter, Hercules." Helena applied more ointment to his back. "Surly you had to know you would not succeed and that it could very well mean your own death?"

"I couldn’t just stand there and do nothing." Hercules declared in the firmest voice he could muster considering his condition. "Slave or not...no man has the right to treat a woman that way. It was better I be beaten than her."

Helena could not help but smile at his sense of chivalry. "Well soon, such matters won’t be your concern anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"I am setting you free, Hercules. I’m also going to buy your friends working in the Tarconian mines and set them free too."

Hercules was stunned and happy to hear this news. The ointment was starting to work on his back - he changed positions, shifting to lie on his side so he could face her. "But I thought it was unlawful to set slaves free."

"Yes, it is unlawful, but my cousin Felix being crowned King will change that," Helena said with a confident smile. "Oh, there will probably be problems with the Meridian Council and it could take months. That’s why I am freeing you and your friends now. You just don’t have the time to wait around...not with this Dahak stuff you told me about." Helena shivered when she thought of the horrors Hercules had told her about the evil god. "That reminds me, I got those maps you wanted...the ones from your friend’s ship."

Helena went over to a table where she had laid a gray bag earlier that day. She came back over to the bed and sat down facing Hercules, setting the bag before him.

Hercules pulled out its contents and began to inspect them. A pleased grin crossed his face when he saw the maps Cyrus had made.

Seeing that he was pleased brought a smile to Helena’s face. "I would love to go over those maps with you now, but I have to get ready for the coronation festival." She rose from the bed.

"That’s fine." Hercules replied. "You go get ready and have a great time at the party."

"Now that I know you will be okay, I should be able to do that." Helena was still smiling when she departed the room.

**********

Iolaus wiped the sweat from his brow, wiped his damp hand on his pants, grabbed the large pick, raised it high above his head and brought it crashing down onto the hard black rock before him.

"Gods, this is the hardest rock I have ever seen," Iolaus huffed as his eyes watched a few chunks of the black rock chip away and trickle down to the dirt floor to join a large pile he had already formed.

He raised the pick once again and with all of his strength brought it down hard, digging deeply into the rock before him. This time, he knocked away much larger chunks.

"About time," Iolaus breathed as he raised the pick once again.

But before the pick hit the rock, a female voice called out to him.

"Here’s some water, you look like you can use it."

"I sure can." The blonde hunter immediately dropped the pick and took the water skin that Nebula held out to him. He uncapped the water skin, brought it to his lips and greedily downed its refreshing contents.

When his thirst was quenched, Iolaus recapped the water skin.

"Now, that hit the spot." With the back of a hand, he wiped away a water droplet dribbling from his chin. "It’s hotter than Tartarus down here."

"Well, what do you expect, we are under a chain of active volcanoes!" Nebula snapped.

Iolaus was caught off guard by her unexpected outburst. Still holding the water skin, he raised his hands in a submissive gesture. "Whoa, take it easy, I was just stating a fact."

Nebula’s tone softened as she slightly bowed her head in an apologetic gesture. "I’m sorry Iolaus, I shouldn’t have snapped at you."

"Hey, it’s okay. With this heat and toiling in these mines all day, anyone is likely to lose it once in a while."

"That is still no excuse. I was angry at the guards and I had no right to take it out on you."

"The guards? What did those jerks do now?" Iolaus asked.

Nebula let a weary sigh escape her lips before she spoke. "I heard one of the guards telling a buddy about how this slave was brutally beaten for assaulting a Meridian."

"Was it someone we know? One of your crew?" The hunter’s eyes were filled with concern.

"No, it wasn’t one of my crew." Nebula’s full lips twisted with discomfort. "It was Hercules."

"Hercules!?" His eyes widened with shock then stared at her incredulously. "Are you sure you heard right?"

Nebula let out an exasperated sigh and in a loud voice said, "Gods Iolaus, of course..." She stopped mid-sentence when she saw other slaves in the mine tunnel look in their direction, wondering what besides their environment had gotten the woman so hot. When she resumed speaking her tone was much lower. "Of course I am sure he was talking about Hercules. He said his name for Zeus’ sake!"

"Okay, I believe you," Iolaus relented. "Did the guard say anything about Hercules’ condition?"

"He said something about him being beaten into unconsciousness and the only reason he stopped was because Herc’s lady owner ordered it stopped. She must be the woman we saw take Hercules away when we first got here."

"You’re probably right." Iolaus’ tone was distant as his thoughts drifted to the physical state of his best friend.

Nebula knew what was bothering him. She placed a hand on his shoulder in a comforting gesture. "Hercules will be just fine."

"Yeah, you’re probably right," Iolaus confessed. "But with Herc badly beaten, what chance do any of us have of ever getting out of here?"

Before Nebula could reply, the voice of another slave invaded their conversation.

"Hey, can I have some water too or am I suppose to die of thirst?"

Nebula and Iolaus both rolled their eyes in disgust.

"We’ll have to finish this talk later." Nebula gathered up her water skins.

"Right." Iolaus watched her head on over to the prisoner who had requested water.

Despite the unbearable heat, Nebula’s demeanor was like ice when she stood before her fellow slave. "Here you go, Claudius." She tossed the man a water skin, which he deftly caught in a hand.

Claudius was a Roman Centurion who had been out on a long range-scouting mission when the ship on which he was aboard got caught up in the Meridian’s whirlpool trap. This incident had happened years ago and since that time, Claudius had made some friends among his Meridian captors so he was able to acquire special privileges that enabled him to avoid the grueling work done by the others. This made the Roman unpopular with his fellow slaves.

Having given the man his water, Nebula was set to resume her duty of supplying water to the other slave miners when Claudius firmly gripped her right arm.

"Don’t be in such a hurry, stay awhile."

"I have water skins to deliver." Nebula tried to yank her arm free but he maintained a firm grip.

Iolaus saw his friend’s problem and was prepared to help but he also saw the look her eyes were sending him that said she could handle this, so he remained where he was.

"They can wait," Claudius said with a firm tone. "Besides, you didn’t seem that concerned with delivering them when you were talking to shorty."

"He’s a friend." Her brown eyes glared at him.

"I’d like to be a friend too." His tone was filled with desire that matched the lust in his eyes as they raked over her beautiful form, accented by sweat-laden clothes clinging to every womanly curve.

"No thanks, I’ve got all the friends that I need." Nebula’s tone was as cold as the stare she fixed on Claudius.

Seeing that she wasn’t going to be receptive to his advances, the big Roman loosened his grip on the woman’s arm. She immediately wrenched it from his grasp.

"After you’ve been here a while, you’ll change your mind," Claudius assured. "Having a guy like me is the only way you’ll survive here."

"I think I will manage just fine here ALONE." Nebula was about to resume her duties of delivering water skins to the thirsty miners when a loud horn sounded throughout the tunnel indicating it was quitting time.

Slaves put down their mining tools as guards prepared to escort them from the Tarconian mining tunnels to the bathing caves. From there, they would go to the dinning area then back to their cells to rest before beginning another long grueling day in the mines.

The men slaves were taken to one bathing cave while the women slaves went to another.

Nebula didn’t do much socializing with the other women slaves so she quickly washed away the dirt of the mines and headed for a secluded area of the bathing cave where another body of water was located.

This one was used for swimming and every now and then the guards would let the women take a dip before ushering them to the dinning area.

On this particular day, none of the other women visited the pool so Nebula had it all to herself. A pleased smile was on her face as she dove into its depths. The water was cool, refreshing and needed after a hot sweaty day in the mines.

Nebula did several laps across the pool before diving under the water. When she came back up for air, she did so near the edge of the pool. As her head broke the surface of the cool water, she used slender fingers to quickly comb back wet dark tresses hanging in her face. That’s when Nebula saw a pair of boots at the water’s edge in front of her. Her brown eyes quickly gazed upward.

"You!" She gasped. "What are you doing in here!?"

Claudius stood at the pool’s edge in fresh clean clothes. His dark eyes were filled with lust as he gazed down at her, a dirty smile playing across his lips. "I figured this was the perfect time for us to get to know each other better."

Since she was naked, Nebula felt vulnerable. She sunk lower in the water and started backing away. "Guard!" She yelled at the top of her voice, her eyes fixed on the entranceway to that part of the bathing cave.

"It will be kinda hard for the guard to hear you since he took the other women to get their dinner. Y’see, we are kinda tight so he was okay with me escorting you to the dinning area." The big Roman let out a wicked laugh as he jumped into the pool of water.

"Stay away from me!" Nebula quickly turned and started swimming at top speed towards the far side of the pool.

When she reached the far side, she quickly climbed out. But just as she was rising to her feet, Claudius’ huge frame leaped out of the water, one of his big hands firmly grasping an ankle. Nebula hit the ground hard and was momentarily dazed. The Roman’s dirty laughter filled the cave as he flipped her over onto her back then laid his large body on top of hers.

"Get off me!" Nebula yelled as she began to squirm beneath him.

"Keep fighting me...I love it even more...when women fight." Claudius said in between his dirty laughter.

But his laughter was brought to an end when Nebula’s right first connected hard with his jaw.

This dazed him and proved that he didn’t like women fighting him as much as he thought for now he was angry. "Why you BITCH!" Claudius growled as his own large fist made contact with the face of the woman still squirming beneath him.

The blow almost knocked Nebula into unconsciousness and slowed her defenses against her attacker. When she tried to ward him off by attacking his eyes with her fingers, he easily pinned her arms above her head. In this position, squirming became difficult for her.

Claudius was back to laughing but this time with a guttural tone. His free hand quickly unfastened his trousers and using a knee, he pried her legs apart. He was just about to penetrate her when a surprise yell escaped his own lips as he felt himself being hauled off the woman.

"Leave her alone you Roman BASTARD!!!" Iolaus yelled as his right fist made hard contact with Claudius’ jaw, knocking the man into the pool where he sunk below the surface of the water. Iolaus immediately went to the aid of his friend, who had risen to a kneeling position. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I’m more angry than anything else," Nebula replied while slowing her rapid breathing. She glared at the pool where Claudius had been thrown. "I hope the PIG drowns!"

"Don’t even think about him. Let me get something to cover you." Iolaus quickly made his way to the other side of the pool, retrieved the towel lying there and headed back to Nebula.

"Thanks." She smiled with gratefulness as she took the towel offered and covered her nude form.

Iolaus wrapped an arm around Nebula for support as the two proceeded to leave the cave. "We must find the guards and let them know what Claudius tried to do to you."

"They are not going to care. They are his pals," Nebula reminded him.

"Not all of them," Iolaus replied.

The two walked along the far side of the pool and were about to exit the cave when Claudius’ muscular frame unexpectedly lunged out of the water. A large hand firmly grasped Iolaus’ left ankle, yanked hard, knocking him to the stone floor at which time Claudius quickly pulled him into the pool.

Nebula’s mouth hung open in shock over the unforeseen attack. She stood at the edge of the pool, her brown eyes filled with desperation. There was no sign of Iolaus---Claudius had dragged them both under the water’s surface.

Hitting the stone floor had left Iolaus severely dazed and gave Claudius the opportunity to wrap meaty hands around his neck as the two struggled beneath the water. Iolaus felt his air supply steadily running out and desperately tried to pry the thick fingers loose. Claudius gritted his teeth as he increased the pressure he applied to the neck of the struggling man. It didn’t take much longer for Iolaus’ movements to cease and his eyes to close. The Roman had a satisfied smile on his face when he released his hold on his opponent and headed for the water’s surface.

Nebula waited in anticipation when she saw bubbles begin to dot the surface of the water.

"NO!!!" She screamed when she saw Claudius emerge from the murky depths. Her brown eyes quickly scanned the surface, looking for any sign of Iolaus.

In the mean time, Claudius quickly swam to the pool’s edge and hauled out his big frame a few yards from where she stood. He gazed at Nebula, clad only in a towel, her brown eyes now glaring angrily at him. "Ooh, you’re real hot for me now, aren’t you babe?" A mocking grin creased his face.

Nebula was seething with rage. This Roman PIG had tried to rape her and now it appeared he had killed a good man she considered a friend. Did he really think he would get away with it!?

"I’LL KILL YOU!!!" Nebula yelled when she charged right towards Claudius.

She collided hard with his body, knocking both into a stone wall. Screaming with rage, Nebula tried to claw out his eyes with her fingernails but he immediately grabbed both her wrists in a large hand. She delivered a knee to his groin that got a grunt of pain out of him but he immediately delivered a punch to her face, dazing her. Claudius slammed her against the stone wall, pinning her in place with his own muscular frame.

His gaze oozed with lust when he stared into her face. "I knew there was a fire under all that ice." Claudius claimed her full lips in a brutal kiss.

Nebula tried to pull away but couldn’t with her arms pinned above her head and the big man’s body pressing her own against the wall. She felt his arousal straining against his pants and was reviled.

His free hand yanked the towel from her body, quickly tossed it aside then began to roam her naked flesh. Even though it was useless, Nebula started to squirm. Claudius’ hand was making its way towards her crotch when over the Roman’s broad shoulder, she saw Iolaus wearily haul himself out of the murky waters.

Exhausted, Iolaus mustered the strength he had left and made his way over to where the couple stood against the wall. So busy was Claudius in his assault of Nebula that he didn’t even know Iolaus was behind him until the smaller man grabbed handfuls of his hair and yanked hard.

"Hey!" Claudius yelped as he released his hold on Nebula and was pulled away from her.

Firmly holding onto the Roman’s hair, Iolaus delivered a hard knee to the small of the man’s back as he released his hold and sent him towards another wall. Claudius quickly extended his arms to avoid the collision and immediately whirled around to face his attacker.

"So, shorty’s back!" He snarled while his eyes glared at Iolaus with murderous rage. "You won’t be so lucky this time!" Claudius charged the smaller man and the two fought toe to toe, moving about the cave.

Nebula quickly retrieved the discarded towel and once again wrapped it around her before she intently watched the battle. She grimaced when she saw Claudius’ right fist connect hard with Iolaus’ jaw, knocking his head from side to side.

Iolaus was clearly on the losing end of the fight. Toiling in the Tarconian mines and his earlier battle with Claudius has zapped away most of his strength so he didn’t have much of a defense against the big Roman who repeatedly delivered blows to his face and body.

Iolaus would need some help if he wanted any chance of defeating Claudius. So, Nebula joined the battle, leaping onto Claudius’ broad back and immediately began pummeling the man about the head. Her sudden actions caught the man off guard and allowed Iolaus to deliver several punches to his face and body.

This attack on two fronts, brought Claudius’ anger to its zenith. Absorbing the blows that Nebula inflicted from atop his back, he let out a loud roar as he blocked Iolaus’ incoming fist and delivered one of his own that hit the smaller man square in the face. Iolaus was left wobbling on his legs and blinking stars from his vision. With his opponent dazed, Claudius wrapped a hand around the man’s throat, lifted his smaller frame off the ground and viciously tossed him into a stone wall. Iolaus hit hard and slumped to the ground in a semi-conscious state.

With one opponent immobilized, Claudius turned his attention to Nebula. He grabbed a hold of the woman on his back, quickly bent over, flipping her off, and deposited her with a thud on the ground before him.

His lips were twisted in an angry snarl as he reached down, wrapped a large hand around her slender throat and lifted her off the ground, bringing her face up to his. "You were suppose to be an easy screw but you have been waaay too much trouble!" Claudius pulled back a fist and prepared to smash it into her beautiful face.

Nebula was bracing herself for the hard impact when hurried footsteps were heard entering the bathing cave.

"Claudius, what is going on here!?"

The Roman halted the punch and stared at the two guards standing at the cave’s entrance. He released Nebula’s throat, dropping her unceremoniously on the ground at which time, she began crawling away from him.

The guards looked at the practically naked woman and the man slumped against a wall, his mouth bloodied and an eye swollen as he gasped for air. They had agreed to let Claudius have has way with the woman but there wasn’t to be any beatings. Twice the guards had been publicly berated by their superior regarding incidents involving Claudius and they couldn’t afford a third ---it would mean demotion. One guard headed towards Iolaus while the other went after the Roman.

"You’ve gone too far this time Claudius---you are going to solitary." The guard removed a charged baton from his waist as he approached the big slave.

Claudius knew that going to solitary was as good as being dead. He had worked too hard to build his connections and he wasn’t about to let an incident with two newcomer slaves destroy it. He would kill all in the room.

When the guard stood before him and brought the charged baton forward to stun him with it, he knocked the weapon from the man’s hands, grabbed him in a headlock, and swiftly snapped his neck. Claudius released his hold on the guard, letting his lifeless form fall to the floor.

The other guard saw what happened to his comrade and immediately left Iolaus’ side, charging for Claudius with his baton already in a hand. Claudius charged toward the guard, meeting him in the middle. The guard came at him swinging his weapon that Claudius blocked by hitting the man’s arm. He yanked the weapon from the guard’s grasp and stunned him with it. The man was left in a trembling state at which time, Claudius grabbed hold of his head and abruptly turned it, snapping his neck too. Tossing aside the second dead guard, Claudius charged towards Iolaus, who was still slumped against the wall.

"YOU! This is all your fault!" Claudius growled. "Now I’m going to see to it that you get all the blame!"

Iolaus had managed to rise to his feet, just as Claudius’ large frame slammed into him. But the wall behind them had been weakened due to excessive mining and couldn’t absorb the impact so they both fell right through it.

Nebula immediately went over to the large opening now in the cave wall.

"Iolaus!" She yelled while peering down into the dark opening, fear for her friend began racing through her body.

After falling through the wall, the two combatants were now tumbling down a steep incline. Iolaus heard Nebula yell his name as his body and Claudius’ rolled into a pool of water at the bottom of the incline.

The water was very deep and very murky. The two men were separated when they plunged into the water. Iolaus had gone under the murky depths and had no idea where Claudius was since he couldn’t see anything. He swam to the surface, then slowly swam towards the incline. Once there, he wearily crawled up it, gasping for air.

It was at that moment that Iolaus heard a noise coming from the water. He turned to see Claudius gasping for air as he bobbed up and down in the water. The big Roman then proceeded to swim towards the incline.

Already feeling exhausted from their battle, Iolaus was not in any condition to resume it so, on his hands and knees, he started crawling back up the incline, towards the dim light he saw pouring through the hole in the wall. He was slowly making his way up the incline when he heard Claudius scream. He quickly whirled around to see what was happening.

Claudius was still in the water, nearing the edge of the incline but his attempt had been halted. The Roman’s body was now twitching uncontrollably as a strange glow passed over the surface of the water.

Screams of agony poured from the man’s mouth as his body continued to twitch until his eyes rolled back in his head and he fell forward, floating on his face in the water.

Iolaus watched the strange spectacle with a look of wonder but that soon turned to horror. A large eel came to the surface behind Claudius’ floating form. Slowly, it opened its massive mouth and began consuming the dead man’s body.

"Ew gross!" Iolaus turned his gaze away from the grizzly scene and once again crawled towards the opening in the wall.

Nebula was peering into the dark opening, watching for any sign of Iolaus. A few moments ago she had heard agonizing screams and now her face was etched with worry. She heard footsteps heading for the bathing cave and whirled around just as two more guards appeared at the entranceway. They immediately went over to their fallen comrades.

"My friend and I didn’t kill them. It was Claudius," Nebula quickly said. "He attacked me and my friend. The guards were going to send him to solitary and he went berserk. He broke their necks then came after my friend. They both fell down there." Nebula threw her glance in the direction of the opening in the wall.

The two guards immediately joined her at the opening.

"Iolaus, can you hear me?" Nebula yelled into dark hole.

"Yes," he replied in a weary tone.

A smile of relief came to her face.

One of the guards removed a torch from the wall and shined it into the hole. They could now see Iolaus, slowly crawling up the incline.

"I better help him." The other guard climbed into the hole and cautiously made his way to Iolaus. He helped the exhausted man the rest of the way up the incline. When they reached the opening, Nebula and the other guard helped pull them through it.

"Are you okay?" She held his face between her hands and inspected his cut lip and swollen eye.

"Yeah, I’m fine," he assured.

"Where is Claudius?" The first guard asked.

"He’s dead. We fell into some water that happen to be occupied by the biggest eel I’ve ever seen. It killed him and then proceeded to eat him!"

"Good ridance!" Nebula declared. "The Roman bastard got what he deserved!" She tightened the towel around her body.

Iolaus looked at the two dead guards lying on the floor of the bathing cave. "I hope you two know we had nothing to do with their deaths."

"Yes, we know. Your friend explained to us what happened," the first guard replied.

"And you believe me?" Nebula gazed at them curiously.

"Yes, we do," the second guard replied. "We heard those two talking about the time they had given Claudius with a woman slave and going to check up on him. They had already been warned about giving him special privileges so what happened to them doesn’t surprise us."

"We have to get you back to your cell," the first guard said.

"Can we get something to eat first?" Nebula asked. "Thanks to Claudius we missed dinner and I am starving."

"We’ll stop at the dining hall along the way," the second guard said.

"Good," Nebula replied.

"I think I’ll pass on dinner. After seeing that eel eat, I lost my appetite," Iolaus frowned with nausea while walking along side Nebula with the two guards on either side of them as they exited the bathing cave.

**********

Helena gazed at the movements of the people around her as her partner twirled her on the dance floor, the long golden skirt of her gown swaying with her movements. Her partner pulled her to him and held her close as their bodies moved to rhythms of the music.

Helena glanced at a couple dancing a few yards from them. It was her middle sister Lizette and a young man named Trey. Lizette had confessed to her that she had a crush on him. The two were busy happily chatting as they danced. Lizette laughed at something the young man said.

"Your dress is stunning. You are the most beautiful woman here," Helena’s partner said bringing her gaze back to him.

"Thank you, Roger." Helena gave him a faint smile. Her tone was distant and distracted.

"What’s wrong?" Concern was in his eyes.

Before she could answer, the music came to an end.

"Let’s sit this next one out," Helena suggested as the music for the next song began.

"Of course." Roger stepped aside and let Helena proceed him off the dance floor.

The woman led the pair over to a table covered with an enormous array of exotic edibles that had been prepared for tonight’s opening festivities in celebration of Meridia crowning a new King, Helena’s cousin, Prince Felix.

Since they were children, the two had shared a closeness more like siblings than first cousins. That’s why it had so pained Helena that they were on opposite sides over the heated controversy shrouding the kingdom of Meridia---the abolishment of slavery.

Felix favored giving land-dwellers their freedom and turning to mechanical inventions to preserve their underwater homeland. Helena favored what had worked for centuries---slave labor.

Many of Meridia’s citizenry shared Helena’s view and were willing to use violence to let their future King know his abolitionist stance would not be accepted. In the last few months, such actions had started to move Helena over to her cousin’s way of thinking and it was solidified even more after the harsh treatment Hercules received.

That was one of the reasons why she wanted to talk to her cousin some time that evening and let him know that he had her support for freeing the land-dweller slaves. Helena also wanted to tell Felix what Hercules had told her about Dahak and the Holy Saber. The prince was something of a historian/scientist and would certainly find such information interesting and being in such a lofty position offer some much needed help.

Helena’s thoughts were consumed with these matters as she absentmindedly placed some of the delicacies on a small plate she held in a hand.

Her preoccupied demeanor did not go unnoticed by her dance partner.

"Now, do you want to tell me what is bothering you?" Roger asked, his eyes filled with concern.

On other occasions, when Helena had mentioned Hercules, it had been obvious that Roger did not like her new slave, so she was not keen on telling him that the attractive land-dweller was on her mind. "Oh, it’s really nothing Roger," she stated waving a hand nonchalantly.

"Somehow, I doubt that." Roger looked at her with a penetrating stare. "Does this have anything to do with Hercules attacking Martin for beating a slave?"

"So, you know all about that, huh?"

"Yes, I do and if you ask me, Hercules should have been put to death for putting his hands on a Meridian."

"Well, no one is asking you, Roger!" Helena angrily glared at him. "Hercules is MY slave and I am the one who will decide his punishment, NOT you or Martin, got it?"

"Got it," he replied trying to maintain a grip on his own anger that was beginning to brew.

Helena had never lashed out at him like that before. A few months ago, she would have shared his sentiments. He knew this change in her attitude was due to her abolitionist cousin, and her new slave, both whom he didn’t like.

The two didn’t say another word to each other and made their way to their unoccupied seats at the table where Helena’s mother Vivian and her two sisters, Lizette and Gillian were already seated. The couple had just sat down to the table when horns were sounded, signaling the arrival of the guests of honor.

When the horns ceased, all in attendance turned their gaze toward a man standing on a raised platform at the front of the hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen..." he began. "It gives me great honor to announce the arrival of our very special guests...our soon to be King and Queen...Prince Felix and Princess Catherine."

The horns sounded again as the future King and Queen came through the entranceway of the hall. Both were dressed from head to toe in royal finery. Smiles were on their faces as they walked down a red carpet, linked arm and arm as the citizens of Meridia looked on with admiration and pride.

The horns ceased once again when the future King and Queen replaced the man who introduced them atop the raised platform. It was Prince Felix who stepped forward to address those in attendance.

"My fellow Meridians, tonight is not just special for me and my wife but for you..."

"DEATH TO THE ABOLITIONIST!!!" A man shouted as he stepped out of the crowd and hurled an object that landed in front of the raised platform where the future King stood.

Security guards wrestled the man to the floor as partygoers began to scream in terror and flee to safety when the object the man threw began to emit a green gas throughout the hall.

"It’s POISON!!!" Someone shouted as people frantically ran from the hall, knocking over tables, chairs and other partygoers in the process.

"Felix!" Helena screamed as she watched him fall to the platform, engulfed in the gas.

Palace guards were quickly at his side and ushered him and his wife from the platform and out of the hall to safety. Helena’s sisters and mother had already been led to safety.

"C’mon Helena, we must get out of here too!" Roger held the woman by an arm as he quickly ushered the pair out of the hall rapidly filling with poison gas.

The corridor outside the hall was filled with panicked partygoers very excited about what had just occurred. Roger ushered them over to where he saw her mother, and sisters standing. Because of the excessive chatter, Roger had to practically shout when he addressed the group. "Is everyone okay?"

Everyone nodded a yes.

"I should take you ladies home." Roger still held onto Helena’s arm and was prepared to lead her and the others out of the building.

"No, I want to go to the palace and check on Felix and Catherine," Helena said.

"Us too," Gillian chimed in.

Vivian and Lizette nodded in agreement.

"I’ll come with you," Roger offered.

"That’s okay Roger. The palace will probably be in a frenzy so we should go alone," Helena said.

"If you say so." Roger had a disappointed smirk on his face while he watched the four women disappear into the crowd.

**********

The woman had a contented smile on her face as she gazed at the rugged mountains located on the sea bottom. Her legs gently squeezed the flanks of the black seahorse she rode, urging the animal to swim faster.

The seahorse quickly swam across a valley filled with lush green sea grass. The massive structures of Meridia could be seen in the distance.

When the seahorse reached the city streets, they were practically deserted. Most of Meridia’s residents were attending the opening celebration that marked the weeklong coronation festival. The woman had an invitation to attend the festival but she really did not care for the future King or those that would be in attendance so she decided not to go.

The seahorse was approaching her residence. She pulled back on the reins, slowing the animal down as it went through the entranceway to her home. The seahorse swam upward into a circular pool until its massive black body broke the surface of the water then it made its way over to a platform near the edge.

The woman dismounted the seahorse and made her way over to a changing area. She discarded her wetsuit, put on a terrycloth robe, and grabbed a towel, then made her way into the living quarters.

Once there, she plopped down on a couch in front of a roaring fire. She was drying her wet hair with a towel when she heard another enter the living quarters.

"Hi Sis." A man wearily strolled into the room and plopped down on an end of the couch.

The woman stared at him curiously. "Roger, shouldn’t you still be at the party? What are you doing home so early?"

Roger stretched out an arm along the back of the couch as he got more comfortable. "Well, Alexis, there was a bit of violence at the party."

"Oh really?" She moved closer to her brother. Her eye’s sparkled with piqued interest. "Tell me more."

Roger couldn’t help but chuckle at his sister’s demeanor. "The pro-slavers struck again and this time with poison gas. I had to get myself and Helena out of there before we inhaled the deadly air."

"And what about the intended target? Did he fair just as well?"

"I’m afraid so." Roger wearily sighed.

"Oh well, if the militant pro-slavers can’t get rid of him, I guess we’ll just have to do it ourselves."

"I kind of like that idea better anyway," he confessed. "Then I get to enjoy watching Felix die and that no good slave Hercules."

"What have you got against Helena’s new slave?" Alexis asked.

"He’s just like Felix." Roger complained. "He’s been filling Helena’s head with how wrong slavery is so she’s now sounding like an abolitionist. If Felix is crowned King, she will support his idea of abolishing slavery and probably even go so far as to marry this Hercules."

Alexis laughed at her brother’s words. "Don’t you think you are blowing this way out of proportion? After all, Helena has royal blood and this Hercules is nothing but a land-dweller."

"You haven’t seen her face or heard her voice when she talks about him. Believe me Alexis, she is falling for this guy."

She put a hand on her brother’s shoulder in a comforting gesture. "You worry too much. Listen to your big sister, by the end of the week, Helena will be yours as will the kingdom of Meridia. Come with me." Alexis rose from the couch and walked over to the wall where some coral art was hanging. Roger followed his sister.

She slightly turned a piece of coral and part of the wall slid away, revealing downward steps. Alexis descended the steps with Roger following closely behind her. The hidden stairway led to an underground cave.

A land-dweller man in a dark robe was already in the cave, standing by a pool filled with a bubbling orange liquid---it was lava. Alexis and Roger came to stand on either side of the man.

"How are we progressing Stuart?" Alexis asked the robed man.

"We have completed 100 possessions thus far and another 100 will be completed by the end of the week." Stuart smiled proudly as his eyes glowed with a red hue.

"Excellent." Alexis was smiling herself when she gazed at her brother. "You see Roger, our victory is assured. For no one can stop us...not with Dahak on our side.

CHAPTER 58

For a brief moment, dripping water hitting the stone floor was all that was heard in the dank, dark interrogation room. The incessant sound made Autolycus wish his captors would use the Chin water torture for his method of interrogation instead of the horrors he had heard about during his brief stay in the village of Shu. Auto preferred madness any day to excruciating pain.

A shadow moved in and out of the light of the only torch in the room---crawling across Autolycus’ face like the Medusa.

"Look at me when I’m talking to you, foreigner!" Juang Thao shouted. He viciously backhanded the bound man.

The blow knocked Autolycus’ face from side to side. Blood began to trickle from a corner of his mouth. He turned his gaze upward and looked into the face of Wong Tai’s lieutenant.

Juang Thao’s dark eyes bore into his prisoner’s face. "Why were you in Master Wong’s room?"

A cough escaped Autolycus’ lips when he began to speak. "I already told you. I was there to take his good luck charm."

"And what about the missing ring?"

"Oh that...that was just an extra."

Juang Thao narrowed his gaze, suspicion darkening his features. "Do you really expect me to believe that? You would have to be completely stupid to risk your life for a worthless piece of metal and a cheap ring...no, you are a spy for the warlord Han Gu!"

"No I’m not." Autolycus started to panic when a rugged man stepped out of the shadows in a dark corner of the room and began to approach him. From his black attire and the stony expression on his face---he looked like a tormentor and Autolycus feared the worst. "Okay, what I said does sound stupid, but honest...it’s the truth," he quickly reiterated when he felt the man grab hold of one of his hands bound behind the chair on which he sat.

A muffled snap was heard.

"AAAHHH!!!" Autolycus howled when he felt the pain from his broken finger.

"Now, who do you work for?" Juang Thao asked.

"NO ONE!!!" Autolycus screamed.

"You LIE!!!" Juang Thao shouted.

The King of Thieves tried to ball his hands into the tightest fists possible but his tormentor still managed to pry a hand open and latch onto a finger.

"UGGHHHH!!!" Auto yelled as another finger was broken.

Juang Thao moved closer to the bound man. Taking hold of his chin, he wrenched his face so that he now looked at him. "If you tell me who sent you, I will make sure your death is quick."

"N-no one s-sent m-me." Auto gasped. Ignoring the excruciating pain, he continued. "Your boss’ good luck charm may look worthless but it’s part of a sword that can kiaaaAHHHHH…" The King of Thieves was howling in agony again as the large man behind him broke the rest of the fingers on his injured hand.

With disgust in his eyes, Juang Thao released his hold on the man’s chin. "That’s enough Tu Dong-po. I am tired of hearing him screech like a woman."

Tu Dong-po was now holding onto Autolycus’ good hand. His thick stubby fingers were latched onto the man’s index finger, ready to snap it. But with a disappointed frown he released the finger from his grasp.

"Take him back to his cell," Juang Thao ordered.

Tu Dong-po removed the binds from the prisoner and brought the man to his feet. One of his limp arms was draped over the broad shoulders of his tormentor.

Before the pair departed, Juang Thao addressed the King of Thieves one last time. "You should have told me the truth. Now you will die the most horrible death possible." He disgustedly shook his head as he stepped aside and let the two pass.

Having never experienced such torture before, Autolycus was in a semi-conscious state. His boots dragged along the floor as Tu Dong-po transferred him to his cell. When the two stood outside the cell, Tu Dong-po unlocked the door and pushed it open. The old metal whined loudly. Autolycus was unceremoniously dropped on the dirty straw covering the floor where he immediately slipped into unconsciousness.

It was some hours later when Autolycus regained consciousness.

"Ohhh," he groaned when he lifted his body into a sitting position. With his good hand, he brushed the strands of straw out of his hair, as the cobwebs lifted from his mind. "And I thought it was just a nightmare."

Autolycus removed the shirt he wore, tore off a sleeve and wrapped it around the broken fingers of his injured hand. "This better not ruin my talent for safecracking."

He gazed up at the lone window high above his head. Streaks of sunrays poured through it, providing the only means of light in the small cell. Not like there was anything for Auto to look at, except for gray stone walls, dirty straw and two tin bowls containing food and water, set by the cell door.

Being careful of his broken fingers, he crawled over to the two tin bowls. He ravenously shoved the meager rations into his mouth. The water in the other bowl was warm but he downed it anyway.

When the bowl was empty, Autolycus held it up to his face, staring at the dull reflection he could see of him on its side. "Auto ol’ boy, you look terrible."

He ran a finger over his moustache that was becoming undistinguishable in all the new facial hair growth. His face had several bruises but the ones most noticeable were the ugly red bruise at a corner of his mouth, where Juang Thao had backhanded him. The other was his left black eye. Auto let his thoughts drift to the person responsible for it, the mysterious woman who had attacked him in the courtyard of Wong Tai’s fortress. Boy would he like to pulverize her! He would be safely with his friends right now, celebrating a successful theft if not for this woman’s interference.

Thoughts of his friends made Autolycus think of escape. He hadn’t heard anything about them being captured so they must have gotten away. Hopefully, as he sat in the dank cell, they were concocting a plan to rescue him.

Autolycus tossed aside the tin bowl as he let his gaze wander over his appearance. Not only were his fingers broken and his face bruised but also his clothes were torn and dirty. The King of Thieves always took pride in his pristine appearance so it pained him deeply to be in such a scraggily condition.

"This is what I get for coming to the aid of a friend." He grumbled under his breath.

Autolycus shook his head to clear the grim thoughts from his mind. ‘I gotta stop feeling sorry for myself. If this is the way my life will end, at least it will be for a noble cause and not just petty thievery. Maybe Gabrielle will even write a poem about how I, the King of Thieves, gave my life battling the evil Dahak.’

This thought brought a smile to Autolycus’ face. A contented sigh escaped his lips as he picked up a clean strand of straw and began to chew on it. He lay back, putting an arm under his head as he gazed up at the sunrays pouring through the lone window. ‘If this is my end, I can face it.’

**********

As nightfall quickly descended across the Daba Mountain Valley, several expensive-looking carriages made their way down a dirt road, leading to Chen Yee’s estate.

Meleager stood at a window on the second floor of Chen Yee’s home. He brought a tin flask up to his lips and took a huge swig as he watched the carriages stop at the front of the house and their wealthy occupants make their way through the dragon-decorated doorway.

After barely escaping from Wong Tai’s fortress, Meleager, Salmoneus and Zhen Yu decided it would be safer to stay at Chen Yee’s ranch instead of returning to the inn where they had rooms.

The gray-haired warrior was still gazing out the window when he heard footsteps ascending the staircase in haste. A moment later, Salmoneus rushed into the room.

"Oh, that was awful…just awful!" Salmoneus quickly babbled while his hands nervously fiddled with the front of his tunic. "The worst things I have ever seen!" His chubby body shivered.

Meleager left the window and headed towards his highly agitated friend. Concern was written on his face. "Hey Sal, what’s wrong?"

Salmoneus stared at the open flask the man held in a hand. "I could really use some of that about now."

"Sure." Meleager handed him the flask.

Salmoneus put it to his lips and downed a hefty portion of its contents. His eyes widened, his body slightly trembled and his lips twisted in a distasteful smirk as he swallowed the foul tasting fermented liquid.

Meleager couldn’t help but chuckle at his friend’s reaction. "You’re not much of a drinker are you?"

"No, I’m not. I usually just stick to mead." Salmoneus handed the flask back to Meleager. "What is that stuff anyway?"

"Oh, it’s some Chin concoction Chen Yee’s cook brewed up for me." Meleager capped the flask and tucked it inside his shirt. "Now, tell me what’s bothering you?"

"I saw some really disgusting drawings in a book in Chen Yee’s library." Salmoneus made a scary face as he thought about what he had seen.

"What kind of drawings?"

"They were different methods of torture...and really gruesome." Salmoneus’ body trembled with the last word. "It made me think about Auto and what they are probably doing to him. Then, I thought about us and what will happen if we get caught trying to rescue him."

"Would you stop worrying." Meleager placed a hand on the man’s shoulder in a reassuring gesture. "Chen Yee is a smart man --- and very persuasive. A little help from the other landowners and we’ll save Auto."

"And ourselves?"

"That goes without saying," Meleager replied.

At that moment, Zhen Yu poked his head in the doorway. "Hey you guys, the meeting is about to start. I saved us some seats in the back."

Meleager and Salmoneus quickly left the room and followed Zhen Yu down the stairs. The meeting was just getting started when the three took their seats in the back of the room.

"Since taking his place on the throne of Chin, Ming Tao has been battling warlords that were loyal to his cousin, Ming Tien." Chen Yee held up a sheet of parchment for all to see. "This message arrived today by carrier pigeon from General Yan Tak-Wing."

Murmurs of excitement were heard throughout the assembled group as Chen Yee prepared to read the message.

"The warlords Woo Chan and Lam Peng-Ho surrendered two days ago. Chu and Qin provinces are now under Emperor Ming Tao’s control."

Claps and cheers of joy were heard throughout the room. When it quieted down again, one of the landowners raised a hand.

"Yes?" Chen Yee asked.

"This is great for the people of Chu and Qin provinces but what about our lands?"

"Yeah. Months ago we sent the Imperial army food, clothing, and some of our men for the fighting," another added.

"We packed up our families and sent them to safety because we thought they would be in danger," another chimed in.

"We helped everyone else so when will the Imperial army be here to help us battle Wong Tai?" still another asked.

The others loudly murmured the sentiments of their fellow landowners.

Chen Yee raised his hands to bring everyone to silence. "I understand how you all feel. I too sent many possessions and men from my own house to help other provinces fight their ruling warlords. Those tyrants were defeated and now I want to do away with the warlord terrorizing our lands. That’s why you should all be pleased to know that General Yan Tak-Wing’s army will be here in seven days."

Excited chatter was heard about the room following this announcement.

Once again, Chen Yee raised his hands to silence the crowd. "We have been preparing for this battle for months. Now we must designate people for certain tasks."

Designating tasks went on for quite a while and at times got very noisy and chaotic. The meeting was nearing its end when Meleager raised a hand.

"Yes?" Chen Yee asked.

"What about Autolycus? When will he be rescued?"

"From sources within Wong Tai’s fortress, we have been able to learn that Autolycus’ execution is scheduled for the day that Emperor Ming Tao’s army will reach the Daba Valley.

Salmoneus gasped with horror for their captured friend.

"Most of Wong Tai’s men have already left the fortress headed for the entranceway to our valley," Chen Yee continued. "This leaves only a small band of men at the fortress to carry out the execution. I and some of the other landowners have already chosen people from our households to take part in the rescue."

"I would like to be a part of that team," Meleager said.

"Me too," Sal said.

"I as well," Zhen Yu said.

"Of course, all three of you are welcome. My son Chen Yew is heading the team. You can speak to him about the rescue plans." Chen Yee’s gaze wandered over the assembled group. "If there are no more questions, this meeting is adjourned."

The room erupted into chatter as the landowners prepared to depart for their homes. Meleager, Salmoneus and Zhen Yu met up with Chen Yew to discuss the rescue of Autolycus.

As people continued to exit the room, a petite young woman with a waist-length black pony-tail made her way through the departing group to stand before Chen Yee who still stood at the front of the room.

When he saw her, his eyes widened in shock. "Chen Jie what are you doing here!? You are supposed to be in Jincheng with the others. The fighting will be starting very soon. It is not safe for you to be here."

"I had to come back Father…and now I must be a part of the group that will rescue the foreigner named Autolycus." Her lips twisted with discomfort.

Chen Yee’s eyes narrowed as he took hold of his daughter’s arms. "Chen Jie, what did you do!?" His gaze bore into her.

Chen Jie remained silent and slightly bowed her head to avoid her father’s probing stare.

He placed a hand on her chin and raised her face so she now looked at him. "Answer me."

"I broke into Wong Tai’s fortress," she softly said.

Chen Yee sharply inhaled. "Oh Chen Jie, why would you do such a thing!? You could have been killed!"

"I know Father, but ever since you told me about Wong Tai’s father murdering my birth family, I have been waiting for the day when I could avenge their deaths. So, the night of Wong Tai’s birthday party, I broke into his fortress to kill him. I was hiding in the closet when I saw the foreigner Autolycus enter Wong Tai’s bedroom. I saw him remove the charm from his neck and then a ring from his finger. That’s when I lost it. That ring belonged to my birth father. That murdering warlord wore it like his own and now some thief was trying to walk away with it. I couldn’t let that happen. But before I could do anything, a dog attacked this Autolycus. The dog’s barking alerted the guards, so he opted to flee. I discarded my plan to kill Wong Tai and went after the foreigner so I could get my birth father’s ring. I caught up with him in the courtyard. I knocked him out and took my birth father’s ring and that charm Wong Tai wore around his neck."

Chen Yee sadly shook his head. "This is all my fault. I should have never told you what Wong Tai’s father did to your family."

"No Father, it is my fault and that’s why I must be a part of the rescue team to save Autolycus."

Chen Yee vigorously shook his head in protest. "No. It is too dangerous. I won’t let you go back there."

"But Father, I must. Autolycus was captured and now facing execution all because of me," she said. "At least this time I won’t be going alone. I will have the rescue team with Chen Yew heading it. So, can I go?" Chen Jie looked at her father pleadingly.

Chen Yee wearily sighed. "Oh all right, you can go," he relented. "I’ll just make sure your brother keeps a close eye on you."

Chen Jie now beamed with a smile.

**********

Back and forth, Draco repeatedly swung the machete, cutting away the thick jungle foliage that loomed in their path. When he paused to wipe away the sweat that dripped into his eyes, he wished fervently that he could cleave the humid air as well. "I think it’s time for a break."

"I second that," Darnelle wearily huffed from behind him.

"Fine by me," Ahkmim chimed in, taking up the rear.

The three stopped for a break by a flowing river.

"I’m going to take a leak," Draco announced as he disappeared into some tall, thick bushes nearby.

Darnelle dropped to his knees at the riverbank and began splashing the cool water on his hot, sweat-laden face. Suddenly, he paused mid-splash, gazed worriedly at the water then turned towards Ahkmim,

The Egyptian had seated himself on a nearby rock. Ahkmim couldn’t help but chuckle over Darnelle’s cautiousness. "Don’t worry---there are no crocodiles around here."

"That’s good to know," Darnelle sighed with relief. He resumed splashing the water on his face.

Using his fingers, Darnelle combed back his wet hair. He stretched out on the thick grass at the river’s edge, leaning back on his hands, and stared out over the water. He was inhaling deeply when his nostril’s flared and his lips twisted with disgust. "Eww, what is that!?" He looked at Ahkmim whose face was also twisted with displeasure over the sudden foul odor wafting in on a breeze. "It’s getting worse." Darnelle put a hand over his nose as he rose to his feet. "Hey Draco, I thought you said you were only taking a leak?"

"I did." Draco stepped out of the nearby foliage, a sickened look was on his face and a hand covered his nose. He looked at his friends who also had their noses covered while they gazed at him accusingly. "Hey, that smell didn’t come from me. It’s a Simbutu landmark. Come see for yourselves." Draco headed back into the foliage with Darnelle and Ahkmim following him.

The ghastly smell got worse when they entered a small clearing just beyond the foliage. When they stood before a patch of trees, the color drained from the faces of the men and their eyes widened in horror.

Hanging from a tree was a human body---stripped of all the flesh and nothing but bloody bones. Flies swarmed around the grizzly sight.

"I’ve seen gore on the battlefield but never anything like this," Draco confessed, his voice sounding distorted while he continued to cover his nose.

Ahkmim swatted away the flies buzzing around his face. "We must be very near to the Simbutus’ main village so we better have our guard up at all times."

"Right." Darnelle removed the machete hanging at his waist and used it to swat away the flies and the offensive stench. "Ugh, I can’t take this smell anymore. Let’s go find Glaphyra."

The former javelin thrower led the way, followed by Draco, with Ahkmim taking up the rear.

**********

Night was descending upon the jungle when the trio heard the faint rhythmic beating of drums.

"It can’t be much further," Darnelle huffed while pushing aside foliage with his hands. He had stopped using the machete to clear their path for fear the Simbutus would be alerted to their presence.

Draco walked behind him. Every now and then, he glanced up and around them, checking the tree limbs for any sign of the Simbutus.

The beating drums had gotten distinctly louder, indicating they were at the very heart of Simbutu land.

Ahkmim was also scanning their surroundings for signs of danger. His eyes looked to the path before them. Something at ankle length glistened in the moonlight that penetrated the thick trees.

The Egyptian’s eyes widened when he realized what it was. He quickly shoved Draco out of his path, knocking the former warlord to the ground. Then he made a leap towards Darnelle, knocking the man to the jungle floor, just as one of his boots brushed against the silk-like twine stretched across the path before them.

All three men lay on the jungle floor as a large object covered in deadly spear tips swiftly swung over the area where they all previously stood.

"Gods, was that a close call," Draco breathed.

"Because of my big feet, we almost got taken out by that giant meat tenderizer." Darnelle looked to the Egyptian lying next to him. "Thanks Ahkmim."

"That’s what I’m here for," Ahkmim said with a smile.

Darnelle’s machete had been knocked from his waist when he fell to the ground and now lay in front of some nearby foliage. As he reached for it, that’s when Darnelle saw a pair of sandals and the dark feet they contained, hiding in the foliage. "Uh oh, the welcoming party is here."

Before Darnelle could grab the machete, with lightening quick speed the Simbutu warrior was upon him, and knocked him into unconsciousness with the butt of his tall spear. His friends had no time to react for two more Simbutu warriors also knocked them into unconsciousness.

**********

Glaphyra felt like she was floating on a raft set adrift at sea. The last few days were a hazy blur.

‘C’mon, concentrate!’ She ordered her mind as she tried to take in her surroundings.

Slowly the rhythmic beat of drums invaded her consciousness.

‘ That’s it!’ She told herself as the rhythm of the drums became louder.

Glaphyra felt something-moist touch her lips and work its way between them. She allowed it entry and let it rest on her tongue. The taste wasn’t familiar but it was good so she began to chew then swallowed it.

‘I’m almost there...just a little bit more.’ Her eyelids began to flutter before she was finally able to keep them open. Her vision was blurry but she could vaguely make out the form of a person leaning over her.

As the haze continued to clear, Glaphyra realized she was lying on her back. Her eyes gazed upward at the blurry image of an old woman---her skin dark brown and wrinkled. A multi-colored scarf was wrapped around her head that matched the strapless wrap covering her body. Was she real or a hallucination?

"Mogato, mogato." The old woman brought a hand containing some type of meat to Glaphyra’s mouth.

Glaphyra had no idea what the woman just said to her. Still feeling hazy, she opened her mouth and let the old woman drop the meat in it. Glaphyra’s gaze fell to the necklace dangling down the woman’s chest. It was very similar to the one Darnelle had found in the jungle---the one that belonged to the Simbutu warrior who had attacked her.

It was at that moment that the haze completely lifted from her mind and Glaphyra knew where she was and most importantly, WHAT was in her mouth---the flesh of a human!

With horrified disgust, Glaphyra spat out the meat as she bolted upright. She pushed the old woman away from her, knocking the bowl containing more human flesh from her wrinkled hands.

"Kinswali nutu! Kinswali nutu!" The old woman excitedly shouted as she rose to her feet.

Glaphyra was now standing too. She didn’t know what the woman was saying and she really didn’t care. Knowing that she had swallowed human flesh made her nauseous and she began frantically looking for something to cleanse her mouth.

"Kinswali nutu! Kinswali nutu!" The old woman shouted again as she approached Glaphyra, trying to restrain her.

"Get away from me!" Glaphyra shoved the woman hard, knocking her to the ground.

"Kinswali nutu! Kinswali nutu!" The woman said once more as she rose to her feet and quickly exited the hut.

Now alone, Glaphyra spotted a large bowl of water setting on a mat in a corner of the hut.

She immediately went over to it, dropping to her knees while bringing it to her mouth. But nausea overtook her, so she put down the bowl and bent over, emptying her stomach of its contents.

Vomiting had left her quite shaken, so with a trembling cupped hand she took water from the bowl and brought it to her mouth. She swished it around a bit before spitting it out. Water was dribbling from her chin that she wiped away with the back of a hand. It was at that moment that she finally took notice of her own attire.

"Oh gods!" She gasped when she realized she was topless.

Glaphyra was wearing a multi-colored skirt that came to mid-thigh but no top. Her breasts were completely bare!

Considering the way she was dressed, Glaphyra now feared she might have been raped. It was imperative that she recall what had happened the last few days.

She tried to concentrate on those faint memories but the loud beating of the drums seemed to hamper her efforts. "Oh, would you stop beating those damn drums already!" She shouted.

Glaphyra held her head in her hands as she paced back and forth trying to recount memories. She remembered being awakened in the night by a large hand clamped over her mouth then nothing until she awakened in that very hut only moments ago. She racked her brain trying to fill in the gaps but the memories remained blank. With a defeated sigh she gave up. Forcing herself to remember was not working. Hopefully with time, the memories would surface on their own. In the meantime, she would just pray to the gods that she had not been raped.

She now set about looking for something to cover herself. As a former slave trader, Glaphyra was use to displaying her merchandise, all men, in their full naked glory for prospective buyers but not herself.

Glaphyra frantically searched the hut looking for something to cover herself but found nothing. Another idea came to her when she spotted several necklaces dangling from a pole in the center of the hut. The necklaces were large and weighty but positioned strategically did a good job of hiding the fact that she was topless.

Glaphyra was still fiddling with the necklaces when loud chatter in that strange tongue the old woman had spoken began mixing with the sound of the beating drums.

"I wonder what is going on." Glaphyra walked over to an opening in the hut and peeked outside.

It appeared the women were greeting the men of the village after returning from a successful hunt in the jungle.

Knowing that her friends would come after her, Glaphyra now feared that they were the prizes of the hunt. She moved out into the crowd of women to get a better view. Her eyes widened in horror when she learned her fears had been correct.

All three of her friends were being paraded through the village like captured game. They were carried in on bamboo poles, tied by their wrists and their ankles. Several ‘Y’ shaped poles were at the center of the village and this is where the bamboo poles carrying Darnelle, Draco, and Ahkmim were deposited.

Glaphyra pushed her way through the crowd of villagers headed for the three bound men.

"Darnelle!" She cried as she dropped to her knees before him.

"Glaphyra!" A smile of relief graced his face when he saw her.

From their bound positions, the other two men were able to see her too and breathed huge sighs of relief.

"Are you okay?" Darnelle asked.

"I’m fine. I’m more worried about you guys." She looked to the others before returning her gaze to Darnelle. She ran a hand through his hair.

"I know it looks bad but we will get out of here," he assured with a confident smile.

Considering their dire predicament, Glaphyra found it hard to share his confidence but she couldn’t help but smile at him. She moved closer to claim his lips with a kiss but was halted when the Simbutu warrior who had abducted her in the jungle pulled her away.

"Let me go!" Glaphyra yelled as she fought to free herself from the big man’s strong grasp.

"Puta kindalu, vishi swa!" The warrior said while proceeding to drag a squirming and yelling Glaphyra back to the hut.

"FUDALO DAKATUBU!!!" Ahkmim shouted at the top of his voice.

Suddenly, the drums ceased beating and the gathered crowd fell silent. The warrior restraining Glaphyra stopped dead in his tracks and started for where the bound Ahkmim was.

"Yo Ahkmim, what did you say? ‘Cause you really got the attention of the whole village," Darnelle inquired.

"Yeah," Draco added.

"There’s no time to explain, I’ll tell you later," was all Ahkmim would say.

A tall slender dark skin man wearing a feathered headdress and several large necklaces dangling down his chest stepped forward and approached Ahkmim also. He appeared to be the chief of the Simbutus. "Fudalo dakatubu?"

"Fudalo dakatubu Simbutu fi puswali," Ahkmim replied.

Excited chatter broke out among the villagers.

The chief raised his arms and the villagers grew silent again. He pointed the spear he held at the warrior restraining Glaphyra. "Nagasili, fudalo dakatubu fi puswali?"

"Fudalo dakatubu fi puswali," the warrior replied.

The chief raised his arms in the air and shouted "FUDALO DAKATUBU, FUDALO DAKATUBU!!!"

The crowded erupted into chatter as the drums began to beat again.

Some warriors approached the three men, cut away their binds and led them to a bamboo cage. From their new position, the three men watched as the warrior dragged Glaphyra to a hut in which they disappeared.

The drums were rather loud so Darnelle had to practically shout when he addressed Ahkmim. "Now, do you mind telling us what that was all about?"

"I made the Dakatubu challenge to the warrior named Nagasili for Glaphyra’s hand," Ahkmim replied.

"And what exactly does this Dakatubu challenge involve?" Draco asked.

"Nagasili and I must travel to the sacred land of the elephant burial ground and retrieved the black tusk of the wooly mammoth."

"That sounds pretty easy," Darnelle said.

"Well, it’s not," Ahkmim replied. "We must travel through the thick jungle filled with many deadly creatures. It is very rare for anyone to make it out alive."

"Gods, Ahkmim, why did you even make such a challenge?" Draco asked.

"It’s the only way I could think of saving us from being food for the Simbutu people," the Egyptian replied. "And doing this challenge will put me near Kilamanjaro. The piece to the Holy Saber is located in its caves."

"Are you sure?" Darnelle asked.

"I’ve studied those maps you brought and it’s the only place it could be."

Darnelle shook his head in protest. "I can’t let you do this Ahkmim. It should be me."

"But you are unfamiliar with the mountain. I know it well and should be the one taking on the challenge," Ahkmim insisted.

"I think he has a point, Darnelle," Draco added.

"Glyphera is MY girlfriend so I should be the one fighting for her hand. The Simbutus already saw her about to kiss me," Darnelle said.

Ahkmim couldn’t deny this point but still had a look of apprehension on his face.

"I can remember anything, so if you map out for me, exactly what to expect in these caves, I will come out okay." Darnelle spoke with firm confidence.

This did not go unnoticed by Ahkmim, with some reluctance he relented. "Okay, you will do the challenge."

All three men dropped to their knees as Ahkmim picked up a stick and began drawing a detailed map of the caves of Kilamanjaro.

**********

A Roman soldier listened to the waves violently crashing against the rocks far below the cliff on which he stood. His gaze wandered over the vast blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The large waves were beginning to look black as the sun began its descent from the sky, making way for night.

The blood red cloak he wore whipped in the wind, so he pulled it tighter about him. He gazed upward and smiled with pride at the large flag he had just planted, whipping madly in the strong winds.

Sounds of horse hooves rhythmically beating upon the ground could now be heard as they got closer. The soldier’s smile widened. His general had finally arrived to check out his new headquarters.

He turned from the cliff and headed towards the road to greet him. A few lower ranking members of the legion were already standing outside a large castle when he got there. He took his place in front of them as his general’s calvary of horses came to stop in front of them.

Those standing in front of the castle gave the Roman salute as their superior dismounted from his large white steed.

He removed his helmet and gazed upward to get a better look at the large stone structure. A tight smile graced his lips as he turned to gaze at the soldier at the head of the group. "Well done lieutenant."

"Thank you General Caesar." He bowed his head slightly before gazing at Caesar again. "With our taking of the city of Malaca, we now control all of the ports along the Spanish coast. Anyone who wants to continue to do trade, will have to come through us."

"Excellent lieutenant, just excellent."

The soldier smiled with pride. "Sir, if you will follow me, I will take you to the war room and the office you wanted."

The lower ranking soldiers parted, allowing the lieutenant and Caesar to pass through the massive entranceway of the castle.

Brutus was descending the grand stone stairway as the general made his way into the foyer of the large structure. "Ah Caesar, good to see you old friend. There is a matter of great importance I must discuss with you."

Knowing his long time trusted confidant would never waste his time, Caesar wanted to hear what he had to say. He looked at the lieutenant. "You will have to show me those rooms later."

The soldier nodded in understanding and left the two old friends to talk in private.

"So Brutus, what is it we need to discuss?" Caesar asked when they were alone.

"Before we get into that, we need to take a little trip." Brutus led Caesar back outside.

Caesar’s horse was still there as was another. A small entourage of Roman soldiers on horseback waited with the horses.

The two men mounted their horses that began to trot down the dirt road. The group of soldiers followed at a close distance.

"Now tell me Brutus, what is so important that I had to be dragged back onto the road after just getting here?"

"There is a mystic in Malaca you must meet."

"You are taking me to see a mystic!" Caesar huffed. "You know I don’t put much stock in that stuff...they are all charlatans!"

"Not this one, Caesar." Brutus insisted. "From what I found out from the townsfolk, he has been touting you conquering Spain for ages...long before your name was even known in Rome."

"Interesting." Caesar raised an eyebrow with piqued interest.

"The local ruler was about to execute him for his predictions when we conquered the land."

Always confident of his own destiny to rule the world, it puffed Caesar up even more when there were others who could confirm it. "Take me to this mystic at once."

Both men urged their horses to gallop even faster.

**********

The Roman entourage stopped at a small cottage on the outskirts of the city of Malaca. The soldiers remained outside while Caesar and Brutus entered the small structure.

It was one room. The only light was provided by a roaring fire in a forge-like structure at the center of the room. Dried herbs hung about the ceiling so Caesar and Brutus had to push them aside as they made their way towards the forge where a robed figure stood.

When the two Romans stood on the other side of the forge, the figure lowered the hood of the cloak, revealing the face of a very old man. His light brown head was completely bald---his old skin weather beaten from life by the sea. His thin lips broke into a smile, missing some teeth, as his old gaze rested on the famed Roman. "Ah Caesar, it is a pleasure to finally meet you."

"I’m sure it is," Caesar replied with arrogance.

"I am Carlos," the old man said. "Your friend Brutus has probably told you how I prophesized your conquering of Spain long before you were even born."

"Yes he did," Caesar replied. "He also told me that you knew of conquests yet to come."

"Indeed I do," the old man replied with a smile. "Your empire will surpass that of Alexander the Great."

"Go on," Caesar said with a tight smile.

"Most of the known world will be under Roman rule...Greece, Gaul, Spain, Britannia, Eire, Egypt, Syria, Judea, Sheba..." the old man spouted off. "But talk of future conquests is not the reason I requested to see you. The lord I serve would like a word with you."

"Oh really? Where is he?" Caesar began looking around the small cottage, as did Brutus.

"He’s right here." Carlos threw a powdered substance into the forge, causing the flames to shoot towards the roof of the cottage.

"Gods, are you mad man!?" Brutus shouted as he and Caesar jumped back from the blaze.

The old man laughed at their reaction. "There is no danger...just watch."

The flame reduced to its previous level, shimmering calmly.

The two Romans intently watched the flame as it grew translucent. A form began to take shape in its midst---slowly becoming that of a man with silver streaked black hair, olive skin and blue eyes. A blood red robe covered his body.

The eyes of the Romans widened in surprise when the figure in the flame addressed the general.

"Hello Caesar...I am Dahak."

"Ah yes, when I was in Britannia, the peasants made mention of you...I thought it all a myth," Caesar confessed.

"As you can clearly see, I am not a myth." The evil god reached within the blood red robe he wore and pulled out a sword. "Do you recognize this?"

The sword was very large---the craftsmanship of the blade impeccable---radiating with divinity. At the center of the hilt was a red ruby.

A smile of recognition crossed Caesar lips, for he did indeed recognize the sword. "That is the Sword of Mars. How did you get it?"

"I claimed it as a prize...after I killed him."

Both Caesar and Brutus were stunned to hear that the powerful God of War was dead. But they didn’t doubt the dark god’s words. For how else could he have the war god’s sword in his possession?

"That’s right, the god you knew as Mars is dead, so are the other gods," Dahak firmly said. "I am now King of Olympus. But there is still room for lesser gods." He stared directly into the eyes of Caesar. "The sword of Mars is yours along with his godhood."

The two Romans looked at each other speechless before Caesar turned to gaze at the dark god’s image again. "But why would you grant such power to me?"

"Many years ago, your actions allowed someone very close to me to awaken to their true destiny and this is just a token of my appreciation," Dahak replied with a smile. "The sword will be waiting for you in Rome." With those last words, Dahak’s form faded as the flame took on its solid fiery orange color again.

The two Romans stood in silence, mulling over what the evil god had just bestowed upon Caesar.

"I hope General Caesar is pleased with what my lord revealed to him tonight?" Carlos inquired breaking the silence.

"I am more than pleased." Smiling, Caesar turned to his closest confidant. "Make sure the old man gets a new home and whatever else he wants."

"Of course," Brutus replied.

"Thank you Caesar." The old man bowed his head in gratitude.

Caesar was beaming with confidence as he turned to exit the small cottage.

Brutus followed behind his old friend. He did his best to hide the apprehension he felt regarding the evil god’s gift. He already had fear that his friend was letting power go to his head and it was bound to get worse when he accepted Mars’ vacated godhood.

The two Romans mounted their waiting steeds and proceeded back towards their new Iberian headquarters.

"This visit turned out to be more than what you or even I thought it would be...Dahak granting you godhood," Brutus said as he rode beside his friend.

"Yes, it did." Caesar’s mind was already formulating what he would do with the power of a god. "It will certainly be a surprise to those old fools in the Senate." The thought of their reaction brought a wicked smile to his lips.

Chapters 59 – 61

Webmaster Note: To make this story load a little easier in your browser, it was split into several web pages.

Feedback: Send comments to: skkye_blue@yahoo.com