DISCLAIMER: I don't own the characters of Hercules and Iolaus (I wish!). No money is being made from this story and no copyright infringement is intended. Iolaus does kinda get hurt badly though.

Quote for Iolaus: "Character is what you are in the dark," Earl Mac Rauch, Buckaroo Banzai (cited from 'The Lost King' by Margaret Weiss).



KIDNAPPED

by Ruric

Chapter Four

He had the sudden overwhelming urge to grasp Iolaus' shoulders in his hands and frantically shake the hunter, to try to get some reaction, some response, any sign of recognition from the still form in front of him. Just as he was reaching forwards, hands outstretched, the door behind him opened and Xena entered.

She took one look at his ravaged face and came forward to enfold him in a warm hug. Her strong arms wrapped around him. He resisted for a moment before his strength finally crumbled. Wrapping his own arms tightly around her waist, he rested his head wearily against her belly letting the tide of grief arise to claim him. His vision blurred as tears came again. Long fingers carefully stroked his hair, pushing it back from his face. Soothing, crooning sounds from her throat. Warmth and strength enfolded him offering support and understanding. She held him gently whilst he wept out his fear and longing for Iolaus.

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Xena returned from packing Hercules off to bed in the next room. The endless worry about Iolaus' condition and the sudden storm of weeping had exhausted the demi-god, and he'd not been suspicious as she'd handed him the poppy laced wine. Hopefully he would sleep throughout most of the day again. Watching over Iolaus was taking a heavy emotional toll on both of them, and although she really didn't believe any of the Gods were the least bit interested in helping humanity, she found herself guiltily offering a furtive and quick prayer to Apollo for the hunter's recovery. Xena pulled the chair close to the bed and settled into it. The next part of the story was going to be difficult. She'd reached the point where she met Iolaus for the first time. Casting her thoughts back, she recalled how she'd set out to entrap the hunter. How her main priority at that time had been to destroy Hercules by any means possible, thus removing the obstacle to her plans for gaining more territory. These were not happy memories, and she wondered whether to continue, but to
give up now would mean the story would remain incomplete.

She no longer knew who was being helped more by this need for talk, her or Iolaus. She'd hidden from so many of her memories for so long, and was finding it cathartic to talk through her past to someone who *probably* was not aware of what was being said, and certainly was not about to judge her.

"Iolaus, do you remember when we first met," she began. "I pretended my horse was lame as you came whistling happily up the road." Xena reflected that Iolaus was such an unbridled optimist, probably because he knew how sad a place the world could really be.

The light voice was back again, reciting more of the story of her life. He wondered for a moment how long she'd been talking, and then realised she could only just have started. Her voice sounded fresh and clear, not husky and tired as it had the last time. He must be attuned to the sound of these two voices, masculine and feminine.

The grey fog that surrounded him seemed lighter, less dense and more wispy, and he could hear her voice much more clearly now. How long had he lain here and listened to the two of them, and who were they, that they knew so much about his life? And why couldn't he remember everything? It seemed he was watching a series of pictures. Any time they started talking he could see events happening, things that had happened to them and to him. He felt their pain and joy, felt remembered pain and joy of his own. He now *knew* he was Iolaus, but that was only a name, it didn't tell him who he *was* or what he believed in. He knew the woman was Xena and the man was Hercules, but what was the link between the three of them? As part of his mind grappled futilely with these questions he turned his attention to listening to the woman again.

"Whistling happily up the road" - that phrase triggered clear memories. Walking along a road on a beautiful summer's day. But he hadn't *been* happy - why? He scrabbled around for a few moments, trying to recall, details that slipped out of his grasp. Something to do with a woman, a woman he'd been interested in. Yes, she'd got married and suddenly his loneliness had struck at him. He was alone, the one person he wanted to share his life with had *no* idea how much he cared... but why couldn't he remember who that person was? He'd been trying to convince himself that, on such a gorgeous day, he'd nothing to be so deeply upset about. The sun was shining, he was surrounded by the heady smells of summer, drying grass wafting on the breeze, the powerful smell of the blooming flowers from the surrounding meadows.

He'd rounded a corner, determinedly whistling a happy ballad and there she was. A woman clad in a scanty dress of red and olive cotton, kneeling by her horse. Her strong hands had reached out, carefully caressing the horse's leg as she crooned gently to it, obviously unaware of his presence. Long dark hair flowed down over her shoulders, shielding her face from his view.

He'd asked if she needed help and been surprised at her defensive response. She'd lurched to her feet knife in hand, held threateningly before her. The cotton dress had turned almost transparent in the sunlight, showing clear definition of the lightly muscled, athletic body beneath and he'd been hit by a wave of lust and desire so strong that it had almost knocked him to his knees.

Part of his mind wondered at the clarity of some of the things he remembered. The sounds, smells and sensations, the pictures that arose from the voices that invaded his consciousness, speaking to him of obviously shared memories.

"You were so open and friendly, offering your help so willingly and unconditionally, without strings or ties, and all I was thinking about was how easy you would be to manipulate, to enable me to get Hercules to my camp." Xena recalled the wonderful smile that had lit up his face when she agreed to his proposal to see her to the inn. Recalling that, at the time, her only thought had been that yet another idiotic man had fallen for her charms, without seeing the intelligent plotting that went on behind her clear blue eyes.

"I sensed the real bond between you and Hercules that first night at the inn, and knew if I could break that, if I could separate you, then I could achieve what I really wanted ... Hercules' death." He'd been so easy to entrap. She'd sensed the vulnerability and slight jealousy when he'd introduced Hercules as his 'best friend' rather than by name when they'd met in the inn. Unwittingly he'd given her the lever she'd needed to manipulate him. All she'd had to do was wrap it up in a package of sex and pretended love and she'd had him hooked.

An inn, the woman and his friend, Hercules. Yes, he had a name, knew it was the right name, but still struggled to make the link. He had something other than friendship with this man....but what? The knowledge of how women tended to look upon his taller, stronger companion, and the sure knowledge that he *didn't* want to lose this one. He recalled the little surge of victory he'd felt when she'd been just polite to Hercules, and the way she'd issued the open invitation to share her bed. It was then he'd started to fall in love with her. He'd left the inn with a grin of triumph at his friend....

"That week we spent together, you revealed your vulnerability to me and I used it without hesitation. Do you remember, what you said when you thought I'd come in search of Hercules? You asked if it was because he was a better warrior than you, that you were only a meaningless gesture. Gods Iolaus, as if *anyone* could consider you a mere gesture. Then when we rode out to his mother's to say goodbye, for a moment I feared I'd lost you, that you would invite him to come along, and my plan would fail."

He recalled sitting astride a horse, looking down into Hercules' concerned blue eyes. Xena's abrupt refusal of the offer of help. How she'd wheeled her horse away leaving him a scant few moments to bid his friend good bye before she called him to follow.

"I heard the warning in his voice as he said goodbye. Remember, Iolaus, he said 'You know how I feel about him, he's the best'. The way he looked at me that day I felt the threat. I knew that if *anything* happened to you he would come looking. I tried to twist your mind against him on the way back to the camp, to tell you he only fought for his own glory, but I could tell you didn't believe me."

Snatches then of remembered conversation. Her querying why Herc fought the battles he did. Then they had become embroiled in a skirmish of their own. He'd seen her fight for the first time, no armour, no protection except that cotton dress, and gods, she *had* been good. One of the best he'd ever seen. He'd fought back to back with her and experienced the same sense of exhilaration he'd only ever had before when fighting with Hercules. The certainty that your partner could anticipate your moves, was as good as you and would guard your back.

"By the time Hercules turned up at the camp I'd managed to make you believe that he'd only come to interfere, and you didn't trust him when he told you I wanted him dead. You *even* asked him for proof." Xena laughed bitterly at the recalled memory. "I can still almost feel the thrill of triumph I experienced when I realised you didn't have faith in your best friend's word any more. And then, when you took that swing at him and almost knocked him over, I was proud of you. When you told me you'd ended your friendship with him I thought I'd won, that victory was mine." The voice cracked in pain... and paused.......

The warrior's camp, the afternoon of their arrival. Sitting in a bath, as she washed his back, her hands caressing his shoulders as they talked. She'd finally stood, dropping the blue robe to join him in the bath, a frisson of remembered excitement ran along his nerves. An interruption..... storming outside, still damp, hair dripping water down his back to confront the man he considered his oldest friend. Angry
words, accusations, questioning Hercules' integrity and honesty for the first time in his whole life.

Herc's reaction when he'd turned his back on him to walk away, the hand on his shoulder, trying to make him wait and listen. How he'd spun around, fists clenching in anger and fury, and swung at him, connecting with the larger man's chin and watching him stagger back a step or two. Bile rising in his throat as he realised what he'd done, the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach as the knife they had forged together was thrown at his feet.

Pride, anger and the sudden inability to move were the only things that kept him in place as Hercules had walked away from him. That and the sure knowledge that if he tried to take a step after the departing figure he wouldn't be able to stop. That he would run after him, out of the door, away from the camp and any chance of love he had with Xena. The wrenching pain in his heart as he watched the broad back disappear out of the gate.

With every word she spoke the fog around his mind was thinning. The pictures becoming clearer, the remembered feelings and emotions becoming more intense. He willed her to continue with her story.... he *needed* to hear the resolution of this, needed it so he would *know* who he was.....

"You were so vulnerable that night, in so much pain at having abandoned your oldest friend for me. You made love to me so intensely, as if you were trying to reach after something that you'd lost forever." Xena's voice was husky with restrained emotion and pain as she remembered that night. The hunter had reached for her time after time throughout the night, as if desperate to burn taste and smell into his skin forever. When she'd woken the next morning he'd been sleeping the sleep of the exhausted.

The anguish in her voice summoned memories he realised that he would rather not confront. But, now he was established on this road to the past he couldn't push them away. Sitting in a room, sword resting across his knees as he'd slowly honed the blade to exquisite sharpness - trying to deny the twisted feeling in his guts that said he may have to use this weapon, against his friend, to defend the woman he loved. Knowing that his oldest friendship was dead and finished and that all he had to cling to now was the love he had for Xena. Reluctantly recognising, somewhere deep, deep down, in the bottom of his soul that it wasn't going to be *nearly* enough.

He recalled, with a burning sense of shame, how he'd repeatedly buried himself in her body that night, attempting to dull the ache in his soul. Using her body to distract him from his own torments. Acknowledging then that what he'd been feeling wasn't love. Need, dependence and vulnerability, but *not* love. Trying to wrap himself in scent and sensation, to remove the acid taste in his mouth. It hadn't worked - all he'd done was exhaust them both. The next morning he'd awoken, face down on the sheets, body aching, in a room that stank of sweat and the odours of an active night. He'd heard noises outside and watched from the window, nursing a headache and gut churning emptiness as she'd ridden from the camp with one of her soldiers.

"The next day I rode out against Hercules, and when I returned to the camp I hoped you'd fall for my explanation that he'd attacked me. But you still defended him. I asked you if you could put me in your life before Hercules, and you told me you had once before and would again. You said you knew you might have to kill him. I heard the tremor in your voice then, heard the pain and saw the anguish in your eyes. I thought I knew what it would cost you to kill him." Xena paused for a moment,
conscious of the lump in her throat and the nearness of tears.

Seeing her ride back into the camp, minus the accompanying soldier. She was muddied and bruised, her clothes were torn but something wasn't quite right. He didn't want to admit it to himself then, but his misgivings were multiplying. He listened to her story, that Hercules had attacked her, and clung stubbornly to his need for her, hoping against hope that it would be enough to sustain him against what he might have to do. Pacing anxiously in a room, staring at the sword on the bed, praying that Hercules would stay away, but knowing that he wouldn't.

"Gods forgive me, Iolaus, I had *no* idea how much you and Hercules meant to one another. Now I've got Gaby, I *know* what your friendship with Hercules means to you, what I nearly cost you." Xena paused, struggling to speak around the constriction in her throat, and finally losing the battle against tears. Almost unaware that she'd started to weep she continued with her story.

"When you started to fight I was convinced he would kill you. I didn't realise then that you share the same kind of integrity. Not only do you both fight for your principles but you try to live up to them. Once I realised he wouldn't move against you I thought that perhaps you could beat him. When you lost your sword I knew he wouldn't hurt you, knew that I'd lost so I fled. I was so sure I could find another way to get to Hercules and by then I wanted revenge against you both."

Hercules had turned up at the camp. The blazing anger he'd felt, pure fury, the way he'd attempted to goad Herc into a fight. Angry words, lashing out with sword, fists and feet, wanting to hurt the man in front of him to dull his own pain. Using his rejection to fuel his anger. Because he'd not been in control, because he'd been so angry he'd made stupid moves and lost his sword. And then.... a shattering memory..... as pain seared deep through his heart. Before he knew what he was doing he'd pulled a knife, pointing it upwards at Hercules, ready to strike a blow, and realised with horror that it was the one they'd made together. He'd understood at that moment, no matter what it cost, he couldn't kill Hercules. Fortunately for him, Hercules had felt the same way and they had ended up fighting back to back again....

"I met Hercules alone, after running the gauntlet, and somehow he saw what you had. That there was good inside me. Whenever I looked inside myself I was afraid, of the darkness and hatred there. Until I met the two of you I never had the courage to look and try to understand. Now I do. It's terrifying to try to accept yourself completely, but you both helped me to do that."

She remembered how she'd talked with the demi-god about the fight he'd had with Iolaus at her camp. How surprised she'd been when Iolaus first agreed to accompany her leaving the demi-god behind. Hercules had told her that Iolaus frequently adopted waifs and strays, and had commented wryly that his friend's heart sometimes ran away with his head. She'd been surprised to find herself defending Iolaus and had stated ,"Yes, but its only with the heart that you can see clearly. The important things are invisible to the naked eye. You, of all people, should know that. After all, you both saw the good in me."

"Then after all that I'd already done to you I betrayed you a second time. I knew how much you had cared for me, but that didn't stop me from sleeping with Hercules. I don't think either of us realised at the time how deep a wound we inflicted. And we call ourselves your friends......" The husky voice paused once more..........

...........and he remembered.

Everything.

Joking with Hercules and Xena as they discussed making camp before he went off to scout ahead. And then .......... pausing for a moment, hidden behind a tree, in a woodland glade, watching them. Xena sitting on a rock, her dark hair flowing loosely around her shoulders, Hercules reclining against her, one hand idly stroking her legs as she played with his hair. The slowness and deliberation of the caresses they
exchanged, added to the fact that they were only partially clad, leaving no doubt as to the activity they had recently engaged in.

He'd slammed his sword into his scabbard and deliberately scuffed his feet entering the clearing, only to see Xena snatch her hand from the demi-god's shoulder as Hercules sprang to his feet before sitting beside her. The lovers had exchange a quick, guilty glance as Hercules had welcomed him back with, "Hello Iolaus," and a distinctly uncomfortable, brief smile.

He recalled standing there as emotions had washed over him: pain, betrayal, anger, guilt and humiliation. He felt sick to his stomach and had wanted to leave them alone, get as far away as possible, from the two of them and their obvious happiness in one another's company. He watched Hercules with a knowing glance and a bitter smile had twisted his lips as the white hot agony had seared his soul. Finally he'd recognised what he'd been running from and fearing all along. What he had tried to deny to himself for too many years. He wasn't angry that Xena had sullied his love for her, realising that what he'd felt for her was need and dependence. No. The anger, pain and betrayal were all directed at the demi-god. Hercules had finally chosen a lover, and it wasn't *him*.

He'd had to struggle to master his feelings, to avoid letting his humiliation show. It had taken several moments for him to gain enough mastery to speak, and then the words had arisen unbidden, "Did I get back too soon?" He'd spoken without thinking, nearly giving himself away with those words, the bitterness obvious in his brittle tone.

Xena had looked at him defiantly, blue eyes wide and fixed on his face, but Hercules had dropped his gaze looking down at his feet, possibly in shame. He recalled struggling to hide his feelings, laughing shortly, "I mean, I didn't think I'd get back so soon." He'd squatted by the fire, placing his hand over his mouth to try to control the hysterical laughter that threatened to erupt from this throat.

"What did you find?" Xena's quiet, gentle question had allowed him to suppress his feelings and deal with the situation at hand. He'd been absurdly grateful to her for that, for giving him something else to think about besides the pain.

Her husky voice penetrated his consciousness once more. "When we went to rescue Prometheus, I thought then that I could try to make amends to you, Iolaus. I knew I couldn't let Hercules strike the blow, not only because of how I had felt about him, but because I'd realised how you felt too. You see, by then I'd found Gaby, and I knew what it would cost you if he didn't return." She paused again, on a choked sob.

"Gaby told me, you know," she added. "What you said to her in the caves when you thought you might not make it. That there were no hard feelings and that you were proud to have known me. And I told Gaby something I should have told you a long time ago. Hercules might have freed my heart, but truly, you freed my soul."

Iolaus listened, hearing the pain and anguish in Xena's voice. All his past memories slid in to place. His only overriding concern now was to reach out and touch her, let her know that it was all past, all forgiven, that there was no blame attached and no grudges held.

The warrior princess stopped, suddenly conscious of the tears flowing down her face and the sobs rising in her throat. She hadn't cried for years and now she didn't seem to be able to stop. She raised her left hand to dash the tears from her eyes and yelped in shock. Iolaus blue eyes were wide open, apparently unaware, but wide open.

She leaned over the hunter and passed her hands before his eyes. No movement, he obviously couldn't see. Quickly, dragging her hand across her face, wiping eyes and nose, she turned away and lurching from the chair, ran across the room, yanking open the door.

"BRISIS," she yelled at the top of her not inconsiderable voice.

The inn-keeper's wife's head appeared at the top of the stairs in short order, a troubled expression lighting her face.

"Get Makis. NOW!" she commanded before adding "Please," as an after thought.

The door to Hercules' room opened, and the demi-god stood in the doorway, looking slightly befuddled. Xena mentally cursed herself for a fool. Hercules had needed rest and she'd woken him.

"What's going on?" he inquired worriedly, taking in Xena's slightly ravaged appearance. "Is Iolaus......"

"No! No... honestly," she laid a comforting hand on his arm. "It's okay, I think he's starting to come out of it."

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Xena and Hercules were both in the room as Makis entered. The two friends were concerned, the hunter may have appeared to be awake, but his eyes didn't seem to focus, react to light or follow any movement in the room.

Makis leaned over Iolaus, covering first one eye and then the other, before pulling his hands away and then dropping them quickly towards Iolaus' face. He glanced up at the friends before continuing his examination. Carefully he lifted one of the hunter's arms slightly off the bed before letting go. The arm dropped solidly back to the bed again.

Makis sighed, walked to the foot of the bed and pulled the sheets up. He scraped a finger across the sole of Iolaus' foot, carefully watching for any reaction, and was rewarded with a slight tremor.

A small smile appeared on the healer's face.

He approached the head of the bed again and carefully, placing several pillows underneath the hunter, supported his head and placed a glass of water against his lips. He smiled in satisfaction at the shallow movement of Iolaus' throat as he instinctively swallowed one or two small sips.

Makis allowed the body to rest against the pillows again and raised his face to look at the two companions who were fidgeting nervously.

"Well, at least he seems to be awake", the healer stated non-committally. He looked at Xena's white face. "What may I ask did you tell him?"

"I was speaking of a painful time for all of us," she replied.

"Hmmm, telling one's sorrows often brings comfort," he commented.

"Yes, but *we're* not supposed to be comforted by this," she snarled. "We're supposed to be helping *him*, remember!"

"Yes, I *know*, but obviously something you said caused a reaction," Makis said calmly, raking the heavy dark hair away from his face. "He's obviously hidden his mind within some sort of shell, and to get at what is inside, the shell must be cracked. You must destroy whatever is keeping him locked within his mind. Perhaps you should pursue this idea of speaking of painful as well as pleasant memories. After all, my teacher used to say that for extreme illnesses, extreme remedies are the most fitting."

"Makis, platitudes aren't exactly helpful at this point," Hercules growled angrily.

The healer shrugged and smiled apologetically, compassion clear in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Hercules. But I do think you should continue. Carry on talking to him. I'm as much in the dark here as you are, but something you two have been saying to him has obviously worked. Look, it's time for the mid-day meal. I'll get Brisis to watch him. You two come downstairs and eat and then you can continue this afternoon".

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Hercules replaced Xena after the mid-day meal. Now that Iolaus was awake, even if unaware, he didn't want anyone else to be with him. He looked down upon his friend and lover. Iolaus was pale, blue eyes open but unseeing. It was as if the certain defining part of the hunter had left his body and only an empty shell remained. He'd never seen him like this before, such vulnerability almost unmanned him. From the very first time Hercules had met the hunter, as a child, he was struck by the way Iolaus acted, like he'd decided to live forever and believed he would never die. Seizing each day and wringing the maximum amount of enjoyment
and fun from it.

He slowly began to speak to the hunter, to remember times past and the dangers faced together.

"Iolaus, do you remember when I first started travelling again. That awful morning after Deianeira and the children had been killed. You came looking for me when I didn't show up at the forge. I told you what Hera had done and you offered, without any fear, to wage war against her, one of the most powerful goddesses, to turn all she touched to rubble, simply to help me. I pushed you away then, and I saw the pain in your eyes when I refused your help".

Hercules was back, speaking to him again. His memories were restored, at least to the point where he'd left Thebes.... but he had no recollection of how he might have got here......... where ever here might be? He struggled for a moment for more recent memories.......... but there was nothing there.......... nothing except the knowledge of leaving Thebes with the intent to meet Herc and Xena....

Yes, he remembered the day after Deianeria's death. As if either of them would ever forget. He remembered standing, looking at the shattered and broken shell that was his dearest companion, saying "I can't walk away, I'm your friend". All he'd wanted to do was hold Herc to try and assuage his loss, to protect him from whatever his stepmother might hurl his way next. But he'd known that the demi-god wouldn't accept such an overt show of emotion. At the time all Herc had been able to contemplate was revenge, and so he'd offered to aid in that task.

Hercules reflected for a moment that Alcmene had been right. She'd said that Hera would work to destroy his friends as she had his family. He decided then that, should Iolaus die now, he could give meaning and purpose to his empty life by tracking down and destroying every shrine and temple to Hera in the land. The next time the goddess struck he would force her to strike directly at him rather than at those close to him, reflecting that the price people paid for his friendship and love was usually terminal.

"You don't remember your first meeting with Nemesis, when she came hunting you for the sins of pride, arrogance and ego. Hera was behind that as well. So many times she's moved against you, and so often she's nearly succeeded. Do you recall what I told Lydia, that there was no-one on earth I'd rather face trouble with than you. I told her not only were you my friend but a great hunter, warrior and archer and I *meant* every word. I do trust you with my life, you know that, but so often I've led you into danger, and you've suffered for it".

Iolaus didn't remember the first meeting with Nemesis because she hadn't revealed herself to him, that time. But he did remember the emotions. Recalled squabbling with Hercules after the fight at the bridge and the ensuing adventures with Lydia. He felt a spark of pleasure at the words Hercules had spoken in front of Lydia, openly admitting how much he valued Iolaus' presence in his life.

"I let you go off with Xena, even though I didn't trust her. I could sense something was wrong, but I let you ride away, without a backward glance. I remember how hurt I was when you seemed not to trust me when I came to her camp, and how I walked away from our friendship then, when I should have dragged you out of there and shaken some sense into us both. If I hadn't met Petrakus at the inn, and had that conversation with him I might never have returned to her camp. You were angry that day we fought, and told me I was acting too good for you. But I knew you wouldn't kill me, I knew you couldn't, not even to save your own life. I didn't understand what you saw in Xena until I met her the second time, and then I saw the good in her, as you had, and her determination to do the right thing. I also saw the attraction, for a strong and powerful woman. I knew how much you had cared for her, but that didn't stop me sleeping with her too, so I betrayed you. I've never asked your forgiveness for that, when I should have."

He needed to move, to speak, to reassure the demi-god that it was all past, forgiveness was no longer needed or necessary. They had both inflicted wounds on each other, but they had survived and moved on. "And how often have I pushed you away when you offered friendship and understanding? When Demetrius kidnapped Alcmene for Echidna you were there to support me, and again I shoved you away, saying it was family business! How could I have been so thoughtless. You are family, Iolaus".

A warm glow enfolded him at the demi-god's words. Family, belonging. He knew without doubt that Hercules was his soul mate, his partner and lover....... if there was such a thing as destiny, then they were destined to have met, to be together, through thick and thin, sharing one another's happiness and sorrow.

"When I told you I loved Serena, you tried to warn me that nothing but trouble could come from that, from tangling with Ares again and I ignored you. I should have listened, I cost Serena her life, and I could have cost us our friendship. That day in the inn, I saw the look in your eyes and the misery on your face as I left. I tried to pretend I hadn't to make the parting easier and I know what it cost you to come back for the wedding."

More painful memories, but memories from long ago, before they were lovers. He could hear the distress and heartache in the demi-god's voice. He needed to let Hercules know he was going to be all right........ but he couldn't see anything.........couldn't feel anything and didn't know where he was. He tried to look around, but couldn't move. Night surrounded him, a darkness so intense he could almost touch and taste it. No light penetrated where he was. He seemed to be standing, alone in this blackness. A shiver of fear brushed across his mind .... what if.... no, he wouldn't go there, wouldn't entertain those thoughts.

There had to be a way out of here somehow. He'd got himself to this place, so he must be able to get himself out. He recalled the time spent in the east, and the techniques he'd been taught there. He must have tried to use one of those. He began to block out Hercules' voice for the moment, envisaging himself standing, alone, surrounded by the dark. He reached forward experimentally, arms outstretched, and recoiled in sudden pain as his hands touched an icy, cold wall. Carefully, resting the fingertips of one hand on the wall, he traced his way around. Yes, he was encircled by the wall. All he had to do was work out how to break
it down. Simple really. He listened again for a moment for Hercules' voice.

"Do you know I never appreciated the amount of courage it takes to live a normal life? At least not until I sacrificed my powers when I married Serena. I'd never given much thought to how much pain and suffering you go through just to be at my side. When I tried to stop that cistern falling without the aid of my powers I finally realised how much you endure simply to be with me."

The demi-god's voice was becoming husky with speaking for so long. He looked at his lover, still lying unmoving in the bed. Somehow, he had to get through to him, to a forge a link to wherever he was locked within his mind. His voice ached with unshed tears. Now was not the time to weep, he needed to get his friend back.

"So many, many times I've dragged you into danger. And you've always been there, to guard my back, even when you thought I was being stupid. Remember Menas Maxius' prison. You stood on the drawbridge and looked at me with a dubious expression saying, 'I can't believe you're going to get us into prison'. But still you followed."

He couldn't let this continue. He had to get out of here - Hercules' was beating himself up again. Blaming himself for decisions that Iolaus had taken out of his own free will. The demi-god did have this rather annoying tendency to assume *everything* that befell Iolaus was his fault. It was a habit Iolaus was resolutely trying to break him of, and one that he sometimes found annoying in the extreme. He stepped backwards, squaring his shoulders and threw himself bodily against the icy black wall........nothing.

He tried again, forcing himself against the wall, pushing against the blackness with all his strength, feeling his muscles bunch and tense with the effort. The icy cold clawed at him, attempted to penetrate his soul, to steal away memories and emotions. He could feel it reaching for him, cold fingers and tendrils wrapping around him, trying to take away all that he'd just regained. He stumbled backwards, away from it as quickly as possible, alarmed that it could seep into his body so rapidly. The beginnings of fear started to gnaw at him.

"How many times have you suffered at the hands of people trying to reach me? Do you remember Demetrius' brother, and how they broke your wrist. You even managed to laugh that off as 'a little torture'! Then there was the beating you took from the water enforcer, and where was I? With Nemesis instead of with you".

"Then there was the time I really thought I'd lost you, when the barbarians had you tied to the top of their catapult, Tatantus. You scared me half out of my wits that time. But even that was not nearly as bad as the times you've died".

Iolaus listened to Hercules raking over old ground, punishing himself. Yes, he recalled all those times too. Times where he had been hurt and in pain. Strapped to the top of Tatantus had certainly been a sticky moment. But they were risks *he* had willingly taken. His lover could stand many things, but the thought of causing others pain was the one thing that Hercules' broad shoulders couldn't bear. He knew the way the demi-god's mind worked, how close he was to sinking into a depression. He had to stop this. Now.

Taking another deep breath he hurled himself forwards again, grappling against the blackness that surrounded him, pounding and clawing frantically at the wall. He staggered back shocked at its power, trembling, trying to banish the cold that ate at him, which threatened to bury him once more, leeching the strength and warmth from him. His body was bruised and his hands bleeding from clawing at the solid
blackness surrounding him.

"Three times, Iolaus, once killed by the she demon, turned into stone, because I wasn't where I should have been and twice in my arms. That first time, when we were chasing the Amazons, I didn't believe it. I'd dragged you away before your wedding and managed to get you killed."

"And the last time, by the fire enforcer. I'll never forget the look of your burned and battered body as you tumbled down the hill and into my arms. I thought I'd go insane with grief that time. The shock on your face when you realised you were in the underworld and dead was almost more than I could bear".

Iolaus trembled in the icy blackness. Gee thanks, Herc! That was a memory he really didn't want to recall. At the present moment he did not *particularly* want to be reminded of Hades domain. Unfortunately the memory rose around him and it took him a while to subdue it.

He shivered in the darkness. He was alone, again. He wasn't going to be able to get out of this. He was going to trapped forever, able to hear the voices of his friends, experience their agony and not be able to speak to them or touch them.

He flung himself against the wall again, pounding against it, screaming to be let out, clawing desperately against the blackness, until, exhausted and cold, he fell to his knees. Panic arose and he tried to push it away but fear and terror were battling for control of his wits.

What if he couldn't get out? How long could he remain like this before his body gave up on him? Unable to let them know that he was alive and aware? The tide of terror rose. He'd never been afraid of the dark, hunting and tracking, it had always been his friend. But now........

He was aware of a deep rumbling. Hercules' voice. He forced the panic down, controlled the terror, sought out the comfort of that deep voice. Forced himself to listen to Hercules once more, concentrating on the words.......

"Please, Iolaus, please don't leave me. I want to be with you forever, without break or decay. Until the hills and mountains are worn away, to form flat plains and all the rivers and seas run dry. Through lightning, thunder and storms of winter and sun and rain in summer. Until the sky and the earth finally mingle, and everything becomes one, not until then will I part from you."

Hercules faltered and stopped, there was nothing else he could say, not now. He rose from the chair and lay on the bed beside the hunter, pulling the relaxed body against him. Tucking the blond head beneath his chin, he started whispering gently, "Iolaus, come back to me, I need you. I can't do this alone, can't be who I have to be without you." Over and over he repeated the words, hoping that they would penetrate the hunter's consciousness.

Iolaus straightened within his icy prison. Taking Hercules words, and the constant reassuring murmur of the demi-god's voice, he wrapped all the love that he heard there around him, entwining it with his own feelings. Fear receded, leaving him in control.

He stepped again towards the wall. Hands reached out, tracing it. The icy feeling once again started to rise through his hands. This time he countered it with the warmth of Hercules' love, and felt it recede slightly. He concentrated.....walls were made of bricks.... His hands roamed the surface in front of him, found the outline of a brick. He started to scrape away where the edges of this brick joined another. If necessary he would dismantle this accursed wall brick by brick, but he *was* getting out of here, one way or another.

This would take time, but he would succeed. The cold arose, climbing up his arms, but slower as he battled against it with his sure knowledge of the demi-god's feelings for him. He continued to scrape around the brick, as his feet and legs started to lose sensation to the attacking cold. His hands were numb now, but he knew he was winning. Finally, he felt a movement in the brick, pushing at it with the last reserves of his strength he felt it give way and it toppled outwards. A shaft of brilliant light penetrated his prison and the wall dissolved around him.

Hercules started as the body enclosed within his arms gave one massive shudder and a strangled gasp for breath.

Without thinking, his hand tangled in the blond hair, roughly yanking the head backwards. His eyes met another set of startling blue eyes, eyes with pupils which contracted at the sudden burst of light as Iolaus' head was pulled from its sheltered place against the demi-god's shoulder.

"Iolaus...?" Hercules questioned gently, unable to believe that the hunter had returned to him.

"Hi, Herc," a whispered, breathy sound, a slight smile lighting the lips, and then the hunter's head lolled limply backwards.

Hercules pressed his hand to the hunter's chest, suddenly fearful, and relaxed at the feel of the solid heartbeat beneath.

He rolled the hunter over, pulling Iolaus back to rest against his chest, spooning his body carefully around that of the smaller man's. Iolaus was back.... everything *would* be all right. Hercules relaxed and drifted into his first untroubled sleep in days.

Hercules awoke the next morning, and slowly opened his eyes, fearful that he might have dreamt the events of the previous evening. His body was still curled protectively around Iolaus, the hunter was relaxed in his embrace, breathing easily, his tangled golden hair tickling Hercules' nose. As he roused he realised that last night had not been a dream, the events were too clear. Iolaus had spoken to him. Hercules could still recall the breathy sound of Iolaus' voice and the slight smile that had lit his lips. The hunter was going to be all right, but he would need his rest to recover fully.

The demi-god looked around the room, realising that it must be later than he'd thought. The sunlight penetrated through the shutters over the windows, setting the dust motes to dancing. The quality of the light was of such intense brightness, that Hercules suspected it must have snowed again overnight. He suddenly realised that he'd not left the inn for the last three days, had not even looked outside, and had no idea what the weather was like.

He carefully pulled away from the hunter, unwilling to disturb his rest. Walking over to the windows he pushed one of the shutters wide open, shivering in the sudden icy blast of air, to be confronted by a world clothed in beautiful, clear, pure white. The light reflected brilliantly off the snow on the rooves of the village buildings, people passed through the streets below well muffled and wrapped against the cold and children scampered and played in the snow around the houses. Judging by the position of the sun it was mid-morning, so he'd probably missed breakfast. That struck him as unusual. Xena had been taking over in the early morning for the last few days and he was surprised that she hadn't woken him.

As if summoned by his thoughts the door cracked open slightly and Xena's dark head appeared, to peer into the room. She smiled when she saw that Hercules was up and about. For the first time in days the demi-god felt an answering smile tug at his lips. She beckoned him over, unwilling to disturb the sleeping hunter.

He ambled slowly over to the door, feeling a sensation of general goodwill and happiness flooding through his body, unable to shake the beginnings of an inane grin from his features.

"How is he this morning?" she asked quickly. "Since you look so much better I suppose....."

"I really think he's going to be OK." Hercules interrupted her and she could see the relief clearly echoed in his blue eyes. "He woke up briefly last night, said a couple of words then passed out."

Xena couldn't help it, the sudden release of the tension and worry about the hunter, combined with Hercules wonderful eloquence. She sniggered, realised she wasn't going to be able to stop with a simple snigger, and backed hastily out of the room as she was convulsed by giggles.

Hercules followed her pulling the door closed behind him so as not to disturb Iolaus. He looked inquiringly at her, raising one eyebrow.

That set her off even more, she clutched at her stomach as the giggles developed, leaning weakly against the wall as they turned into belly laughs. Her eyes began to water and she frantically wiped a hand across her face.

"I see. You think it's *funny* that he's going to be OK?"

She tried to breathe deeply, to get enough air into her lungs and trap the laughter but it simply wasn't working. Hercules watched her carefully, his expression stating the obvious. That he was in the company of a madwoman.

Xena finally managed to control the laughter, straightened up, wiped her eyes and pushed her hair out of her face. "I'm so sorry, Hercules," she said, around another threatened giggle which she managed to turn into a hiccup. "But it was just the way you said it!"

He watched her patiently, expressionless, waiting for her to continue.

"I'm sorry but, 'He woke up briefly last night, said a couple of words then passed out.' Well, after all we've been through in the last week........" she tried to choke back another giggle, but it was no use, It escaped. Followed by another. She dissolved into helpless laughter again.

Well, yes, he supposed after all the worry it was rather an abrupt comment. Expressed none of his relief at knowing Iolaus was all right. Was, in fact, a slightly blunt statement. Hercules replayed the words in his head and saw how they might sound. He imagined how Sal could twist that around, in writing his biography, to make it a two page long oratory, and felt a smile spread across his own face. Laughter burbled up through his own throat.

Brisis peeked into the landing area, attracted by all the noise, and saw them.

Hercules, the demi-god, known for his good deeds throughout the length and breadth of Greece and Xena, the warrior princess, once feared, but now respected, stood outside the bedroom door, leaning against the wall and each other for support, as they both shook with helpless laughter.

Brisis smiled to herself as she went back down the stairs and into the kitchen. Time to make sure there was plenty of food available. She had a sneaking suspicion that the demi-god would be requiring a hearty meal, and when his companion roused no doubt he would be hungry too.

Xena and Hercules finally managed to exert some of their iron self control and stifle the laughter.

"Did he say anything else?" she asked.

"No ... he's been sleeping like a log all night..... and so have I," Hercules admitted a little shamefacedly.

"Good, you needed the rest". She studied him closely, taking in the rumpled clothes and tangled hair. She sniffed audibly a couple of time, and then, grinning at him to take the sting out of her words she said, "Why don't you go have a bath, and a meal, and get some clean clothes. I'll watch over him for the next couple of hours."

Hercules tried to affect wounded innocence for a moment, until he realised that it was the best offer he'd had for a while. He also couldn't refute the fact that since he'd spent most of the last few days in his clothes, ready to get to Iolaus if he was needed, a certain....aroma.... surrounded him.

He rubbed both hands over his face, before raking his fingers through his hair. "Yeah - good idea. Maybe it'll make me feel more human. After I've cleaned up I'll fetch Makis to have another look at Iolaus."

They went back into the room and Hercules grabbed the pack containing his clean clothes. He took a last look at the hunter, still lying curled on his side, the blankets pulled around him, before he left the room. Xena closed the shutter against the bitter draught, then put some extra wood on the fire. The last thing she wanted was for Iolaus to catch a chill after everything that he'd already endured.

Sometime whilst she'd been pottering around the room, Iolaus had moved. He now lay face down across the bed, limbs flung apart, head cushioned on his left arm which was tucked under the pillow. His hair was a mad tangle of gold, and partially obscured his face, and he was even snoring, quietly. She heaved a sigh of relief to see him sleeping normally, as opposed to just lying still and immobile in the bed as he had for the past days. He looked more like the Iolaus she remembered, sprawled across the blue sheets in her room..... no.. .....she wasn't going to pursue that line of thought, those days were all past history.

With a rueful smile she settled into the chair, pulling the leather scabbard she had brought with her into her lap. She knew Iolaus didn't need to be closely watched any longer, so she may as well spend the free time usefully making any necessary repairs. Stretching her legs out in front of her and settling her shoulders comfortably against the back of the chair she turned her attention to stitching the side of the frayed leather back together.

************************************************************************

About an hour later Xena was suddenly conscious of the fact that she was being observed. Raising her glance she met the sleep-fogged blue eyes which were regarding her watchfully. Placing the scabbard on the floor by the chair she rose and knelt by the bed.

"Hi. How do you feel?" she queried gently.

"Like death warmed up," the voice was hoarse and throaty with lack of use.

Xena rose and picked up the pitcher of water and a wooden mug from the table. "Want a drink?"

Iolaus nodded and started to turn over so that he could sit up. A slight grimace of pain crossed his face as he moved, then he realised he was naked...... in a bed...... in a bedroom........ with the warrior princess. He flushed hotly as he realised his state of undress and made a grab for the sheets, pulling them up until they almost rested under his chin.

Xena had to stifle the urge to laugh at the expressions that chased rapidly across the hunter's face. Puzzlement followed quickly by suspicion and obvious embarrassment.

"Ermmm......" he started and then coughed, flushing a deeper red. "Don't take this the wrong way," he paused looking around a little nervously, "but.........what *exactly* am I doing here?"

"Iolaus, don't tell me you've forgotten last night," she teased as she handed him the water.

Their hands met as he took the wooden mug and he shook his head slowly. She could have bitten her tongue as she watched a frown mar his face, as he seemed to notice the red marks around his wrists for the first time and an expression of honest confusion spread across his features.

"Gods. I'm sorry, Iolaus. I was only joking." She watched him take a careful sip of the water. Then, as he realised how thirsty he was he tipped his head back and drained the mug. "How do you feel, really?"

He contemplated this for a moment, apparently taking a mental inventory, whilst twisting his wrists to study the angry red marks left by the manacles, overlain by the fainter red marks of the knife slashes that Aphrodite had healed. He pushed the sheets down to glance at his chest then raised his eyes to her once more.

"Pretty battered, to tell the truth. My back's burning and is really sore," he wriggled against the pillows as if speaking about it reminded him of exactly how uncomfortable he was. "The rest of me feels like I've gone several rounds with a bunch of barbarians, my ribs are sore, I've made the acquaintance of muscles I didn't even know I had and they hurt, but I don't seem to have any bruises. Then there are these entertaining little marks." He waved a wrist in front of her face to emphasise the point.

"So either you play a lot rougher than I remember," he decided if she was going to tease him he'd show her he could still get his own back, "or something else happened...."

Another smile tugged at the corner's of Xena's lips as she listened to Iolaus catalogue his injuries. It would appear that Aphrodite's healing had worked better than any of them had expected and that there was nothing really seriously wrong with him. They both knew it as he spoke. The grouchiness and irritation in his tone, followed by his teasing comment convinced her that her friend was back at last.

"And to top it all you're sitting there smirking at me!" he complained, striving for a petulant tone of voice.

"Am not," she answered back and carried on before he could get another comment in. "What *is* the last thing you remember?"

He was quiet for a few moments, his gaze fixed on a spot on the opposite wall as he concentrated. "I remember the message from Hercules, saying that he'd met you in Corinth......the invitation to meet the two of you in Eigo....... that you'd heard about some bandits and slavers in the hills." He paused and nodded at the pitcher still in her hands. "Can I have some more water please?"

As she filled the mug he was holding, his brow wrinkled in concentration and he ran his tongue over his lips.

"I left Thebes, and I can remember the journey..... and then making camp when I realised I couldn't make it to Eigo .... and then......." he frowned. "Nothing, not a thing until I woke up last night."

He shook his head and raised his eyes to meet hers once more. "So .... you want to be a pal and do me a favour and fill in the blanks?"

Xena dropped her gaze to the floor, wondering how much she should tell him, and fervently wishing Hercules were here.

Fortunately, it seemed the gods were on her side for once, because the door opened to admit the demi-god with Makis close on his heels.

A smile lit Hercules' face, his eyes crinkling in delight as he saw Iolaus sitting up in the bed.

"Hi buddy, how you doing?" he asked.

Iolaus opened his mouth to answer, but Hercules seemed to have been overtaken with a sudden burst of verbosity.

"I brought Makis here just so he can check you out again and make sure everything is OK. You know, give you a quick once over, make sure that you are alright....."

"Hercules," Iolaus interrupted over-riding the demi-god's baritone rumble. "You're babbling. And why do I need the services of a healer? I feel OK."

"Erm.. you had a run in with those bandits, Iolaus," Xena interjected. "They gave you a pretty nasty beating, you were a real mess, and I think you ought to let Makis take a look. Just in case."

Iolaus didn't miss the furtive glances the three exchanged. There was something going on here that he should know about. But now didn't seem to be the time to push the point. He'd wait until he got Hercules alone. The demi-god could never hold out on him for long.

"OK, but you two are going to wait outside."

Seeing the determined look on Iolaus' face Hercules and Xena left so Makis could complete his work. The healer noticed that as soon as the two friends left the room Iolaus' shoulders slumped slightly.

"Not feeling quite as bright as you pretend, hey?" Makis asked quietly.

"No, not really," Iolaus admitted. "My body feels like someone has been trying to pound me into dust, I'm really thirsty and I don't feel like I've had a decent meal in weeks!"

************************************************************************

By the time Makis completed his thorough examination, Iolaus felt that the healer was probably as intimately acquainted with his body as Hercules was. One thing the healer had proved beyond doubt was that Iolaus' strength was severely depleted.

He'd been grouching about Makis keeping him in bed, saying he felt well enough to be up and around, and besides, he wanted some food and something stronger than water to drink!

The healer had taken a few steps backwards and regarded Iolaus consideringly.

"Very well. If you're so well recovered why don't you get up and pour yourself some of that wine over there," he inclined his head at a small table at the opposite end of the room.

Never one to resist a challenge, Iolaus had sat up wrapping the sheets tightly around his hips before standing. The room swirled around alarmingly as a sudden blast of dizziness engulfed him and he would have crashed unceremoniously to the floor if Makis hadn't leapt forward to support him as his legs gave way.

The healer helped him sit back down on the bed as his legs trembled and shook involuntarily. He realised that he was quite exhausted by the effort he just expended simply on trying to stand.

He clutched at the healer's strong arm. "All right. What's going on? You don't feel that bad just by being out of things for a couple of days."

"It's been more than a few days, my friend. Which is why I insist that you spend the next couple of days, at least," the healer emphasised the last two words forcefully, "in bed. Your body will heal much more quickly if you allow it to rest. Now I want you to drink this," he pushed a mug into Iolaus hand, "and then I'll send someone up from the kitchens with some food for you."

Iolaus conceded gracefully, he really did feel exhausted. He'd met healers like this one before. Good healers, the ones who wouldn't let you contradict them. He took the mug, reluctantly swallowing the contents in a couple of gulps, hoping that if he drank it fast enough he might not taste it.

"Why can't you people ever make stuff that tastes good?" he complained.

"Because then no-one would ever want to get well. Plus people don't believe nice tasting medicines help them very much," replied Makis as he packed away his belongings.

The hunter shook his head at the logic of that. Talking to healers was like talking to philosophers, enough to make any sane person want to scream.

"I'll send your friends back in now, and I'll be back to check on you tomorrow," the healer opened the door to leave.

"Yeah, I really look forward to that," Iolaus muttered under his breath before raising his voice at the departing back, "Hey - don't forget about the food!"

************************************************************************

Xena had kept watch over Iolaus for most of the afternoon as he slept. Brisis arranged for one of the boys from the kitchen to take over in the early evening and sit with Iolaus so that Hercules, Xena and Makis could eat together. The inn-keeper's wife had prepared them a special meal to celebrate Iolaus' recovery. She'd served them in a small, private backroom in the inn, so that they could talk without being disturbed by the rest of the patrons.

"I have something to admit," Makis confessed to the two friends, as they began their meal.

"That medicine you've been giving him is laced with a light sleeping potion," he half expected the demi-god to react angrily. But Hercules just looked at him and waited for him to continue. "You see I knew he was going to be 'one of the difficult ones', he'd want to be out of bed and doing things straight away."

A rueful smile crossed Hercules' face. "Yes, Iolaus isn't really the type for lazing around, well, not most of the time anyway. But how long do you think you should keep him like that?"

Makis savoured the taste of lamb, cooked in something wonderful as he pondered the demi-god's question. "I don't know really, probably a couple of days will be enough. I just want to give him chance to rest up properly and let his body get some of its strength back, now he's eating again, before he goes leaping off to do anything else."

The healer reflected that two days would probably be plenty of time considering the amount of food that had disappeared into the bedroom, and he hoped, into the hunter, over the course of the last two meals. Makis' comments about Iolaus leaping off to do other things caused the two friends to reminisce and the meal passed very pleasantly as they discussed past deeds and adventures.

The healer waited until they were all lingering over a glass of very pleasant wine, that Brisis had found in the cellar before turning the discussion to more serious matters. The point he had to raise was a difficult one, but Makis thought it his duty to bring it to their attention.

"He truly seems to have no recollection of what occurred from the time he made camp. If he doesn't remember, what are you going to do?" he questioned.

Hercules looked up at the healer and then glanced at Xena.

The warrior princess cleared her throat. "Well, I suppose we'll have to tell him..."

"NO!" The other two were surprised by the vehemence in the demi-god's tone. "We are not going to tell him anything."

"Hercules, we're going to have to tell him something...." Xena stopped at the look of anger on the demi-god's face.

"Very well, *if* he doesn't remember, we'll just tell him that he was attacked by the bandits, that they took him to their stronghold and beat him up really badly. But that's it. *Nobody* breathes another word about the subject."

Makis had just opened his mouth to make another comment when the door to the room was pushed open and Brisis appeared.

"Makis, you need to get upstairs, there's something wrong with Iolaus."

The three pounded up the stairs and into the room. Iolaus lay in the bed, sheets tangled about him, body bathed in sweat. He was thrashing ineffectively against something, and whimpering under his breath.

Makis leaned over and shook him by the shoulder. "Iolaus, Iolaus, wake up." No reaction. He pulled one of the hunter's eyelids back, and then the other. Finally he pushed the hunter's hands out of the way and delivered a stinging slap to his face.

"Wha...." Iolaus opened his eyes. His gaze was wild for a moment, pupils dilated, before they contracted with the amount of light in the room.

He looked up at the three concerned faces peering down at him. "Why are you all looking at me like that?" he questioned curiously.

"You were having a nightmare. Do you remember any of it?" Makis asked.

Iolaus shook his head. "No. Nothing. Except..... it was freezing cold and .... nothing else. Are you going to tell me what's going on?"

Makis poured a tankard of the drug laced medicine and handed it to the hunter. "Here, drink this, we can talk about things tomorrow. It's late now, and you need as much rest as you can get."

Iolaus thought about arguing, but saw the implacable look of determination on the healer's face. Makis was used to getting what he wanted, and the hunter had a feeling he would never tell him anything without Hercules' consent. His eyes met Xena's for a moment, and the warrior princess glanced away guiltily. There was something strange going on here, and Iolaus would eventually find out what, but he was far too tired to pursue the point tonight. No matter, he had plenty of time and could set to work on Hercules tomorrow.

He took the tankard from Makis and drained it in two easy swallows. Makis retrieved the empty tankard from Iolaus, setting it gently upon the table.

"It's getting late, perhaps we ought to say goodnight." Makis' gaze met Xena's as he took the warrior princess firmly by the arm leading her to the door. Hercules followed behind, ushering the other two from the room. They made arrangements to meet in the private room downstairs for lunch the following day as Hercules closed the door on their departing backs with a sigh of relief.

He turned to see Iolaus gazing sleepily at him. He walked back to the bed, removing his shirt and dropping it casually over the chest next to the bed. He sat down carefully and took off his boots, then unlaced and removed his trousers before slipping between the sheets. He pulled Iolaus into a warm embrace, legs tangling together as he tucked the blond head against his shoulder. Iolaus pulled away for a moment, sleep hazed blue eyes met his own.

"You can't hide it forever, you know." The comment was whispered quietly.

"What? What are you talking about, Iolaus?"

"Whatever happened to me. You can't hide it from me forever...."

"Nothing happened, you just got badly beaten up." He strove for an even tone, denying in his heart what had truly taken place at the bandit's camp.

"Whatever...." A sleepily murmured comment, as the hunter finally succumbed to the drugged medicine.

The night, however, was not restful for Hercules. He was woken a number of times as Iolaus' body thrashed around in the grip of vivid nightmares. The hunter whimpered quietly, and murmured in his sleep. Mumbled words that tore at Hercules' heart.

"No, please....."

"Stop...."

"'Dite, I'm sorry...."

Hercules pulled Iolaus closer, wrapping his larger body around the smaller form, hands caressing the hunter's back, trying to soothe away the bad dreams. Iolaus may not remember when awake, but he obviously recalled in his dreams exactly what had befallen him.

Hercules slept lightly throughout the night, and arose early the next morning, as Iolaus finally slipped into an untroubled sleep. The demi- god asked one of the kitchen boys to sit with the hunter as he broke his fast in the common room of the inn. Wrapping a large cloak around him he went for a long walk around the village, trying to clear his mind, shake the thoughts of what Marius and the gang had done to Iolaus.

He arrived back at the inn in time to meet Makis and Xena for lunch and all three adjourned to the private room. They ate quickly and quietly. Makis waited for the meal to finish before raising the painful subject.

************************************************************************

Iolaus awoke, alone in the bedchamber. As it was lunchtime in the inn the young boy had returned to the kitchens and forgotten to ask anyone else to sit with the hunter. Iolaus felt much better, and was more than a little hungry. Tantalising aromas of freshly cooked food arose from the lower floors of the inn and Iolaus stomach rumbled heartily in response.

He pushed himself into a sitting position and glanced quickly around the room. Noting his pack on the chest next to the bed, he got up, thankful to feel much stronger and steadier than he had yesterday. No dizziness assaulted his sense this time.

He moved to the chest and rummaged through the pack searching for some clothes, finding his leather pants and a clean shirt. He shrugged quickly into them, determined to escape the room before someone arrived to make sure he stayed in bed, like an invalid.

He recalled the arrangements that the others had made to meet for lunch in the private room of the inn. He slipped out of the bedroom, determined to find his friend's before they came looking for him. Iolaus almost collided with a young girl who was taking fresh linens into the next room, startling her into dropping the linen.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to surprise you," he apologised as he bent down, helping her to retrieve the fallen items.

"That's alright sir. I didn't realise you were up and about. I'm glad to see that you're feeling a lot better."

As he straightened up he smiled into her wide blue eyes.

"I arranged to meet my friends for lunch in the private room downstairs. Whereabouts is that?" he questioned, awarding her his most engaging grin.

"The private room is down the stairs, turn left and it's the second door on the right, towards the back of the inn." She dimpled in return as he thanked her and set off in search of his friends.

************************************************************************

"You should tell him you know," Makis commented quietly.

"No." Hercules shook his head, numbly, anger creeping into his tone. "Why should he be reminded of that time?"

"Hercules, we have to tell him," Xena began, her voice calm. "How do you think he'll feel if he does eventually remember and realises we kept the knowledge from him."

"But he might never remember!" Anguish in the demi-god's response.

"Hercules, don't be foolish. He's having nightmares about that time. He dreamt of it last night didn't he?" Makis had seen the dark circles beneath the demi-god's eyes and could imagine the cause.

Hercules considered denying the obvious, but in the end nodded in agreement.

"He needs to be told. Once he knows, the nightmares will probably end. You should tell him as soon as possible......" Makis paused, considering any further arguments he could use to persuade the demi-god to his point of view.

"Tell me *what* exactly?"

They spun around, surprise and shock mirrored in their faces as they registered the presence of the blond, who leaned against the doorway, arms folded across his chest as he regarded the them with an unflinching stare.

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