"So, Herc. What else did King Thaneos say?" Iolaus asked, his blonde hair ruffling in the light spring wind.

Hercules squinted against the sun, looking off in the direction of the kingdom of Garecia. "Just that the war between Garecia and Xinera is almost over."

Iolaus laughed, "Who would have thought, huh?"

"They have been at war for a while, haven't they?" the demigod asked.

Darting a sideways glace at Hercules, Iolaus observed, "More like have they ever not been at war?"

"Well, not anymore. At least according to Thaneos. He and King Panthus are trying to work something out."

"Wait," Iolaus said, holding up a hand and turning to face Hercules. "What happened to King Ulisus?"

Hercules sighed, "I'm not surprised you haven't heard. When King Ulisus died without an heir, Panthus was elected to the position."

"They elected a king? That sounds strange."

Hercules placed a hand on Iolaus' shoulder. "No one ever said politics made sense, my friend."

"You're telling me," Iolaus laughed. "So, what do they need us for?"

"Both of them are still concerned about dissidents in the courts," Hercules said with a glance over at Iolaus.

Iolaus nodded his head in understanding, "And we're the muscle."

"I prefer to see it as we're the insurance," the larger man laughed.

The hunter looked up at him skeptically, "Uh huh. How come we usually end up in a fight either way?"

"Must be your sunny personality."

Rolling his eyes, Iolaus countered, "Maybe it's your ugly looks."

"Oh really?" Laughing, Hercules reached over and ruffled Iolaus' tangled locks. "Could be this mop you call hair . . ."

Before Iolaus could respond, they were interrupted by a call from behind them. "Iolaus! Hercules!"

The two men turned, and waited for the running man to catch up to them. "That would be us," Hercules answered. "What's wrong?"

The runner gasped several deep breaths of air, struggling to regain his breath. Once he did, his turned his gaze on Iolaus. "Iolaus, I was asked to find you."

"By who?" the hunter asked, all signs of his previous laughter gone.

The messenger cast a sad glance at Iolaus. "Pandion, your stepfather, I believe."

Iolaus nodded, confused. "Why would Pandion send for me?" Realization struck him, and as Hercules watched, the hunter's blue eyes clouded over. "Mother," he said, his voice a mere whisper on the wind.

"Pandion sent me to ask you to come to Corinth at once," the courier said.

Blinking slowly, Iolaus glanced between Hercules and the messenger. "Is she . . ."

"I'm afraid," the man replied, "that she's dying."

What color remained in the warrior's face fled, and Hercules grabbed his elbow to keep him from slumping to the ground. "How long?" Iolaus managed to ask.

The man looked over at the concerned demigod before responding. "We need to leave immediately."

Hercules saw Iolaus visibly hesitate. "Go, Iolaus."

"But what about King Thaneos?"

The demigod smiled faintly at his friend, never one to back away from his duty. "I can handle that. You go to your mother. I'll join you there when I'm done."

"Okay," his relief echoed in the hunter's voice. "Thanks Herc."

A comforting hand on Iolaus shoulder, Hercules replied, "No reason to thank me, Iolaus. I know what you're feeling. You should be in Corinth."

Iolaus nodded, his eyes closed tightly for a moment, and turned to face the third man. "Let's go," his voice was strong, at odds with the emotion in his eyes. The visitor nodded and the two men walked quickly down the road in the direction toward Corinth.

For a moment, Hercules watched the retreating figures of his best friend and the other man. He recognized the horror that he had read in Iolaus' eyes just before he turned to leave. Clutching his hands into fists, he resolved to finish the errand in Garecia as quickly as possible so that he could be there for his friend. Sighing, the demigod turned and started walking toward Garecia much faster than before.

On the road to Corinth, Iolaus' mind was a whirlwind of memories from his brief stay with his mother and stepfather while Hercules was on Olympus. It had taken some time for he and his mother to work past the problems that came from his running away. It had taken even longer for his stepfather to accept him as his friend.

They were just out of sight of the small house when the messenger took his leave. Rounding a bend in the path, Iolaus stood still for a moment. Taking a deep breath, he finished walking up to the cottage. He had raised his hand to knock on the door when it was pulled open suddenly.

"Iolaus!"

The hunter blinked and lowered his hand. "Hello Pandion." He cleared his throat before continuing, "How's Mother?"

Pandion lowered his gaze, and stood aside to let Iolaus enter the house. "I'm afraid she's not well, Iolaus."

Walking through the door, Iolaus glanced at the poet that his mother loved. "What's wrong?"

The older man shook his head sadly, "The healer isn't certain."

"Then there might be a way to save her," Iolaus interrupted.

"I'm sorry, Iolaus. There's nothing that can be done now. I knew that you would want to see her, before . . ." He stopped speaking, unable to continue.

Seeing past his own grief, Iolaus studied the man before him. The hunter was grateful that his mother had found such a devoted husband after having been married to Sokrous for so many years. "Thank you," he finally said, his voice hoarse with hidden emotion. "Can I see her?" Iolaus asked softly.

Pandion nodded, motioning with his hand toward the bedroom. "Of course. She'll be very happy to see you, Iolaus."

Iolaus tried to smile, but couldn't. "I just wish I had been around more."

Placing a hand on the younger man's shoulder, Pandion led him toward the room and said, "You're here now, Iolaus. That's what matters."

He turned a piercing blue gaze on his stepfather. "But only when it's too late."

"It's never too late, Iolaus," he said quietly, hiding the emotion in his own voice at hearing the self-recrimination in Iolaus'.

Not entirely convinced, Iolaus nodded his head and entered his mother's room. "Mother?" he called out softly, unsure if she was awake.

"Iolaus? Whatever are you doing here?" Erythia did her best to sound surprised. She knew that the night before Pandion had sent urgent word to Iolaus, no matter her arguments to the contrary that she was fine. "Come here," she said as brightly as she could manage.

"Hello, Mother," Iolaus said, his voice cracking. Sitting on lightly on the edge of her bed, he took a frail hand gently. "How are you?"

Erythia squeezed Iolaus hand as best she could, seeing the emotions burning in his expressive blue eyes. "Just a bit under the weather," she replied.

"I . . ." Iolaus paused, swallowing audibly to gain control of his voice. "I'm sorry that I wasn't here sooner."

"Nonsense. You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm just a little sick, that's all."

"Mother . . ."

Smiling, she gazed up proudly at her son. "Please, Iolaus. None of this talk. I'm happy you're home, even if just for a little while."

Iolaus smiled faintly, finally realizing that he got his tenacious spirit not from his father the general, but the resilient woman before him. "Okay. None of that kind of talk. So tell me of life here in Corinth."

"What's to tell? It is as it has always been, and will always be I would imagine." She didn't miss the shadow that passed in Iolaus' eyes, and quickly sought to change the conversation. "Tell me of you and Hercules. What great deeds have you done recently?"

Iolaus' eyes twinkled as he related his and Hercules most recent adventure rescuing a captured princess. Speaking around a lump in his throat, he told a tale the equal of any bard in Greece. He knew he would do anything that his mother asked, and a story was the least he could think of. When Iolaus was almost finished, Erythia dozed off, still holding her son's hand.

A soul-deep sadness filled Iolaus' eyes as he watched his mother sleep. It hadn't been very long since Alcmene had died, and now he was facing the almost inevitable possibility of losing his real mother much as he had already lost his adopted one. A single tear escaped his frantic hold on his emotions and traced down his cheek. Leaning forward, he brushed a strand of dark hair away from his mother's face. Standing, he made sure she was sleeping peacefully and went to find Pandion.

Finding the gray-haired man standing in the kitchen, Iolaus sighed. "It won't be long now. Will it?"

From where he stood looking out the window, Pandion shook his head. "I fear not. She's grown very weak, so fast, these past few days." His voice shook, and he placed a shaking hand on the counter.

Walking across the room to stand next to his stepfather, Iolaus rested a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Pandion."

"What for?" he asked, surprised.

Iolaus shook his head, "A million little things, I guess." Glancing toward the bedroom, Iolaus commented, "She still insists that she's fine."

"I know," Pandion replied, a wistful smile on his face. "She's always been strong like that." He cleared his throat, "Always putting others before herself."

Iolaus nodded, unable to speak.

While Iolaus was in Corinth, Hercules arrived in Garecia. King Thaneos had not exaggerated his claims of a feeble peace between the kingdoms of Garecia and Xinera. Upon arriving, the tall demigod went straight to the palace, still anxious to finish and return home.

The guards, upon seeing Hercules, escorted him to the royal chambers. "King Thaneos," Hercules addressed the crowned man sitting at a negotiation table with a tilt of his head.

"Hercules! Come, sit!" the king called in greeting. After a quick glance around, he asked, "Where's Iolaus? Wasn't he coming with you?"

Hercules shook his head, "We met a messenger on the road. He was needed urgently back in Corinth."

Nodding his head, King Thaneos replied, "Of course, of course. He is a noble man. I have no doubt his priorities were in the right place."

"Yes," Hercules responded non-committally, searching the king's words for any hint of scorn. Finding none, he took the offered seat. "That being said, I'd like to finish my work here and return as soon as possible."

"No doubt, Hercules." Motioning toward another man, he continued, "This is Herios, King Panthus' key advisor."

With a nod of his head, Hercules acknowledged him, "Herios."

"Hercules," the lanky man replied.

"Now, what business do you need me here for?" Hercules asked, cutting straight to the point.

Realizing his urgency, King Thaneos began. "As you know, the war between our kingdoms has been ongoing since my grandfather's time. It has taken much work for Panthus and I to work out this agreement."

"And you're worried about trouble," Hercules said.

Nodding his head, Thaneos continued, "Exactly. There are many, especially arms dealers that are quite unhappy to see this war end." He paused, unsure how to proceed.

Seeing his hesitation, Hercules asked, "What are you not telling me?"

"Xinera is pledged to Ares, Hercules. There have been many, how should I put this, unexplainable events on both sides since we started working toward this peace. Panthus is concerned, as am I, that Ares is determined to see this war continue."

Hercules nodded, "That does sound like Ares. But, why didn't you mention this in your message?"

"I didn't want this knowledge to fall into the wrong hands. I asked for you to come because you have a history with Ares."

Laughing humorlessly, Hercules commented, "History. That's one way of putting it."

Thaneos looked at the demigod hopefully. "Will you help us?"

Nodding shortly, Hercules agreed. "Yes. We'll start by searching for any bands of warriors that might still be out in the field. They would be the easiest for Ares to manipulate."

"Excellent idea, Hercules," the king praised. "Thank you!"

"Don't thank me yet," Hercules stated dryly. "The god of war isn't one to give up on anything easily."

As the men planned for ensuring a peace between Garecia and Xinera, Iolaus struggled to help Pandion care for his mother.

"She won't eat anything," Iolaus said, placing a now cold bowl of broth in the sink. Looking into Pandion's shadowed eyes, he added, "She has to eat something."

"I know, Iolaus. I fear the end is near." Seeing that his hand was again shaking, revealing the extent of his distress, Pandion shoved it in a pocket. "I sent for the healer while you were trying to get her to eat."

Iolaus nodded sadly. "I thought as much. I'm worried, Pandion."

"Me too, Iolaus. Me too."

A muffled moan sent both men running into the bedroom. Each of the two men moved to stand on opposite sides of the bed, each taking a hand in their own. Iolaus brushed sweat-dampened locks of hair away from her forehead, panic flaring in his eyes.

Pandion spoke quietly to his suffering wife, hoping to soothe her distress with his words. "It's okay, dear. We're here. Iolaus and I. Don't be afraid."

Fever glazed blue eyes opened, searching, and stared up into a set identical to her own. A breathless whisper formed on her lips, "Iolaus?"

His jaw clenched in a last bid effort to steel off tears, Iolaus nodded. "Yes, Mother."

A faint smile broke on her face, and her gaze settled on Pandion. "My dear husband."

A sob tore from the man's chest, and he clung onto her hand more tightly. "I'm here, my Love."

Her smile brightened, as she looked slowly between the two of them. "My two brave men." She took a shuddering breath before focusing on Pandion. Noting their need for privacy, Iolaus snuck away to the corner of the room. Although unable to hear their words, every fibre of Iolaus' being was screaming that his mother was saying goodbye.

The despondent hunter was broken from his thoughts when Pandion approached him. "Thank you, for giving us that time." Glancing at his wife, he continued, "But you should be with her now, my son."

Iolaus' eyes flashed, no man had ever called him their son with such pride in his voice. Nodding almost imperceptibly, Iolaus again moved to sit next to his mother. "Iolaus?" she again asked.

"I'm here, Mother. Right here." He took her hand and blinked at the moisture that sought to fill his bright eyes.

Erythia blinked several times to focus her eyes and smiled. Her voice a mere whisper, Iolaus leaned his ear next to her mouth as she said, "I love you, my Son."

Clenching his eyes shut, he forced down the sob that seeks to rip from his chest. "I love you too, Mother. I'm so very sorry." Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead gently.

When he moved back, she sought out his gaze, saying with as much strength as she could manage, "You have nothing to be sorry for, Iolaus." He managed a short nod, his vision blurred by the tears that filled his eyes. "Please don't cry, Iolaus. Everything will be all right soon."

Pandion moved to stand on the opposite side of the bed when he heard Iolaus' heart wrenching sob. As he'd feared, the end would soon be upon his beautiful wife. "Erythia . . ."

She smiled warmly at the two men, "I'll see you both soon . . ."

With that, the last breath drained slowly from her body, and silence filled the room. It was only broken by the stuttered sobs and broken breathing of the two men who remained sitting with Erythia.

Pandion was the first to move, standing in his shock and walking into the kitchen. Iolaus, however, didn't leave his mother's side. Instead, he remained next to her until the healer came and readied her for the chores to come.

Hercules, unaware of his friend's grief, continued to help out in Garecia. Early on his third day there, he prepared a handful of men for the job of seeking out the few straggling troops that remained out in the woods. It was just after dawn when they set out into the forest. The demigod was grateful that one of the men King Thaneos had provided was an excellent tracker. Although the thought only served to remind him of his need to return to Corinth. And to his best friend.

Just past midday they came upon the first group of soldiers. With the peace accord in place, the men were to have ended all hostility, whether Garecian or Xineran. The small troop, fighters from Xinera, were mistrustful from the moment they saw Hercules and his men. The demigod knew that was to be expected, and asked Herios to speak with them.

All appeared to be going well until Hercules saw a familiar flash of blue light. In an instant, the well-armed Xineran troops attacked the small band from Garecia.

"Stop!" Hercules ordered, and when none of the men listened, he heard Ares sour laughter echoing in his ears. Turning his attention to his half-brother, Hercules stalked over to where Ares stood. "End this now, Ares!"

"Your words mean nothing to me, little brother," the god of war taunted. "They wanted a fight. I merely gave them one."

Tossing one approaching soldier over his shoulder, Hercules' attention remained on the invisible god. "The accord has been signed."

Laughing, Ares responded, "And that should mean something to me, why?"

"Because you've lost, damn it! Leave, now!" Hercules could feel his blood begin to boil at having to deal with his obstinate brother.

"Such a temper," the leather clad god remarked, "I like it."

"Ares!" Hercules yelled. His cry was cut short however when he felt a blossoming of pain in his back. A rare flicker of uncertainty flashed in Ares' gloating eyes, and with a flash he was gone, but the distraction had done its job. Looking down in shock, he saw the pointed end of a spear that had run him through. In shock he touched his hands to the wound, not believing the blood to be real.

Turning suddenly, he stared at the man who had inflicted the dire injury. "Why?" he asked, his voice only a whisper, before collapsing to his knees.

Seeing Hercules fall brought many of the men to their senses, snapping them from under Ares' spell. Herios rushed forward to the fallen man during the stillness that followed. "Hercules?" he asked, his voice rough.

The demigod's eyes flickered up at the man, pain radiating in their depths. He opened his mouth to reply, but before he was able, he slumped to the hard ground. He whispered, "Iolaus?" before dropping unconscious.

Herios took charge and broke the spear off where it wouldn't jostle the demigod too badly. He then hurried the now subdued men to gather Hercules up between them and carry him back toward Garecia. During the journey, Hercules drifted in and out of consciousness.

Upon reaching the palace, Hercules was taken directly into the healer's quarters. The elderly healer and his young assistant quickly took over the warrior's care from Herios. The advisor watched as they began to examine him, and then left to seek out King Thaneos.

Several hours later, Hercules drifted into consciousness enough to realize that he was in the castle. Alarmed, his eyes flashed as he asked for King Thaneos. When the ruler was rushed into the room, he hurried to Hercules' side, eager to hear what the man had to say.

"Hercules. What can I do for you?" the King asked sincerely.

Blinking hard, the demigod struggled to concentrate. "Iolaus. You have to let him know what happened."

Realization dawned in the king's eyes. "Of course, I'll send word to him right away."

Hercules managed a nod, and collapsed, again unconscious. "I would pray that his friend gets here soon, your majesty," the healer remarked.

"What?" the king asked distractedly. Turning before the man had a chance to answer, he called out, "Messenger! Quickly!"

A young man rushed into the chamber, bowing his head he asked, "Yes, your majesty?"

"You are to find Iolaus of Thebes and bring him here. He was last known to be in Corinth. Go now."

The man nodded, "Yes, your grace." With that, he turned and quickly left the room.

Remembering the healer's comment, King Thaneos turned his attention back to him. "What were you saying Peluis?"

Turning his critical eye from his patient to the king, the healer replied, "That his friend better come quickly, or he might as well not come at all."

Unbelieving, Thaneos responded stubbornly, "What do you mean? He's Hercules! Of course he'll make it."

Peluis laid a hand on the demigod's fever-warmed forehead. "I wouldn't be so sure, your majesty. It does not look good."

The funeral for Erythia was short and simple, much befitting the woman it honored. A few friends gathered for the service. Jason, who had been visiting the castle in Corinth, arrived just in time for the funeral. He recognized the stoic facade that Iolaus was presenting to the world. It was one that he had seen on the hunter's face many times before.

Placing a hand on the younger man's shoulder, Jason said softly, "It's okay to be upset, Iolaus."

Shaking his head, Iolaus turned to look at Jason as if seeing him for the first time. "I just regret so many things, Jason."

"I know," Jason nodded, "but it is okay to miss her, you know."

Stifling a sob, Iolaus met Jason's gaze with damp eyes. "How is it right to lose two mothers in so short a time?"

Jason's heart clinched at Iolaus' reference to Alcmene. He suddenly understood the even greater loss that his friend was feeling. "I don't know, Iolaus."

As the king's messenger rushed from Garecia toward Corinth, the king's healers were fighting a losing battle with Hercules. In his fever laden sleep, he would randomly strike out with his arms and continuously mutter in his sleep.

Those that were allowed in to see him could only watch in silence, none able to offer the comfort that the demigod sought. When they heard him call out for Iolaus, they believed that he was wanting his friend to be there with him. The visitors were only half right. In his dreams, Hercules wanted Iolaus there so that he could apologize. He needed to tell him how sorry he was for leaving him alone.

Iolaus struck out from Corinth the morning after his mother's funeral. No amount of talking from either Pandion or Jason could convince the hunter to stay. Explaining that Hercules needed him in Garecia, he left. When the messenger from Garecia arrived at the small cottage with his urgent news for Iolaus, he had been gone for several hours.

With a determination borne simply of a need for something to distract himself, Iolaus pressed on toward his meeting with Hercules. The hunter wished that his friend hadn't finished with their business there, he needed the diversion. Determined, the warrior pressed on throughout the night, leaving the messenger behind him.

It was in the early morning hours when Peluis called King Thaneos into the healers chambers. "I'm sorry to have been forced to wake you, your majesty. However, I thought you should know."

"Is he gone?" the king asked, his features ashen.

Peluis shook his head, "Not yet, but it will not be long now."

The leader nodded sadly. "Then all we can do is wait. I had hoped Iolaus would arrive before Hercules . . ."

A strangled breath came from the demigod's still form, and both men turned to look at him. The king walked across the small candle-lit room to stand beside the fallen hero. "I'm sorry for getting you into this, Hercules."

Hercules opened his eyes, just barely, one last time. "Iolaus?" he called faintly.

"I'm sorry," was all the king could think to say.

The demigod's eyes slid closed and the last thought he had was So am I before he let go of one last breath.

In an instant Peluis was at his side, feeling for a pulse. King Thaneos looked at him expectantly, but dropped his gaze when the healer sadly shook his head. "He's gone."

A league away, Iolaus pushed on through the night. The longer he was alone, the more he thought about losing his mother. And the more he found himself needing to speak with his best friend.

The next thing Hercules was aware of was the dark, smoky interior that was a hallmark of the underworld. While looking around, he heard Charon's voice echoing along the rocky cavern walls. Following a familiar route, he soon found himself at the river Styx.

"Charon," he commented.

The overworked ferryman turned, grimacing as he saw Hercules standing there. "Not you again. No more pig tricks, no tab." Waving his arms, he added, "Uh uh, get out of here."

Hercules fought a smile at the man's antics. "Sorry, Charon. This time it's not my choice."

"You mean . . . Oh man, the boss is gonna throw a fit."

The demigod walked over to the boat and climbed on board. "I'd pay you, but . . ."

"You think you'd know what to do by this point," Charon muttered under his breath.

Hercules took a seat on the boat, noticing a middle-aged woman that was already onboard. "Hello," he said.

"Uh, hello," she replied, glancing over at the large man, but returning her sad eyes to stare out over the water.

As the boat began to make its way slowly across the water, Charon continued to mutter to himself. By the time the other shore was in sight, Hercules found himself fighting relief to once again be away from the poor soul who ferried the boat. Soon enough the boat rocked up against the stone shore and Hercules helped the woman from the boat.

"Thanks, Charon." With a wave of his hand, Charon turned his attention to rowing the boat back across the river to await his next passengers.

"How did you know him?" the withdrawn woman asked softly.

"I've been here a time or two before," Hercules commented mysteriously.

The lady had opened her mouth to speak when Hades' thundering voice bounced off the walls. "Nephew! What in blazes are you here for this time?"

"Behind on your paperwork, Hades?" Hercules asked. At the god's blank look, he continued, "I didn't have much of a choice this time."

Hades' eyes widened. "Now how could this have slipped by me, I wonder?" Hades asked mostly to himself. "Never mind. Hercules, if you'll follow me . . ."

"Hercules?" the quiet woman's voice called out in confusion. "You're not supposed to be here!"

Hades glanced at the woman, "Ah, yes. Erythia. You are supposed to be here, although running a bit late I see . . ."

Again interrupting, Erythia's gaze never left Hercules. "You're supposed to be alive. You're supposed to be with Iolaus."

"Not him again," Hades muttered, but was silent when Hercules cut him a look.

The demigod's mouth dropped open as he realized what was happening. "You're Erythia . . ." When she nodded, the shocked warrior went on. "That means . . ."

"If you're here," she said sadly, "my son really is alone."

Hades watched in interest as the two spoke. "You really are his mother?"

"Yes," she nodded, "although you and I never met, my son told me many great things about you, Hercules. When I died, I took relief in the fact that he would still have someone that cared for him."

Any color that remained on Hercules' features paled as he listened to Erythia's words. "Iolaus . . ." he whispered, his blue eyes haunted.

"Come along, nephew. We need to talk, and it's time for Erythia here to be judged."

Hercules turned on his uncle, "Hades . . ."

Reading the intent in his nephew's voice, Hades shook his head. "Not now, Hercules."

He motioned with his head toward the pathway that would lead them to the judgement room. A few moments later the two men left Erythia behind awaiting judgement. When they were out of earshot, Hades tried to give his nephew what little comfort he could. "Do not worry, Hercules. She will be in the Elysian Fields before she knows it."

Hercules nodded distractedly, asking, "But what will come of Iolaus now?"

Iolaus was within half a day's journey of Garecia when he met a couple traveling from there. He had intended to pass without comment when he heard the woman whisper to her husband. "That's him. The man the king has been looking for."

The hunter paused, and turned to look back at the couple when the husband replied, "Are you sure? Do you think he knows?"

"Do I know what?" Iolaus asked, suddenly wary.

The woman tried to smile, but Iolaus saw the sadness that filled her eyes. "I'm sorry about your loss."

Iolaus squinted his eyes, unsure what loss to which she was referring. "Thank you, but how could you have known?"

She placed a hand on his arm gently, "King Thaneos issued a statement to the people telling of Hercules' noble sacrifice."

"Sacrifice?" Iolaus' voice was heavy, and his body tensed.

Feeling the tightening of muscle under her hand, the traveler realized her error. "I'm sorry." Pausing for a glance at her husband, she asked, "You haven't heard, have you?"

A million horrible possibilities flashing through his mind, Iolaus shook his head. "What's happened?" his voice remained steady, but was hoarse with unease.

The woman lowered her eyes, and it was her husband who replied. "Your friend was killed trying to end the fighting between our people and those from Xinera."

Iolaus felt the world swim beneath him, not wanting to believe what he was hearing. "Killed?"

"He held on until the early predawn hours this morning, they say," the lady said softly.

The hunter's gaze flickered back and forth between the two travelers, shock slowly settling onto him. "Thank you," he whispered, turning to leave.

"Are you okay to travel?" she asked, concerned after the emotion she had seen in Iolaus' expressive eyes.

His back to the man and woman, Iolaus managed a nod, as he said, "Sure I am. Why wouldn't I be?" Before either of them could make a move, Iolaus took off down the road traveling twice as fast as he had been.

In the time it took Iolaus to complete his journey to Garecia, Iolaus struggled with the news he had been give. He wanted to convince himself that they were mistaken, but his heart, still aching from the loss of his mother, shied away from false hope.

Despairingly, Iolaus concentrated on placing one foot in front of the other until he finally reached Garecia. It took very little time to find the palace, and he was soon ushered in to meet with King Thaneos.

"Iolaus," the king said, seeing the blond hunter. "I'm so sorry."

Iolaus swallowed, "Then it's true?" he managed around the lump in his throat. "Hercules is dead?"

Thaneos nodded, "Yes."

His eyes closed against unwanted tears, and his jaw clenched, Iolaus replied, "You don't mind if I don't believe you until I see him myself, do you?"

King Thaneos shook his head, and placed a hand on Iolaus' shoulder. "Right this way," he said softly. Iolaus fought the urge to shake off his offered touch, instead focusing on walking through the maze of corridors in the palace. "He's right in there," the king said when they reached the healer's quarters.

Iolaus' nodded in absentminded thanks, and pushed open the heavy door.