Castlewarming Chapters 11-20
by Hercules Forum Collective
Chapter 11
by ANGEL
. . . . . . .what are you doing after the party? Maybe I could walk you
home?" Herc grinned at the shocked look on Lyrical's red face. It was
apparent to him that she was very embarrassed at being caught not paying
attention when she was being asked out. "Uh, yes, I'd love for you to walk
me home, if you're going my way" Lyrical replied. Just then Angel & Ares
came out to tell Herc & Lyrical that Calee & the Amazons were coming. "Come
on you two, Calee's coming. I've gotten Ares to finish up the decorating,
you know, wave of the hand, & poof it's done. . .Don'tcha just love it?"
Angel was saying as she approached. She saw Lyrical's red face & raised her
eyebrows at her forum friend questioningly. Ever impatient, Ares
interjected "come on you two, they're getting close! You'll spoil the
surprise if Calee hears you! Let's get inside." As they walked inside,
Angel whispered to Lyrical "what happened? You're as red as a beet!" "Well.
. . . . . . . ." Lyrical started to whisper her reply when she was
interrupted by. . . . . . . . .
….As they walked inside, Angel whispered to Lyrical " what happened?"
You're as red as a beet?" "Well. . .." Lyrical started to whisper her reply
when she interrupted by . . . . . . . . the sound of a moan coming from the
west side of the garden.
The moan came again weaker this time, Angel and Lyrical looked to Hercules
who had already started walking toward the sound. Lyrical followed behind
Hercules as Angel rushed to Ares. " Quick Ares go to Calee and the Amazons,
try and delay their arrival." Ares looked at Angel and was about to refuse
her request when he noted a glint of determination in her eyes. " Ok I'll
do this for you but you owe me, and I will collect from you later." The
look of determination in Angels eyes was quickly replaced by one of desire.
Angel replied" Of course Ares I always pay my debts."
Hercules had arrived at the site where a now even fainter moan could be
heard, there upon the ground is where he and Lyrical found RainCloud.
RainCloud was dying, it seems she had also run into Server Down the dragon
prior to him being slayed by Hibblette. RainCloud not having the skills of
the other Amazons had not been able to defend herself.
Lyrical rushed back to the castle for water and cloths to staunch the
bleeding. As she was gathering the supplies Maddie and Aquillea approached
her "What are you doing Lyrical?" asked Maddie. "Quick we must get back
with these, RainCloud is hurt and I fear that she will not survive." As the
Amazons started to leave Maddie hesitated " Go You two I will catch up with
you in a minute."
A thought had just come to Maddie "The Chronos Stone!" Maddie found
Autolycus deep in conversation with Hibblette. " Autolycus I must speak
with you it's urgent!" "Now Maddie, Hibblette and I were just talking about
her adventures with Server Down." Autolycus explained in his usual suave
manner. Maddie getting frustrated grabbed Autolycus by the arm. "Listen!
RainCloud was injured by Server Down and we must help her, if we were to
use the Chronos Stone we could go back and destroy him before he has a
chance to hurt RainCloud."
Hibblette having heard Maddie's plan was in agreement " We must act now!"
Autolycus brought the stone out of the box, its color began to glow,
suddenly the three of them were transported back in time to hear the
screams of RainCloud. Hibblette rushed forward with her sword, Server Down
sensing danger turned suddenly to Hibblette in doing so knocked RainCloud
to the ground with his massive tail. Hibblette seeing RainCloud laying
unconscious became enraged and plunged her sword into the dragons heart
slaying him for the second time that day.
Meanwhile back in the present time Hercules held RainCloud as Lyrical and
Aquillea tried to stop the bleeding." You must fight RainCloud, Be strong
in a world that's weak!" shouted Hercules. A rumble of thunder suddenly
filled the air, startling Lyrical and Aquillea. "What was that?" asked
Aquillea" I'm not sure but something has happened." stated Hercules as he
looked to the sky. RainCloud began to stir, "Look there is no blood!" said
a startled Lyrical.
RainCloud opened her eyes and was confused to find the two Amazons and
Hercules leaning over her. "What happened?" asked RainCloud. " We were
about to ask you the same question." said Hercules. "The last thing I
remember I was on my way to Calee's party and I ran into Server Down. The
Party, Oh no have we missed it?" Asked a worried RainCloud. "No Angel sent
Ares to delay Calee's arrival so that we could get you to the castle."
stated Lyrical. "Well what are we waiting for, lets go." said RainCloud.
Hercules, Aquillea and Lyrical still puzzled over what had happened
assisted RainCloud to the castle where they were greeted by Hibblette,
Maddie, and Autolycus. Hercules looked at Maddie and sensed that she had
the answers to what had taken place but that would have to wait since Ares
had just appeared and announced that Calee and the Amazons were arriving at
the door. . . . . . . .
"Ok guys, this isn't funny anymore. We've been looking for hours and we
still haven't found any...what did you call them? Snipes? Who ever heard of
Snipe Hunting in the middle of winter anyway?" Calee said with an
exasperated sigh.
"Alright, we can head back." said Kendaa, "We've been out here long enough
for. . .uuhh."
"To find out that Snipes aren't in season." Calico said quickly, hoping
Calee didn't catch the pause.
Calee shivered as she spoke. "Well, I'm about to freeze my butt off. Let's
go."
Kendaa, Calico and Bastet all looked at each other behind Calee's back and
smiled.
"Besides," said Calee as she trudged through the ankle deep snow, "we still
have those deer stakes in the cache. We can eat those tonight and go back
out tomorrow and snare some rabbits or something."
"Sure, I set some trap lines yesterday, there should be something in them
by tomorrow." said Bastet. "Do you still have any of those vegetables? A
salad would go good with a nice juicy rabbit."
"I think there's some still in the pantry. Remind me and I'll check when we
get back." Calee said over her shoulder, stamping her feet as she walked.
"I sure hope there's a nice fire going by the time we get there, my feet
are frozen!"
Bastet gave the others a knowing smile and said, "Oh, I'm sure there will
be."
Walking over the last hill Calee noticed some activity at the castle.
"Looks like we have company." she mumbled to herself. "I hope there's
enough deer to go around."
As the group walked to the door Ares materialized out of thin air. "It's
about time you got here." he said with an exaggerated sigh. "I've been
waiting for you."
Ares took Calee by the hand and pulled her into a warm embrace, kissing her
thoroughly. Warmth flooded through her all the way to her frozen toes and
she stood there dumbfounded even after he let her go.
"Wow, if I get one of those every time I come home. . ." she gasped.
"Come on, we better get her inside before she decides to go off into the
woods again." Kendaa said with a grin looping her arm through Calee's.
The door was open and Calee almost fainted when. . . . .
When out of every conceivable corner jumped dozens of excited Amazons and
Hunters, all grinning wildly and yelling "SURPRIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSEEE!!!"
Calee gaped, and then tottered backwards, to come up against a warm, hard
chest. "Surprise, my sweet! You'll get my. . .housewarming gift. . .a
little later," Ares whispered wickedly into her ear. The Forum Hostess with
the Mostess blushed a bright red, but was distracted when Lyrical rushed up
to her bearing a steaming plate piled high with all manner of delicious
food, and a mug of mulled wine to warm her up.
"Happy Housewarming Calee!" She cried happily, while trying to
surreptitiously signal to the band to start playing music for the gathered
company.
Calee, plate and mug in hand, was laughing, still in shock. She turned to
her just-previous companions of the forest and glared in mock-anger. "You
lot! You know, it's a good thing this place hasn't any dungeons, or I'd. .
."
"Oh I can fix that for you in a microsecond, my sweet," Ares interjected
softly, relishing the prospect.
Kendaa glared at the God of War. "Don't get any ideas, Aer'" But the God of
War didn't answer, merely walked away laughing quietly to himself.
"Well," explained Calico, "How else were we going to keep you preoccupied
until the party was all set up?"
"And besides," added Bastet, "you have to admit, it WAS kind of fun out
there, wandering around in a winter wonderland and all that."
Calee, Calico and Kendaa turned to stare at their Amazon sister. "Uh. .
.yeah, sure, dear Bastet," muttered Kendaa, still stamping the snow off her
boots.
"So, are you guys gonna come and mingle or just stand there like shags on
rocks?" queried 'shana, lounging with languid pleasure against a warm wall
made of Hercules' chest.
The door was open and Calee almost fainted when she stepped in and saw all
of the guests and heard them yell, "SURPRISE!!" "So this is why you had me
out all day, in the mountains, trudging through the snow, on a Snipe hunt!"
said Calee. She directed this to the Amazon Sisters that had her out all
day. Kendaa & Aquillea led Calee into the dining room where the feast
awaited them. All of the guests started to follow. Hercules held Lyrical's
arm keeping her just inside the doorway. Any other time Hercules would have
enjoyed keeping Lyrical back, but he had something on his mind and needed
answers. "I want to find out what happened outside, just now, with
RainCloud," he said, "And I think you know more about this then your
telling." "Look Hercules, right now what I have to do is find Maddie," said
Lyrical as she tried to pull away from Hercules. "You're not going anywhere
until I get some answers," he said. "Look this is really hard for me to ask
and I wouldn't if there were another way but, please trust me." She said,
"I promise to tell you everything later, but right now I have to find
Maddie and Auto." Her voice sounded strained and she looked very
vulnerable. It was obvious this was very hard for her to ask." Alright,"
Hercules said, "I'll trust you to tell me everything, and I do mean
everything, later. Even if it takes all night." "Thank you," she said,
"Look there goes Maddie in the kitchen now. Lets go!" Hercules released his
hold on her arm and followed behind her. Once in the kitchen she asked,
"Maddie, where is the Chronos Stone?" Maddie looked dumbfounded. "How did
you know. . . ?" she said. "I saw the box when I first arrived and knew
right away what was in it. We have to move very quickly! "Lyrical said,
"But first, Auto, the truth; did you take that box from Jason, or did you
steal it?" Auto acted hurt and insulted. Lyrical continued, "Auto, I need
the truth, lives depend on it." "Well, I don't normally give this
information out. . ." said Auto. "Just tell her the truth NOW!" said
Maddie, "Or so help me I'll. . ." "Ok, Ok," said Auto, "I didn't steal the
box. Jason gave it to me to give to someone here at the castle. Someone
Jason said I would know by the phrase they said to me." "The vase is in the
temple of Aphrodite," said Lyrical. "Yea, that's the phrase alright, but
how did you. . .YOU!" "Yes, ME," said Lyrical. "Look I need your help and I
don't have time to explain now. I promise when this is over I'll tell you
everything." "I for one will hold you to that promise," said Hercules,
"What do you want us to do." "First I need the stone," said Lyrical, "and
Ares' cooperation. Then I need. . . . .
"First I need the stone," said Lyrical, and Ares' cooperation. Then I need.
. . . ."
". . . .some help from Kendaa and Bastet." Lyrical looked at Maddie and
Auto. "Could you two go find them and bring them here."
There was something at once both unsettling and impressive in the
authoritative demeanor which the diminutive woman had so suddenly adopted.
Warm-hearted and fun-loving, Lyrical was a newcomer to the Amazon Nation
and still lacked some of the characteristic self-confidence of her warrior
sisters. Yet here she was giving directions, each sounding more and more
like an order, and all sensed that a war party or rescue mission of some
sort was being organized. The transformation brought with it a sense of
pride amongst Lyrical's Amazon sister-friends. But that price of that pride
was uneasiness. For such a complete metamorphosis to occur, and so quickly
yet, the stakes must be very high indeed.
"RainCloud," Lyrical continued. "You'd best go with them in case you need
to split up. And whichever of you locates Ares first, tell him Lyrical is
'calling in the debt'. Got it?" The threesome nodded in unison and made
haste back to Calee's castle.
"You must try to be discrete about this," the Amazon called after them.
"And whatever happens, keep this from Iolaus!"
The unease in Hercules' heart began transmuting into icy fear. "What in
Tartarus is going on here Lyrical," he challenged. "And what does it have
to do with Iolaus?"
With a pained but unflinching gaze Lyrical's eyes met the equally troubled
eyes of the hunter's best friend. Beyond Hercules a worried Aquillea had
stopped dead in her tracks. She had wondered what powerful distraction had
separated these friends from the lively party inside. Now she was afraid to
know, and yet more afraid not to.
Aquillea searched the eyes of her dear sister-friend for truth and hope.
The churning emotions evident in her own eyes were strangers to her
expressionless voice. "he's dying, isn't he?"
Lyrical softened momentarily as she sought desperately to reassure her two
friends, and to reassure herself as well. She walked toward them. Placing
her hand on Hercules' shoulder she could barely speak above a whisper. "Not
exactly," she said, the moved forward to take Aquillea's hand into her own.
"But he is in mortal danger from powers that exist in the future."
"So you've seen it then?," Aquillea queried. As the Amazon knew, Aphrodite
had long ago bestowed, upon her friend Lyrical, the title of 'mortal
Goddess of Myth, Myrth, Magic, Mystery and Mayhem." Lyrical dabbled in
magic with varying levels of success, at times, in fact, a source of mirth.
But at the moment no one was feeling very merry.
"The vision was hazy. It appeared to me that there are bards in the future
possessed of a very powerful magic. It is unclear if they even truly
comprehend the power of it. But they will write a story in which a
character named Iolaus will be killed. When this occurs……," Lyrical's words
faltered. "If this is allowed to happen our own Iolaus will also die."
Anger momentarily chased all other emotions from Hercules' countenance. You
mean you and Jason knew about this….. And what? You just figured I wouldn't
be interested?!."
"And what. . .you just figured I wouldn't be interested?" "Hercules, calm
down," said Lyrical, "It was just this sort of reaction we don't need." "I
don't like being kept in the dark and if you didn't know that before
consider your self informed" Hercules said this through clenched teeth and
there was no mistaking the hurt and anger in his voice. "Hercules, if it
were possible to tell you before this, Either Jason or I would have, but
until this moment there was no need to tell you." Lyrical's voice was very
soothing, almost hypnotic and the effect wasn't lost on Hercules. "If
Maddie hadn't used the Chronos Stone we wouldn't be talking now and I would
be on my way to the Underworld as we speak, to give it to Hades.
Unfortunately, that won't be easy now." Everyone knows that no gods are
allowed to tamper with the Underworld or anything in it. "If Hara gets her
hands on the Stone. . ." "I thought the Chronos Stone was destroyed a long
time ago" said Aquillea, "Where did this one come from?" "I'll explain all
of that after this is all over," said Lyrical. "Assuming I make it back."
This last part she said under her breath not intending anyone to hear.
Unfortunately Hercules id hear her. Taking her into his arms he held her
close and said, "What do you mean if you make it back?" "I can sum it up in
one word," she said, "Hera..."
Madhatter, Autolycus and RainCloud left the kitchen and began a calm but
urgent search for Kendaa and Bastet. "Chronos stones, dragons, magical
bards . . . .gods, I'm just trying to throw a decent party here!" thought
Maddie. Then aloud she added, "Why can't everything just be normal?" "Ah,
the problem with normal is that it always gets so much worse." Autolycus
replied. The trio hurried past the makeshift platform where Maddie's band
mates were pouring out another sweet tune. "Aren't you going to join us,
Maddie?" her friends called after the little group. "Soon," she said, "I'll
be there after you finish this set!" Maddie cherished her band mates but
knew that they would have to wait for now. Quickly they came upon Kendaa
and Bastet digging into plates of appetizers as Salmoneus demonstrated his
latest invention. "You just insert the point under the shell, and voila!"
said Sal but his swift motion caused raw oyster to come flying from its
shell at rapid speed straight towards the dance floor. RainCloud's Amazon
reflexes allowed her to catch the slippery shellfish with one hand. "Still
needs some refinement," said Sal. "Well, if nothing else, it makes an
interesting party game," said Bastet. "How far can you throw those, Sal?"
"Hate to break this up, but Lyrical would like a word with the two of you
in the kitchen," said RainCloud as she returned the slimy delicacy to its
shell. "I think it's important." Bastet and Kendaa excused themselves as
they all made their way back to the kitchen. Maddie let a stray glance
wander in Iolaus' direction. His laughter rang like a bell, for he was
truly in his element, surrounded by good food and adoring Amazons. They
were hanging on every word of his latest adventure. "he's so alive, so
vital . . . so handsome," she thought, "how could he be in any danger?"
"See anything you like?" Autolycus asked as he noticed her stare. Could
that be jealously in those soulful eyes? "Sauce for the goose, my dear,"
Madhatter replied, "as long as I look and don't touch." Auto took her hand
to help her along.
They entered the kitchen and view the concerned faces of Lyrical, Aquillea
and Hercules. "OK," said Maddie, "time to spill everything. Somebody start
talking!" "It's time you know. We have found the existence of a plot that
will bring grief to us all. But there may yet be a way to stop it. You all
know of the dark castle on the hill . . ." All heads nodded in agreement.
"Well, in that castle are bards composing tales they believe to be
harmless, but they are not! Hera may be trapped in the underworld but she
has found a way to hurt us even there. She has sent a spell to enchant the
quills the bards use to compose their tales. Whatever they write will truly
effect those outside the castle. I have found that now they are plotting
the death of our friend Iolaus." Faces paled immediately. "Can we lay siege
to the castle?" asked Kendaa. "Find these bards and convince them to stop?"
"We have tried, but it seems futile. The spell has effected the bards as
well. They do not see able to listen to reason. We have one chance left. We
Amazons must travel to the underworld and deliver the Chronos stone to
Hades" Maddie let out a short gasp as Auto pulled her protectively closer.
"I've never been to the underworld before," said RainCloud. "Neither have
I," said Aquillea, "but I'll take the risk if it means saving Iolaus."
"Gods help us," said Maddie, "I say we go . . . ."
Lyrical shook her head. "Hold on people. I know how much this matters to
all of you but we are not fighting an army here." She knew how hard it
would be for those left behind to worry and wait in helplessness. Amazons
despise feeling helpless.
"As a was saying before, I need the Chronos stone, Ares, Bastet and Kendaa,
and one or two people to watch my back in Tartarus. Hercules, I had hoped
to keep you out of this but. . ."
"Try to keep me away."
"I'm there," said Aquillea.
Again Lyrical shook her head, gazing directly in to her dear friend's eyes.
"No Aquillea, I will only be taking a few Amazons, just in case we run into
trouble in Tartarus, and I need the most skilled warriors." Aquillea was
about to argue the point but Lyrical continued. "Besides, I need a few
people to stay behind and cover for the absence of the rest of us."
Aquillea felt she stood a better chance of success fighting in Tartarus
then staying behind and pretending all was right with the world. Again she
moved to protest but RainCloud put a hand on her shoulder saying, "Whatever
is needed from us, we'll do it."
Kendaa could feel the weight of the hearts of her Amazon sisters designated
to stay behind. She carefully avoided looking at them because it might
undermine her focus. "So Lyrical, what's your plan?" she asked.
The Amazon in charge turned to Kendaa and Bastet. "You two will take the
Chronos stone to Hades while the rest of us, with Ares' help, will head to
Tartarus."
"Did someone mention my name?" asked the dark God of War as he materialized
directly in front of Lyrical. "You know I'm not exactly fond of command
performances."
Lyrical stood her ground, crossed her arms in front of her and said
nothing. Yet all those gathered around her swore they could hear the words
of challenge, "You owe me."
After a moment's stare-off the Amazon broke her silence. "You will lead the
rest of us to Tartarus," she stated flatly. Everyone, Ares included, was
taken aback by her words. Lyrical continued, effectively silencing the
Ares' rebuttal. "Hades has already made provisions to allow it. We'll
arrive there at a time before Hera had cast that awful spell. "Then you,"
she pointed at the god, almost tapping him on his chest, "are gonna
distract that mother. . . . .of yours while I try to cast a little spell of
my own."
Lyrical paused in her recitation, expecting questions. Aquillea looked at
her with doubt, "I don't think..." She paused to rethink her words. "Do you
really believe your magic is strong enough to counteract Hera's?" she asked
almost apologetically.
"Well, I will be getting some assistance from Aphrodite, although she draws
the line at coming to Tartarus with us." Lyrical smiled weakly. And casting
the spell from Tartarus, where Hera is, should also help. But honestly, I
don't know how successful I will be. The key will be to cast a spell of
protection before Hera attempts her own spell. I'm hoping I can at least
deflect some of its power."
Bastet took advantage of the momentary silence to put forth her own
question. "So where do Kendaa and I fit in to all this?"
"You see," replied Lyrical, "there were two parts to Hera's plan. First she
empowered the quills to affect fate; then she pressured one of the Muses to
whisper the damned story into the bards' ears." Lyrical blushed slightly at
her oath but continued. "I'm not sure I will be able to block Hera's spell
altogether though I will try. But I may have a better chance at
successfully blocking the Muse's voice from reaching the bards. Still, I'm
afraid that left to their own devices they may yet wreak havoc on the
world. I convinced Hades to give our 'Amazon muses' the same voice as the
real ones. Perhaps they can inspire the bards to steer their writings down
a less disastrous course."
Bastet and Kendaa looked at one another; each silently inquiring if the
other felt capable of the task before them. "Creativity under pressure. . .
." Kendaa quipped and Bastet finished her thought, "the story of our
lives." Then she too smiled adding, "No pun intended."
"And I suppose Hades is going along with all this out of the goodness of
his heart," smirked Ares.
"You'd be surprised," retorted Lyrical. "But in reward for helping us we
will turn the Chronos stone over to him. It really irritates him the way
mortals keep using the stone to return the dead back to life. It alters the
natural course." Once again Lyrical anticipated Ares comment and cut him
off. "But he agrees that Hera's meddling in this instance also alters the
natural course. And its not like there's any love lost between those two."
From behind Ares came another familiar voice "I've been to the underworld
several times, I could lead you to Hades, if you want my help" Angel said
as she stepped from behind him. "Yeah, you could even zap yourself there &
deliver the stone to Hades without risking Kendaa's & Bastet's lives," Herc
interjected. "Wish I could Herc, but I can't materialize in the underworld
anymore, I have to walk like everyone else." "But your sister told me you
could, you've been doing it for years. She said you discovered you could
after you married Ares." "All that changed when I asked Zeus to divorce us.
I just can't do everything I used to be able to do. I'm no longer free to
function as a full Goddess, just an Angel, & Demi -Goddess. Hades also
banned my ability to teleport to the underworld when I joined The Temple of
Ares" she explained. "But I do know the way there, I know most of the
dangers you'll encounter, and.." she said with a grin, "I do still have
friends there. Hera also has no love for me, & if you don't need me to help
Kendaa & Bastet, I could even help Ares distract her if you'd like." She
turned to Lyrical & said, "I know we haven't been friends for long, but I
do have a debt to Iolaus to repay. If you agree, of course Ares." "Go
ahead, you'll do as you wish anyway, or find a way to 'convince' me," Ares
replied. "But what is this debt that you owe to that....mortal?" he asked
with disdain. "Later Ares. So how 'bout it Lyrical, do you want some more
help?"
