Castlewarming Chapters 21 - 30
by Hercules Forum Collective
Chapter 21
by greensleeves
"I would like to volunteer my services," greensleeves softly remarked from
where she stood at the back of the room. She had quietly slipped in while
the heated discussion had been raging on. Next to the petite strawberry
blonde stood a tall, dark haired man of medium build. Most people who knew
him thought of Joxer as a jovial, carefree person. It was the public side
of his character he showed to the world. But, anyone who knew him as
greensleeves did, knew the serious and thoughtful person he could be. As he
looked out at the Amazons in the crowded room, his striking features were
solemn. "That goes for me, too," he replied.
Greensleeves' jade green eyes burned with an inner fire. What the bards and
Hera were trying to do to her friend Iolaus was enough to make her Scot
Irish blood boil. How dare they even think to harm a hair of the golden
hunter's head? Oh, no, they would not get away with this. Not as long as
there was a breath left in her!
"Joxer and I would like to join in your quest. So, when do we start?" But,
at that moment. . .
But at that moment, the kitchen door opened and in walked a slightly drunk
Iolaus. Lyrical looked at Kendaa & Bastet and motioned for them to go out
the other door before Iolaus saw them. She handed Aquillea a pitcher of
wine and said, "Iolaus, Aquillea was just wondering where you were. Would
you mind taking this tray of fruit out with you? I can't believe we started
running out of food!" "Yes," said Hercules, "You don't mind checking on
what's left do you Iolaus?" " No," Iolaus said, "I was wondering when you
were coming to the party?" RainCloud taking his arm and steering him
towards the door said, "I could really use your help making sure everyone
has enough wine and things are running smoothly. . . ." Her voice trailed
off as she led Iolaus out of the room. "Now you see why it's just as
important to stay behind as it is to go on the quest," said Lyrical. She
continued, "Aquillea, I need you to stay with Iolaus sunrise to sunrise.
Don't let him out of your site. Maddie, you and RainCloud help her but also
keep the party going. Make sure everyone drinks a lot of wine. That way,
maybe, we can get back even before we are missed. As to the rest of you, go
out to the garden and meet up with Kendaa and Bastet. Hercules and I will
be there in a moment." Once everyone left the room Lyrical looked at
Hercules. "I really don't want you to go," she said softly, "but I know
wild horses couldn't keep you away. I need you to understand something and
it's very important." Lyrical closed her eyes, suddenly feeling very tired
but very determined. "Once we get to Tartarus, I want you to cover my back.
You are the only one I can. . . ." "Trust?" Hercules asked softly. "Yes,"
Lyrical answered him her voice barely above a whisper. Clearly this was
very hard for her to do. Hercules realized for the first time, just how
hard it was for Lyrical to trust him, "What do you need me to do?" he asked
gently, "I need you to keep anyone or anything away from me while I cast my
spell." She said, "This involves a spirit or two and I won't be able to
concentrate if I'm always looking out for attackers." Hercules took her
face in his hands and smiled down at her. "I won't let anything or anyone
harm you," he said, "Thank you for trusting me with your life." he kissed
her gently on the cheek and then they both started for the door. "Oh there
is one other thing you really need to know," Lyrical said. "What is that?"
asked Hercules. "While I'm casting this spell, no matter what I say or what
I do, under any condition or circumstance, can you touch me." She said.
With that she went toward the door. . . . .
Most of the little party headed out the kitchen door. They attempted to
mingle but worry was consuming the usually carefree spirit of the group. "I
feel so helpless!" said Greensleeves. "There must be something we can do".
Iolaus once again crossed the room to address his friends. His sunny smile
was in direct contrast to their mournful faces. "Hey, it's a party,
remember?" Iolaus said. "What's going on, you all look like you're at a
funeral. Who died?" he took a sip of his mulled wine while he waited for an
answer.
"Ah, yeah, well . . ." Greensleeves stammered as she tried to come up with
a reasonable reply. "Angel was telling us this really sad story about when
she was a little girl. Tell him about it, Angel" Angel glared at
Greensleeves as she gave the Amazon an encouraging push forward. "Yes, uh,
I was telling them about my first pet . . . an Amazonian rainbird. Uh. .
.his name was Howard and I never got over his tragic passing. . ." "How'd
he die?" asked Iolaus as he finished off his drink. "Oh, he didn't die."
interrupted Autolycus. "he, uh, ran away and joined a Tibetan Flying
Circus. he never even writes home anymore." Maddie shook her head in
disgust. Iolaus simply looked confused. "What are you talking about,
Autolycus? Look, something is wrong, just look at all of you! Aquillea,
you're practically in tears. What are you hiding?"
As Iolaus addressed the somber group, Maddie casually moved up behind him
and removed her rather large hat. She reached inside and removed a small
gold object from the band. About three inches long, it looked like a wide,
two-pronged fork - a tuning fork, to be precise. Madhatter hit the item
gently on the side of her hand and it began to hum softly. It made a sweet,
pleasant sound as Maddie moved it closer to Iolaus' right ear. His look
remained confused, then melted into a rather vacant smile as Maddie softly
hummed along with the vibrations of the tuning fork.
After a moment, she whispered softly to Iolaus. "Nothing interesting is
going on at all." she said. "Nothing at all . . ." he replied. "You're very
thirsty and you need another drink," said Maddie. "Another drink would be
good. . ." Iolaus responded in kind. "You should go get one and forget you
were ever worried," Maddie finished. "I'll do that now," said Iolaus as
Hibblette made room for him to leave. he wandered out in the general
direction of the food table.
Madhatter turned and a roomful of faces looked at her with disbelief. "How
did you do that?" asked Aquillea. Maddie removed her hat and looked at the
tiny golden instrument. "Tuning fork of the gods," she said. "A little toy
given to me by my friend Orpheus. Poor guy, he's been so brokenhearted
since his wife died." Joxer made his way over to her. "I've heard of that.
It has the power to. . ." "Influence mortal minds." Ares interrupted.
"Yes," said Maddie, "just give it a gentle touch and the sound it makes has
a calming, quieting affect. It leaves the mind open to . . . suggestion."
"Quite a powerful tool you have there." said Ares. "What else do you have
in that hat?" "I'll just keep that to myself," Maddie replied as she
replaced the fork in her hatband.
Angel's face suddenly lit up. "Yes, a powerful tool. This could be a great
help to us. With all of us working together, our combined efforts can
defeat Hera. Lyrical will go to the underworld to cast the spell. If you go
to the dark castle and use this magic on the bards they will be sure to
listen to Kendaa and Bastet. But it will be dangerous. I have heard that
other dragons make their home in the moat surrounding the castle and no one
can tell what will happen once you get in.
"A dragon, please!" said Hibblette "I've killed two dragons today. Who
needs a dragon dispatched? Let me at him!" "We must begin soon," said
Aquillea. "First," said Autolycus, "there is one problem with the plan.
Maddie, you must tell them." A sad look came over the face of the diva
amazon. "I don't wish to put any of you in danger but I cannot do this
alone. You know of the power we all possess in the castle to see and listen
but not be heard or seen ourselves." "Yes, the power of lurking. We all do
it from time to time," said Angel. "Well, when I enter the dark castle I
cannot ever be heard or seen by anyone," said Madhatter. "I can't speak to
the bards or use my magic on them. Someone must go with me who can
materialize there." "I'm right by your side" said Angel. "As am I," said
Aquillea. "If you think I'm going to sit around . . . well, forget it!"
"You're going nowhere without me now," Auto whispered in Maddie's ear.
"Another dragon to slay," said Hibblette "and I thought it was going to be
a dull day."
As the small group gathered to begin the dangerous trek to the dark castle
a voice, eager in its sincerity, could be heard. "Oh, I want to go. Please,
I'd like to help!" Greensleeves turned to see her sister Amazon Calee
looking wistfully at everyone. She brought Calee into the midst of the
group and said, "This is Calee, one of our Amazon sisters. I believe she
will be of great help to us. She is strong of heart and body. And she has
made a warm home for her sisters to gather when they were being kicked out
of their old familiar home."
Maddie stepped forward and took Calee's hand. "Welcome, Amazon sister. We
will be proud to have you with us." Everyone greeted Calee and happily took
her into their midst. A wide smile lit up Calee's pretty face. Yes! She
would be going along, too!
Greensleeves turned to Maddie and remarked, "I also have something that
might help." She removed a small golden pouch from the waistband of her
suede skirt. As she opened it a golden glow shone from its dark depths.
Carefully, she sprinkled some of the contents into her hand. Golden
sparkles of dust twinkled in the candlelight. "This is a gift to me from
the Goddess Harmony. It is to be used only in the direst of circumstances.
I think this warrants that."
Ares moved forward and a slightly sullen look crossed his handsome
features. "Yeah, my goody two shoes sister Harmony and her wonderful dust.
That dust has spoiled some of my best laid war plans. Good thing it doesn't
work all the time or else I'd be completely out of business!"
Greensleeves frowned at the God of War. he was devilishly handsome, but
sometimes he could be a pain in the you know where. She replaced the dust
into the pouch and tried to ignore Ares, which was a hard thing to do. "The
dust, when sprinkled on someone, makes them forget all thoughts of
fighting. They become mellow and happy. The problem is, as Ares said, it
doesn't work on everyone. Hopefully, it will work when we need it."
Maddie patted her sister friend on the back. "Great, greensleeves. I know
we're going to need all the help we can get when we arrive at the dark
castle. Now, let's plan our strategy. Does anyone have any ideas?"
Then from behind the group of Amazons and Hunters came a voice, "You know,
for a "secret mission", it's not much of a secret." The group jumped and
turned in the direction of the voice. All were stunned at being taken by
surprised, for no one had heard anyone approaching. While everyone was
staring at her in disbelief, Wikewike took the opportunity to let them all
know she had NO intention of being left behind! "I don't care which group I
go with, but, I AM going. I've never been one sit and lurk while one of
my friends of family needs help. So. . .Let's Go!" Wikewike grabbed the war
staff she always carried with her and looked at the group of people she now
called family. She wasn't usually so aggressive in her manner or speech,
she was one to lurk and listen. But now one of her new family members
needed her help and that was enough to bring the newly adopted Amazon out
of lurking. Kendaa and Bastet looked at the new Amazon, then at each other
with a "What can you do?" kind of shrug. They both remembered when they too
were so headstrong and determined to win the love and loyalty of their
fellow Amazon Sisters. . . . . . . .
They were all about to head out to the garden to join Hercules and the
others, when RainCloud came rushing in. "Hercules just received word from
Xena that two Warlords have joined forces and are making plans to attack
three villages" she said. "Xena needs the Amazons to help fend them off."
As this was the time of the year when the men from each village joined
forces and went on a three day hunt for supplies for the winter months
ahead, the villages were very lightly guarded and the women and children
were all that remained. Up until this time there was never any reason to
fear such an attack. RainCloud continued, "Xena said she needs all
available Amazons and Hunters as swiftly as possible." Aquillea took charge
at once. "We will need as many warriors as possible," she said. "Iolaus can
come with us as well as RainCloud, Wikewike, shana, stripe, Calico, and
anyone else left in the great hall. RainCloud, gather everyone together, we
will assemble there and head out towards the village." Greensleeves asked,
"What about Joxer, Maddie, Autolycus, Angel, Bastet, Kendaa and I, what do
we do?" "Each of you are needed on the quest to Tartarus," said Aquillea,
"So I suggest you join Hercules and Lyrical in the garden." They all sprang
into action each going in the direction of their mission. Hercules and
Lyrical had just finished mapping out their plan for entering Tartarus,
when they saw the others approach. "The others are assembling in the great
hall getting ready to join Xena," said Angel. "Yes," said Bastet, "Aquillea
is taking Iolaus with them so he won't be questioning why we aren't
around," said Kendaa. "Kendaa, Bastet, Maddie and Autolycus, you head out
for the Dark Castle along with greensleeves and Joxer. Once you get there,
start your end of the plan," said Lyrical. Maddie reached out and gave
Lyrical a hug and said, "Good luck my sister." "And to all of you my
sisters," Lyrical replied. Hercules was telling Calee and Angel the plan
for Tartarus. "Calee, you and Angel along with Ares will head for Hades'
Castle. he will give you further instructions once you are there." "Angel,"
said Lyrical, "I want you to take possession of the Chronos Stone and make
sure Hades gets it." "Alright, everyone's ready, so Ares if you will do the
honors," said Lyrical. "That's great," Ares said, "I'm not." "What are you
talking about Ares we have to go now," exclaimed Angel! Ares smiled
sarcastically and said, "With a war on, I think not." Lyrical marched right
up to him and was less than an inch from Ares' face when she said, "You get
us to Tartarus now. Once we are there you can pop in on the war and then
pop right back to take care of Hera!" "Well," said Ares…..
. . .I'd love to help, but business before pleasure . . ." and he was gone
before his voice could finish echoing across the room. "One of my brother's
more annoying traits," said Hercules. "I'm sure he will return, but the
scent of warfare has always been a major distraction." "Xena should chase
him back here before long" said Lyrical, "but what can we do in the
meantime?"
By this time the formerly happy party had dissolved into chaos. Amazons and
hunters were flying here and there, readying themselves for the battle to
come. Party foods were turned into provisions and loaded into sacks for the
trip while others shared final farewells. "This may be a good time to be on
our way," said Joxer, "before anyone notices we are gone." At that moment
Iolaus bounded up to the group, addressing Hercules. "Come on, Herc," he
said, "those women and children need us now." Hercules gazed lovingly at
Lyrical. How could he accompany her and leave the village to suffer the
consequences? "One moment, my friend," Hercules replied as he moved to one
side with Lyrical. "Go with him," she said, "I know what you're thinking
but they need your help even more than I do right now. I have the Amazons
and even your sneaky half-brother may lend a hand. Go, now!" Hercules bent
down and gave the Amazon a soft kiss on the cheek. "Come back as soon as
you can," he whispered. "Remember don't eat anything. I don't want to have
to come down and get you." he reluctantly turned to follow Iolaus.
Maddie surveyed the room quietly. She, too, was new to the Amazons and was
amazed how chaos was quickly turning to order. Aquillea was organizing the
troops heading for the village. All seemed ready for their departure. "One
last question," said Maddie. "How will we know when to make our move?" "My
spell must be cast at midnight," said Lyrical. "Why is it always midnight?"
asked Autolycus. "Why can't spells be cast in the middle of the day when
you can see what's going on?" "Fine talk from a man who makes his living at
night. Now, shhhh," Maddie replied. "If you can reach the bards and use the
powers of that instrument to influence them at the moment I cast my spell,"
said Lyrical, "with the power of the two, they will listen to Kendaa and
Bastet instead of the Muses." "We'd best be on our way if we want to make
it in time," said Greensleeves. "Go with the gods, my sister!" And the
little party collected their things, heading for the great castle door.
Lyrical grew impatient as she waited for the god whose absence stood in
their way. "This is intolerable!" Calee stormed "I wish Ares would just get
back here and start helping us instead of standing in the way!" At that
moment, Ares appeared looking as stunned as anyone to see himself there.
"What happened?" he bellowed. "I was just about . . ." "You promised me
you'd give Calee a wish as a housewarming present," said Angel with a
laugh. "I think you just delivered." "Doesn't that mean you have to help us
without complaint?" asked Calee. "That was part of my wish." "Fine!" Ares
grumbled, "just fine! Where would you ladies like me to take you . . ."
"Oh, Ares, don't you ever pay attention!" Angel exclaimed. "You've done
this ever since we were kids! You, Calee, & I are going to Hades first,
before we see your mother. And...." she wagged her finger at him as she
moved closer, "you will behave! If you don't, I will make sure you miss the
next war you need to oversee." "And just how do you plan to do that" he
inquired? "I will call you, & make it really hurt this time! That's how.
But..." Angel lowered her voice, "if you cooperate, I'll make it worth your
while later." "Now you're talking my language" Ares replied. "O.k. you
two," Lyrical interjected, "I don't know what hold you have over each
other," she paused & continued with a thoughtful look on her face, "and I
don't think I want to know, but we need to get moving! Time's ticking
away." "Sorry," Angel said with an apologetic look. "Ares, pay attention.
After we deliver the stone to Hades & get further instructions, we are to
distract your mother." She turned to Calee & told her "I know Hera can do
no damage to me, I've gotten into some vicious fights with her in the
past." Angel giggled at her next words, "All I have to do is touch her
'little boy' in her presence & she goes wild. But on a serious note, are
you sure that you want to chance getting hurt by mistake? I mean, if you
did get wounded, Ares or I could call in a favor & heal you, or bring you
back, but that doesn't mean it won't hurt." Ares interrupted, "Angel, do
you plan on starting another fight with her? I don't like the look in your
eyes!" To Calee he said "I'm not sure I want to get into the middle of
them, are you sure you want to go with us?" Before Calee could answer he
added "Not that I'd personally care if anyone suffered pain at this moment,
especially since I'm missing my war, but the two of them can get very
violent." The others looked first at Angel, not believing that someone so
normally calm could be such a match for Hera. They then looked at Ares
wondering why he would not like to watch what promised to be an exciting,
if not dangerous, show. Finally, all turned to Calee & Lyrical to see what
they would have to say about this turn of events...........
Aquillea, was at once an unusual and an obvious choice to be overseeing the
preparations of the band heading out to protect the villages. The reasons
were so numerous and complex as to make a story onto themselves. The woman
was no warrior as her sister-friend Lyrical had earlier alluded, but on
rare occasions Aquillea would seem to be gripped by a single-mindedness of
purpose that bordered on obsession. This clearly was one of those times.
The focused and organized exterior belied the riot of thoughts and emotions
the adopted Amazon struggled to suppress. Outwardly, not a trace remained
of the woman whom Iolaus had characterized as being "practically in tears."
In times of crisis, Aquillea fell into the old habit of embracing her
analytical nature and hiding from her feelings.
"Hercules," she addressed the son of Zeus while beckoning RainCloud to join
them. "I need the two of you to go back to Calee's 'winter garden' and
harvest all the herbs with any medicinal value. There's no telling what
supplies will be available in the villages, particularly at this time of
the year." Over the years the Greek hero had, out of necessity, acquired
more than a passing familiarity with medicinal flora while RainCloud was an
Amazon healer. The pair nodded in unison and made for the door.
Aquillea then turned her attention to the man beside her. Salmoneus had
instinctively stepped into the role of her aide-du-camp. He had just
returned from Calee's private chamber with a bundle of clothing that could
provide useful cloth for bandages. Following him were several Amazons
carrying stacks of furs and blankets.
"That's not all of it . . . ," Salmoneus offered.
"That's plenty. Unfortunately, we don't have time or horses enough for
more. Go check Calee's pantry and caches for packable food and healing
herbs."
"On my way'" Sal said with a nod, then scurried off in the direction from
which he had come.
Aquillea stepped up onto a chair to get the attention of the Amazons and
hunters busily wrapping, inventorying and carting supplies. Forcing a smile
she said, "For those of you with wineskins, remember to convert them to
waterskins before we depart."
. . . . . . . . . .Finally, all turned to Calee & Lyrical to see what they
would have to say about this turn of events. . . . . . . . . . Lyrical said
"it's up to you Calee, if you think it's too much, no one will fault you.
You could have another role in this." Turning to Angel Calee asked "Are you
sure you could bring me back, if something were to happen? Not that a few
wounds, & possible death would stop me from our task!" "Well, if pain
doesn't bother you, Ares or I can always recall favors, if one of us could
not heal you." "What are we waiting for then?" Calee turned to Ares & said
"well, let's go!" "Got the stone" Ares asked? Angel held it up & nodded. In
a flash the three of them were gone. After they disappeared the others set
out upon their journeys. . . . . . . . . .
