********
"Okay Herc, let me get this straight." Iolaus lifted his hands to punctuate his confusion, "I understand that Irrigrotus is a third cousin or something to Ascleptius, the healing god, but I still don't understand how anything he did managed to help the Greeks of Gaspius win a battle against the Persians."
The two heroes walked, as they always did, on the path to what they hoped would be good times, great memories and a wonderful vacation. It was Iolaus' pick this time and they were going to one of the rowdiest cities in Greece. Gaspius. A place where wine, women and song were the norm as well as gambling palaces, fine accommodations and the best stage entertainment this side of Athens.
Normally Hercules wouldn't be interested in all these things, especially since the city had a reputation for being rather violent. However, with Iolaus' contagious enthusiasm it was hard not to get excited. Maybe they really would be able to just take it in and enjoy themselves for a change. Once in awhile over-indulgence wasn't such a bad thing.
"I mean," Iolaus continued, "Irrigrotus watched over the lakes and streams around the city and while I know the waters are supposed to be..." He lifted fingers to make quotation marks, "`delicious and fortifying' I just don't see how..."
Hercules sighed as his friend babbled on. He just was not going to give up until the legend was told. The demigod honestly wondered at times if he wasn't traveling with a thirteen-year-old. "Okay, okay - I'll tell you." Hercules began, "It happened over fifty years ago. The Persians and Greeks had started a battle near Scythia but it was very easy to see who was going to win. Although the Greeks battled hard, the Persian army out-numbered them three to one. There were many fatalities. Our army - which by the time it got to the Tarsus River was more like a gathering - were tired, hungry and ready to surrender."
"What happened?" Iolaus urged, interested.
"Irrigrotus appeared to them and said to drink the waters of the river. They did and each soldier suddenly became revitalized. Apparently Irrigrotus, seeing how the army was being beaten and feeling sorry for what he decided could be potential followers."
"Don't tell me, let me guess." Iolaus interjected, "He put a little whammy on the river and before the Persians knew it the Greek soldiers were on them like Brutus on Caesar."
"And since then every year at this time a huge festival is dedicated to the city's patron god."
"Who is Irrigrotus, of course."
"You'd think so," Hercules paused, trying to recall the story he was told, "but he's not. The city's patron is supposed to be a big secret, known only to the citizens themselves."
"Why?"
"I don't know. One of those weird city traditions I guess." Then Hercules shrugged, "It's sad in a way because Gaspius started as a great farming community. The crops grew well for about forty years because the farmers used the waters of Tarsus. But now Gaspius doesn't farm at all. They seem to do everything but farm."
"Wow, talk about `thanks but no thanks,' to a god that actually managed to help mortals. Does Gaspius prosper?"
"Seems that way. But seeing as how they have a reputation for violence and excess it wouldn't surprise me if Ares was their patron god now."
"Oh, don't even go there." Iolaus chuckled with mock pain, "I just want to have a little fun, not face your half brother. Is Gaspius much further?"
"Nope, just over this hill."
When the two men got to the top of the bluff, they looked down at what they were facing...and were puzzled. Below them was the city but instead of the disheveled chaos expected, Gaspius had been cleaned up for the celebration. Children ran gleefully and unafraid about the stone paved streets waving colorful parchment pennants. What's more, the adults greeted one another cheerfully, with a wave and "hello." Not a mean word or even slightly disruptive face in the crowd.
Hercules and Iolaus took in the large fabric banner, which hung, strung between buildings and announced:
"Welcome to Gaspius! The Friendliest City in Greece!"
"Speaking of weird," Iolaus whispered as they slowly descended into the city.
*********
Slowly, a little confused, taking in all the happy and seemingly content faces, Hercules and Iolaus walked through the city waving at those who tossed them a hardy and friendly, "Hello, strangers!" or "It's good to see you! Have a wonderful day!"
"Something isn't right here, Iolaus," Hercules murmured. "This place isn't at all like we were told."
"Telling me." Iolaus took a bite from a fruit covered pastry that was handed to him by an elderly woman, "but the food's good." He finished the treat and licked his fingers. "Well, Gaspius isn't exactly what I was in the mood for but it's a nice enough place. You should be glad they seem to have turned over a new leaf." Yet, Iolaus understood what Hercules was saying. Both had been warriors far too long not to instinctively feel the strangeness of their surroundings.
Then ...
"Hercules!"
"Look, it's Hercules! He's arrived!"
Before they knew it, the men were surrounded by a throng of ecstatic citizens from Gaspius, clapping them on the backs and wishing them well.
"Let's hear it for our Guest of Honor!" a large, round and jolly-faced man called out. His proclamation was followed with a score of cheers. "Welcome Hercules!"
"But how did you know...?" Iolaus began.
"I am the local inn keeper," the jolly man announced, "and you and your friend will be staying in my establishment. Free of charge, of course!"
"But how did you know I was coming?" Hercules asked the question Iolaus attempted to ask before he was interrupted.
"We didn't know." A tall, lovely woman wearing a thin, silky-white garment moved to the front of the crowd, "I am a representative of The Sisters of Reclamation," she gently tossed a bit of her long auburn over a slender shoulders, "and we had a collective vision over a week ago that a great warrior would soon be joining us, thus insuring a prosperous and safe trade season."
"And now here you are, with your friend, Iolfus!" the innkeeper added.
"That's Iolaus, friend of Hercules," the hunter automatically corrected.
"Of course," the innkeeper said quietly then louder, "and now we must take you to the city temple for The Ceremony of Acceptance."
"Really, I don't think..." Hercules began.
Both Hercules and Iolaus were pushed along by the crowd, to the city square in front of an impressive temple, where two men stood at the top of an elaborate stone stairway. The men wore black robes. One was a young man with a stern expression on his callow face. The second, the obvious leader and spokesman, had long gray hair and had no doubt been very handsome as a younger man.
"I am Minister Angerles," he announced, lifting his hands to both preside over the celebration and greet the newcomers. "Welcome Hercules, to our grateful city."
The crowd gently prodded Hercules and he climbed up a few of the stone steps, a little uncomfortable.
Iolaus, not being the center of attention, found himself aware of two things: First, the lovely Sister of Reclamation to his right was holding his arm and was giving Iolaus a long, rather seductive stare. He wouldn't have minded usually but considering the woman was of a religious order he felt he might be sinning just by having impure thoughts about her. Second, a young man to his left, sporting a rather wild head of ash-blond hair, huffed irritably at the words being expressed by Minister Angerles. Iolaus thought he heard him whisper, "Hypocrite," but couldn't be sure. The young man briefly met his eyes then looked away.
"And so we officially kick off this festival. I, Minister Angerles of the most sacred temple of Gaspius and my aide, the most honorable Hertuges." The younger man bowed ever so slightly to a polite hand clapping. "Will officiate over our annual bonfire, the symbol of our respect and prosperity!"
Then came long and very loud applause.
All seemed gleeful with the notable exception of the young man Iolaus was watching. He couldn't help turning to him and saying, "Nice party."
"Yeah, if you like this sort of thing," came the gruff answer. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't have to be. Someone has to watch out for things."
Iolaus smiled and offered a hand. "I'm Iolaus," he said and then shook with his new friend.
"They call me Palaxius. And your friend is Hercules. He needs no introduction. Everyone knows him -- but it's too bad he doesn't know Gaspius better."
For the moment, Iolaus decided to ignore the comment. It was obvious this kid had an ax to grind with Minister Angerles and, all things considered, it might not be any of he or Hercules' business.
The crowd began to break up and Iolaus looked over at Hercules who was signing autographs for a few children who had approached him. "Sometimes I think being a hero is Hercules' curse," Iolaus mentioned, with a brief but thoughtful chuckle.
Palaxius looked from Hercules to Iolaus and allowed a smile of his own, "Listen, I'm going to the tavern just down the street here. If you and Hercules want to stop by after you check into your rooms at the inn, I'll be there. I think we should talk."
"Thanks, we might do that." Iolaus again shook the young man's hand and watched him walk off.
Nice kid but there was something a little odd about him too.
*****
Part 2 |
