Most of the palace was in darkness this late at the night, the corridors lit only by the odd torch flickering in their wall sconces. But here in the long hall, it was bright with moonlight pouring in through the open windows and balconies looking out over the royal gardens that surrounded the buildings. The air was perfumed with the rich scent of exotic flowers that cascaded from every balcony, decorating the plastered outer walls with torrents of orchids in scarlets, deep creams, vivid blues and bright golds all backed by glossy green leaves and vines.

"This would be a perfect spot for a romantic little tryst," Iolaus' voice whispered softly through the shadows to his two companions as they padded quietly along the long hall. "Moonlight, flowers, torchlight…And what am I doing? I'm out with you two."

"Don't you ever think of anything except sex?" Aethalides hissed at him impatiently.

"At my age? No. Why should I? We should be back at the banquet…"

"Okay, so sometimes you think about food too."

"Only to keep me going for the sex."

"Shut up, Iolaus," the herald snorted in exasperation. "Tal, are you sure these guys were up to no good?"

Talaus looked up from peeking over the edge of the balcony at the men they were following through the gardens from above. "They looked suspicious."

"Three guys wearing dark clothes, sneaking through the palace, following people, talking in whispers and looking furtive," Iolaus observed. "Let me see now, why would anyone ever think they were up to something suspicious?"

Aethalides and Talaus looked at him each other, looked at the blond hunter and then looked back at each other. Talaus laughed nervously.

"He does have a point. We do look suspicious."

"You want to go back?" Aethalides asked, glaring at Iolaus.

Iolaus shrugged. "No. But I want you to explain it to Hercules and Jason when we get caught."

"Jason told us to look out for trouble," Talaus pointed out.

"I don't think he meant us to look for trouble so we could get into it," Iolaus retorted. "I think he wanted us to avoid it."

"Then why did he tell us to watch ourselves?" Aethalides asked pointedly.

Iolaus gave him a steady look. "Maybe because we’re usually the ones who get into trouble in the first place?" he suggested sarcastically. "It wasn't so much a 'look out for yourselves', more a sort of 'don't you dare' warning."

"Oh," Aethalides said in surprise.

Talaus nodded. "He's really keen on impressing King Iamarides," he mused.

Iolaus frowned. "I hope we're not going to spend all our time sucking up to local kings on Pelias' behalf," he said irritably.

"No, we'll probably be sucking up on Jason's behalf," Aethalides observed dryly. "He's going to need support if he wants the throne of Iolcus."

"What bothers me is that scroll Acastus gave the King," Iolaus said, frowning. "Why didn't Jason give it to Pelias?"

"It was probably a personal message of introduction."

"Which is not reassuring. Why not give it to Jason?" Iolaus argued. "Or you or Archivus? You’re our heralds."

"Acastus is his son and heir. Iamarides knows him. It's a King thing," Aethalides said patiently. He was starting to get used to being the voice of reason where Iolaus and Talaus were concerned.

"But did you notice Acastus didn't look happy about it?" Talaus put in.

"Yeah. But then Iamarides would make anyone's skin crawl. Did you see the way he looked at us?" Aethalides sighed and ghosted out onto to the nearest balcony to check on their prey.

"I saw the way he looked at you," Talaus teased.

Iolaus glared at him. "It was Coronus putting a light in his eye," he corrected. "He was standing right next to me."

"Nope. It was definitely you…"

"You’re seeing things."

"Guys," Aethalides hissed impatiently.

"What?" Iolaus and Talaus chorused.

"They’re on the move again."

Iolaus and Talaus promptly squeezed onto the balcony with him to look. In the garden below, the three black garbed men had stopped lurking in the wisteria arbour and were heading off down the path and through an archway.

"What's through there?" Aethalides asked, looking from one to the other of the companions. He knew one of them would have reconnoitred since they arrived. This time it turned out to be Iolaus.

"It’s the rear entrance to the Temple."

"I told you they were up to something," Talaus said triumphantly.

"Because they’re going to the Temple?" Aethalides frowned.

"Because they’re taking the rear entrance," Talaus corrected. "And the place is closed to everyone except royalty and invited guests."

"And we're going to lose them if we don't hurry. Come on. Stairs this way." Iolaus shot off, his doeskin boots making no sound on the richly coloured mosaic floor. Aethalides and Talaus sped after him, eager for the chase.

Down the marble steps and across the scented garden, the three of them sprinted, ducking under the archway the three men had gone through and finding themselves in a small herb garden at the rear of the splendid pink and white marble temple building with its smoothly curved outer walls.

"Where'd they go?" Aethalides hissed, peering around him.

Iolaus crouched, examining the ground for footprints. He found the mark of a boot heel and the ruffle of dirt where a cloak hem had touched and led the way, searching for more tracks until they reached the wisteria covered wall where the prints vanished on the stone walkway. "Spread out and search," he ordered.

It was Talaus who found the arched doorway concealed behind a tangle of vines. "Over here," he called to the others. He touched the handle as they joined him. "It's been forced," he whispered, glancing at the others for permission "Now what?"

Aethalides hesitated, but Iolaus nodded and urged him on.

The door opened to Talaus' touch and he slipped his head round the edge, checking the room beyond out before he crept inside. They found themselves in a small stone room with one small torch on the wall, another door and a heap of carefully stacked boxes, clay jars and oil amphorae.

"Store room," Iolaus observed, peering into the nearest clay jar and finding it full of corn.

Aethalides pushed the door shut behind him. "This is weird," he said softly, looking back at what now seemed to be a blank stone wall. "A door hidden inside and out?"

"An escape route," Iolaus and Talaus both answered, giving each other a sheepish grin for the echo.

"For priests?" Aethalides said sarcastically.

"For priests and kings and other things," Iolaus said brightly.

"Other things?" Aethalides asked darkly.

"Yeah, sure, you never know when you might need to slip out the back way for a secret meeting with someone while everyone thinks you're offering a sacrifice. Or for a tryst…"

"Oh…"

"Are you sure you’re a son of Hermes?" Iolaus asked, peering at him curiously. "Only I’d have thought Hermes would have figured that out."

"Yes, well, I'm not him, am I?" Aethalides retorted primly. "And I don't have a dubious past unlike some people I could mention."

"That's not what I hear," Iolaus snorted.

"Guys?" Talaus called softly as he waited impatiently at the other door. "Am I on my own here or what?"

"Let's go," Iolaus darted over to his side, eyes shining with excitement. They slipped out of the storeroom into a torch lit corridor, warily looking both ways as they did so.

"Left or right?" Talaus asked, looking to Iolaus for guidance.

"This way," Aethalides decided before Iolaus could say a word, his sharp hearing picking up a faint sound of movement. As he sped off, Iolaus and Talaus exchanged a look and then raced after him. They followed the fleet footed herald down several corridors and around several turns before he skidded to a halt and backed up.

"What is it?" Talaus hissed in alarm.

"Someone's coming," Aethalides answered anxiously.

Shooting a quick look around them, Iolaus grabbed his friends by an arm each and towed them over to a doorway, dragging them both inside before they could be seen. A moment later the three men came back around the corner, one of them looking around them furtively.

"I don't see anyone," the man in the lead said gruffly.

"I'm sure I saw someone," came the whined response.

"It doesn't matter anyway, does it?" the Nubian third man snarled sarcastically. "Seeing as how we’re lost thanks to you."

"It wasn't my fault, Echion."

"It ever is, is it, Diccius."

"Shut up you two," the leader snapped. "We took a wrong turn is all. It's back this way." He stalked on ahead, his black cloak billowing stylishly around him. The other two followed him, Diccius looking like a bundle of black rags and the taller, sturdier built Echion looking uncomfortable in his long black cape.

After they had gone, the door eased open a fraction and Iolaus, Talaus and Aethalides peeked out. "They've gone," Talaus observed in relief.

"Gee, you don't say," Aethalides sniffed, sarcastic when scared. "We'd better follow them."

"No, I think I know where they’re going. Come on, back inside." Iolaus ducked back into the small room they had found and headed for the steps.

"Now where are we going?" Aethalides complained even as he and Talaus followed the young Argonaut.

"The balcony that looks out over the cella," Iolaus explained, urgently beckoning at them with both hands to hurry up.

"How do you know that?" Aethalides asked sharply. "You haven't been poking around in her on your own, have you?"

"Of course not," Iolaus retorted indignantly. "What do you think I am?"

"A thief?" Aethalides replied.

"Ex thief," Iolaus corrected, leading them upwards. "That's ex thief, not thief. And as it happens, this is a Hestial temple and all Hestial temples, apart from the occasional bit of decoration, are laid out the same way."

"They are?" Aethalides said in surprise.

"They are," Iolaus said firmly.

"How do you know that?" the Herald asked, curiously.

"I've been in a lot of her temples."

"Dare I ask why?" Aethalides asked dryly.

"Her priestesses will feed runaways when they're hungry and ask no questions about who or what they’re running away from," Iolaus answered, throwing a look over his shoulder at him. "I used to run away on a regular basis when I was little and the priestesses would always take me in and make sure I got home safely. It's not nice out there, Aethalides. If it wasn't for them, I’d probably have ended up a slave boy long before I was big enough to realise what kind of trouble I was laying myself open for. So, don't you dare suggest I’d take anything from them."

Iolaus pushed through a blue and gold beaded curtain with its pattern of flowers and flames ahead of them and disappeared from view, leaving Aethalides gaping after him in surprise.

"Close your mouth, Aethalides, you’re not going to catch anything," Talaus suggested sardonically as he slipped after the hunter. Somewhat chagrined, Aethalides pulled himself together and ducked through the curtain after them.

The tiny room beyond was lit a by a dim glimmer of light that made patterns on the floor as it fell through an intricately carved and fretted gilded wooden screen. Talaus hissed at him to be quiet as he tripped over his own feet then pulled the Herald into the gap between himself and Iolaus.

"Iolaus? I'm sorry…." Aethalides leaned closer enough to whisper into Iolaus' ear. Iolaus twitched as his breath tickled and shot him a smile.

"It's okay. I'm used to people thinking the worst of me."

"I don't," Aethalides said softly and then tapped a finger at the screen. "What is this?"

"The virgins are not supposed to show themselves when men are around at certain ceremonies, so they watch the ceremonies from up here where they can't be seen," Iolaus answered. "Now look…" Tugging his sleeve, Iolaus pulled him closer to the screen and pointed into the circular cella below. Below them the sacred fire burned in its round hearth, nestled at the feet of the statue of Hestia with her arms spread out in welcome and comfort. Offerings had been laid around the rim of the hearth, fruit and flowers mostly, but the coin basket was half full and here and there items of jewellery sparkled.

"Easy pickings," Talaus murmured.

"Don't even think it," Iolaus growled.

"Why isn't it guarded?" Talaus pressed however.

"It's a temple, isn't it? A temple in the middle of a palace? What could be safer? Besides, it's traditional not to have guards," the hunter told him. "Hestia's temple is a home and a home doesn't have guards."

Aethalides hushed them nervously as he saw movement at the far end of the cella and the three men entered. The leader marched straight up the hearth and stared up at the statue, while the others edged uneasily around the walls.

"What are you two doing?" he asked irritably as he saw what they were up to.

"Er, making sure Hestia doesn't see us?" Diccius said uneasily, glancing nervously at the statue.

"It's a statue, you moron. Hestia isn't really here. Now come on. Give me a leg up."

"Are you sure it's safe, Machus?" Echion asked warily.

"If she knew we were here, we’d be soot stains by now. Now hurry up before someone comes!"

"What are they doing?" Aethalides hissed in alarm as the Diccius and Echion reluctantly came over to join their leader. The three of them gathered under the tall statue, helping him scramble up onto her stone skirts.

"Oh no, they can't take that!" Iolaus exclaimed, stiffening in alarm as he realised that the three men were after the ornate necklace around the statue's throat.

"What is it?" Talaus demanded, craning to see.

"Hestia's sacred amulet," Iolaus groaned. "They must be crazy. Iamarides will have them hunted down and tortured for taking that."

"It must be valuable then," Talaus guessed.

"Diamonds, amber and adamantine," Iolaus agreed. "It's priceless."

"More than that," Aethalides replied. "The amulet marks Hestia's protection of this city. It’s a symbol of her approval. The only time when it can be removed from the temple is when King Iamarides wears it on ceremonial occasions."

"Like when he gives Jason his blessing?" Talaus asked.

Aethalides and Iolaus both looked at him in alarm.

"If it's not here…" Iolaus whispered.

"Hermes save us. They’re going to blame us," Aethalides moaned.

"We've got to stop them and get it back."

"How?" Talaus asked practically.

Iolaus flashed him a grin. "How do you think? What are we good at?"

"I'm not sure that's ethical," Aethalides worried.

"What's not ethical about it? They took it from Hestia. We take it from them and give it back to Hestia," Iolaus replied swiftly.

In the cella below, the leader of the men was clambering down from the statue, the necklace cradled safely in one hand. In the light of the fire, it glowed with rich colour. Shaped like a fan of flames around cabochon eyes of deep golden amber, the diamonds caught the light throwing back an iridescent rainbow sparkle of colours.

"It's beautiful," Machus murmured, holding it up admiringly in his gloved hands.

"Worth a fortune in the right hands," Diccius agreed, greed lighting his eyes.

Echion scowled at him and Machus gave him an irritated look. "And if you didn't have the contacts, you wouldn't be here," the leader snapped. "Come on. Let's get back to the others." Wrapping the necklace, in a piece of black velvet he led the way to the doors.

"Right," Iolaus said decisively. "Tal, you check out the cella and make sure no one was hurt. Find the priestess and tell her what's happened. Aethalides, you go and fetch Hercules and Jason."

"What are you going to do?" Talaus asked.

"Follow them and get it back."

"Maybe I should come with you?" Talaus argued.

"Yeah, maybe you should go flutter your eyelashes at the priestess and then explain things to Hercules," Aethalides agreed.

Iolaus shook his head. "I can handle it."

"Since when are you captain?" Aethalides asked in exasperation.

"Since I came up with the plan. You and your silver tongue should be able to persuade Jason and Herc easy enough. Besides which, I know my way around this place better than either of you do. I can catch them and you can't. Now move it! They’re getting away."

Before Aethalides could protest again, Iolaus darted back through the curtain and vanished down the steps. Talaus chewed his lip as he gazed after him.

"What is it?" Aethalides prompted.

"I don't know. Something…trouble I think."

"Where Iolaus is concerned, it comes naturally," Aethalides pointed out scornfully. "You go the cella. See if these men left any clues. I’ll fetch Jason and be right back."

"Okay," Talaus agreed doubtfully. "But hurry up, will you? I've got bad vibes."

"Faster than Hermes in his sandals," Aethalides assured him and raced off.

Talaus peered down into the cella, shook his head uneasily and finally followed the others down the steps. Iolaus was long gone when he got to the bottom and Aethalides was nowhere in sight. Talaus trotted along the corridor, checking doors and side corridors until he found the one leading into the cella itself.

The door was standing ajar and he slipped inside, feeling himself sweating without knowing why. He was very much afraid and he didn't know why. It wasn't the excited fear of being where he shouldn't be and about to take something, or the delicious sensation of relying on his skill and wits; it was the genuine fear of being discovered that he hadn't felt in a long time.

He trotted over to the fire and the statue, gazing up at Hestia's serenely beautiful face with the inset amber eyes and admiring her richly enamelled blue and copper robes. The inset gap beneath her collarbone where the sacred amulet had rested looked pale and bare in the firelight. He bowed and then knelt before her gently chiding gaze. "Graceful Hestia, show mercy," he whispered. "We mean well. Guard my friend Iolaus."

The flames swirled and danced, drawing his eye for a second before he got up and looked around. He wasn't going to find anyone in here. Iolaus had said to find the priestess and tell her what had happened. S he started back towards the doors however, his eye was caught by a necklace glinting amongst the flowers and he hesitated, torn by old instincts.

Which was when the priestess walked in saw him, noted the missing amulet and promptly started to scream….

* * *

Slipping from shadow to shadow, Iolaus found it all too easy to follow the three men. They obviously weren't expecting trouble now that they were clear of the palace buildings. They had walked; laughing and joking together towards the main gates that led out into the city, bamboozling the guards they passed into seeing nothing wrong with their sheer open effrontery. In fact the guards took more notice of the lithe blond shadow flitting past than they did of Machus and his companions, but Iolaus too went ignored as a stray Argonaut looking for excitement in town.

By the time they reached the fish market with its ever present smell of raw fish near the harbour, however, Iolaus was starting to have his doubts whether or not they did know he was following them. They seemed determined enough to lose any pursuit, taking a twisting and turning route through the city alleyways, but they never quite seemed to take advantage of the times when they could have lost him.

Puzzled and uneasy, Iolaus slowed down and fell back, letting them get ahead of him. He couldn't help remembering that one of them had almost spotted them back at the palace. True it had been Diccius, the nervous one, but in Iolaus' experience it was the nervy ones who usually spotted a tail. Chewing on his lower lip, he looked back the way he had come, debating whether or not to turn back and face the teasing that would follow. Getting teased would be lot less uncomfortable than getting beaten to a bloody pulp, he mused. Machus and his men didn't look like the kind to take kindly to being followed. And he was unarmed because of the rules of the feast; well, apart from his boot knife and that didn't really count.

Voices from up ahead attracted his attention and curiosity replaced his common sense, leading him on to the corner around which Machus and his men had disappeared. He peeked cautiously around the wall into the empty market square, keeping to the shadows close to the blue black stones of the wall.

Machus had met a group of men and gathered them around him. His voice carried on the fish scented sea breeze blowing up from the harbour. "We got the amulet."

"Any problems?" a deep male voice asked.

"None at all. The cella was empty. We could have brought a troupe of flute girls in and no one would have noticed."

"Now what?"

"We go back to the Fish and Hook and buy ourselves a few drinks in celebration."

Iolaus did a quick head count and slunk back around the corner. There was bravery and there was sheer stupidity and he classed taking on this bunch of cut-throats alone and unarmed as stupidity. He had a clue as to where they were headed; he had names and descriptions. Jason was always on about letting him make the decisions, so Iolaus would tell him and leave the next move up to his Captain and the palace guards.

Easing another step, he swung around and slammed straight into Echion. He had shed his long black cape, revealing biceps as big as thighs emphasised by the wide golden bands he wore around them that glowed against his dark skin. He wore a leather harness studded with gold coins and a set of throwing knives and a magnificent gold belt around the rippling muscles of his stomach.

Iolaus let out an only partly feigned yelp of fright and attempted to dodge. Echion grabbed him and flung him back against the wall, effortlessly holding him pinned there. "So what do we have here?" he mused, looking Iolaus up and down and taking in his dark royal blue suede tunic and pants, fastened around his midriff with a Cretan silver belt that showed off his waist. "A fine feathered young buck out on the prowl, hmmh? And what are you doing on the street instead of up at the palace selling your wares?"

"I thought I’d find something more interesting out in the city," Iolaus answered coolly, resisting the urge to be insulted.

"And you thought you’d find following us more interesting?" Echion sneered, raising his voice to hail Machus as he loosened his grip. "I caught our young tail!"

"I wasn't following you," Iolaus lied indignantly.

"Looked that way to me," Echion snorted, glancing over his shoulder as Machus ambled into sight. The tall man had thrown his cloak back over his shoulders, showing off fine black leathers and the amulet now gleaming against the tanned skin of his chest through the criss-crossed strips of his 'tunic'.

"I told you, I wasn't following you," Iolaus repeated then brightened up with a flash of inspiration at the sight of the amulet. All he had to do was get close enough and he had all the weaponry he needed to do that! Lowering his voice to a seductive growl, he gave Machus a sly look. Leaning back against the wall, he raised one foot to brace against the stones and arched his back a little in sultry display. "I was following him."

"Machus?" Echion echoed in surprise. "What's he got that I haven't?"

Iolaus raised an eyebrow at him. "Want a list?"

"Mouthy bit of fluff," Echion snorted, amused but unimpressed. "Hey, Machus! Looks like you got lucky with this one. He'll probably do you for free."

"Probably looks like a rear end of Hydra then," Machus snorted.

"Oh, I wouldn't say that! Don't know how skilled he is though." Echion laughed. Tugging Iolaus away from the wall, he gave him a brisk shove towards his leader and smacked him briskly on the butt to help him on his way.

Iolaus jumped, disguising the murderous look he shot at the Nubian behind a pout. Machus caught him by the back of the neck and turned him around to look at him.

"Hmmh, not bad, not bad at all," he said thoughtfully, grinning at Iolaus. "And how much do you earn a night?"

"I don't," Iolaus retorted hotly.

"That can change," Echion laughed.

Iolaus shot a quick look at him, realising that he could wind up in a lot of trouble if he wasn't quick and careful. "People will be expecting me back at the palace," he warned coolly.

"Oh? Part of the entertainment, are you?" Machus teased. "One of the dancers maybe? Or a flute boy?"

"A guest," Iolaus retorted, looking up at him from under his eyelashes with expert calculation.

"And out on the streets looking for a bit of rough?" Machus' wasn't so good humoured any more.

"Something like that," Iolaus purred.

Machus grabbed him; yanking him up close and wrapping his fist in Iolaus' shoulder length mop of golden waves and curls. "I don't like being followed," he told him harshly.

"My, I thought it'd happen to you a lot," Iolaus whispered, fluttering his eyelashes.

Machus gazed down at him implacably. "A fine little flirt," he said appreciatively. "But it isn't me you’re interested in."

"Oh, but it is," Iolaus lied.

Machus snorted, slapped one hand down on his butt and yanked him up close. Iolaus squirmed instinctively, then froze in chagrin as Machus rubbed against him. "Liar," Machus sneered. "What are you really up to?"

"I told you…"

"You told me a handful of lies," Machus interrupted curtly. "You were following us for some other reason. Why?"

"Maybe he followed us from the palace," Diccius suggested. "I told you I saw someone…"

"What does it matter?" Echion said however. "Let's have a little fun with him and if he turns out to be any good, we can take him with us and sell him."

"Please, don't hurt me." Iolaus gave Machus a look of wide-eyed fright and wriggled fetchingly, pressing his hand against the taller man's chest as he struggled weakly.

Machus studied him, intrigued and aroused. Tightening his grip, he bent his head and nuzzled Iolaus' throat. "Let's see what you can do," he growled, backing him up against the wall.

"Someone might see," Diccius complained.

"Then get back and keep watch," Machus ordered curtly, his dark eyes locked on Iolaus. "I don't need an audience." Iolaus held his back, resisting the urge to panic as Machus' hands roamed over him. There was some muttering but Diccius and the others retreated around the corner. Only Echion waited, a nasty grin on his face as he alternately watched Machus and Iolaus and checked out the alleyway.

"Wait," Iolaus gasped as Machus fumbled at his clothes. "What about him?"

"Echion? What about him?"

"Are you going to let him stand there and watch?"

"Yeah. He guards my back. And as a reward, I'm going to let him take his turn too."

"What if I don't want him?"

"That's your problem. Either co-operate or get hurt and I sell you as a slave. Or co-operate and I let you go when we’ve finished."

"Oh." Iolaus held still, reluctantly letting Machus nuzzle him a bit more and suppressing his revulsion at being groped. Cautiously, he rested his hands on his upper arms, sliding upwards to link around the tall man's neck and run his fingertips along the amulet's chain. Pleased by his apparent co-operation, Machus pressed closer, pushing him into the wall and cupping his chin to tilt his mouth up for a kiss.

Iolaus shuddered, felt the amulet's clasp open under his skilled fingers and promptly drove his knee up into Machus' groin with all his strength. Machus squealed like a pig and doubled up. Snatching the amulet, Iolaus wrenched free and dropped into a crouch, using a sweep kick to knock Echion's feet from under him.

"You’re not my type!" he yelped at them as he sprinted back the way he had come.

"Get him!" Machus screamed, his voice having gone up a good couple of octaves, but then getting kicked in the groin had a tendency to do that to a man.

Iolaus didn't wait to see what would happen next. He ran for all he was worth, knowing his speed might be the only thing between him and a messy end. By now Hercules and the others were bound to be looking for him and he hoped he could find them before Machus and his men found him…

* * *

"No! Wait! Let me explain!"

Hercules could hear Talaus' voice raised in panic and broke into a sprint as he approached the cella.

"I didn't do it!"

"A likely story!" an angry male voice answered. "Seize him"

"Please, wait for Jason! I can explain!" Talaus wailed.

"Be quiet, you little rat," the man snarled and there was the sound of a blow. "Hold him down!"

Hercules slammed through the doors, aware that he had left the others standing. As he raced in, he took in the scene at a glance. The pale blue robed priestess off to one side, her hands clasped to her mouth. The two burly guards holding Talaus down beside the fire, his arms forcibly held out across the hearth wall as he struggled. And the Captain with his raised sword sweeping down in a vicious cut….

Hercules skidded across the cella and flung himself between the guards and across Talaus' back, clamping his own hands across those of his fellow Argonaut's a split second before the sword could land and slice off Talaus' hands at the wrist. The blade bounced off Hercules' adamantine wristbands, sending the Captain shuddering back from the impact.

"Grab him!" he bellowed in fury and the guards grabbed at Hercules. Hercules scowled and flexed his shoulders, ready to throw them off and fight his way out if he had to.

"What is going on here? Release them!" the voice of reason came from Cres, King Iamarides chief advisor and about the only sober Elder at the feast. Jason and a handful of the Argonauts followed him into the cella at a fast lope, careful not to trample him in their eagerness. "You! Captain Ignatius, explain yourself!"

Hercules relaxed gingerly and the guards backed off sulkily, letting their leader do the talking. "The priestess called us," he began.

As soon as he was sure the immediate danger was over, Hercules eased his weight off Talaus, aware that his friend was shaking violently. "You okay?" he asked gently, helping him up. "Did they hurt you?"

Talaus managed a mute shake of his head, his dark eyes enormous in his pale face as he folded his arms and hugged his hands underneath. "Thank you," he whispered through chattering teeth as he flipped his tangled wavy hair out of his face. Hercules nodded and turned his attention to the guards.

"Having established that the amulet was gone, we proceeded to take the prescribed action against the thief," the captain finished, jerking a nod at Talaus who retreated behind Hercules. "Him…"

"I didn't do it," Talaus protested, adding desperately when he saw the furious expression on Jason's face. "Jason! I didn't! I didn't steal it! I swear I didn't."

Jason looked over at him and his scowl softened a little. "You word is good with me," he said coolly. "Captain Ignatius, you say this man is the thief who took the amulet. Where then is the amulet?"

"What?" Ignatius stared at him.

"You say he was found here. That he took the necklace. Where is it then? Have you searched him?"

Talaus edged even closer to Hercules and the demi-god put his arm around him automatically. His wrists still ached from the sword blow and he could imagine how Talaus was feeling.

"Well, no," Ignatius admitted. "The priestess said…"

"And, with respect," Jason purred, turning a cool look on the priestess herself. "Did you see him take it?"

"There was no one else here. Who else could have done it?" she replied primly.

Hercules stirred, frowning at her and inclining his head questioningly to Jason. Jason nodded back, looking thoughtful.

"I suggest you start by searching the cella, Captain Ignatius," Elder Cres decided.

"I’ll start with him!" The Captain took a threatening step towards Talaus.

"On the contrary," Cres said sharply. "You will start with the cella as ordered, Captain. Talaus is the King's guest. You have insulted Jason by laying hands on him already. Let us see if your excuse for doing so is valid."

Ignatius flinched and turned away, hastily ordering his men to start searching. Jason eased over to Hercules and Talaus, gave Talaus a quick pat on the shoulder and turned questioning brown eyes on the demi-god.

"If she didn't see the amulet taken, then she wasn't here, right?" Hercules said quickly.

"Sounds logical," Jason agreed.

"Then where was she?" Hercules asked. "The fire is never supposed to be left untended. If she wasn't in the cella, then where was she?"

"Good question," Jason mused. "Talaus, did you see her?"

"Not until she started screaming. I did my best to explain, but she wouldn't listen. She grabbed hold of me and held on like an octopus until the guards arrived. See?" Talaus held out his arm, displaying the crescent nail marks in his hand and forearm. "I didn't take the amulet, three men did. We were following them."

"So Aethalides said." Jason frowned. "So, you came to make sure no one was hurt, Aethalides came looking for us for help and Iolaus went after the bad guys?"

"Don't you even dare think Iolaus was involved," Hercules rumbled.

"I wasn't," Jason retorted. "If I've learned anything about that little troublemaker it's that he protects his friends and keeps his word. And he gave me his word not to steal anything the same as Talaus did." He groaned softly. "What a damn mess."

"Someone should go after Iolaus," Hercules fretted. "There are three of them."

"Yes, true. One of them could get hurt," Jason said dryly.

"Jase…" Hercules protested indignantly.

"I know, I know. But if you suddenly take off without any explanation, it might be misunderstood. Be quiet and let me think…" He looked over the priestess again as she stood next to Cres, putting on a fine display of righteous anger mingled nicely with dismay.

"It was terrible," she was saying, her clear voice carrying across the temple to all concerned. "I was terrified what he might do next. So I grabbed hold of his arm and absolutely screamed for help."

Cres patted her hand where she clung to his arm. "There, there, now. You were very brave."

Jason's eyes narrowed and he strode over to join them. "Excuse me?" he murmured, all princely politeness. "Might I have a word with you, priestess?"

She smiled at him shyly, still clinging to Cres. She was a slender creature; all huge almond shaped blue eyes and hair so pale blond it was almost silver. "Oh, yes, your highness. But not alone. I am after all a priestess."

"I wouldn't dream of any impropriety," Jason assured her, noting that she knew exactly who he was. "I merely need to ask you a few things."

"I understand. Of course you may…"

"Might I ask your name?" Jason pressed gently.

"It's Volare," she answered.

"And you are priestess here?"

"That is correct."

"Sole priestess?"

"No, there are three of us according to tradition, although I am lead priestess. I was chosen to guard the fire for this night." She tightened her grip on Cres' arm, leaning against him shakily. "I was so frightened."

"You guard alone?"

"It is an honour," she replied primly. "And safe enough. No one may enter here once the garden gates are closed."

"No one who means well," Cres observed darkly, shooting a glare at Talaus. "I will see to it that there are guards set on the temple from now on, Volare. You need not fear for yourself or your companions."

Jason wondered if he was the only one to note the flicker of angry frustration that crossed her face at Cres' decision.

"I'm sure that isn't necessary," she said swiftly. "The temple must be open to all. We cannot hide from those who need us."

"The guards won't turn away anyone who seeks your help. Only those who mean to do wrong," Cres assured her, shaking his head. "It really is a disgrace. To frighten a priestess in her own cella!"

"I'm sure," Jason said calmly, interrupting while she was still searching for an answer. "But if I might continue…"

"Please do," Volare murmured, her huge eyes locked on his face with flattering attention.

She was well aware of the advantage her looks gave her and not above using them, Jason reflected, wondering how she had ever achieved such as exalted position that relied so much on chaste discretion. "Did you see Talaus enter the cella?" he asked calmly.

"He was here and the amulet was gone."

"I didn't ask that," Jason pointed out. "Did you see him enter?"

Volare hesitated, dainty teeth nibbling at her lower lip. She flicked a glance skywards for a moment then shook her head. "No. I did not. I was distracted by a noise outside. I went to look for a moment, when I returned he was here and the amulet was missing."

"Then you didn't see him take it?"

"No…" she admitted. "But he was here alone…"

"And the noise you heard? What was it?"

"I didn't find anything," she said shortly. "It was probably a mouse."

"You left the flame untended for the sake of a mouse?" Jason questioned.

Volare gave him a dirty look. " There are many valuable offerings made here. I feared someone might be attempting to force an entry," she told him coldly and shot a vicious look at Talaus. "It would seem I was right."

"Except that Talaus doesn't have the amulet."

"He must have hidden it."

"Where? And why?"

"He heard me returning and wished to fool me into thinking he hadn't taken it," Volare explained sarcastically. "No doubt he intended to return later and retrieve it. As to where he hid it, I wouldn't know."

"Neither it would seem would Captain Ignatius," Jason observed.

Ignatius and his men had completed a brisk but through search of the cella and found nothing. Now they were closing in around Talaus with hungry looks on the faces. Whoever had taken the amulet had made them look bad and they wanted someone's head for it.

"Then perhaps you should ask your crewman," Volare responded pertly.

Jason's smiled coldly. "According to Talaus and Aethalides, they and another of my crew followed three men here. They're the ones who took your amulet. It isn't going to be found here."

"You seem very confident," Volare snapped.

"I trust my men."

"Really," she retorted, folding her arms across her shapely chest. "So where are these other two men of yours?"

"One is following the thieves, the other is around…"

"How convenient that neither of them are here," she sneered. "Frankly, I find this tale hard to believe."

"Indeed, Prince Jason, I would agree with Volare on that. It is time to ask your crewman a few questions. After he is searched of course," Cres said insistently.

Jason frowned, but nodded reluctantly. "Sorry, Talaus, but it is necessary," he called to the Argonaut. Talaus nodded miserably, huddling on himself.

"Right," Ignatius said in satisfaction. "Strip him, lads."

"What?" Talaus squeaked in alarm. Hercules grabbed him, pushing the dark haired young man behind him for protection.

"I don't think so," he rumbled dangerously. "Jason! There are limits!"

"I don't see any reason to humiliate him," Jason said furiously.

"If he has the amulet on him…." Cres began.

"And when he doesn't? Are you going to explain it to King Iamarides?" Jason demanded angrily. "One more insult to me or mine, Cres, and I will be demanding restitution."

Cres gave him an alarmed look. So far Jason had shown princely restraint, but looking at him now the Elder realised that he was facing a dangerous man backed by a crew of fully armed and possibly even more dangerous and experienced men. He was also aware that several more of the Argonauts had drifted in to see what was going on and were standing around watching with suspicious curiosity. They also had Ignatius and his handful of men out numbered.

"You can't possibly expect him to strip in front of a priestess!" Aethalides exclaimed, all wide-eyed shocked innocence.

"Where have you been?" Jason hissed at him in exasperation.

Aethalides inclined his head towards Ialmenus and Ascalaphus. "You told me to find these two. It was a little harder than expected."

"Don't tell me, Ascalaphus was gambling."

"Okay then, I won't. What's going on?"

Jason rolled his eyes in exasperation as Ascalaphus grinned at him. "The amulet's gone and they’re blaming Talaus."

"But I told you, those three men took it," Aethalides complained.

"I know that. But you convince Cres of that."

"Fine, I will."

"No," Jason grabbed his arm. "Let me handle this."

"But why?"

"Because I have a feeling that there's a lot more to this than it first appears." Jason looked round anxiously, glad to see Hercules standing guard over Talaus with an ominous scowl on his face.

Ignatius was dithering, startled by Aethalides' pointed reminder. Cres was scowling. "Very well then," he decided. "He must be searched, but not here. Take him to the dungeon."

"Wait!" Jason barked. "You can't do that!"

"And why not?" Cres demanded. "One way or another, this young man knows what happened to the amulet."

"Three men took it," Aethalides interrupted in self-righteous indignation, forgetting his good manners for once in concern for his friend. "They’re called Machus, Diccius and Echion and Iolaus is following them."

"Is he now?" Cres said dryly. "Then why isn't he back yet?"

"I don't know," Aethalides admitted reluctantly. "But you should have your men out there looking for them, not harassing Talaus!"

Cres frowned at him. "Let me explain something to you, young man, your friend was caught right here. The amulet was missing and he has yet to explain how he got in. Neither have you for that matter. All this talk of strange men being the thieves sounds like an excuse." He turned to Jason, his eyes narrowing astutely. "Your crewman goes to the dungeon where he will be stripped and searched. He will be kept there until sunset tomorrow at which time we will carry out the prescribed punishment for thieves and cut off his hands."

"You can't…" Jason began.

"I can and I will," Cres snapped. "Obviously, he was involved and that breaks your guest right. I can see no other reason for him being here. But I am a fair man. Bring me these other thieves and the amulet intact and I will release him unharmed. You have until sunset tomorrow, Jason, and no longer." He nodded towards Hercules. "Now, have your man get out of the way, or I’ll have him in the dungeon too."

Jason hesitated, but he couldn't see any other choice. He jerked his head at Hercules, meeting his furious glare with a glare of his own. Very reluctantly, Hercules started to move aside then balked. Talaus took a deep breath and stepped around him, flinching as he was promptly seized by the guards and hustled towards the doors. They all towered over him like Titans and kept a wary eye on Hercules as they dragged him out of reach.

"You think they pick them for size?" Aethalides murmured, awed.

"It's sure not for their smarts," Ialmenus growled. "Anyone can see Talaus didn't do anything."

Jason ignored their comments. "Ialmenus, Ascalaphus, go with him," he ordered curtly.

"Huh?" Ialmenus said.

"I want Talaus guarded by someone I can trust," Jason told him simply. "Go. And don't let him out of your sight. I'll send someone down to take over from you."

Ialmenus nodded and bounded after his brother who was following hard on Talaus' heels watching the guards every move. The look Captain Ignatius gave them as they left the cella was none too happy, but Jason was within his rights to send them and he knew it.

"I must return and speak to the King," Cres said grimly. "Do you have anything else to say, your highness?"

"I'll speak for myself," Jason said coolly. "Be right with you."

With a sniff, Cres turned on his heel and stalked out. Jason looked round for Volare, but her companions had arrived and the three blue robed women were whispering over the hearth. He didn't dare disturb them.

"Jason?" Hercules' voice was harsh with frustrated anger.

"Don't you start," Jason grumbled.

"Why did you let them take Talaus?"

"I had to. Arguing the point would have made things worse."

"I’d have guarded him."

"Ialmenus and Ascalaphus will do fine. I have something else for you to do."

"Such as?" Hercules folded his arms and glared at him.

"Something you're better at than anyone else. Finding out where Iolaus has got to…"

* * *

Propelled into the dungeon, Talaus was pushed across the floor while Ignatius slammed the door shut and then disappeared through an unlit doorway on the other side. Talaus meanwhile was shoved through the door in a metal grating and ordered to stand in the room beyond while his two guards watched him suspiciously, hands on their swords hilts. Too scared to even think about escape, Talaus folded his arms and hunched in on himself, dreading what they were going to do to him. The last time he had been strip-searched it had very nearly turned into an all out assault.

"It's this one," Captain Ignatius announced, pointing out Talaus to the man with him as he returned. The dungeon master was a squat, gap toothed man who looked as if he rarely saw the light of day, let alone a bath. He looked Talaus up and down, a nasty light entering his eyes as he smirked and flexed his hands slowly. As he moved forward, the two guards backed out of the way, looking uneasy at his presence.

"Captain?" one of them began cautiously. "Maybe one of us could search him?"

"I think Dungeon Master Galous can manage quite well," Ignatius replied icily, folding his arms as he watched.

Talaus swallowed hard and retreated up against the far wall as the dungeon master ambled into the cage with him with a rolling gait that spoke of some time spent on a ship in the past.

"Right now, we can do this the easy way, or the hard way," Galous began, his very voice sounding slimy to the frightened Argonaut.

"I don’t have the amulet," Talaus protested.

"We'll have to see about that, won't we," Galous moved with in grabbing range, licking pudgy lips as he ran his eyes over Talaus. Talaus drew himself up, determining to fight before he let Galous lay a finger on him.

The crash of the door bursting open made them all jump as Ialmenus strode in with Ascalaphus close on his heels and two more guards scrambling along behind them.

"I was wondering where you’d got to," Talaus exclaimed, slumping weakly in relief at seeing them.

Ialmenus was too angry to speak, his midnight blue eyes snapping with fury as he stalked into Talaus' cage. Ascalaphus turned a filthy look on the guard beside him. "These two morons thoughts it would be clever to lead us astray," he said sarcastically. "Your idea for them to get us lost was it, Captain?"

Ignatius gazed back at him coolly. "They’re new here," he said blandly. "It's easy to get lost if you don't know your way around. My apologies."

"Like I believe you," Ascalaphus shot back.

"What exactly are you doing?" Ialmenus hissed like an angry dragon, glaring down at Galous in loathing. Galous backed up a fraction, sensing the demi-god's barely contained rage.

"The dungeon master is about to search the thief," Ignatius answered for him.

"First of all, you have yet to prove he's a thief." Ascalaphus said rapidly. "And secondly, that person is not going to touch him."

"And how else do you propose we search him?" Ignatius sneered back. "I'm certainly not going to let one of you do it."

"How big is this amulet?" Ascalaphus demanded, ignoring his subtle insinuation.

"What does that have to do with it?"

"A lot," Ascalaphus answered. His eyes bored icily into the captain's.

Under that glare, Ignatius gritted his teeth in fury. "About so big," he gestured, describing an object about four inches long and three deep.

"And spiky I believe? Shaped like flames?"

"How do you know that?" Ignatius glared at him suspiciously.

"I saw the space it left on the statue," Ascalaphus replied. "What kind of masochistic contortionist do you think Talaus is?" he continued. "Precisely where do you suggest he could hide the amulet?"

Ignatius opened his mouth, then closed it again, flushing in chagrin and bitterly aware of the guards struggling not to snigger. "Very well," he said curtly. "But I still want him stripped to the skin."

Galous smirked and started forward, only to run slap-bang into Ialmenus' solidly muscled forearm.

"Talaus is a big boy. He's been undressing himself for some time now," Ialmenus told him sarcastically. "So why don't you wait outside. In fact, why don't you get right out of this room all together?"

"Are you going to let him talk to me like that?" Galous demanded, refusing to look away from the demi-god's broad chest and speaking over his shoulder to the captain.

Ignatius looked from Ialmenus to Ascalaphus and back again. He could feel something in the air, something that made the hair on the back his neck stand on end. Something that told him he had pushed these two as far as he dared. "It's your dungeon," he replied quietly.

"Exactly," Galous spat and finally looked up at Ialmenus. "So I fully intend to search…" His voice wandered into a silent gap where it was ripped apart by the look in Ialmenus' blazing eyes. "I uh, I mean wait outside."

"Excellent idea," Ialmenus hissed, advancing towards him as the dungeon master backed out of the cage. Ascalaphus followed him the rest of the way to the darkened doorway, making sure he left. Planting himself in front of the doorway, Ialmenus leaned on the grating, waiting until Ascalaphus gave him the nod before he glanced over his shoulder at Talaus. "Get your gear off and hand it over, Tal," he said briskly.

At Ialmenus' matter of fact attitude, Talaus nodded miserably and peeled fast, skimming down to bare skin and unhappily wishing he had worn more clothing. He passed it to Ialmenus piece by piece, right down to his boots, and the demi-god handed them all out to Ignatius and the guards. Ascalaphus stood over them, watching like a hawk as they picked through the Argonaut's things.

"Scared I’ll plant something?" Ignatius sneered at him.

"Yes," Ascalaphus replied flatly and the captain shut up in surprise at the bald answer.

"Well?" Ialmenus said curtly, when Talaus finally stood buck naked and shivering, his arms folded tightly around his chest. He had had never been ashamed of his body and more than one woman had appreciated him. But if Galous had still been there he would have been hiding in a corner. "Are you satisfied he's got nothing on him? Or do you want him to peel off his skin too?"

The demi-god's sarcasm earned him a glare from Ignatius that Ialmenus was oblivious too. He came as far as the grating and peered in at Talaus. "Turn around, slowly," he ordered.

Feeling angry and humiliated, Talaus reluctantly did as he was told. The captain grunted when he finally faced front again. "All right, stay there until we finish with your clothes."

"Like I'm going anywhere?" Talaus muttered sullenly under his breath.

Ialmenus glanced at him and smiled faintly. Peeling off his own half cloak he tossed it to the younger man. "Here, wrap yourself up, kid," he urged.

Talaus grabbed the cloth eagerly, wrapping it around himself. "I'm cold," he blurted under Ialmenus' steady gaze.

"Yeah, it's chilly down here," Ialmenus agreed, moving closer to him and lowering his voice. "Did that slimy pig of a dungeon master lay a finger on you?"

Wide-eyed in surprise that he should ask, Talaus shook his head.

"Good. Otherwise I'd have had had to break both his arms off and Jason would complain."

"Thanks, Ialmenus," Talaus whispered. "He made my skin crawl."

Ialmenus nodded. "Mine too. Creep," he muttered, shuddering elaborately.

"What are you two whispering about?" one of the guards demanded.

Ialmenus glared at him. "If you must know we were discussing what kind of perverts let a pervert like the dungeon master do the strip searches," he retorted, then swung back to Talaus when the guard looked away in chagrin. "Look, Tal, don't worry. One way or another we’ll get you out of here. Jason will think of something and if he doesn't, Ascalaphus and I will break you out."

"You will?" Talaus gazed up at him in astonishment and was amazed when Ialmenus put an arm around him and gave him a quick awkward hug.

"You’re an Argonaut and a friend," Ialmenus answered. "We’ve got to look out for each other."

"All right," one of the guards grumbled, stomping into the cage with the untidy bundle of Talaus' clothes. "You can get dressed again."

"Can I go now?" Talaus asked hopefully as he grabbed for them.

"No."

"But you didn't find anything, did you?" Talaus said pointedly as he started to wriggle back into his pants.

Ignatius came over to glare at him. "Obviously you hid it somewhere," he said angrily.

"Where?" Ascalaphus asked. "You've searched the cella, you've searched him. Where else could it be?"

"Obviously he hid it outside the cella."

"So he went in, stole the amulet, took it away and hid it, then returned for the priestess to find him?" Ascalaphus mused.

"Yes," Ignatius snapped, doing a slow burn as he realised how preposterous it sounded. "Obviously he meant to pretend to discover it was 'missing' and report it himself, to distract attention from himself.

"I see," Ascalaphus mused. "So you’re saying the priestess is lying?"

"What?" Ignatius gave him an alarmed look.

"She says she left the cella only for a few moments, hardly time enough for anyone to do all this," Ascalaphus reminded him gently. "So either she was gone longer than she said, or Talaus didn't do it."

"If he didn't do it then he knows who did. He's staying right here until that amulet is returned."

Ascalaphus sighed and looked over at his brother. "Looks like it's going to be a long night, guys," he observed.

"Maybe we can send out for a take away and couple of flute girls," Ialmenus said cheerfully.

Ignatius scowled. "If you two insist on staying here…"

"Our captain ordered us to," Ialmenus said promptly, his lazy amusement vanishing.

Ignatius glared at him and pointed at Talaus. "He will be locked in. You two will remain out here with my guards."

Ialmenus bristled, opening his mouth to protest. Ascalaphus got in first. "Naturally, captain," he said coolly, giving his brother a quelling look. Ialmenus scowled, but nodded tightly and stomped out of the cage, glaring at the guard who swung the door shut and locked it.

Talaus came over to the grating, curling his fingers around the cool metal as he gazed out at them mournfully. Ignatius started issuing orders, arranging guards. Exchanging a look with Ascalaphus, Ialmenus picked up the heavy wooden table standing in the middle of the floor and carried it over to plant it in front of the grating. Then he sat on the wooden seat adjoined to it and grinned cheerfully at Talaus. Talaus smiled back weakly, oddly comforted by being blocked in.

"What do you think you're doing?" Ignatius roared in outrage, stalking over to him. It didn't help that he knew it normally took at least four men to move the table. "You've blocked the damn door!"

"So?" Ialmenus gazed up at him coolly as Ascalaphus settled on the seat beside his brother.

"So we can't get in!"

"Your point being?"

"Isn't it bloody obvious?" Ignatius bellowed.

"We can't get in. He can't get out. Where's the problem?" Ialmenus asked, winking at Talaus whose smile widened in appreciation of his protection. Ascalaphus fished out his velvet belt pouch, scattering his set of copper knucklebones on the table.

Infuriated, Ignatius stood over them spluttering incoherently. Cautiously Talaus settled on the end of the rough wooden bed in his cage, sitting close to the grating as Ascalaphus offered him the knucklebones.

"I warn you," Ignatius shouted. "One of you Argonauts took that amulet and one of you will pay for it if I have to hunt him down myself!"

"You take first turn, kid," Ascalaphus urged cheerfully, ignoring him.

With a wordless snarl, Ignatius swung on his heel and stalked out. His guards trotted after him, leaving two behind to hover in the doorway on watch.

"No doubt off to tell Cres about us and make his guards lives a misery," Ialmenus muttered smugly.

"You don't really think he’ll go after anyone else, do you?" Talaus worried.

Ialmenus gave him a thoughtful look. "You worried about Iolaus?"

"He should be back by now," Talaus answered. "What if he's in trouble?"

"Like you, you mean?" Ialmenus said dryly.

"This isn't Iolaus' fault. It's a misunderstanding. He'll turn up with the amulet. I know he will."

"Oh yeah, and Captain Ignatius will take that so well he’ll have his hands off before you can say chimera!"

"Oh nice going, dingbat," Ascalaphus complained as Talaus stared at Ialmenus in alarm. "Now you've upset him."

"You don't think they would blame Iolaus, do you?" Talaus yipped anxiously.

"Uh, no?" Ialmenus said weakly, shooting a look at his brother.

"Iolaus is too smart to get caught out that way," Ascalaphus said firmly. "Jason will see to it that someone finds him first and warns him."

"You're sure?" Talaus fretted.

"Yeah," Ascalaphus said firmly, studying him. "You okay?"

"Scared witless," Talaus shrugged. "For me and Iolaus now."

"I don't blame you. But one way or another we’ll get you out. No one's going to hurt you and that's a promise…"

* * *

Iolaus ducked into an alleyway, crouching down out of sight in the shadows and resting his back against the cold stone as he struggled to catch his breath quietly. He had slipped the amulet around his neck for safe keeping and its weight was both reassuringly warm and scary with what it represented. His survival instinct was telling him to dump it and run. No piece of jewellery was worth this much fright and threat to his life. But his soul told him something else. His soul said it was beautiful and sacred and worth saving from whatever plans Machus had in store for its corruption. And that it was important for Jason's sake that he took it back. Such a coup by an Argonaut would increase the captain's standing with King Iamarides ten fold.

On the other Machus' men were closing in on him all the time. Iolaus had the advantage of youth and speed, but Machus' men knew their territory and were tracking him like a pack of dragon hounds on the scent of blood. Unless he was very, very lucky they were going to catch him soon and the only thing he could think of to help was if he hid the amulet somewhere safe. That might give him a bargaining point to save his life because he was pretty sure they were going to kill him, slowly, if they did catch him.

"This way!" Diccius' voice rang out in the street. The small man might whine but he was a damned good tracker.

Holding his breath and feeling his heart hammering, Iolaus eased back to his feet and retreated further down the alleyway, realising he had made a possibly fatal mistake as a wall of darkness loomed up ahead of him. Feet pounded past in the street and a window slammed open.

"What's going on down there?!" a male voice yelled indignantly.

"We're looking for a thief!" Machus bellowed back. "About so big, young, blond?"

"What's he done?"

"He stole from Hestia's temple. Have you seen him?"

"No. But I’ll keep a look out for him. Taking from Hestia's temple?! Kids have no respect these days! He deserves to get his hands cut off!"

Iolaus shuddered and pressed back against the wall. So that's what they did to a thief around here. Drastic but effective; if you survived, he supposed. He would get no help once Machus started to spread that story.

A low rustle in the alleyway behind him made him tense and stare into the darkness. He didn't dare move again until Machus and the others had passed. He was cornered.

Touching the smooth warm adamantine of the amulet, he held it for a second, feeling its encouragement. "Be kind, Hestia," he whispered to it, wondering if he imagined the tiny spark of fire from the amber eyes.

The rustle came again and he held his breath, hoping it was a rat. Shutters crashed shut as a window was closed and feet pounded out in the street, moving away. Iolaus let out a tiny breath and took a step. The mere brush of air fragranced by the scent of leather against his face was all the warning he had and he twisted sideways desperately, avoiding the blow he sensed coming out of the darkness at him.

The thrown dagger hit metal, skidding off the adamantine amulet and missing his heart as the blade slithered off and bit into his shoulder instead. Iolaus staggered back, crying out in pain as he hit the wall.

"Stand still, you little bastard!" Echion hissed in rage as he loomed up out of the darkness, his big hands locking around Iolaus' throat. Iolaus scrabbled at him one handed, his left arm didn't seem to want to move. Ignoring him, Echion concentrated on crushing his throat as he grasped his knife, rocking it free of the wound. Iolaus sagged at the knees, his consciousness flickering at the explosion of ragged pain and the gush of blood that followed.

Wiping the knife on Iolaus' tunic, he slipped the blade back into his chest harness then reached for the amulet. The chain refused to break, jerking Iolaus forward into the big man. Iolaus dug his fingers into his wrist, prying for a nerve hold as his senses swam. Echion grunted in irritation, clubbed him across the face with a brutal back fist and shifted his grip, curling his hand around the amulet. "Mine I think," he sneered in triumph as he yanked at it.

The amulet woke, a blaze of fire exploding from within its amber eyes. Dropping both Iolaus and the amulet, Echion staggered back, screaming in pain as the flames licked his hand and bit hungrily into his arm, using his flesh to fuel themselves. Flailing wildly he retreated, the flames illuminating the alleyway until he fell to ground in pain, burrowing his hand into the dirt in an effort to out the fire.

Echion's screams drew attention and within moments Machus raced into the alleyway, his men close on his heels. Seeing Echion, he dropped to his knees beside him, using his cloak to wrap the man's hand and extinguish the flames. As soon as they were out, he grabbed the whimpering man by the shoulder and yanked him up close.

"Where is he?"

"There," Echion gasped.

"Where?" Machus demanded, scanning the empty alleyway. Iolaus was gone.

"There…" Echion looked and hissed in rage and pain. "Damn it…he got away. But I knifed him…good. He can't…have got far…"

"Spread out and find him," Machus ordered. He turned back to Echion. "What happened to you? Stick your hand in a torch?"

"It was the amulet. I touched it and it burned…"

"Never did me any harm," Machus pointed out smugly, his hand clenching warningly on Echion's shoulder. "Could it be I'm worthy of it and you’re not?"

"You wore gloves. I didn't," Echion spat back, shaking him off and glaring at him.

"I also wore it against my skin."

Echion scowled and looked away.

Machus considered him for a moment longer then pulled back and pushed to his feet. "Diccius, take care of his hand. I might have need of his skinning skills later when we catch that little blond bastard. It seems our prey tonight is more cunning than I anticipated."

* * *

Iolaus stumbled into the wall, clutching one handed at the cool stone in desperate need of propping up. Blood trickled down his shoulder, soaking his tunic through so that it clung to his skin. Shivering and sweating at the same time, he took a few more faltering steps and then had to stop again, his knees shaking under him.

As he rested, his whirling thoughts spun around him, chasing their tails in his confusion. He wasn't sure how he had got away from Echion. There had been a blaze of light that dazzled his eyes, a feeling like cool water tickling his chest then Echion had been leaping away from him and screaming, his arm apparently on fire. Iolaus could only assume that he had somehow brushed against a torch at some point and his movements had finally stirred a smouldering spot on his tunic to catch fire. Dimly, he was aware that that wasn't a very logical answer, but right then he didn't care. Nothing was making any sense to him.

He still didn't know how he had made it over the wall and into the labyrinth of streets beyond without getting caught. Sheer panic had overridden the shock and pain of being wounded and kept him moving, survival instinct driving him onwards into the darkness. But adrenaline could only supply fuel for so long and now he was running on empty, the fear of getting caught paling before the urge to lie down and hope the world went away.

That's typical of you, boy, his father said inside his head. Things get a little bit hard and you want to run away and hide…

"Yeah, like you did," Iolaus hissed under his breath in resentment and forced himself to move again, stumbling on down the narrow alleyway towards the lights he could see ahead. All his life it seemed he had been doing his best to impress his father and never won his approval. The only way he ever drew Skouros' attention was when he did something wrong or somehow didn't live up to what seemed to Iolaus to be impossible standards.

The alleyway opened out suddenly into a neatly cobbled street, with clean prettily painted houses with balconies decorated with flower boxes. Iolaus leaned on the wall for a moment, gathering himself for another effort, refusing to give Skouros the satisfaction of seeing him give in.

The cobbles seemed to wriggle under his feet, determined to trip him as he tottered onwards. There was no one around. Somehow he had reached a more respectable district of the city well away from the tavernas and less savoury establishments that might have offered a young sailor a safe refuge. Vaguely he considered hammering on a door until someone came to see what was happening, but he doubted that anyone here would dare to open their door to a blood covered dishevelled stranger, assuming him to be drunk or worse and probably dangerous. And even if they did, they would probably call for the Watch, which Iolaus wouldn't have minded right then. But it was even more likely he would be handed over to Machus and his men. Machus seemed to have glib tongue, he could probably convince anyone he was the Watch, especially someone eager to get rid of possible trouble.

Iolaus shook his head, shaking the perspiration out of his eyes as his vision fogged. What he really needed to find was a temple where he could claim sanctuary while he sent to the palace for Hercules and Jason and the others.

Wind chimes murmured from nearby, chiming softly in the faint breeze. Iolaus tripped over his own feet, stumbling against the wall and clutching at it for support. He found himself clinging to an elegantly wrought silver gate, real flowers woven in among the metal. Beyond he could hear the gurgle of water, startling him into realising how incredibly thirsty he was. Shoving away from the gate, Iolaus stumbled inside, finding himself in a white and pale blue stone paved garden where torrent of flowers of every colour imaginable hid the walls and heavily scented the air.

Following the sound of water, Iolaus found its source in a spring fed fountain against the wall. The curved red stone backdrop was beautifully carved with images of flowers and fruit and almost invisible behind a curtain of wisteria. Leaning over the fountain's broad lip, Iolaus shoved aside the foliage, cupping his good hand under the cool water to drink. His blood spattered the water, turning it crimson in the light of the torches in niches beside the fountain but it was swiftly washed away by the movement of the water. The bottom of the fountain was covered with weed fronds, coins, shells and coloured stones and speckled with pieces of amethyst and peridot.

His eyes glazing, Iolaus clung to the edge of the fountain, sound roaring around him as he watched his blood vanish into the water. Almost without thinking, he slipped the amulet over his head and plunged it into the water, burrowing under the shells to hide the necklace chain and all amongst the weeds. It disappeared from view, safely hidden.

With a flicker of relief, Iolaus pushed away from the fountain and took a weary step back towards the gate. Machus, he hoped, would never think to look for the amulet in a private garden. If he caught Iolaus, the young Argonaut would have a bargaining point, a way of delaying the man's plans until Hercules and the others could find him.

The sound of marching footsteps startled him and he froze, clutching at his shoulder in pain and clinging to consciousness by a thread. He couldn't let them find him here!

Stepping back, Iolaus pushed among the ferns and fronds, burrowing in amongst the greenery to hide behind the massive fluted bowl of the fountain. He scrunched down, curling up into a ball as he forced his breathing to slow down. He tugged a frond down, watching the gateway as he strained to hear their voices.

Diccius' whine rose above the rest. "I've lost the track," he complained.

"How?" Machus demanded bitterly. "I thought you could follow anyone."

"This guy is good," Diccius retorted.

Thanks for the compliment, Iolaus thought with slightly hysterical humour. He had done his best to throw them off his tail, but he knew he wasn't at his best.

"And that's your excuse is it?" Echion snapped, his voice irritable with pain.

"He came this way. He can't be far ahead now…" Diccius retorted waspishly. "It wasn't me who let him get away. Twice…"

There was the sound of a blow and a grunt of pain from Diccius.

"Stop it," Machus ordered grimly. "Fighting among ourselves is pointless. Diccius, keep your mouth shut and Echion keep your fists to yourself. Now move it! I want that amulet back."

The footsteps sounded again, moving closer.

And so did other footsteps, a whisper of cloth murmuring with them as they came along the path through the garden right up to the fountain.

Iolaus choked back a sob of despair and flinched back, the ferns rustling around him as a woman in blue came to a halt beside the fountain and looked round at the noise, her alert eyes darting amongst the leaves until they encountered his. For a long moment, she stared at him and Iolaus shook his head frantically, pleading with her silently not to scream and reveal his presence.

To his amazement, she simply smiled and looked away. She placed the tray she carried on the edge of the fountain, took the small lamp from it then turned and walked calmly towards the gates, arriving there at the same time as Machus and his men.

Iolaus held his breath, terrified that she would give him away.

Machus stared at her belligerently, clearly surprised to see her. When she reached to close the gate however, he stepped forward and grabbed the edge of it.

"Wait," he ordered.

"Remove your hand, young man," the woman said crisply.

"I mean you no harm, mistress. But we are looking for a thief," Machus described Iolaus simply but effectively. "The youth is armed and dangerous. He has already attacked one woman and wounded my friend here when he sought to help her." He gestured at Echion.

She looked at Echion, studying his bandaged hand and arm and then looking up at his face before returning her attention to Machus. "You called him a thief, I believe?"

"He has taken a valuable object from the temple of Hestia."

She tilted her head in a bird like gesture, studying Machus now. Machus lifted his own head, glaring arrogantly down at her. His scowl would have intimidated many a man, but she didn't even notice. "I assume you mean the one at the palace," she said coolly. "For there is nothing missing here. Now, if you please, step back. Midnight approaches and no man may enter Hestia's temple after midnight."

"If you see this man…"

"Youth, you said," the priestess reminded him.

"Youth," Machus agreed through gritted teeth. "He may even have entered without your knowledge."

She gave him a level look at that. "None but the pure have entered here," she told him. "Now, let go of the gate and be on your way."

Something in the way she looked at him made Machus release his grip. "If you do see him…"

"If I see a thief, then I shall report a thief," she agreed. Machus opened his mouth to say something as she continued calmly, "To my friend the Watch Captain."

Machus met her eyes in challenge for a second, then inclined his head as she firmly closed the gate in his face and turned the latch. "I shall leave a guard," he began.

"No need. The Watch Captain himself checks our gate. No doubt he will be along soon." She smiled at him sweetly and then turned away, ample hips swaying the soft folds of her robe as she walked back to the fountain and her tray of fruit and flowers. Dipping the pitcher from it into the water, she filled it and set it back on the tray then carried it over to a statue of Hestia across the garden. She took her time about arranging the flowers and fruit about Hestia's feet, carefully refilling the lamps around the pedestal and trimming the wicks of each so that they would burn true during the night.

By the time she had finished Machus and his men had gone. Smiling thoughtfully to herself, the priestess looked up at Hestia. "Is it time then?" she murmured. "It seems so soon."

A whisper of air tugged at her robes, the faintest hint of sweet wood smoke swirling around her. Nodding, she gathered up her tray and pitcher and went back to the fountain. Placing them carefully on the ledge again, she knelt and parted the leaves, gazing in at Iolaus as he huddled back against the stone.

"It's all right, Iolaus," she said kindly. "They’re gone. You’re safe here."

"You know my name?" he faltered, shocked.

"Of course, I do, little one," she chuckled. "Don't you remember me? You've claimed sanctuary from me before."

Iolaus blinked, leaning forward and struggling to focus through the darkness pouring in on him. A flicker of memory sparked and he smiled tentatively, remembering. He started to crawl out of hiding, forgetting not to use his wounded arm for support. Pain swept through his shoulder and exploded in his mind, sending him crashing into the soft loam. She caught him in strong hands, cradling him in her lap and brushing his sweat soaked hair out of his eyes. A feeling of relief and safety poured over him like the warmth of a fire on a cold night as she brushed a comforting kiss across his blond curls the way she had when he was small, whispering reassurance.

"Hush, little one. I’ll take care of everything now. You're safe with me…."

* * *

Hercules was going slowly and steadily berserk. His companions, Aethalides and Coronus could all see it and were treating him with cautious respect, having learned since meeting him that he had a vicious temper. And while it took a lot to cause him to lose it, cruelty or unfairness roused it fast and anything happening to his friends - particularly Iolaus - could cause it to explode without warning.

This time they had warning and were able to stand well back when he finally succumbed and swung on them.

"This city is a cesspit!" he roared in rage. "They see a man running from a pack of men and all they can think of is to get out of the way. They don't stop to ask or wonder why! They assume the worst and never think to offer help!"

Aethalides looked expectantly at Coronus, hoping he would know what to say. Coronus shrugged, his long red gold hair shimmering in its ponytail with the movement in the torchlight. "I'm not Iolaus," he whispered. "He's not going to listen to me."

"We don't even know it's Iolaus," the herald offered weakly.

Hercules gave him a disgusted look. "Don't be so damn stupid, of course it, is!" he snarled. He continued to rave as he stomped along the alleyway. He was wearing his new boots; the beetle-stompers as Iolaus called them. The metal studs in the heels rapped sharply against the cobbles with every step.

A window was flung open overhead. "What's all the noise down there?!" an irate male voice demanded. "What are you doing now? Can’t a man get any sleep around here without you lot stamping about?"

"Ah shut up!" Hercules bellowed back at him, striding on down the alleyway and kicking an empty barrel out of his way. It exploded against the far wall in a hail of splinters.

Wincing, Coronus hurried after him. "Take it easy, Hercules," he soothed. "You want the Watch after us?"

Aethalides had come to a halt under the window. "Please, sir," he called up at the occupant as the man glared after Hercules in angry disgust.

"Drunks, the lot of you," he snarled.

"No, no, not drunk," Aethalides hastened to say. "Merely worried about our friend. We are guests at the palace and he wandered off. We fear he may be in trouble. Have you seen anyone tonight?"

"Only the Watch after a thief," the man sniffed. "They said he had stolen from Hestia's temple, can you believe that?"

"No," Aethalides said dryly. "But something was stolen from the temple at the palace tonight. By three men," he described them quickly, with a herald's eye for accurate detail.

"But that's…" the man hesitated, looking alarmed.

"Yes?" Aethalides prompted gently.

"They were the three men who said they were after a thief," the man swallowed, clasping one hand to his mouth in panic.

"Did you see the man they were after?" Aethalides pressed urgently, hoping for a clue. It was frustration as much as anything fuelling Hercules' temper and any clue, no matter how slight, might be enough to calm him. The few people they had found who had seen the pursuit had ignored it, preferring to concentrate on their own interests.

"No," the man admitted reluctantly. But he leaned out of the window and pointed a little further down the alleyway. "But there was the sound of a fight and then a man screaming from down there. They went to see what was happening."

"And what did you see after that?" Aethalides pressed.

"Nothing. I went back to bed. It was no concern of mine."

Aethalides drew himself up. "In your selfishness, you have let one who acted in her name come to harm. I suggest you make haste to sacrifice to Hestia and hope she will forgive you," he told him, his voice ringing with heraldic confidence. Leaving the man spluttering nervously as he retreated behind his shutters, Aethalides stalked on down the street to join the others.

Hercules had a sombre expression on his face as he took their torch from Aethalides and lifted it high, studying the side alley the man had indicated to them. Fear for Iolaus was like a bucket of cold water over him. The alleyway was empty and he let out a puff of relief, surprised to realise had had been holding his breath. Leading the others, he ventured into the alley, stepping cautiously.

Dark and narrow, the alleyway offered nowhere to hide except the shadows and the torch chased those away.

"Hercules, bring the torch over here," Coronus called softly from where he crouched. Hercules came over, holding up the torch so the Argonaut could examine the ground. "Looks like someone rolled around in the dirt here."

"Something smells burnt," Hercules added, sniffing warily. "Cloth and…oh…."

"Oh? Oh what?" Coronus looked up at him sharply.

"You don't want to know," Hercules turned away, controlling his features with an effort. The smell of burnt flesh was unmistakable and turned his stomach. He didn't want to throw up in front of his friends and ruin his reputation as a stalwart hero. He also desperately didn't want to think about the fact that it might be Iolaus who was burned. If Iolaus had somehow got hold of the amulet - which Hercules wouldn't have put past him for a moment - then Machus and his men might be inclined to torture the young hunter to find out where it was if they caught him.

"There's blood over here," Aethalides called from over by the wall. "Looks like someone put a hand here…" Coming over to join the Herald, Hercules put his own large hand over the bloody handprint and grimaced at the comparison of size. Instinct told him it was Iolaus' hand that had rested here….

Coronus dropped to his knees, careless of ruining his bronzed leathers in the dirt. "Looks like a scuffle took place, there's a bit of blood…"

Hercules crouched, holding the torch over the tracks and recognising the nick in the boot heel from where Iolaus had blocked a sword with a kick. "This way…" Hercules was on the scent now as he loped to the wall, finding where Iolaus had scrabbled up and over the rough stones. He climbed over it, dropping lithely to the ground on the other side and scouting a short way ahead while he waited for the others to join him.

Beyond was another maze of streets and alleyways, all paved and cobbled now as they entered the upper class city quarter and moved away from the back streets. After ten minutes, even Hercules had to admit they had lost Iolaus' tracks completely again.

"Look at it this way, if we’ve lost him, Machus is bound to have lost him too," Coronus urged encouragingly.

"Yeah. He's probably back at the palace by now with the amulet, being fussed over by everyone, lolling about in pampered luxury and living it up like a hero. He's probably wondering where we are."

Hercules gave Aethalides a long-suffering look. "Do you really believe that? Because I don't," he said gloomily.

"Where's your optimism?" Aethalides urged.

"Right back there where we found that blood," Hercules answered, looking up at the night sky. It would