Iolaus
watched as Hercules and Ceridwen walked down the stairs.
Salmoneus
left early this morning. he said as he reached them as they
made their way down to him. The inn keeper said, he saw him
heading East.
Ceridwen
looked at both men. Then, we should not loose any time.
With the book in his possession, your friend will be in grave
danger.
Part
6
Salmoneus
had left Thrace early that morning. He felt uneasy to leave
Hercules like that, but he felt he had no other choice. This was
his big chance of finally making that fortune, he had been
chasing for so long. Hercules merchandise, branded shoes, wax
museums ... those were all petty businesses compared to this
book. This was the big one. He could feel it. He just had to
figure out how to make money out of it and Hercules would just
have spoiled everything.
A
sound in the bushes behind him made him stop in his tracks and
turn around. He saw a group of dark hooded figures stepping out
onto the road. He looked behind him and saw more figures slowly
surrounded him.
Hi
guys! he said trying to sound more cheerful than he felt.
Nice outfits! he said and took a step backwards as
the tallest of the hooded men stepped towards him. Now, I
would just like to save you gentlemen some time by telling you,
that I have absolutely nothing of value on me!
The
tallest figure released a short laugh. Well, salesman.
it hissed underneath the cape. That's not what
we hear. The figures moved closer. Now, hand over
your treasure, or prepare to die!
Salmoneus
raised his eyebrows and looked around him. Now, now!
he said, trying desperately to control his shaking voice.
My friend Hercules, the legendary hero will hear about this
and then you're in trouble!
The
men exchanged looks. So, you're a friend of Hercules?
Hera will find that certainly interesting!
Salmoneus'
eyes flew open at the mention of the name of the Queen of the
Gods.
Did
I say friend? Ahhhh, I hardly know the guy. On second thought, it
must be a totally different Hercules all together! Actually, my
friend Hercules is not a hero at all ha his name
isn't even Hercules ... it's it's ...
Hermones. Yes, that's it. My old friend Hermones! Hermones
the the legendary hat maker.
The
tall hooded figure stepped closed towards him. I am not in
the mood to joke around. Hand over the book! he hissed.
Salmoneus
looked at him in surprise. he tried innocently.
And what book would that be? Do I look like the library at
Alexandria?
Suddenly
three of the hooded men had drawn their swords and pointed them
at Salmoneus. Oh, that book! he smiled Why
didn't you say so!
His
hand went under his tunic and pulled out the leather bound book.
Now, I am sure we can come to some agreement here. he
said and tried another smile.
The
hooded man laughed dryly. Sure, how about you hand it over
and we promise not to kill you.
Salmoneus
raised his eyebrows. Now I thought more of a financial
transaction here ... The swords moved closer to his throat
but my life sounds like a pretty good deal.
Part
7
Iolaus,
Hercules and Ceridwen walked down the road. Salmoneus must have
come through here and it had been easy for Iolaus to pick up the
salesman's tracks. Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks.
What
is it, Iolaus? Hercules asked, trying to hear what his
friend was hearing. Iolaus pointed forwards.
he said simply and drew his sword.
Ceridwen
stepped up to him. He's right. The book. she
whispered and looked from Hercules to Iolaus. I can feel
it.
Hercules
pointed down the road ahead. He had spotted Salmoneus being
surrounded by dark hooded figures. I can more than just
feel it. he said and they started to run.
The
dark hooded figures had surrounded Salmoneus, who stood,
clutching the book protectively against his chest.
Now,
guys. Can we not talk about this? he asked, his voice
shaking.
Hercules
and Iolaus had stopped a short distance away from the group.
Yes,
I also believe in talking. Violence never solved anything.
Hercules commented.
The
hooded figures turned a round and starred at him.
Salmoneus shouted with relief.
The taller figure hissed and pointed at the demi-god. Kill
him!
Hercules
and Iolaus exchanged bored looks.
'Kill
Him'? That's not very original! Iolaus noted and
waved Ceridwen to stay back. He unsheathed his sword and stood
next to Hercules, facing the charging men.
Yeah,
I wish they would come up with something new once in a while. It
gets boring! the demi-god answered and threw his first
attacker over his shoulder and into a nearby tree.
Well,
I guess at least they are consistent! Iolaus added and
kicked his opponent into the stomach sending him flying backwards
into three of his comrades, pulling them to the ground.
Iolaus
used his sword with deadly proficiency and managed to knock out
several of the soldiers. Hercules stood a few feet away from his
smaller friend and delivered several punches to his left and
right, sending his attackers flying into all directions. Iolaus
dove forwards and rolled through one of his attacker's
widely spread legs, coming to a stand behind him. He was so
quick, that the man had no time to turn and the hunter brought
his fist crashing down on the man's head, sending him into
oblivion. The man screamed in agony and collapsed. Iolaus' face
brightened in delight.
This
is fun! he smiled and jumped up to stand in front of the
figure.
Iolaus
took a defensive stand, ready to continue the battle, but his
opponent was out cold. As he turned around, he could see the
other figures fleeing into the bushes.
The
hunter shrugged his shoulders and walked over the Hercules, who
was brushing speck of dust off his vest.
Is
it just me, or is this getting less exciting? he asked his
taller friend.
Hercules
nodded in amusement. Yeah, they used to hold out much
longer. Especially this sort.
He
held up his right hand and produced a piece of cloth, which he
had ripped off one of the figure's cloak. The black fabric
carried the marking of a peacock feather. Hercules exchanged a
serious look with Iolaus.
Iolaus stated. The demi-god nodded. What do you
think?
Hercules
shrugged his shoulders I don't know, but somehow, I
don't think this is a coincidence. Hera must know about the
book.
Iolaus
nodded in agreement. Yeah, and if she knows about it, she
will want to get her hands on it.
Ceridwen
had overheard the two and stepped up to them. Who is
Hera? she asked.
Hercules
drew a deep breath She is my step-mother. The Queen of the
Gods.
Ceridwen
looked at the demi-god. She is powerful. she asked.
Hercules
nodded. Powerful and cruel. he added. He turned at
Iolaus. We should get out of here.
Hercules
walked up to Salmoneus and stood looking down at the big man.
Salmoneus.
Where were you thinking of going with the book?
Salmoneus
shrugged his shoulders. Hercules, I didn't want to
burden you with my silly problems. You have much more important
things to do! Saving the world, fighting monsters and doing all
those heroic things you do which make you that lovable person you
are.
Hercules
sighed heavily. Salmoneus, where's the book?
Salmoneus
looked at Ceridwen while trying to ignore Hercules. Hi
there, little lady. My name is Salmoneus.
Iolaus
looked at Salmoneus with a cunning smile. Salmoneus, this
is Ceridwen. The book belongs to her.
The
salesman's smile turned into an expression of panic.
You ... your book? Then you must be ... you are a ...
ahhh! he screamed and hid behind Hercules' body.
Please don't turn me into ... whatever you can turn me
into. I didn't know. I haven't done anything.
Ceridwen
grinned. she called.
The
head of the salesman peeked around Hercules' body.
he asked.
Ceridwen
smiled. Don't worry. I would just like my book
back.
Salmoneus
smiled and then looked up at Hercules, who gave him an
encouraging glance.
Salmoneus said whatever you say He
stepped forwards and handed Hercules the book.
Ceridwen
smiled. Thank you, Salmoneus. I am deeply ...
But
her words were harshly interrupted by a noise from behind the
bushes. It sounded like the call of a bird.
A
peacock.
Hercules
turned and positioned himself towards the direction of the call.
This
isn't good. he whispered and exchanged worried looks
with Iolaus.
Iolaus
nodded and turned at Ceridwen. Stay back, he hissed
at her, his hand moving to rest on his sword. Hercules turned at
Salmoneus.
Salmoneus,
you better
As
he turned, he could just see the back of the salesman running
down the road.
get
out of here. Hercules finished. He turned his attention
back towards the noise.
Part
8
Another
peacock call echoed through the forest and suddenly, a pair of
green eyes appeared in the sky above them. Ceridwen looked up and
took a deep breath as she could feel the power of the other
Goddess. Iolaus moved up to stand next to Hercules, ready to draw
his sword at any moment.
Hercules whispered.
The
pair of eyes stared down at them and into loud laughter, the
Queen of the Gods materialized in front of them. Hercules'
body tensed as he stood face-to-face with his stepmother.
"Hera!
I knew you would have your fingers in this. Hercules
hissed.
The
Queen of the Gods stood proudly and starred daggers at her
step-son.
Your
salesman friend has served me well. she snared. Now
be a good boy and hand over the book.
Hercules
laughed. Now what makes you think I would do that? he
asked.
Hera
raised an eyebrow. I want the book and I will destroy
anybody who stands in my way.
Ceridwen
stepped forwards and stood in between Iolaus and Hercules.
Queen
of Gods. she said Leave the book. It is not
yours.
Hera
turned her attention towards the auburn-haired woman. Are
you challenging me? she asked coldly.
Ceridwen
stood proudly. "If I have to challenge you to have returned
what is mine, so be it." Ceridwen's voice showed no signs of
emotions as she stood noble and looked at Hera in determination.
"You might be the Queen of the Gods, but good will always
win over evil. It has always been and it will always be!"
Iolaus
moved closer towards Ceridwen and placed his hand on the tilt of
his sword. He wasn't sure, what Ceridwen was trying to do, but
challenging the Queen of the Gods, was certainly not a good idea.
Hera's eyes became angry glowing red balls as she focussed on
Ceridwen.
"You
will die for your insolence!" she screamed furiously.
Iolaus
had watched the exchange between the two and saw Hera's eyes. He
had seen them hundreds of times before and knew what was about to
happen. But he wouldn't allow it. He would not allow Ceridwen to
risk her life for a book – no matter how powerful it was. It
wasn't worth it. There must be another way.
"Hera,
wait..." he screamed and stepped in front of Ceridwen's
body, closing his hands around her shoulders and looking
pleadingly into her eyes.
"Ceridwen,
it is not worth it......" he started, but suddenly, he froze
and his body was engulfed in a gloom of green light. His eyes
starred at Ceridwen.
Two
deadly flashes had released themselves from Hera's eyes
heading for Ceridwen.
But
they only found the hunter's body.
A
sad smile hushed across Iolaus' face as his legs gave way
and he sunk to the ground, pulling Ceridwen with him.
Hera
laughed.
"Iolaus...."
Ceridwen
caught the lifeless body of Iolaus and sat on the ground,
cradling his still form in her arms. It had happened. This was
the image she had seen over and over again.
His
lifeless body in her arms.
His
peaceful smile.
His
blue eyes, which had looked at her with such passion and
tenderness, where closed forever. Another innocent life
needlessly taken from this world by the powers of evil. And as
her heart grew heavier with grief, fury and sorrow, she knew, she
had failed him.
And
another heart was crying out in pain and agony.
"IOLAUS!!!!!"
Hercules
had watched his friend sink to the ground and wanted to rush to
his side but then turned around to face his stepmother. His eyes
were raging with cold hatred.
"HERAAAAAA!"
he shouted.
Hera
laughed triumphantly. "I have won, Hercules. Give me the
Book!"
Hercules
stood and looked into his stepmother's peacock-eyes.
"You
murdering bitch!" he shouted. "You will pay for this
and if it costs me my life!"
Hera
smiled graciously. "That can be arranged." she hissed
and a white lightening bold shot out of her hands and hit the
demi-god.
Hercules
dropped to his knees and the book fell out of his hands as he
pressed them against his head. With another lightening bolt from
her hand, The Queen of the Gods, catapulted the book into her own
hands.
"I
have the Book!" Hera shouted triumphantly. "I
won."
Hercules
crouched on the ground, his hands trying to press the raging pain
out of his head. The pain was all consuming and his head felt
like it was about to explode. It was over. He had failed. But
through his pain, he heard a determined voice filled with
hostility and disgust coming from behind them.
"No.
You will not win."
Ceridwen
had gently placed Iolaus' body on the ground and had risen
to straightened her body and stand proudly. Hera laughed and
stepped forward.
"And
who are you to challenge my powers?" she smiled
sarcastically.
Then
suddenly her eyes went cold as she was close enough to sense the
other woman. "Who are you?" she whispered, but Ceridwen
slowly continued to walk up towards her.
"Return
my Book, Hera. It is not yours. This is your last chance."
Hera
laughed. "I am the Queen of the Gods!" she shouted
"Defy me and I will destroy you - whoever you are."
Ceridwen
smiled seriously. "You have no power over me." she
whispered.
Then
she passed Hercules, who was still slumped on the ground, his
face pulled into a painful grimace. Her hand glad over his head
and a soft blue-white shimmer escaped her palms. Hercules took a
deep breath .... and the pain was gone. He looked up at Ceridwen,
but her eyes had never left Hera's figure as she continued to
walk towards her.
The
Queen of the Gods watched with uneasiness and as she took a
hesitant step backwards, she pressed the Book closer to her
chest.
"Return
my Book" Ceridwen demanded, her voice growing more forceful
as she spoke. "Or I will destroy you."
Hera
took another step backwards. "You can not destroy me."
she snapped, taking another step back.
Ceridwen
had almost reached her and now stopped only a few feet away from
her.
"You
are right Hera, Queen of Gods. I can not destroy you, for every
good must have an evil."
Hera
starred at her in a daze. Ceridwen raised her hand and a thin
band of fine smoke rose from the ground and started to spiral
around the body of the Queen of the Gods.
Hera
looked down in horror.
"I
bind you, Hera" Ceridwen spoke resolutely "I bind you
from doing harm to humans."
Hera
screamed in fury "No, you can't ..."
"I
bind you Hera" Ceridwen continued undeterred. "I bind
you from doing harm to humans."
Hera
tried to free herself from the bounds of the thin smoke, which
wrapped around her like a rope, but the force was too strong.
"I will destroy you!" she shouted in her struggle.
"I
bind you, Hera." Ceridwen was in a trance of determination.
"I bind you from doing harm to humans ..." she
completed and raised both her hands, her palms facing Hera.
"... and return you to your realm."
With
the last words, a wave of blue-white light released itself from
Ceridwen's hands and engulfed the Queen of the God's body. Hera
screamed in torment and in a flash of lightening, she
disappeared.
What
followed, was sudden silence and into the silence, the Book of
Shadows dropped into the grass.
Hercules
had risen and stood next to Ceridwen.
"How
did you do that?" he asked in astonishment. "She is the
Queen of the Gods."
Ceridwen
took a deep breath and looked at him. "The spell will not
last for long." she said "She is very powerful and my
own powers here are limited."
Suddenly
a shiver went through her body and she swayed weakly.
Hercules
stepped up to steady her. "Ceridwen...? he asked, his voice
full of concern.
Ceridwen
took a couple of deep, relaxing breaths. "My powers are
depleting." she breathed. "This was a strong fight and
this body of mine has not much time left."
"What
will happen?" Hercules asked.
Ceridwen
pushed herself away from the demi-god and looked up into the
skies.
"I
don't have much more powers left in me. When the moon rises
again, I must return and all will be like it has been
before."
Hercules
turned his head and his eyes rested on the lifeless body of his
best friend laying in the grass. His heart sank at the pain and
anguish the sight caused him.
"No,
it wont." he whispered painfully as tears started to form in
his eyes.
Part
9
Hercules
and Ceridwen had walked over to the spot, where Iolaus' body was
laying in the grass. The demi-god sank to his knees next to the
still form and his hands touched the hunter's chest. There was no
sign of life in the body of the man he called his best friend and
brother. Hercules swallowed hard as he tried to sort the feelings
storming through his body.
Iolaus
was gone.
Dead.
Images
of their childhood and past adventures danced in front of his
tear-filled eyes and they seemed to laugh sadistically at his
misery. Hera had won. Even though they had the book, Hercules
knew, that Ceridwen knew nothing of their constant fight against
his evil stepmother. Even though Hera had lost this battle, she
had won the war. She had broken him, torn his very soul out of
his body. How could he go on without Iolaus, without the brother
of his soul? Back-to-back, they had sworn. They both would go out
together, fighting by each other's side, guarding each
other's back.
Hercules
closed his eyes and wished he could rip his treacherous heart out
of his body. He had failed Iolaus and his mind raced, trying to
remember where he was when he was supposed to guard his
friend's back.
As
he was buried in grief, Ceridwen kneeled down beside him and
stroked gently across Iolaus' face. As her body touched the one
of Hercules, she could share his images.
Two
boys running through the forest.
Laughter.
Happiness.
Pain
- A small, blond boy struggling against his father's unkind hand
Heartache
- A woman dying in Iolaus' arms.
Two
men fighting back-to-back. The feeling of strength, trust and
brotherly love.
Images
of fire and water. Death. He had died before. But it had not been
his time then and was not his time now.
Ceridwen's
hand went through Iolaus' hair and she could still feel the
warmth of his body under her fingers.
"My
powers are weakening," she whispered as she looked at
Hercules. "but there is one last thing left to do."
Hercules'
eyes met hers and then followed her hands moving slowly over
Iolaus' body.
"He
gave his life for me." she whispered "He had seen the
future and yet he was still willing to pay the price. What an
honourable heart he has." she said. "He did not deserve
to die. I won't allow it. All must be like it was."
She
moved closer and raised her hands over the hunter's body.
As
Hercules watched in silence, in his mind, other images surfaced.
Images of his family dying in Hera's firestorm. The image of his
father as he could not bring them back. He looked from the body
of his friend up into the blue-green eyes of Ceridwen.
"How
can you undo what another God has done?" he asked.
Ceridwen
looked at him, as if she didn't understand the question.
"I
am a Goddess." she replied. ". and what was
wronged must be righted!"
She
closed her eyes and as she stretched her right hand out to her
side, a chalice appeared in her hand. The cup was filled with a
light blue liquid. Ceridwen opened her eyes and with a gentle
hand, raised Iolaus' head and lead the chalice to his lips.
"Listen
to the Words of the Great Mother, she, who of old, was also
called among men Ceridwen" she whispered as she poured the
liquid onto the hunter's pale lips. "I am the Queen of all
Witches. Upon Earth, I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal
and beyond death, I give peace unutterable. For behold, I am the
mother of all living, and my love is poured out upon the
Earth."
At
her words, the body of the hunter started to glow in a pale blue
light, which moved from his head down to claim his entire body.
Hercules
watched in silence. His eyes filled with more tears as he
observed the magic in front of him.
Ceridwen
put down the empty chalice and leaned over to plant a gentle kiss
on Iolaus' lips.
"From
me all things proceed, and to me all things must return."
she whispered as she moved back.
Hercules'
eyes were paused over his friend's body and he held his
breath in anticipation.
Suddenly,
he could see the hunter's chest rising and after what seemed an
eternity, Iolaus' eyelids flew open. He opened his mouth to grasp
for air and as his lungs filled, he saw Hercules' concerned face
looking at him. The son of Zeus' eyes were filled with tears, but
his expression had changed.
The
pain and grief was gone, replaced by a joyful smile and he
remembered to breath again.
"Iolaus."
he said, his voice merely a whisper. No words, could describe the
joy he felt in his heart.
He
had him back.
There
had been eternal darkness.
And
a strangling silence - and Iolaus knew, he had died. This had
been different from the times before and he knew he would wait
forever for Hades to claim him. There had been no pain, when
Hera's power hit him, just a slipping into darkness.
He
wanted to hold on to something .... anything, but there was
nothing for his hands to clasp. He wanted to scream but no sound
escaped his lips as he slowly slipped deeper into the all
consuming silence and the darkness, which wrapped itself around
him like a cloak. And then he looked up and there was light
again. He felt his body lifting out of obscurity towards the
light.
As
he opened his eyes, there was daylight. A slight summer breeze,
grass beneath his fingers. He took a deep breath and opened his
eyes and he knew he was alive.
Iolaus
pushed himself up into a sitting position and looked at Ceridwen
and Hercules.
"What
happened?" he asked, but the memory hit him just then. He
turned and looked at Ceridwen.
"I
was dead." he whispered questioningly.
She
nodded and her eyes sunk to the ground.
Iolaus
hand went over his body. There was no blood, no wound, no scar.
But he remembered. His eyes returned to look at Ceridwen.
"It
was you." he continued." How do you do that?" her
eyes kept staring at the ground until Iolaus reached out and
gently touched her chin to raise her face to look at him. He knew
what she was and he wondered how he did not see it before.
A
goddess.
Iolaus
smiled. "Thank you." he said simply and Ceridwen knew,
he understood.
Ceridwen
sighed exhaustedly.
She
had no more strength left in her, but this had to be done.
Part
10
They
had headed back to Thrace. The inn was getting more and more
crowded and the night was advancing as Iolaus, Hercules and
Ceridwen had finished their meals. Iolaus smiled at both of them
and asked "More drinks?" Ceridwen's eyes followed
Iolaus as he made his way past bodies of people to the bar, then
her gaze returned to look at Hercules.
"It
is time." she said simply.
The
demi-god sighed. "I know. I could see it in your eyes."
His
eyes turned to look for Iolaus, watching him as he pushed his way
through the crowd. "What are you going to tell him?" he
asked.
Ceridwen's
face was a mask. "Whatever I tell him, he will not
understand."
Hercules
nodded silently, his eyes returning from his friend's back to
look again at Ceridwen. She had stood up and looked down at him.
There were no words to express what both of them felt and
thought. A silent admission of pain and sorrow met a promise of
understanding and compassion.
"Farewell,
Son of Zeus." she said warmly and her hand brushed gently
over his cheek. Then she turned and walked out.
Hercules
followed her form. This would not be easy.
Iolaus
returned to the table, carefully balancing three mugs of ale in
his hands. His face was still lit up with a bright smile, until
he saw the empty space.
"Where
is Ceridwen?" he asked but even as the words had left his
mouth, he already knew the answer. He put the mugs onto the table
and ran out the door.
Hercules
just sat and watched Iolaus leave. His heart went out to his
friend and he could almost feel the tremours of the pain ahead.
He would be there for him when he was ready.
"Iolaus....."
he whispered heavily.
Iolaus
ran out of the inn door and spotted Ceridwen walking across the
square out of the town. He caught up with her and grabbed her
arm, pulling her around to face him.
"Where
are you going?" he asked her almost accusingly.
His
eyes showed a mixture of confusion, fear and incomprehension.
She
held the leather-bound book tightly against her chest as she
looked into Iolaus' cerulean eyes.
"My
task is completed. I could have not done this without you and
Hercules!"
Iolaus'
hand was still holding her arm. He felt as if he needed to hold
on to her, or she would disappear in front of his eyes.
"What
are you going to do now, Ceridwen?" he asked. "You
know, there is a festival in ..." he tried.
Ceridwen
smiled at him and tilted her head. "My time has come. I have
to return, Iolaus." she said into his train of thoughts.
Iolaus
looked up, his face draining off all colour at the reality of her
words. Somehow, he had known, but he didn't want to admit it. Not
yet. Not now.
"You
can't leave, Ceridwen." he said with a sound of
determination.
Her
pleading eyes found his. "And why not, Iolaus?" she
asked, her voice shaken.
Iolaus
stood and tried to give voice to the thoughts and feelings, which
had tormented his sleep and kept him awake for the past days.
He
had the feeling all his thoughts were in a big pot of stew and
somebody was stirring it heavily. He wished, he could find just
one clear thought. The one that would make it all easier.
What
was it about her? In the hunter's mind Ceridwen's words
surfaced. Eternal Commitment . a pledge would be
forever.' Then he wondered what she meant by that, but now,
he understood. She was a goddess. What should he do? What could
he do?
Ceridwen's
hand went through her auburn hair as she felt his torment and
waited for his answer. But there was none. She shook her head
gently.
"Goodbye,
Iolaus." she said simply and walked away.
Iolaus
stood frozen and starred at her vanishing form as she
disappeared.
His
mind raced and for what seemed hours, he just stood there,
starring down the road into emptiness. Did he have any right to
run after her? To interfere with her life? And even if he did,
could he give her what she demanded? The word
eternity' echoed through his mind. What did he know of
forever. He who had been living for the day, since his wife and
child died. This was crazy. Even though she was a Goddess, here,
she was also a woman and he was a man. It had never been so
simple and yet it seemed so complicated.
As
Ceridwen had walked out of his sight, he suddenly felt like a
part of his soul was being ripped out of his body and the
awareness of the loss closed his throat and threatened to choke
him. He grasped for breath. What was it he wanted from her?
And
suddenly like a lightening bolt it hit him and he started to run.
Conclusion
Ceridwen
had reached the lake where it all had started and stood,
listening to the light whisper of the wind in the trees. The
forest was cloaked in a dark silence as she reached into her bag
and pulled out a small velvet pouch.
"Listen
to the Words of the Great Mother, She, who of old, was also
called among men Ceridwen."
Her
words were a mere whisper as she opened the pouch to pull out the
blue leaves. She raised both hands up in front of her and closed
her eyes.
"Whenever
you have need of me, ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and
love, and it will all be in my presence. For mine is the ecstasy
of the spirit, and mine is also joy on Earth."
In
her mind, the picture of the golden haired hunter appeared. A
faint smile hushed over her face as her heart warmed at the
thought of his body against hers. The sweetness of his lips on
hers just the night before. His hands brushing over her face and
through her hair, holding her tight against his strong body. His
golden smile. She raised her hand and pressed it over her heart,
remembering the images she had seen in Hercules' mind.
Such
hardship, such pain and doubts in the blond man's life. She
wanted to cry, but the centuries had left her no tears to shed.
"Keep
pure your highest ideals, my brave warrior. Strive ever towards
them. Let nothing stop you or turn you aside. For I am the
Gracious Goddess, who gives the gift of joy unto the heart of
man. Your heart, Iolaus."
Ceridwen
poured more of the blue-coloured leaves into the fire as she held
his image enclosed like a treasure. This would be her last gift
to him.
Everlasting
joy.
He
would find his way until his time would come.
The
grey-blue smoke from the fire rose up and formed a doorway.
Ceridwen took a deep breath.
"One
day, my love, our paths will cross again, for behold, I am the
mother of all living, and my love is poured out upon the Earth.
From me all things proceed, and to me all things must
return."
With
those words, she reached for the leather-bound book, which had
led her into this land, and held it against her chest. Ceridwen
took a last look around the peaceful night. She knew, she would
return some day. She smiled gently and stepped into the grey-blue
mist. Just like a flash, the mist engulfed he, the fire died and
the silent darkness again claimed the forest.
Iolaus
arrived into the silence.
"Ceridwen?"
he asked into the darkness. But there was no response from the
shadows and he knew, she was gone. Iolaus looked across the lake.
This was the place, where he first saw her. A blue-grey shimmer
lay over the waters and the moonlight saturated the surrounding
trees in a pale, dim light. Such peace and warmth emanated from
the atmosphere and he knew she had been here.
He
sighed deeply as he tried to control the emotions, which
threatened to overcome him. It was too late. He was too late. She
was gone and again in his life, he had lost a woman, who had
stolen his heart. He could have never thought, that he could have
loved again. A love so deep and pure, only to be rivaled by his
love for Enya.
Love.
Iolaus
smiled in surprise at the simplicity as he finally recognized the
truth he had felt all along.
"I
have seen you in my dreams." he whispered. "I wanted to
tell you, but I was afraid you would reject me. And tonight, when
I saw you standing before me and you looked at me with those
questioning eyes, I could feel it coming up again inside of me.
In my heart. But no, it couldn't be. I couldn't let it
happen."
A
sole tear escaped from his burning eyes and rolled down his cheek
as he swallowed hard.
"I
am a man and I am supposed to take everything. All my feelings,
my fears, my love, I bury them deep down and nobody ever notices.
I joke, I laugh. I was always taught, that for men, feelings are
just a sign of weakness."
Iolaus
smiled gently as he remembered her face and realized now for the
first time how stupid those teachings sounded.
"You
said we were too close to the light and soon, there would be no
turning back. Iolaus' hand wiped over his cheek.
Eternal commitment you wanted. I was afraid..." The
hunter sighed deeply. "I was a coward."
He
raised his tear-filled eyes and looked across the lake.
"I
am in love with you, and eternity would not have been long
enough. But I never found the strength and the courage to tell
you. I let you go without telling you how I feel, just thought
you would understand. Somehow. But I was wrong. So wrong."
The
feelings of loss, guilt and sorrow overcame him and he sank to
his knees. His hands dove into the cool, moist ground beneath him
as if he could crush his pain like his fingers crushed the
mixture of leaves and earth.
Tears
ran down his cheeks. He knew from experience that in time, he
would feel better, but for know it seemed as if the Fates had
robbed him of yet another chance to be happy.
"Why?"
his voice cracked as he whispered the word into the silence of
the night.
"Why?"
The End
for now
Disclaimer:
Iolaus' temporary death during the writing of this story did not
leave any lasting effects on the golden hunter and he was –
slightly heavy hearted - out drinking and slaying monsters the
very next day!
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