Iolaus, after getting something to eat, was slowly walking through the crowds when he spotted them. He thought they'd went south when they finally realized they weren't going to get away with pillaging the village. Now here they were in Corinth, probably to rob the villagers while they celebrated.

The two bandits stopped at a booth, ordering something to eat. Iolaus deftly slipped behind a pillar not far from them.

Stepping away with their food, the leader laughed, "This will be easy pickings. Their homes will be empty for hours."

His companion laughed with him, "We'll be in and out before the King knows what hit this stupid little town."

The leader issued a warning, "We'll bide our time, once the festival is in full scale we'll slip away and visit a few houses."

Moving away, the two headed back toward the middle of town. Iolaus turned to hurry after them and promptly ran into someone, knocking them both down. "Oomph."

Thinking it was a merchant, he started apologizing profusely while still watching the retreating backs of the two men. "Sorry, I was in a hurry to get to the next booth, I...."

Finally, glancing at the person he ran into, Iolaus' eyes widened when he stared into the shocked eyes of a woman he loved.

"Nebula."

Her breath was stolen away and her heart felt like it was going to beat its way out of her chest when she realized who just ran into her. When some semblance of reality forced it's way into her brain, Nebula promptly drew back and punched Iolaus in the mouth.

Swiftly standing, Nebula glared at him. "How could you?"

Rubbing his jaw, Iolaus slowly stood. "What the hell was that for?"

Shaking with a hurt and anger she'd never felt before, Nebula tried to calm herself. Finally, she said in a cool tone. "I thought you were dead."

"What?" For the first time in a long time, Iolaus found himself at a loss for words. He'd sent word when he and Hercules reached Thrace after his return from the Light.

"That's right Iolaus, I watched you die, twice." Turning, Nebula started walking back toward the dock. Too many feelings were running through her at that moment and she didn't trust herself, not sure if she wanted to hug him or kill him first.

Finally finding his voice, Iolaus shouted as he ran to catch up with her. "Nebula! Wait, I need to explain."

"Stay away from me Monkey Boy."

"Nebula, please." How could he explain that at night when he fell asleep, it was her face, her voice he longed for.

Stopping, Nebula glared at him. "What? You're going to tell me there's been a mistake? You've been meaning to let me know? Nothing you can say now will make a difference, Iolaus. You're too late."

Silence hung thick in the air as the two looked at each other. Neither thought to wonder why the other was there. Nebula was the first to break it.

"Well?"

Something caught Iolaus' eye behind Nebula. The two bandits were going into the tavern. Iolaus was torn, he needed to find out what those two were up to, yet he couldn't let Nebula go, not like this.

Finally, noting that they were standing in the center of the road and people were beginning to watch them. Iolaus looked back into her eyes, nodding toward the onlookers and quietly suggested. "Let's go into the inn and get an ale. Something's going on in this town."

Glancing around, Nebula barely nodded her head as she turned and walked toward the tavern, Iolaus following her.

***********************************************

As Iphicles finished his speech the crowds roared with approval. Many were wary that King Iphicles was not going to continue this tradition, and so far had been genuinely pleased with the way he ruled. Iphicles was by far and wide becoming known for his firm, yet fair rulings and word was already reaching outlying kingdoms. The former king of Corinth, Jason, had made a wise choice in appointing his successor.

The noblemen and ladies then proceeded to form a line to meet the royalty and Hercules. It had taken well over an hour by the time the trio had finished.

"Finally!!"

Jason sighed, this was the part he disliked most. He'd been born into royalty, yet was never one for the formalities, he preferred to be out among the people. The former king wished Alcmene were here to see this, she would've been so proud of her sons, especially Iphicles.

"Iolaus should've been here by now."

Hercules was surprised to hear his brother say his thoughts aloud. "He probably ran into some old friends."

"Well, let's go look for him. Anchalan will be here for awhile, we'll have him tell Iolaus which way we went if he shows up."

"Thanks Iphicles. Jason?"

"Yes, I'm coming along, but you know, he's probably met some young woman already." Jason chuckled.

"I know, but we'd been going non-stop and then split up. Even someone with Iolaus' energy needs rest."

"Let's go find him then and as King I'll order him to." Iphicles laughed as he clapped his brother on the shoulder.

"As if that would work." Jason mumbled as the three walked through the crowds.