Chapter 3:

"I'm sorry, but I can't allow both of you to go. We need you here." the tribe's chief said.

"But we heve to go!" Ferlan argued.

"They need our help!" Fern added.

"So do we! Don't you think our tribe has more priority over 2 strangers you saved? What if we're attacked? If we lost the fight, how would you live with the fact that it was your fault?" the chief questioned.

"You're right." Fern sighed.

"Fine, I'll stay. Fern can go." Ferlan announced.

"Are you sure?" Fern asked. Ferlan nodded.

"Then it's settled." the chief finished and when to spread the word.

"Thanks, bro. I'll miss you." Fern said.

"No problem, sis. I'll miss you too. but you'll be back soon right?"

Fern hesitated. "Course I will."

"It's going to be sooooo boring without you here." Ferlan groaned.

"I have an idea. Go pester the chief. It always cheered you up when we were small." Fern said with a mischievious grin.

"Good idea." he replied, returning the grin.

"Goodbye then." Fern said

"Bye." he replied.

She gave a quick wave to the group of children coming to say goodbye, and then led Iolaus and Hercules into the forest.


Fern. Iolaus and Hercules finally emerged from the forest and Hercules led the rest of the way to his and Iolaus' place of temporary residence.

"We're just stopping to collect our stuff." Hercules explained.

"Okay. I'll wait outside." Fern replied.

"Good." Hercules said.

"What?" Fern questioned.

"Oh...um...I meant...good...you can gaurd outside... you know." Hercules ammended. She nodded slowly with narrowed suspicious eyes.

He let out a nervous giggle and dragged Iolaus inside.


"What was that?" Iolaus demanded.

"Are you sure we should trust her?" Hercules asked.

"She saved my life, Herc!"

"I know, but how did she know you were in trouble?"

"She lives in the forest, she must've heard whilst hunting or somthing."

"I'm not sure..."

"Look out of that window ,Herc." Iolaus instructed. Hercules peeked out. Fern had her bow out and was constantly moving around the small lodge pointing her bow away from the house. Every now and then, jerking quickly to a certain spot and then turning back to her roter.

"I guess you're right." Hercules sighed.

"Why do you think she's being so cautious?" Iolaus asked.

"Past experience?" Hercules suggested.

"Probably. Since she did know that whoever's trying to kill me didn't know about the cave." Iolaus said.

"You seem to have alot of stuff for a couple of travelling heroes." Fern said from the doorway, staring at them with a raised eyebrow and crossed arms.

"Um...yeah." Hercules said. "I'll go get the...stuff." he said and ran into his room, then Iolaus'.

"Um...Fern?" Iolaus said.

"Uh-huh."

"How do you know about this guy who's trying to kill me?"

"I don't actually think he's trying to kill you. His minions get a little carried away. Well at least, that's what happened to my father."

"What do you mean?"

"The guy who's stalking you, he went after my dad 12 years ago, when I was just 4 and my bro was 5. He wanted to kidnap him for some reason, but his minions ended up killing him instead. I guess that's what's happening to you now."

"Finished!" Hercules said coming through with 2 bags and handed 1 to Iolaus.

"Aren't you taking anything anything?" he asked Fern.

"Nah. As long as I've got my bow, I'm fine." she replied. "Can we go now?" she asked. they nodded, and they left.


"Now, the guy I think is stalking Iolaus is in a secret location. I know how to get there, but not the name. I know you don't trust me, but Iolaus' life or freedom may depend on it. I'll go on ahead a bit so you can talk behind my back. Just don't get lost." Fern announced, and half jogged ahead a few metres before they could say anything.

"So, did you get anything out of her?" Hercules asked.

"Yep." Iolaus replied and explained what she had told him.

"Poor kid. I guess she doesn't want it to happen again." Hercules said. Iolaus nodded. Suddenly, there was a yell from ahead.

"Get back!" Fern yelled, running back to them with her bow out. As she go closer, they saw what she was running from. There were 3 giant 3 headed beasts behind her and about 100 soldiers behind and infront of them.