The cold educed a calm quiet that encouraged all inhabitants to hibernate a while longer. After all, not much work could be accomplished when the Sun God hadn't yet stirred from his own bed.
Unfortunately, the residents within the Villa of Hercules were about to have their momentary peace rudely slashed. Shortly before the oncoming dawn, a different turn of events was making its way to the outer gates.
All of the Villa's occupants were sleeping soundly. Even Phil, the unwary scheduler, failed to rise with the tune of his disciplined body clock, bleating the occasional snore. The light rain fall seemed to keep captive those held in their listless dreams. It was, indeed, a lazy pre-dawn.
Unexpectedly, a soft knock resounded at the front door. Though subtle as it was, the gentle rap echoed throughout the massive abode, alerting any and all within.
The fact that someone had made it past the heavily ironed gates without first hearing an alarm from the guards was strange in itself, even with the presence to politely knock.
Everyone was raised curiously from the blissful slumber, bodies pitched, pushing off from the still warm pillow. All were on the same train of thought; hoping to ignore the disturbance would cause the unannounced intruder to simply give up and retreat. Following so, they fell back upon the comforts of their beds. But the visitor would not be denied until whatever they sought was met.
Her patience worn thin and brittle, Meg finally surrendered, kicked off the covers, and marched to the window to investigate who dared disrupt such a tranquil morning.
"What is it?" Zebra wondered as Meg drew the wispy curtains, coming up behind her.
Meg shook her head, the light moisture catching her face. "I can't tell from this angle."
Ill-fated, their room was not situated in a position to view the front entrance.
"C'mon." Zebra grabbed her robe. "Let's go check it out."
Meg retrieved her own robe and followed Zebra into the Common Room.
When they arrived, hugging their shoulders for warmth, they were met with Marlena, Hercules, Torrin, and Phil. Each one rubbing their puffy eyes awake. The fire-lit hall did nothing to improve their hazy eye sight.
Another knock came, more insistent, vibrating the heavy doors. Marlena gave her employer a questioning glance. Communicating; 'What should I do?'
Hercules nodded, giving her permission to open the door.
She complied, pulling on the iron, metal ring. She immediately backed away as two official looking men barged their way in formation. Dripping wet, their richly garbed tunics bore the image of an owl, embroidered upon the breast, the symbol of the Greek capital, Athens.
At least ten men in all. Half stood at attention on either side of the door frame. As if on cue, they each raised a golden trumpet to their lips. The tune that bellowed from their lips seemed a bit shaky due to the weather, but it was very grand and formal. Like the foretelling of a great presence.
The other half entered, carrying between them a lavish curtained sedan chair.
Meg wondered; 'Has the Pope come to town?'
Everyone stood with their mouths open in suspense, uncertain of what to do or how to react on the situation before them.
Theatrically, the curtain flicked aside, revealing what lied within. Lush pillows with ornate tassels and cushions of deep colors littered the rich interior. And, lounging upon these plush comforts, was a young, elegantly clad woman, smiling brightly with the craze of a teeth whitening commercial.
Restless as always, Phil took the initiative and spoke first. Having been driven so rudely from his bed did nothing to improve ill tempered behavior.
"Just who th'heck do ya think ye are, missy? Forcing yer way in here, like ya own the place, without an appointment!"
If the girl was perturbed she hid it very well, only slightly twitching her nose. Instead, she snapped a long finger and an attendant rushed to her beacon. A stool was placed before her sandaled feet. She extended her hand, palm down, fingers drooping lazily, as her man servant complied and eased her into a more flattering light.
In a move only signature women, she tilted her head slightly up to reveal her striking profile. She was quite the impressive speciman; strong aligned cheek-bones, glittering amber eyes, heavily lashed, and a cute button nose. And this was just her face. Her hair was of a dark ebony, so dark that it was almost blue, flowing to her mid-back. Adorning her shapely was a blood-red chemise, made out of the finest silk, with a sheer wrap around her shoulders.
Of course she made quite the impression, but with mixed reviews. The goat-man seemed pleased, looking up at his student, future plans brewing within his crafty mind.
"Announcing", a bald attendant boomed. "Her high-OW!"
The poor man doubled over as he was promptly elbowed in the gut for speaking out of turn.
"I can speak for myself, Xlaldin", the woman snapped in a hushed voice.
She recovered easily and beamed her miss universe smile. "I bring you greetings from Athens."
She was addressing everyone, but her peepers were soaking up the meaty form of Hercules.
"I am, her highness, Princess Erse, heir to the throne of Crecrops, King of Athens."
Meg snickered to herself. She sounded like she was listing her attributes off a Pokemon card. What next, razor-leaf attacks? She supposed the girl's portable throne could be a makeshift Poke-ball.
Without meaning to do so, Meg turned to study Herc's reaction to the royal beauty, out of the corner of her eye. His expression was hard to read, which irked her all the more.
As what seemed appropriate, the household dropped to one knee, even Zebra, in respect for her higher rank in society, all except one strong willed individual.
"Bow!" Phil insisted under his breath.
Meg's legs remained straight and stiff, automatically locking her joints, as she crossed her arms across her chest. Why should she give in to worship this spoiled brat? She wasn't under her rule, or the King's.
If her highness was offended she, again, camouflaged it well. Though there was a flash of concern on her face upon the presence of the young women in the household.
"Arise", she commanded graciously.
Everyone obediently came to their feet.
"Uhh, excuse me, Princess.." The hero began as he scratched his head, before she cut him off.
She smiled as he addressed her, her face lighting up with delight. "Oh, please, no formalities, Hero Hercules. Your serviceable reputation and celebrity status almost makes us equals."
The hero quirked his head, unsure as to why such things mattered. "OK..." He cleared his throat. "Pardon me for asking, I mean, we're honored to have you here..."
Someone coughed as if in objection, but nobody caught whom it came from.
"But I'm curious", he continued. "as to why you've made such a trip."
Now it was Princess Erse's turn to look confused. "You mean, you didn't get my notice? But how..."
Her Amber eyes narrowed and grew fierce as she turned to one of her servants. "Gandor! You failed to deliver my message?"
The poor man paled and cowered under his mistress's gaze. He brought up his hands and waved them frantically in his defense. "N...no, your Eminence. I delivered it personally, on your order." He seemed genuinely frightened.
"Then maybe you could explain why Hercules was not expecting my arrival!" The mass of her voice grew with each word.
Gandor fell to his knees before his mistress, face pressed into the marble tiles. "Please. I only did as you commanded."
She pointed a well manicured finger-nail, at her slave, in a gesture of finality. "You shall pay dearly for your failure to carry out my orders."
The room tensed in unbelief. Could she be serious?
Herc took a step forward, not pleased with how things were playing out. "Now hold on..."
"Oh dear", Marlena murmured suddenly, recollection dawning on her. "Sir Hercules.."
"What is it, Marlena?"
"Forgive me, but I do seem to recall a royal scroll delivered a couple moons ago..."
The hero smacked his forehead with the base of his palm, as the realization hit him too. "And I said that I would get to it later", he groaned, finishing her thought.
Relief flooded the young servant's face, now that his life was still intact. Everyone thought that the whole situation was well over exaggerated.
"So you see", Herc continued, approaching the pampered Princess. "if it was anybody's fault, it was my own. And I do apologize. I just get so busy sometimes." Rubbing the back of his neck, embarrassed.
"Oh, there's no need for apology", she replied sweetly.
The hero nodded. "Thank you, your majesty."
Meg shook her head in unbelief. The guy was polite to a fault.
"But if you don't mind me saying so", Herc added. "I think you might owe Gandor, here, one."
"Of course", she agreed quickly, though grudgingly. Now that she believed that the blame rested souly upon Hercules' servant's incompetence. "I am sorry, Gandor. You have done well."
Gandor scrambled to his feet, showering his mistress in thanksgiving. "Yes, your majesty, thank you!"