That night, Beron and Seryna sat in front of the fire with Alteira. Beron smoked his pipe while his wife sewed and Alteira stared moodily into the flames. The peaceful tableau was marred only by screams of glee and thunderous crashes in the background.

After one particularly horrifying noise, Seryna looked up tranquilly. "Give them a roar, would you, dear?"

Beron obligingly removed his pipe and let loose a menacing shout. "What's going on in there?"

There was a moment of dead silence, then seven children and Hercules chorused, "Nothing."

"What was that awful crash?"

"Just Hercules," one of Beron's offspring said innocently.

"And that sickening thud?"

"Just Hercules," another piped up reassuringly.

"It's getting late," Seryna called. "You'd better go to bed or there will be nothing left of Hercules."

A storm of protest broke, but Beron and Seryna sat peacefully and in a few seconds, Hercules appeared in the doorway, children tucked under each arm and hanging from his neck. He looked like a laden fruit tree.

"Can I tell them a bedtime story?" he asked, panting.

"Only if they all promise to go straight to sleep the instant the story's over," Beron answered, waggling his pipe sternly at the children.

"We promise! We promise!" they all vowed.

Hercules carried the children off to the bedroom and quiet descended. Alteira lifted her eyes from the flickering fire and glanced over at her hosts. "You seem to know Hercules well. What's he like?"

Surprised, Seryna glanced up from her sewing. "But you're traveling together. Do you mean to say you hadn't met before?"

"No. I've heard the myths, of course, but you can't believe what they say. All that nonsense about his vow to help others. The stories about his risking his life for total strangers... I mean, there's probably a kernel of truth to some of them, but --"

Beron and Seryna exchanged a glance. "I'm afraid the Hercules we know is every bit as honorable as the stories make out," Seryna smiled apologetically.

"It was Hercules who helped make this area fertile again after Hera's priests diverted our river," Beron continued. "They wanted this region to grow Hera's sacred grain, and they burned entire homesteads to try to get us to turn the land over to them. Hercules drove them out."

"I can understand why you'd be grateful, but after all, everyone knows that Hercules and his stepmother don't get along. I'm sure he'd help anyone in order to thwart her plans," Alteira argued.

"Perhaps, but if he were just in it for revenge, then why would he remain after the priests were driven away? Why stay on for all the hard months of rebuilding waterways and irrigating fields?"

Alteira shook her head stubbornly. "Maybe he stayed on because he liked being surrounded by grateful people. It must be very comfortable in a place where everyone thinks you're wonderful."

Seryna nodded. "I know what you're thinking, and it's hard to believe that anyone who's so famous and sought-after could be anything but shallow and vain. But Hercules is one of the most humble people I know. He truly wishes to use his power for good. And he's one of the loneliest men I've ever met."

"Lonely?" Alteira echoed, incredulous. "Hercules? Women constantly throw themselves at him. Men are forever trying to shake his hand."

Seryna gazed at her steadily. "Surely you know that he lost his family. And if that pain weren't enough, how would you like to be in his shoes? Never knowing if someone likes him for himself or because of who he is. Always wary lest an offer of friendship be a trap of Hera's -- or worse, facing the possibility of making a friend whom she could hurt. Why do you think he wanders the earth the way he does? You see him with our children. You see how much joy they give him. Don't you think he would settle down again if he dared?"

Beron nodded. "Hercules never knows if someone is being sincere with him or if they just want a favor. That's why he helps strangers -- he sees a need and jumps in, rather than waiting for one side or the other to approach him. That way he never gets caught up in someone else's agenda. He makes up his own mind and does what he believes is right -- no matter what the cost to himself."

Seryna lay her hand on Alteira's. "I don't know what brought the two of you together, but you will never find a more true and steadfast friend than Hercules."

Alteira bit her lip in indecision. "I wish I could believe that."

At that moment, Hercules appeared in the doorway, flushed but beaming. "They're fast asleep. I knew my stories would knock them out. They work better than any sleeping draught."

Alteira rose. "Excuse me. I know you have a great deal to speak about, and I want to catch up on my sleep. Good night."

She left the room, and Hercules claimed her chair. "I can't believe it's been seven years! Tell me everything."

Beron nodded after Alteira. "Is there anything you'd like to tell us?"

Hercules sighed resignedly. "There isn't much to tell. I did her a favor -- which she resented -- and now I can't get rid of her. Believe me, I've had pleasanter traveling companions. Sometimes this hero business isn't much fun."

Seryna clucked her tongue in mild reproof. "Have you changed so much that you now expect gratitude? Unrequested help is often unwelcome."

"I don't mind if my efforts go unthanked," Hercules protested, "but to be stuck with a companion who thinks you're slightly lower than the dust underfoot-- and who offers this opinion every chance she gets -- is something else."

Beron meditatively puffed on his pipe. "Any chance that you're resenting her comments because some of them are accurate?"

Stung, Hercules replied, "I'm not that self-centered. And in all honesty, no one could be as arrogant as she thinks I am. According to her, I'm worse than Narcissus!"

Seryna shuddered. "That self-absorbed prig. Don't be silly, Hercules. Beron wasn't suggesting that Alteira was right about that aspect, but what about some of the other things she says? About your interfering in other people's lives, regardless of their wishes? Or rushing in to take over when someone else might already have matters well in hand?"

Hercules shifted uneasily. "I don't do that. Do I?"

Beron leaned forward. "Hercules, we haven't seen you in seven years. The man we knew was guilty of nothing more than a large heart, great compassion, and unmatched courage. But if Alteira's words bother you this much, maybe it's because you agree with some of what she says."

"Or it may just be that she's extremely annoying," Seryna ended briskly. "Enough of this serious talk, Hercules. Tell us of your adventures."

Hercules grinned. "Only if you promise not to fall asleep like the children did."

The next morning, after bidding farewell to Seryna and Beron's family, Hercules and Alteira were once again on the road for Loradon.

"I appreciate your agreeing to stop for the night. We could have traveled farther yesterday."

Embarrassed, Alteira brushed off the thanks. "That's all right. I was tired anyway."

"It's been a while since I stayed with a family. I forgot how much fun it can be," Hercules mused, as much to himself as to his companion.

Alteira smiled despite herself. "They were very kind. It reminded me of my home."

Hercules eyed her cautiously. "If I ask you about your land again, will you be offended?"

Alteira shook her head, her talk with Seryna and Beron still fresh in her mind. "No. I -- I apologize. I shouldn't have been so mistrustful of you. I'm from Karona; it's a small city in the Shadowed Mountains."

"I've never been there. What is it like?" Hercules asked curiously.

Her eyes grew dreamy. "Like nowhere else in the world. It is a peaceful place, with hot springs, subterranean caverns, and winters so cold the air itself seems to freeze. The sunsets are brilliant -- as though Zeus painted them just for us -- and the sunrise is even better."

"It sounds wonderful," Hercules commented softly, his eyes on her face. "What made you leave?"

Alteira sighed, her expression growing sad. "I told you I was a Guardian, but I didn't tell you what that means. For centuries, one of my people's most prized possessions has been the Eye of Apollo. It's a gemstone, as large as your fist, that legend says comes from Apollo's staff. It's supposed to have healing powers when wielded by an immortal, but for us, it has become a symbol of harmony. So long as it is among us, we are well."

"It wards off plague?"

That earned him a look. " 'Well' in a philosophical sense. We've outgrown the outmoded rituals of begging the gods for favors. They never listen anyway."

Hercules' jaw dropped in delight. "I've got to visit your land -- your people sound wonderful."

Flattered, Alteira replied. "Thank you; I think we are. Anyway, I was one of the people chosen to guard the Eye. It was an honor to be selected. I was very proud. Then..."

"Something happened?"

"Someone happened," Alteira said bitterly. "A traveler arrived. He was charming. I was stupid. He -- he led me to believe he cared for me. I trusted him. When he arrived at the shrine one night, while I was on duty, I thought his ardor had brought him. I was wrong; it was his greed. I drank the mulled wine he offered. It was drugged, and when I woke up the next morning, he was gone, along with the Eye."

Hercules grimaced sympathetically. "What happened then?"

"Everyone was very understanding, which made it worse. I left, swearing I wouldn't return without the Eye. I've been searching for that swine Ethrone ever since. I lost him in the swamps of Kitimirr, but I picked up his trail on the far side of the Obsidian Sea. I thought I would make up some time by cutting across Coveda, but I had a little problem with the border guards, and --"

He nodded. "-- and ended up as a slave. So you think this Ethrone is headed for Loradon?"

"It's the only place on this side of the Great Desert that is rich enough to buy the Eye."

"I suppose it has occurred to you that the Loradonians might not be willing to part with the eye -- even if it was stolen merchandise."

Alteira flushed. "I don't care if they're willing or not! The Eye belongs to my people! I'll make them return it."

Hercules eyed her angry face, more than a little concerned by her implacable tone. "Maybe it's just as well that I'm going along with you. You might need my help before this is over."

Once again, Alteira's pride was injured. "Oh? You think I can't handle this myself? Let me tell you something, just because I don't have some showy talent compliments of an illicit liaison, don't assume I'm unable to take care of my own affairs. Besides, so what if you're strong? Strength alone can only get you so far."

More amused than offended, Hercules asked, "You think you're better suited to handle trouble than I am?"

She mistook his amusement for irritation and said placatingly, "Don't be offended -- I'm bound to you, remember? I'm on your side, no matter what. But those of us who haven't had a magical talent to lean on are naturally a little more prepared to deal with hard knocks than you are. You may have had a charmed life, but some of us got where we are the hard way."

Hercules was too amazed to know whether to laugh or take offense. "I didn't--"

"Look, we're nearly at Traveler's Rest. When we arrive, don't worry. Sometimes the crowd there can be rough, but I'll be there for you."

"I really don't--"

"Don't worry about thanking me. I still owe you."

Hercules decided it was better not to correct Alteira's misconception, and upon their arrival at Traveler's Rest, he followed her meekly into a small tavern. A small crowd was at the bar, and several of the room's tables were taken. The noise level was high, and no one paid much attention to the newcomers.

"Get us a table. I'll order the meal," Alteira told him, heading for the bar.

Hercules stared after her, less than thrilled with her peremptory tone, then he shrugged and seated himself at the nearest table. It could have been worse; at least she was talking to him.

As he leaned back in his chair, resting, he overheard the conversation at the next table and realized the patrons there were ogling Alteira as she spoke to the bartender.

"Wonder how much it'd cost for a night with that."

"More than you've got. Or do you think she'd give you a discount for your good looks?"

"A discount? More likely she'd double her rates!" a third commented with a raucous guffaw.

Sensing that there could be trouble if these men continued their speculation after Alteira arrived at the table, Hercules bent forward to address them. "Excuse me, but that's my companion that you're talking about, and I'd appreciate it if you'd lower your voices before she comes over here."

They gave him unfriendly looks. "Why? You the one we need to be paying?"

"You misunderstand. She's not for sale."

They eyed him insolently, clearly unimpressed. "Yeah? Says who?" one demanded, hefting his club. Behind him, the other two got out of their chairs, looming over Hercules threateningly. Hercules rose, and there was a moment of mutual sizing-up, interrupted by Alteira, who pushed her way between them.

"What's going on here? Are you bothering him?" she demanded of the barflies.

Hercules tried unsuccessfully to move her aside. "Alteira--"

She ignored his efforts and continued to address the other men. "Listen, if you want to take him on, you'll have to come through me. So if you're smart, you'll go back to your table and finish your drinks."

The others stared at her, then at each other, and then at Hercules, who was looking extremely harassed and uncomfortable by then. Finally one spoke, trying to get it all straight. "You're protecting him?"

"You have a problem with that? I don't know what you were thinking, but it's not fair to pick on him just because of who he is," she scolded.

"Alteira!" Hercules could cheerfully have strangled her.

" 'Who he is'? Who is he?" one demanded, bewildered.

"Don't you know? That's Hercules."

Hercules, now thoroughly embarrassed, grabbed her by the arm and dragged her aside. The entire bar was now watching and whispering. "Alteira! That's not a bright thing to say!"

She shrugged him off. "Why not? Being the son of Zeus should be good for at least a round of free drinks. Well?" She looked expectantly at the three men, and they, completely befuddled, shuffled their feet and nodded in bewilderment.

"Um, sure. Why not?"

Once they realized that the confrontation wasn't going to degenerate into a brawl, the other patrons of the bar came forward shyly, eager to meet a living legend. To Hercules' intense discomfort, everyone wanted to shake his hand, and he was forced to perform parlor tricks for most of the night. Alteira, meanwhile, relaxed in the background.

Late that night, as they finally made their way through the streets to the inn, Hercules remained aggrieved. "Thanks to you, I had to pick up every person in there at least twice, not to mention the bar itself and every other stick of furniture!"

Alteira giggled, a little tipsy thanks to all the free drinks. "Yes, but we didn't have to pay for dinner, did we? At least your father's name is good for something."

"This is not how I want to use my strength! It is not meant to be used to cadge drinks! Besides, I thought we were just stopping for a quick lunch. What happened to heading for Loradon as fast as we can?"

Alteira yawned. "Don't be so grumpy. Didn't you see those kids' faces? They were tickled to death to meet you."

Hercules' countenance softened for a moment. "All right, that part I didn't mind. But the rest -- ! You have no idea how stupid it is to go into a tavern and announce that you're the son of a god!"

Alteira breezily waved his objections away. "What are you talking about? Everything went fine."

Hercules pulled her to a halt, looking down the road. "I don't think so."

She stopped and followed his gaze. The three denizens of the bar, along with two other friends, were spread out across the street ahead, blocking their progress. All were armed. "So, Hercules, you think you can just come into town and impress everyone with how great you are?" one yelled belligerently.

"Yeah! You're not so tough!"

Hercules glared at Alteira. "Now do you believe me? Some people just can't pass up a challenge, even one that doesn't exist." He turned to the men and spoke firmly. "I'm not looking for trouble. All I want is a night's lodging in your inn, and I'll be on my way."

"We don't care what you want!"

The others yelled noisy agreement, and Hercules saw there was no way out but a fight. He set his jaw and dusted off his hands. "Stay out of the way," he told Alteira over his shoulder. "This shouldn't take long."

"Excuse me? What do you think you're doing?" Alteira demanded incredulously.

Impatient, Hercules snapped, "What does it look like? Now get out of the way before you get hurt!"

"You're not fighting anyone! I already told you, I'm honor-bound to protect you! Now, you step aside and let me handle this."

"Have you lost your mind? There are five of them!"

Alteira squawked indignantly. "You think I can't handle five drunken troublemakers from a town in the middle of nowhere? Those bandits the other day had a hostage, but these nitwits are easy prey."

Hercules took a deep breath and tried to be patient. "I'm not downplaying your abilities, but there are five of them, and --"

"And I'm only a feeble woman? Oh, but you're pretty certain of your ability to defeat all of them, aren't you?"

"We don't have time to argue about this. But if we did, I'd point out that it was you who got us into this mess!"

"So now I'm not only feeble, but indiscreet as well! Well, I've got news for you, Son of Zeus, I can handle this crowd blindfolded and with one foot in a bucket!

By then, the drunks were growing restless, the hissed argument between their intended victims confusing them. "Hey! Hey, Hercules! Are you coming, or do we have to drag you over?"

Alteira shoved past Hercules. "Listen, you big goon, we're having a discussion here, and you're just going to have to wait a minute!"

Hercules yanked her back. "Would you stop antagonizing them! You're only making it worse, and I'm the one who has to deal with the problem!"

His words only served to inflame her further. "You honestly don't believe I can handle them? Well, watch this!" She jerked free and planted herself in front of the drunks, arms akimbo. "What, there are only five of you? Don't you have any more friends?"

They looked at each other. "Huh? Well, yeah, but--"

"Good. Go get them. We'll wait here. Bring at least two -- no, make it three. Hercules! How many do you think you could take on?"

"Would you shut up! What do you want? To fight a dozen?"

"Are you suggesting that you could but I couldn't?" she demanded, turning back to confront the men one more time. "Well? Do you have another seven friends?"

The drunks began to realize that they were in trouble. Exchanging alarmed glances, they backed away, muttering of insanity and "touched by the gods".

"Hey!" Alteira yelled after them. "Where are you going? Get back here!"

Hercules finally succeeded in dragging her into the doorway of the inn, just as the last drunk fled down the street. "I can't believe your people let you out on your own. You need a keeper," Hercules snapped, hauling her inside.

Now that the excitement had passed, the wine she had consumed started to take effect, and Alteira patted Hercules' shoulder drowsily. "You're so timid. I wouldn't have let them hurt you. And b'sides, you didn't have to fight anyone, now did you? I told you I'd take care of you."

She pushed past him into the inn, and he followed with a defeated shake of his head. How did he get into these things?

TBC...