x
The Outcast of War
I don't even know how to spell Disclaimer
8
Ares was pouting over his current situation, being stuck on this island. The he could teleport all over the island as he pleased. However that was just a torment aimed at him since from the center of the island he could see water on all sides. It wasn't even a mile long. It only had one tree. "One damn tree," Ares muttered.
Ares the god that is so often discounted as a blood thirsty warlord with Godhood knew something that no other god knew. That something was wrong, Out of place. Ares knew he did not cause this. Yes he had pushed Hercules this route, but Ares knew what the real Hercules was like, and this wasn't it. It wasn't enough that Hercules came to Ares corrupted, but now Ares began to sense and suspect another's involvement. He decided that someone, one of the Gods perhaps, was working against him.
But what would that matter, he can't leave unless Poseidon released him. So Ares summoned him and the god of the seas appeared. They had some things to discuss.
8
Corinth later in the afternoon
Xena having left Argo with Gabrielle rode a brown horse as she neared Corinth. Dismounting, she carefully snuck around the outskirts of Corinth. It had been said that Hercules army alone was around 35,000, and Thebes brought 20,000 soldiers into the party as well. Well Xena figured that around ten thousand of Hercules' soldiers were here at Corinth, and they were on alert, carefully watching for the slightest intrusion. The ones, who weren't guarding or resting, were training. A squad of horse archers rode near. Xena had not seen many horse archers in Greece and by the look of them she placed them in from Persia.
There was also evidence that Hercules planned to continue to grow his army. A group of warriors with several banners appeared to be heading through the gates of Corinth, among several warlords that had joined up with Hercules. Xena decided to bide time for an opening to get inside.
8
Ares' island
Ares said with the Fates present, "I Ares swear by the fates that I shall temporally give up the majority of my powers including teleporting and casting energy bolts in order that I may be returned to the mainland. Upon reaching the reaching the mainland I Ares will immediately seek to discover who is really behind Hercules and his plans, and stop them if I can, or bring it to the attention of Zeus, King of Gods if I cannot."
Poseidon then said, "I Poseidon agree to take Ares powers and I swear by the fates to return them to Ares when he learns the truth and properly acts upon it. Further I swear I shall transport Ares to mainland Greece so that he may pursue his investigation and I shall allow him to retain his immortality and his strength to protect him from the other Gods who may wish him harm." Poseidon who had shrunk to human size signed the document following by Ares, and then they both shook hands to seal the deal.
The fates spoke with each one alternating words as they spoke. "We three fates solemnly to declare we have witnessed this agreement by the God of the Seas Poseidon and Ares former god of war." Zeus had seized his position from him, rendering him no longer the God of War.
Ares said with a scoff, "I really don't like that word. Former."
The fates continued, "We three fates hereby declare we shall enforce this deal in the event either party attempt to break this deal." The three fates each cast a seal with their powers and with their signatures appearing underneath each seal the deal was set.
8
Poseidon took up Ares and teleported him to Greece. Once he arrived on Greece, Ares noted he was near Methone. He stared at Poseidon enraged as this was the farthest spot in Greece from Hercules, "Damn you Poseidon!"
Poseidon laughed manically, "I carried out my part of the deal. I took you to mainland Greece. It is you who never specified where." Poseidon smiled on the angry former god of war, and then descended into the depths of the sea once more.
Ares cursed aloud. He would have liked to have all his powers but Poseidon would have never allowed him to leave the island if he had, so that left him with one choice. He walked in the direction of Pylos to get a horse and ride to Corinth and Hercules.
8
The sun was setting as Hercules prepared his army for movement. Hercules and Selenta were planning a pit-stop in Corinth before moving onward to Argos. The army had lost three thousand seven hundred fifty-nine soldiers in the siege of Athens so they needed some reinforcements. Overall however, Hercules felt that he could and would destroy the Spartans and their allies when he finally faced them down.
Meanwhile Selenta was stewing as she thought about the arrogance of Hercules. She would like to stuff a sword down his throat; however they were engaged with a common enemy. Such rash actions would have to wait for a better time. Maybe she could position herself so that Hercules drains his strength and then maybe negotiate with the Spartans for a defection, unlikely the Spartans would agree, but she knew she needed an edge over the Demi-God.
8
Xena followed a pair of soldiers as they walked toward the gate inside, Xena slipped in behind them, once they were on the other side of the gate. Once inside, she sought out a friend of hers that could help her. Xena had to avoid several small roving patrols of soldiers throughout the city.
Finally she reached a familiar house which was owned by an old friend. She quietly eased herself inside, seeing another woman with her back facing Xena, the warrior slowly snuck up behind her. Xena grabbed her from behind and covered her mouth before she could scream, "I need you to be quiet Aneilia."
Aneilia replied in quiet surprise "Xena. What are you doing here?"
Xena cracked a smile, "Spying."
Aneilia's expression turned dark, "King Hercules."
Xena released Aneilia from her grip, "Yes. What happened?"
Aneilia replied, "One day we were summoned to the kings castle. Instead of Iphicles we saw Hercules wearing the crown. He said Iphicles had planned to turn Corinth over to Athens as he was secretly working for them. He then said that Iphicles has been arrested and since he had no heir, Hercules stepped in to rule in his place. He then said Athens was planning an attack to take Corinth, so he announced a draft of all able bodied men to form an army. We have never heard of what happened to Iphicles."
Xena replied, "Don't worry, I'll get to the bottom of this."
8
Cleomones and Conon had been moving southeast for a while now, the aim of course, too find people to fight for Athens. So they made a stop in Argos to take some rest and maybe get some support for there endeavor. However, nothing could prepare them for what they saw, Argos had been fortified and a growing army was filling the city-state. It was clear that this was all about fighting Hercules, they decided to move quickly and find the leader.
Moments later they found Kaleipus who was with Gabrielle at this moment. Cleomones and Conon presented themselves inquiring what had occurred here. Kaleipus asked, "I might but who are you?"
Cleomones lowered his head respectfully, "I am Cleomones, general of Athens, and this is Conon admiral of Athens."
Gabrielle inquisitively asked, "Aren't you the same Conon who lost that major naval battle with Sparta twenty years ago?"
Conon's lip vibrated with annoyance, "Not your business little girl."
Before Gabrielle could reply, Kaleipus said, "Listen here, I don't know how things are done in Athens but here among this army this woman, Gabrielle has our utmost respect and confidence, especially since she has been trained by Xena. So answer her question."
Conon bit his tongue seeing his own error, "I apologize and yes I did lose to Sparta in a naval battle but I also won one later against Persia and redeemed myself,"
Kaleipus nodded, "Athena has rallied the armies of southern Greece and we are preparing for war against Hercules. Especially since the rumors we have been hearing in the last few hours that Hercules slaughtered every living thing in the city, to which I inquire, how are you two standing here."
Cleomones replied in earnest, "We were sent out via secret tunnel to find and rally an army to take Athens back."
Kaleipus replied "looks like you weren't needed for that. However some have not committed. We could use your help with the upcoming battles."
Conon said, "I have an idea, Rhodes was our ally but we were surrounded before anyone could be sent out. Our fleet captured. Allow me to go to Rhodes as Cleomones stays here and helps. I need a ship." Kaleipus replied "I cannot give you a ship but the leader of Argos can and I will talk to him." Conon nodded.
Cleomones then said, "This army is good but other than you a couple of others they lack the necessary leadership. Allow me to take some kind of command."
Kaleipus replied, "I'll give you the command of the Argos home guard. They need the most leadership. They are not the regular army of Argos but rather drafted farmers. They will need someone to make them into soldiers quick. Hercules will likely be nearing Argos in two or three days. However my assignment to you is not final. King Jason escaped from Corinth and is the overall leader, he has not chosen who among us will be the leader of the Coalition Army against Hercules, we should know within a day who will fill those shoes." Cleomones nodded in understanding.
8
Ares' acquired a horse as he ran into a familiar sight. Ares smiled, "Athena. How are you…?" He got punched in the face sending back into a wall.
Athena's eyes turned cold, "You really thought I'd be happy to see you. Soon as you stepped foot on Greece I knew you where you were. Of course Poseidon was a big help."
Ares got to his feet trying to say, "you know Athena I'm here to…" He jumped out of the way of an energy ball.
Athena scoffed, "Brother you talk too much."
Ares returned to his feet once again, "Really sister…." He dodged another one.
Athena's voice was laden with dark curses, "You are no brother of mine."
"I know we don't like each other but I had nothing to do with what happen."
Athena shouted, "Nothing!" She threw several energy balls as Ares did his best to dodge them all.
Ares got back up again, "Well maybe not nothing. But I didn't have Hercules kill everyone in your city."
Athena cocked her head, "You sent him there!" Athena approached him, punching him in the face.
She continued, "You made him like he is!" She kicked him into a wall. She then said "You built his army!" She kicked him again, sending his body against another wall, this time breaking it down.
Athena gritted her teeth in rage, "and finally you did not stop him!" Athena kicked him several times, causing body to sink into the ground.
She stepped back, hiding the tears of rage in her eyes, "You're damn lucky Zeus won't let me kill you!"
Ares struggling to pull himself out of the group said, "Well, he still has a soft spot for me yet. Considering he almost did the deed himself on Olympus. I don't imagine dad would give anyone the means necessary to kill me."
"I wouldn't test that theory," said a curt Athena.
Ares then said, "Someone else is behind all this Athena. Hercules got help and it wasn't mine."
Athena replied, "Would you even care if you had not been cast out of Olympus and stricken of your mantle as God of war?"
Ares asked as he finally pulled himself out of the hole, "Would you rather hear the truth or what you want here?" Athena stared in anger. Ares continued, "Well honestly, not really, except for the fact my warrior is being manipulated by another force."
Athena said "Ares you're despicable, I'll be back later to punish you some more."
Ares replied "Don't forget the whips and chains,"
Athena shook her head in disgust as she teleported away. Ares noticed townsfolk staring at him, "Enjoy the show! Go away before I hurt you!"
He retrieved his horse and started for Argos to find the true answer to all this.