Subj: Vampires, Gods and Time 10 of ?
Date: 11/14/99 8:16:43 PM Central Standard Time
From: Mysterious Millicent

Mount Olympus--

Barnabas was really reveling in the treatment he was receiving on Mt. Olympus. He had never tasted food like that which was prepared by the finest chefs--the gods themselves. And he had been introduced to several of the gods. The one who had impressed him the most was Aphrodite. And as her title stated, not only was she the Goddess of Love, but the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She was erotic, sensitive, romantic, loving, and if there was any way to entice a man to bed, she possessed all the knowledge. Of course, his allegiance was to Hera, as he knew if he did not do as she commanded he would be a pile of ashes in a matter of seconds.

Barnabas had also seen the wrath of Hera on several occasions. That woman had one mean temper. He chuckled to himself as he remembered the incident with Hermes, who had stolen one of her broaches to give to Athena in exchange for a night of pleasure. Of all of Hera’s possessions, what was one little broach that she could have easily duplicated in a minute! But Hera went totally crazy. And it was a good thing that Apollo had stepped in or Hermes would have been banned from Mt Olympus with nothing on and no powers to boot!

Barnabas again started to snicker. Oh, what Angelique would think of Hera! He had always thought of Angelique as the most jealous, greedy, crafty, self-centered woman, but compared to Hera, Angelique was indeed an Angel who was only a bit naughty!

“Barnabas, are you going to join in the celebration?” came a female voice from behind him.

Barnabas looked around and saw the Queen of the Gods smiling and beckoning to him. He walked over to her, bowing low and taking her hand in his brought it to his lips. “My Queen. I am indeed honored to be at your side.”

“You have brought me much joy Barnabas Collins. Not even my husband Zeus has ever made me feel what you have. And to think that a mere mortal could make me feel this good. And now--” She smiled and looked at her stomach which was growing larger by the hour--”I will have a son to cherish by you.”

Barnabas smiled and said, “I thank you, my Queen and I too am looking forward to the birth.”

Barnabas and Hera exchanged a very passionate kiss, (because if there was one thing Hera was, it was passionate. She did nothing lightly. It was all or nothing with her.). Then, taking Barnabas by the arm the two walked out of the meeting hall and into the ceremonial palace.

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A Cave Near Athens--

Iolaus sat at the table motionless. He was under Drakon’s spell and had not moved since he was placed there. Drakon began to pace. Where was Hera? She told him that she would send a message when his ‘babysitting’ job was over. This was getting rather boring.

“How could you possibly be bored, Drakon?” Ares spoke suddenly startling Drakon. “You should be celebrating with us.”

Drakon walked over to Ares and said, “What are we celebrating? And why is it that everyone left the ‘dirty work’ for me to do. I am not a babysitter!”

Ares laughed and replied, “Yes, I know. But you are so good at it, Drakon. You have always been good at babysitting others. But, this perhaps will make you much happier.” Ares started to tell Drakon of the events of the day, but thought he had better wait for Strife to return.

It was almost at that moment that Strife appeared in the cave.

“Well, Strife? What did you see?”

Strife swallowed hard and tried to look cooly convincing to Ares. “I saw several soldiers from Athens carrying the body of Hercules off. They were followed by the King of Athens and other peasants. All were mourning the death of the great warrior.”

Iolaus, who had been oblivious to everything at this moment suddenly stood up wheeled around and
shouted in anguish. “What do you mean Hercules is dead? Did you kill him Ares? I will run you through for killing my friend.”

Ares surprised at the sudden movement from Iolaus raised his hand and forced Iolaus back to
the chair.

“Now, now my little man. You know that you should not speak unless you are addressed!”

Iolaus sat down on the chair and lowering his sword looked at the floor in defeat. He knew this would happen. He knew Hercules had been in a great deal of trouble the moment he saw Drakon, and this Barnabas must have been involved somehow as well.

Strife was happy for this diversion. For he knew that if Ares had more time he would have been a bit leery of what Strife had told him. But now he knew that Ares would gloat in his achievement and he was safe, for the moment!

Without being aware, Iolaus felt a tear fall down his cheek. “Hercules was my best friend. He always tried to help others and took all the hatred of Hera. Why must he die? Where was Zeus?”

Ares chuckled and said, “Did you really expect Father to help his son when he denounced his love for him? Do you think Father cares a fig for that mortal?”

“You kept me here so I couldn't help Hercules didn’t you? And now that you have what you want, what are you going to do with me now? If you are going to kill me too, then get it over with.” Iolaus spat out in bitterness, not even caring that he was addressing the God of War.

“Don’t worry Iolaus, as soon as Mother is prepared we will release you.” And Ares, Strife and Drakon disappeared.

Iolaus sat in the chair and began to weep in earnest. He loved Hercules. He was the only man who cared about him and protected him in every way. He would never find such a friend again. They had known each other since boys in Thebes and had shared many adventures. What had happened to that decree that no god could harm Hercules? Had Zeus gone back on his word. Why didn’t he protect his son? And lifting his eyes towards the ceiling of the cave he shouted out loudly in anguish--”HERCULES!”