Subj: Vampires, Gods and Time 12 of ?
Date: 11/18/99 1:21:43 PM Central Standard Time
From: Mysterious Millicent

Mount Olympus--

Hera looked down at the tiny infant in her arms. The baby was fair of countenence, dark haired as his father with those same piercing eyes. Hera smiled as she hummed to the child. “You will be a warrior brave, my son. Mighty in words and deeds. Kings shall bow before you. Gods will pay homage to you. And your name will live forever. I, your mother and Queen of the Universe, shall make you strong and wise, my little Barabbas.”

Barnabas walked in the room and seeing Hera humming to the infant smiled. Although he was awed and somewhat proud to be the father of a half-god, he also knew where his loyalty belonged. No matter how much he loved this child, he must remember for whom he was doing this.

Hera turned around, and seeing Barnabas, smiled and said, “Our son is a beauty to behold is he not, Barnabas?”

Barnabas smiled and said softly, “He is a miracle to me, my Queen. For I am most honored that you would find me worthy and bless me with a son.”

“Oh, Barnabas, you are entirely too modest.” Hera laughed out loud. “You give yourself no credit for this birth, and believe me, you have every right to call him, ‘son’” She walked over to Barnabas and gave the child to him.

Barnabas took the infant and looked down at his face. Such innocence! Would this child ever be able to break his hold from his mother? He did have responsibilities to this child. But, how would he ever be able to fight Hera? And yet, this child might just be the undoing of Hera. With Zeus’ help, Barabbas could be taught what is right and just. On the other hand, Zeus was just as capable of jealousy and lust as his
powerful wife. Yet, he had sworn allegiance to Zeus and he would do anything for his new found mortal friend, Hercules. And so, Barnabas kept all his thoughts to himself, in case Hera might read his mind and know of the treachery.

He found it somewhat hard to believe that the Queen of the Gods, the powerful, lustful, vengeful and jealous woman had not tapped into his thoughts before now. Perhaps he had in some small way bewitched her. Barnabas smiled at that thought. Then bending down he kissed the infant before returning the child to the royal crib.

Hera, standing next to Barnabas put her hand on his chest and said, “Come, Barnabas. We must prepare for the royal christening.”

Barnabas turned to Hera, smiling and kissed her on the lips. “Yes, Hera, my queen. I am in all attendance, and looking forward to the acceptance of my son as one of the royal rulers of Mighty Olympus!”

Hera and Barnabas walked out of the chamber. A few moments after they left, Ares appeared. He walked over to the tiny infant sleeping in the crib and a frown came over his face. “So, now I have another rival for the love of my mother! And another mortal to attend to. Well, so be it. Little brother, you may be protected now, but when you grow to manhood, I will see to it that you receive your just reward, just as your mortal brother before you, Hercules. This I promise you.

--------------

A large mansion, beneath the sea--

Iolaus watched through the glass at the dolphins playing near the window. He wished at times that he could enjoy their freedom and peace. Each time he saw the dolphin he thought of them as such happy and carefree creatures for they always seemed to have a smile on their face. If only, he were half-god as his friend Hercules. He would be able to understand them better. These dolphins seemed to stay close to the window and occasionally would come near the window as though they were trying to communicate
with him.

“They are wishing you good fortune, my friend” Hercules said as he approached from behind.

“How do you know that Herc? Can you read their thoughts?”

“Sort of--” Hercules smiled. “Sometimes I can just feel what they feel, and I know what they know. I’m not sure why.”

Iolaus turned to face his life-long friend. “I know. Your half-god. That’s why. And for that I envy you--”

Hercules started to say something but Iolaus put his hand up in a gesture to stop and continued--

“But, to tell the truth, I think I like it much better being a mortal. I am not sure I would like to be a part of your royal family.” Then realizing what he said, he began to stutter, “I-I-I- I mean, uh, well, what I meant to say---- I-I-It’s just that-----”

Hercules began to laugh and putting his strong hand on his best friend’s shoulder he said, “I know, Iolaus. I understand. We are brothers in every sense of the word and there is no one I would trust with my life, save my Father Zeus.”

Iolaus smiled, nodded and was relieved that he didn’t have to explain. It seems that Hercules always understood what he was trying to say, no matter how tangled his tongue got.

“Iolaus, it is time for us to go to Thebes.” Hercules said after a moment’s pause. “You know what you are to do?”

Iolaus grinned mischievously. “I sure do. And this will be a part I will be very happy to play.”

“Good!” Hercules replied. And as he started to walk away, he suddenly turned around, looked into Iolaus eyes and said, “But---just don’t overdo it alright?”

Iolaus again grinned and said, “I’ll try not to, Herc. But can you blame me? This will the the most fun I have had in a long time! Can you begrudge me a bit of overacting?”

Hercules laughed and said, “No, but remember. You have to be convincing to the people, and to Ares, Strife, Drakon and most importantly to Hera! So, like I said, DON’T OVERDO IT! Alright?”

Iolaus nodded. “Yeah, I understand. Trust me, my friend.”

“Now, why do I find that a bit hard to accept?” Hercules said and then putting his arm around Iolaus, they headed for the door.

Zeus stood at the entrance waiting for Iolaus and his son. When they appeared, he said, “Are we ready?”

“Yes, Father.”

“I am more than ready, my Lord Zeus.” Iolaus said still grinning. And the three were suddenly engulfed in a large bubble that floated gently to the surface.---

-----------

City of Thebes----

The City was in preparation for the grandest STATE FUNERAL ever to be given for a fallen Hero. Hercules was not only the mightiest warrior the world had ever known, but also, was the son of the City. Here, he was born, lived out his child hood and had fought many a battle. The citizens were determined that this funeral would surpass any that had gone before, fallen warrior, fallen King, fallen martyr. Nothing would be as spectacular as this occasion.

The city was lined with black flags that rose on high poles signifying the death of a fallen hero. Twelve of the best and strongest horses had been decorated in appropriate funeral attire to escort the body to the funeral pyre. The wooden pallet that would carry the fallen hero had been used only once at the death of the King of Thebes. Now it had been further ordained by gold inlay to carry the mightiest warrior of them all.

The citizens of Thebes had begun to line the street at dawn and awaited the procession that would begin at the palace steps and proceed to the High Crest, the hill that overlooked the city and was near to his mother, Alcmene’s home. Here, Hercules would be placed and words of comfort and praise for his mighty deeds would be spoken. Then his body would be sent off on its journey to Hades and the Underworld where it was hoped by all that he would join his wife Deianeira, and his children in the Elysian Fields and a life of joy.

As the sun rose high in the sky, the trumpets sounded from the Palace signifying the beginning of the procession. The people lining the streets focused their attention towards the steps of the palace. Within a few minutes the funeral procession began. First the black horse, draped with black battle gear and rider of the same attire rode forth slowly, leading the funeral. Behind this horse came the two guardian spirits of the temple to pave the way for the fallen hero on his journey to the Underworld. Then the twelve horses of strength followed. They were adorned in golden battle gear as were their riders to signify the glory
and honor of the dead hero.

Behind the horses came the Royal Pallet upon which laid the body of Hercules. His body was carried by 8 royal guardsmen for the King who were adorned in golden battle gear. Although they were honored to have this role in the procession, one could tell from their faces that it was an effort to carry this weight. Not the poundage, but the weight of grief. For their was not one among their number who had not been aided by the mighty Hercules in some problem in the past.

Hercules was clothed in black pants and boots, and a golden tunic adorned his chest. His hands crossed at his chest clasped a golden lyre that he had so often played for his family and his mother in days gone by. At his left side lay a bow with 5 wooden arrows and at his right a sword forged by he and his best friend Iolaus some months before.

His face was one of serene peace and his long flowing golden locks still curved around his face as it had done so often in life. When the people saw his body they began to weep and cried out in anguish, “Hercules, our mightiest warrior and son, we shall miss you, forever!”

“May your journey be a peaceful one!”

“May the gods smile on you and give you peace, mighty one!”

“May your journey to Hades be swift and your destiny be to join your wife and children!”

So went the shouts of the people as well as much weeping from the women in the crowd.

Behind the body followed the mother of Hercules, Alcmene, flanked on her right by her son, King Iphicles, and on her left by Hercules best friend, Iolaus. All were showing inward pain, but not once broke down to weep. Alcmene showed the strength that she had shown throughout all her life. She had known that one day this might happen and she would lose her most precious son. But, in front of the people she would show no sign of grief. However, it was clear from her face that she was in pain.

Iphicles, walking beside his mother too was certain to show no emotion, but occasionally one could catch the glistening of moisture on his face. It was also clear that he too was in pain for the brother he once tried to emulate and take his name. Even tho they were of different worlds, Iphicles loved his brother dearly and remembered at their last meeting how they had fondly spoke of hunting together as they had done as boys. That would never be a reality now. And the King walked on, head held high but inwardly grieving greatly for his mighty brother.

Iolaus was having a bit of trouble containing his grief. There were a couple of times he stumbled as he walked and his eyes would not fall on the pallet that was being carried before him. All of the people lining the streets grieved for Iolaus. They knew how close he and Hercules had been and of all the mourners, their hearts went out to him the most.

Thus the procession gradually and slowly moved through the streets, past the entrance gates of Thebes and up the great hill. When they had all gathered on the top of the hill, Hercules body was laid on the top of the funeral pyre loaded with many pieces of wood. The Guardians of the Spirit spoke of Hercules life and his endless search to help others who were less fortunate and in need of help. They spoke of his mighty strength and killing of many creatures sent to plague the people, as well as the mighty heart that was always there to comfort and protect the innocent.

After an hour the speeches were done and the Guardian Spirits placed two golden coins on the eyes of Hercules and the people threw flowers and laurel wreathes upon the pyre. Then as the wood was set fire, the village said good-bye to the Mightiest Warrior and Bravest Man the world had ever known. Hercules, son of Zeus was gone to them forever.

And Iolaus, bending on his knees before the raging fire that began to consume the body cried in a loud voice, “HERCULES, MAY THE GODS WELCOME YOU INTO MOUNT OLYMPUS”

This little gesture did not go unnoticed. On Mount Olympus Hera watched the proceedings from her bedroom window. Smiling proudly she said, “So, the son of Zeus is no more! And now my son will have no rival for his position!” But even as she spoke, she could sense danger. From where, she was not sure, but still, something was gnawing at her that she was going to regret this happiness. She moved from the window towards the crib. Making sure that the tiny Barabbas was sleeping quietly, she moved towards the bed. There, sleeping peacefully was Barnabas. She smiled and said, “I should have no fear as long as you are with me Barnabas Collins! You are the only one who captured my heart and holds it prisoner!”

And taking off her clothing, she crawled into the bed with Barnabas and closed her eyes as sleep over took her.

HERCULES WAS NOT SEVERELY BURNED IN THE MAKING OF THIS CHAPTER--