Subj: Vampires, Gods and Time 17 of 17
Date: 11/19/99 12:33:31 PM Central Standard Time
From: Mysterious Millicent

The Underworld--

Ares had pulled out fifteen soldiers from the battlefield and escorted them to the Plain of Asphodel, where they would await their judgement from Minos, Rhadamanthus, or Aeacus who would pronounce sentence according to their deeds. Then they would be whisked across the River Styx to their final destination.

It had only been three weeks, but Ares was completely bored. And he was becoming aware of why Hades always complained of his war campaigns. There were so many dead. And once he had transported them he had to fill out papers for each soldier.

It was extremely tedious and very time consuming. Ares looked up from the battlefield and realized that there were at least 100 more soldiers to sort through. Although Hades was fair and just, he still seemed to be delighting in Ares misfortune. If only his Mother had taken better precautions in what she did, he would not be in this fix.

“Ares! You are stopping the flow! This must run smoothly, or Hades will have our hide, “ yelled a fellow Underworld caretaker. “Come on. Where is the next shipment?”

Ares looked around and said, “Coming, hold your tunic!” And he trudged up the path to check the next group of soldiers.

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Road outside the city of Pluribus---

Hera sat on the wagon trying desperately to keep the horse on a straight path. Her hands had blisters on them and her face was beginning to show signs of aging. Wrinkles had formed between her brows and she was getting wrinkles and lines on her neck. The sackcloth dress she wore was miles to big and she looked like a dumpy old woman. With each pull of the reins the horse whinnyed and moved in the wrong direction. Hera cursed under her breath.

She had been living outside of Pluribus for the last three weeks and it had been a living hell. No one had noticed that she was Hera, Queen of the Gods. No one had even bothered to help her. Even the children threw stones at her or tried to trip her when she was gathering firewood. They called her the old Witch Crone who came to haunt bad little children. Not far from the truth, but still she should have been given a bit of respect!

One kind older gentleman had helped her wagon out of a hole a few days ago but it was only after she had thanked him for his kindness that she realized he had other motives. He wanted her for his wife. A good strapping woman like she would make an excellant slave for his house. Cooking? Was he nuts?

Casting her eyes upward Hera cursed Zeus and all the gods on Mount Olympus as she continued to try to get the stubborn animal to go the right way.

From on High Mount Olympus several of the gods were laughing hysterically at the antics Hera was providing. This was really enjoyable. Even tho they knew they would pay later for this, it was such fun to watch her punishment. A punishment well deserved.

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Hercules home----

Barnabas shook Iolaus hand and said, “I am happy to have met you Iolaus. You are someone who I won’t forget. Thank you for all your help and, “ looking at Hercules and his family he said, “don’t forget to look in on them for me from time to time.”

“Of that you can be certain, Barnabas. I won’t forget you either.” Iolaus said.

Barnabas then moved to Deianeira, giving her a big hug and kiss said, “Your journey back has begun, and I hope you and your family have happiness forever. Good fortune to you, Deianeira.”

She kissed his cheek and nodded smiling.

To Klonus and Aeson, Barnabas shook their hands and attempted the ‘slap-drop’ move they had taught him when saying goodbye. Although he didn’t quite get it right, they were pleased that he remembered. Telling each of them to obey their father and mother and tossling Klonus’ hair he nodded farewell.

Ilea looked up at Barnabas with tears in her eyes. He picked her up and said, “Don’t cry, Ilea.”

Ilea looked at Barnabas and gave him a big hug. Then she said in a soft voice, “I won’t forget you, Uncle Barnabas!”

Barnabas almost let a tear fall as well. This little girl had touched his heart as no one since his sister Sarah.

Then putting her down he moved to Hercules. They embraced and he said, “Hercules, at one time I thought you only a myth. And now, having met you I feel as if I have met a true ‘soul-mate'. I wish only the best for you and your wonderful family”

“Good-fortune to you my friend. And if the gods please, come back to us someday.” Hercules replied.

Barnabas nodded his head and then began to walk to the top of the hill where all this had begun. Hercules picked up little Ilea and watched this stranger who had become a good friend leaving his world. Barnabas turned around for a brief moment and all the family including Iolaus waved goodbye. Except little Ilea, she buried her head in her father’s chest and began to weep.

Barnabas was touched, but turned around and headed up the hill.

Zeus stood on the top of the hill, waiting for Barnabas. When he stood in front of Zeus, he again looked down at the people he had met and the life he had experienced. Looking again around at the peace and tranquility of the land, he sighed and then turned to the King of the Gods.

“Are you ready, Barnabas Collins?” Zeus said softly.

“Yes, my Lord Zeus.”

"Then stand before me." Barnabas stood directly in front of Zeus who produced a candle and lighting the flame gazed into Barnabas’ eyes and said, “Focus on the candle, Barnabas”

As Barnabas gazed into the candle, Zeus blew out the flame and the smoke moved to Barnabas’ face. As he took in the smoke his vision became fuzzy, he weaved slightly back and forth and suddenly images of what had happened recently moved rapidly across his line of vision. Leaving Hercules and his family, reading to Ilea, standing before Zeus in the Royal Judgement Chamber, being with Hera in the Royal Bedchamber, seeing Hera on the road as a peasant woman, meeting with Zeus King of the Gods, seeing little Ilea for the first time, finding Nicholas Blair in this time, meeting Iolaus and Hercules and walking down from the hill.

Suddenly, Barnabas’ vision began to clear and he heard a voice from behind him. “Barnabas. Barnabas. Are you alright?”

For a few moments Barnabas was somewhat paralyzed. Then as his strength slowly began to develop he looked up at the face of Prof. Stokes who showed concern.

“Prof. Stokes. I am back.”

“Yes, Barnabas. But you were only gone for a few minutes. What happened? Did you find Quentin?” Stokes questioned.

Barnabas had forgotten the reason he had used the I-Ching. He was trying to get back in time to save David.

“No, Prof. I think I took the wrong path.” Barnabas said.

“Curious. I would have thought that the sign of change would have been the correct one.”

Barnabas looked at the Professor and said, “We can try again in a few minutes. But, for now, I just want to be alone. Please Professor.”

Prof. Stokes looked at Barnabas in alarm and said, “Are you sure you are alright?”

Barnabas smiled and said, “Yes, I am fine. Just a bit tired.”

“Very well, I will leave you for an hour. Call me when you want to resume the journey.” And Professor Stokes left the room.

Barnabas got up from the chair and walked around the dungeon room. As he came to one of the candles lit he stared into the flame. But he did not see the flame, he saw Hercules and his children wrestling on the floor. They were laughing and having a good time. Barnabas smiled. Then in the vision he saw the face of little Ilea looking out the window. She said, “Goodbye, Barnabas. I will miss you!”

Barnabas again smiled. And he said softly, “And I will miss you, Ilea.” And putting his fingers to his mouth to moisten them he snuffed out the candle.

OF ALL THINGS GREAT AND SMALL LOVE IS THE GREATEST ONE OF ALL

Finis---