Rating: NC17
Warnings: This story contains scenes of consensual sex between a man and a woman. If you are under 18, find any of this offensive or if this is illegal where you live, please read something else.
Disclaimer: The characters of Iphicles, Hercules and Ares belong to Greek Mythology and also apparently to Universal Studios and Pacific Renaissance and this story is not intended to violate any copyrights held by MCA, Universal Studios, Renaissance Pictures or any other entity involved in the making of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys or Xena: Warrior Princess.
While this story is not exactly a sequel to Kalea or Dawn of the Dead, it does refer to events in that story. You do not need to read either of them first to follow this one, but it might add some enjoyment if you do. Please see author's note at the end regarding Bresia's parentage if you have not read Dawn of the Dead.
Bresia slowly opened her eyes to dense inky darkness. She was lying on the ground on what appeared to be a thick layer of dirt. She picked up a handful of the soil and let it slip through her fingers. The grains were damp and sticky; it felt a little like the rich loam of the forest. Still, she knew she wasn't there. There was an odd smell permeating the air around her. At first, she couldn't place it, but then she knew what it was—rotten fruit. The air was thick with the sweet slightly acrid tang of decomposing fruit. How strange.
Her eyes now adjusted to the darkness, Bresia began to make out objects. A small cot rested against one wall and a large open pot sat on the floor next to it. There was a small wooden table with a brightly colored pitcher resting on it. Even in the dark, Bresia could see how the colors on the pitcher seemed to glow and vibrate.
She assumed she was in a cell, though the cell seemed rather makeshift. The bars were wood, not metal, as if the original intent of the room was not to be a jail. Where was she? Outside the cell, she could make out shapes that suggested barrels and crates. It looked as if this room had been, or possibly still was, a storage cellar.
Slowly she sat up. Nothing seemed to be broken although her head hurt. Her fingers tentatively explored the thick tangle of her hair. She could feel a small lump on the back of her skull. She must have been hit on the head. The last things she remembered were a dark humid night, hiding in some plants while doing reconnaissance for Sienna.
Carefully she rose from the floor. She was alone now, but she hadn't been alone when she was taken. Two other Amazons had been with her. She wondered what had happened to them. She began to pace; as she did so, she realized the space she was in was quite a bit larger than it had seemed at first.
As she walked back and forth, the impression of a makeshift prison grew stronger. She paused in her pacing, thirst overcoming her. She lifted the pitcher and sniffed the contents. It smelled safe. She let a little water dribble into her mouth and then a bit more as her first taste told her the water was fresh and seemingly not tampered with. Whoever was keeping her captive obviously didn't want her to die from dehydration.
As she put down the pitcher, she ran her fingers over it. The outside felt smooth, rich, as if it had been glazed. It was much too fine a piece of pottery for a prison. Where in Tartarus was she? And who was holding her?
Iphicles paced the house impatiently, his footsteps echoing along the floor. How had he ever let himself be talked into this? Ever since he'd left home, he'd drifted about. Never finding a place to call his own, never finding an identity he liked. Being Hercules' mortal brother stunk. He was the older of the two, but so what? All anyone cared about was what Hercules could do. Now, as a young soldier in Tiberon's army, he had been given charge of the prisoner, Bresia. She was important to Tiberon though he didn't know why. He sighed, ran his fingers through his long brown hair and shook his head. He began to pace again.
Sienna was questioning Alana for the second time. She still hadn't learned anything new. Alana, Iona and Bresia had been checking out a gathering of soldiers on the border of their land. Sienna had heard that, once again, some warlord thought the Amazons were fair game. She was getting so tired of this. She'd sent her three best warriors to check it out. They'd been ambushed as they'd neared the soldier's camp but instead of killing them, the men had simply taken Bresia and let the other two go. Alana didn't know where they'd taken Sienna's daughter. All Alana had been told was that Tiberon would be in touch. Well, Sienna had waited, but there was still no word. Where was Bresia?
Ares, God of War, was very busy. He had two wars running simultaneously in different parts of Greece and he'd never felt more alive. All the violence and rage running rampant through the land made the blood run fast through his veins. Even Zeus seemed pleased with him.
He critically studied the woman who lay naked beneath him. She was a new priestess in his temple, quite lovely, but of no true consequence. At the moment, he couldn't even remember her name. Still, she had made a nice diversion.
He rolled off her, listened to her sigh with pleasure and watched as she rolled on to her side and was immediately asleep. With a wave of his hand, the God of War dressed and left his temple to incite more bloodshed.
"How's the prisoner today?" Tiberon asked his newest recruit.
Iphicles studied the warlord. Tiberon was tall and ugly with a head shaped like a lemon and a sour disposition to match. In fact, he always smelled like rotting fruit. "She's fine, I guess," he acknowledged.
Tiberon studied Iphicles. The boy was tall and powerfully built for all that he couldn't have been more than eighteen. When the boy had first come to him, giving the name of Hyperion, Tiberon had taken it at face value. After a week, he'd known that was not the boy's true name. A little careful investigating had netted him the knowledge of who the boy really was. He kept the information to himself, but he was pleased. Ares would be elated by this turn of events. "You guess?" Tiberon repeated softly. "Don't you know?"
"She doesn't talk. She won't say a word. She simply sits on the cot, ignoring me. She won't touch the food I bring her either. All I'm sure of is that she drinks the water."
"Hmmm," Tiberon mumbled. "What about her wound?"
Iphicles shook his head. "I just knocked her out. I haven't checked it, but I'm sure it's fine."
"Are you afraid of her?" Tiberon prompted him curiously. The boy hadn't seemed afraid of anything. Given his pedigree, Tiberon was sure Iphicles could handle most things without trouble.
"Afraid," Iphicles echoed with a laugh, "of a tiny slip of a girl like that? Why should I be afraid?"
Tiberon studied the boy's face as he replied. "She's the daughter of an Amazon Queen and heir to the throne. She's sure to be skilled."
"That little thing?" Iphicles repeated. "Daughter of an Amazon Queen? She looks more like a scullery maid."
"You should know better than anyone," Tiberon commented enigmatically, "that looks can be deceiving."
Iphicles mouth tightened and a muscle in his jaw began to twitch as his
mental guard went up. "What does that mean?" he inquired softly.
Tiberon laughed bitterly. "Never mind. Just make sure she's healthy. I have use for her."
"What kind of use?" Iphicles probed.
"Not THAT kind," the warlord retorted with another laugh. "She's a bargaining chip."
Iphicles brown eyes widened and his brow furrowed as he repeated, "A bargaining chip? What for?"
Tiberon shook his head. "When you need to know, I'll inform you. In the meantime, just make sure she stays healthy and alive."
Iphicles nodded. He would bring the girl food again and try to get her to talk to him.
Bresia was feeling a little light-headed. She knew her body could survive without food as long as she had water, but still, after three days, she was hungry. She heard the sound of a door opening somewhere and then familiar footsteps. It was him again. Her captor. Or at least, the man, boy really, who was acting as her captor. Something told her he wasn't in charge and that he wasn't happy about this.
Iphicles, carrying a tray with the most tempting food he could think of, entered the root cellar. Prison. He went to the makeshift cell and unlocked the door. Bresia remained sitting on the cot, unmoving and silent.
He relocked the door and then placed the tray of food next to her. "I brought you something to eat," he announced.
She nodded. The smells wafting toward her were very appetizing. She studied the tray, freshly cooked chicken, some fruit, some bread, and some cheese. It looked and smelled wonderful. She was so hungry.
"You really should eat, you know," the boy informed her. "It's not going to help to starve yourself. Besides," he added with a self-deprecatory laugh, "if you have any chance of escape, you'll need all the strength you can get."
Bresia tore her glance from the food and looked at him. He was very tall and well built. He wore a sleeveless tunic that showcased the powerful muscles in his arms. His face was almost pretty, his lips especially. They were full and looked soft and sensual. He had beautiful brown eyes, kind and gentle when they looked at her; for all that she was his prisoner. His hair was long and brown and showed a tendency to curl at the ends. All in all, a really attractive boy. Such a shame she would have to kill him.
Iphicles studied the Amazon as she stared at him. She was small though her body was compacted and muscular. She was still dressed, as she had been when they captured her, in suede shorts and suede vest. He could see her full breasts outlined in the material. She had thick long black hair, worn loose and huge blue eyes. Her nose was tiny and her mouth seemed set in a permanent pout. He wondered what she would look like if she smiled.
"What's your name?" she asked.
"She speaks!" he exclaimed. "Hyperion," he answered, giving the name Tiberon's army knew him by.
"Hyperion?" she repeated, rolling the name off her tongue. "What an odd name." She paused for a moment, then added, "Isn't that the name of a Titan? Where are you from?"
"I'll tell you AFTER you've eaten something," he replied with a grin.
She couldn't help but grin back at him. His smile was engaging. She looked again at the tray and picked up the chicken. She took a tiny delicate bite and as she got her first flavorful taste, hunger took over. She began to devour the chicken then the bread and cheese.
Iphicles' grin grew wider as she ate. He had never seen anything quite like it. She ate with a gusto and enthusiasm that he'd never seen applied to food. It was really quite amazing. When she'd finished everything on the tray, she turned to look at him.
"So? Where are you from?" she asked as she wiped her mouth on the back of her hand.
"Nowhere and everywhere," he remarked.
"Everyone has a home," she insisted.
"Do you?" he asked curiously.
"Yes," she avowed carefully. "And I'd like to go back there."
"I'm sure you will," he declared slowly as he turned to leave.
"Hyperion, wait," she conceded softly. "Don't go. Stay and talk to me awhile."
Iphicles settled his large body against the wooden bars of the cell and relaxed a bit. He crossed his arms over his chest and stared at the girl. Her smile transformed her whole face. She was really quite attractive. "What would you like to talk about?" he prompted.
"Where am I?" she inquired.
"Right here," he confirmed enigmatically.
Bresia smiled. She opened her blue eyes wide with feigned innocence and said, "You know what I mean. Where are we?"
Iphicles laughed. "You're in a root cellar, but I would imagine you've already figured that out. What exactly is it you want to know?"
Bresia shrugged. "Where am I? Who's holding me? Why?"
"All good questions. Too bad I can't answer them," he replied softly. "Let me ask you something." When she nodded, he asked, "Are you really the daughter of an Amazon Queen?"
"Does it matter?" she probed.
"Yes," he disclosed. "It does. I have no wish to make an enemy of the Amazons."
Bresia filed that information away in the back of her mind. "Yes," she confirmed. "I'm the daughter of Sienna, Queen of the Parnasis Amazons."
'So it is true,' Iphicles thought. She was a Queen's daughter and could be a valuable bargaining chip. But what kind of chip? What did the Amazons have that Tiberon could want?
Bresia watched the boy's face as he pondered the information she had given him. She could almost see the wheels turning in his mind. "Why is that important?" she asked.
He shook his head. He didn't know any more than she did. He moved from the bars and turned to leave. "I'll be back tomorrow," he mumbled softly. "Sleep well, Bresia."
She watched him leave. Now she was more confused than ever.
Tiberon stood before the altar. The sacrifice had been made and now he waited. At last, he heard the sound of air being displaced.
"What is it?" the God of War demanded impatiently.
"My lord," Tiberon declared as he dropped to his knees in supplication. "I have news."
Ares looked distastefully at his warlord and urged, "Yes? What?"
Tiberon took a deep breath and explained, "The lad, Hyperion, my newest recruit. He is not who he seems."
"And this is supposed to interest me because . . ." Ares retorted, his eyebrows arching high over his dark unreadable eyes.
Tiberon clarified, sure the god would be pleased. "He is Iphicles, Hercules’ brother."
"Ah," the god of war muttered thoughtfully. "What position does he hold?"
Tiberon smiled nastily. "He's been acting as jailer to the Amazon."
"Bresia?" Tiberon nodded. "Very good, Tiberon. Very good. Have you sent word yet to Sienna?"
Tiberon shook his head. "No, my lord. I was waiting for your instructions."
Ares eyed the warlord speculatively. "I see. Well, you may do so. The prisoner in exchange for the stone."
"The stone they found in the Cave of Sighs?" Ares nodded. "When shall I do this?"
"Do I have to tell you everything?" Ares exclaimed angrily, surprising the warlord. "In a week," Ares muttered. "And make sure the Amazons are good and worried. Keep harassing them."
Tiberon nodded as the God of War vanished.
Sienna studied the messenger with barely concealed contempt. The soldier was clearly terrified; he was literally shaking in his boots. "Where is she?" Sienna demanded again.
"I don't know," the man confessed. "If I knew, I'd tell you."
Sienna pulled a very sharp knife out of a sheath at her side and began to play with it nonchalantly. The man's eyes widened as he tracked the movement of the knife and her hands. His terror seemed to grow exponentially.
"I swear," he reiterated again. "I don't know. All I was told was what I told you."
"Repeat the message again," Sienna ordered.
"You are to bring the stone to Ares’ Temple in Parnasis in four days time. Tiberon will bring your daughter. There will be an exchange. Your daughter for the stone."
"Ares’ Temple," she echoed softly. 'Why Ares’ Temple?' she wondered. Though the god had never openly acknowledged her as his daughter, she knew he was aware she knew it. And he appeared, on those rare occasions when they met, to be fond of her. 'Bresia is his granddaughter. Why would he have a hand in this?' "Why the temple?" she asked finally.
"I don't know. Please," the man begged. "I'm just a messenger."
Sienna slapped the knife down on the table. She nodded to the two Amazons who were holding the man captive between them. "Let him go. Tell Tiberon I'll be there."
The messenger nodded and ran from the tent as quickly as his feet could carry him.
Sienna looked at Alana and Iona. "So?"
"It's a trap," Alana avowed. "It has to be. Tiberon must know we're under Ares' protection."
Sienna laughed bitterly. "We're not exactly under the God of War's protection. While it's true I'm vowed to him, he never interferes. He ALWAYS lets the warlords come after us. He just usually doesn't let his own men do so."
"Tiberon is one of his?" Iona asked.
Sienna nodded. "So I've been told. I don't understand it."
"Can't you summon him? Ask him?" Alana questioned.
Sienna shook her head. "I've tried. Several times. The priest says he's busy. We're just going to have to puzzle this out on our own."
Bresia was laughing. Iphicles thought it was the nicest sound he'd ever heard. She was sitting on the cot, holding her sides and laughing so hard that tears were running down her cheeks. In the last two days, the two of them had come to a comfortable understanding.
He would bring her the midday meal, stay, and talk to her while she ate it. She told him stories of her life in the forest outside Parnasis. He had kept mostly silent about his own past. Until today. For some reason, perhaps because he was feeling nostalgic, he had told her about his younger brother, although he hadn’t mentioned his name. How as a child he, Iphicles, had coerced his younger brother into doing his chores for him. Bresia seemed to find it very funny.
He was always careful to stay far away from her in the cell. He knew she wanted to escape and although she was much smaller than he and most likely faster, he was far stronger. Still, he didn't want to fight her. This day moved by some instinct that he didn't understand he'd left his weapons in the house. He carried only the tray of food and the keys.
Now the tenor of Bresia's voice changed. The gales of laugher subsided and her body began to tremble. What? Was she moaning? Sure enough, now her small body was folded in upon itself and it appeared to be wracked by sobs. She was crying and rocking as if in great pain.
Throwing caution to the winds, Iphicles went to her. "Bresia? What is it? What's wrong?"
She looked at him for a moment. His eyes were quite beautiful and clearly concerned about her. Then she brought the glazed pitcher down hard on his head.
Iphicles’ eyes grew wide with astonishment and then closed. He fell back on the cot as the pitcher broke over his head.
Bresia felt a moment's qualm; he had been really nice, for a jailer. Then she searched him.
Damn, nothing but keys today. Still, she took the keys and unlocked the cell. She wished he'd had a weapon on him. Well, she had her wits and thanks to his meals, her strength. She slipped out of the cell, with only the tiniest of backward glances.
Moving quickly, Bresia climbed the stairs. She paused at the door, listening. No sounds. She pushed the door open and for the first time in days felt fresh air. She took a deep breath and surveyed the scene around her. There were woods and a small house nearby. She ran for the woods.
Iphicles came awake slowly, his head throbbing. For a moment, he wondered where he was. Then he remembered and glanced around. Bresia was gone. He stood up and felt the room spin, but then it righted itself. He'd better find her. Tiberon would kill him otherwise. He’d learned enough about the warlord to know that.
She'd left the cell door open and his keys in the lock. Well, thank the gods for that. He grabbed the keys, climbed the stairs and pushed open the door. He had no idea how long he’d been out, but based on the position of the sun, he didn't think it had been too long. She couldn't have that much of a head start on him.
He ran for the forest, sure she would have gone that way. It was the purest luck or perhaps fate that he found her so quickly. If he hadn't, she might have died.
Bresia was trapped. She couldn't believe it. She, who had lived in the forest her entire life. She, who was an Amazon, daughter of an Amazon Queen. She, one of the best hunters in the tribe, was caught in an amateur animal trap. How had she made such a stupid mistake?
Iphicles saw her hanging upside down in a net and began to laugh. He couldn't help it. She was clearly frustrated, angry and disgusted with herself. Somehow, she looked more beautiful than he had ever seen her look before.
"Are you going to stand there caterwauling all day or cut me down?" she asked.
Iphicles wiped the tears from his eyes and said, his voice full of mirth, "I can't cut you down. No weapons."
"Damn it," Bresia swore. "This is not funny."
Iphicles shook his head. "Oh I don't know. I find it somewhat amusing." He critically studied the tree limb the net was attached to. If he bent it, he could probably slide the net off. "Hold still," he instructed.
"Like I have a choice," Bresia muttered under her breath.
Bresia watched as the boy pulled the limb of the tree toward himself. She felt her mouth go dry as the powerful muscles in his arms and chest rippled and a sheen of perspiration appeared on his forehead. She was suddenly very glad she hadn't killed him, although she knew he would take her back. Or try to.
Iphicles pulled, sweated, grunted and finally bent the branch far enough to get a grip on the sack containing Bresia. He pulled the net off the limb and fell to the ground, Bresia on top of him.
Bresia tried to scramble out of the net and away from him. As fast as she was, her mind was still spinning from hanging upside down and she found herself trapped again, this time in the boy's arms.
He held her to him. She could smell the sweat on him, the maleness of him and as he gripped her tightly, she could feel his manhood against her. He wanted her!
She tried to fight. She kicked at him, but now those powerful muscles simply held her at arm's length and her kicks landed nowhere. She struggled with him for what seemed an eternity and then he finally just picked her up as if she was a sack of grain, slung her over his shoulder and carried her back.
He unceremoniously dropped her back on the cot, grateful that no one had seen her aborted escape. He looked at her speculatively. "Thanks for not killing me," he acknowledged ironically.
"You admit that I could have?" she asked. Suddenly it was vitally important that he confirm she wasn't completely helpless.
Iphicles moved to where the broken pieces of pottery remained and began to pick them up. "Yes," he remarked as he caressed one very large sharp piece. "This," he added as he ran his finger gingerly along the edge, "could have slit my throat nicely."
Bresia shivered from the assumed menace in his voice. "What are you going to do to me?"
"Do?" he echoed. "Oh, because you tried to escape? Nothing, Bresia. I don't want to hurt you. And I expect your embarrassment at being caught in that net and recaptured is punishment enough."
She swallowed hard. How had he known? She looked at him standing there, pieces of pottery in his large hands. His hands were beautiful for all that they were huge, with long almost sculpted fingers. She wondered idly what it would feel like to have them move over her body in the same sensuous way they moved over the pottery. She shivered again, but not from fear.
She raised her eyes from his hands to meet his eyes, which were looking at her in surprise. As their gazes met, something seemed to change in the very air around them. Bresia felt herself being sucked inside his warm dark eyes, felt as if her entire being was being pulled into his. She found she could barely breathe and she felt hot, so hot, as if her entire body was on fire. Then she felt a flush creep up her face.
She watched in fascination as if she were outside herself as he took two quick steps toward her, pulled her to her feet and then into his arms.
He crushed her to him, and then one hand pulled her face toward his and his lips came down on hers. His mouth was soft and gentle for all that his arms and body held her pinned.
His lips brushed hers with just the slightest of pressure. Bresia, a month shy of eighteen, had never been kissed before. She had yet to choose a god to serve and since Artemis required a vow of chastity, she'd remained pure. Still, the touch of his lips, the gentle caress of his mouth on hers, was lighting a fire inside her. She relaxed in his arms and returned his kiss. She was tentative at first, not sure what to do, but instinct soon took over and she responded completely.
When Iphicles felt her respond, he increased the pressure of the kiss. He pulled her more tightly against him, feeling her small soft body melt into his. Soon he snaked his tongue out to gently part her lips and they opened for him willingly. She moaned into his mouth and he pulled back a bit to stare down at her. Her eyes were closed.
Bresia opened her eyes suddenly and pulled back from him. "That was nice," she murmured.
"Nice?" he repeated. He tilted her face again to his and looked deeply into her blue eyes. "Nice?" he asked again.
She smiled. It was a smile as old as time and then she reached up and brushed his lips with her fingers. "It was my first kiss," she whispered.
"Your first?" She must be a virgin. Did he need to worry that Tiberon was going to make her a sacrifice to Ares? Was that why he was the only one allowed near her? Because Tiberon knew he wouldn't take advantage? Abruptly Iphicles released her.
Bresia looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise. "What's wrong, Hyperion?" she asked.
He pressed her shoulders down on the cot. "First, my name is not Hyperion. It's Iphicles. Second, I must know, are you a virgin?"
"Your name isn't Hyperion?" she echoed. "Iphicles," she murmured, rolling the name off her tongue. "That's a nice name. A much nicer one, in fact."
"Bresia," he muttered crossly. "Now is NOT the time. Listen to me, it's important. We're supposed to bring you to Ares’ Temple in three days. I need to know. Are you a virgin?"
She nodded, not understanding the importance.
"Damn it," Iphicles swore. "He must need you as a sacrifice. But I don't . . ."
"That can't be right," she argued softly. "Ares would NEVER allow me as a sacrifice. My mother is vowed to him and I know he expects me to make my vow to him as well, although I have not yet chosen."
"Vow? What do you mean?" Iphicles asked.
Bresia explained the customs of her tribe. "So you see, virgin or not, Ares would not accept me as a sacrifice. Not when it's possible I could lead the tribe in his name."
"Tiberon may not know that," Iphicles mused thoughtfully. Suddenly he heard noises outside the cellar door. "Bresia, we don't have much time. Will you trust me?"
She nodded. After that kiss, she'd do whatever he wanted.
"Then trust that I'll protect you."
She nodded again, her face a study in serenity. Iphicles moved away from her and out of the cell. With one last look, he relocked the cell and went upstairs.
Two more days. Two more days and he'd have another piece of the Cronus stone. Ares blessed his luck at discovering the Amazons had it and finding a way to get it. Oh yes, this was working out very nicely. He touched the looking glass and the image of Bresia and Iphicles in her cell faded. He had no doubt the boy would protect her and from the way the two had embraced, the next time they got a chance, they would do more than kiss. Excellent. Bresia could never serve Artemis once she was no longer chaste; she would have to serve him. The fates had informed him Bresia would have a child from her first sexual encounter. Now he knew it would be by Hercules' brother. The thought had definite possibilities. Perhaps if it was a boy he could use the child. Life was certainly rife with possibilities these days. The God of War grinned evilly at his reflection.
Sienna fingered the stone thoughtfully. She could feel the power coursing through it. Why would Tiberon want this? When Alana or Iona held the stone, nothing happened: but when she touched it, it glowed a dull shade of green! She wondered if it had anything to do with being the child of a god.
She knew she hadn't inherited any of Ares' godly powers. She was a complete mortal and yet, the stone glowed with power in her hands. A power she had no idea how to use. She knew now that her father HAD to be behind this. He must want the stone and rather desperately too. Yet, why hadn't he just asked for it? She would have given it to him gladly, if he'd asked. She shook her head. It was such a puzzle. Well, in two days time she would know.
Sienna put the stone back on the table and walked out of her hut. Alana was leading a group of Amazons in staff practice. Sienna strolled over to her second in command and asked, "Is everything ready?"
Alana nodded. "As much as it can be. Do you think he'll have his army with him?"
Sienna shook her head. "I don't know."
"Well, whatever happens, we'll get Bresia back."
Sienna shrugged. "I hope so. First and foremost though, we must protect the tribe. Even Bresia would want that."
"You would write off your child so easily?"
Sienna's eyes widened. "The tribe comes first. Always. She knows that. Anyway, let's hope it doesn't come to that."
Iphicles waited impatiently for Tiberon to leave. For some reason, this day, the warlord seemed interested in lingering. Interested in conversation. He was asking Iphicles all kinds of questions about the prisoner, about her behavior, and about himself. He felt as if Tiberon no longer trusted him. Yet, he'd given the warlord no reason to assume that. He'd hidden every trace that Bresia had even attempted to escape.
Tiberon laughed to himself. The boy was so transparent. Despite the powerful adult body, he was very innocent in the ways of the world. Tiberon could see the boy was falling in love with his captive. Well, so much the better. Apparently, the God of War thought that was a very good idea, though Tiberon couldn't see why.
Still, if the girl loved him as well, she would do what the boy wanted. Time to put the next phase of the plan into action. "After she eats her lunch, tie her hands and feet."
"What?"
Tiberon repeated. "Tie her up. We'll move her tonight."
"I thought we weren't leaving for another day," Iphicles objected, his face puzzled.
"The plan has changed," Tiberon stated.
Iphicles nodded his understanding. He would have to play along a bit longer. "And what are the plans now?"
Tiberon eyed the boy speculatively as he confirmed. "To bring her to Ares’ Temple in Parnasis and exchange her for something the God of War wants."
"She's not to be a sacrifice?" Iphicles questioned.
"Sacrifice?" the warlord laughed. "A tasty bit like her? No. I told you, she's simply a bargaining chip."
"And she's not to be hurt?"
"Under no circumstances," Tiberon assured him. "Seems the God of War has a fondness for her mother."
Iphicles nodded. Well, that was good news. Bresia was not to be a sacrifice. Still, he didn't like the change in plans. What could it mean?
Abruptly Tiberon turned and left, satisfied that Iphicles would do what the God of War wanted.
When Iphicles went down to bring Bresia her meal he was carrying the rope as instructed. He was also carrying some other items hidden in a bag and on his body.
When he got to the cell, Bresia got up from the cot and looked at him expectantly. Her face held joy and a promise. Iphicles unlocked the cell door and moved around her carefully. He put the tray of food and the rope down.
Bresia moved to him, her arms open, her face tilted upwards, her lips slightly parted, as if expecting a kiss. Then she was struck by the expression on his face. "What's wrong?" she prompted.
"I don't know but I've got a bad feeling about this."
"Tell me."
Iphicles sat down on the cot and motioned her to sit next to him. Instead she climbed into his lap and put her arms around him. She had thought of nothing but his arms around her since the moment that he had left her.
Iphicles gathered her tightly against him, feeling her small body cuddle softly next to his. Gods, how he wanted her. Only there just wasn't time. "Bresia, I'm worried. They want me to tie you up and then they plan to move at dark. It's a day earlier than originally scheduled."
"What shall we do?" she asked. Her fingers caressed the hard muscles in his arms. For all that he was so big, his body so strong, he was amazingly gentle with her.
"I think maybe," he whispered into her hair, "we should run."
"Together?" she asked softly. He nodded. "If we could reach Parnasis, my tribe will hide us." Again he nodded, but something about his eyes was clouded. "What's wrong?" she asked again.
"I don't know. Something just doesn't feel right about all of this. Tiberon's taken all the soldiers away. It's almost as if he expects me to let you go."
"I'm not leaving without you," she insisted firmly.
"Afraid you'll get caught in another animal trap?" he teased with a laugh.
She laughed with him. "No. I want . . ." she let the sentence trail off and then she turned his face to hers and kissed him.
This time the first gentleness turned into passion and then ferocity. Their mouths met, their tongues danced, their hands began searching. The kiss seemed to last forever and no time at all. When they broke apart, they were both panting. "There's no time," Iphicles urged, though every fiber of his body was screaming to take her now. "If we're going to go, it has to be now."
Bresia looked for a moment as if she were going to argue with him, but then she scrambled off his lap. She stood up and held out her hand.
Iphicles grinned at her. She looked a question at him. He handed her the weapons he had taken from her when he'd originally captured her. Two knives and a wicked looking dagger. He had a sword and another knife. None of the weapons would help much in a real fight with an army. Still . . . feeling as if he was doing exactly as he was supposed to, although he knew he wasn't, he led Bresia out of the cell.
He paused at the door and listened. He shrugged, then pushed the door open. No one was about. Shaking his head in confusion, Iphicles and Bresia ran for the woods.
Ares looked at Tiberon as they stood in the house watching the scene with his godly powers. Perfect. "You can recapture them tonight. Afterward . . . " he remarked pointedly.
"How?" Tiberon asked.
"I'll let you know when and where," the God of War instructed, "but don't send your best men. I expect you'll lose a few to them. I don't care if you kill the boy, but no harm must come to Bresia. Make sure they understand that. She is NOT to be harmed."
"Why is she so important to you?" Tiberon asked.
The God of War's face turned thunderous. "You don't need to know that, do you?"
Tiberon shook his head. "My best warriors are smart, the lesser ones are dumb. It will not be enough to tell them not to hurt her. I need to give them a reason."
"Displeasing the God of War is NOT reason enough?" Ares roared.
Tiberon gulped. He could almost see the smoke coming out of the God of War's ears. Still, he persisted, "In the heat of battle that will mean little unless they know why."
Ares nodded. As much as he hated to admit it, Tiberon was probably right. "She's my daughter."
"Your daughter?" Tiberon echoed with disbelief.
"Yes, my daughter, though she doesn't know it. Flesh of my flesh. And," Ares added. "You might want to think about just what I'd do to a mortal who harmed her. Not to mention, if I'm willing to use my own child this way, how might I use someone I DON'T like."
Tiberon gasped and then swallowed hard. He dropped to his knees. "Yes, my lord. I'll make sure the men understand."
"See that you do. I'll personally fry anyone who harms her."
Tiberon nodded. For the first time since he'd begun to serve the God of War, he was afraid.
Iphicles and Bresia ran through the forest toward Parnasis. They were, Iphicles knew, nearly a day’s travel from it on foot, but only a half-day by horse. Still, he hadn't dared steal one. His hope for their survival depended on no one realizing Bresia was gone until nightfall.
By the time the sun set, Bresia and Iphicles were deep in the forest. Iphicles could see Bresia was tiring and when they came to a clearing near a stream, he suggested they stop and rest. Bresia plopped down on the soft grass and wiped her forehead on her hand.
"Aren't you hungry?" she wondered.
Iphicles laughed. "I am." He pulled the bag off his shoulder and revealed that he had planned ahead. Bread and cheese along with a flask of sweet wine.
"A feast," Bresia sighed happily. "Do you like fish?" she asked.
"Fish?" he repeated.
"There's some in the stream. I can catch one."
"We're not on a picnic," he retorted. "We're running for our lives."
"Aren't you the one who said our best chance of escape is to keep our strength up?"
"Using my own words against me?" he remarked. Still, there had been no sound of pursuit and it was a big forest.
Bresia laughed, pulled off her boots and stepped into the stream. She giggled for a moment as the cool water washed over her, then put her fingers to her lips in a gesture of silence and studied the water. Her arms were bent, her hands spread wide. Her blues eyes were intent on some activity that Iphicles couldn't see. Then, with a swift motion, she bent down and grabbed something. As she straightened up a fish came flying out of the water to land at Iphicles' feet.
Iphicles looked at the fish and at her, and smiled. "Probably should get at least one more," she murmured as she saw the look on his face. "You look like you have a large appetite."
"That's not all I have that's large," Iphicles muttered to himself. More than anything, watching the girl in the water, he wanted to make love to her.
The look she gave him suggested she had either heard him or read his mind. She smiled to herself and again got into position to catch a fish. This time she apparently missed and ended up falling into the water. She was laughing when she rose, her clothing soaked, her hair damp.
"Are you all right?" he queried. "You look . . . wet."
"You should try this," she suggested. "It's not that hard and quite a lot of fun. Except for the falling in part."
Iphicles felt the beginning of the night chill. "No thanks. I'll start a fire though, in those wet clothes you'll be chilled right through once darkness falls."
Bresia nodded and then concentrated on catching another fish. She managed it and then got out of the water. "I don't suppose you have a blanket in that magic sack of yours," she inquired as she sat down next to the pile of wood that Iphicles intended on turning into a small fire.
"Wouldn't I though?" he retorted. He reached in and pulled out a blanket. "Why don't you get out of those wet clothes and wrap yourself in this?"
Bresia nodded, looked around and then modestly went to change. When she returned, she was wrapped in the blanket. She set her clothes on some rocks near the now burning fire to dry. Iphicles was cleaning the fish. She snuggled into the blanket and watched his hands.
After Iphicles cleaned the fish, he wrapped them in some leaves and put them in the fire to cook. He looked up from his task to find Bresia studying him intently. He smiled at her. "We might as well camp here. It's seems as safe a place as any. And with no clothes to wear, you're not exactly in a position to travel."
She nodded. She’d hoped he would say that. She shivered.
"Are you cold?" he asked. "I don't dare risk a bigger fire. If they're searching for us, which I'm sure they are by now, a bigger fire would lead them right here."
"I know," she confirmed. "But I'm still cold. I don't suppose . . . Well, that is . . . I mean, you could keep me warm," she finished finally.
"Bresia," he warned her. "If I come over there and put my arms around you, there's no telling what could happen."
"Is that so bad?" she teased flirtatiously. "After all, if I shiver to death, I'm no good to anyone."
Iphicles laughed and gave in. He moved over to Bresia and took her in his arms, careful to keep the blanket around her. He pulled her close and felt her body nestle into his through the thin blanket. She felt small and soft in his arms. He tilted her face towards his, knowing that if he kissed her this time, neither of them would stop it. He didn't want to make the first move. It was her decision.
Bresia could almost read his thoughts. She knew he wanted her and she wanted him too. She knew if she gave in, it would mean she had to serve Ares. Still, was that such a bad thing? Her mother served him and he seemed a good master, for all that he ignored the tribe most of the time. The Amazons she knew who served him seemed happy about their choice. Still, she liked Artemis and she didn't really like the God of War.
She studied Iphicles’ face. His eyes were so beautiful, like dark brown pools. He was looking at her with such longing, a longing tempered with tenderness and concern. How could she not at least kiss him?
Bresia bent forward and lightly pressed her lips to his. His lips were soft and warm. She felt his arms tighten around her, pulling her closer.
Bresia felt the touch of his hand stroking the soft skin at the back of her neck. She pressed closer to him; her arms encircled his neck. She felt his mouth open slightly and his tongue slipped out to trace her lips. She opened her mouth willingly and let her own tongue dart out to dance with his.
Soon the kiss grew in passion and ferocity. Bresia felt as if her skin was on fire, it tingled everywhere. She wasn't sure when the blanket slipped off, or when Iphicles had lain her on the ground and removed his own clothes.
She was lost in the sensation of his gentle hands moving over her body, in the feel of his hard chest covered with soft hair underneath her fingers. His mouth left hers and slowly moved down the curve of her neck as his hands gently caressed her breasts. His fingers teased and rubbed her nipples and she felt a wetness between her legs as the nipples hardened into tiny peaks.
She opened her eyes and looked at this man as he touched her. He was so beautiful. The muscles in his arms and chest stood out. His mouth slowly moved down to replace his fingers and as he began to gently suck at her breasts, she felt a white-hot heat envelop her body. The wetness between her legs grew and when she felt tentative fingers at the opening to her most private of places, she pushed toward them.
As one finger gently eased inside her, she moaned his name. He raised his head from her breast and smiled at her. She reached up and pulled his face to hers, kissing him hard. She kept kissing him as he eased a second finger inside her and began to move them rhythmically in and out. Then he found her secret place and began to rub it. She had to pull her mouth away in order to breathe as she felt a sort of mystical magical pleasure overcome her. She panted his name and then felt his fingers leave as he slowly eased his manhood inside her. She felt a stab of pain, which was soon replaced by the most intense pleasure she had ever felt in her life.
She clung to him as he slid slowly in and out of her, her body moving in time to his rhythmic thrusts. He murmured her name and began to move faster and she moved with him. Soon she was coming again, in another white-hot haze. She felt him thrust one last time and he too shuddered in his own climax. He collapsed on her, his hard chest crushing her into the soft ground, his soft lips pressed to her neck.
Smoke began to surround the couple as the fish burned up in the fire. The God of War saw them lying in each other's arms, sated and content. Now that the two had consummated, Ares instructed Tiberon where to find them. He watched through his looking glass as the men moved into position.
Bresia heard the movement in the trees and grabbed her weapons with a finger to her lips. She was naked. Iphicles pulled on his pants and grabbed his sword. Before they knew it, they were surrounded.
"So this is how you pay me back for my kindness?" Tiberon demanded.
"You'll never take me alive," Bresia yelled.
"Yes, we will," Tiberon retorted. "Because if you don't agree to come with us now, we will kill Hyperion. Or should I say Iphicles?"
Iphicles was stunned. Not only were they surrounded with no chance of escape, but Tiberon also knew who he was. "My name is Hyperion," he insisted.
"No, it's not," Tiberon repeated. "I don't have time for this." He moved to Iphicles and placed a knife at his throat. "Well, Bresia? What's it to be? If you wish to fight, I'll slit his throat."
Bresia looked at the warlord, then Iphicles, then the men that surrounded them. She threw down her weapons. "I'll come. Don't hurt him."
Tiberon nodded and moved the knife. He noticed the lascivious looks of his men as they studied the naked Amazon. "Where are your clothes?" he inquired.
"Over by the rock," she replied. "I fell in the stream."
"Go get them. No tricks or I swear, I'll kill him."
Bresia nodded. She found her clothing and dressed quickly. The fire had dried them, although they smelled smoky. Underneath the clothes lay the wicked looking dagger that her mother had given her. She slipped it into the sheath sewn into her top. Maybe she could find a way to use it.
Tiberon had his men tie Bresia and Iphicles’ hands. Although Ares had said he didn't mind if he killed the boy, Tiberon had no desire to. Iphicles had done exactly as he wished though he hadn't known it. Death hardly seemed a fair payback for following orders.
The soldiers led their captives out of the forest and to the road. Then the soldiers tied their captives’ feet. Bresia and Iphicles were put in the back of a wagon and the soldiers began their journey to Parnasis.
Sienna paced her hut. She looked at the expectant faces of Alana and Iona and at the stone again. There was no way around it. She would have to go. Very well. She just hoped her plan would work. She put the stone in a suede pouch and hung it off her belt.
It was time to find out just what Ares was really up to.
Tiberon stood before the altar. Bresia was in the temple. Iphicles was bound and gagged. He still lay in the wagon. Tiberon hadn't quite decided what to do with the boy. Perhaps the God of War had an idea.
"My lord?" Tiberon averred. "Your servant is here. All is in readiness." He heard the sound of air being displaced and the god appeared before him. Tiberon went to his knees.
Ares looked around the temple. He saw Bresia tied, gagged and held by two soldiers. She looked otherwise unharmed. He nodded with satisfaction. "Where is Iphicles?" he asked.
"Don't you know?" Tiberon wondered curiously.
"Watch your mouth," Ares snapped. "I am your master. Now, where is Iphicles?"
"Bound and gagged in the wagon."
"Bring him."
Tiberon rose from his knees and did as the god bade. He dragged Iphicles into the temple. He kept the boy bound, but removed the gag. To his amazement, Iphicles showed no fear. "Bresia, are you all right?" Iphicles asked as soon as the gag was removed.
"Do you actually care?" the God of War mused thoughtfully. Iphicles nodded. "Do you know who I am?" Ares demanded. Again, Iphicles nodded. "Then you know your life is in my hands. Seen your half brother lately?"
Something about his questions or the tone of his voice seemed to embolden Iphicles. "He's your half brother too," he answered.
Ares backhanded Iphicles across the face. "Don't be so insolent." Then he added his voice silken. "I can kill you and the girl with a thought."
Iphicles noticed Tiberon's look of surprise at that. He filed the information away. Whatever was going on here, it was not exactly as it seemed.
"And how was she?" Ares questioned his tone now insulting. "She was a virgin, wasn't she?"
Iphicles’ dark eyes turned angry, his mouth pursed and had his hands been free he would have struck the god. Instead, he felt an angry flush rise to his face. He said nothing.
Ares laughed evilly. "Never mind. So little Iphicles, what shall we do with you? Hmm. Let's see. You joined Tiberon's army under a false name, you disobeyed his orders, tried to escape with MY captive and you deflowered a virgin. Been a busy few days for you, hasn't it?" Ares grinned. "Tiberon, what's your usual punishment for betrayal?"
"Death, my lord."
Death indeed," Ares turned the idea over in his mind. What would Hercules do if he killed Iphicles? Hercules was still young, still at Cherion's academy and not in control of his powers yet. This made him vulnerable, but also meant that Zeus watched him more closely. Still, even if Hercules came after him, there was that annoying little rule of Zeus'. No, killing Iphicles would not help get rid of Hercules. In addition, Iphicles was the father of his soon-to-be grandchild. Even if neither he nor Bresia knew it yet. On the other hand, . . . Ares was distracted from his thoughts by a loud noise from outside the temple.
Suddenly the room was swarming with angry Amazons. Ares could feel their rage like a palpable life force. Sienna burst through the door, her eyes ablaze. "Where is my daughter?" she screamed.
"Sienna," Ares noted dryly. "How nice to see you."
"You," she spat. Then she remembered where she was and added. "My lord. I should have known you'd be here. I don't understand."
"Nor do you need to. Tiberon?" He indicated the warlord should take over now.
Tiberon stepped forward toward the Amazon Queen. He had never seen a more beautiful woman nor an angrier one. "If you have the stone, I will give you your daughter."
"I want to see Bresia first."
"She's right here," the warlord said.
As he stood watching the queen, a beautiful woman appeared out of thin air. She was dressed in a long white tunic and she had very dark hair. Her face carried a kind of serene beauty. She looked implacable and frightening.
"Hello, brother," Artemis spat at the God of War.
"What are you doing here?" Ares demanded.
"A little pre-emptive strike for Father," Artemis explained. "Sienna, do you have it?"
Sienna pulled the pouch off her belt and handed it to Artemis. Artemis opened it and pulled out a stone. The stone glowed green for a moment and then darkened.
Ares watched his sister with barely concealed contempt. Now he would never get his hands on that piece of the Cronus stone. Oh well, even if he couldn't have the stone, Bresia would be his. He looked at his sister, his daughters, shrugged and then vanished.
Tiberon looked as if he wanted to die. He was sure that Ares would somehow blame this on him. He knew the God of War would NOT forgive him. He wondered if Artemis needed any warriors.
Iphicles was staring at Bresia. The Amazons had freed her and she had run, not to him, but to her mother. Then suddenly Tiberon's men attacked. He found himself pushed to the ground unable to do anything.
The fight was fierce but short. The Amazons killed four of Tiberon's men before the rest surrendered. Artemis watched, but did nothing. Sienna, Artemis and Bresia left the temple, while one of the Amazons untied Iphicles.
He was rubbing his wrists to get the circulation to return when Bresia came back. She gestured for everyone to leave and then came to stand in front of him.
"Thought I forgot about you?" she teased.
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately. "I was so worried about you," he murmured into her hair.
"I'm fine. But I . . . we . . . that is . . . I have to go back."
He nodded. "I know. You're the heir. But I still don't understand. This was all about a stone? Why was Artemis here?"
Bresia silenced him with a kiss. She couldn't tell him, she'd been sworn to secrecy. Still, his life was worth any sacrifice she had to make. "Listen to me, Iphicles. My life is with the tribe. But I will always love you."
He smiled sadly and released her. He knew there was really nothing else to do. She was an Amazon princess, one day to be queen. She'd never give that up for a man. Well, maybe someday he'd find a woman who could love him for who he was. He stayed in Parnasis two more days looking for work, hoping against hope that she would come to him, but she didn't. Finally, he left town.
Bresia returned to the village, knowing she would have to make her vow to Ares despite the way he had betrayed the tribe. Her heart stayed with the brown-haired man she knew she would probably never see again. Sienna never asked her about it, not until she realized Bresia was pregnant. When they did finally discuss it, her mother's only comment was, "He looked as if he came from good stock. If it's a girl, she should make an excellent heir."
Nine moon cycles after Bresia met Iphicles, she gave birth to a beautiful little girl. Artemis attended the birthing and against all tribal traditions, the child, named Galea was sworn to serve Artemis. It had been the price of Artemis' help.
The End
Author's note on Bresia's parentage: For those who have not read Kalea or Dawn of the Dead, Bresia's mother Sienna is the daughter of Kalea and Ares. Ares impregnated Sienna, unbeknownst to her, when he assumed the form of a mortal. Although Sienna knows she is Ares’ daughter, she does not know that Bresia is. Hence her belief that Bresia is his granddaughter and Ares’ knowledge that Bresia is his daughter.
Additionally, the Cronus Stone, as pieces, appears in Young Hercules as well as in one episode in the final season of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. In the Young Hercules episode, Ares attempts to "win" a piece of the stone in a talent contest. In the Hercules episode, Deimos attempts to extort it from Amazons who were given it by Artemis. For my purposes, this story takes place before either of those two events happened, although Ares does comment on Hercules being young and being at Cherion’s academy.