"He wants us to do what!?" Hercules exploded at the messenger who had arrived breathlessly and given him a rolled parchment from his brother. The messenger just looked helplessly at him and shrugged. Hercules turned to his best friend and Iolaus shrugged too.

"Just who are these guys anyway?" Hercules asked, re-reading the parchment.

"A travelling group of minstrels. They're very popular," the messenger said.

"And Iphicles wants me to hang around being muscle for them while they play in Corinth? Has he gone nuts?"

"I've heard that Ares wants to kick one of the guys asses," the man before him looked around and lowered his voice, just in case the god of war was listening.

Hercules frowned. The messenger shrugged. "That's what I've heard."

The demigod sighed. "Ok, ok. I'm on my way. Iolaus. You with me?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," the hunter grinned brightly. He turned to the messenger. "Do they do tragedies? I love a good tragedy."

"No.. they play.... music... not quite like anything I've ever heard before."

"Well. That's good enough. I love to dance." Iolaus turned and noticed his friend had walked away. He winked at the messenger and followed the demigod, running a little to catch up with the long strides.

"Hey. What you in such a bad mood for? This could be fun," he said, looking at the moody scowl.

"I don't want to hang about being muscle for a bunch of spoiled brat musicians," Hercules said.

"It's not as if we haven't done this sort of work before. Anyway, if Ares is involved, I know you'll want to do it, just so you can kick some war god butt."

Hercules smiled a little. "If he deserves it, I will. I'm just wondering what the hell this bunch of idiotic perfumed court jesters have done to piss off Ares."

Iolaus grinned, then giggled a little. "Probably seduced his favourite sheep."

Hercules tried to hide a smile, failed, then put an arm around the little hunter. "Come on. Let's get to Corinth and do this job. Gods, I hate musicians. They're all such a bunch of whining wimps."

"What in Tartarus' name is going on?" Hercules looked ahead of them as they walked into the market place and found chaos and men flying everywhere. He looked around for the source of the commotion.

"Looks like one of our fights," Iolaus added as he ducked an unfortunate rough type sailing over his head. "Let's go see what's up."

They pushed through the crowd and found a single man fighting off several others. His fists flew, doing some damage and in between punches, he let forth a stream of vile language.

"I'll teach you motherfuckers to attack me. Come on, pussies. Who fucking wants some? Too fucking chicken? Attack a single guy would ya? Cock suckers! Come and get me if you can!"

Hercules waded in and grabbed two of the men advancing on the abusive fighter. Iolaus knocked down the other two and the man in front of them straightened up, glaring at them angrily.

"Who the fuck are you, and why you spoiling my fun?" he spat.

Iolaus stared. "Wow. You've got an attitude for someone we just helped."

Iolaus shot a bemused look at Hercules. Herc shook his head. "Come on. At least he's not beating up on people any more. Let's get to the palace."

Iolaus looked back as Hercules made for his brothers home. The man they had just helped was bent down helping another smaller man to his feet. Both men looked out of place - the fighter, very tall and muscular with wild blond hair that trailed down his back, and wearing all-black leather. He reminded Iolaus of Ares, the same facial hair and the same dangerous aura. The smaller man was even tinier than the hunter, and Iolaus had to take a second look. The other stranger was pretty enough to be a woman.... long, thick waist-length amber hair, a childlike face, and also dressed in black leather.

Iolaus saw the way the taller man touched the smaller and understood. No wonder the guy had been so angry - the men he had fought off had obviously been trying it on with his lover. He watched the pair disappear into the crowd and then looked around for his own lover. He saw Hercules striding away toward the palace, and once more hurried to catch up with him.

"Iphicles. I really don't have time for looking after a group of musicians," he burst out after a moment. "Why is Ares after their asses?"

Iphicles coloured slightly. "Well. It's sort of personal, but one of them took something that belonged to Ares and he's vowed to get even."

"Great! Thieves as well as perfumed idiots!" Hercules threw up his arms in disbelief. "You know how I feel about stealing. Seems like this guy deserves everything he gets."

Iolaus was watching the king as Hercules ranted, and saw the blush deepen. His curiosity increased. Whatever it was that had been stolen - Iphicles had been involved.

"Just what is it this guy stole?" he asked Iphicles quietly as Hercules went to the window and gazed out, arms crossed, looking sullen.

The king shook his head. "I can't say, but I don't want Ares to cause any problems while 'Tallicus' is in town.

"'Tallicus'? The guy who stole?"

"No. 'Tallicus' is the name of the group."

Iolaus tried to grasp this concept for a moment. "Group?"

"You know, a group of people, like the Muses. This group have a name too."

Iolaus snorted. "Sounds pretentious to me."

Iphicles smiled. "These guys are like nothing you've ever seen before. People love them."

"Then I think it's about time we met them," Hercules interrupted.

Iphicles nodded and went to the door, had a quick word with one of the guards outside, then returned to his chair and sipped at his wine. The three men talked about inconsequential things for a while until there was a knock on the door.

Iphicles called for whoever was outside to enter and Iolaus turned in his chair to see who was brave enough to invoke Ares' wrath.

The two men who came through the door were both very different. One was small and dusky skinned, with long black curls and a feminine face, the other wore an expression of distrust on his rock-like face, and had a warriors alert look. His hair too was long and curly, but light brown and brought up into a ponytail, the sides of his head shaved. He looked as if he could take care of himself. Both wore black, the prettier of the two wore billowing silken pants and loose black shirt, the other tight black leather.

Hercules looked at Iolaus. "Black must be the new colour? Are these guys followers of Ares?" he remarked softly. "Is that why he's so upset with them? They've betrayed him perhaps - Stolen something from his temple?"

Iolaus didn't have answers to his lovers questions and just shook his head.

Iphicles meanwhile was frowning. "Where are Janus and Klas?"

The taller of the two shrugged. "They went out to the market."

Iolaus had a bad feeling. The demigod too, seemed to put two and two together. "Is one of them as blond as Iolaus?" he asked motioning to his hunter and addressing the taller man.

The man nodded. "You've seen him?"

Hercules crossed his arms again. "We met," he said dryly.

Iphicles smiled "Great. You know each other."

"Not exactly. He was beating up a bunch of guys. We stopped him."

The smaller man laughed, his voice light, and breathy. "Sounds like Janus," he said.

"Seemed a troublemaker to me," Hercules remarked.

"Don't be so bloody moody," Iphicles told his brother. "Kirok, Jason, this is Hercules and his friend Iolaus. They've promised to help out with Ares."

The taller man - Jason - smiled and his face transformed. He looked friendly and pleased to see them, no longer stonily distrustful. "So you're Hercules? Wow. I've heard so much about you." He went forward and clasped arms with the demigod. "I've always wanted to meet you. Didn't realise it'd take this shit to do it."

Hercules smiled despite himself. The man's enthusiasm was infectious. He turned to the smaller man who held back. "You're... Kirok? You aren't Greek are you?"

With a shake of his head, Kirok said, "I come from Sumeria."

Iolaus laughed. "Same as Nebula. Don't suppose you know her do you?"

Kirok looked Iolaus up and down, a slight smile on his exotic features. "Probably every bit as well as you do," he said with a sneer.

Iolaus glared. This was not a good start. "Listen you..."

"Iolaus!" Hercules snapped out. "We're supposed to be protecting them, not picking fights with them ourselves."

Just then there was a commotion from outside the still open door. Iolaus and Hercules tensed, waiting for gods knew what to come storming in. They could hear angry voices, one deep, the other strangely accented.

"Why the fuck did you talk to those guys? Couldn't you see they were up to something? Fuck it, Klas. Sometimes you're too fucking trusting."

"I didn't realise. I'm sorry. These Greeks are crazy. I thought it was bad in Denmark, but..."

"Just keep by my side and don't talk to anyone. I'm not protecting you again, dick!"

The two speakers entered the room. Iolaus groaned. It was the pair from the market. The small man had a large pout on his face and the taller looked like he had a thundercloud hanging over his head.

"Fuck it, Iph. Can't you keep your fucking subjects under control? Klas nearly got raped," the taller man barked at the king.

"Don't talk to the king like that," Hercules growled, stepping forward to teach this impudent annoyance a lesson in manners. Iolaus hurriedly grabbed his lover and pulled him back.

Iphicles seemed unconcerned at the blondes' lack of respect. "I'm sorry, Janus. I'm sure the men who did it are getting punished right now."

Iolaus took a long look at the four men. Hercules had had this lot wrong from the start. Perfumed spoiled brats they certainly were not, and what a diverse combination. The quiet and proud Sumerian, the friendly Greek. Janus was ambiguous, though his name was Roman, and the tiny elfin guy seemed to be Danish. Now that was funny. Iolaus had met a few Vikings and they had all been big, muscled, bearded individuals ­ more like Janus. This Dane seemed subservient and mild mannered. He certainly was not tall. He stood on a level with Iolaus' eyes.

As Iolaus considered this wild bunch, Janus lowered his eyebrows. "You fucking bet they are. I punished them myself." He caught sight of Hercules and Iolaus stood to the side. "You again? Who are you?"

"I'm Hercules," the demigod said stoically. "This is Iolaus. We're here to stop Ares from getting his revenge."

Janus looked the two men up and down then nodded. "Yeah right."

Iolaus felt Hercules shift beside him. His friend was possibly the angriest he had ever seen him. "Cool it, Herc," he murmured.

"I should let my half-brother have you," Hercules said softly.

Janus walked up to Hercules and went face to face with him. "Yeah? You wanna fight about it?"

Iolaus pushed the two men apart. "Herc. Stop it. What's got into you. What's your name? Janus? Herc and I have dealt with Ares before. Don't worry about him."

Janus let out a low growl and went to sit on the table, grabbing Iphicles' cup and draining his wine. Respect for royalty didn't seem to be in his vocabulary.

"It's great that you could help us," the - so far - silent companion of Janus said. He reached out a hand, a bright, friendly smile on his face. "And thanks for helping him in the market. I'm Klas."

Hercules reluctantly shook Klas' hand and the tiny man turned to Iolaus to shake his. Iolaus got the impression of huge green eyes and a happy, white toothed smile, but his attention was held by the violent seeming Janus. He rarely came across a man who had hair the same colour of his own, and wondered where he came from. The man was feline and dangerous looking, his whole being exuded a strange sexuality that attracted Iolaus. He felt eyes on him and looked into Janus' face to see eyes even bluer than his own seemingly gazing into his soul. He found himself abruptly aroused and turned away, his face flushing.

"Well, now that you all know each other, I suggest you minstrels explain to Hercules and Iolaus exactly what you do, so they can be ready for anything. I've got work to do." Iphicles stood up and clapped his brother on the shoulder. "Thanks for doing this, Herc," he said.

"You owe me big time," Hercules replied darkly.

Iphicles grinned at him and left the room.

There was a long silence, then Janus stood up. "We should show you our set up," he said. "It's a little complicated. Klas? You wanna do the honours?"

Klas impatiently threw long braids and loose amber hair out of his face and muttered something in a strange language. "Why me? You going to go get drunk again?"

"You're the organiser. I'm just here to play," Janus remarked and poured more wine. "It's bad enough we have some dick of a demigod watching over us."

Iolaus could see Hercules growing angry again. "Why don't we all go see what you're doing?" he said, heading off another explosion of violence. What was it about this guy? He seemed to bring out Hercules' wrathful side ­ a side he didn't see very often.

"Come on. I'll show you the stage," Jason said finally. "Kirok, let's go."

Hercules followed the two men out of the room. Iolaus followed but looked back, seeing Janus grab Klas in a cruel hold and kiss him, his hand wandering down the tiny man's pants, his other hand wound in the long hair. Iolaus shivered. Gods, this guy reminded him of Ares so much. Was that the reason Ares was after them? He shook his head, trying to get himself out of the mesmerising effect of the tall man, but it was useless.

Hercules was the man he loved, but he would do almost anything to have this tall bad tempered man. No one had affected him so immediately and strongly and he hoped he could contain himself in front of Hercules. After all the trouble they had gone through to finally admit their feelings to each other, the last thing he wanted was for the demigod to get jealous and finish their relationship.

Jason and Kirok led Hercules and the now caught up Iolaus to a huge stage area in the large courtyard of the castle. Hercules looked over the construction. "What's this?" he asked.

"It's where we play," Jason explained. "We tried smaller stages, but as we got more popular, we decided to make the stage bigger so more people could see us."

Iolaus frowned. The stage was the biggest he had ever seen, and what was stranger was the long line of giant conch shells along the front. "What are these for?" he asked touching one.

He heard a deep chuckle from behind him and turned to see Janus and Klas behind them. "Our invention to make the music louder so everyone can hear it," Klas replied.

"How does it work?" Iolaus vaulted up onto the stage and saw a large collection of drums and what looked like round shiny shields beaten flat set up at the back of the stage in one seeming chaotic mess.

"It takes the sound vibrations and makes them louder," Kirok said, jumping up beside Iolaus. "Klas. Show him."

Klas smiled and joined the two men, picked up some heavy looking sticks and beat on the drums in a hard pulsing rhythm. Iolaus and Hercules both clapped their hands over their ears at the resulting explosion of sound.

"Gods!" Hercules exclaimed.

"Inspired by Thor!" Klas laughed. "He and I are... good friends. He gave me the shells. I'm not sure, but I think he enchanted them. The music is far too loud for it to be anything else. Thor likes loud."

Hercules glanced at Iolaus. Iolaus could see the disbelief in his lovers eyes. "Yeah, well, drums are loud anyway. How about the rest of the instruments?" Iolaus asked. "Don't you drown them out?

Janus let out a snort. "It took us a while to stop him beating the fuck out of his drums, but there's no problems with that anymore. He pounds them too hard... I pound him."

The Dane let out a very un-Viking-like giggle, much like Iolaus' own. "You sure do," he said.

Hercules watched the repartee going on between the group of musicians then sighed. "I guess we have our work cut out for us," he said to Iolaus quietly.

"There's something strange with these guys," Iolaus whispered back. "Can't you feel it? They don't seem like they come from here."

"Well, they don't. Only one Greek in the whole lot of them."

"I don't mean that. I mean... gods. I can't explain it," Iolaus spread his hands. "I just don't think these guys are what they seem."

"I don't care where they come from, as long as they get on with this as fast as possible," Hercules let out another long suffering sigh. "Let's go see Ares. I want to talk to him."

"Why?"

"Perhaps I can persuade him to leave these men alone. I can guess which one it is that he wants revenge on. Janus is enough to make the most patient man in the world lose his temper."

Iolaus smiled at his lover and patted his backside. "You go ahead. You know how nervous Ares makes me since the thing with Cupid and the sheep. I'll stay here and watch how these guys work."

Hercules nodded and walked off to find the local temple to Ares. Iolaus propped himself up by the side of the huge stage and watched the four strange men working together, his eyes fixed firmly on Janus. Why did this guy excite him so much?

Kirok picked up a very strange looking instrument. It looked like a lute but had six strings and was much flatter. He was surprised when Kirok didn't sit down to play, but instead used a strap across his shoulder to support the instrument. Janus had a similar instrument and Jason had another, but the four strings his had were thick and made from metal. Despite himself, Iolaus was fascinated.

Janus pulled another smaller conch shell tied on top of a tripod toward him and spoke into it. His voice came out much louder than Iolaus had expected and he started slightly. Well, if nothing else this would be one hell of an experience.

"Let's play. We need the practise," Janus said and struck a chord. The noise was incredible. Iolaus backed off a little, away from having one of the over-sized conch shells in his ear. Then a wall of sound hit him and he couldn't move as the group played a fast furious song unlike anything he had ever heard before.

Janus' voice rang out, clear and deep, his blue eyes finding Iolaus' own. He sang to the group's audience of one and the watching hunter shivered deep inside, feeling his body react to the vibration of the music and the smooth silky tone of the singer, the way the man moved. It was enough to make Iolaus want to come in his pants.

At last the song finished and Iolaus realised that there were other people around him, cheering and clapping the groups impromptu performance. He began clapping himself, his eyes still held by Janus' own.

Janus put down his instrument and jumped off the stage as the people around them realised they were only going to perform that one song, and left, and he strode to the stunned hunter.

"You like?" he asked.

Iolaus just nodded. His throat was dry and he was sure that if he moved too much, his throbbing cock would just explode.

Janus laughed and finally the eye contact was broken. "Hey, guys. We have a fan," he said, his permanent scowl replaced by a huge grin. He turned back to the hunter as the other men jumped off the stage, then suddenly grabbed Iolaus by the back of the head and just kissed him hard, then pushed him away slightly. Iolaus stared at him in shock, wiping his mouth.

"What was that for?" he asked.

Janus just smiled. Kirok and Klas laughed at the hunter. "He likes you," Klas said.

"Gods!" Iolaus shook his head. He was starting to feel dizzy. "Yeah, well.... I think I'll go find Iphicles. Uh... You guys... that was amazing. I can't wait to see what else you do." He turned and walked off, hearing the bands mocking laughter behind him. He flushed but tried to forget about the men. Time to get some real answers from Iphicles.

Dusk was falling and the king of Corinth was in his rooms, taking a much needed bath. The guard at his door recognised Iolaus and announced him. Iphicles called him in and Iolaus stood watching as Hercules' brother lounged in his tub, eyes shut, looking as if this was his idea of Elysian paradise.

"Hey, Iolaus. Want to join me? Tub's big enough for two."

"Umm..." Iolaus wasn't sure what he would do if Hercules arrived and saw his lover bathing with his older sibling.

"Don't be shy," Iphicles opened his eyes and smiled slightly. "It makes it easier for us to talk if I don't have to shout across the room at you... or are you scared?"

Iolaus gave up, and pulled his clothes off, feeling the king's eyes on his body. He hurriedly slipped into the water and ducked his head under, trying to hide his own reddening face. Iphicles' gaze had been frank and admiring, and it made him uncomfortable. It was bad enough that he was attracted to the admittedly magnetic Janus, without making a fool of himself with the king of Corinth.

"So what's troubling you?" Iph asked at last. "I can see you want to talk."

Iolaus made a face. He had no idea that Iphicles was so perceptive. He wiped his dripping hair out of his eyes and tried to relax.

"I could tell whatever it is between 'Tallicus' and Ares involves you. I also saw you didn't want Herc to know. You wanna tell me?"

The king sighed. "This is to go no further."

Iolaus nodded. "You can trust me, Iphicles. You know that."

"Well... I noticed you and Herc.... You're much closer than you used to be. I've seen the way he looks at you, and the way you look back. You're lovers aren't you?"

Iolaus hesitated, then nodded again. He knew Hercules didn't want it common knowledge, but surely he wouldn't mind his own brother knowing.

"Ares and I... we're lovers too."

Iolaus gaped in surprise and shock. "You and .... Ares?"

"Yes. Ares. God of war. Mean guy, big sword." Iphicles blushed, and pushed his long reddish curls out of his face.

"Fuck!" Iolaus resorted to swearing. He didn't know what else to say. "How... how long?"

"A while."

"Shit!"

This was no way happening. If Herc knew, he'd bust a gut. He'd kill his brother, probably rip off his arm and beat him to death with the bloody end... and that was just for starters.

"So... what has this got to do with 'Tallicus'?"

If it was possible, the king blushed ever more. "Uh. I slept with one of them. I didn't mean it to happen... we just got drunk one night and we ended up fucking. Ares caught us."

"It was Janus wasn't it?" Iolaus asked. "He looks like the kind of guy who doesn't give a fuck who he sleeps with."

"No. it was.... Klas."

"Klas?" Iolaus was amazed. "He doesn't look like he could seduce a rabbit!" He began to re-evaluate the tiny Dane.

Iphicles smiled in remembrance. "He's good at what he does," he said. "He is, after all, Janus' lover."

"Oh gods! So you have Janus and Ares on your case? Are you nuts? I think I'm more afraid of Janus than I am of Ares."

Iphicles shook his head. "Janus doesn't care. He knows. He just wants to make sure that Klas lives to tell the tale."

Iolaus ducked under the water again. "This is too much," he said, once he came back up.

Iphicles' beautiful sculpted face changed. He looked melancholy for a moment. "Ares is... a cruel lover. I just needed for once to... to be gentle, to make love... to be the dominant one.... Klas gave me what I wanted. I don't want him to suffer because of what we did," he said.

Iolaus reached out and touched the kings smooth shoulder. "I'm sure it'll be ok," he said.

"Iolaus....."

Iphicles raised his face to the hunter and Iolaus couldn't help himself - the hypnotic aura of Janus, his own constant arousal most of that day and the kings sadness, all muddled themselves up in his mind until he couldn't tell what he was feeling. He bent his head and gently kissed his lover's brother on the lips. Iphicles slid warm wet arms around Iolaus' shoulders and pulled him closer, deepening the kiss. Iolaus felt the kings tongue seek entry into his mouth and he shut his eyes, letting Iphicles do as he wished.

The two men kissed and caressed each other for a little longer, then jumped apart as they heard a voice.

"Well, well. What do we have here?"

"Janus!" Iphicles gasped. "Gods! Don't do that."

Janus moved forward, his body moving like a lion on the hunt, his soul-penetrating eyes fixed on Iolaus. Iolaus suddenly felt exposed and defenceless, and reached for the knife in his clothes by the side of the tub. What was it with these dangerous types that they always seemed to go for him?

"Janus. What are you going to...." Iphicles started.

Janus reached a hand out to the hunter and smiled. "You know what I want, don't you, warrior? I know you want it too. I can feel your need."

Iolaus swallowed, unable to break the gaze of the man in front of him. Was he a man? Surely the power he had over the people around him was more than mere mortal lust?

Janus smiled and the spell was broken. "I came to tell you that Hercules is back. He wants to speak to you and us in our rooms."

Iolaus fumbled with his knife, dropped it in the tub and fished around for it. "Uh. Ok. I'll... uh... I won't be long.. I uh..."

Janus winked at the hunter. "Don't worry. I won't tell your lover what I saw," he said, and walked out of the room before Iolaus could answer.

"What is it with that guy?" Iolaus mumbled getting out of the tub and hurriedly drying himself. "I'm sorry, Iphicles. We... we shouldn't have done that. If Herc finds out...."

Iphicles nodded. "Yeah. I'm sorry too," he said softly. He watched as Iolaus quickly shrugged into his clothes and hurriedly left his rooms.

Hercules was standing with arms folded, glaring at Janus when Iolaus got to their rooms. He groaned inwardly. Now what had the volatile singer done to piss Herc off? As he settled into a chair and took stock of the situation, he realised that Janus had said and done nothing ­ it was just Hercules' attitude towards the man. He doubted very much if anyone could change the demigods mind about Janus now. He had decided he didn't like the musician and that was it. Iolaus knew Hercules could be incredibly stubborn.

Hercules' eyes flicked up to look at Iolaus, took in the hunter's wet hair and slight breathlessness.

"About time you got here," he said in a stony voice.

Iolaus didn't offer why he was late.

"So, what did Ares say?" he asked.

Hercules glanced at the tiny Dane sitting beside Janus, playing with one of the braids in his hair.

"He's pissed."

Klas looked up and dropped the braid. "Don't look at me! It's not my fault I...."

Iolaus realised that Klas was going to spill Iphicles' secret, and interrupted before he could go further.

"So he refused to see reason? Isn't that typical? Oh well. I guess we have our work cut out... but you can walk all over Ares with a blindfold on...." Iolaus realised he was babbling and subsided.

"He's a full god. He has... advantages I don't. You know that, Iolaus!" Hercules said starting to pace. "Just what is it you've done to make him so angry?" he addressed Klas. "I've never seen him in such a mood."

Klas dropped his eyes and he nervously began toying with the braid again, nibbling at it.

"It doesn't matter what he did, just that he did it, and now we have to protect him.. and these other guys." Iolaus came to the rescue once more.

"Don't do me any favours." Janus growled. "I can protect myself."

Hercules finally had enough. He rounded on the tall blond man, going practically nose to nose with him. "I don't think you can. Ares is a god. I have trouble defeating him. I sometimes think the only reason he hasn't killed me is because I'm his brother. I'd like to see you up against him, Janus, just so I could laugh when he kicks your sorry ass and takes you down a few pegs."

Janus stood up and looked as if he was about to hit the demigod. As one, Jason and Iolaus leapt to grab the antagonists. Iolaus pulled Hercules away and Jason grappled with Janus' straining arm as he aimed a punch at Hercules.

Kirok leapt between the four men. "ENOUGH!" he shrieked. Everyone stared at him as if they had never heard him raise his voice. The Sumerian glared at each of them in turn, his eyes black and unfathomable. "We shouldn't be at each other's throats. We're on the same side," he said, his voice going back to it's soft light tone.

"I agree," Iolaus said, letting go of Hercules. Hercules straightened his tunic and even managed to look a little embarrassed.

Iolaus breathed a sigh of relief. Crisis over... at least until the next time.

They all looked up as there was a knock on the door, and a servant came in. "His Highness asks if you would all like to join him for dinner?" he asked.

Hercules' eyebrows lowered over his eyes. "One more moment with these guys and I'll do something I regret," he said.

Klas got off the table. "Sure, we'll come," he said to the servant. "Won't we guys?"

There was a chorus of agreement from them all. Iolaus nodded too. He caught Hercules' looking even angrier at his ready acquiescence and turned to him.

"We have to protect them," he said. "And that means staying with them."

Hercules shrugged. "Can't see what Ares is going to do in a hall full of people."

"Exactly." Iolaus went up to his lover, and touched his cheek, not caring if anyone made a comment. "Come on, buddy. Be nice. This isn't like you."

Hercules sighed, then nodded reluctantly and the whole lot of them followed the servant to the dining hall.

Dinner was an awkward affair. Iolaus found himself sitting in between Klas and Kirok, and Hercules was put with Jason and Janus. The hunter snickered to himself. He was amused by his lovers predicament. He would have to curb his temper in front of his brother and the other people at the table. Hercules decided to totally ignore the leonine man next to him, and instead talk to Jason.

Iolaus found himself having his own involving conversation with Klas and Kirok. Both men were trying to explain to him about how they came up with their very strange music. He found himself fascinated by it all and listened instead of talking for a change. When it came to telling a tale, Klas seemed to beat even him, and the little Viking talked animatedly. Despite Janus' obvious leadership of the diverse group, Klas seemed to be the driving force, the organising mind. Iolaus found himself lost in the huge green innocent eyes, the way his amber hair glinted softly in the firelight, his young face and enthusiasm for life. In a way Klas reminded Iolaus of himself.

Kirok was quieter, seeming content to let his talkative friend lead the conversation, but Iolaus was aware of the heat of his body next to his own and the exotic scent of spices that he caught every time the Sumerian moved his head. He started to become confused. All these men were so strange, their peculiar ideas, their alien sexual music, the way they all seemed to be of one mind... and the attraction he now felt for all of them. He had never wanted another man except for Hercules, but he would have happily taken anyone of these men to bed.

He glanced at Iphicles sitting at the head of the table. The king's eyes were fixed on Klas, and Iolaus could see the hunger in his gaze. Iolaus let out a breath. Perhaps he should talk to Klas in private about the way Iphicles felt about him, and warn him off the king. No use making the situation any worse than it already was.

"I want to talk to you about.... Ares... I... uh... know why he's... well... Can we find somewhere private?" he asked quietly. "I don't want Herc hearing anything."

Klas nodded, and got up along with Iolaus. The hunter found Hercules' eyes on him. Iolaus couldn't think of an excuse to assuage the demigod's curiosity. He just nodded at Klas. "He wants to talk," he mouthed. Hercules nodded, and turned away as Jason asked him a question.

The Greek would keep Hercules busy for a while. He was asking all sorts of questions and Hercules was enjoying the attention for a change.

The two men went back to the group's quarters, Iolaus walking behind the smaller Dane, admiring the way his tawny hair swung around his hips, the slight sway of his small buttocks encased in the tight leather. He remembered watching Janus and Klas together for that brief moment and a shudder rippled down his back. The manner in which Janus had been holding and touching Klas told Iolaus that the drummer was totally submissive and he found himself wondering what it was like to take a man smaller than himself, push him down and fuck him hard.

Iolaus had never taken Hercules in that way, and the other men he had fucked had been too long ago for it to be more than a distant memory. Iolaus found himself trembling. Now he knew how Iphicles had felt. He had the feeling that Klas would submit to his every desire if he asked it.

He shook himself, coming out of his thoughts as Klas opened the door to his quarters, and smiled up at him. "Come on in," he said, his accented voice soft.

Once inside, Klas poured some wine and offered the goblet to Iolaus. Iolaus took it, hoping that Klas didn't notice his hands were shaking. Klas poured his own drink, looking into the hunters' eyes. Iolaus perched on the nearby table and sipped at his wine.

"So what is it you want to talk to me about?" the Dane asked at last.

"Iphicles told me why Ares is after you. I just wanted to tell you... I think he's attracted to you and you shouldn't go anywhere near him.

Klas nodded silently. "That's easy enough. What else?"

Iolaus frowned. He couldn't think right now... Was there something else? Ah yes...

"Herc doesn't know about Ares and Iphicles. Iph and I both want it to stay that way. Ares and Herc hate each other. If Herc was to find out that Iph was Ares' lover he'd send him straight to Tartarus."

Klas smiled. "So that's why you kept on interrupting me when he was asking me about it?"

The hunter nodded. Klas got off the table and walked towards Iolaus, their eyes locked. He moved until he was stood between Iolaus' legs and ran a gentle finger down the hunter's cheek.

"Was there anything else?" he whispered.

Iolaus tried to drop his gaze, but found he couldn't. His thoughts rushed through his head, whirled around for a moment then arrowed straight to his cock.

I want to fuck you. I want to tear all your clothes off and ram my cock into you. I want to feel you holding me close, moaning my name, moving with me as I take you....

Iolaus groaned and pulled away. "What are you doing to me?" he panted.

"Just what you want me to do," came the mysterious reply, then Iolaus felt the shock of warm soft lips on his own and he drowned himself in the sensation, pulling the drummer to him, his fingers tangling in the long soft, thick hair, his tongue thrusting into a welcoming mouth. He felt a hot little hand rub down his stomach, then his thigh and then cup his balls, squeezing slightly. He pulled away from the kiss, his breath sounding loud and hard in his ears. He ran his tongue down the smooth sweet-smelling neck and then up to bite at a pierced earlobe.

"Want you...." he moaned. "Wanna fuck you... wanna take you...."

"Yes! Do it! Right here! Now!" came the urgent reply, and Iolaus found his pants being undone and ripped down. He too fumbled at the single belt the musician was wearing and heard it fall to the floor as he pulled at the ties of Klas' pants.

Klas pulled Iolaus off the table and turned them both round, his lips and tongue still busy at the hunters throat, biting, sucking, licking, sending shivers of lust down Iolaus' body. Iolaus suddenly found that Klas was now trapped between himself and the table and grabbed the Dane's slim hips, hoisted him up and sat him down on the smooth wood.

He jerked Klas' leather trousers down as Klas took time away from touching the hunters body to pull off the black shirt he wore. He lay down on the table and Iolaus took a second to look at the man he was about to fuck. He was surprised to find his compact body muscular and wiry, a light scattering of dark hair across his well defined pectorals, a gold ring piercing his nipple. Between the tiny mans' legs was a cock that most men twice his size would be proud of.

Iolaus bent to take the ring in his mouth, pulling and teasing at the warm metal and erect flesh, and Klas let out a moan, his body tremoring beneath the hunter.

"Yesssss....." he hissed, and grabbed at Iolaus', pulling him closer, his hand wrapping around the hunter's throbbing cock. Iolaus raised his head, looking into the musicians dilated lustful eyes.

"We need some...." Iolaus was reluctant to break away from what they were doing to find some sort of lube.

Klas seemed to know what was on his mind. "I don't give a fuck about that. Use spit! Just fuck me!"

Iolaus spat into his palm and rubbed the saliva over his cock, then covered Klas once more with his body, pushed his legs up and entered him in one hard needful thrust. Klas let out a yelp, then bit on his own wrist, screwing his eyes shut, his body writhing underneath the hunter.

Iolaus paused for a moment, hardly unable to contain the feelings that rushed through his body from his cock. The man beneath him was so tight, so willing and able to take the violent entry Iolaus had forced upon him. He sheathed himself right up to the balls inside Klas then pulled out slightly, grabbing the Dane's wrists and pushing them down on the table above his head.

Iolaus was filled with a sudden need to hurt the man beneath him - hear him crying out in pain as he fucked him mercilessly - and he rammed back inside the constrictive flesh, hearing Klas moan loudly and spur him on harder. Once more he pulled almost all of the way out of the musician's body and then slowly pushed back in, raising his head and emitting a long drawn out gasp.

Beneath him, Klas convulsed and rocked his hips, urging Iolaus on without words. Iolaus bent to capture the sweet lips once more with his own and started a slow deep rhythm with his hips, wanting to hold out for as long as possible. He could feel the hot hardness of Klas' cock against his stomach and pressed into it, using the friction to excite his small lover into completion.

Feeling the pulsing of Klas' tight ass around his cock, Iolaus knew the Dane was about to come. He began to fuck him harder, wanting to reach orgasm at the same time and soon it was happening for them both. Iolaus bit into Klas' neck, stifling a shriek of ecstasy as sensation flooded his body, leaving him weak, and Klas once more bit down on his own already bleeding wrist to stop his scream of pleasure as his cock shot its load all over Iolaus' stomach and chest.

"Gods... Gods... " Iolaus gasped out, his face still buried in Klas' hair. "I never... I can't... gods!"

He took a moment to ease his harsh breathing, then raised his head to look at Klas. Klas stroked away a curl of hair from his mouth and kissed him gently then pushed him slightly. Iolaus took this as a sign Klas wanted him to let go and he stood upright, gently withdrawing from his lover's body.

Klas got up and without a word went to a bowl of water set out for the purpose of washing and brought it back to the hunter. He dipped the cloth he was carrying into the water and slowly began to wipe his semen from Iolaus' skin. Iolaus buried one hand into the mixture of thick silken hair and small braids and caught Klas chin in his other, pulling his face upward so he could kiss him once more.

Klas smiled briefly at him. "You had better go to Hercules," he said quietly. "He'll be worried." He put the bowl down and gave Iolaus the vest that had fallen unnoticed from his arms, then picked up his belts and held them out. Iolaus dressed quickly and ran his fingers through his sweaty hair to smooth it out.

He suddenly felt guilty as hell. He had taken the man before him, used him violently - hurt him and was now leaving him to go to the man he loved. He opened his mouth to apologise but felt a small finger touch his lips, hushing his contrite words before they had even started.

"It's what you wanted," Klas said. "Don't feel guilty. You didn't hurt me. Janus uses much more force on me."

"But... I..."

"Go find Hercules." Klas firmly grabbed Iolaus by the shoulders and gave him a push toward the door. Iolaus got the message and left.

Hercules had spent much of the night enjoying the company of the friendly Jason. He asked him several questions about the group, and Jason told him that the instrument he played was called a bass, and tried to explain once more how they had been given the gift of the strange shells to amplify their sound.

Hercules listened to the tales of the gods of a far off place, the strange names ­ Odin, Thor and Loki, and was suddenly plunged into a waking dream of a man with long blond hair, dressed in heavy furs and strange clothes, holding his arm and smiling at him. He shook his head trying to clear his head of the vision and felt Jason's hand on his arm.

"Are you ok, man? You went real pale for a while?"

"Yes... I'm... fine." Hercules suddenly wondered where Iolaus was, and looked around. Janus was deep in conversation with Iphicles about hunting deer and Kirok sat quietly, toying with a knife and watching the demigod with dark slanted eyes. Hercules forgot about Iolaus and excused himself to talk to the Sumerian. He sat down beside him and looked about, taking in the sights, smells and sounds of the great dining hall.

"You look like you feel about these things the way I do," he said quietly.

"It's not my thing, if that's what you mean," Kirok said, his soft voice hardly audible over the sound of everyone else in the room.

"You want to go get some fresh air? There are some beautiful private gardens here. I'm sure Iphicles won't mind us taking a walk."

Kirok nodded and the two men left the hall.

Once out in the gardens, Hercules took a deep breath, and stretched. "It gets kinda cloying in there," he said. "I hate all the pomp and ceremony. It's just not me."

Why did he feel like he had to explain his actions to Kirok?

Kirok stood just behind him, his chin raised slightly to the night, eyes closed, seeming to taste the air. Hercules turned, heard him whisper something, then he opened his eyes and looked at the demigod. The dark orbs looked silver in the moonlight and reached down, seemingly into Hercules' soul.

Hercules felt his throat go dry and backed off a little. There was no way he could be attracted to this over pretty man surely... but those eyes.... they seemed to glow with a white light and pulled Hercules into them.

Kirok gave a small smile, his full lips curving into a highly kissable pout. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"N...nothing," Hercules stammered. Why the hell was he blushing like an idiot?

Kirok blinked slowly, like a cat and then turned away. "Do you think Ares will go after Klas soon?" he asked.

Hercules suddenly felt dizzy. Perhaps he had drunk too much wine. He went to a nearby bench and sat down. "If I know Ares he's planning it right now," he said.

"And... you know Ares?"

"He's my half brother. Of course I know him."

Kirok turned back to the demigod and walked over to sit by him. Hercules suddenly realised that his boots made no noise whatsoever on the gravel covered ground.

"That's not what I meant," Kirok said.

Iolaus was right. There is something strange about this bunch.

"What are you?" he blurted suddenly.

Kirok gave that secret smile once more. "What do you want me to be?" he whispered, reached forward to cup Hercules' chin in his hand and kissed him so gently it was like a whisper of air on the demigods lips. Hercules felt his eyes droop and he shook himself awake, pulling away from the cool touch.

"Iolaus..."

"Is with Klas... Have you ever experienced the power of the mind?"

"What?" Hercules was now confused and bewildered. What had Kirok said about Iolaus and Klas... he couldn't quite...

Kirok stood up and faced the dazed demigod and reached out his hand. Hercules couldn't help himself, he took it, caressing the slim, deceptively strong fingers beneath his own. Kirok closed his eyes and his other hand went to Hercules' chest, placing two fingers above his heart.

"Come for me..." he murmured.

"Wha... ohhh.... gods!" Hercules was suddenly swamped by a pleasure he had never experienced before. It hit him full in the chest where Kirok's fingers were, then spread out like a tsunami over his body. He writhed and gasped, clutching the fingers he held tightly, not caring that he could snap them like twigs. He felt his cock respond to the rapture swamping over him, then the sudden release and weakness that heralded an amazing orgasm.

Kirok let out a soft sigh and shuddered violently, then regained his composure quickly. He let the demigod go and stepped back a pace, leaving Hercules gasping and sweaty as if he had just gone through a four-hour fight. Hercules clutched his chest, looking up at the Sumerian before him.

"What did you...? how could you...? why was...?" he could only pant out half-formed words.

Kirok smiled once more, then turned and walked back into the palace.

Iolaus burst into Iphicles' room and startled the king, who was just washing his face.

"Who are these guys?" Iolaus demanded.

"What?" Iphicles was startled by the intrusion of a wild looking hunter.

"'Tallicus'. Who are they? Where do they come from?" Iolaus stood in front of Iphicles, his arms folded, a determined look on his face.

"I just found Herc in the gardens looking like Cupid whacked him full of arrows and fed him ambrosia. All he could say was 'Kirok'"

"So he fucked the little guy? Don't blame him... he's pretty enough to be a woman," the king said, irritated at Iolaus' attitude.

"Iph. There's something weird going on with these guys," Iolaus said, pacing the room. "He swears he didn't touch Kirok, but when I got him to our room and undressed him, there was come all over his pants."

Iphicles snickered. "So he couldn't control himself?"

"I'm serious, Iph. Can't you see it?" Iolaus rounded on the king, who dried his face with a towel and went to sit down at the table. He poured a goblet of wine and offered one to Iolaus, who shook his head.

"See what? All I see are four very horny guys who happen to be fucking good musicians."

"That's it. They are too horny... too... violent - too easy to get along with... they're all totally different, and...." Iolaus sighed and collapsed into a nearby chair. "I think I will have that wine after all," he said.

Iphicles wordlessly handed him a cup and Iolaus drank the ruby liquid down fast. "There's something going on, and it seems I'm the only one who can see it."

"Well, you seemed to be getting on all right with Klas," Iphicles said with a leering grin.

Iolaus sighed. "Yeah. Gods! I went with him to his room and fucked him senseless over the table... I just don't do things like that, Iphicles," he burst out. "It's just not me... well, not anymore - I love Herc, but I couldn't stop myself. I just needed him... and he let me do what I wanted to him.

It's the same with Herc. You know what he's like... prim and proper... gods it took me a week to get him to realise that he wanted me.... he just doesn't fuck about like that, especially with a guy he just met and hardly spoke two words to."

"Perhaps he fancied a change." Iphicles was starting to get bored with Iolaus' senseless ranting. All he wanted to do is go to bed and sleep. He wondered briefly if Ares would come to him that night, then sorrowfully shook his head. Ares hadn't come to him since the night he had found him and Klas in such a compromising position.

Iolaus threw up his hands in defeat. "Why do I bother?" he moaned, and slammed out of the room, a small whirlwind of temper. Iphicles stared at the door for a moment, then let out a short sharp breath.

He looked up as he heard a soft noise, and leapt to his feet, his soldiers senses alert. "Who's there?" he asked, reaching for his sword.

"Forgotten me already, lover?" came a smooth voice from behind the curtains of his bed. Iphicles dropped the sword and pulled the curtains aside.

"Ares. Where have you been? I missed you." Iphicles went to the war god and sank to his knees in front of him, resting his head on a strong leather-clad thigh.

"Get off me, little king. You really think I'll forgive you that easily?" Iphicles felt a hand push him away.

"I told you I'm sorry. What else can I say? Please, Ares... Please take me back." Iphicles felt himself near to tears and cursed himself for weeping like a woman.

"Not until the Dane is dead. I've got a good mind to make you watch me torture him and finally kill him. That'll teach you a lesson you won't forget in a hurry."

"Don't kill him. Please Ares. You know I love you. I won't do it again. Just don't hurt him. It was my fault... I seduced him... punish me."

Gods, now he was reduced to begging. Iphicles hated himself, but was powerless to resist the hold the god of war had on his emotions.

"Stop wailing like a fucking girl will you? It gives me a headache," Ares said, annoyed by his lovers whining. "Sometimes I wonder why I keep you around."

"Probably because you don't have the guts to take a lover as strong as you," came a cold deep voice from the door. Ares and Iphicles looked up as one.

"Who the fuck are you?" Ares said dangerously, pushing Iphicles casually to the floor and rising to meet this intruder.

"I'm Janus." The tall singer came forward, his eyes frigid as a glacier. "And you must be Ares?"

Ares crossed his arms. Who was this puny mortal who dared to challenge his authority? The guy didn't even have the wits to be afraid of him.

"Yes, I'm Ares."

The mortal looked at Iphicles. "You'd better leave," he said softly.

"He goes no where!" Ares glared at Janus. What was it with this guy's attitude? He should be on his knees begging.

"Fine." Janus walked up to the god of war... no.. he didn't walk... he stalked, his own aura just as dangerous and vicious as Ares own. He reminded the god of a lion, with his long wild golden hair, his direct hypnotising stare and the fact that Ares didn't know what he was going to do next.

Ares recoiled from the brief touch he had made on the mortals mind. He had never felt anything so... so like himself.... devoid of love, of emotion, afire with seething hatred and brutality. Who was this man? Was he a god that Zeus perhaps had neglected to mention? No... the touch was human... loathsome, but fully human.

He looked into Janus' eyes, daring him to do something. To his surprise Janus just smiled at him... the smile of a crocodile.

"You touch Klas - I come for you," came the soft velvety whisper. Ares felt the brush of fingers on his neck then Janus left the room on silent swift feet.

Ares growled low in his throat. "Now that would be a challenge," he said quietly to himself. He turned round and looked at the silent king, who stood by the bed, his normally brooding face nervous.

"Time to catch me a Viking," Ares said and laughed, disappearing into the void.