Read Online Timothy Boggs - Hercules Legendary Joureneys 02 by Serpent's Shadow - Free Book Online Page B

rebels, they had reached the trees, some trying futilely to catch the remaining horses, the others impotently shouting their anger while shaking their fists and weapons. It was clear there was no way they'd be able to catch him before he reached Themon.
    He should have been relieved.
    What he was, was puzzled.
    By then, Iolaus had slowed his mount to a canter. His face was red with laughter and excitement, and when Hercules joined him, he reached out to slap his arm.
    "Amazing!" he said with a self-congratulatory grin. "Wasn't that amazing?"
    Hercules scowled. "1 thought you had a plan."
    "That was the plan."
    " 'Run!' was the plan?"
    "Sure."
    Hercules couldn't believe it. "What kind of a plan is that? Run? That's a plan?"
    "What are you complaining about? It worked, didn't it? We're free, aren't we?"
    Refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reply, Hercules held out his left arm and pointed to a small scratch at the top of the arm guard. "An arrow, Iolaus. One more inch and I would have been hit."
    A nod conceded the point. "But it didn't, Herc. It didn't."
    "Yes, but—"
    Iolaus laughed, whooped, and urged the roan on to a faster gallop, waving over his shoulder. "Come on, Herc, we only have a couple of hours before sunset, and the ladies await!"
    All right, Hercules admitted, so it didn't get me. So we got away. So it worked. But. .. run? He calls that a plan?
    Yet he couldn't help a brief smile of his own, at his friend's exuberance, and at the day itself.
    Under a flawless blue sky the plain rolled gently southward, the expanse of short rich grass broken only by the farms and pastures that could be seen in the distance, east and west. Wildflowers added spots of vivid color. Here and there, a full-crowned tree or two loomed over streams or ponds, providing shade and shelter to grazing cattle. With the hills now behind them, the salt air was sharp, energizing, and Hercules spotted a number of gulls wheeling slowly overhead; and higher still, a pair of hawks.

    He inhaled deeply, and his headache finally vanished. Maybe, he thought with mental fingers firmly crossed, this journey wasn't going to be so bad after all.
    Iolaus waved to him from the top of a rise. He waved back and rode on, ignoring the thumps the horse's spine gave to his rump.
    "There!" Iolaus declared when Hercules joined him. "Themon, Herc! Our destiny awaits!"
    Below them was a wide, well-traveled road. Although not crowded, there were plenty of riders, walkers, and carts and wagons, all streaming toward the city in the middle distance. It wasn't the largest city Hercules had ever visited, but it was refreshing to see such a place unmarred by confining walls, or army camps on the outskirts. Red-tile roofs caught the sun brightly; building walls of varying soft colors glowed; and where the sky curved down to the horizon, he could just make out the glint of the sea.
    He looked at Iolaus and smiled warmly. "I have to admit—this was a good idea."
    Iolaus preened. "Of course it was. Did you ever doubt me—and don't spoil it by answering."
    Hercules didn't, with a laugh.
    According to the invitation, the next step, Iolaus explained as they joined the others on the road, was to go straight to a place called the plaza. There they would find the council chambers, meet with Councillor Titus, receive their instructions, and bask in the adulation of the townfolk.
    Hercules looked at him askance. ' 'Bask in the adulation'? Is that in the scroll, too?"
    "No. I made that up myself. Not bad, huh?"
    "Don't tell me—you're practicing to be a judge."
    Iolaus nodded emphatically. "Absolutely. 1 don't want them to think I'm some kind of lout, you know."
    Hercules wiped a hand over his face. "In case they want to invite you back?"
    Iolaus lifted a shoulder. "I don't know. Maybe. Frankly, it never occurred to me."
    Right, Hercules thought.
    Abruptly the plain gave way to the city, and they found themselves riding down stone-paved streets somewhat wider than those they were