King Iphicles of Corinth grinned as he greeted his brother. "Hercules! This is an unexpected surprise. I thought you were on your way to meet Xena and Gabrielle to take care of some nearby tyrant? And where is Iolaus?"
"They're on their way, brother. However, I was hoping I could ask a favour of you, one that would make our work much easier."
"Anything, brother."
"Well, you see, we have this friend. He's a real nice guy, has a kind heart and all. But he thinks of himself as this great warrior, which he isn't, and he's kind of clumsy. Long story short, trouble seems to follow him wherever he goes. I was wondering if he could stay here with you while we are away."
"I would be pleased to keep your friend here, but wouldn't he be offended?"
"We thought of that already. We told him that we'd heard there was an assassin who was planning on killing you, and we wanted him to stay with you for your protection. That way we can do our work without distraction, and he feels like he's needed."
"All right. I'll speak to the guards and ask them to make a pretense of beefing up security to back up your story. When will they be arriving?"
"They should be here by tomorrow, midday."
"Well then, why don't we do some catching up until then."
* * *
About a day's walk from Corinth, three warriors were doing their best not to show the deep guilt they were feeling.
"...I mean, that you guys would trust me this much. I swear, I won't let any of you down. There's no way any assassin is getting by me, Joxer the Mighty. Remember, I know how they think, after all, my brother is an assassin too. I can just imagine Dad's face when I tell him *I* was chosen to protect the King of Corinth..."
Several times, the taller warrior woman had been tempted to drop her facade and tell the man the truth, but each time her actions were precipitated by glares by the blond bookends, reminding her why they were making such a pretense.
"I'm sure he'd be very proud of you, Joxer, as we all are."
They continued down the road, resting only come nightfall.
* * *
"Your highness!"
"Yes Fruvus?"
"Your brother's friends have arrived. They are waiting in your throne room."
"We will be right with them."
Iphicles and his brother walked into the throne room to greet their friends. He saw the tall dark-haired warrior woman that could only be Xena. There was Iolaus, looking well despite all his visits to Tartarus. Next to him was a blonde woman that could only be the Amazon bard, Gabrielle. And to the side was a man wearing mis-matched armour, an unusual helmet, and looking more nervous than he'd ever seen a man look before. He walked up to the man, extending his arm in friendship.
"You must be Joxer, the one who is to be my protector while my brother is gone. He has told me much about you. I look forward to your time here."
Iphicles saw the man's nervousness fading away as a mask of bravado slipped into place. "Don't you worry, Your Highness. No assassin gets by Joxer the Mighty."
"I do not doubt it. My friends, you came at the perfect time. I was just about to have lunch. Would you care to join me?"
"We would love to," Hercules began, "but we must set off immediately if we are to set our plan in motion. Thank you, however, for the invitation brother."
Iphicles and Joxer said their goodbyes to their friends, wishing them the best in their coming battle.
* * *
"Come on, Xena. We all know it was for the best."
"I know Gabrielle, but I just can't help feel guilty. You heard him. He is just so trusting. The thought that we might be lying to him never crossed his mind."
"But it's the best way to keep him out of trouble and from hurting himself," Iolaus continued. "Anyway, I think it would be good for Iphicles too to have a friend around. I know he's been pretty lonely since his wife died, and it's hard to find someone to just be friends with when everyone sees you only as a King."
"I suppose."
"Maybe we'll get lucky and an actual assassin might show up to kill Iphicles." The others just glared at him. "Or maybe not."
* * *
During lunch, Iphicles found that once one got past the nervousness and the bravado, Joxer was in fact good company. He asked Joxer about his travels with Xena, and in turn Joxer asked Iphicles about Corinth. They continued their conversation as one of the King's guards escorted them through the castle, showing Joxer the 'precautions' that had been taken to guard against the supposed assassin.
Iphicles had begun to wonder what his brother had been talking about when saying Joxer was clumsy by the time they re-entered the dining room for supper. That was until Joxer somehow tripped over one of the chair legs, falling flat on his face. Iphicles stifled a giggle as he helped Joxer back onto his feet.
The day ended quickly as the men were escorted to their rooms and prepared for bed. Iphicles couldn't help but think at how smoothly the day had gone, and wondered if the next would be any better.
* * *
"It is morning your highness."
"As I see, Fruvus. You are on time, as usual."
"Yes Sire."
Iphicles couldn't help but notice his manservant was preoccupied. "What is on your mind, Fruvus?"
"It is but a slight problem in the kitchen, Sire. Nothing for the King to be worried about."
"Fruvus," Iphicles replied with a slight glare.
"Well, Sire, your guest has taken it upon himself to prepare your breakfast. However, the chefs, ever watchful of his highness' safety, have not taken kindly to his invasion of their domain."
Iphicles let a tiny smile slip as he thought of how possessive his chefs were about the kitchen.
"I will be right down."
"Yes, your highness."
After dressing for the day, Iphicles made his way down to the kitchen. He heard the commotion from down the hall.
"I'm here to protect the King, not to poison him! And I'm a good cook!"
"If you think for one moment we would let the likes of you use our kitchen you must be joking!"
Iphicles couldn't hold back the laughter that hit him once he took in the scene. There was Joxer facing off against the chefs dressed in his usual armour and armed with a ladle. The chefs, dressed in white uniforms, were each armed with an assortment of instruments, from spatulas to egg beaters.
"Your Highness!" All the chefs raised from their defensive positions and came to attention before their King's presence.
"I can see you have a problem here."
"Yes Sire. Thisthis person here dared think he was capable of preparing the King's breakfast."
"And that is a problem because" The chef had no response, other than a look of surprise. "Joxer. Come here."
"Yes Sire."
Iphicles gave him a once-over. "That is very interesting armour. It must do you very well on the road."
"Yes it does, Sire."
"However, I don't think it is quite suitable for the Court life." Joxer nodded begrudgingly in agreement. "Fruvus, will you please escort Joxer to my tailor and have him make one outfit for today, and several others for the rest of Joxer's stay here."
"Yes, your highness."
As Fruvus led Joxer out of the kitchen, Iphicles couldn't help but notice the looks of gratitude from his chefs. He was flattered Joxer wanted to do something nice for him such as make him breakfast. As he walked away from the kitchen, he could catch the last strains of Joxer's words to Fruvus. "What's with those chefs? They can be such snobs! Stopping me, Joxer the Mighty." Iphicles nodded to himself. Those at Court were quite snobbish, and he was glad he was no longer the only one who noticed.
* * *
It wasn't until lunchtime that Iphicles next saw Joxer, and he was amazed at the change. Rather than his old armour, he was wearing dark brown leather pants and a navy shirt, both of which suited his lanky figure perfectly.
"Ah, that is much better. Come, sit, eat."
"Thank you, Your Highness. And thanks for the clothes, but it really wasn't necessary."
"Oh, no thanks are necessary. Anything for a friend of my brother's."
"So what's on the agenda for today?"
"Well, I'll be spending the afternoon in the throne room answering petitions. Thankfully, this evening will be one of the few times I'll have free."
"What do you plan on doing with it?"
"I don't know. There's not much for a King to do. I guess I'll just lounge around the castle, reading."
"That doesn't sound very fun. Whenever Xena, Gabby and I have a free night and we're in a town or village, we usually hit the local taverns."
"It's been quite a while since I've been able to do that, my friend."
Joxer looked up. He was flattered the King had referred to him as a friend. Usually by this time, people only barely tolerated him. "Why can't you do that now?"
"Well, I'm the King. The moment I enter such a place, everyone would start acting differently."
"Hmmm," Joxer thought for a moment. "What if you were in disguise?"
"Disguise?"
"Yeah! If you dress down a little, tie back your hair and keep it under a hat or something, I think it could work."
"But what about Fruvus and the others. They would have heart attacks if I were to go out into town."
"Who says they'd have to know?"
"I like the way you think Joxer. All right. Later tonight after supper, you and I will head out on the town."
After lunch, the two spent the afternoon in the throne room as Iphicles heard petitions from his people. Joxer was impressed at how fair the King was with his people. From what he'd seen, far too many rulers abused their powers at the expense of the people in their kingdoms, but Iphicles was different. He really cared for his people, and wished them the best. Joxer couldn't help but admire the man.
After supper, Joxer and Iphicles went through the King's wardrobe, looking for something simple. There was little that would do. Then, Iphicles remembered a trunk of clothes left deep in his closet. It contained the clothes he wore before becoming King of Corinth. They were perfect. Before long, the two men were dressed and ready for a night out on the town.
* * *
Iphicles' simple disguise worked like a charm, and nobody in the first tavern recognized him. Neither did anyone in the second tavern. By the third tavern, Iphicles, or Iphy as Joxer was calling him, no longer cared whether or not anyone recognized him.
The two men were sitting side by side at the bar with yet another round of mead when Joxer spotted a pair of amazons sitting across the room. He pointed them out to Iphicles. "Do you feel like dancing?" The music that had been playing, while not excellent, was more than adequate to his purpose.
"I think that's the best suggestion you've made all day, Joxie. Let's go ask them."
They headed across the room. To both their amazement, not only did they make it, but Joxer did not trip once on the way. As they approached the amazons' table, Iphicles whispered to Joxer, "Let me do the talking."
"Whatever you say, Iphy."
"Hello, ladies," Iphicles began. "My friend and I were wondering if you two would do us the honour of accompanying us for a dance."
The women first looked at each other, then at the men. One had shoulder-length blonde hair that was a mass of curls. The other had long brown hair that was pulled back in a braid. The brunette spoke first.
"And who are you?"
"I am Iphy, and this here is my friend Joxer."
Joxer bowed. "A pleasure to meet you."
"And you may be?" Iphicles asked.
"I am Lana, and this is Melora. We are amazons."
"We had guessed that by your dress. Now that we are properly introduced, may we have this dance?"
Lana looked over at Melora. They held a silent visual conversation that ended with one conclusion. Why not? They look harmless, and if they try anything, we'll kick their asses.
"All right. One dance."
His face beaming, Iphicles took Melora's hand and started leading her towards the musicians. Joxer took his lead and offered his arm to Lana. When they'd almost reached the open area, Iphicles realized he'd lost Joxer. Looking back, he saw the man frozen in place. He returned to speak to his friend, telling the women they would meet them by the musicians.
"What's wrong?"
"I just remembered. I can't dance."
"Don't worry, it's easy. Just look at me and follow my moves, okay?"
"Okay."
They joined the women on the small dance area. Iphicles, almost smoothly, took Melora into his arms and started dancing. Joxer tried to take his lead, but in his nervousness, he didn't know what to do with his hands.
"You don't really know how to dance, do you?"
"No, not really." Joxer's face was flushed with embarassment. He just stood there, waiting for Lana to go back to her table.
"All right. It's not too hard. Do you mind if I lead?" She placed one of his hands on her shoulder and took the other in hers, placing her other hand on his waist. "Usually, men lead by showing the women where they would like them to move."
"That's okay. I'm used to women taking the lead."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. I don't mind. After all, it is Xena."
"The Warrior Princess? You know her?" Lana sounded sceptical.
"Oh yeah. We're good friends, her, me, and Gabby."
"Gabby? Oh, you mean Gabrielle."
"Yeah. Xena can be tough sometimes, but she always tries to be nice to me. At least she doesn't grab my nose like Gabby does."
The conversation continued along those lines until the song was over. The women invited the men to join them at their table, and the men happily accepted. Over several more rounds of mead, they laughed and talked about their adventures, politics, gossip, and whatever came to mind. Their fun was interrupted by the appearance of two large men.
"We're here to take the women dancing."
Melora looked them over cautiously. "We are enjoying ourselves here. Go ask someone else."
"In case you didn't notice, we weren't asking," the other said, proving he had enough brain cells for speech.
"Well, in case you haven't noticed, we're busy. So shove off!"
Each of the men grabbed one of the women and pulled them out of their seats. Within minutes, the 'discussion' had turned into a barroom brawl. Chairs and bodies flew about the room as drinks were spilled. Joxer and Iphicles crouched under the table, trying to stay out of everyone's way, drinking a couple of mugs of mead that someone had forgotten. Through the racket, they could hear a voice yell. "This is the Captain of the guard. Stop now or you will be arrested."
"Oh shit!" Iphicles spat. "I can't let the guard catch me out of the castle like this. Come on. We've got to disappear."
On their hands and knees, Joxer and Iphicles made their way towards the back of the bar unnoticed. They exited out a back door and made their way back to the castle. They snuck back in the way they snuck out: by climbing the wall outside the King's bedroom window. Once they'd closed the window behind them, they erupted in bursts of laughter, leaning on each other to keep from falling over.
They made their way towards the bed and Joxer pushed Iphicles down onto it. "I think it's bed time, Kingy," Joxer spoke, waving a finger at Iphicles. "I wouldn't be a very good protector if I let you stay up all night, now would I?" As he finished, he fell face-first into the mattress next to the King, his words turning into a light snoring. Iphicles moved him so that his head lay on the pillow, then climbed over his inert form to the other side of the bed, and promptly fell asleep.
* * *
Fruvus was a very confused man. He could have sworn the King had been alone when he'd left him the previous night. Furthermore, his sovereign and the man lying next to him reeked of mead. To his knowledge, there was no way they could have left the castle without his knowing. The whole situation was fishy and reeked almost as much as the two men. Cautiously, Fruvus shook the King awake.
"Sire, it is morning."
"Don't talk so loud. I heard you. Leave me alone." Iphicles pulled the blanket over his head, disturbing the bed's other occupant.
"Oooooohh, maybe I shoulda stopped after fifteen."
"Sirs, I think I must insist"
"Fruvus, we'll be down after we make ourselves more human. Now go!"
Fruvus left, mumbling to himself. "I knew that man would be trouble, I just knew it."
They both looked and felt as if they'd just lost a tag-team match against Xena and Hercules. Joxer was the first of the two to sit up. Immediately, he ran over to the chamber pot to empty his stomach of last night's feast. Once Iphicles rose, he felt the same need and searched for the chamber pot, which was already occupied. He threw open the window and emptied his stomach outside. Once done, he mumbled an apology to the gardener who he'd just missed and turned to make sure his friend was all right.
Joxer just smiled up at him. "I guess we had fun last night."
"We did, I think." He grinned back. He heard some noise coming from the small room next to the bedroom, and knew Fruvus must have ordered the servants to pour him a bath. He walked over to a closet and took out two robes, throwing one at Joxer. "Come one, let's get cleaned up."
Both, with subconscious modesty, undressed with their back to the other. Iphicles opened the door to the small room to see the last of the servants pouring a pail of steaming hot water into a large basin. He nodded to them as they left, then undid his robe, placing it on a nearby rack, and slowly slid into the hot water.
Joxer just stood there, eyes wide open. He'd never really seen another naked man before. Certainly, he'd changed with his brothers, but that didn't count since they looked exactly like he did. But Iphicles wasn't just any naked man. He was all lean muscle wrapped in tanned silky skin. He was every inch the King of Corinth, and Joxer found that the sight didn't disturb him as he thought it might. In fact, he enjoyed the sight before him.
Iphicles caught him staring. "Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to join me?" he flashed the man another of his grins.
Joxer nervously undid the knot that held his robe together, removing the material from his shoulders. It wasn't just that he was shy, though he was that, but he knew that next to Iphicles, he wasn't much to look at. He hurriedly hung up the robe and jumped into the tub.
"Now isn't that much better?" Iphicles noticed that while Joxer wasn't very muscular, he was very fit. His body was like the rest of him: unmistakably Joxer.
Both men just lay back, letting the water melt away all traces of the previous night's activities. Iphicles looked up when he heard a door open up behind him. "Sire," the voice, which belonged to Fruvus, spoke up. "May I assume that you and your guest are not up to eating breakfast this morning?"
"You are correct, Fruvus."
"Well then, Sire, may I remind you of your appointment with the tailor this morning? He needs your approval on a suit for this week's ball."
The King heaved a great sigh. "All right. I'll be right down." Fruvus left, closing the door behind him. "It seems like I'll be busy this morning. While I'm occupied, Joxer, feel free to explore the castle as you wish. As long as you're here, my home is yours." He rose out of the bath, using a nearby towel to dry off, then pulled on his robe to leave the room.
Once alone, Joxer tried to examine what was happening to him. He was attracted to Iphicles. But that couldn't be. This was the King of Corinth, Hercules' brotherhis friend. It was really strange because he knew he still loved Gabby. All in all, he knew he was very confused, and he decided to use these few moments of privacy to rid himself of some of his newly acquired tension. As he came, his mind was too clouded to remember which name he'd whispered.
* * *
The tailor had taken more of Iphicles' time than he had hoped, and he'd had to have his lunch during the meeting, rather than eating with Joxer in the dining room. He found he missed the company of his newest companion.
He walked through a part of the castle that was rarely, if ever used. All the rooms had been designed by his late wife, and walking the halls only brought back memories of her death. Lost in memories, he almost didn't hear the music that gently wafted out of a room at one end of the hall. When he finally registered the music, he unconsciously followed it to its source.
The music room was different from any of the other rooms in the castle. It was large enough to hold a small audience, and was designed to help the instruments produce the best sound. The music that Iphicles had been listening to was coming from a lyre that was being masterfully played by unusually graceful fingers. Noticing the King in the room, the player paused.
"Please, don't stop Joxer. That was beautiful. I never knew you could play the lyre."
"Not many people do. It's not exactly something a warrior should be able to do."
"I don't know about that. The way you play, it could be a secret weapon. They do say that music has powers to soothe the savage beast." He smiled at his newest friend. "Would you please play for me?"
Joxer heaved a sigh, then looked to the lyre. He hoped he wouldn't disappoint Iphicles as he had so many others. He closed his eyes, mentally going through all the pieces he knew. He unconsciously chose one and started playing automatically. His ordinarily clumsy fingers were quite nimble as he teased the notes from the strings, creating sounds that enveloped all of Iphicles' senses. Both men lost themselves in the music until the last notes were played.
"Thank you, Joxer. I hope you will play for me again, and soon. Come, I must meet with some officials. They are probably waiting for me by now."
The meeting was long, but the business accomplished was worthwhile. Iphicles was grateful to have Joxer at his side, even though the man didn't speak at all in front of the city's officials. For some reason, the man had a calming and comforting presence, though Iphicles wondered whether he was the only one who had noticed.
The weather was beautiful that evening, and Iphicles suggested they dine outside. Joxer loved eating outdoors. If he closed his eyes, he could imagine he was sitting around a campfire with Xena and Gabrielle. However, he preferred to keep his eyes open. From where they were dining, they had a wonderful view of the gardens. And Iphicles looked his regal self, as usual. Joxer briefly wondered if he'd ever see the man he'd spent the last evening with again, but without the mead.
"How I wish tonight was another free night," Iphicles broke the silence, giving Joxer a half-smile. "I have to meet with some of the Captains of the Guard tonight, and reassure them that the tyrant to the North is being taken care of. The last thing I want is for them to get ahead of themselves and get in my brother's way. However, I do have some free time tomorrow afternoon. Do you ride?"
"Not very often, but I can, yes."
"Then why don't we take a couple of horses from the stable tomorrow, and I can show you around Corinth?"
Joxer smiled. "All right."
Joxer tried to keep himself occupied, but eventually he grew tired and decided to retire to his room. As he opened the door, he stopped and stared. There, lying on his bed, was the lyre he had played earlier. He walked over to it and ran a hand down its length. It couldn't be for him. He wasn't worthy of such a gift.
"I thought it should belong to someone who could appreciate it," a voice said from the doorway.
"But I don't deserve it."
"Yes you do. You have been a great help to me over the last couple of days."
"But I haven't really done anything."
"Yes you have. You've been a good friend, and trust me, those are pretty hard to find."
Joxer turned around to face the man standing in the doorway. He could tell the man was sincere. Before he knew what he was doing, Joxer had walked over and wrapped his arms around Iphicles. He hoped the King couldn't see the tears that threatened to fall. "Thank you."
"You are very welcome," Iphicles returned the other man's embrace. "Now, how about playing me something before we go to bed?"
Joxer pulled away and nodded. He didn't speak, afraid his voice would break. He pulled the lyre into his arms and played a beautiful melody that stayed with Iphicles even after he'd stopped playing.
As Iphicles lay in bed, he thought back to the man in the other room. Something in his responses told the King that he wasn't used to being shown kindness. Iphicles decided it was past time for that to change.
* * *
The day was perfect. The sun was shining brightly with barely a cloud in the sky. King Iphicles and Joxer were riding through Corinth, both atop graceful chestnut mares. They often stopped for a closer examination of certain places, or simply to speak to people passing by. Iphicles was always kind and courteous, whether speaking to a noble or a peasant. Joxer couldn't help but think that, with Iphicles as King, Corinth must be one of the most wonderful cities in Greece.
It was getting late in the afternoon and they were on a far end of the city that was seperated from the castle by a forest.
"Joxer, why don't we take the scenic route home. We can stop by a stream in the forest and rest the horses for a few minutes."
"Lead on, my King."
Iphicles led him down a path through the trees. Joxer couldn't help but feel at home in the forest, having spent so much time sleeping among the trees in his travels. It wasn't long before they reached the stream Iphicles had mentioned, and both men dismounted and led their horses for a drink of cool water. They sat by the side of the stream, relaxing in the serenity of their surroundings. Iphicles, with a mischievous look, removed his boots and pulled up his pants. He then dropped his feet into the water.
"Whoa! That's cold!"
Joxer couldn't help but laugh at the expression on the other man's face. Iphicles made a great show of looking hurt, but couldn't hold it very long and soon was laughing with his friend. He looked around at the stream and admired how clear the water was. He could see right to the bottom. There were all kinds of beautifully coloured rocks and tiny minnows swimming to and fro. He spotted a stone with an interesting colour and quickly bent down to pick it up. While hunched over, he heard a strange whizzing sound. Seeing Joxer had heard the noise as well, they looked over at the other side of the stream where an arrow now stood from the dirt in which it had landed.
Joxer didn't take more than a moment to think. He grabbed Iphicles and threw him to the ground next to the horses. He reached up to his horse and took out his sword, then stood guard, ready to do his duty.
Both men turned at a noise in the trees where a man jumped down, still cloaked in the shadows.
"Joxer, move away, now!"
Iphicles didn't know who he was most scared for, him or Joxer. Then, he realized the man's voice had sounded vaguely familiar, yet he couldn't place it.
"No. He's a friend. You can't take him."
The man walked out from the shadows. Iphicles was speechless. Not only the man's voice was familiar, but his face as well. The man standing before them was a leather-clad version of Joxer.
"Jox, you know this is my job, so just get out of my way."
"This is my job too, Jett. They knew you were coming, so I was asked to watch over the King."
"They knew!" Jett's face twisted in anger. "Fuck! I knew I couldn't trust that asshole, but the money was just too tempting. How dare he put me at risk by letting slip that I was coming. I know I'm good, but still. My good name's at stake. I'll teach him not to cross Jett."
As the man turned back towards the forest, Joxer put away his sword and took a few steps forward.
"Jett, wait!"
"What?"
"It's been a while since I've seen you and Dad. Next time you pass by the jail, say hi to him for me, okay?"
Jett's dangerous demeanor was broken when he started laughing. "Dad escaped with me. He's out there somewhere, back to work. I'll see you later." He started walking away, then stopped again and turned around. "Oh, and tell the little blonde I said hi."
Once Jett had disappeared, Joxer turned back to Iphicles who was still lying on the ground, reaching out a hand to help the King up. Iphicles stood for several moments, dusting off his clothes. "Who'd have thought there would be an actual assassin out to get me?" Satisfied he was clean enough, he looked up to see Joxer staring at him quite strangely. "Joxer, what's wr" He paused, realizing what he'd said a few moments earlier. "Joxer" he said, taking a few steps towards him.
"It was all a lie, wasn't it. They just wanted me out of the way, and asked you to keep me busy. I've almost come to expect this from them, you know, but I thought you were better than that. I actually thought" He couldn't continue, closing his eyes from the pain he felt.
"Joxer"
"No. Don't say anything." He walked over to the horses and mounted. "I think we should alert the guards of this attack, Your Highness," he finally said, emphasizing the formal title.
Iphicles was at a loss for words. There was nothing he could think to say to make the situation any better. It hurt to see the pain in Joxer's eyes. What hurt even more was knowing he put it there.
They rode back to the castle together and told the guards about the assassination attempt. Once they had been alerted, Joxer left and closed himself into his room. He didn't show up to dinner, and Iphicles asked Fruvus to have some food brought up to his room. Iphicles went through the business of the evening quite mechanically, his mind still on the events of the afternoon.
On his way to bed, Iphicles stopped by Joxer's room and knocked at the door. "Joxer, it's Iphicles. Will you please come out and talk to me?" After several minutes without an answer, the King retired to his room.
Joxer sat in his room, running his hand along the wooden handle of the lyre Iphicles had given him. His entire face was red, and his cheeks shone with the tracks of his tears. "I really thought you were different. I though you were really my friend. I guess I should have known better. I'm so worthless even Gabrielle can't go an hour without insulting me. What made me think a King would want me around?" He lay back, still mumbling to himself until he finally fell asleep.
* * *
The following morning passed much as the night previous. Joxer had not left his room, not even to eat. Fruvus still brought food up to the young man's room, making certain he wouldn't starve.
Iphicles was worried. He'd come to appreciate his growing friendship with Joxer. The man treated him as his friend, rather than his King. He missed him already. He didn't want their friendship to end so suddenly. There had to be a way to get through to him. But first, he had to get Joxer to open his door. All of a sudden, an idea came to him. He only hoped it worked.
He walked up to the hallway outside his and Joxer's rooms. He took a long, steadying breath before he started speaking loudly.
"Oh, Joxer! There you are. I'm so glad you finally decided to comeWait! You're not Joxer, are you. You're that assassin brother of his! Guards! Guards!"
Within moments, the door to Joxer's room swung open and out rushed Joxer, sword in hand. He looked around and saw no trace of Jett, only Iphicles. Grimacing, he turned and rushed back into his room.
Iphicles moved fast and stuck his foot in the door as Joxer was closing it.
"I guess you just haven't had enough, have you. You just had to go have some more fun with the fool. Well I'm sick of it. I'm not a clown whose purpose is to entertain you!"
"I know Joxer. I'm sorry, but it's the only way I could think of to get you to open the door for me." Iphicles opened the door further and walked into the room, closing the door behind him. "I need to talk to you. I'd really like the chance to apologize and try to make up for what's happened."
Joxer looked up at the other man, trying to decide whether or not his words were sincere. He looked into Iphicles' eyes, which seemed to be pleading with him. He decided the King was genuine, yet Joxer still felt he needed some answers. "Why?"
"I don't have many friends around here, REAL friends I mean. No one thinks of you as a person when you're the King. You were different. You took the time to get to know me and treat me like just another man. I've come to think of you as a friend, and I don't want that to stop. I simply thought I was doing my brother a favour. I guess I thought that I could be doing you a favour too, especially since I know what it's like to live in the shadow of heroes."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, as you know, I haven't always been the King of Corinth. That's very recent. Growing up was really rough. It was always Hercules this and Hercules that. He was the son of Zeus, and I was just another mortal. You just don't know what that's like until you go through it."
"I know what you mean. My father was this great warlord, still is. You can just imagine how he felt about having a son that could barely defend himself, especially with an over-achieving brother like Jett. And don't get me started on the story with my brother Jace"
The two men sat on the bed, talking and complaining about their families and childhoods, laughing at each other's triumphs and comforting each other's pain. Many of the leftover scars each man carried were healed by their understanding. Their bonding was eventually interrupted by a knocking at the door.
"Yes? Come in!"
"Pardon me, Joxer, but I was wondering if you'd seenOh, you are here Your Highness!"
"Yes Fruvus. What is it?"
"It's time for dinner, Sire."
"We'll be right down."
"Yes Sire." Fruvus left closing the door behind him.
"You feel up to going down for supper, Joxer?"
"I think so." Joxer smiled as they left, glad to have his friend back.
Over supper, Iphicles brought up the subject of the upcoming ball. "It's going to be quite a night. Nobles from all over the country will be here. You'll have to see the tailor tomorrow to make sure he doesn't have to make any further adjustments on your suit before nightfall."
"My suit? You mean I get to go?"
"Of course you do. I planned on it from the very beginning. When the tailor first took your measurements, I told him to make a suit for the ball as well as your other clothing."
"Thank you. Not just for this, but for everything."
"Anything for one of my friends." They smiled, and Iphicles began telling Joxer about each of the nobles he would meet the coming night.
The rest of the evening went by smoothly. Iphicles, with Joxer at his side, went around the castle making last minute decisions about the ball. They finally wished each other a good night and slept safe in the knowledge that the other was but a short walk away.
* * *
The following day was full of excitement. Servants, under Fruvus' careful supervision, were rushing from one end of the castle to the other making arrangements for the coming nobles. Iphicles had barely seen Joxer all day, each being occupied by a different aspect of the preparations.
By early evening, the first of the nobles had begun to arrive in all their glamour. Iphicles watched from his window as he began dressing. In all truth, he hated such events. It was nothing but an opportunity for everyone to show off how much better they thought they were than the average person. Furthermore, his dress suit was extremely uncomfortable in the worst places, though the deep blue and gold looked very good on him.
When most of the guests had arrived, Iphicles was announced to the crowd and entered the ballroom, greeting his guests and acknowledging their applause. He walked up to his throne and sat, looking over the room for the one face he sought. There was Joxer, leaning against a far wall, looking rather uncomfortable surrounded by so much nobility. Iphicles hoped this wasn't a mistake, though he did notice Joxer looked quite good in his emerald green suit with silver trim. If only he would stand a little straighter, Joxer might even pass for royalty.
With one hand signal, Iphicles ordered the musicians to begin playing. The crowd began pairing up and gliding across the floor. He did his duty, dancing with several noblewomen, always noticing that Joxer never left his place along the wall. Excusing himself from a dance, he walked over to his friend.
"What do you think of the ball thus far?"
"Everyone looks so nice. They're so graceful I don't belong here."
"Sure you do. I have an idea. Why don't you play a song with the band over there? I think I saw an extra lyre lying around."
"No, I couldn't. Not here, in front of all these people"
"Yes you can. Please?" Iphicles looked at Joxer, giving him one of his best puppy dog pouts. Joxer didn't have the power to resist that look.
"All right. All right. I'll do it."
Smiling, Iphicles led Joxer over to the musicians. Joxer found the extra lyre and began settling down, tuning it. Unexpectedly, Iphicles motioned he crowd to silence.
"I would like to thank you all for coming. And now I would like to treat you to a special performance. A visiting friend of mine has quite the talent for music, and I have asked him to play the lyre for us. Joxer?"
Joxer looked up and saw the entire crowd looking at him expectantly. He decided at that moment he would have to get his revenge somehow. At the very least, Iphicles owed him for this. He took a deep, steadying breath, and began playing.
The crowd was almost as entranced as Iphicles had been. They considered themselves to be the best judges of talent and, in all their experiences with musicians, they'd heard very few who could play with the emotion that Joxer brought forth. When he finally finished, the crowd erupted in applause. Iphicles came forth as he stood up, and wrapped him tightly in his arms. "Thank you."
Iphicles brought Joxer around to meet some of the guests, who had nothing but complements for his musical skills. Joxer was beaming from all the complements. As a couple approached them, Joxer barely heard Iphicles make a sound almost like a growl.
"What is it?"
"The King and Queen of Thrace," Iphicles whispered. "They have got to be the most arrogant, snobbish"
Iphicles stopped when the couple came up to them.
"So this is the young man who played for us. It was quite entertaining, Jester." The Queen's voice reminded Joxer of a snake's hiss -- full of venom.
"My name is Joxer, Your Highness."
"Oh yes, Joxer," she said his name as if it had left a bad taste in her mouth. "Pray tell, you are obviously not of noble blood. What is it you do?"
"I am a warrior, ma'am."
"Ah, a warrior. And I suppose you've even battled Hercules then," she mocked him.
"Actually, he's a good friend of mine. But I spend most of my time travelling with Xena and Gabrielle."
"Well, I guess every Princess, even a Warrior Princess, needs a lap dog."
Iphicles had had enough. "Your Highness, Joxer is a friend of mine and a guest in the kingdom of Corinth. Any affront to him is an affront to me. If you do not care for the company I keep, then I will not prevent you from returning to your kingdom."
The King decided to speak in defence of his Queen. "King Iphicles, the company you keep is a direct reflection upon Corinth. If you wish to keep company with vagrants, then we have little choice than to react."
"Joxer is no vagrant. He is an honourable man, to whom I owe my life. As I said, if you do not like the company I keep, you can leave."
The thracian nobles harumphed, then turned and left. Joxer looked over at Iphicles, gratitude showing in his eyes. "Thanks."
"No problem. I've been wanting to tell them off for ages now. Come on, let's try and enjoy what's left of the night."
Iphicles found the night was more enjoyable with Joxer at his side. They went around the room, talking to the King of such and such place, and the Lord of that place. Iphicles even convinced Joxer to ask a Princess to dance, which he did, thanking himself that that amazon was a good teacher.
That night they both went to bed smiling and laughing at the events of the evening.
* * *
The next day was quite restful. Iphicles always relaxed the day after balls, knowing how they seemed to suck the energy right out of him. It was while he and Joxer were having lunch that Fruvus came in to interrupt with the news he'd hoped to avoid as long as possible.
"Sire, your brother, Hercules, and his companions have returned."
Iphicles looked over at Joxer and sighed. This would mean Joxer would soon be leaving, and Iphicles was already missing him.
"We will meet them in the throne room."
Fruvus tactfully left the dining room.
"You must be happy your friends are back."
"Yeah, I guess. I'm going to miss Corinth, though."
"Well, you're welcome back to visit any time."
"Really?"
"Of course."
"Then would you mind me keeping the lyre here for me to play when I come visit? I don't want to damage it on the road."
"Certainly. I guess we'd better go before they start wondering where we are."
Upon entering the trhone room, Iphicles and Joxer greeted their friends. They weren't injured over their adventure, but they had gotten pretty dirty. With the pleasantries out of the way, Hercules and Xena spoke with Iphicles.
"We decided to bring the warlord here for punishment, since he was attacking a short distance outside your borders."
"That and we know your dungeons are known for not letting prisoners escape, brother."
"Where is he now?"
"The guards are holding him out in the hall, waiting for your command."
The King walked over to his throne and motioned the others to follow. Once they were all standing by him, he called out to the guards.
"Bring in the prisoner."
Six guards came in with the struggling warlord. He was dressed in black leather and definitely wasn't young, with gray streaks through his once brown hair. He had a trail of blood on his chin that came from a cut on his lower lip. Iphicles heard Joxer gasp beside him and thought the man must not like the sight of blood.
"What is your name, prisoner?"
The warlord didn't answer, but only stared at a point off to Iphicles' side.
"I demand you answer to me, prisoner, or I will be forced to punish you further."
The warlord spoke, but the words were not what Iphicles had expected.
"What are you doing here?"
Before he knew what the warlord meant, Iphicles heard Joxer speak from beside him and realized that it was Joxer who the warlord had been looking at.
"These are my friends."
"Friends? You don't have any friends. What could these people see in a worthless piece of dung like you."
"The prisoner will shut his mouth," Iphicles spoke as he stepped forward, but he was stopped by Joxer's hand on his arm.
"It's all right, Iphicles. I'm used to it."
"Joxer, strangers shouldn't talk to each other like that, especially prisoners."
"He's not a stranger," Joxer replied. "He's Janus, my father."
"What?!" This time Iphicles' thoughts were echoes by the other four.
"I told you my father was a warlord."
The other took a few moments looking from Joxer to Janus, trying to see the resemblance (which they didn't).
"What are you going to do with him, Iphicles?"
"I'm going to have to put him in jail, Joxer. I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I know what he does is wrong, but he IS my father."
"I'll make sure he's well treated."
"Thank you."
After Janus was taken away, Iphicles invited the others to stay at the palace overnight. Hercules accepted, but Xena and Gabrielle had to leave on another mission. Joxer was torn. He wanted to stay another night at least, but he knew if he didn't go with Xena and Gabrielle, then it might take a long time to catch up to them.
Joxer rushed back to his room and quickly packed his few possessions. He decided he'd change into his armour on the road so as not to hold up Xena and Gabby. He got back to the throne room just as Iphicles was saying his goodbyes to the women. Joxer came up to him and placed a hand on his arm.
"I'll be going with them."
Iphicles turned and wrapped Joxer up in a hug. "I'll miss you. Who else will take me out to the taverns?"
"That just means I'll have to come back often enough. Someone needs to help you relax a bit."
The others looked on, amused at the apparent affection the men had for each other. They let go and Joxer began walking away with Xena and Gabrielle. Just as he reached the door, he turned around.
"Oh, and Iphy, let me know if Jett comes back, and I'll have to have a talk with him."
After watching Joxer pass through the doorway, Iphicles turned to see the dirty look Hercules was giving Iolaus.
"Well, Herc," Iolaus began, "isn't it ironic, dontcha think?"
Iphicles pulled them away through a doorway. "You two can tell me all about it over dinner."
* * *
Months later
Iphicles' dinner was interrupted by Fruvus bringing a message.
"Fruvus, you know I don't like to do any kind of business at mealtimes."
"Sire, this isn't business, and I knew you would want to read this message the moment it arrived."
Iphicles unrolled the scroll and smiled as he read the words it contained.
Dear Iphy
Xena and Gabby have left for some place called India for a while, and I thought I would come and visit you while they're away. I should arrive within a couple of days after this message gets to you. Have my lyre and your disguise ready -- I'm in a really good mood.
Your friend,
Joxer the Mighty
"Fruvus, will you"
"The servants are already preparing his room, Sire."
"It will be good to see him again."
"Yes Sire." Fruvus left before Iphicles could see the smile on his face. He was glad to see his sovereign so happy. Now it only they could find him a new lover
Click Here to Read the Sequel -- Joxer and the King
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