I've been looking all over for you, Iolaus.
If we're going to make it to my mother's by sundown, we better get going. Come on.
Iolaus, are you all right?
Got a message from Hector.
- And Hector would be? - He's the aide to my cousin.
You know, the one that's a king?
Oh, yeah, King Orestes...
and Queen Niobe.
- Yeah. Are they doing well? - Yes and no.
Okay, why don't we start with the "yes" part first?
They've come up with a scheme to bring peace to the kingdoms in the area.
- Peace is good. - Now they're going to Garantus to talk to King Xenon.
Ah, this is were the "no" part comes in. Yeah.
He's been the cause of all the trouble lately.
Orestes must be aware of all this.
I'm sure he's taking precautions-- security, backup.
Hector and Linus.
Two people. That's it?
Yeah. That's what the message is about.
Hector thinks Xenon's gonna try and pull something.
Uh, this is about something else, isn't it?
Yeah, yeah, it is.
- Niobe. - Niobe.
Iolaus, you're both adults. I'm sure you can handle it.
Well, that's just it, Hercules. I don't know if I can.
Iolaus, I know how you feel about her,
and I know it won't be easy to face somebody that you love and can't have,
but if something did happen to her or to your cousin...
could you live with that?
Yeah, you're right. I couldn't live with that.
Then you should go.
- You want me to come with? - I think I should do this by myself.
Okay.
[ Neighing ]
Come on!
Forgive me, Orestes,
but the changes you've made in our proposal...
make you seem naive.
It's naive to trust? No.
But I don't think trust is enough.
Then what is the point?
What is the sense in having a league of kingdoms? Peace takes trust.
It also takes enforcement.
Paying a price for breaking the peace.
Men like Xenon and Phaedron, they're soldiers, that's all they understand.
That's not all I understand!
I know these men as well as you do, Niobe.
Then why did you take the toughness out of what I wrote?
Because you don't tame a lion by provoking it.
I know what I'm doing.
[ Chattering ] [ Barking ]
Good day.
[ Woman Groans ] [ Man ] You'll be sorry.
Come on. Leave me alone. Please, somebody help me.
Hey, hey! You heard her!
- [ Groans ] - Leave her alone.
[ Yelling ] Hi!
[ Groans ]
[ Grunts ] [ Groans ]
Hah. Guess you guys aren't cut out for this, huh?
[ Groans ] [ Laughs ]
You're scrappier than I thought, King Orestes.
I think I'll have to up the ransom, to make up for my pain and suffering.
- [ Kick Landing ] - [ Grunts ]
Sad excuse for royalty, ain't he?
[ Man Narrating ] This is the story of a time long ago,
a time of myth and legend,
when the ancient gods were petty and cruel,
and they plagued mankind with suffering.
Only one man dared to challenge their power--
Hercules.
Hercules possessed a strength the world had never seen,
a strength surpassed only by the power of his heart.
He journeyed the earth, battling the minions of his wicked stepmother, Hera,
the all-powerful queen of the gods.
But wherever there was evil,
wherever an innocent would suffer,
there would be... Hercules.
- [ Screeching ] - [ Roaring ]
Hail!
[ Man ] Now let me see...
does "assassinate" have two S's or three?
Guys, I'm not who you think I am.
I'm not King Orestes. Yeah, right.
And I'm not Choleus and he's not Cleitus!
Fool! You told him our names.
Hey!
[ Groans ]
[ Grunts ] [ Groans ]
- [ Yells ] - [ Groans ] - [ Grunts ]
Get him! No, you get him!
You guys should work on your people skills.
I haven't got time for this.
[ Chattering ]
How many horizons does it take to make a world?
I don't know, King Xenon. Two?
I want all the horizons, Boron.
I want the world.
Why would the gods have put such thoughts into my head...
were they not approving the consequences?
Have you made the final arrangements?
At the first dark of the sun. Excellent.
Orestes is a stupid man.
This league of kingdoms idea can't be his. It's too creative.
It's got to be Niobe.
[ Orestes ] Our common enemies feed on the conflict between us.
We must unite as allies.
All peace requires is trust.
And what says his beautiful queen?
My husband and I share the same objectives, Your Highness.
And I share them too.
But a mere scroll of parchment seems a flimsy battlement...
from which to ensure and protect this peace-- don't you think?
It's never...
for me to answer for my king.
It's a unique idea. I'll consider it.
In the meantime, I have a surprise.
Tomorrow is the Feast of the Dark Sun.
We shall be stalking the great stag deer of Garantus,
and I look forward to you joining us on the hunt.
Be careful, Sire, this could be a trap.
- Is there a problem? - No, no.
Absolutely not. I would be honored.
We will, of course, be joining our king on this hunt.
Oh, only royalty participate-- tradition, you know.
Does this invitation extend to me?
Does the queen enjoy the hunt?
Niobe is one of the finest archers in our kingdom.
Really? I'm impressed, but hunting the stag is...
a guy thing.
Can't you see what Xenon is doing?
You could be in grave danger.
It's a hunt, nothing more. Accidents happen on hunts--
-Fatal accidents. - So, now you're worried about me?
Well, I'm touched.
That's not fair, Orestes.
You've always had my respect and my loyalty.
What about your passion, Niobe?
Will I ever have that?
Hmm. [ Snickers ]
[ Man ] And he said, "It's not a sacred sign. I just spilled some wine!"
[ Men Laughing ]
[ Slurping ] Wait for me, sir! Thanks.
[ Man # 1 ] This is the second time this week I worked a late shift!
[ Man # 2 ] It's because of King Orestes' visit.
- King Orestes? - Hi.
What are you doing in this part of the castle?
Why are you wearing those clothes?
Oh.
Mmm.
Yum. Mm-hmm.
[ Women Laughing ]
[ Bleating ] [ Laughs ]
- Huh? - [ Bleats ]
Um--
Not a word of this to anyone. No, Sire--
I mean, yes, Sire. Off you go.
[ Sighs ]
Ah-ah! Go, go!
Phew!
Do you think Iolaus got the message?
If he'd gotten it, he'd be here.
Unless he chose not to help us. Refuse to help?
That's not Iolaus.
[ Grunting ] That's Iolaus. Hey!
Hector! Linus! Good to see Somebody I know!
We were just talking about you. How are you?
Well, I'm fine. You know, uh, beat, long journey.
[ Sighs ] So, how's Cousin Orestes?
- What? - Well,
King Xenon is taking Orestes on a hunt tomorrow morning.
You'll be there to watch his back?
There'll be no one to watch his back or his front.
Xenon talked him into going alone.
[ Sighs ] I've gotta talk to Orestes now.
[ Niobe ] I'm going to bed. [ Orestes ] Fine.
You don't write. You don't send messengers!
- [ Sighs ] Iolaus. - [ Laughing ]
Iolaus.
- What brings you, cousin? - The same thing that brings you here.
Your peace plan. Hector thinks your life may be in danger.
I know you're doing this for my welfare,
and I appreciate it,
but I'm a king!
I'm not a frightened rabbit.
I'm going to go on this hunt...
alone.
But, Orest-- [ Softly ] It's all right.
[ Man ] Keep an eye open for that stag.
[ Man #2 ] I'll look over here on the left.
[ Man #3 ] I'll go with him.
[ Man #1 ] You see anything yet? [ Man #2 ] Nothing here.
Ah!
Oh, very finely crafted, Orestes.
Oh, yes. Thank you.
They were a gift from my father. No others like them.
Your Highness, the stag's been spotted coming this way!
Excellent! The darkening of the sun will soon be upon us.
Good hunting, Orestes.
Orestes! Behind you!
- [ Grunts ] - [ Groans ]
Orestes!
[ Groaning ]
Orestes, hold on. I'll take you back. [ Gasps ] No.
It's pointless.
Don't say that. Come on, be strong.
Cousin, be the king.
Make my plan succeed.
Yeah, sure, sure. It's not important now.
Iolaus, I gave my life for it.
[ Gasps ]
- Orestes. - Hi.
- You okay? - Uh, yeah, nature called.
Actually, it was screaming.
[ Sighs ] Something wrong?
- I thought I heard a noise. - Yeah, yeah, I heard that too.
Somebody bag the stag?
- No, not yet. - Well, let's get to it.
Hey, tell you what. You like my fancy arrows,
one of mine against one of yours says I get the stag.
You're on. It's a bet.
Good. Right.
[ Man #1 ] Make way for the kings!
[ Man #2 ] Good hunt, Sire!
[ Man #3 ] Quite a stag!
Orestes, thank you.
A pleasure beating you, Orestes.
[ Muttering ] [ Growling ]
[ Men Shouting ]
Get in there!
Phew! For a moment there, I thought--
Who cares what I thought? Results, right?
That's what counts.
You should have seen it, Your Highness.
Perfect aim. Perfect Shot. [ Imitating Arrow Flying ]
[ Making Thudding Noise ] Deader than moat water.
[ Laughing ]
[ Laughing Continues ]
- In the pit! - The pit?
You're throwing me in the pit? [ Xenon ] Only out of the goodness of my heart.
What for? I did my job. I killed him!
Really? Then who's the man who came back from the hunt?
Who gave me one of his arrows?
Who looked, breathed, walked and talked exactly like Orestes?
I don't know. There was another guy there. Maybe he could tell you.
Another guy?
I didn't get a good look at him. Must've been his bodyguard.
- He killed my partner. - Orestes had a man with him and against the rules.
I'm impressed.
I'm telling you, I killed him. [ Barking ]
Yeah! I did!
Okay, look, I'll give you a freebie. [ Barking ]
Two killings for the price of one.
If he's not dead, I'll kill him again. [ Barking ]
Ooh! Nice doggie. I have an idea.
Release him! [ Groans ]
[ Barking ] [ Moaning ]
Until I see you in Attica, long live the king.
Yes, long live the king.
Good-bye, my king.
I know this might not be the best time to talk about this, but...
are you going to continue as King Orestes?
I don't know if I can. You already have.
If Xenon suspected anything, we'd all be dead by now.
He believes you are Orestes. I'm not worried about Xenon.
Hector, would you leave us, please?
I'll be in my quarters.
You mustn't feel you let Orestes down.
I don't-- I do, but I don't.
[ Sighs ] It goes deeper.
- I know that. - Do you?
In the last night we spent together,
my husband asked for my passion.
I couldn't give it.
I couldn't give what I didn't feel.
Niobe, we can't go there.
This isn't the time.
You're right.
I must put everything aside for now...
and finish what Orestes started.
Whatwestarted.
I ask you to help me...
in his memory.
You know,
when this is all over,
I have to leave.
I won't ask you to stay.
I want to do everything I can to help, but--
Do you understand?
Of course I do.
So, do you think Xenon will support your peace plan?
I don't know what to expect from him.
Expect the unexpected.
- What? - I will support your peace plan.
Well, that's great news. There is a condition.
[ Iolaus ] Yes?
Your plan is to continue on to Marathon to see Phaedron,
and then to Orlon, Casseter and Thebes, right?
- It's not etched in stone. - But I like it. I want to accompany you there.
- [ Laughs Lightly ] -Xenon,
you're not suggesting I can't do this thing by myself, are you?
Oh, perish the thought, Orestes,
but I know King Phaedron.
He's a taciturn old warrior with a spider's web for a mind.
If he sees you've persuaded a cynic like me to come in support of the plan,
I think this could be very convincing, right?
- Good point. - And will the wise king be coming alone?
[ Chuckles ] I'll have my usual contingent.
-You'll bring Hector and Linus? -Linus had to return to Attica.
Uh, personal reasons.
Oh, oh, when shall we leave for Marathon?
Well, it's a short trip. How about now?
- Now? - Yes, why wait?
You improvise. Good. Let's do it!
[ Sighs ]
[ Neighing ]
[ Sighs ]
[ Man ] Hyah!
[ Laughing ]
[ Niobe ] Good night. Good night, all.
Give me a moment.
[ Grunts, Groans ]
Nice shot.
A little bit off to the left, I think.
Oh, well, I won't tell.
So many bandits.
No one is safe. Bandits, yeah.
Xenon.
Thank you.
[ Sighs ]
- Niobe? - All right.
What's wrong? Xenon just saved my life.
What? How?
The same guy that killed Orestes just tried to kill me.
Xenon stopped him. Are you sure it was the assassin?
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm sure.
Could we have been wrong about Xenon?
That's what he wants us to think.
Nothing disarms like gratitude.
[ Sighs ]
Well, I better get some rest. I'm beat.
Whoa.
- [ Sighs ] - [ Sighs ]
Uh, I'm, uh, gonna sleep here.
In case of any, uh, trouble.
That's not necessary.
You won't sleep a wink.
We can do this, Iolaus.
Yeah, I guess we have to.
Yes.
[ Sighs ]
Here. Try one of these.
I need some air.
[ Sighs ]
[ Sighs, Grunts ]
[ Sighs, Growls ]
King Orestes.
It's morning, Your Highness. [ Groans ]
Your Highness? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Yeah, I'm awake, Hector.
[ Sighs ] You sleep all right?
Well enough. You? Oh, terrible.
Your Highness, we'll be in Marathon by midday.
I must speak with you before then.
- Yeah, yeah, Hector, uh-- - There's not much time, Sire.
[ Grunts ] If worry was wealth, he'd own the world.
Okay, Hector, come on. This better be good.
King Phaedron is a little... quirky.
It works like this: You speak to me.
I speak to Phaedron's state minister,
andheconveys your thoughts to Phaedron.
I can talk to Phaedron. I'm a king-- as far as he's concerned.
We're equals.
In Phaedron's mind he's first among equals.
We're in his kingdom, Iolaus. We need his cooperation.
But it's crazy. So is Phaedron.
No one's spoken directly to him for 30 years.
He's a volatile, violent old man.
Well, how bad can it be?
A temper tantrum? I can handle that.
[ Scoffs ] The last person to speak directly to Phaedron...
was Prince Vargus of Macadamia.
Phaedron got so mad, he sacked Vargus's capital and cut off his--
Well, you know what they grow in Macadamia.
Oh, well...
it's his kingdom-- he can make the rules.
It's only fair. Cut off his--
- [ Snipping Sound ] - Oh.
[Iolaus ] In an effort-- [ Growling ]
to break the long tradition of hostilities and mistrust...
between our kingdoms--
In an effort to break the long traditions...
of hostility and mistrust between our kingdoms--
In an effort-- Right, right, right!
[ Repeating Rapidly ]
And those of our neighboring kings--
And those-- I get it!
Phaedron, this is ridiculous. Halt.
[ Grumbling ]
What is good for my people is good for your people.
- Hmm! - And that goes for King Nemus and Marcus--
-All of our neighbors. - What's your point?
Allies instead of enemies.
Prosperity for all our people.
Look, we have a beef, we talk about it instead of going to war.
We look out for each other.
What a catastrophically simplistic idea.
[ Scoffs ]
[ Scoffs Louder ]
[ Laughing ] Ooh!
[ Laughing Continues ] [ Chatter ]
- Why didn't you think of it? - But I did, Sire.
You'll remember the tru--
I-I did! Just the other day!
[ Yelling, Indistinct ]
I like it, Orestes.
By Zeus, I like it.
We will do it! Let's eat!
Yeah! Let's eat!
You remind me of your father.
A good man. Always stood his ground.
Uh, I've been wondering. Um, why do you--
I mean, you don't have to tell me. It's none of my business.
Why act like I'm crazy? Maybe I am.
It started as a little joke that got out of hand.
After a while, I grew to like it. It took on a life of its own.
[ Scoffs ] Besides, it saves me having to listen to a lot of pointless prattle.
[ Laughs ] Food! Give me some food!
[ Clears Throat ]
I was proud of you today. You were?
Mmm. The way you faced King Phaedron,
got right to the heart of the matter.
You make a good king.
You make a beautiful queen.
Well, got a busy day tomorrow.
No.
No what?
I can't pretend any longer, Iolaus.
If you won't say the words, I will.
I love you.
I've loved you since-- Since the first time I saw you.
[ Sighs ] And I thought...
maybe if I just never saw you again...
I could live with just the memory, but...
I love you, Niobe.
[ Sighs ]
Iolaus. Hmm?
I know I said I wouldn't ask you,
but things are different now.
We've unwrapped the gift.
Why not share it as it should be shared?
Stay with me, Iolaus.
Be my king. [ Sighs ]
You know, this gift-- our gift--
it can be shared another way.
What if I asked you to come with me?
Could you give all this up and live my life?
[ Crashing ]
King Orestes, I'm placing you under arrest...
for the attempted murder of King Phaedron.
Come on!
Stop this! It's a mistake!
Who accuses me? Let him do it to my face!
Not a problem.
Meet your accuser. This is one of your arrows, isn't it?
It was pulled from King Phaedron's back.
I gave you that arrow.
You don't wear desperation well, Orestes. It doesn't become you.
I know what you're doing, Xenon, and it won't work...
because I won't let it!
Of course you won't because you die tomorrow!
No! Okay, I'm a fair man-- day after tomorrow.
You can't do this. But that's the beauty of it-- I can.
No visitors!
It's not that I mind-- Excuse me!
Aren't you Illegibus, King Phaedron's physician?
Yes, King Xenon, how can I help you?
How is Phaedron? He will survive? I've bled his wound...
and covered it with wolfsbane.
He's strong, but he's not a young man.
Is he still unconscious? Yes.
Now, if you'll excuse me.
Since you're not family, I'd rather not say any more.
I'm Niobe, Queen of Attica.
I must see Queen Euriana.
Please, I must see her.
Let me pass.
Come see our new tapestry, my dear.
Shh. The guards have ears.
Your Highness, please forgive me for intruding,
but Orestes didn't-- Oh, I know.
I know Orestes did not try and kill my husband.
[ Sighs ] How? The eyes.
Word confuse, hearts cheat,
but the eyes never lie.
Your husband has the eyes of a good man, Niobe.
- Will you help me? - Euriana!
Of course. Oh.
Euriana! Excuse me.
Hello, George. [ Grunts ]
Queen Niobe is here to see her husband, Orestes.
But, Your Majesty, I was told no visitors. Who gave you this order?
Well, King Xenon.
Phaedron is your king, not Xenon.
When Phaedron is absent, I am his voice. Would you open the cell?
-Yes, Your Majesty. -[ Lock Turning, Door Opening ]
But no funny stuff-- that's King Phaedron's rule.
What are you still doing here? I'm not leaving you.
Listen to me. I've got a plan, okay? I'm gonna be fine.
But your people need you. It's your destiny, Niobe.
- And yours. - Your destiny, my fate-- big difference.
- May I kiss him good-bye? - Well, um--
Of course.
Compliments of Queen Euriana.
[ Grunting ] Uh, excuse me.
- Hmm? - Uh, it came undone.
Here, you may need this.
[ Grunting, Groaning ]
[ Yelling ]
[ Yells ] [ Groans ]
What about me? I'll send someone.
Oh!
It's done. Euriana arranged it. We're leaving now.
Great. Just when I was getting settled in.
Did you get the horses? I couldn't.
There are guards all over the place.
King Mecius, King Nemus, King Marcus, are all here.
They're here? We were supposed to go and meet them.
[ Men Yelling ] Xenon's gonna kill them.
There you go.
Take good care of these.
Xenon. How are you? Ah, good to see you.
Welcome, King Macarina.
Good to see you, Xenon! Back off!
Hector. Iolaus.
I can't do this.
Of course you can do it.
You taught Orestes how to shoot. My point exactly.
He couldn't hit the ground with his hat.
I'm counting on you, old friend.
This is the only way it can work for all of us.
Hmm.
Ready? Is the world flat?
[ Laughs Softly ] Mmm. I love you.
I know. I love you too.
Trust me.
I do.
My friends, fellow kings,
This momentous occasion is darkened...
by a cowardly attack on King Phaedron's life.
[ Chattering ]
But the man responsible, Orestes of Attica, was caught.
He's in the dungeon as we speak, awaiting his fate.
- It seems our fates are tied together. - [ Gasps, Chatter ]
[ Grunts ] Orestes, you'll die for this.
Xenon's flunky, Boron, tried to kill King Phaedron by Xenon's order.
- That is absurd. - All my eight arrows were numbered.
The one that wounded Phaedron is the one I gave to you.
Where's the evidence? Where is this arrow?
My queen found it in Boron's pack.
He's lying, Sire! I never put the arrow in-- Boron, you moron!
-[ Chatter ] - What are you waiting for? Kill him!
- [ Groans ] - Ooh!
[ Grunting, Groaning ]
[ Yelling ]
[ Grunting, Yelling ]
[ Yelling ]
[ Grunting, Yelling ]
Orestes! Take this!
[ Yelling, Groaning ]
Get in there!
[ Groans ]
- You die, Orestes! - I don't think so.
[ Grunting ]
[ Gasping ]
Help him!
My king! No, please. No, no, Your Highness!
- Oh! - I'm sorry.
No! No! No!
[ Sobbing ] No!
[ Neighing ]
[ Whinnies ]
Niobe, I--
Iolaus, why do this?
I tried to leave, Hector.
She has a right to know.
I think I understand. I hope she will.
Here. Give this to your cousin, Illegibus.
A souvenir with my thanks.
Okay. Good-bye, my friend.
Niobe, I'm--
I'm so sorry. How could you?
You let me believe you were killed.
I-I thought it would be easier.
I never wanted easiest. I wanted you.
Niobe, you're a queen. Well, look at me. I'm--
They all believed you were Orestes.
For a week, maybe, but not for a lifetime.
The best I ever was was with you.
Oh, Niobe.
I will always love you. Nothing will ever change that.
But it has to be this way. You have great work ahead.
And, in time--
Don't say it.
Don't.
I won't forget.
It was almost easier believing you were dead.
But it wasn't the truth.
[ Grunting ]
Hercules!
Ah, Iolaus! Welcome back.
Thanks. It's good to be back.
So, how was it? Like I expected.
There was trouble, but it sorted itself out.
Yeah. How's Niobe?
Niobe was--
She was royalty.
Uh, wanna give me a hand here?
Yeah, sure. Thanks.
Why is it every time you visit your mother, they make you work?
That's what mothers are for, isn't it?
Yeah. [ Both Laughing ]
Good to have you back, Iolaus.