The night sky is clear and black save for the cold luminescence of the thin crescent moon. Gathered around a raging bonfire are about two dozen figures shrouded in black hooded robes. They stand facing the flames, chanting strange, unintelligible words. One cloaked shape steps closer to the blaze, raising his arms up into the darkness.

"Soon the night of all nights will be upon us," he calls out, silencing the others. "And Garoth shall rise up to lead his loyal followers."

"We must have a proper sacrifice waiting for his arrival. Come Brothers, on to Amityus," he commands in a chilling tone. "There we will secure offerings for the Great One." He drops his arms toward the fire, a burst of flames shoot up suddenly and then all light is extinguished. The anonymous figures murmur their assent and fade into the blackness of the forest.

It is the same black sky and glowing sliver of moon, but a different, smaller, campfire. Iolaus is sitting on a log, poking idly at the flames. Hercules is lying on his back, his arms extended up, his hands cushioning the back of his head.

Both heroes silently watch the sparks with sleepy eyes until an owl hoots nearby. The Golden Hunter jumps in surprise, literally falling off his perch.

Hercules raises one eyebrow at his partner. "Okay, what's wrong Iolaus? You've been a bundle of nerves all day."

"I know, Herc," the little hero sighs. "It's just this time of year." He stares into the spooky darkness of the forest. "Weird things always happen around," he hesitates before whispering, "Samhain."

"You know - that night each year when the spirits are closest to the living world." Iolaus speaks in a hush tone.

"Well Herc, you can't deny that strange things always seem to happen between the Autumnal Equinox and the Winter Solstice."

"There was that run in with Arachne," Iolaus shivers at the memory. "And your trouble with the Egyptian Mummy." The blonde hunter is warming up to the challenge. "Oh, and how about our trip to Dacia - Vlad and the Strigoi." Confident that his point has been made, Iolaus stretches out next to the fire to sleep.

It is a bright, sunny autumn day. Dappled light illuminates a wooded path. Heavy breathing accompanied by pounding footfalls can be heard in the background. Brown leather boots come racing down the dirt track. Tucked into the tall boots are the familiar waffle weave leather pants. A shirtless Hercules is running through the forest.

The demigod charges up to the remnants of the previous night's camp and pulls up short. He stares down in dismay. His partner lies curled next to the ashes of their fire. He is sleeping peacefully, an almost beatific smile on his face.

Hercules clears his throat. The hunter continues to slumber. The half god tries again, a bit louder. There is still no response from the unconscious hero.

Iolaus jumps up with a guilty start. "But she said…" he trails off spying the grinning demigod. "That's not funny," he grumbles.

A narrow dirt road lined with modest houses and a few shops comprises the small village of Amityus. The apparently bucolic scene is suddenly disrupted by a group of robed figures. They storm into the village wielding evil-looking, curved swords. The leader directs his men with curt arm motions. They fan out through the village. One of the townsfolk approaches the first hooded body.

The villager's mouth drops open in horror and surprise. He stares, speechless at the towering form in front of him.

"If you're not going to help," the menacing voice hisses impatiently. "Then DIE!" The curved blade strikes down through the innocent man; he crumples to the ground.

Suddenly the hamlet is filled with the sounds of screaming. More black clad bodies break down flimsy doors and charge into homes. Crashing and then more shouts can be heard coming from all directions. A young farmer is knocked unconscious by two intruders as he stands protecting his horse and cart. The body of another townsman flies through a window, tumbling out into the street. A young woman runs, terrified, from her home.

Still, the shouting and crashing continue as the cloaked intruders ransack the village. A family of four, a father and mother with a daughter of perhaps eight summers and a son not much younger, hurries down the road. The parents keep glancing back fearfully as two cloaked figures advance toward them. Several other townsfolk are fighting losing battles against the dark intruders, as even more robed men approach the family.

Their leader speaks again with the same powerful voice that was heard at the bonfire. "Give us the children."

The wife clings frantically to her young son and daughter. Her husband pushes them protectively behind his body. Desperately, he brandishes a short sword at the menacing presence.

The ominous figure laughs hauntingly and continues toward the family. His darkness fills their vision, from within his hood, two eyes glow like red embers. A woman shrieks and all goes black.

The sun still shines cheerfully down on the lush landscape. Iolaus is trudging along the hard packed path as it emerges out of the woods. The Golden Hunter's shoulders are set and his expression grim. Hercules marches along, several steps behind him.

"No I'm not," Iolaus counters, then shrugs a bit defensively. "Just because you startle me out of a sound sleep…" the hero continues grumpily.

"C'mon, Iolaus, you were going to sleep away half the day," Hercules implores his friend, still chuckling a bit to himself.

"Oh that again," the Son of Zeus rolls his eyes. "Look what a beautiful day it is." He gazes up at the clear blue sky. "How could anything eerie ever happen on a day like this?"

As if on cue, a piercing shriek can be heard in the distance. The blonde hunter throws his hands into the air and gives his partner an exasperated look.

Hercules and Iolaus race into the town of Amityus to find it in chaos. They see villagers armed with pitchforks and walking staffs being cut down by the cruel swords of the follower of Garoth. The two heroes immediately dive into the fray.

The Son of Zeus sees an elderly villager about to be struck down. He grabs a rock and launches it at the attacker, hitting him in the head and knocking him down.

Iolaus rushes at two of the intruders, blocking their swords with his own blade. He sidekicks the opponent on his left then the one on his right. The demonic figures each double over. Another evil fighter charges the blonde hunter and pushes him back with a series of sword strikes. Three more cloaked figures appear out of nowhere. Distracted by the additional attackers, Iolaus fails to parry and his opponent's blade slices his upper arm.

Iolaus' cerulean eyes widen in pain. "Ouch!" he howls, glancing down at the bleeding wound. Instead of slowing him down, the injury enrages the Golden Hunter and he attacks the hooded figures with renewed vengeance. He blocks a sword blow then lands a solid right jab to the first thug, knocking him unconscious. The little hero then leaps into the air, landing in the arms of the next three evil doers. Iolaus kicks the one at his feet, punches the one nearest his head and flips over the remaining bad guy to knock him out from behind.

Hercules is overwhelmed by at least a dozen of the robed bodies. They lunge in all at once, covering the demigod with punches. The Son of Zeus hunches down, blocking their blows until they are looming completely over him. Then with godly strength, he raises up, throwing his opponents in every direction. Two of the dark figures hit the roof of a nearby shop, one lands in the town fountain, the rest are sprawled in the street.

Hercules glances at his handiwork, then hears a woman's scream. He turns to see an elderly woman protecting a group of small children. Dark figures surround them, moving closer as the children cower in fear.

The demigod evaluates one emergency then the other. "Iolaus!" he hollers to his partner. "Get the children out of the schoolhouse, I'll take care of this bunch." He storms forward toward the cluster of bad guys surrounding the woman and children.

Hercules grabs two of the cretins by the backs of their robes and smashes their heads together before dropping them like lead weights. Two of the attackers turn to engage the infuriated demigod. He punches out simultaneously with both arms, sending the bad guys flying in opposite directions. Four more of the dark figures gather around Hercules.

Iolaus runs from the burning schoolhouse, a youngster hanging from each of the hero's arms and another clinging to his back. Several older children are following Iolaus as he leads the group to safety. The blonde hunter carefully deposits his charges in the street and instructs the older boys to watch the group. Then he rushes fearlessly back into the inferno.

The Son of Zeus stands surrounded by black clad bodies. He turns slowly, watching them approach. Finally, two dash at him. Hercules smashes his fist into one man's face and sidekicks the other. As the attacker doubles over, the hero grabs his arms and begins spinning the robed body through the air, knocking his fellow thugs in every direction. Finally, with a tremendous heave, Hercules sends his erstwhile weapon sailing into the sky.

Meanwhile, the black clad leader watches in dismay as his minions are beaten into submission. Next to the evil boss, two of his followers are grappling with a young boy and girl.

"These two will have to be enough," growls the head cretin. "Retreat!" he shouts to his failing troops. The leader and other black robed figures rush from the devastated town, dragging the two children with them.

Hercules notices the youngsters about to disappear from sight and lunges in their direction. Just then a terrible rumbling can be heard.

With only a moment's hesitation, the demigod turns back to the burning structure. "Iolaus!" he shouts as he dives into the billowing smoke.

Seconds later, a coughing Iolaus emerges with his partner and three more children. The villagers rush to their aid.

The sun is still shining down on the village of Amityus, but the town is in complete disarray. Battered doors can be seen hanging from their broken hinges, refuse litters the street, and escaped farm animals roam aimlessly. The exhausted villagers are dumping buckets of water to extinguish the final flames while their neighbors tend to the injured. Covered with ashes and soot, the heroes assist two more of the injured into a makeshift medical hut.

Inside, the mother of the kidnapped children mourns over the body of her late husband. "I've lost everything," she gasps between sobs.

"Marta, I'm so sorry," another woman tries to comfort her. "Darius and Mira were such wonderful children. You'll see them again in the Elysian Fields."

The two heroes watch the heart-wrenching scene. Iolaus turns to his partner; fierce anger and grim determination show clearly on his face. "Herc, we…" his sentence is cutoff by a fit of coughing.

"Yeah, it will take more than a little smoke to stop me from going after those monsters." Iolaus grumbles between coughs. "Herc, we have go to after them. There's no telling what will happen to those poor children."

Overhearing the hunter's words, one of the town elders approaches. "They're safe for the time being," he assures them. The heroes look at him doubtfully. "I'm Thaddus," the older man offers his hand.

"I'm Hercules," the demigod clasps the man's wrist. Thaddus' face registers his surprise but he simply shakes the hero's wrist and turns to the blonde.

"I don't know how we can ever thank you enough," Thaddus explains as he takes Iolaus' wrist. "There's no telling how many more children would have been lost if you two hadn't come along."

"Please, come with me and I'll tell you everything I know about the Brethren." Thaddus leads the heroes back out into the street.

At the far end of town, untouched by the robed intruders, stands Thaddus' modest house. Hercules and Iolaus sit at a wooden table while the elder prepares a tray of bread and cheese for his guests. The Golden Hunter munches on an apple from the fruit bowl.

Hercules gives his partner an impatient scowl. "Please, Thaddus, you don't need to go to any trouble. We just want to help get those children back."

The elder shakes his head sadly. "Darius and Mira are lost to us. Not even the Son of Zeus can help them now."

"I think you better tell us exactly who these men are and what they intend to do with the children." Hercules insists.

Thaddus lets out a long sigh and retrieves a small leather-bound book from a storage basket. He turns back to the heroes. "Those men are called the Brethren. They are followers of the demon Garoth."

"Garoth is a local legend," Thaddus explains. "He was an ancient demon who was banished to another realm. His followers believe that when the new moon falls on the eve of Samhain, he can be restored." Thaddus sits next to the demigod and opens the tiny book. "I know it sounds like a myth."

"This book was given to me by my father and his father before him for generations back." Thaddus' wrinkled hands caress the leather almost reverently. "No one knows where it came from and we are unfamiliar with the language it's written in. But the legends say that the book is capable of destroying the demon Garoth." Thaddus opens the crumbling pages to a drawing, the heroes huddle over the picture.

Depicted on the yellowing parchment is a frightening creature. Standing on two legs, the scaly demon appears to be spewing fire from a mouthful of fangs. Its front legs bear huge, razor-sharp claws while its tail is tipped with a vicious stinger.

"Legends say that the demon will arise hungry for blood. If Garoth's faithful provide him with a proper sacrifice, he will lead them to power. All of humanity will be forced to pay tribute to Garoth or die"

"Then we will just have to go there, rescue the children, and Garoth will have to go hungry." Hercules affirms smugly.

Thaddus shakes his head violently. "No, you can't," he adds with determination. "No one can rescue them now; not even the Son of Zeus."

The three men are still inside Thaddus' cottage home. The cozy furnishings and crackling fire contrast sharply with the tension in the air. Hercules stands facing the village elder, a grim, defiant expression on his handsome face. The Golden Hunter watches the confrontation for a moment then turns his attention back to the ancient pages. He pulls the book closer.

"You don't understand," Thaddus insists. "Shadohus is a gathering place for evil spirits. No one who has entered has EVER come out again." His warning is ominous.

The thinnest of crescent moons glows in the black, starless sky. In a small clearing the heroes are making camp around a warm fire. The Son of Zeus idly stokes the embers. On the other side of the flames, Iolaus is sitting on the ground, his head bent intently over the little manuscript.

Finally, the blonde hunter looks up. "Well Herc, if this book can tell us how to destroy that," he shudders before finishing, "monster. I think it's worth a shot. Besides it was awfully nice of Thaddus to let me take it."

Iolaus ignores the jab and continues to ponder the ancient text. "This writing seems so familiar." The Golden Hunter holds the book up to the firelight.

"Iolaus," the demigod stares at the semi-translucent page now backlit by the fire. "Look at the writing through the parchment."

The blonde hunter carefully examines the print. "Of course!" he exclaims. "It's written backwards! I can read it when the light shines through."

"Just don't stay up all night reading," Hercules suggests. "We have to get an early start." He reminds his partner before bedding down on the opposite side of the fire.

It is a gray, cloudy autumn day. Ominous storm clouds hang low over the rolling hills. Hercules trudges up a slope, the fierce wind blowing his tawny locks. Iolaus follows his friend blindly as he continues to ponder Thaddus' book.

Slightly exasperated, Hercules steps over to his partner. "Let me try." He peers over the smaller man's shoulder.

"Just start on the wrong side and go slowly," the hunter explains before demonstrating. "You see, this says: on - the - new - moon …"

"So I'm guessing that's why the Breathen took children to sacrifice." The little hunter grumbles as he trudges onward up the hill.

The demigod stands on the slope, hands on hips, carefully surveying first the sky then their surroundings. He is mentally comparing the landmarks to Thaddus' directions.

Iolaus continues up the hill, tucking the tiny manuscript into his belt. "You wouldn't be in such a hurry to get there, if you'd read the rest of Thaddus' book."

"Are you saying that it's some kind of haunted house?" The demigod questions dubiously. "I don't believe in haunted houses."

The blonde hunter reaches the crest of the hill and looks out over the expanse. His eyes widen in awe then narrow in determination. He turns back toward the bigger man. "How do feel about haunted castles?"

The two heroes stand on a hilltop looking over an open field. The lush countryside gives way to a barren expanse. In the center of the desolation rises a foreboding tower surrounded by a gigantic wall of castle rock. The turret appears to be constructed of the blackest obsidian, unmarred, save for one tiny window visible near it's top. The surrounding wall is solid except for a huge double gate facing the heroes. Not a single sign of life is visible in the whole wasteland. The partners scrutinize the unwelcome sight.

"We should be there before dinner time." The Son of Zeus comments casually before heading down the far side of the hill.

As they approach the rock wall, the double gates appear even more massive. Wrought of solid iron, even years of rust haven't diminished their strength. They hang halfway open, as if beckoning the heroes.

The heroes are halfway across the dusty courtyard when a loud scraping can be heard. They exchange questioning looks as they turn to see the ponderous gates slamming shut behind them. Iolaus gives his partner a disgusted sigh.

Suddenly, four black robed figures bolt out of the darkness and rush the heroes. Hercules plants his feet for the assault and extends his arms. Two of the Brethren slam into his gauntlets and collapse to the ground. The other two charge past him to the Golden Hunter. Iolaus deftly stoops down, tossing one opponent over his shoulder and pitching him into the other assailant. Both robed attackers lie unconscious in a heap.

Hercules glances around the dusty courtyard and notices two tapers that the Brethren dropped in their flight. He hands them to Iolaus and quickly strikes one gauntlet against a rock. The hunter lights the torches off the ensuing sparks. Thus prepared, the heroes cautiously enter the blackness.

Inside, a maze of angled corridors run in every direction. Hercules nods to Iolaus to check one hall while he investigates another. The Golden Hunter heads tentatively down the murky tunnel. Cobwebs hang from dust covered walls, the light from his firebrand, casting eerie shadows everywhere.

A scurrying noise behind him, Iolaus turns to look down the deserted way. His best friend is no longer in sight. "Hercules, did you hear something?" Iolaus' feet continue forward even while his head is turned. Suddenly he is caught in some invisible substance. "Hey!" the hunter shouts, dropping his torch.

The demigod is visible in the distant shadows. "Stuck in what? I don't see anything." Hercules' voice trails off as his eyes are drawn to a slight movement off to Iolaus' side. The hunter follows his partner's eyes. In the murky light, a pair of multifaceted eyes shine at the trapped hero. A huge hairy body shuffles toward its prey on eight pincer-like legs. Venomous fangs clack together as they near the hapless hunter.

"Iolaus!" Hercules shouts as he throws his flaming torch to his friend. The blonde catches it and with his usual quickness, jabs the burning weapon into the giant spider's face. The predator lets out a shriek before falling to the ground, engulfed in flames.

Hercules reaches his partner and begins to rip the ultra strong threads that hold him prisoner. "Are you ok?"

In a dark winding stairwell, the dim light of a torch plays on the walls. Heavy breathing and the quiet thud of boots falling on the steps can be heard. Gradually the torchbearer rounds the corner and Hercules' tan face can be seen in the flickering light. Behind him, Iolaus drags his tired legs up the last few steps until both men are standing on a vast landing. The little hunter is panting heavily; a light sheen of sweat highlights his handsome countenance.

"Hang in there, Iolaus. I think we're almost to the top." Hercules holds his torch higher, inspecting the large chamber. The roof soars upwards, its ceiling barely visible in the dim lighting.

Iolaus sighs, still trying to catch his breath. "I'd rather face ten monsters than another flight of stairs."

"What?" Iolaus questions as a swarm of blackness, even darker than the chamber, bears down on him. Thousands of the small, flying mammals surround the blonde hunter. Iolaus realizes too late to take cover and he is besieged by the winged rodents. He swats furiously at the bats, ducking and dancing about. In a matter of minutes, the swarm has passed. The demigod stands up and watches as his partner continues to hop about, flapping his arms as if still striking out at the flying creatures long after the last one is gone.

Finally, still swatting, the Golden Hunter opens his eyes and realizes that his tormenters have disappeared.

"Very funny," Iolaus grumbles. "Not! Now where are the rest of those stairs?" The blonde hunter heads toward the next staircase as Hercules chuckles behind him.

The heroes trudge up until they find themselves at the final level. The vast ceiling is now just ten feet above their heads. A single entrance stands before them. Hercules gives the heavy door a mighty heave. It groans as the ancient iron gives way, opening into a large chamber.

Hercules leads with his torch held in front. The two heroes enter a spacious, circular room. The stone walls are lined with strange statues. In the center is a podium with a multi pronged torch. The Son of Zeus steps forward and lights it from his own flame. The room glows with the extra light. Iolaus listens pensively.

"Ut oh," the Golden Hunter utters. Both heroes look around at the statues coming to life. The grotesquely pale creatures are covered in dirty rags, their mouths open to reveal sharp, pointed fangs. Stealthily, they move in on the two friends.

Both heroes take up fighting stances as the monsters lunge at them. Hercules ducks the first blow and counters with a powerful punch. The creature absorbs the godly blow without losing a step.

The Golden Hunter dodges between two of the ghouls and swiftly kicks up at both. The monsters grab his legs and toss him into the air. "This can't be good," Iolaus mutters as he plummets back down to the floor.

The Son of Zeus grabs a tattered cloth on one of his opponents and gives it a mighty yank. The monster watches casually, unaffected by the attempt. A huge ghoulish hand lifts Hercules up off the floor and throws him across the room.

Two more of the creatures grab a hold of Iolaus' vest. Their fanged mouths descend toward him. "Ugh, you really should learn to floss." With his usual quickness, the Golden Hunter shrugs out of his top and slips between the monsters' legs. He kicks up swiftly at the groin area of one while punching the other. The blows appear to go unnoticed. "Are they Strigoi?"

Hercules picks up one of the wooden torches and jabs it through one beast's heart. The monster jabs back, landing a punishing blow to the demigod and sending him sliding backward into the wall. "Definitely not Strigoi," Hercules groans, wiping at a trickle of blood in the corner of his mouth.

"Does it matter?" The Son of Zeus responds plaintively as another of the unspeakable creatures slams him down on the floor.

"Just trying to figure out how to kill them," Iolaus growls back. The blonde hero escapes from one of the ghouls long enough to draw his sword. With a burst of speed and energy, he whirls forward, slashing viciously with his trusted weapon. The blade slices clean through the monster's neck. It's head falls to the ground with a thud. The creature collapses, lifeless.

The Golden Hunter looks down at his sword with satisfaction before charging into the monsters' ranks. Although strong, the creatures are slow and no match for the nimble hunter. He slices through a half dozen of the ghouls in seconds.

Hercules is fighting a losing battle against three of the monstrosities. One beast has him in a headlock while the other two take turns punching his midsection. Finally, the demigod slumps to the ground. The largest of the creatures looms over the fallen hero, its arms poised to land the final blow.

As the Son of Zeus awaits his fate, the creature hesitates, its face taking on a strange expression. The monster's head lolls off to one side while the body collapses. A smug Iolaus stands behind the beast, wielding his sword.

"Works for me," grunts the demigod as his partner helps him up off the floor. "Was it my imagination or did you take your time?"

The heroes examine the room more closely. They carefully check the walls, but still find no doorway leading to another chamber. Iolaus is feeling his way along the smooth stone surface when Hercules approaches the podium. The demigod studies it for a moment, then twists the burning torcheres.

Iolaus lets out a muffled yelp as the wall falls away, spilling him into a smaller chamber. This one is well lit with a burning fire in the center. A starless, black sky shows through the single small window. Hercules steps casually over the fallen hunter. Huddled in the far corner are Darius and Mira.

"Are you alright?" the half god asks the frightened children as he breaks the ropes that bind them. The little girl nods. Her brother clings to her side as the Son of Zeus helps them stand.

Iolaus is in the center of the chamber, Thaddus' book in hand, he is comparing some symbols on the floor to the ancient text. Outside, a strange flash of lightning illuminates the night.

"Uh Herc, I don't think we have much time." Iolaus looks up wide-eyed. Just then the ground begins to rumble.

"Can you and your brother get out of here?" Hercules questions Mira. She nods eagerly. "Follow the stairs. Just keep going down until you're out in the courtyard. We'll be there soon." The little girl grabs her brother and runs for the doorway.

The Son of Zeus stands next to his partner. They both brace their legs as another tremor rocks the castle and more lightning flashes outside.

"These markings," Iolaus points to a large symbol on the floor. Written in some dark inky substance is a seven sided geometrical shape with intertwined serpents. "It's just like the one in the book. This is where Garoth will arise."

"Did you ever discover how to kill the demon?" Hercules questions his partner as they watch the eerie scene unfold.

The Earth continues to rumble, shaking the tower and causing the heroes to reach out to steady themselves. They stare in amazement as the smoke turns red and bursts upward like a geyser erupting.

In one final, Earth rattling tremor, the sky lights up in a silent flash. Then the smoke clears away as the heroes strain to see and prepare for the worst. In the center of the ritual symbol, stands a tiny demon not more than three inches tall. It appears identical to the one in Thaddus' book. The scaly little demon turns to face the partners, it hisses making a noise similar to a housecat. Both Hercules and Iolaus gape in astonishment as the miniature monster opens its fanged mouth and a tiny flame spews out.

"Let me see that book," Hercules grabs the text out of Iolaus' hand. He flips the page and then rolls his eyes. "Iolaus, what does that say?" The demigod points to the picture of the demon and a line of tiny script beneath the drawing.

The Golden Hunter tears his attention away from the miniscule demon to look at the page. "Actual - size," Iolaus reads the backward writing aloud. Finally, the hunter looks up at Hercules in momentary confusion. "Actual size!" he repeats in anger and disgust. Iolaus snatches the book back. "Gimme that."

Iolaus brandishes the text in front of him and storms toward the tiny demon. He raises the book and slams it down, squashing the Garoth like a bug.

Disclaimer: Any similarities between this story and a popular twentieth century television program are purely coincidental. {Yeah, right ;)}