TITLE: A Brother's Love

AUTHOR: Sarah Palmero

SUMMARY: Isis, goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods, is sent to visit Ares, god of war. Her task: to have him drink water from the river Styx, taking the Oath of the Gods and forcing him to answer any question truthfully or risk exile from Olympus.

In the meantime, Hercules visits old friends, Epeius and Aetolus, the sons of the king of Elis who are scheduled to run a race to determine who will wear the crown. With Ares' help, Epeius is confident he will win and Aetolus seems determined to let him. Hercules convinces his friend to run the race, and to do his best. Epeius sets traps for his brother, without knowing that the god of war is helpless to help him.

When Epeius is caught in the last and deadliest of his own traps with his brother, Hercules attempts to rescue him. Not even the half-brother to the gods, however, can save them, and he is forced to call for help from Ares, his long-time nemesis. With Iris to add to the plea, Ares agrees, and saves Hercules and the racing brothers. It is then up to Hercules to have the gods' judgment of Ares reversed. All for a brother's love.

EXCERPT:

FADE IN:

INT. UNDERWORLD CAVERN -- NIGHT

Against the red light and ruddy background of the Underworld, hunched figures amble aimlessly in circles, some bemoaning their fates, others painfully silent.

A dark river cuts a canyon through parched land, and one of these figures looses his balance, tottering toward the edge and the water below.

Above him, a ball of white light descends, trailing a tail like a comet. It zips closer to the soul in peril, winds it’s tail around him twice, then darts toward the bank, pulling the man with it.

The tail dissipates like mist; the light brightens and flares.

When the light dies down, it reveals IRIS, winged and clad in white, grinning widely. She holds a golden vase against her hip.

IRIS
That was close.

With a shrug, she leaves the bewildered soul behind, and picks her way down the bank to the water’s edge.

INT. ON THE BANKS -- NIGHT

Careful not to touch the water’s surface itself, Iris stoops to fill the vase.

The soul she saved is beside her when she stands again.

SOUL
This is the River Styx. It makes you hard, makes you hate.

IRIS
It doesn’t smell so good, either. But, when the Big Guy says go, you go.

SOUL
Hades?

IRIS
Bigger than that.

The soul thinks a moment, then his eyes widen.

SOUL
Then you are a creature of light. But why are you here? This is no place for you.

Iris smiles slyly.

IRIS
Someone’s been very bad.

EXT. SHRINE TO ARES, ELIS -- DAY

EPEIUS, with a runner’s build, stands motionless before the altar, eyes closed.

A hand claps him soundly on the shoulder, startling him.

His eyes fly open. ARES, behind him, leans close to murmur:

ARES
I’m listening.

Epeius swallows visibly.

EPEIUS
I meant every word. I’ll build you a fleet. A thousand temples. I’ll destroy all the others. You should be on the throne, anyway.

Ares’ fingers tighten on Epeius’ shoulder. Epeius struggles not to wince.

ARES
Yes. And so should you.

Ares turns Epeius around to face him, looks him once up, once down. Clearly, he doesn’t approve.

ARES (CONT’D)
What was it you wanted from me again?

EPEIUS
The race, Ares. My father’s race? If you would help me to win, the throne and all it’s power would be . . .

Ares’ arches an eyebrow.

Epeius swallows again.

EPEIUS (CONT’D)
Ours.

Ares grins; Epeius grins in nervous reflection.

FADE OUT:

END OF TEASER