"Go, leave. I will make sure your father is okay," Marcus whispered urgently to the boy, trying to calm him. The boy, tears streaming down his face, reluctantly obeyed and ran off into the woods.
Marcus transformed into his wolf form and sprang into the fray. He and Hercules fought side by side, a tornado of teeth and claws against their enemies. Maximus, seeing the unexpected resistance and aid, also shifted into his wolf form and joined the battle.
Despite their combined might, the two were vastly outnumbered. Hercules's strength began to wane, and he could see Marcus struggling as well. The relentless assault from Maximus's soldiers proved too much. The boy, hiding in the underbrush, watched in horror as his father and Marcus were overpowered.
Hercules was forced back into his human
