By the time they reach the town square, it's too late for them to stop the virgins from drinking the possessed wine. As the hypnotized maidens are passed hand to hand above the frenzied crowd, Hercules and Nestor hurry ahead to the castle to try to prevent the impending tragedy. Thwarting an attack by Gudrun, Hercules rushes on to the royal bedchamber to warn the King and Queen that the ceremony has been defiled by Ares. When the virgins reach the bedchamber, they grab the ceremonial silver daggers, pounce on the bed, and begin stabbing through the bedclothes. In the throne room on the other side of the door, Pentheus listens
