evening, a band of roughnecks led by Merkus and Jakar (Jon Brazier) don animal masks and ride out to Deric's house brandishing torches. Sensing disaster, Lyla tells her young son Kefor (James Croft) to run and hide in the woods before she falls victim to the wild-eyed Merkus. Deric returns from his errands in time to see his entire home engulfed in flames. Devastated, he rushes into the blazing house hoping to save his loved ones.
Meanwhile Hercules, on his way to help the couple having heard of their troubles, runs into Salmoneus (Robert Trebor), who insists on tagging along.
