Mr Fletcher's Reward

 

 

This masturbatory fantasy involves the sexual use of a boys of a variety of ages, so all the usual disclaimers apply. If you're not supposed to read such things then you know what you should do. If you're too young to read material of this nature and insist on doing so, then be sure to clean up properly afterwards.

Mr Fletcher's Reward is by way of a sequel to On The Queen's Service, and, following that story, it is set in the London of the late C16th, and the author has attempted, to the best of his limited ability, to use the language and speech patterns of that time.

 

Mr Fletcher's Reward

A story by Ivor Sukwell.

 

Fate, or maybe Fortune, had been kind to Mr Fletcher following his uncovering of the Satanic plot of Sir William Rich and a number of other gentlemen of some note, and he did bask in the contented glory of a fine house, and one that was filled also with boys.

Much did Mr Fletcher enjoy the pleasure to be found by any man in the forms and flesh of boys, and as a result of his endeavours, or mayhap of Fate or Fortune, had he been blessed with two catamites, one of some months more than sixteen years and the other of two years less than that advanced age.

Both did please him greatly, for the older, Stick, did possess a prick most long and thin and did use that member, with both enthusiasm and some considerable skill, for the swiving of Fletcher, for he was a man who took great delight in the unusual pleasure of having the pricks of boys enter his arse.

The other and younger, Harry, was a boy so beauteous of form and feature that he must be termed `angelic', and much did he both delight in having his wondrous body used for pleasure, but craved also such use with great need.

Though Harry much did desire his flesh to be used for the pleasure of men, he had also some considerable antipathy for the use in swiving of his ample member, rejecting all offers and enticements to swive nor man nor boy.

That this was so did make him perfect match with Stick, who though he permitted and indeed enjoyed the entry of prick into his body, yet he did much prefer to ride more than to be ridden.

That a man should have two such boys as catamites may be thought to be blessing sufficient, but there was more.

Four boys of some ten or eleven years of age had been engaged by the Housekeeper, Jane, to assist in the running of this household, and great care had she taken that these be boys who would have some appeal to a master who liked boys greatly.

All were fair in form and feature, and Jane did make it clear that the virtue of these boys was a thing to be determined by those boys.

"I care not a fig should they find their ways to your bed, Mr Fletcher," she had declared, "But should they so do it must be by their choosing and not by any force or constraint that you may lay upon them. Should I hear but one complaint that any be forced in any wise to submit their virtue to you, then will I leave this house and stay not silent as to why I do so."

Though none there were, save those of puritan persuasion, who would find wrong with that a man should take his pleasure with a boy, it would bring great harm to Fletcher's hope of further rise if it were known abroad for fact that he kept six boys and used all, be they willing or not.

In the event and following the wondrous spectacle of Rich's execution, and with, mayhap, the consumption of some fine brandy spirit after, Giles, the oldest of those four boys and one who did work in the kitchen, did declare that he knew well that he would at some time be swived, and that his member, being hard for some three hours following that execution, did believe that now were as good a time as any, and did go with Stick to a bed.

Upon this did Richard, the tallest and fairest of hair of the boys, though also he were the youngest, did say that he felt his arse ready not for swiving, but if he were able to give any pleasure with his mouth, then most willing would he be.

The other two, though they did divest themselves of clothing that they may be looked upon by their master, and did such with no demur, yet was it not in their natures to wish to use nor arse nor mouth.

News of this did reach Jane, who confessed herself to be most displeased with those two boys, and did dismiss them straight, finding to replace them two that she questioned most assiduously ere she did engage them, for it were her intent to have no boy in her house who welcomed not the attentions of his master on his flesh.

Nor did she remove her husband, Robert, from that condition, for though he be by two years or more a man, and too old for her master, Fletcher, to have wish on, yet did she understand that Harry would certain tempt him into swiving, and so it were, and that with some haste.

"My belly swells with child," she smiled at Harry, "And good it is that my man doth have a sheath for his dagger."

That Harry did make often visit to the stables where Robert were groom, was a thing noticed by all, not least by the boy now employed there, who did tell that Harry needed no grooming ere he were mounted, and much did he like to be ridden so, that Robert after did have to rest and leave much work for that stable boy to do.

The fair haired Richard grew then to some twelve years of age, and skilled with his mouth as was any boy ever kept by Eastern potentate for pleasure in his harem, when he did request audience alone with Mr Fletcher in his solar.

His two apprentices being abroad in the city on matters of intelligence, and Fletcher having a mountain of reports for reading, were content for the diversion from that labour, and did grant the boy's request most willingly.

Richard stood before him, naked as was the rule for boys always in Fletcher's solar, and did stand with hands clasped behind his back so no obstruction was there to the view of his form.

Though Fletcher were most accustomed, and in an intimate detail, of the form of that boy, still did he gaze upon it with admiration in his eye, for Richard, at twelve years of age, were growing to be a boy most worthy to be gazed upon.

Though he lacked the perfection that were Harry, yet still he had a fairness above other boys, and Fletcher noted, though it were a thing he noted daily, that the member of the boy were showing first sign of growth, longer and thicker now than it had been when first Fletcher did gaze upon it; though by what measurement he knew not with any exactitude.

The boy had come with words prepared to say, rehearsed many time in his head, but now the time had come to speak them, issue from his mouth they would not.

He appeared as a boy ashamed, one convinced in his mind of his failure to be a boy proper, for still, though he be now advanced in years and turned of twelve, yet he were virgin still, and such a thing were proper not, nor natural.

He had come, it did seem, to beg forgiveness for his failure, to plead that soon he were sure he would be in a way to be swived were his master content to wait but a bit longer before dismissing him as a boy unworthy.

"Speak, Richard," Fletcher said not ungently. "Doth the cat have your tongue?"

And less his words be mistaken, thought as being critical of nature, Fletcher did add, "I much do hope not, for it is a tongue gives me much pleasure."

The words that Richard had rehearsed much fled from his mind and instead came there a thought that came much to him at night now, when he struggled against his failure to be a boy proper.

Greatly did he yearn to be a real boy, a boy who gave his arse for swiving as a real boy should, yet here he was, almost a youth grown and still he had a fear of swiving within him and he knew that without aid conquer that fear he could not, for it were not the act of swiving that he were afeard of.

"Why beat you me not, sir?" the words tumbled from him, "Take the birch to me for I am a wicked and ungrateful boy?"

"Beat you?" Fletcher did gasp in some amazement. "I beat not a boy less he hath done some wrong."

"But wrong I have done, sir!" Richard did protest. "Great wrong! For am I not a boy of twelve years? Two years in your household where you have been most uncommon kind and still I keep my arse from you? Is that not great wrong, sir?"

"I think it not so."

Fletcher struggled to make understanding of the boy. The dealings he had with Jane had made him understand a woman's mind was a thing obscure to men; could it be that were so of a boy's mind also?

"Much great pleasure have you given me with your body and your mouth," Fletcher tried again, "That you should have no desire to be swiven is a thing of no great matter."

Fletcher spoke not the truth, for much did he desire to enter the boy, swive him, ride him to a finish, for he were a boy most delightful of form and clear it were that he would have an arse most sweet.

"But I do desire much to be swived, sir," Richard did protest, his eyes filling now with water. "Nightly do I protest to myself that on the morrow I will do this thing, come to you and say ready I am now for swiving. But on that morrow sir, a great fear doth grip me again and I am coward once more."

In flow now, though his tears still unshed, Richard did say the thought that nightly, he said, were in his mind and did inhabit his dreams.

"Were you to beat me, sir, then I do know well my screams would drive that fear from me and that then I may be a real and proper boy."

Fletcher did believe then that the boy spoke but the truth, that unless the devil of his fear were exorcised from him by the pain of a birching, then never would the boy find courage to swive, and to swive he were most desperate to do.

"Then so shall it be, boy," Fletcher sighed, resigned to the duty he must now do, "And it shall be presently. Place yourself against my table and grip its edge hard with your hands, for this will bring you some little pain."

"No little pain, master," the boy did say as he positioned himself for a beating, "For less you do make me scream loud and oft, this devil of fear will not leave me."

Scream he did, screams that echoed through the house and were like heard outside, and when the boy's sweet arse were a confused mass of stripes from that birching, though great care had Fletcher taken to break no skin, draw no blood, and Fletcher had finished, Richard did draw himself to standing with some difficulty, for his arse were in great pain, and he did throw himself in Fletcher's arms and bestow upon him a kiss of such great passion that Fletcher never before had had the like.

"I think my arse is fit not now for swiving," the boy had said, "But by the morrow it shall be recovered."

His tears now dried, Richard had smiled a smile of great beauty, for on the morrow he knew he would indeed be a boy proper, and his hopes, mayhap, fulfilled.

His words, though they had been true, were not the truth entire, for it be a fact indeed, that boys may lay plots as cunning as those of any woman.

That the boy did have a member most hard was a thing Fletcher did not think upon, for, if truth be told, he noticed it not but in passing.

Time doth stay still for none, be they man nor boy, and Time did wreak its relentless work upon the household of Mr Fletcher.

Stick did reach the age of two and twenty, and, his apprenticeship concluded in a satisfactory manner did gain employ as intelligencer proper, for though Mr Secretary Walsingham had passed from this life, his successor, one Sir Robert Cecil, did maintain still the spider's web that he had woven.

In augmentation of the meagre salary he did receive from the Treasury, and with assistance from Mr Fletcher, that former catamite did establish for himself a molly house hard by the river.

That there were good coin to be made from the flesh of boys was a thing Stick had learned from his service to Mr Goodboy, and though he had now passed to man's estate, his own appetite for boys was by no means diminished.

When his intent to establish such a house were made known, Sir Robert, though he be one who had strayed never in the direction of a boy, did make suggestion that close by the river where ships did come to dock would be a place most suitable, for the common sailors who would frequent an establishment of such nature would doubtless bring with them knowledge to be gleaned and gleaned it may be in the same wise as knowledge were gleaned in the house of Mr Goodboy.

Stick were in no way in competition with that gentleman, for he could afford not and sought not boys of the quality same as those of his former employer, but did search the Rookery for boys fair enough of form and feature and with arses they would fain use in exchange for bed and food and some small coin.

That they be boys from the Rookery, rough in manner and in speech, concerned not the sailors who did swive them; if they were young enough and had arses tight enough then a man had been months at sea requested no more in return for his coin.

Stick kept a dozen such in his molly house, and did swive them all himself, for his appetite for flesh that were young had grown much with the increase of his years. Boys of from eight years to twelve did he keep and much did he profit from those sailors who had liking much arse of such age.

Harry also had passed to man's estate, though for he were a de Vere, he could not venture to make coin as his former fellow catamite did. But for that he was one of quick wit and inventive mind, he did carve for himself a position with Cecil in the deciphering and constructing of codes, and early in his employ such skills did lead to the uncovering of some several plots against the realm.

The need within him to be swived had lessened none in the passing of the years, though he did have wit sufficient to follow the advice of Mr Fletcher, and turn his attentions from men to boys. It is a forbidden thing for men to lay with men, but in no ways be it forbidden for a man to lay with a boy, and provided only that the boy did have member grown sufficient to give satisfaction, Harry did lay with all he could.

Lodged he still with Mr Fletcher, though his desire and need for boys grown did mean that Jane were forced to staff her house with boys older than before, and boys also that would rather the jockey be than the horse.

Though it be unusual for boys to swive men, such boys did Jane find, and also ones that would permit the spending of their seed in the mouth of Mr.Fletcher.

That his need for feasts such was but occasional was due entire to Richard, grown now to sixteen and with a body that stirred still the lust in Mr Fletcher greatly, for though he had not the same perfection of form and face that Harry had possessed as boy, yet did he have a mind that were attuned greatly to the giving of pleasure with that body, content that his flesh should be used in whatever a manner his master did desire.

That Richard had not spoke the truth entire when, four years prior, he had confessed to his master a need that he be beaten, was a matter not learned by Fletcher for some time after. The boy had entertained no fear of the act of swiving, but great fear that, should he be too willing to be swived, he may obtain not that position he desired of all things most.

He had gone on errand to Juan Rodrigues, the apothecary, for to collect potions for the keeping of a boy's body without hair, for greatly did he concern himself that, being now gone twelve, hair may begin to show on him and with his ambition still unfulfilled.

That this apothecary was one who knew much of the ways of boys, and had knowledge also of the ways in which they had been used in the harems of the Musslemen of old, was a matter known to Richard, for he had heard talk of such between Fletcher and his catamites, and to Juan Rodrigues did Richard pour forth his secret wish.

"Know you of a draught, sir," he had asked, "That may make my master long much for my flesh that he may desire to take me as catamite?"

Understanding well that the question was not one of an idle nature, the apothecary did entertain the boy in conversation, the better to understand his mind and his desire.

"I have withheld my arse from him, sir," Richard did confess, "In the hope that this would make him lust for me more, for as much I think he would wish to swive me as I wish to be ridden by him. But still, sir, does he not bid me present my arse to him."

The apothecary did scratch his beard and ponder much on the boy's words, but heard all there were to hear he had not.

"And this not all, sir," Richard did say with more than a little trepidation, for what he had to say were a thing he did have some fear of saying. "I do believe, sir, that I be a boy of no natural manner, for my longing is not only to be swived by Mr Fletcher, but for my flesh to be used by him in whatever manner may give him pleasure, and I care not if such things be not natural or indeed forbidden either, for greatly do I crave to be used by him entire."

A cup of warmed spiced malmsey wine did Rodrigues then give the boy to calm some his trepidations and fiercely beating heart, and when he judged the moment right, he did tell the boy that there were many ways in time now past whereby the Musslemen of Granada did enjoy the flesh of boys, and that the riding of them were but a matter of minor import.

"Willingly would I do those things," Richard had declared, "And take great enjoyment from them I do think," though in truth they were things he had not known of before and wondered much why men should wish to do them. "But, sir, in no way may I declare such to Mr Fletcher, for sure he would think me a boy most unnatural and wish to dismiss me from his presence straight."

"Doubt not that Thomas would take much pleasure in the things I have talked of," the apothecary did smile, "For I know Mr Fletcher of old and do understand well that he is one who takes great pleasure in the flesh of boys, and to have as catamite one who will give him leave to do all that is in his dreams he would think as gift from Fortune.
But for him to feel of leave to do those things it can only be that he has a boy, not merely willing to be used so, but one that he owns entire, so that he know for certain sure that such boy is his, in mind as well as in body."

"But how can such a thing come to pass?" Richard had asked. "My mind and flesh is his already would he but doth know it."

"Have you flesh strong enough, mind brave enough, to withstand a beating? A beating that would have you screaming much and be of pain most great?"

"Though I scream till I may scream no more; that he beat me till I be senseless, I swear I will entertain such if it be that after he will have me as catamite."

"Then summon up your courage and do as I do say. Employ all those skills and cunnings that a boy doth have, and make pretence to Mr Fletcher that is but by being beaten will the fear of swiving be driven from you, and much in desperation are you for that to happen."

And so had happened, for the morrow after his beating had Richard, though still his arse did pain him much, gone to the bed of his master and performed there with such happy abandon, that Fletcher did wonder how a boy he had beaten so could be so free with his favours and give them all with such delight and clear abandon..

Not only this, but after straight did Fletcher talk with Stick and agree with him that now he be past eighteen years of age, no longer was it fit and proper for him to be catamite longer; and then was Richard summoned and begged, though he be only twelve, would he consent to be household boy no more, but to be catamite instead.

He had thought not to protest, but accepted straight and with great delight, for the pain of the birch on his arse and thighs were a thing he would suffer gladly many times were it to gain the joy he had been offered.

Though he were now sixteen, Fletcher did display no signs of great lust for younger flesh, for things he did with his Richard were things he thought no other boy would eagerly undertake to permit.

Though it were past the time of dawn and unruly sun had risen enough to force him from his bed, still did Fletcher rise not, for the body of his catamite did lay close beside him, the taste of his morning seed still fresh on Fletcher's tongue.

A hand he placed on the flat smoothness above his catamite's prick, a prick more soft than hard for so freshly had it seeded, and wondered greatly how the flesh of a boy, being smooth there, may excite passions in a man, that had it been covered with hair, as by nature it surely should have been, would have arisen not.

"May you taste me there, should that be your wish," Richard did say in a voice soft. Well had he learned that a boy may say such things were he a boy kept in a harem as boys were of old, for it were his duty as catamite to provide his master pleasure in whatever form it took.

That he took pleasure also in being treated so was a thing most assured, and oft did he lead the head of Fletcher to that place, and also to his thighs and to his nipples and to the place beneath his arms also, for all he knew were places his master did like to kiss and lick, and when so he did then did Richard's body fill with delight and he did sigh and moan his pleasure.

The greatest of those places of pleasure on his flesh was also, to his mind, the most strange in thought, though in deed it were the greatest pleasure of all.

He had been most mazed when the apothecary had told him of it and thought it be but fable, but he had done as he were bid and washed himself with much great care, and used a perfume there that had been distilled from plants in the east, so he were told, that would prove most efficatious.

And indeed so did it prove, for the first time he did anoint his arse with that perfume, Fletcher, being then engaged with the liking and sucking of his balls, had stooped straight on catching scent of it and requested of Richard that he may be permitted to attempt a thing most strange.

Richard did, of course, consent, saying that his flesh was the property of his master and that a master may do as he wishes with those things he owns, and did, with no demur, roll to his stomach as he were bid.

Still did he not believe that his master would part the cheeks of his arse, bury his face between them and plunge tongue where his prick was wont to go.

But so he did, and the boy were forced to confess within his mind that it were a feeling greater than any he had felt before, and much did he long for it not to stop.

Now he knew, while Fletcher did kiss and lick at that place on him where never had hair been permitted to grow, that other parts of his flesh would be kissed and licked also, and that he would, when the time was right, turn to his stomach so it could be that Fletcher would use his mouth and tongue in that most wondrous of ways.

So greatly did he like being treated so that it did seem to his mind that he were but flesh indeed, and had created been but for use in the giving of pleasure to his master that he cared nothing what manner of thing were done to him, for if that master took pleasure from the doing of that thing then joy it were for him also.

On this morn, though, such joys were not to be reached, for there did come a furious knocking on the chamber door and the voice of a boy did call that there were one below would have urgent words with Mr Fletcher, and that the Housekeeper, Jane, would also wish to speak with him when he did have leisure to entertain her.

Much were Fletcher put from good humour by this, for the longing had grown within him to taste deep of the core of his boy and to plunge his tongue deep within him, for greatly did he like the doing of that unusual act, and greatly did he know that his catamite liked it also, and that the swiving that would follow would be one of great entertainment to them both.

"What manner of man is it that calls so untimely upon me?" he did demand of the boy who stood still outside the chamber door.

"I know not, sir," the boy did say, "For he wear a full cloak of black and hath the hood raised so his face may not be discerned, and he do wait in the darkest part of the hall sir."

"Sly!" Fletcher hissed, and did hiss that name as though it be a curse, as indeed it in some wise were, for if it were Sly then it were also work of intelligencing that he brought news of, and rather would Fletcher now have swived than do intelligencing.

"Well, Sly?" Fletcher demanded in a manner not congenial, for much he were disconcerted by the untimely interruption of his intended pleasure.

"Ah, Mr Fletcher," Sly did ooze from the shadow where he did remain, "Glad am I to see you well at this most unfortunate of times."

Unfortunate indeed! Fletcher did think for much had he intended to feast on the sweet delight of his catamite's arse, but all he did was to enquire, "How so, Sly?, What manner of misfortune come you to tell me of?"

"Of murder, sir. Though some may say it were murder not but justifiable defence of person, but that be a matter for the Crowner and not for the likes of me to say."

"A murder, Sly?" and Fletcher's voice did rise in tone; "Are there not murders aplenty done in London every day? Why should you think to bring news of one to me?"

"For because, sir, I did think that the slain man may be one known to you. But, upon my life, sir, now his name doth escape me entire."

Sly did scratch his left palm with a finger of his right hand, and though Fletcher could see this not clear for Sly were deep in shadow, yet he knew well that such would be the case, for never did, and never would, Sly part with knowledge unless it be for coin.

"Would five shilling aid your memory?"

"Indeed it may, sir," Sly did say and extended then his hand, and when he felt the weight of coin within it, he did say straight, "A wonder is it not, sir, but I do find my memory straight refreshed. It were one Will Foley, sir, his corpse now with the Searcher."

"Foley, you say?" Fletcher asked in some surprise, for it were a name known indeed to him, though he knew of the name more than he did of the man.

Foley had been a man of reputation poor, a gatherer together of tid-bits of information that found their way to Walsingham, though when the function of Spy Master passed from Walsingham to Cecil, he had no longer any function in the matters of intelligencing.

Cecil were a man much given to inclinations of a puritan tendency, and for that Foley had gained mostly his living by the procuring and purveying of Ganymedes meant that Cecil would have none of him.

"And why should the demise of one such as Foley be of interest particular to me?"

"Ah, sir," Sly oozed once more from his corner in the shadow, "That reason also doth escape me entire. And think not, sir, that the weight of silver in my hand would bring my memory to life once more, for it will not do so."

Fletcher spoke not, for he knew Sly were finished not yet. That he would make such journey to Fletcher's house but for a few shillings were a thing unthinkable, and Sly, though he priced his intelligence at high level, never had but given something of value in exchange for the coin he took.

"Silver hath not weight sufficient," he said at last, "Though gold may be weight enough to start the ticking of the clock of my mind once more."

"Gold, Sly? Then what you have to say must be a thing of much import. Why bring you this to me and not to Cecil?"

"For it concern you, sir." Sly spoke still from the shadow, yet there were earnestness in his voice that did command Fletcher to pay attention,

"Doth it so indeed?" Fletcher knew of no thing that could be of concern to him in this, or any other matter, yet never did Sly come with information false, nor with something not of the value he did set upon it. "What weight of gold think you will get the clock of your mind to tick?"

"Gold coin of the number same as the silver, sir. Little enough I do think when you hear what I have to say, but at present I do find my debts are uncommon small, and ask no more. You have ever dealt honestly with me, sir, and I would repay that kindness in this way."

"I do thank you for your concern," Fletcher gave answer, "But I am much diverted to know what manner of thing it be that should ease gold from my purse to know of."

This were ever the manner of conversation with Sly, for there were bargain to be made, much as there is haggle to be made in market ere a thing is purchased.

"Mayhap it will loosen some the strings of your purse, sir," Sly did say, knowing now that there were bargain that would be struck, "If you did know it be a thing that will concern your reputation certain and mayhap your life. There is plot laid against you, sir, and there will be those that would wish the question to be put to you, and come you living from the rack, sir, I believe you will go no more intelligencing."

"Say you so indeed," Fletcher were much bemused, but Sly never did bring information false and had he no wish to be put to the question, be he guilty of anything or no. "Should I find my purse to contain ten gold coins, would such cover the debt you spoke of?"

"Truly it would, sir. And perhaps I may beg a mug of ale, for a great thirst I have upon me, coming this way and hastening greatly to bring you news."

"Much remiss of me it hath been to think to offer such not before," Fletcher said, "Will you come to the table to partake of it in comfort?"

"Rather would I that a stool were brought to me here, sir," Sly suggested, "For well you know I am a man that likes not overmuch the light."

Fletcher did call for a boy to bring them ale and to place two stools where Sly did lurk, and though the boy did look surprised at such request, still did he as he were bid, for it be not the place of a boy to question the whims and wishes of his master.

"What manner of thing is it that you would tell me, Sly?" Fletcher queried when the boy were gone, they alone and gold coin counted into Sly's hand.

"The story as I know it, sir," Sly said, his voice low. "There be some of it you must know I cannot be certain sure, for means none do I have to be certain of its truth, but false trails, you know of old, are things I do not lay."

"Speak, Sly, for once gold be in your hand I know you to be a man of honour," And though there were irony much in Fletcher's words, yet did Sly take no offence.

"Foley were slain, sir," Sly recounted his tale, "In the final hours of the night. It is said by some that were nearby that it were as an argument on the price of a Ganymede, for death came to him, you must know, outside a molly house that goes by the name of The Capon, and most suitable is that name for the chickens served there are young indeed, some scarce out of the egg I am given to believe."

Fletcher stiffened, his grip on his mug of ale tightened much, for well did he know of that molly house indeed.

"It is said, sir, that argument did take place outside the doors of that house, and some say that Foley drew his dagger and did make to thrust it into the proprietor of that house, but that that man being young, and of a height above the normal, did grab at Foley's wrist and turn his dagger upon himself, thrusting it up and into his throat, and that Foley much did try words to say, but his throat being opened he could not utter them and so died speechless."

"Be that all, Sly? For ten gold pieces it be little enough."

"There be a little more, sir," Sly gulped his ale. "I being in that place on matter different entire, I saw not what transpired but only the result of it. But, as you know, sir, in the dark my ears be uncommon keen and I did hear those around argue if it be defence of life or no, and that argument had there been about the price of a boy.
Foley, sir, were not ever one was wont to pay for a boy, Ganymedes he did control many and took his needs from them without the spending of coin, so I did think it strange that he had entered a house where he be expected to pay for arse, and as I recognised the young gentleman that do run that house as one known to yourself, and thinking to myself that a friend of Mr Fletcher be also a friend to me, I did enter that house by way of shadow and through the back, and spoke there quietly with a boy or two."

"I must commend you both for your thinking and for your sentiment," Fletcher inclined his head, "Pray continue, Sly."

"Some sailors had there been in there, sir, about the business that doth take sailors to a molly house, but they were now outside, drawn there by the commotion. Those boys they had been swiving were of no use to me, too busy they would have been in the exercise of their trade to hear of anything other than the grunting of the sailors riding them, but two I found that were not at that time called upon to work, and from them I did extract some information, though it did cost me a coin or two.
An argument had there been, and it did start over the matter that this molly house has harmed much the trade of Foley. The boys there are always clean, free of lice and fleas and freshly washed, unlike the Ganymedes of the Rookery, who if they were to fall upon the ground would straight hop upright again from the moving of the lice and fleas upon them.
Foley did rant some on this matter, the boys did tell me, but then changed his tack and did talk loud of an injustice done to him some years past, by the young man and his then employer, one intelligencer Fletcher.
I then did cast about somewhat, did find one I knew who drank some with this Foley, and did discover that he railed oft against you for that he lost his service when Mr Walsingham did die as you did recommend him not to Sir Robert Cecil, and that you further conspired with your former catamite, forgive me sir for naming him as such, to destroy his living by the establishment of that molly house.
Further did he boast that he had information he had kept secret this past six years that were he to divulge it would lead you to the Tower straight, and that less he could gain much of the takings of The Capon, he would with this intelligence to the Bishop of London and see you racked and burned."

"Reason enough for Stick to open his throat," Fletcher mused quietly, "And enough and more to cast doubt upon that death being in the way of protection of life.
I must thank you, Sly, for bringing this to me. Though I do see malice much in this, I see no sign of plot beyond. Know you of reason why I should?"

"Only that Foley had not stones sufficient to do alone a thing such as take a tale of so little substance to the Bishop," Sly said, "And why wait six years to take such action? My nose informs me there is something more in this, and well it would be for you and that young man were you to discover it quick."

Indeed it were that six year wait that were a thing to be thought upon, Fletcher mused when Sly had gone. Six years gone the only matter of import in his intelligencing had been the discovery of that Satanic plot of William Rich, but surely all involved in that had met their just deserts on the scaffold. Were it possible that one of those gentlemen of some little estate had relative who would wait six years to take revenge?

All things were possible, Fletcher thought, when his reverie were interrupted by his Housekeeper, Jane, demanding audience in his solar straight.

Fletcher sighed and went to his solar to await her coming. How wise, he had been, he thought, never to be tempted to marry, for if a housekeeper could command him so then how much worse would it have been had he a wife!

Jane did attend him in his solar and that without delay, ushering in a small and naked boy before her. That Richard were also in the solar and naked also concerned Jane not a whit, for many times ere this had she seen him so, but the boy was most amazed and attracted to that sight, for never had he set eyes on naked man before and much were he astounded by the size of Richard's member, though in truth it were no thing above the ordinary for a boy of sixteen years.

"Oath I did make to you, Mr Fletcher," Jane delivered her words in a brisk and businesslike manner, "That my boy, should I be blessed with one, would be yours to use for pleasure when he became of age sufficient. Peter is today six years of age, and at such age, I do believe, may boys begin to be of interest to men. Therefore is he now yours, Mr Fletcher, save only that I beg you hurt him not beyond that which may be needed to bring him to understanding of his duties."

With that she turned and left, leaving Fletcher in some astoundment, Richard in amazement and the boy, Peter, in utter bewilderment.

"Heard I what I think I heard?" Richard did ask.

"Indeed you did," Fletcher did confirm, and did explain then the wise in which this event had come about. "But what do I with a boy of such an age, have I no idea."

"Perhaps some small help may I be," Richard offered, his words full of thought, for he eyed the small boy with more than passing interest. "His member doth hold some promise, sir, for I do swear it be more than many boys of twice his years. Belike a finger in length indeed."

"May I have permission to test if it do be able yet to grow hard?" Richard requested and, permission being granted, approached and took the tiny member between his fingers.

The boy backed away not, nor flinched not even when his member was so taken, and worked by Richard's fingers in attempt to make it rise.

"It doth grow like a bone at times," the boy chirruped, seeming concerned not that his privates were private no more, "But, truly, sirs, I know not why that be so."

And so it did in this instance, growing to a size equal to that of Richard's first finger, for he did measure one against the other to show that it were so.

"And yours is grown prodigious huge," the boy squeaked in much amazement, for indeed Richard also had grown hard, the feeling of young Peter's member exciting him much.

That Peter, being but six years of age, and that today, surely should have led him to be most nervous and even in some fear at the circumstance he did find himself in, but it appeared not so. Indeed, he did find it most interesting and exciting even, and boys of an age such as his do seek excitement wherever it may be found.

"If it be by your leave, sir," Richard ventured, "I will undertake his training, and do so with the assistance and advice of Apothecary Juan, for many conversations have I had with him on what did befall in those harems of old Spain."

That Richard were then obliged to tell of all that had passed between him and that apothecary, starting even with the manner he had arranged his own beating so Mr Fletcher may desire him as catamite, were a thing that in all conscience were a thing he should have done long ere now, but Fletcher responded not in any anger, but did say instead that greatly now he felt the need for butter, though that were needed not as Richard had secreted some oil that served the purpose well.

The sight then that Peter did see left him with open mouth, for though he had seen sparrows at their play, nothing were that like what he now beheld, for the act were performed before him and never did he think to tear his eyes from what he did behold. Nor did his little member shrink again to softness, but stayed most hard, encouraged so to do perhaps, by the straying of his hand there, though this were a thing he had not done ere now.

His swiving done and his seed released, Fletcher were again able to turn his mind to those matters Sly had brought to his attention and he did resolve that he must straight to Stick and learn from him what he could. And whilst he so did, he instructed Richard that he should to Juan Rodrigues, taking with him the boy Peter, and learn there whatever he may.

"I know not what manner of thing did cause so his resentment," Stick did say. "Dealings with him have I had none, for my business interferes not with his. Ganymedes did he run is true, but of the lowest class and quality. He kept no molly house as I do, but sent his boys to ply their trade around theatres and bear pit and at executions also. Competition were we none, and I know not why he should have thought me so."

"But then his argument did change, did it not?" Fletcher said "And came to a thing of six years past?"

"Indeed it did, and I can think only that it had to do with the matter of Rich, for I can recall nothing else we did of any note that time ago."

"I think so too, Stick, indeed I too can think it must be no thing else. You are not arrested for this thing?"

"No, sir, and will not be so I believe, for though the Crowner hath not yet sat in Court, I do hear tell he is minded to believe it were a matter of defence of life and murder not. And so it were indeed, Mr Fletcher, truly it were."

"Then will I see if I may seek out a Ganymede or two that did work for this Foley, find what his grievance may have been, be it were imagined or real."

So Fletcher did, taking himself to those parts of the city where Ganymedes of the lowest quality did seek to earn a farthing or two, for such were the manner of boys Stick had told of Foley using.

"Arse be a penny, sir, mouth a ha'penny, be it a boy you seek."

The voice came from a doorway in an alley that ran deep with shit and stunk so.

The price were extortionate, but Fletcher, being a man well-dressed, may be one who would pay a Ganymede four times his worth.

"Seek a boy I do," Fletcher said to the darkness of the doorway, "But not one I would use in this shit filled alley. A boy I may take to a tavern may be a boy worth a penny."

"A tavern that you do know of?" the voice were young but of cunning filled, for boys do not become Ganymedes and hold still to their innocence in any matter.

"The Plucked Chicken I have before made use of," Fletcher told not the truth entire, but he did know well the reputation of that tavern. A man may take a boy there, swive him and not an eyebrow raised.

"And I taken there before," the boy's voice answered. "A penny then, sir? For if it be there you wish to go it is arse you will be wanting, not mouth."

"A penny indeed," Fletcher consented, and led the way to that tavern where boys are swived night and day.

"Ain't got no rooms this time of day," the landlord there, shrugged. "Gentlemen is in them all, fast asleep no doubt. He eyed the boy, a scruffy, filthy urchin of some eleven or twelve years, and knew him as one who had been brought to his tavern before, and so relented some. "That corner there is private some," he nodded toward a corner of the tavern room that were indeed in shadow deep, "Reckon as you may swive there and none bother you."

"Twill serve," Fletcher agreed, for he had no intention of using the arse of the boy and cared not where he did go with him but that it were private some. "Two mugs of ale and some cheese if any you have that be not mouldy," he requested.

"Think you he will fuck better if he be fed first?" the landlord grinned, "Perhap it may be so."

Fletcher did place a penny coin on the table before them as the boy did gobble at the cheese and swilled his ale.

"I want not your arse," he said, "But only words from your mouth. That coin be yours are you able to tell me things I wish to know or no."

"Just for talking?" the boy said, amazed, "You wants not me arse?"

"Information be what I want, and belike you may have some for me."

"Whatcher wanner know?" the boy made a grab for the penny, though Fletcher did grab and hold his wrist tight before he were able to snatch it.

"Knew you of one Mr Foley?" Fletcher asked, holding still the boy's wrist, and holding it most tight.

"He dead, ain't he?"

"Indeed he is," Fletcher agreed. "What I do want to know if you did know him in the manner of work you do."

"You means did I Ganymede for him?" the boy asked and Fletcher nodded that was indeed what he meant.

"Black-hearted cunny that he was," the boy spat into the dirty straw at his feet. "Lots of us boys he had living in fear of his evil ways. Two fucks we had to do to earn a farthing, for he kept watch on us and did take half at least of what we earned."

"Did he so," Fletcher was unsurprised, "But now you have that penny entire and none to take it from you. And another to go with it if there be more yet you can tell me."

"Anovver?" the boy squeaked, "And just for what I can tell you?"

"Truly," Fletcher encouraged. "Why stayed you working for him if so little you gained from it?"

"Cos he were an evil man, sir, evil as they come. Boy tries to get away from him and he don't cut his throat sir, oh no. Cuts his balls from him he do, and what a boy without balls gonna do for a living?"

"If indeed, he do live after being so treated," Fletcher shuddered.

"Matters not if he do or not, do it, sir. Dead Ganymede or two ain't gonna cause no concern to constables and magistrates, is it."

And indeed it would not. That the boy spoke truth there Fletcher did know well enough.

"So it were fear kept you with him?"

"That sir," the boy eyed his now empty mug, "And maybe another thing or two."

"More ale here," Fletcher called, "And perhaps some cold meat if you have any wholesome."

"Sliced fresh from a boy's arse this very morning, sir," the landlord called back amid guffaws at his jest.

Then did the Ganymede betray that he were a boy of some intelligence more than just that of surviving by the selling of his arse.

"Who be you, sir?" he questioned, "And why be you so concerned about Foley?"

"I be an intelligencer on the Queen's service," Fletcher judged that the boy would run not from him but would be in some wonder why such as he should be of interest to an intelligencer.

"Be you so truly, sir?" the boy asked and did look at Fletcher in a manner that he may be able to see truth or falsehood in Fletcher's face.

Seeming satisfied with what he saw, he did finish in much haste the meats, and spoke more. "I know you present me not with meat and ale for you want my arse," he said, "That you may have for small coin and no need for kindness. For greater coin you may have any part of me you desire, but I believe it not the flesh of boy you seek. But what would a Queen's intelligencer have to do with such as me?"

"For what may be in your head," Fletcher told him, "For there are things not clear as to Mr Foley's death and I must seek out what they are."

"And no harm will come to me if I do speak some things that I do know?"

"No harm, and this I swear. But more coin perhaps, for intelligence is a valuable thing."

"This be not the safest place to talk, sir," the boy looked around, searching it seemed for any face he did know. "Know you another place, safer than here? Somewhere you may take a boy and no questions asked as to why you take him there?"

"Should you but shout loud that feed you meat and ale as I will, that you will not do for it is a thing most unnatural, and run then from this place to meet me to meet again at the pie sellers but two corners down there will be a shilling for you, for I do think you have things to say that I would much wish to hear."

The boy hid the grin that started to appear, and said quietly, "Now I know you be intelligencer true, for all here will but think that I have cozened you, and none suspect that I say things were best I did not know or say."

Then the boy did put a scowl on his face and mixed it with disgust and shouted loud that he would not do such a thing and ran from the tavern to the cheers and laughter of those within it.