Part the Second of Mr Fletcher's Reward

 

"Times there were, sir," the boy told when they did meet again, "When Foley had us do a thing most strange. Some ten or twenty Ganymedes would he gather together of a night, and taken we were by coaches to some fine house or other. And we were made to strip and be washed by pump sir, for the gentlemen gathered there wished for our flesh and not for our fleas. And they did swive us, sir, all the night through, and it were prodigious strange, for though those men did all swive till they seeded in us, yet did their members stay hard and another boy they would straight take and swive again.
At least a dozen times would I be swived and on the morrow my arse were most sore indeed.
Then were we placed into a barn or some such place, and when it were dark again a cart would take us to the city once more.
Four such times did this happen to me, sir, and though I know it not for certain, I think it were to a different house each time that we were taken."

Much did Fletcher's mind come to life when he heard what the boy did say about the unnatural hardness of those gentlemen's members, for had not Harry said the same of Sir James all those years ago?

"Were the number of boys returned to London all the same as the number of boys did leave it?" Fletcher could not but pray that the boy would say it were.

"Oh yes, sir," the Ganymede said at once, "And all did have arses that were most sore indeed."

No Satanic sacrifice as there had been by Rich, but gatherings most similar.

"And one thing more," Fletcher said, "Could it be that you may know some boy, though more than boy he would be now I think, that were one of Foley's stable some six years past?"

"I know of none direct, sir," the boy were honest, "Though, if there be coin some in it then may I seek about and find one such."

"Coin in it there will be," Fletcher smiled, for purveyors of intelligence ever do want coin, and made to give the boy the money he had already earned, "And a shilling more for the seeking you will do," he said.

The boy looked in wonder at the two silver coins in his palm, for such a sum were more than twice he may have earned with his arse in a month.

"And no harm come to you or him if you do find one, but coin more if you do bring him to my house in Coldharbour Lane, for at some length would I talk with you both."


"Certes he doth have a form of some promise," Juan Rodrigues observed as he did cast his eyes over the naked body of young Peter. "See, there can be no doubt but that his legs will grow most pleasing long, full of thigh and shapely also of calf.
Slender will he be somewhat, but firm and somewhat deep of chest. Sure a body that a man will take much pleasure in."

Richard did look anew at the apothecary, for though he had already some feeling that the man knew more of boys than he did admit, surely the way he did appraise young Peter and see in his mind him grown to a boy of ten or twelve, were indication that such were a thing he had done before, and many times also.

"And see also his member, Richard," though this were a thing he had no need to bid for Richard did observe that young boy's member many times and oft, "How well it be grown already for a boy but six years of age."

"Six years and two days," Peter did chirp, "And, sir, when it do turn into a bone it be the same in size as is the finger of master Richard, for we have placed them both together that we may see that it be so."

"No disconcert either in him being without clothing," Juan Rodrigues observed as if Peter had spoken not.

"Indeed not, sir," Peter chirped again, "Much do I like to be without clothing. And, sir," the boy giggled, "Much do I like the way master Richard doth look upon me then as though I be something nice that he would wish to eat."

"Ready he is then to begin his training," Rodrigues stated and asked the boy if he had any understanding of what that training may be and of the purpose of it also.

"Some I think, sir," the boy chirped, "For Mr Fletcher and master Richard do permit me to watch them as they swive, and much do I like to watch them play together so."

"Ready then is he to begin to worship prick," Rodrigues observed, "For the proper adoration of his master's member is a skill a harem boy must learn."

Then did the apothecary give detailed instruction on what the boy must learn, and though Richard knew already many of those things, some he had not thought on.

"And above all," Rodrigues insisted, though it were a matter obvious, "That he must always eat the seed his actions do produce, and do so with no manner of hesitation, but always with expression of pleasure and delight."

"What taste do it have?" Peter enquired, curious as may be expected from one his age.

"No particular taste," Rodrigues answered, "At times it may seen salty, at others sweet. At times indeed a little bitter some. It doth have the consistency somewhat of egg when it is raw, though oft it do be thicker than that."

"Then that will present no problem to me, sir," Peter did beam a little boy's smile, "For oft do I eat eggs and not cooked, so easy will I eat my master's seed. And, mayhap, master Richard's as well, for I do think it is planned that he should be my instructor in these things."

And much will I instruct you, Richard did think, for he had growing longing within him to find how the mouth of a boy so young should feel around his member.


"Boys there be two that do say you bid them call on you," Jane announced to Fletcher some three days after. "Boys they are of most unwelcome type, for as they do stand in the street their clothing may be observed to move upon them as if by its own accord. From the Rookery at least, or some place worse than that!" Jane sniffed, her nose in the air to signify her displeasure. "Speak with them in the street, Mr Fletcher, if speak with them you must, for enter this house with so great a number of fleas upon them they will not!"

"Speak with them I must, Jane, and in some way private also, for what they have to say must be heard by Harry also."

"Then will they to the wash house first," Jane declared, "Their clothes, such as they are, taken from them and their scrawny bodies scrubbed. Then, when nothing more do move and hop upon them, they may attend you where you will."

"In my solar, Jane. There will I speak with them."

"Then in a proper state they will be to attend you there," Jane sniffed once more, "For their garments also will be washed and will need to dry some."

The boys did protest somewhat at what seemed to them to be a treatment of a most unnatural kind, for used to washing and bathing were they not, but they had been promised coin for attending on Mr Fletcher, and coin they would not get less they be scrubbed clean first.

Embarrassed and somewhat ashamed of their nakedness they were when ushered into Mr Fletcher's solar, and though that room were warm enough, a great fire blazing as it ever did, still did those two boys shiver some, for the water they had been scrubbed with were not warm at all.

Both did foolishly attempt to cover their privates with their hands, for though both were well accustomed to the baring of the arse, the times were few indeed when men did want then naked entire.

"Ale, bread and some meats, Jane," Fletcher did order, and smiled to himself at how the boys would conceive to keep their privates covered whilst they ate and drank.

The Ganymede who Fletcher had spoke with before were the first to notice that Fletcher be not alone in his solar. A youth, older than himself but younger than was the companion he had brought to Fletcher's house were there, reclining in relaxed manner on a couch, seeming in no wise concerned that he were naked also. Beside him were another, one half the age of the Ganymede at most, and he also wore no covering of any sort.

A grin of wickedness and mischief did cross that Ganymede's face as he observed that couch, spreading further when he observed also another, who, though young, were clear a man grown, and though he be not naked, the gown he wore did cover his form, but concealed it not.

"I took you for one who likes not boys," the Ganymede grinned broad, "It doth seem I were mistaken."

Fletcher answered him not, but did instead enquire if names they had, and if the older of the two had information of the nature that Fletcher did seek.

"Jed," the young Ganymede announced himself, "And this be Ned. He be Ganymede no more for he is too old grown to earn so, but one of Foley's boys he were and did attend a gathering such as the one you spoke of."

"And of what age are you, Ned?" Fletcher asked, for it were clear much that the lad were past by some years the age of being Ganymede, for it were clear that hair were there much around his privates, though they still be hidden by his hands, and on his legs also, a sight Fletcher did find most distasteful.

Harry, though, were of opinion different, for he did say to that youth that they would drop not to the floor if he did release them from his hands, much to the embarrassment of that youth, for he did blush a most deep red.

Their tales recounted, little was there new for Fletcher to ponder on, though still he mused much.

"That Devil's nest we did destroy entire six years past," he said, "And all there be to join that nest with the gatherings of gentlemen, Jed has spoken of, is that the members of those men remained most unnatural hard while they did swive from midnight till noon. That some potion or some remedy they did consume to make them so is most like indeed, but I know of no manner in which that be against any law.
Nor is it against any law that they do have Ganymedes aplenty brought to them for their pleasure. Things of much debauch may these gatherings be, but not things against state, nor Queen nor church.
I am at a loss to see how this all connects with the death of Foley, or of plot against myself."

Carefully had Harry observed the two boys whilst Fletcher spoke, The younger, Jed, did seem to have no care for his nakedness, but did have much care of the meats and ale, that he did partake of freely, having been so bid to do. The elder, Ned, took but little interest in either of those things, but stood still with hands covering his private parts, and looked in no wise at his ease.

"One of these two boys doth tell truth as he do know it, Thomas," Harry said, "Whilst the other doth seek to beguile us. Which of them be which I can in no manner be certain, but, if I may dare to make suggestion, I think it would be meet should you take young Jed to your bed tonight, for he is Ganymede and younger arse than you have swived for many months."

Fletcher were somewhat surprised by the words of his former catamite and did look to the boy to see how they had been received, and his eyes were met by those of a scrawny boy, with pinched face, his mouth half stuffed with meat who still attempted smile and with eyes that gleamed a little also.

"Gladly, sir," he said when he gulped down the meat that were in his mouth, "For Mr Fletcher be a generous man and will pay doubtless for my arse."

"And you," Harry turned to the other, "I do suspect have that hidden behind your hands that I will find most pleasurable to be swived by. You will I have ride me till you can ride no more."

But this youth behaved not as Jed had done, but did grow pale much of face and hid not the look of contempt and disgust that showed thereon.

"That will I not," he declared most hotly, "For it is a lewd, foul and most ungodly thing you do suggest. Think you I am such a one as you, given to lechery and debauchery?"

"But one given to lies and to false witness," Harry observed, raising his voice not. "Peter," he called to the boy, "I would you run to your father straight and bid him come. Tell him I would have him confine this youth somewhere safe. It need not be a place of comfort, but it should be a room without window and with no mean of exit but by a door that he will bar most securely."

Peter ran straight to do his bidding, and Harry told the white-faced youth that he knew not why he should come with falsehoods to tell, but he would question later, for he would have answer to this puzzle.

When that youth had been removed in no gentle manner from the solar, Harry turned his attention to the young Ganymede once more.

"How came you by that one?" he asked, "And tell me straight for no blame do I seek to I seek to lay on you."

"In truth, sir, I came by him not, but he did come by me."

He recounted then how, following the words of Mr Fletcher, he did seek about for any who had been Ganymede past and had been in control by Foley, and that this youth had come to him telling that he had had word of what he sought and that he were such a one, and would willingly attend Mr Fletcher if there were money in it for him.

"Who sent him and who it was primed him with the words he were to say, this will I discover, Thomas. And if it be that I may not, then certain am I that Mr Gentle will, for there is plot deep here and I will to the bottom of it."

"I knew not that he spoke false, sirs," young Jed protested, his lip somewhat atremble for he was somewhat feared by what had come to pass.

"And in no wise do I believe you were," Harry confirmed. "And since you will remain with us this night, and words must I have with Mr Fletcher straight, I do suggest that here you stay in this solar and have some conversation with Richard, who I may assure you, is a youth of much pleasant company.
And, Richard, I also do suggest that young Peter be sent to the kitchen also and bring more ale and bread and meats, for Jed is a boy most scrawny and much do he seem in need of feeding."


"How came you to understand that youth were false?" Fletcher did ask Harry when they in the garden were and seated amongst the sweet scent of roses.

"Much were he in a shy manner for one who hath been Ganymede, and never did he meet my eye when I did attempt to look on him with interest. And his words, when he did speak them, were nothing more than to repeat what the other one had spoke. I looked upon him as though he a cipher were, and to my mind he seemed one but badly written, easy to discern.
And see, Thomas, how he did react when I did say I would have him swive me. Think you one that had been Ganymede in younger years would have so behaved? And noted you not that he had no marks on him that were of flea bites older than today?
This be a plot, Thomas, and, for that youth at least, it be a plot that stinks high of puritans, for of that kind that youth is surely one."

"And of the other, the Ganymede?" Fletcher asked.

"He is what he seems to be, and will, I suspect, be most pleasant in your bed tonight. But be warned, Thomas," Harry said with something of a smile in his eyes, he be a Ganymede I think is grown somewhat uncommon fond of you."


"Be it true that you be catamite?" Jed asked of Richard, "Catamite proper and have no need to sell your arse?"

"Catamite to Mr Fletcher am I indeed," Richard did grin, "And greatly do I like being so."

"It must be a thing of wonder to be catamite," Jed mused, "To have house to live in, food to eat and a bed for sleeping."

"Belike a catamite doth find that bed be for more than sleeping only," Richard did grim most broad, for he was a liking taking to this scrawny boy.

"How came you to be catamite? How did Mr Fletcher find you? How were it that you came to please him so that he should take you?"

The questions did tumble from Jed's mouth, for greatly did he have dreams that a man should choose him so, though he knew that by no means that thing could never happen, for he were a flea ridden fitly urchin from the Rookery that sold his arse that he may eat.

"Because much I wanted it to be so," Richard told him and recounted then his tale and did leave nothing out.

"Hurt you it not? Screamed for mercy did you not?"

"Scream I did," Richard did confess, "For greatly it did hurt and never have I before or since had such hurt. But I would have had him birch me ten times over were it to have him take me as catamite."

"I would have him birch the skin clean from my arse, and my legs also were it to be his catamite," Jed sighed.

"More ways than that are there to catch a man," Richard did grin, "Boys can lay plots that men see not but walk into entire and so are caught fast."

"Would I but knew one such," Jed sighed once more. "Greatly do I long to be such as you."

"Then listen close," Richard told him, "And this night you may catch a man."

"He has catamite already," Jed grinned, though a little weakly, "And truly a fine one at that."

"But one that is now sixteen years of age and has two more at most left to him. Peter, it is true, has been given him for his pleasure, but he is but of six years and a long time will it be before he can provide Mr Fletcher with all the pleasure he desires. A boy who is now but ten or twelve is what my master doth now require as second catamite to become the first when I do become man and be boy no more."

Then did Richard recount the things that the apothecary had spoke of, that a harem boy must worship entire the member of a man, and said also of the wise in which that may be done, and though such things were things never had Jed done, for as Ganymede was only his mouth and arse that were ever used, and his mouth only as a cunny used, his arse also, he did declare that all the things that Richard had told him of he would do as well as he were able, for none of them did he think of as lewd or debauched, but only as means of providing pleasure. And if, by doing that, he may make himself to the attention of Mr Fletcher sufficient, then mayhap a better future would await him, for he did confess to Richard that he did find himself uncommon attracted to this Mr Fletcher.


"But to what point and purpose, Harry?" Fletcher did question. They sat still in the rose garden and Fletcher were much perplexed as to why plot should be made against him, for he were no man of any real note or matter.

"That is for me to uncover, Thomas," Harry told him, "For in this matter now must you take no further part.
Consider this," he said, "It were intended that Stick should be slain, but in the manner of a tavern brawl or argument, so no charge of murder would be laid against Foley who did wield the knife. This be a device that hath been used before, and with much success; think you but to the slaying of Marlow in such a wise."

"If Marlow ever were slain, and to that there must be some doubt," Fletcher mused, "For none but those involved did identify the body, and no stone marks his grave."

"Be that as it may," Harry did put aside that matter, "But that Stick should be slain there can be no doubt. And then would you be much disturbed by the death of your former catamite, one who it is well known that you did help set up in the business he does run.
Then would you have cast about seeking answer, and found only but that the trail led to those thing of Rich in years past.
Then would it have been rumoured abroad that your concern was but to cover your part in that affair, and that which you wished to keep concealed were that something there be that you did wish to hide, that mayhap you were secret part of that satanic affair."

"But to what purpose, Harry? I were none such, and no evidence could there ever be that indeed I were."

"But when that rumour did grow strong and sufficient for Sir Robert to wonder on it, then doubtless you would be taken to Mr Gentle, and there you would have confessed to all, be it truth or no."

That this would indeed have been so, Fletcher questioned not, for no man living were there who could remain silent when Mr Gentle asked him question.

"Again I ask but why, Harry? Who would have thing to gain by this?"

"That, mayhap, be a question Mr Gentle will need to ask, and I think it most like he will begin with the one we now have locked away."


"You have dreams as big as I," Jed did say soft to Richard, as he lay on the settle, the flavour of Richard's seed still on his tongue. "Think you that either could come to pass, be they yours or mine?"

"I think," Richard said, finding himself most delighted and satisfied by the attention his member had received from Jed, "That those dreams may combine together, for if that truly be the first time you have worshiped member so, then I swear that soon you will suck not seed alone, but a man's soul entire from his prick. Such a one as you will serve the master most wonderfully as catamite, and scheme we must to make certain that he doth take you as such."

Much pleased were Jed by this and he did permit for the first time in his life, his mouth to be used not by prick but by tongue and were much in wonder of the feelings that so doing did create inside him.

The night that followed were a thing of nothing but wonder to young Jed, for never had he dreamed his body so much delight could know, not that he could himself cause man to sigh and groan with happiness entire.

First he did, as instructed so by Richard, make his mouth available for Fletcher's tongue before he then went to worship that man's member with all the reverence that a boy can give to such a task.
Stones did he lick and take into his mouth, and delighted was to find Mr Fletcher had no more hair on him than he did there himself, and busied himself most thoroughly in the suckling of those stones, and found his task to be a most pleasant one. Then member did he lick and suckle till it be most wet and then did he rub it around his face, murmuring all the while how sweet that member were and how that it were like to heaven for a Ganymede such as he to have the gift of making worship to it.
And when at last he did cause it to seed in his mouth, he made sounds only of pleasure and delight and did say how wondrous it must be for Richard, who were beside them in that bed, to have the joy of that prick and seed each day.
Ere Mr Fletcher did respond, Richard did mount him and rode him hard, and though never had Jed known boy to be jockey for a man, yet did it seem to him a thing most natural, and did say, unbidden, how he wished he were grown enough to ride a man and spend his seed in such a way, though, alas, seed could he not yet.

Fletcher were in most contented mind, and thought not now of plot against him, but only of it may be a thing desirable to have Jed in his bed at all time, for the boy had used his young flesh in a manner most delightful, and did seem to have a mind most tuned to the giving of pleasure with it.

 

"Unfortunate outcomes, Mr Fletcher," Mr Gentle did say when Fletcher were called to attend him for report, "But Sir Robert has absolved me of all blame and did say that at times fate doth move in mysterious ways, and outcomes such as these may be for the best.
The young man that Mr de Vere did send me were an accident entire, Mr Fletcher. He being one I were informed were of no great import, I had thought but to rack him some and see what he did have to say. But of that there were no need, sir, for when he were brought before me, naked as Mr de Vere did deliver him, he did rail upon me in most violent puritan terms, sir, call me and mine unnatural beings for having him paraded before us naked so.
And, sir, I was much disturbed by this, for my two boys were with me , sir, and John is but scarce thirteen years of age, and it were not fit, sir that his young ears should hear the things that were said.
He ranted, sir, and shouted that his pastor, one Swallow, should hear of how he were treated such, and but for obeying God's will as this Swallow had told him he was and that this Swallow were a man of such Godly force that he would see revenge taken on us all.
Well, sir, that I did think he had like told us all he had to tell in the naming of this Pastor Swallow, I did say to my youngest, John, that he may take this youth and use him for some experiment he had in mind for questioning; for I must tell you, sir, that young as he be, my John doth show much skill and invention in our art.
But, alas, sir, my boy having other matters of study on his mind, for as you must know, sir, it is of great import that he should learn to write and read most well, did allow the matter of this youth to slip from his mind for almost two whole days, and when he did recall him to mind it were too late, sir, for that youth were some time dead."

Nothing would interrupt the flow of Mr Gentle's words and he did continue only having made pause for the drawing of breath.

"John had given instruction, sir, that the youth be hung by his feet for a little while, for often, sir, when that the blood does flow to the brain so it brings with it rememberances of the things a man should say, but in his youthful carelessness, sir, he had forgot to give order for the youth to be brought down.
It would seem, sir that the flow of blood from his feet to his brain were such that it did cause his brain to burst within his skull, and such were the reason for him being expired when John did at last remember him."

"Most unfortunate," Fletcher did observe in manner dry, for that the youth would live after being questioned were never a thing possible. "I trust young John were not over disconcerted by this mishap, for it were but a misfortune sure."

"In no wise, sir," Gentle did inform him, "Though calculations has he made many since how long a man may hang so before his brain doth burst."

"And to this Pastor Swallow? What manner of misfortune did befall him?"

"Of different sort, sir, though the end be just the same. Much did he too rail against us in a puritan wise, for he also felt much horror in being unclothed for questioning. `Spawn of the Devil' he did call us, sir, and you he named as Belzebub himself and Sir Robert as the Devil incarnate, and Sir Robert himself here present for this questioning.
My boy, John, sir, for I did tell you he is a boy of wit much, did suggest that such a one as this Pastor Swallow would fear not the rack not the hot irons nor even the pincers. He would like, John said, take little heed even of the stripping of his skin, but utter only foul curses and go to his supposed God a martyr in his mind.
Some Jesuits are much like this, sir, and will say not a word but go happy to their bowelling thinking themselves bound for paradise eternal."

"What answer did your boy, John, have then to this, for I am sure you are to tell me that he had one."

"Oh, he did sir, he did indeed," Gently said most proudly. "He had noted, sir, that the thing that disconcerted this pastor most were not that he had been brought for question and that pain he was to endure, but that he were unclothed, sir, and that those parts he did consider most private to his person were uncovered for all to see did they so wish to do so.
This were not a thing that I had noted, sir, nor Sir Robert neither, but to a boy of thirteen it were a thing most plain, Boys of that age, sir, do see some things in a manner such as we have long forgot, and he did suggest that we may gain some success were we but to concentrate our attention in his questioning upon his privates."

"Used you then those devices to inflict harm upon his stones and member?" Fletcher did enquire, for efficacious indeed had the crushing to pulp of but a single stone been in the case of that Rich.

"In not quite that same manner, sir," Gentle said, "But in one of most admired effect nonetheless.
John did reveal to me a simple thing that he had been giving some thought to; I have it here, sir," Gentle confided and rummaged through the items on his table till he did locate it.
"It do look a thing most harmless, does it not sir?" placing before Fletcher's eyes nothing but a strip of leather, perhaps the length of a man's smallest finger. "Observe, sir," he explained, "How along this edge it doth have but small rings sewn and string also, and see how the edges are rolled over some at the ends and sewn so in place."

Fletcher inspected the proffered item, and indeed it were as Mr Gentle described, the rolled ends making ridges most pronounced, but as to its use Fletcher could conceive not.

"It is placed, sir, around the shaft of the member when that thing is soft, and tied tight there also." He demonstrated by using the leather around two of the fingers of his left hand, allowing but the top joint of those fingers to protrude beyond the ridged end.

"A simple device, sir, but see the cunning of it," Gentle enthused. "The head of the member doth protrude from the end, and being that the shaft is bound and held tight, when the member doth swell tis but the head that may expand, for the shaft is tight constrained and can by no means grow except by length. The little ridges, sir, do grip the member tight and some discomfort may they cause, but that be a thing of little concern."

Fletcher did think that may be a matter of more concern than little, for he could not but imagine such device fastened around his own member, and that the feelings produced when he did swell were feelings he thought would not be ones of pleasure!

"Then did my John show that he be a boy of considerable invention and that he will rise far in this art of ours," Gentle said, pride evident in his words and tone also, "And he did take this," Gentle picked up a thin willow wand, stripped of its bark, "And did strike firm upon the head of Pastor Swallow's member. It took few such strikes, sir, for that man's member to try to swell and rise, the head most swollen and engorged and protruding forth from the skin that covers it when soft, for that skin were held firm in place by John's device. Red was that thing much as well, for the strikes John did rain upon it were by no means as gentle as is his name, and greatly did Pastor Swallow protest that he liked it not and did call us all manner of foul names.
Then, sir," Gentle gloated, "Did John show well his understanding of the cunning or our art and he did a thing which, I do believe, none but a boy of his age would think on doing."

Gentle paused for effect, for greatly was he enjoying the telling of his tale, and, seeing that Fletcher had not understanding of what his boy did think of doing, he continued with much relish.

"John did understand, sir, that pain alone would be of no effect, for this Pastor Swallow were much akin to those Jesuits who go laughing to their bowellings, for greatly did he believe that what may pass for heaven in his faith awaited him and he would ascend there in glory.
But would he not so do, sir, if those lewd thoughts that dwell in the minds of all men, however well they may seem hidden, were brought to the very front of his mind.
My John, sir, did then divest himself of his own clothing and present his naked form to the eyes of Pastor Swallow, and when that man did shut close his eyes, for John, sir, I must tell you, was himself aroused and erect and in no wise, sir, would that reverend gentleman gaze upon my John so.
In no manner did that deter the boy, sir, for he did takes his member in his hand and did rub it across the face of Pastor Swallow, saying all the time in a voice of such lewdness I never did think to hear in the voice of boy such age, how much he knew that Swallow would like to have that member in his mouth and mayhap in his arse also, and so enraged were Swallow by his words that he did straight shout at us that when but the one he served did come to power in this land, all such as we would to the fire straight, for all were we lewd and of the Devil."

"And did he shout also who be the one he serves?"

"He did, sir, but Sir Robert, who were present for this questioning, did bid us to forget straight that name, and so have we done."

That Cecil should present himself at the Tower for a questioning were a thing most strange, and Fletcher could but think that it were for because Cecil had some concept of the name that Swallow would reveal, and if it were a name that Cecil would have not revealed to other ears then it must be the name of someone most high in the land and of great import.

"Then Swallow will to trial and bowelled be," Fletcher said aloud, "For it is clear that treason be in here somewhere."

"That, alas, will not happen, sir," Gentle sounded in apologetic manner, "And the London crowd deprived of some amusement so.
Sir Robert did request my John to clothe himself again, and then to his ministrations on the member of that Swallow once more, for Sir Robert confessed himself most beguiled by the simplicity and effect of it, and would see if that effect were more were it continued.
Alas, sir, that member being so swollen as it were about the head, and swelling more as John did strike it more, could contain the blood within it no more, sir, and it did burst entire.
If it be from the shock and pain of that, sir, or from the heat of the iron the John did use straight to cauterise the remains of it, I know not, sir. But Pastor Swallow did scream most loud and expired so, and thus deprived Londoners of the amusement of his execution."

Fletcher did have some difficulty in holding still to the contents of his stomach, for the image of the event so cheerfully described did loom large in his mind, and he excused himself from Gentle's presence and from the Tower straight.

 

"Know more of this it is not meet for you to do, Thomas," Harry did tell him when he recounted all that he had heard to his former catamite. "Plot were there indeed contrived against you, but it though it were aimed at you, the target real was one elsewhere. Much would it have served the purpose of one who had thoughts on being King, if the service of intelligencers in Sir Robert's employ should have discredit heaped upon them, for then would Cecil be discredited also.
No means then would there be for plots to be discovered and the safety of the realm kept.
That Rome were involved in this there can be no doubt, for much would it serve their purpose if one of much Puritan persuasion were to make a bid for power.
The monarch in the north is much known to have great liking for boys, the kilts of many a page has he lifted and been beneath; and an interest in the occult and perhaps the workings of the Devil does he have also. The doings of the Rich long ago, the gatherings of gentlemen for the purpose of the enjoyment of Ganymedes may be seen as some poor efforts to gain some favour in that monarch's eyes, and in truth, I do believe that they were nothing more, though the gentlemen involved were but duped into believing so.
The real purpose of those things," Harry held up a hand to forestall question by Fletcher, "Were but to attempt to create distaste in the common mind for that monarch becoming King in this land, and that most greatly doth Rome wish to do.
With that one taken from the list of those who may succeed her Majesty, though God grant she rule us for some years yet, and one of great Puritan persuasion making play open for the crown, then much object would be made by that near half of England that doth hold, in open or in secret, still to the old ways, would rise in revolt, and civil war be amongst us then.
Spain, and mayhap France also now that their King Henri has said the mass that gained him Paris, invade would and soon be placed upon the throne of England a prince of France or Spain.
This must not be, for James must be the one to succeed the throne, for only he, faults many though he has, will hold this realm together."


Much did Fletcher ponder on this, and on the seeming turning of his fortunes also, for he were great disturbed by Cecil calling him not to Westminster, for ever before had he been seen and thanked of his part in uncovering of plot.

Comfort did he take, though, in the days that followed in the flesh of Jed, for after much thought he had consulted with Richard on how that boy would take it were he to take Jed as catamite also.

Great were the enthusiasm with which that boy did greet that suggestion, and great also were the joy of Jed when he were told he were to stay in Fletcher's house as catamite if he should wish it so.

Truly, though Stick and Harry and Richard still did give much pleasure to Fletcher, none did so with the eagerness and unfeigned joy that Jed brought to Fletcher's bed, and when he did, in hope, suggest to that boy that he may make attempt to be jockey and not pony, the boy near burst with pride.

"I still be but small, master," Jed had said, "And yet still can seed not. But if you think some small pleasure it may give you, willingly will I mount whenever it be your wish."

Wonder it were to Fletcher that a boy so young could ride so well, and for he could seed not, though he came to shudders many, never did he dismount till he were exhausted full and could ride no more.

Much did this give delight to Fletcher, and the boy became jockey more of than he were pony, though Fletcher ignored not the pleasure of the tightness of his young arse, for through the skills and teachings of apothecary Juan, the boy had learned some secrets of the harem and knew well how to use his arse that it did ever seem tight and small of hole.

Then it were that Fletcher did learn what Fortune had for him in store, for of a night did Harry wish to talk with him.

The boys were sent to bed, for Harry would say things that were not for their ears, and the boys protested not, for they were consumed much by the joys of the giving and the taking of pleasures that the flesh of boys doth bring, and that they should do so amongst themselves were a matter of no hardship to them.

"I am bid say these things to you, Thomas," Harry did begin when both were settled in comfort in the solar and malmsey were there in plenty. "And though they be not words of my own, much I do find I am in agreement with them.
You now are of some forty and five years of age, and more than half those years have been spent in service of the Queen, and no reward for them have you ever sought but for that which is paid you by way of salary from the treasury.
You will let me speak, Thomas, and interrupt me not, if it do please you," Harry raised a hand to stifle protest, and, his wish being granted did continue.

"Sir Robert, though never will he so say to you, doth have opinion that, following the plot involving you, and it being known now well abroad, that you have liking for boys perhaps above the norm, that your use as intelligencer in London now is somewhat reduced. `Find some mean, Harry,' he did say to me, `How Fletcher may be persuaded to retire to some remote part of the country where he may enjoy his boys in comfort'. Those were his words to me, Thomas, and meant not unkindly.
It happen then that my uncle, who you must know doth take some interest in me, did mention that he had a manor in Devon that borders on the Exe and has some ten thousand acres of moorland in the estate that would greatly favour the raising of sheep.
This manor, it seems, hath fallen into disrepair some and the land is used not, for no tenant is there and hath not been for several years past. Knowing well the care you did take of me and the training given me that hath enabled me to rise some in the service of Sir Robert, he did have wonder having it come to his ears that you had wish to retire to the country, if that this manor would be of some interest to you.
I must tell you, Thomas, that though the house be plenty large, it is remote somewhat, and that the reason why tenant none is there."

"It doth seem my fate hath been decided," Fletcher did ruefully observe, "And that I must from London go. For that I do express no regret, for I am country born and never have my nose become accustomed to the stink of this city, but the means to be tenant in such estate as that of your uncle have I not. And as for the raising of sheep, though well I do know there be much profit to be made from wool, funds do I not have to purchase flocks."

"In the matter of rent for that estate," Harry did brush aside Fletcher's protest, "There is hardship none. My uncle, as I did say, be much approving of the kindness you have shown to me and would wish but a penny a year as rent and perhaps some later agreed share of the profit you may make from wool."

"My grateful thanks, I beg you to convey to him for the kindness of his offer, but funds do I not have to restore a house of any size and purchase sheep and manage land. All is it I can do to keep this house, and without money from the Treasury for my services, this also will I need to sell."

"I think that not be so, Thomas," Harry did say, a small smile upon his still angelic features, "For though the Treasury of England be most notorious tight, there is another monarch to whom you have given great service, though intent of doing so you did not have. That monarch doth have control of his treasury entire, and hath sent word, hearing also of your wish to retire, that it be his wish to grant you pension of one thousand pounds a year for as long as you may live."

"A thousand pounds?" did Fletcher gasp, for such a sum were huge indeed.

"And a loan also, should you have need of it for the establishment of your estate, of a figure you may name yourself. And," once more did Harry prevent Fletcher from speech, "That loan to be repaid in full, person to person, fifty years from the day of its granting."

"Likely be that not," Fletcher snorted, "For by such time will I be long dead and mouldering in the ground."

"The conditions are most precise," Harry did declare, "That person to person in fifty years hence be the only way that loan may be repaid, and if that may not be through the demise of either party, then it shall be deemed a loan unrecoverable."

Fletcher did sit with his mouth agape, for though this be exile to some remote part of the western world, yet it were exile with luxury attached.

"This monarch did also send word in private letter, that he wished you joy of your manor and estate, and wished you joy more also of the boys you would doubtless find to keep there."


"We are to Devon," Richard confided to Jed the day following, "And will have a grand house there. Words have I had with Harry in some secret, words that our master must know not of. Are you with me in the plot I will devise?"

"What plot is that?" Jed did ask, "For I must tell you plain that I will in no plot be that doth bring misfortune to Mr Fletcher, for deep are the feelings I do have for him."

"That you be more paramour than catamite I well do know," Richard did smile, "And greatly am I pleased that it be so. This house be much remote from any and my plot is to establish therein a harem for the pleasure of Mr Fletcher. Boys plenty will he have to pleasure his eyes and any other part of him that doth require pleasing. Well do we both know the delight Mr Fletcher doth take in the flesh of boys, and I do much hope his young lover will deny him not that pleasure and delight."

"Be I his lover or no, seek to deny him the pleasure of other boys will I not," Jed declared, his head held high for much he did like being named by Richard as their master's lover and thus being even more in his esteem than he be as catamite. "And pleasure will I take also in that he doth enjoy them, for what gives pleasure to our master gives delight also to me."

"To Devon will I go straight, then," Richard declared, "And with me take apothecary Juan and Jane also, and establish there a harem for Mr Fletcher such as a thing he never did make dream on."

Such were the fortune of Mr Fletcher, for Fate decreed it be so, and his faithful catamites made plot to ensure that his retiring days would be most full of boys, their flesh to enjoy as he would, for well they knew that nothing pleased the mind and appetite of Mr Fletcher more than did the flesh of boys.

 

I hope you enjoyed this little tale, and if you so did, then pleased be to remember Nifty and aid them in their effort to provide such for your entertainment.

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