Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 21:52:03 -0700
From: The Storyteller <mail@boytales.com>
Subject: Zhentilar Boys Chapter 4

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WARNING!
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The following is a BoyLove fantasy (Wizards, Magic and BOYS) story, and as
such it contains ADULT subject matter that may be objectionable to some
readers.  If you are offended by Man/Boy love, DO NOT READ THIS STORY.  If
you are under 18 years of age DO NOT READ THIS STORY.  The author DOES NOT
encourage or suggest illegal behavior of any kind.

This story is pure fiction; any resemblance to persons or events in real
life is purely coincidental.  This story is intended as ADULT entertainment
ONLY.

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Please direct comments to:

E-mail: mail@boytales.com

Web Site: http://www.boytales.com/

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The Zhentarim

Copyright 1999 by The Storyteller

Zhentilar Boys

Book 1

Chapter 4

As soon as the strange power found its release it vanished, leaving Draza
and the children drained and exhausted.  Draza let his head fall back on
the pillow and heaved a heavy sigh.  He placed one hand on Kelly's bare
butt and pushed, sliding the boy down his sweat slick body toward his feet
so he could sit up.  He sat for a moment on the edge of the divan so he
could gather his thoughts.

Draza felt wonderful and yet he also had a nagging feeling of concern.  One
of the things bothering him was his newly discovered attraction of course.
This was no phase he was going through, this was a major discovery of self
that would take some getting used to before he could accept it.  Another
thing that had him flustered was his magical reaction to the sex.  He had
always known that he was subtly 'gifted,' but he never imagined it to be as
physical, as palpable as what had happened just moments ago.  Up until a
few days ago his powers had always manifested as nothing more than
heightened senses, or increased furry and strength during battle.

As he sat there trying to put things into perspective his mind kept
drifting back to Tarin.  Draza was quite taken by the boy's devotion and
obvious affection towards him, but he did not feel comfortable letting his
true feelings for the boy show.  In Zhentil Keep, where he had been raised
and trained, the show of affection toward the opposite sex by a knight or
lord is considered a sign of weakness, therefor it is generally avoided.
Young boys and girls were often taken for pleasure, and in fact this was a
common enough practice among the soldiery who often required boys to
'service' them when their usual whores were not available.  But to actually
fall for a young boy would be unthinkable, his reputation and standing as a
ruthless Zhentarim Warlord would be ruined to say the least.  Nonetheless,
he DID like Tarin very much and as much as he hated to admit it he dreaded
the thought of losing him.  He decided that he would freshen up and then go
and see Tarin.  He also needed to talk with Var about the weather and the
Elf.  The conversation with Var would be no problem, but Tarin - now that
would be an entirely different matter.  He just hoped he wasn't too late.

Draza asked Corann where they could bathe and Corann escorted him, the
twins, Karsten, who had just recently come out if his slumber, and the
girls down to an underground cavern.

The cavern was spacious but not huge with walls that were covered with a
luminescent gel-like growth that lit the entire area with a light green
glow.  A small underground stream trickled into a shallow pool in the
middle of the cavern then exited out the other side.  The water was mildly
warm and crystal-clear and had the refreshing feeling of being rich with
minerals.

The slaver spent the next hour or so lounging in the water and cleaning
himself while the kids frolicked around him.  The girls and boys played
together as though they were of the same gender, neither boy nor girl
showing any shame or inhibition about being naked in the company of the
opposite sex.  They touched and displayed affection toward each other
without a second thought.  Draza thought to himself that this was as it
SHOULD be.  Having been raised in a relatively free and open atmosphere
when it came to sexuality he could not understand why some cultures
considered sex to be shameful or harmful.

He was pleasantly surprised by how much he enjoyed watching those adorable
young bodies dance around in the water, the wetness making their skin shine
in the eerie green light.  They looked so smooth and cute.

After the bath, they all went back to the suite and Draza changed into
fresh clothing.  He was so nervous about his meeting with Tarin that he
drank a third of a bottle of Elven liquor to steel himself for the
difficult task ahead.  It would take every ounce of self-composure he
possessed.

When he arrived at Var's chambers one of the wizard's boys ushered him into
the foyer and then scurried off to find his master.  When the Wizard
arrived Tarin was with him.  The first thing Draza noticed was that Tarin
was not hysterical nor did he seem the least bit angry.  He appeared
completely composed and his expression was emotionless.  Draza hoped he had
the strength to remain that way.

"Ahh Var I see you have brought the slave with you.  Come here dog."

Tarin's eyes went wide and it took every ounce of his self-control to
remain composed, but he was NOT going to fall apart again no matter what.
He approached his master and bowed deeply touching his forehead to the
floor.  He had never been so frightened or hurt in his life.  He started to
tremble.

"Get up slave," the giant warlord boomed.

Var was livid.  He moved toward the slaver raising his hands while
muttering an incantation.  Draza's gilded sword was at the Wizard's throat
so fast no one even saw him move.

"Try it and you die!"  Var stopped dead in his tracks and lowered his
hands.  Draza reached into a pocket and withdrew a small bottle.  Tarin was
on his feet and the slaver held the bottle out to the boy.

"This is poison, drink it slave and I will be done with you."

"The boy means you no harm Lord Draza, I can assure you he will be no
threat to you, surely you will reconsider!"  Var rasped.

Draza's booming voice drew a crowd and several of Var's servants were now
gathered in the foyer watching in stunned silence.  It was as quiet as a
tomb, an unnatural silence.  Tarin looked at his master with eyes filled
with pain and terror.  The Zhentarim did not so much as blink.

"I will NOT reconsider, compassion is death.  Drink it!" he thundered.

Tarin reached out and took the bottle.  He hesitated for a moment then
removed the stopper, took a deep breath and drank.  The dark liquid burned
his throat like fire all the way to his stomach.

Draza sheathed his sword and looked down at the boy, "Tarin, you are the
bravest boy in all Faern.  You have proven your loyalty beyond all
doubt.  What you just drank was nothing more than Elven liquor, a bit
strong for someone your age but harmless.  I had to be absolutely certain
of your character.  What I just did was one of the most difficult things I
have ever had to do, but it means that I have decided to take you into my
confidence and trust you as I would trust myself.  Do you understand?"

"Yes master," Tarin croaked, still too shocked from what Draza had done to
think straight.

"That was very cruel, Lord Draza, and ingenious as well.  It is an act
similar to something I would do.  You had me worried for a minute there."

"That was my intent.  Had you known you might have given it away.  Have you
checked the weather?"

"Yes as a matter of fact I have, and the snow has let up a bit but it is
colder than it was yesterday and the wind is still strong."

"I can handle the wind and cold, I shall leave at first light.  Tarin,
Karsten, and Corann will be going with me.  I will be needing plenty of
warm furs and provisions, can you provide them?"

"Of course.  And what of the other children?"

"I will pick them up on my return trip.  That reminds me - how is the Elf
boy doing?"

"I talked to Brynja not too long ago and she informs me that he was quite
sick to his stomach earlier but he is now resting quietly.  She tells me
that he should be fine by morning.  His name by the way, is Altin."

"Will you send him back to the Inn tomorrow?"  Draza asked offhandedly.

"Have you lost your mind?  Surely you are joking?  You know very well what
Elven slaves are worth...oh wait a minute, you were planning on going back
to the Inn and taking him for yourself!"  Var's eyes narrowed accusingly.

Draza quickly changed the subject.  "And what of the cook from the Inn?"

"Darra left about an hour ago, she claimed that she didn't want to leave
the Inn unattended any longer than necessary.  Brynja tried to convince her
to stay but she insisted on leaving.  Doesn't matter, I don't think she
knew anything about the poisoning.  My guess is the only reason she came
out here was to satisfy her curiosity.  I've no doubt she'll add plenty to
all the local rumors about the place.  Brynja said she filled the woman's
head with all kinds of juicy gossip," Var chuckled.

"If you aren't concerned about her then I certainly am not.  It is you who
must deal with the local gossip not me," Draza sighed, "I will leave you
now and find some dinner."  The two of them walked to the door.

"Enjoy your meal."  Var said as he closed the door behind them.

On their way back to the room Tarin spoke up, "Master, could we please take
Altin with us, pleeeeeaaase!"  He slid his hand into Draza's as they
walked.

"Most certainly not, I already have enough kids to start an orphanage.
I've ended up with a great deal more than I bargained for on this trip."

"Oh but Master he's so cute and besides he's an Elf, they're real good with
bows and they can see at night and..."

Draza stopped and knelt in front of the boy.  "He won't be well enough to
travel by morning and besides he belongs to Var.  Although I don't know how
he plans to keep him considering the fact that Darra knows where he is."

As soon as Draza came through the door to his rooms, Karsten ran over to
him.  Draza lifted the boy into his arms and gently tickles him then set
him back down.  Karsten was very affectionate and he always greeted the
slaver enthusiastically but he wasn't clingy like Tarin.

The rest of the afternoon and evening the girls, the twins, and Corann
played and danced for Draza trying their best to tease and arouse their
master without success. Karsten wasn't all that interested in the others so
he amused himself by tending to Draza's needs whenever he was called.
Tarin, on the other hand, WAS aroused by the movements and naked bodies of
the other children and he continually tried to coax Draza into a quick
romp, also without success.

By the time everyone went to bed Tarin had fully recovered from his ordeal
with the 'poison.'  Draza told him that he would be his personal squire.
Tarin was thrilled by the news and it seemed to boost his confidence.

Sometime after midnight Tarin had to pee, so he gently crawled out of the
huge bed.  Halfway across the room someone spoke in a low whisper.

"Tarin"

He spun around and saw Karsten sitting up in his pillow by the fire staring
at him.

"What Karsten?" he snapped.  The voice had startled him and he didn't want
it to show.

"Why do you hate me so much?  I never done anything to you."

"Shut up and go to sleep," he hissed in reply.

"I don't have any friends now and you won't even talk to me anymore."

"You're the masters favorite just like you were Var's favorite, he wouldn't
even put you in the auctions.  I'm sick of everyone fawning all over you
because you are so cute and innocent.  When the master chose me you came
and took him from me.  I gave up everything to be with him and you took it
all away."

"But I didn't mean to; I didn't know what you had done.  You were Var's
slave and I thought you wouldn't be interested in anyone else.  I didn't
know."  He started to cry.

"Just shut up, your pouting won't work on me.  You are nothing but a lying
backstabber.  I can't stand you so don't talk to me anymore!"  Tarin huffed
and walked off into the other room to finish his business.

"Karsten, don't worry about Tarin, he'll get over it.  Now go to sleep, we
have quite an ordeal ahead of us tomorrow," Draza groaned still half
asleep.

"Yes master."

The next morning Tarin was up before dawn as would become his custom.  He
woke the other boys, the girls were already up, and supervised the
preparation of the morning meal along with making sure everything was ready
for travel.  Draza did most of the preparations the night before but there
were still a few things to be packed.

Shortly after they broke their fast there was a knock at the door.  Corann
answered it to find Var and Rurik standing there with a stern look on their
faces.

"Is Draza awake?"  The wizard asked in a huff.

"I am here Wizard, what is it you want?"  He boomed from behind the open
door.

Var glided in with Rurik on his heels.  The mage was dressed in a
lightweight hoodless robe that looked as if it had been slept in, and in
fact it had.

"You look as if you have been through the Abyss, what are you so excited
about?"  Draza said chuckling.

"It would seem we have a problem; Rurik just informed me that while on his
morning rounds one of the guards found the woman from the Inn and her
escort by the side of the road leading into town.  It would appear that
they fell victim to Ogres or perhaps a Troll, the bodies were ripped to
pieces."

"I see," the big man replied.

"I am afraid this is a bigger problem than it appears.  The townspeople
know she came here with us, that brother of hers has one of the biggest
mouths in the village.  When she doesn't return they will naturally assume
that one of us had something to do with her untimely demise.  They are not
likely to miss her for another day or so, but after that we could have
trouble.  Rurik here has ordered the guards to burn the bodies so no one
finds them.  If I had gone into town and told them what happened, they
would most likely come out here and attempt to slaughter every last one of
us.  The rumors about this place are many and they are not very nice."

"Very interesting indeed, it would seem that our 'stranger' is more
resourceful than we thought.  At least now we have an idea what he wants.
It would be my guess that his purpose here is to run you out of town and
since no one in town seems to know him that rules them out as suspects.  If
the Zhentarim was behind it I would know so that rules them out, any
suggestions?"

"If it wasn't so far away I would begin to suspect the Red Wizards, and I
am still not ruling them out."

"That's it, of course.  Remember Var that Tarin found a Thayan coin on the
stranger."

"OK so it's the Red Wizards, in that case we must get as many of us out of
here as possible.  Hopefully once I am gone the stranger will leave the
place alone long enough to allow me to return and move the rest of my
operation."

"What do you mean by 'WE,' I MUST get to Larzon as soon as possible and
that is final."

"Oh you shall, and we I will go with you.  I would like to have a word with
that ancient mage myself."

"I am not running an orphanage here Var, besides I only have one wagon.  I
can take maybe eight in the back of my wagon and that is all."

"So you will help?  Excellent I knew you would.  Now I must tell Brynja to
ready the children and prepare my wagon.  It is considerably larger than
yours even though it will take four horses to pull it through the pass."

"Are you referring to that ridiculous contraption in the stables?  I am
supposed to be traveling unnoticed, remember?"

"Don't you think it's a little late for that?  There won't be anyone in the
pass to see you anyway.  As long as you made it this far without drawing
too much attention to yourself I doubt you have much to worry about between
here and wherever it is you are headed!"

"I don't know why I let you get me into these situations but I wouldn't get
too comfortable with the practice if I were you.  I will only allow it as
long as it suites me - remember that."

"I am in your debt Lord Draza, and for that I will make you very rich as
well as help you any way I can.  Now I suggest we get to work."

"Very well!  Corann go and tell Brynja to come here immediately and tell
her to bring the Elf."

"Yes master" Corann said bowing.

Var started giving orders to Rurik about the preparations for their
departure and Draza tinkered around with his chests sending Tarin off in
several different directions at once.  The children were ecstatic about the
prospect of travel and adventure and they demonstrated their enthusiasm by
trying to help in any way possible.  This however only served to put them
in the way for the most part.

A few minutes later Brynja and Altin arrived.  The elf looked a little
tired but other than that he appeared to have recovered quite well from the
poisoning.  The kids crowded around and looked at him as if he was some
kind of artifact.  They didn't mean anything by it they were just curious,
but all of the attention made him wish he could become invisible.

Draza brought his cat-o-nine-tails out and snapped it sharply across
Corann's butt and boomed, "Enough gawking, you all have work to do now get
to it."  He had been very lax of late and he wanted to quench any
spoiledness that might be taking root before it became a habit.  They were
slaves and he wanted to make sure they did not forget it.

Corann howled as his eyes opened wide from the fiery sting of the leather.
Despite his antics his pride was damaged much more than his butt.  He
rubbed his hand across the welt that now decorated his smooth cheek and
squeaked, "Yes master."  The others all lowered their heads and ran off to
continue their errands.  The elf stood there smiling as he gazed at the
lash in Draza's club-like fist.

"Do you beat them often master Draza?"  The Elf asked.

"First time, and I wish it could be the last but I know better than to
think that boys will keep out of trouble.  (He took a deep breath, pausing
for a moment) I'm afraid I have bad news Altin.  Darra was killed last
night on her way back into town.  We think Ogres or perhaps a Troll are to
blame, although we aren't certain."

Altin's face grew serious.  "That is not good, she was a kind woman," he
said with little emotion, but his stern expression betrayed of his sorrow.

"Her death will not sit well with the townsfolk who will most likely think
that we here at the Keep were responsible.  We must leave here immediately
before they start asking questions and you will be coming with us."

"You are a slaver.  Are you going to sell me?  I am not stupid I know how
much elves are worth as slaves."

"I wasn't planning on it, at least not in the near future.  But I will make
no promises; as you said I am a slaver."

While Draza was talking with Altin Var briefed Brynja on what was
happening.  She wasn't pleased about hitching up with Draza but she went
along with it anyway, making it clear that she was not about to turn her
back on him.

"How many youngsters are left in the Keep after the auction?"  Draza asked
Var.

It was Brynja who answered, "There are eleven with Var and eight others in
addition to the eight who are here now.  That is twenty-seven, how in the
name of the Dark One are we going to fit all of them and the three of us in
those two wagons?"

Var's face took on a look of consternation.  "The Wagons will never make it
through the pass with a load like that.  We will have to leave some of them
behind."

"I am taking my slaves with me in my wagon and I can take one more also.
That is eight in the wagon and Tarin and I up front.  That leaves eighteen,
how many can than thing carry with four horses?"

"Twelve can ride inside and one more can ride up front with Brynja and I,
that is thirteen.  So that leaves five that will have to stay behind."

Var spent the next hour or so anguishing over who to leave behind.  By the
time he was done both wagons were loaded with supplies and ready to depart.
Var decided to take all of his personal servants and he picked the two
youngest boys from the remaining group.

The weather had improved considerably.  It was still windy and very cold
but the snow had slowed to light flurries.  As the party made their way to
the main trail nobody noticed the figure dressed in black that crouched in
the snow covered brush beside a tree.

The figure waited patiently until the wagons were well past then rose
slowly like a ghost in the bright white snow and followed.  When the wagon
train reached the road the ghostly figure smiled as they turned north then
it headed back toward the Keep.

The group traveled as quickly as possible without damaging the wagons as
they made their way into the mountains.  The air turned colder and a
feeling of dread hung in the atmosphere; it was as if someone or something
was watching their progress.  Several times, someone riding outside the
wagons would notice something moving in the forest lining the path to
either side of them but when they would turn to look there was never
anything there.  Finally about mid-afternoon Draza himself caught sight of
movement off to the side of the path.  He stopped the caravan to check for
tracks but found none, not even animal tracks.  He dismissed it as the wind
in the trees or the angle of the Sun.

The distance from Hundlestone to Icewind Dale is a little more than fifty
miles.  Since they didn't leave until mid day Draza figured that they would
be able to cover only about twenty miles or so before sunset.  Hopefully
they could make it to Lonelywood before sundown on the morrow.

As the sun was getting low on the horizon Draza and Var started looking for
a good place to stop for the day.  While they were looking for a camp they
noticed occasional tracks crossing the trail here and there.  Most of them
were common animal tracks but they did notice a few that looked like Ogre
tracks.  An Ogre contingent, if that's what you want to call it, was NOT
something they wanted to camp near so they continued on until they were
well away from any dangerous tracks before resuming their search.

As they traveled, Draza was able to find out more about Tarin's history as
the boy snuggled close to him for warmth.

"You don't look like a northern born boy, where are you from?"  Draza
asked.

"I'm not sure where I was born, but you're right I wasn't born in the
north.  I think it was somewhere near the Lake Of Steam cause that's the
first place I can remember.  I don't remember my parents.  When I was
little I lived with a man that would steal a lot.  He was an important
member of the thieves guild and he was always too busy to spend any time
with me.  He was mean too; he used to say I was a nuisance but I didn't
know what that meant until Var told me.  I knew it was something bad
though.  Then one day he went out and never came back and I was on the
street.  I lived on the street for a couple years until Var found me.  It
made me stronger inside though."

"What made you stronger inside?  Var or living on the streets?"

"Having to live by myself on the street or in the woods," Tarin replied
with a sadness that went to the heart.  His eyes were downcast.

"Did Var force you into slavery?"

"Yeah, but I would have ended up a slave anyway since I don't have a family
or home.  Var taught me a bunch of stuff that I never would have been able
to learn if it wasn't for him.  He has always been pretty nice.  I mean he
has punished me, especially at first but never for nothing.  He always had
a reason.  When I lived on the street I didn't have to take orders from
anyone and I could go anywhere I wanted and do whatever I wanted.  Now
since I'm a slave I have to do what my master tells me to but I like being
your slave.  You're the strongest man in the world I'll bet, and you're
even a Knight."

"I am just a man Tarin, don't ever forget that.  You haven't known me that
long, give yourself time."

"Master?"

"What Tarin!"

"Please promise you won't ever leave me, please."  The boy was near tears
with a look on his face that said this was perhaps the most important
question he had ever asked anyone in his life.  He looked very anxious and
vulnerable.

Draza took one look at that face and nearly choked with emotion as he
opened the heavy fur skin he had wrapped around himself and pulled Tarin
into his side so the thick fur engulfed the both of them.  He whispered
into the boy's silky hair in a low gravely voice; "I will not leave you
Tarin, I have no doubt about the extent of your loyalty."

The warmth of the big man's body against his made him feel more comfortable
and secure than he had felt since they left the Keep.  They rode that way
for the rest of the day.

By this time the sun was almost completely gone and it had been long enough
since any of them had seen any undesirable tracks.  They found a small
natural looking path that led off of the main trail a ways and decided to
check it out to see if they could find a suitable camp site.  The natural
clearing led into the forest a few hundred feet to where Draza stood
nodding his head in satisfaction.  They unloaded a tent and laid out a
large oiled mat over which they pitched the tent.  It had no floor and
without the waterproof mat they would get soaked as their body head melted
the snow under them as they slept.  Not everyone would sleep in the tent
but the wagons could only hold so many for sleeping.

Draza cleared an area for a fire which they gathered around while they ate.
After supper Var entertained the kids with his magic.  This fascinated them
and soon took their minds off of their predicament.

Shortly thereafter everyone made themselves a bed with layers of heavy furs
and settled down for the night.  Several of the boys slept cuddled together
for warmth and comfort.  Just as Draza was about to drift off, he sat
straight up in the dark.  How could he be so stupid!  He had almost
forgotten to post a watch.  When he got up Tarin was right beside him
immediately.  He lit a lamp and went to organize a watch schedule.  Brynja
agreed to take the first watch followed by a different boy every so often.
The last boy was supposed to wake Draza just before first light.  With that
settled and Brynja safely at her post everyone drifted off too sleep.

Shortly after Brynja was replaced by Brant Kyle slowly came awake with the
dull painful pressure of a full bladder.  He rose from his bed and pulled
on his soft boots so his feet wouldn't freeze while he was peeing.  He
opened the door of the wagon (Var's wagon) and peered into the moonlit
night.  Everything was quiet except for a slight wind rustling the branches
of the huge trees that towered toward the black star-filled sky.  The wind
had blown most of the snow off of the limbs earlier in the day and it
hadn't snowed since before nightfall so the branches made a brittle
rustling sound as they rubbed in the freezing wind.

The air on Kyle's face was so cold that he almost decided to try and hold
it until morning but he knew he wouldn't make it so he forced himself out
into the night.  He couldn't believe how cold it was; his whole body was
shivering uncontrollably.  He looked around for the best place to relieve
himself and nearly jumped into the nearest tree when Brant, who had the
first watch after Brynja, said, "Hey, where are you going!" in the
signature voice of a child.

Kyle's head snapped around.  "You almost scared me to death!  I gotta pee.
Who is that anyway?"

"Brant.  Who are you?" the boy replied.

"Kyle.  Now shut up before you wake up the whole camp and get your butt
whipped!"  He hissed at Brant sitting by the fire which was now only half
it's original size.

"Screw you.  Now hurry up if you gotta go!"

Kyle walked a little way into the woods and looked back at the camp.
Everything was so quiet and the air was so crisp.  He hadn't been this far
from the Keep in a long time so he decided to explore a little.  He walked
a little further and pulled his penis out if his trousers.  As the warm
stream of boy pee shot into the sub-freezing air, a wave of steam wafted up
into the night around him.  Kyle giggled as he wiggled his boyhood around
causing the urine to fly all over the ground.  He had to go so bad that the
relief he felt was intense.  He sighed and tipped his head back looking at
what he could see of the star-filled sky through the trees.  He buttoned
his trousers and wandered further into the dark forest.

The creature's superior smell caught the scent of the human piss that
traveled on the wind.  It was an unfamiliar smell since humans were rare in
the mountains this far north, dwarves were much more numerous.  Whatever it
was smelled even better than a dwarf.  The hideous creature of the night
followed the scent quickly finding the spot where the boy had pissed just
minutes before.  The sunken black eyes narrowed into slits as it used its
night vision to scan the surroundings.  Food had been very scarce lately
due to the severe storm.  Normally it would wait for its companions and
then try to capture the human alive but it was ravenous and hoped it could
find the prey before the other members of the party arrived.  It crept
forward quickly enough to make sure it didn't lose the scent while keeping
quiet so as to not spook its catch.

Kyle had wandered around for about ten minutes when the cold finally
overcame his desire for adventure and he decided to turn back.  He looked
around but he couldn't see the camp, the forest had become too thick.
Luckily enough his footprints were readily visible in the virgin snow so he
followed his own tracks.  His eyes were glued to the ground when he was
suddenly assaulted by the foulest stench he had ever encountered.  He froze
and looked up into the face of a creature so horrifying that he couldn't
even scream.  In the same instant long black claws snaked forward in an
arch to tear open the little boy's entire abdomen.  Kyle was dead before
his body hit the snow.

The creature had stripped most of the meat off of the bones by the time the
leader arrived.  He bent his hideous translucent-gray snout up and
challenged the leader to try and take his catch.  The clan leader ignored
him and motioned for everyone to follow him - he had a plan.  The clan did
exactly what Kyle had been doing and followed the boy's little footprints
back toward the camp.

Brant was getting nervous, Kyle had left some time ago and he hadn't
returned.  If he was responsible for a mishap on his watch he would be in
big trouble, but if he woke someone they would blame him for letting Kyle
go off in the woods in the first place.  No - he had to find Kyle himself,
he probably just wandered off somewhere and it would only take a few
minutes to get him.  Brant lit the little lamp that sat next to him and
headed off following the tracks the boy left so conveniently in the snow.
This would be easy, he thought to himself.

The leader caught the scent as soon as the boy got to the woods and he
motioned for the others to hide and wait.

As he neared the forest, Brant stopped suddenly.  He thought he heard
something, a rustling sound or movement to something.  "Kyle," he called
softly, "Is that you?"  He waited - nothing, not a sound except the wind.
That was it, it was just the wind.  Nothing but the wind in the trees he
decided and hesitantly proceeded.  He held the lamp out in front of him
which only blinded him to the distant darkness as his eyes adjusted to the
extra light, but he was too inexperienced in this kind of thing and didn't
know any better.  He caught the foul stink just as a clawed hand clasped
over his face.  His eyes went wide as he tried to breathe but it was no
use, the hand was like grimy iron.  Moments later the hand shifted to clear
his nose and he gasped for air.  At least he could breath.

Two more creatures emerged from the trees in front of him.  They were about
eight feet tall and very thin with grayish transparent rubber-like skin.
As they moved their backs were hunched over and their long arms touched the
ground.  The stink almost made the boy pass out.  Those eyes were dull,
black and sunk in the skull.  Suddenly he realized that the hand on his
face was very cold, almost like ice.

The leader approached the helpless boy and slowly extended his arm toward
the boy's throat.  Brant's eyes went wide with utter terror.  The creature
put one of his sharpened claws on both sides of the boy's soft throat and
pinched, tearing out the windpipe.  Brant's world went black as he passed
out and died.  A horrible slurping sound rose from the macabre scene as the
creatures fed.

It was the stench that woke him.  Being half elf, Tarin had been gifted
with extraordinary smell, and when he caught a whiff of that stink it woke
him up.  The first thing he saw was the rip in the tent about as long as a
man, then he noticed the shape that crouched just on the other side of
Draza.  Realizing that the creature was about to lunge at his master, Tarin
reached under the furs and used all of his strength to raise Draza's
massive ruby topped sword under the cover.  When the creature leaped it
impaled itself on the upraised blade of the deadly weapon.  The huge ruby
flared red as a setting sun as fire leaped from its depth to engulf the
creature.

Draza sprang into a sitting position and threw the burning hulk now wrapped
in furs off of him as if it were a twig.  He stood up and took in the scene
around him.  There were no other trolls that he could see, (he recognized
the burning creature immediately) at least not yet anyway.  It was a
general rule that where there was one Troll there were always at least half
a dozen more.

Looking at Tarin, Draza realized that the boy had most likely saved his
life.  Draza bent down and cradled Tarin in his massive arms asking him if
he was hurt.

"I'm fine master...I'm fine.  Are you OK?"

After what happened, the fact that the boy was concerned more about his
safety than his own touched Draza deeply.  He stood up and said gently,
"Get up and dress yourself...and get your sword.  There are bound to be
more Trolls to kill."

Tarin shook himself and then did exactly as he was told without hesitation
while Draza retrieved his own sword.  He quickly donned his upper armor and
roared at the top of his voice, "VAAAAAAAR, TROLLS!"

The wizard got up so fast he bumped his head on the roof of the wagon he
was sleeping in.  He had just enough time to gather his thoughts when
suddenly the wagon door burst open and a troll rushed in.  Var raised his
hands and blasted the Troll with wizard fire knocking the creature back out
the door screaming in rage.  The Wizard pulled on his robes and gathered
the little pouch that held just what he needed for these pathetic
creatures.

By the time Var emerged from the wagon, the whole camp was up and trolls
were coming in from the perimeter.

Draza was just finishing off his second kill when he saw Var standing on
the wagon steps with his hand in his pouch.  There were several more trolls
coming fast and he wasn't sure he could kill them all himself when he saw
one of the creatures heading straight for the wizard.  "Behind you Var!"
He yelled.

This time Var was ready.  He summoned all of the strength he had and flung
his hands straight out in front of him tossing something into the air as he
reached.  Fireballs soared from his fingers and shot in several directions
catching every troll in the camp and lighting them on fire.  A chorus of
inhuman shrieks pierced the predawn silence.  All of his power spent, the
wizard slumped on the steps in total exhaustion.  He could barely move he
was so weak.  Two of his boys came out to help him as two more trolls came
out of the forest by Draza and attacked.

Draza heard the movement behind him and spun around just in time to meet
the attack.  But there were two, and one troll is a fearsome opponent for
any man.  As he faced the first of the attackers the other one edged around
behind him.  He sliced off one of its arms and then thrust the sword into
the gullet.  The sword flamed to life and scorched the creature to cinders.
The second attacker came at him just then from behind, raking it's claws in
an arc and catching Draza on the back of the shoulder.

Tarin was blinded with rage when he saw his master get hurt and he launched
himself into the air to land on the back of the eight foot creature.  He
reached up with his half sword and stabbed again and again at the neck then
hacked at it until the had came loose.  The troll went wild, and even
headless continued to lash about.  Tarin jumped off its back and retreated
as Draza came forward, grabbed the thing, and heaved it into what was left
of the fire.  Then he retrieved the head and kicked it into the fire.

Draza knew how dangerous troll wounds could be so he went and sat in the
tent and told Tarin to fetch Brynja.

Tarin poked his head through the flaps, "She's already headed this way
master."

"Then go get Karsten," Draza said.

When Brynja arrived she put together a poultice and applied it to the
gashes in Draza's shoulder, and then she bandaged him up and went to Var.
The Wizard claimed that he was just fine and all he needed was a little
rest, but the cleric knew better and ordered him to take it easy for the
rest of the trip.  He grumbled something and sat on the steps of his wagon.

A few minutes later everyone except the twins had gathered around the fresh
fire that Brynja and Tarin had built and were discussing their current
situation.  The twins assumed correctly that no one was going to get
anymore sleep that night and busied themselves preparing breakfast.

"I don't see how they could have gotten into the tent and the wagons and
made off with that many without waking someone sooner."  Draza said
contemplatively.

"The trolls must have killed the sentry and then they simply retreated into
the brush around the camp and picked them off one at a time.  Then when no
one else had to relieve themselves the foul creatures decided to enter the
camp.  Children are easy and tender prey, a very tempting prize indeed for
a pack of hungry trolls," Brynja observed wryly.

Draza looked over the group that remained and said, "The girls are gone as
well."

The priestess sighed heavily, "Yes it looks as though we have lost nearly
half of the children."

"Var, the way I see it you saved the lot of us last night and I am grateful
to you for that, but I know enough about sorcery to know that what you did
was no small feat.  Most of the wizards I have encountered would be near
death using half of the magic you did and yet you are merely tired," Draza
declared narrowing his gaze at the man.

"Well now don't go getting all mushy on me giant, we wouldn't want all
these boys to think you are going soft," Var spat irritably.  He was cranky
from his ordeal and in no mood to listen to probing questions; nonetheless
Draza persisted.

"There is more to you than you are telling.  This trip was supposed to be a
quiet unnoticed visit to an old friend.  Instead, ever since I ran into you
I've been getting deeper and deeper in shit and it seems to me that you are
the one that is doing the shoveling.  Did that old fool Larzon put you up
to this?  And how did you know I took a liking to boys?  And why are you
constantly going out of your way to help me when you don't even know me?"
The big man planted his feet and looked at Var with a stare that demanded
answers.

"I have heard of Larzon by his reputation but I didn't even know he was
still alive until you showed me that letter.  As for helping you, I am a
slave trader and as such it would be to my benefit to have someone like you
as an ally.  All of the connections you have could make me very rich not to
mention the protection you could offer if we came to some kind of
agreement.  As you now know, I deal in a very elite kind of slave that is
extremely rare.  In order to get what these boys are worth I must find a
very special buyer for each and every one of them.  If I simply sell them
at a slave market yes, they will fetch a higher price than most, but not
even a fraction of the amount I can get from the right buyer who will
appreciate what he is getting.  Now about your interest in boys, I assumed
by your very presence at the auction that you had come because you wanted a
catamite, either that or you intended to cause trouble.  Remember, no one
was supposed to know about my activities or about the auction so when you
arrived unexpectedly I naturally kept an eye on you and I noticed
immediately how you looked at Tarin when he finally worked up the courage
to approach you.  To one such as myself the signs are subtle but they are
there.  I tried to use my power to read your heart but you were closed to
me, no doubt because of that sword of yours."

Draza studied the man for a few moments and then said, "I have no doubt you
are telling the truth but there is much you are not telling me.  I do not
expect you to tell me all of your secrets but before we continue together I
want to know what kind of a man I am traveling with.  You have far too much
power to have learned from a common sage, I would know how you grew so
powerful."

"Very well, come into the wagon.  Brynja will you see to it what we are not
overheard and keep the children safe while we talk?"  Var stood and looked
at the priestess.

"Yes, but be quick about it.  We must be under way if we are to make it out
of these mountains before nightfall."

Var nodded and he and the slaver stepped into the wagon.  Draza closed the
door and sat on the floor while the wizard found a sack of clothing to
recline on.

"The truth of it is that I am not from here, I am from Thay and I learned
my craft from the Red Wizard's.  I left that foul country when I eventually
realized the extent of their evil treachery.  Leaving was no easy task I
can assure you.  That is why I have made my home in such a desolate region.
I thought they would never find me up here and I still don't think they are
here looking for me, but it is obvious they are up to something.  I just
don't know what exactly...yet.

There is one other thing that I need to tell you before we go any further,
it has to do with the necromantic spell I cast on Tarin.  The first part of
that spell was to keep him safe as I told you, the second part was not so
selfless on my part."  Var sighed deeply and paused as if gathering courage
for what he had to say next.

"And the SECOND part?"

"Tarin will not age as normal boys do.  The spell has suspended his natural
aging."

"I see, and how long will this sorcery of yours last?"  Draza said
uneasily.

"I don't know for certain, at least ten years.  It has been three since I
cast it."

"And then what?"  Draza breathed somberly.  Conflicting emotions were
playing through the knight's thoughts.

His body will resume its normal aging process.  I was very careful to
ensure that no harm comes to him."

Draza's brow furrowed, "I am not sure I agree with your actions in this but
what is done is done and he was yours to do with as you pleased.  We will
discuss this in depth at a later time, but for now I suggest you stay right
where you are while Brynja and I haul your carcass out of these mountains.
You need to be as rested as possible should we encounter any more trouble."

"I will not argue with you on that, I do feel rather tired."  He laid his
head back and fell asleep almost immediately.

Draza and Brynja stood side by side near the fire surveying their charges
and then looked at each other, it was the woman who spoke first, "I see you
left the wizard in the wagon.  A wise decision."

"He is in no condition to drive the wagon so it looks as thought you will
get the honors."

"I planned on it," she answered.  She glared at the big slaver as if this
should be obvious.  She wasn't sure why he was able rankle her so easily
and this bothered her all the more.  It was all she could do to remain
civil to him even though he had done nothing overtly wrong.

"Before we leave, I would know the names of those that remain, if that is
possible?"  He waved his hand to include the entire group gathered around
the fire.

"Yes I suppose that would only be fair" she breathed with a heavy sigh as
she approached the boy closest to her.  "I think it best if we allow only
two boys to ride with Var and the rest can ride with you if you have no
objections?"

"As you wish, it will give him more peace that he may better rest."

Brynja walked around the perimeter of the group resting her hand briefly on
the shoulder of each child as she said his name then, with the exception of
Tarin, told him which wagon to go to.  When she reached Karsten he jumped
up and declared, "I'm ridin' the rest o' the way up front with master
Draza!" and then he trotted purposefully over to stand next to the slaver
who plucked the boy off the ground and sat him on his left arm.  Karsten
beamed with pride.

Trent, Nikki, Athan, Coulter, and Illian were all that remained of Var's
personal slaves.  Trent and Nikki rode with their master while Athan,
Coulter, and Illian along with the rest went with Draza.  Schuyler, seven
years old and the youngest, was the only one who didn't officially "belong"
to anyone, although he was still under the care of the Wizard.  All three
of the girls were killed at the hands of the trolls.  This seemingly
insignificant fact was not lost on Brynja who couldn't help but wonder if
it might possibly be more than just coincidence.

The sky was just beginning to lighten when the party of travelers made
ready to continue their journey.  Draza had hoped that they would have been
able to make it to the peak of the pass before stopping, but he noticed
with some disdain that the trail still pushed steadily upward.  Here and
there the surrounding landscape was dotted with cliffs and boulders but
even at this altitude the forest was still fairly dense.  Evergreens and an
occasional copse of one or another kind of sinister looking tree extended
far above them.  The entire scene was covered with a couple feet of snow
from the first severe storm of the winter and the effect was almost surreal
yet foreboding.  The unnatural silence was unnerving and those strange
trees seemed to posses a kind of consciousness, almost as if they were
disgusted by this human invasion of their territory.

As the party neared the summit of the pass the wind became stronger and
much colder and the snow began falling lightly again.  It had also grown
darker from the gray clouds that hung menacingly overhead.  Karsten had
climbed between Tarin and Draza to keep warm and Draza was sure this would
cause complaints from Tarin but the older boy seemed quite content to
shelter his younger companion.  As the day progressed the trail grew
steadily worse and the wagons began lurching and jumping frantically until
they were forced to little more than a crawl.  The wagons traveled for
hours yet it seemed they were making little headway until finally it grew
dark and Draza was forced to call a halt lest the wagons hit something in
the dark and damage a wheel.

This time they stayed close to the trail.  Draza made it clear to everyone
that no one was to leave the wagons during the night by telling them he
would flog the tar out of anyone who so much as opened the door without
waking one of the adults.  As he told them this he brandished his famous
cat-o-nine-tails, snapping it in the air as he spoke.  The boys' eyes went
as wide as a harvest moon at the prospect of having that wicked lash
applied to their backside.

While they were supping that evening there came a loud banging on the wagon
door.  Draza peeked out through the small hole in the door but he couldn't
see anyone.  Readying his sword, he motioned to Var who also made
preliminary preparations for a nasty spell quickly threw opened the door.
Two stout dwarves stood in the snow at the foot of the little steps that
led into the wagon.

Draza stepped through the door and came to stand just before them in the
snow.  When he stood to full height the dwarves fell backwards as they bent
back to look up at him.

"No need to get hasty my friend, name's Strongheart," the dwarf grumbled as
he thrust his hand up to the giant before him.

Before Draza could return the greeting Tarin came out of the wagon to peek
curiously around his master.  His eyes went wide with excitement at the
sight of the stocky duo before him.  Although he had lived most of his life
in a land where dwarves were common, he had seen very little of the stocky
race given the fact that he rarely left the Keep.  Draza extended his hand
to Strongheart in a friendly gesture and answered, "And I am Lord
Draza...what brings you out in this weather master Strongheart?"

"Aye the weather is a bit colder than usual for this time of year but
nothing to bother our kind, we are used to it.  There be trolls about don't
ya know, more than has been seen in hundreds of years.  A group of the dark
devils was eyein' your wagons from the trees when we came along.  Common
enemies they are so we drove the vile creatures off, but you'd best be
careful they will return you can be sure.  And who might you be young man?"
The dwarf grumbled as he turned to greet Tarin.

Tarin moved in front of his master and extended his hand.  "I'm Tarin," he
said bowing slightly to the dwarf.

By this time several more dwarves who had stayed back a ways moved in to
join their leader and Var and Brynja along with some of the boys had come
out of the wagons to see what was going on.  Karsten came to stand near
Draza but he remained quiet as usual.

Most of the dwarves remained cautious and said little but it was obvious
that they were curious about the presence of so many young boys in the
group.  A few of them grumbled questions to one or two of the boys who had
ventured out of the wagons but since the boys had little knowledge of their
master's plans they weren't able to offer much of an explanation.  Draza
told Strongheart that they were headed to the Ten Towns and the dwarf
replied that his men were returning from Hundlestone and were heading back
to the Ten Towns as well.

"Seeing as it is already dark and you've so many young ones to protect we
might as well make camp here.  Trollslayer here will see to it that you get
a peaceful night's sleep and on the morrow we can make the journey into
town," Strongheart bellowed patting the dwarf standing next to him roughly
on the shoulder.

"That I will - vile trolls," Trollslayer grumbled and peered off into the
forest.  He was carrying a bloodstained battle axe in his muscular hand.

The dwarves were considered by many to be the best weapons forgers in all
of Faern and legend has it that they are able to forge axes and swords
that are particularly effective against trolls who are their arch enemies.
Trolls normally have the ability to regenerate themselves after taking a
hit from normal bladed weapons but a blow from a Dwarven blade is
permanent.  Because of this most trolls are not so quick to attack an
armored band of dwarves.

The humans shared their food with the dwarves and then everyone sat around
the fire exchanging stories.  When it was time to turn in Karsten insisted
on sleeping practically on top of Draza.  Tarin, of course, wouldn't hear
of it and complained bitterly.  This upset Corann so much that he slapped
Tarin and told him to stop his whining.  Tarin pointed out that he was the
boss and therefore had authority over all of the others.  The other boys,
however, were not aware of this and strongly denied Tarin's claim to power.
Draza was desperately trying to sleep during all of the commotion and he
was so exhausted from the torturous wagon drive that he tried to ignore
everyone just to get some rest.

Finally, after nearly half an hour of this, Strongheart banged loudly on
the side of the wagon right next to Draza's head.

"Lord Draza!  What in the inferno is going on in there!  Those boys are
making so much racket no one can sleep," the sleepy dwarf rumbled
menacingly.

The slaver stood up throwing Karsten off of him in the process - he was
furious.  He made all the boys strip except Karsten and Altin who were
blameless.  When they were completely naked he marched them outside into
the sub-freezing night air and ordered them to sit in the snow while he
stood there and glared at them.  Strongheart sniggered and went back to his
camp satisfied that he would at last get the sleep he wanted.  Draza was
not about to let anyone think for a minute that he could not control a
bunch of unruly slave boys.  He left them there until they started to show
signs of deep distress.  Whenever any one of them talked or moved a muscle
he would order the boy to stand and then he would apply a stout leather
strap to his butt.

For their part, the boys were scared and miserable but at the same time
they all realized that they were getting no more than they deserved.  It
was a most educational and humbling experience for each and every one of
them.  It was also extremely effective; Draza's wagon was as quiet as a
casket for the rest of the night.

When Draza emerged from his wagon the next morning he discovered much to
his surprise that the company of Dwarves were still there sitting around a
fire which they shared with Brynja and a few boys from each of the wagons.

Altin was just finishing his morning meal and Tarin dished up a large
helping of porridge which he brought to his master.  He bowed deeply as he
handed the food to Draza and said, "Forgive me my master, I have caused you
trouble and I am deeply sorry."

"Fetch the others and summon that damn Wizard.  I want everyone around the
fire as soon as possible."

"Yes master"

When Var came out of his wagon Draza got up and took him aside to tell him
what had transpired the night before then he added, "I thought you said
these boys were the best trained slaves on the planet?"

"Keep in mind my friend that only Tarin and Corann are fully trained, the
twins and Karsten are not even half way through their training.  You must
also consider the fact that their whole world has been turned upside-down
with our departure from the Keep. I don't mean to suggest that they should
be excused for what they did and I think you handled the situation very
well, but don't give up on them.  They will get used to their new roles
soon enough I can assure you."

"It is time they are told exactly what their roles and from now on they
will act accordingly.  I will not be lenient with them any longer.  Does
Tarin know how you train the slaves?  Has he been trained as they are or
are your personal servants taught differently?"

"Tarin is indeed different, he does not know the training that the others
receive.  He was trained by me personally to serve me personally, and you
should keep this in mind as he adapts to you.  He is pushing his limits
with you as I am sure you are aware.  He has also been waiting for you to
do exactly what you did last night.  He wants and needs someone who is
strong and forceful.  Corann is my far the best trained of the bunch, he
knows what needs to be done and he is very obedient.  Put him up as an
example of what you want and tell him any particulars that you want taught
to the others.  That is why I sold him to you, also Brynja will do all she
can as well.  She doesn't hate you as much as it would seem."

"Very well.  I plan to leave as soon as I have a few words with them.  Come
and collect your boys and prepare to leave, I want to talk to my group
alone."

The two walked back to where the boys had gathered and Var summoned his
servants back to his wagon.

Draza made sure he had their undivided attention and then he began, "Last
night's events made it clear to me that it is time you each learned your
place.  Tarin, you are my personal squire.  I will often give orders to the
others through you.  Corann you are to complete the training of the rest of
the slaves with the help of Brynja.  The rest of you will do as he says
without question unless I say otherwise.  The most important thing to
remember is that you are all slaves to me and you will act accordingly.
Disobedience will not be tolerated and will be dealt with swiftly.  Is all
of this understood?"

"Yes master," they chorused.

"Very well, now we prepare to leave."

Corann rode up in front with Draza and Tarin so Draza could tell him what
was expected of him and what he wanted the boy to teach the others.  Draza
discovered that Tarin had been taught the rudiments of reading and writing
by Var who occasionally used him as a makeshift scribe.  This was very rare
and Draza was extremely pleased that at least one of the boys knew how to
read and write.  He planned on telling Brynja to teach the boy all she
could.

They traveled most of the day following the dwarves who lead on foot
through the bitter cold wind and snow.  By mid-afternoon the pass finally
opened up onto the frozen valley of Icewind Dale.

The land north and west of the Spine of the World not covered by the Reghed
Glacier is Icewind Dale.  This region is frequently lashed by vicious
storms that flatten building and shrub alike.  Anything that can't lie down
is smashed or frozen by the winds, and anything that can lie down is buried
by the snow.  This wild, barren, barbarian-infested region is visited by
white dragons, trolls, crag cats, orcs, ogres, and glacier remorhaz.

The Ten Towns cluster around three lakes: Maer Dualdon, Lac Dinneshere, and
Redwaters.  Even in summer, the waters are icy enough to kill anyone in
seconds.  These three lakes are the only known homes of the knucklehead
trout whose spiny bones are similar to the finest ivory.  Scrimshanders,
the skilled carvers of the knucklehead scrimshaw, are important and
respected craftsman here.  Most of the other inhabitants are either rogues
or barbarians and dwarves.

The party's Dwarven guides led them to the central town of Bryn Shander.
It is here that the dwarves took their leave.  Draza stopped the wagons in
front of a drafty looking structure with a weather-beaten sign that read
"Bloodril's Snug" and he and Var went inside to ask how far it was to
Lonelywood.  The establishment was nothing more than a tavern that looked
as if it had suffered from long neglect.  The wind whistled through the
walls and the flood was damp earth covered with rushes that hadn't been
changed in quite a spell.

The grizzled old barkeep informed them that it was about twenty miles and
the trails were treacherous from the storm.  The two of them looked around
and scowled; the place stank of stale beer and wet fur and there didn't
look to be any rooms in the place.  They moved away from the bar so they
could talk in private.

"This joint looks as if it will topple to the ground at any moment, and
there isn't any place that I can see to house all fifteen of us.  I hate
the thought of staying in this town but we certainly won't make it to
Lonelywood tonight in the dark.  I suggest we inquire about a barn or
warehouse where we can park the wagons," Draza breathed.

"Good idea!  I'll let you do the talking, I don't like the looks of these
people."

The slaver turned back to the bar and signaled back to him.  "We need a
stable to house our wagons for the night, would you direct us to one?"  He
growled with a serious scowl.

"Waguns ya say!  Ahhh Haaaaa Waguns!"  The barkeep roared.  "Da stables be
fer ar howrses, we've na place fer a wagon.  Only sleepin' place you be
findin' 'n deez parts be da floor yur standin' on, dat be it!  Now kin I
git ya a tankurd o' ale ur you be wastin' me time?"  He bellowed and smiled
showing a mouthful of brown and rotting teeth which he pushed his scarred
wet tongue through two or three times as he waited for an answer to his
question.

"How about some hot spiced cider for me and my friend here," Var said.

"Ahh now there's somethin' fer dis wither dat should wurm ya up."  He
trundled off to fill the order and Var turned to Draza and said, "I have an
idea, I'll be right back."

Draza made to stop the Wizard but he was gone before he could open his
mouth.  The barkeep brought the steaming drinks and stood there until Draza
paid him then he went back to his work.  Draza had nearly finished his
cider by the time Var returned.

The slaver turned around at the sound of the heavy door opening and what he
saw nearly caused him to drop his cup.  The Wizard was accompanied by
Illian and Trent who were attired in tight brown leather shorts, suede
leather slippers and skimpy soft leather vests that matched the pants.  The
shorts were so short that they revealed a fair amount of bare butt and they
were sewn in such a way that the seam disappeared between the boys butt
cheeks.  The entire room suddenly grew silent as the grave as everyone
turned to stare at the new visitors.

Var cracked a wry grin and slithered up to the dumbstruck barkeep.  He
leaned forward over the bar and hissed, "You'll sell a lot of drink here
tonight while these patrons watch my boys here dance the tables, and a lot
of food.  Maybe thrice as much as you would if we were to leave.  Now...you
were about to tell us where there was a stable!"

"Da stable be in da back," the barkeep slobbered not taking his eyes off of
the supple little boys that stood in front of the bar.  "Dhos be some fine
lookin' lads ya got dere.  We ain't had younguns like dat in dees parts in
a long time no ser."

Illian approached the bar next to Draza and placed his hands on top of it,
then in one swift motion he hopped up and twisted around to land on the bar
with his leg spread facing his master.  The lightly oiled caramel colored
skin of his tummy glistened in the lamplight as he breathed with
excitement.  His eyes sparkled like pure amber.

Draza leaned over on his stool and hissed under his breath, "What by the
gods do you think you are doing?  Have you lost your mind?"

"We needed a place to sleep and I got us one.  This is better than
resorting to violence and besides I have experience in this area, I know
what I am doing."

"These are barbarians and cutthroats, we will be lucky if those boys get
out of here alive.  Just look at the expressions on their faces, they
probably haven't had a woman in years.  They'll kill those boys."

"Not with you here they won't.  You'd be surprised how easy they will be to
satisfy.  The look will be more than enough and none of them will dare
cross you, but I do suggest you wear your armor."

"This is going too far, you are mad."

"Perhaps you are right but remember I have been at this for a long time, I
know what I am doing."  Var turned to the room that was now filling up with
people and announced, "My boys will dance for you shortly."  Then he turned
and motioned for Illian and Trent to follow him and left the inn.  Draza
followed.

After pulling the wagons around to the stables Draza donned his full
regalia and hung his sword at his side.  The only thing he didn't wear was
his helm.  Var wore gray thick wool robes and made ready a few spells that
he figured were more than sufficient to handle any problems that might
arise.  Brynja had absolutely no desire to join in the festivities of the
evening so it was decided that she would stay with the rest of the boys in
the stable and get in a little training.  Var assured her that he would
check on her and the boys periodically to which she replied, "You should
know by now that I am quite capable of taking care of myself."

Shortly after sunset Var, Draza, Illian, Trent, and Tarin returned to the
tavern.  As soon as they walked in the crowd hooted and leered but seemed
relatively under control under the circumstances.  Not a few of the
customers eyed the giant armored slaver with nothing short of awe and
outright fear.  Draza played the part and scowled at everyone who looked
his way.  Surprisingly enough there were a couple musicians among the crowd
who offered to play for the boys while they danced.  This was a fortunate
turn of events in that Var didn't have to employ magic to create the music.
He wasn't entirely sure how this crowd would respond to a wizard using
magic right out in the open and he knew for certain that the dwarves would
not be pleased.

When the musicians sat down to play the boys walked up to them and told
them to play a couple tunes so they could get accustomed to the rhythm.
The musicians were both of the barbarian race but they seemed eager to
accommodate the little dancers.  The boys gyrations were smooth and very
alluring as they swung their little butts and arms in flowing movements to
the primitive but rhythmic tribal music.

The boys then proceeded to move among the crowd jumping on tables and
swinging their wares in front of their audience.  They would bend over and
caress the customers with their hands or sit on their butts and twirl on
the table or bar.  They would dance together often, hugging and exploring
each other's bodies with their hands and lips.  After each little dance
they would stop and Var would move among the crowd collecting coins until
he felt that he had enough to start the next dance.

Tarin stayed with his master and fetched him spiced wine or cider whenever
he would call for it.  It wasn't long before Draza decided that the crowd
was quite content with what they were getting and he soon relaxed.  About
an hour after the entertainment started in earnest several of the dwarves
that had escorted them into town arrived.

"These ruffians will never forget this, you have made their day.  You have
also made a lot of friends," said Strongheart as he sat next to the
Zhentarim General.

Draza, now loosened a bit by the drink Tarin was providing, turned to the
kindly dwarf and stuck out a hand.  "I am glad to hear it my friend.  Tarin
show master Strongheart here your thanks for the service he provided last
evening."

Tarin hesitated for a moment looking at his master then smiled and reached
out his soft hand to the dwarf.  When the Dwarf took it he sat on his lap
and patted the old warrior on the back while he hugged him.  Tarin was not
the least bit bothered or upset by being told to show the dwarf some
attention.

Strongheart sighed and said, "You are a fine boy and very soft too" as he
ran his rough hand down the boys back and let it rest on his butt.  Then,
with the boy on this lap, he reached into his jerkin and extracted his
pipe.  Tarin searched through the dwarf's pouch and found the tobacco which
he handed to the dwarf.

Var was mingling through the crowd receiving handshakes and pats on the
back as he watched his boys deliver a stunning performance.  The Wizard
would sit at a table and one of his boys would dance over and bring his
master a fresh cup of cider lingering long enough to pass a hand over the
wizard's weathered faade.  This was the only contact between the wizard
and his boys that Draza could see.

After Tarin had spent some time with Strongheart he returned to his master.
He positioned himself behind the massive mountain of muscles that made up
Draza's back and teased his fingers over the soft hair at the base of the
slaver's neck.  As he did this he whispered in Draza's ear while he undid
the clasps on his armor and moved his hands over Draza's chest under the
armor.  Then he waved to get the attention of Illian and Trent and motioned
them over.  When he had the attention not only of his friends but of the
entire room he came around, sat on his master's lap and kissed the Lord
square on the lips.  The customers loved it and nearly everyone came by and
shook his hand and joked with him about the event.

After another hour Draza had shed all of his armor and he was getting
rather juiced.  Tarin, meanwhile, had been teasing him the entire time and
the smoke and the atmosphere coupled with Tarin's ministrations had him
hotter than a volcano.

Tarin looked around the room and made sure that everyone was paying
attention to the other two boys.  When he was satisfied that most everyone
was either preoccupied or suitably drunk he got down on his knees and
deftly unfastened his masters pants and took his cock in his hands.
Draza's rod sprang to life instantly being almost fully aroused already.
Draza gazed at his boy and their eyes locked.  In that instant Draza KNEW
what it was all about.  He knew what he wanted and he knew that he had
found what he wanted.  A feeling rushed through him that spoke of pure
desire.  Finally he would be satisfied and fulfilled.  Finally he would
have a reason, a drive to accomplish more.  Tarin was the picture of
perfection.  Young and in love the boy WANTED him, he wasn't forced he
WANTED him.  And the boy was beautiful with firm red lips and soft golden
skin and silky hair.  The music was like a drug that enticed and
encouraged.

Tarin slowly bent forward between Draza's knees and opened his lips.  He
stuck his tongue out and gently touched the tip of the huge cock that
throbbed before him.  Draza lurched at the touch of the moist tongue.
Tarin swirled his tongue around the entire head paying special attention to
the flare at the base of the head.  Then he eased his lips over the head
and sucked while teasing the slit with his tongue.  Draza was in rapture
but he held back and enjoyed the feeling.

Tarin pushed his head forward and took in more of the hot penis until it
touched the back of his mouth.  He hesitated to adjust to the gag reflex
then pushed further.  Draza could feel the muscles in his boy's throat as
they constricted while Tarin swallowed to take in the entire length.  Then
the boy moved back almost letting the cock come out of his mouth.  At the
last moment he sucked furiously and forced the whole rod back into his
throat.  He reached up and caressed Draza's balls with his soft gentle
hands as he moved back and forth on the swollen penis.  Draza gazed down at
the beautiful boy who now had his manhood engulfed in this hot mouth and
marveled at his silky soft brown hair and unearthly beauty.

After a few moments more Tarin could feel his master's muscles tighten at
the base of his ball sack and he sucked furiously.  Draza could hold out no
longer, in a rush of euphoria he climaxed, shooting hot cum into his boy's
willing throat.  Tarin greedily swallowed every drop then sucked out what
was left as his master convulsed in the ecstasy of post orgasmic pleasure.

Moments later Draza realized that there was no magic with his orgasm.  He
sat up in his chair and fastened his trousers.  Tarin jerked at Draza's
sudden movement and looked at his master in horror as he saw his stunned
expression.

When Draza noticed the expression on Tarin's face he smiled and said,
"Tarin my boy you are the answer to all of my desires."  He grasped the boy
under the arms with his massive hands and stood up then he wrapped his arms
around him and hugged him in a tight embrace.  Tarin was in heaven.

It wasn't long after this that Var decided he had more than paid for the
use of the stable so he stopped the dancing and he, Draza, and the boys
returned to the wagons.  Not once the entire night did the Wizard touch one
of the boys.

During the three hours or so that the group was gone Brynja concentrated on
the boys' training.  They were rusty and they used most of the time to
polish up their obedience skills.

Draza and Brynja were up just before dawn the next morning.  They broke
their fast with a quick meal and were soon on the trail to Lonelywood.

Lonelywood is the northernmost settlement in Icewind Dale and the Ten
Towns.  Its buildings are nestled into the trees of an isolated wood along
the north-western shore of Maer Dualdon.

Unlike the rest of the Ten Towns, Lonelywood's dwellings are not clustered
close together; instead they are scattered loosely throughout the small
forest.  All of the dwellings here are built below the ground; all that is
except one - Larzon's Tower.  Four stories are above ground, and there are
two basement levels.  The tower is about one hundred fifty feet square and
is built out of solid rock and granite three feet thick.  The top of the
tower is crenellated and juts out beyond the walls which slant inward from
the ground up making the base wider than the top.  No one knows for sure
how old the place is, all they know is it has been there as long as anyone
can remember; certainly longer than the Ten Towns themselves.  Attached to
the north side of the tower are the stables which stand fifteen feet high
with room enough for twenty horses and several carts or wagons.

The short trip to Lonelywood took more than half of the day and then it was
dusk by the time the party located the lone tower among the dense forest.
They pulled the wagons up to the only door and Draza lifted the large iron
ring and knocked three times.  They had arrived at last.

***************************
The End of Chapter 4
***************************

To be continued...

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