Date: Sun, 29 Apr 2007 08:38:58 +0000 From: Jack Smith Subject: New Beginnings 9 WEEK NINE - THE EXPEDITION FIRSTDAY Progress along the lake side was slow. The forest grew tightly packed to the winter high-water mark of the lake, leaving no possible access. The same mixture of plant types that we saw beside the road since exiting the tunnel. From the high water mark to the low grew a different variety of plants. Some appeared to be newly growing saplings of "strappy" tree types present in the mature forest, seemingly attempting to conquer this newly available territory. Their repeated failure to do so was demonstrated by the presence of numerous larger, dead trunks. But there also were plants that were growing new shoots from seemingly dead old trunks, as if the life of some of the plants withdrew inside for safety during winter, then shot forth again when the water dropped and the days became drier and warmer. The ground was covered with the smelly remains of rotting water weed, attesting to the equal failure of the water plants to conquer this in between territory. This was very different to our river, maybe because the winter floods washed away anything that spread out onto the flood plain during summer. As one moved closer to the lake the size of the saplings decreased, the exposed water weed was fresher and a little less smelly, and the number of the "permanent" plants diminished. This was our path, for though the soil was sticky mud, the relative freedom from larger plant life made riding easier. I wasn't sure that the wheels of the carts would manage the mud. The view across the lake appeared infinite, with the green of the water grass seeming joining the grey of the sky in the distance. The good news was that we didn't see any signs of dangerous animals. I knew that with the bow of Hi- Tui and the sword of Yue-Sin we would be safe, but this did not immediately remove the anxiety. Boredom eventually did, though. The horses found the sticky mud of the lake difficult to traverse and from time to time we found ourselves winding in amongst the various stages of new growth sprouting from the drier land further from the lake. Siesta found us seemingly no further advanced. Having found somewhat of a clearing augmented with the vicious swings of the guard's machetes our bedding was laid out and we resigned ourselves to lunch and sleep within the stench of rotting vegetation and the cacophony of insects that had enveloped our whole day's journey. One of the guards was developing quite a rash from all his bites and Father applied a salve that he had brought with him to try to provide some relief from the itch. I found that getting completely under my blanket, killing any insects that had found their way under with me, then lying perfectly still so that the edges of the blanket were not disturbed allowed me a reasonably peaceful, if stuffy, rest. People the size of Hi-Tui though were unable to use similar strategies, as was indicated by the darkness that had appeared under his eyes by the time we were heading off again. So it was no surprise to hear our cheers erupt when, after another tedious stage, we once again came upon a formed road, this one leaving the lake as ours had entered. Father let the horses drink and eat their fill of the succulent water grass then indicated for us to set off at a canter to get as far away as possible from the lake and its insect population by night. Once away from the flood plain the road was surrounded by dense forest, taller and of even greater variety than we had experienced. Though the trees continued to maintain what appeared to be a respectful distance from the road, their branches did not, and the visibility was quite dim under overhanging boughs of the unfamiliar trees. It felt like we were back in the tunnel. Nervous of what might be hidden in this unknown land we camped in the middle of the road with guards stationed on all four sides during the night and fires lit either end. Despite this I slept well. SECONDAY Yue-Sin reported that the guards had not seen anything move within sight of the fires, though noises were heard amongst the trees. No one was keen to linger over breakfast in this almost subterranean gloom and we were soon mounted and proceeding at pace again. It was difficult to assess the terrain either side of us. We could have been following a valley or travelling over a broad plain so effectively did the thick bush contain us. Slowly though, as our road steadily climbed, the stature of the trees, that wild mixture of strappy red and multi-limbed green, began to diminish. Spaces appeared amongst the dense wall of trunks, then stunted trunks appeared amongst the spaces, finally leaving our way travelling through irregular boulders covered in mauve moss with tuffs of dull grass struggling between, high bare walls either side. Finally we arrived at the saddle. Looking back one gazed across the verdure of the forest we had traversed to a distant hint of green lake. Ahead the road descended into the valley of a young stream, wild and unkempt. Father said. "This is it, we are on the right road. I did not ride this far up the valley, but I recognise it's wild nature. It is further to the lake than the King said, but before long we will find our goal." With which he waved the group forward and downward. The walls rose on either side as we descended. The stream, fed by countless rivulets from the rising mountains on either side, grew in volume and vitality, thrashing within its bed like a wild youth on his first tryst. Or so I imagined, for I knew my first tryst had been wild. This brought me to observe Yue-Sin, who was leading at this stage. His stocky, powerful figure borne upon a placid brown mare. He was not noted for his horsemanship. Contemplating how I missed his ribald comments, his massive chest and ready arse, I also observed around me the others I "knew". Hi-Tui riding at my side, handsome face vacant, as if he had separated his internal world from the external. I had last seen his massive lizlion on the night of the party in front of the tunnel mouth. This seemed an age ago, thought the count only numbered in days. Father. Powerful figure on his mighty steed, Trugo. Strong jaw set, eyes lost to contemplation. Of the last time he was here? We had slept without privacy since we had entered the tunnel. I missed the pleasure of sleeping in his arms, nestled into the curve of his hairy body with his thick dick tucked into the crack of my backside. Then my thoughts slipped to those who were not here. I had been happy that Wi-Su had stayed behind, away from Father's ill humour, to maintain order in the camp and get things ready for the next leg of the journey. With my new fame Father seemed to have forgotten Wi-Su somewhat, and was generally in better spirits. I felt some hope, but also knew that Father never forgot and rarely forgave. Wi-Su would probably already be underway, as after it was clear that with active machete work a way could be cleared through the new growth of saplings that bordered the lake a guard had been dispatched with a message to commence the construction of the "road". I looked forward to seeing him, even though it had to be from a distance. His learned face and thick moustache that I longed to have tickle my face. And his companion, my faithful Do-Si. Humorous and honest, well formed of body if not of face, cheeky round cheeks waggling in invitation of invasion. I had not had any sexual release since that liaison with Do-Si while we were exploring days before and found even the movement of the saddle under me to be quite stimulating, and my dick was often squashed stiffly into the pommel of my sloping saddle as we continued downhill. So little time ago I had never experienced sex, now I felt its lack! Hunger interrupted these reveries, and I looked to Father to see if we were going to stop. He, however, was concentrating on our path, keenly examining the valley wall on our right, and was giving no indication of taking a break. I pushed Kito a little and was soon by his side. "Are we close, Father?" "I believe we are, my son. It is some time since I was here, but little things are triggering my memory. See that rock. It looks like the head of a buffoon, no? I remember it. Soon we will be coming to the clearing where we can camp." As the road dropped and the stream broadened, foliage was again reasserting its place. The road stayed close to the stream, that continued a rocky path, but on its far side low bushes densely covered the ground before it rose to its rocky heights. The bushes were different to any I had known. Small red-green leaves on complicated, thorny branches, with little yellow flowers sprinkled throughout. Some grew on the road side of the river, but they were more scattered as the ground was rockier. Then there appeared on our right, in the distance, a patch of brilliant green. It grew as we approached to be a side valley with its own stream of clear, bubbling water running over rounded stones. Its banks were richly covered in lush grass. The horses neighed in hunger as they had seen little to eat over the last day. Even disciplined Trugo dropped his head to take a succulent mouthful before Father had dismounted. Men were assigned to care for the horses, to prepare food, and to set up tents. The valley was not long, but was broad. It was hard to imagine how this little stream could have carved such a grand route for itself. The head of the valley ended in a sheer rock wall, with a small waterfall dropping down from a hanging valley, similar to though a miniature of what I had seen during the time exploring with Wi-Su. Father showed me the ladder that was behind this waterfall, made of a unknown material that must be ancient but appeared new. It clung tightly to the wall and headed straight up. "It is the little valley up there that hides the hut Father found. The only entry is this ladder, the last section of which can be pulled up leaving oneself in an impregnable position. As long as one has food the lower valley is a wonderful place to camp. The grass under the floor of the tent makes one feel that one is sleeping on the best of mattresses. Eating the grass horses become frisky and sleek. I would like to try to take some back with us to see if it will grow at home. I remember feeling as well as I have ever have felt after spending a few days here. It is a place of good magic." "I'm reminded of the valley that contains the black substance. The grass on the elevated area also did not appear like any other grass. Does this area have a heated pool?" "In fact it does," Father laughed. It was good to see his smile. Arriving here seemed to have drained away all his tension, and he had become once again the Father I knew and loved. "But it is up there," he said, indicating up the ladder. "This afternoon, after we have slept, we can explore it in privacy." The latter was said with a warm showing of teeth. "Now let us return for some food and sleep." There had proved to be a lot of dry wood under the shrubs of the valley proper, so it had not taken long for cooking fires to be made. We had stoves and oil, but it was wise to conserve our resources if other options were available. A couple of siedens had shown themselves earlier in the day to the fast bow of Hi-Tui, and therefore we had the pleasure of eating fresh meat cooked over hot coals this lunch. It was delicious, and for the first time in days my stomach felt truly satisfied. Our tent had been set up facing up valley, allowing us privacy and an uninterrupted view of the stringy waterfall. We didn't undress, not wishing to release the smell of many days without washing, but tucked into the crook of Father's embracing body I felt I was sleeping in a perfumed heaven. The grass as Father had said formed a bed so springy and soft that our sleeping mats served no purpose, and its aroma filled the tent as if we had entered the shop of a herbalist. Truly I slept like one drugged, going out like a candle after kissing Father and wishing him good repose. The climb up the ladder was not as difficult as it should have been. Something about the material of the ladder gave a spring to the up going step so that one rose seemingly with minimal effort. I had been worried for Father, having noticed how he had suffered on other climbs, but when he climbed over the top he wasn't even breathing heavily. He showed me how to lift the top section of the ladder, and left it up, which left a gap of some twenty paces from what was now the ladder top to the cliff top. Certainly our privacy was secured. This upland valley was only a small, somewhat ovoid bowl, with one end missing where it met the cliff. Grass, the same as below, covered its floor and filled the air with its heavenly scent. For the first time I saw the hut I had heard so much about. It was unimpressive. Small, low, located beside the stream.. But then realising that it must carry centuries on its back I wondered how it existed at all. Its walls looked like simple stone, its roof of some smooth substance. Windows spotted its walls, but the glass did not allow any inside vision. A single door was in the cliff-facing wall. Yet it all looked like it had been built yesterday. No moss marred its stonework, no mud stained its roof. It was no ordinary structure. Behind was the pool, seemingly the source of the stream, but how the water entered the pool was not obvious. The pool was very similar to that I had been introduced to by Wi-Su. Its walls were smooth and regular, formed as a square. Steps lead down into its faintly steaming water, clear as the mountain stream that it birthed. In an instant our clothes were off and we were immersed in the medicinal bath. Father had brought a bar of hard soap and began a washing process similar to my first day of manhood. His strong hands exploring my body thrilled after so many days of abstinence, but he was careful not to take things to far. Unlike that first day the soap was then handed to me and I mimicked the cleansing I had just received, with time spent on his furry nipples and butt, as well as his lizlion, more rigid than usual. That this man was threatening the life of my "father" was forgotten. That the physical love of a father for his son was sinful was not in my thoughts. He was simply Father, the man I loved with my whole being. My heart boiled over as our lips met in a kiss as passionate as I had known and our hands wildly explored and stimulated. After an age of this Father said, "You have grown so, my son. I think it will now be safe. I would like to make love to you for the first time." I only nodded in silent longing. We moved to the shallower water of the steps and soap was liberally and lovingly applied to my arse and his dick. I then embraced Father with my legs around his belly, and he, keeping his pole rigid and vertical with one hand, used the other arm, with my help, to slowly lower me onto it. I had known Hi- Tui, so I knew what size could feel like. This entry though was so slow it seemed no more difficult than the time I had tried with Yu-Sin, and with ease I eventually was sitting flat on his lap, feeling very full. We moved back into the water, our mouths fused. Father sat on the lowest step, and with his two thick arms he moved my body up and down to the rhythm of a slow fucking. My dick was rubbing up and down on his furry belly, made slippery by the magical properties of this water, and soon I felt the sensation rising in me, more powerful than anything I had experienced before. And every stroke took it one step higher till I was screaming in the ecstasy of orgasm in a voice I had never known. But the pumping continued. Father felt like he had become a piece of wood inside me, harder than I had ever known him, even in sleep. Now the usual focus of sensation had subsided I focused more on the new, of having someone inside me. It was difficult to describe, but it gave a sense of completeness, of being possessed fully, that was intoxicating. Soon I found the sensation rising in me again, slower and more powerful. Father seemed to sense this and his tempo picked up, and before long we were screaming a duet to the lord of pleasure. Breathing heavily we remained still other than lips that softly nuzzled each other's. I could feel Father's dick shrinking within me, leaving me with a sense of loss when it popped out to freedom. If someone had asked me about Wi-Su at that moment I would have looked at him blankly. Wi-Su? My being was full of Father, my love and reverence for this mighty man. Amazement that he could love me so much. Me, newly a man, in reality only a fledgling. My arms held onto him as tightly as they could, just as his embraced me. Eventually he spoke. "There is a magic in this water, as there is in that of the valley of the black substance. I did not dare to suggest this when we were there, though I truly desired it, for the attention our expression of love would have attracted. Every part of me becomes young again, even my saggy dick. My joints feel loose and free, my muscles strong. And my love feels like the love of a young man, boundless and overpowering. I love you so much, Cavon. You are my life!" "And I you, Father." This of course provoked a renewed frenzy of kissing, which in turn had my dick entering his arse, though detouring via of his mouth. Father did not get so hard again, but his mass still comfortably filled my hand as I milked it in time with my fucking, feeling its spasms synchronised with those of the muscles that were milking me, our voices again exploding in a grunting duet. Finally, seemingly satisfied, we walked hand in hand across the verdant valley, like the first people created naked in the world, to the door of the little hut. It opened into a small room containing only a single bed; a right angle bench set into one corner that supported a small box-like object with a glassed front and handle and two brown circular shapes on its upper surface and some empty space; a seat; a small table; and what appeared to be a small box dotted with a few jewel like projections that occupied an otherwise empty corner of the room. Everything looking like it had been placed there for the first time yesterday, free of dust and decay. I looked at Father, standing there in all his naked beauty, and realised something was very strange. We had walked maybe thirty paces from the pool. Father's soft fur had been bedraggled and wet just a moment before, his hair lying flat on his scalp. Now all was dry, curly and neatly groomed. I was dry also, hair to toes. Father was correct. There was magic in this little hut. Though I didn't know if I was going to be able to unlock it for there seemed nowhere for it to hide, other than maybe the bejewelled box. "What do you think?" Father asked. "We are dry!" "Yes, that is a consistent miracle. You arrive here with clothes and body drenched from flooding rain and the moment you enter everything is dry. It is what makes me believe that this place is still alive even though it appears asleep. It was on that little table that Father found a stack of sheets of a paper like substance containing drawings of many of the things you know of as his "ideas". The writing was in letters I have never seen, nor he though he came from a foreign land, though very uniform and consistent, but the pictures were clear enough to be understood without words. And in this little drawer in the body of the bed was where he found his magic weapon. It is opened by pushing this little indent here," which triggered the opening of a small, empty drawer at one end of the bed. My eyes continued to roam the little room, my mind feverish with activity. Soon it was leading me to open every cupboard, look under and into everything. But there was nothing. "Father took everything that could be taken. In that tall cupboard there he said that there had been clothes of a strange material that had kept him warm and dry and survived a number of years before showing signs of wear. In these cupboards were some plates and cups, and this drawer contained metallic implements, seemingly for eating though they were very different from the sticks we use. There is nothing left to find. It is why I know we will not find another magic weapon. There is nothing left, as you have just confirmed. Unless you find some secret nook that has escaped detection this hut is as bare as a field workers purse. Yet it still has magic, and that box. Father said that he tried to take the box as well, but though he could not see anything securing it, nor anyway to open it, it would not move. He said that he tried to shift it with a mallet, but that it was impervious." My eyes expressed incredulity, as it had appeared quite delicate when I had touched it, its sides giving way slightly to my cautious touch. Father just lifted his eyebrows and nodded in agreement to my silent question. "What he didn't find, he said, was any writing implements or other article of learning. No books. No money." My mind reeled. I could feel the magic, like a humming in my brain. I just had to find a way to touch it, to bring it to life. Father, who had so filled me only a short time before, though present in body, may as well have not have been there. Thoughts raced trying to think of ways of solving this riddle. One thing I knew I had to do was sleep here. Father replied to my question. "My son, can I ask you to sleep with me tonight. I will leave tomorrow with the bulk of the guards. You can sleep here after that. But I want you in my arms tonight." Seeing the hurt in his eyes, something he rarely showed, my whirling ideas ground to a halt. "Of course, Father," I said, embracing his broad chest. "I was being thoughtless. There is just so much magic here. I am keen to start the `work' my Father set me." My forehead was now at the level of his eyes, so he had to lift himself on toes to plant a loving kiss on my forehead. My lizlion rose in passion. "Let's return to the pool. With its help I think I will be capable of one more round before we descend," he said as his lips explored my face, moving from my forehead and finally settling on my mouth. This time I turned the handle that lowered the uppermost section of the ladder. Another oddity this. The handle was attached to a cylindrical structure, and one logically assumed that the ladder entered this and rolled around an internal rod. But when the ladder was extruded it was firmly rigid, not having any hint of ability to bend. It crawled over the ground like a living thing until it came to the cliff edge, then this unbendable object bent upwards to form an elevation before bending again to go straight down over the edge of the cliff, its two leading projections linking neatly into those of the rest of the ladder that waited for it. It all seemed quite impossible, but I had seen it with my eyes, and saw it numerous times as I repeatedly wound it in and out in fascination. When I had done this enough times that I could no longer bear Father's growing smile I left the ladder in the down position and went to negotiate the mounting for the descent. This worried me a little. Getting off had been easy on climbing as the extension of the ladder above the cliff edge allowed one to have one's feet at the same level as the cliff top and with forward momentum it was simple to step off and ahead onto solid ground beside the stream. Stepping down, having only one foot on solid ground while the other searched around behind, pushed by the water of a freshly falling stream, looking for a rung suspended over a drop of some 150 paces at least, made me feel quite dizzy. Father noted my nervousness and offered. "Something I learnt by accident when I was here. Father and I camped in the valley below, and every day came up to explore the hut. We were here for a week, and every day we must have come up and down this ladder maybe 30 times. Remember, we were alone, and had no one to look after our horses. Anyway, with such frequency and my youth I became very casual about the descent of this ladder, as it seemed that my feet always found a rung when I stepped out to go down. Until one time, holding with only one hand I jumped out with both feet at the same time, but did not find the rung. I thought my time was up as I felt my body start to fall. In panic my wildly exploring legs found nothing solid to support them as I continued to fall. Eventually my foot found a rung, and my body gently came to a stop. Too gently. "My panic abated feeling myself secure, and I looked up. I felt I had been falling for some time, but the top of the cliff was not so far away. Then I realised that I had felt no movement of air as I "fell", and that my single handed grip had been maintained with ease and without any damage to my hand. I stood for a while, then worked up the courage to experiment. With two hands ready to grip the vertical supports I let both feet drop into space, to find that I descended effortlessly at a comfortable rate, with no sensation of movement under my curled fingers. As the ground came to meet me I prepared my legs for the shock of contact, but none occurred. My feet were steady on the ground, but it was if I had not stopped. So after that every time I descended I just put one hand on the ladder and stepped out. I didn't tell you before we came up that there is no need to step on the rungs going up either. Just push off on the first and you will rise without further effort till you reach the top, though you can stop at any moment by putting a foot on a rung. And another thing, did you notice that despite that this ladder is behind a waterfall, no water wets you on the way up, even as you break through the stream at the very top." Listening to Father narrative I found my thoughts replaying the ascent. Father had let me go first, so I had not seen his mode of ascent. It would explain why he had dismounted seemingly having made no exertion whatsoever. And I had been so focussed and excited that I had not noticed the water I had broken through at the top of the climb, let alone that it had not wet me. But it was there. The top section of the ladder plunged straight into the falling water before clinging to the cliff face behind it. Seeing me continue to hesitate Father stepped around me, nonchalantly grasped the ladder with one hand and spun his body around to face the ladder as he stepped into space. He waved with his free hand as he slowly descended before disappearing through the stream. My fear was still too great to contemplate this. My right hand forming a death grip on the vertical rail I reached around with my left to grab a rung before tentatively exploring with my left foot to find a rung. This was achieved with ease. When both feet were firmly planted I tentatively took my first step down, into the stream. But I did not feel the water. My body enmeshed in the cascade was quite dry. Finding courage in this miracle I bravely stepped one foot backward into space, then hopped down with the other ready to place the first on a rung if needed. But there was no sense of movement. The ladder did not seem to be going past me, though when I looked forward to the cliff I could see that its face was moving upwards, and when I looked past my feet to the ground I could see that it was approaching at quite a speed. I braced myself for landing, but there was none. I was on the ground, but there had been no sensation. What my face expressed must have been quite comical for Father, who had stepped aside a little to allow room for my arrival, was laughing out loud. I had never seen such joy on his face before, as he held his belly as if it hurt. I found a smile creeping, and was soon laughing with him. When he managed a little sobriety he said, "Try it again. Just put your foot on the first step and push." I did, and I rose smoothly to the top without further effort. I stepped down and I arrived just as smoothly at the bottom. Amazed and puzzled, having ascended and descended maybe a dozen times I walked by his side back to the camp, the smell of roasting meat drawing attention to my stomach and the low light of a closing day. How long had we spent making love? It had not seemed all afternoon. We had taken siesta late, but could that explain it? Hi-Tui's bow had again brought meat into the camp. Searching with greater stealth than was possible in a convoy he had found a grouping of an unfamiliar animal further downstream. It was the size of maybe 3 chickens, had four legs and a stocky body. Hi-Tui said that it could move quite swiftly, belaying its stocky body and short legs, but seemingly had no intelligence. If a noise was made it deftly disappeared into cover, but if he managed to remain quiet he could pick off one after another with his arrows without causing any alarm to those that grazed on the water weeds that grew around a pond that formed down stream a way. He had only taken enough to provide meat for the camp for the night, assuming he could return at any time for fresh supplies. The meat proved to be delicious. Yue-Sin dined with us again, on Father's request. After eating, Father announced, "Tomorrow we will return to join the bulk of the expedition. The road should now be cut through the new growth by the lake and we will direct the carts to our new camp. Yue-Sin, I would like you to return with me to organise the guards. Hi-Tui, who has little organisational ability, will stay to supervise the two guards and the field workers who will remain to care for all." I knew that Father was flattering Yue-Sin so that he would accept this arrangement without disappointment. I could see in his lips that were struggling not to turn down under his moustache that he had hoped to remain with me. He couldn't say no to whatever Father said, but I thought it was kind of Father to make it easier for him. "Of course, my Lord." He then paused, obviously wishing to continue but knowing he had to be invited before he could do so. "Yes, Yue-Sin," said Father. "May I ask a favour?" Father simply nodded. "Could I borrow Lord Cavon for a short time? I have been without relief for many days now." Father smiled. "That is up to my Son, not me. What do you think, my Son?" "I think it is possible," I replied, using my expression to tell Father that I wasn't sure I had anything left after our time in the pool. "There is your answer, Yue-Sin. Now, I'll take a quick walk to settle my meal. Don't be too long," he finished, knowingly. As soon as the flap of the tent had dropped Yue-Sin was on me, kissing, taking off my clothes, sucking and exploring. "I've missed this," he moaned. Father lived up to his word, and was not gone long. I was still busy fucking Yue-Sin when he lifted the tent flap and entered, waving me to continue as he stood and watched. By the heat in his eyes I think Father's rapid return had been intentional, so he could enjoy watching his son fuck his ex-lover. And I suspect, by the fright he showed when he got up and saw Father after we finished, Yue-Sin had not noticed Father's entry. That night as we cuddled together to sleep, Father murmured, "Can you guess the reason I asked Hi-Tui to stay?" "I assume it is not so I can enjoy his large dick?" "No. But I would still be interested to see that wonder. I will have to organise it. The reason is that I know that Hi-Tui is an intelligent man. He may be able to help you unravel the mystery of the hut. Yue-Sin, for all his loyalty and ability, is not intelligent in this way. He would be of no help." "You are wise in all you do, Father." "Not so wise, but sometimes practical." I snuggled into his furry warmth, kissed him good night and rolled into our usual sleeping position. THIRDAY I demonstrated to Hi-Tui the secrets of the ladder. His eyes opened wide in amazement. It took quite a few times before he was able to use the ladder without fear. They remained wide as I demonstrated how the ladder could be wound up, following the ladder's up and down movements with matching up and down movements of his head. Then his eyes became knowing as I suggested that we undress and swim in the pool, widening again on entering the water at the wonderful sensation that it gave. He had not spoken till this point, and though his dick was sticking out as rigidly as the knives on the wheels of a battle chariot, on experiencing this final miracle he spoke rather than acted. "Where does all this magic come from, Cavon?" "We assume it comes from a mighty race who preceded us. It is possible we are their descendants." "But they must be more mighty than The One to leave behind such miracles." "They were mighty, but you know that no one is more mighty than The One." "Yes, my Lord," suddenly slipping back into formality in fear that he had blasphemed. "No, your question was just, Hi-Tui. There is no reason to fear." "Thankyou, Cavon. Though I don't think I could have been that frightened. Look at my lizlion. It has not shifted." "No, it hasn't. And it looks as mighty as ever. And feels it also!" "Yours makes a much bigger mouthful than it did on our first time. You have grown, Cavon, in more ways than one." This was all said through a mouth full of my dick, and came out rather sloppy. As did my response, my mind distracted by the pleasure his mouth was giving. "What do you mean." "Mean?" he slurped out. He let my dick go for long enough to answer. "I am sucking the mighty lizlion of a Hero. Before it was only the lizlion of the son of the Lord. How can you ask `What do you mean?' ?" "Thankyou, Hi-Tui." This was again rather strained as he had only let me alone for a moment. Conversation now ceased as we gave ourselves to pleasure. This was only the second time we had been able to fully relax alone in each other's company, and we took full advantage to get to know each other better. It felt wonderful running my hands over his smooth skin, made slippery by the magical water. His kiss was more free this time, more confident and more loving. My mouth drew growls of pleasure from him as it sucked on his nipples, as I groaned as he tongued my dick and arse. This time he did not tempt himself in anyway that could lead to the damage he had caused on our first tryst. To finish he had me stand in front of him and fuck his mouth as his hand pulled his own member to completion. It seemed he did not like things to go on too long. And once again, as soon as he had cum, he became all business, wanting to put on his clothes and be shown the hut. I suggested that he wait till we entered to dress. Filled with the warmth of our love making his coldness wounded. I wanted to watch his powerful form walk naked. I wanted to cuddle up to him. He would have none of it. I persuaded him to wait until we had entered the hut, explaining he would understand the reason on entering, and so gained the brief pleasure of watching him move over the fragrant grass as he strode to the hut. Hi-Tui, as clearly uncomfortable with his nudity as he had been passionate about it only a short time previously, made his reluctance clear in the hunch of his shoulders and the rigidity of his face, but I managed to enjoy watching his dick and balls wag around as he walked, the movement of muscles under his padded skin, his thick chest. It was a shame that the distance was so short. On entering the hut Hi-Tui understood my reason for waiting to dress, but would delay no longer. Even the wonder of the magic did not slow him. I would have remained naked as I had with Father the previous afternoon, but with Hi-Tui dressed I felt exposed, so likewise I dressed. A tour of the hut took but a few moments. I explained that I hoped to understand the magic of this hut, and if he would like to that I would greatly appreciate his help. I then took to examining the jewel-studded box in the corner. Seated on the floor at my side Hi-Tui carefully reached out to touch the box. He ran his hand over its surface, feeling its flexibility to pressure. Then he touched its jewels individually and when there was no response in combinations. Nothing happened. The box remained inert. Frustrated he rose and went to examine the cupboard on the bench of what I had labelled the kitchen, while I remained observing the box. I repeated all of Hi-Tui's actions to the same result, then gave myself to contemplating the box, trying to let my mind empty in the hope that something would enter. Hi-Tui managed to get the little cupboard open but achieved little else, so gave up and advised me that he was going hunting to get meat for lunch. I nodded absently absorbed in my task. I believed that I could feel something touching my mind, whispering around when I managed to achieve a state of complete emptiness, but by the time that Hi-Tui returned to advise that lunch was almost ready I had nothing to show for my time. I asked Hi-Tui to join me for lunch, which he willing did. He had once again managed to catch one of the same type of animal that he had hunted the previous day. All had been waiting in the same location as the day previously. I suggested that there must not be any predators in this area for them to be so lacking in fear. "To our luck," he replied, lifting a thigh of the most recent catch and sinking his teeth into it signalling the commencement of the meal. Hi-Tui appeared disappointed when I advised him that I was going to sleep in the bed of the hut during siesta. The distance that had appeared post lovemaking had dissipated. I invited him to join me but he said that the bed was too narrow for one of his size, let alone for both of us. He walked me to the ladder and bowed me goodbye. Now inured to its novelty I "climbed" the ladder without attention, thinking only of what I would find in the hut. It was the first time I was entering alone, and I was nervous. I tried to put that aside as I entered and lay on the bed, covering myself with a blanket I had brought with me. The bed had appeared hard and I had expected an uncomfortable sleep, but with my head on the elevation at one end of the bed that I assumed served as a pillow I was surprised at the level of comfort of what seemed a very simple structure. Without changing shape the surface of the bed, hard to casual touch, seemed to mould itself to my body so that my weight was spread equally on every point, as if I was lying on a mound of magical feathers. The impression was that I was floating, so much that I sat up in fright thinking that I had moved off the bed. I sat on the edge for a bit, feeling its reassuring hardness cutting into my buttocks, before risking lying down once again. And once again I had the sensation that I was floating. With a finger I pushed against the surface of the bed. It was still hard and resilient, but on letting my arm rest on its surface it was if the surface was no longer there. Experimenting with this phenomenon occupied some time, but eventually I did sleep. To find that I dreamt. Images of fantastic things, unimaginable things, large objects flying in the sky, towers taller than a thousand people, many things that I had no words to describe. Light appearing magically from ceilings, from balls, from boxes, without flame, without heat. And behind it all was a voice, speaking clearly as if explaining, but in a language I had never heard, though I thought that I should be able to understand. I awoke with this voice spattering in my head like winter rain, yet could not remember any of the sounds that I assumed were words. I woke feeling tired, unrefreshed. When Hi-Tui joined me and I explained what I had experienced he suggested that the hut was talking to me. "How can a hut talk?" I asked reasonably. "How can one make a little jump and climb a cliff that must be 200 people tall?" "I take your meaning. But I've had enough for now. My head feels full of filsal. Maybe we could go for a ride. I'm sure my archery lessons are overdue! My limbs ache from doing nothing." "With pleasure. We can collect some meat for dinner as well, but this animal provides no sport so we'll have to find something else to aim at." Kito welcomed me. During this trip he had become accustomed to being with me from morning to night, and he seemed as if he was letting me know that he felt my absence. Though it was only the previous day that I had dismounted him, it felt good to get back into his saddle and feel his powerful form moving under me. I allowed him to stretch out a little, leaving Hi-Tui, his bulk slowing his horse, chasing to catch up. The stream, still rough and fast, thrashing around the many rough boulders that formed its bed, continued in parallel the road, heading downwards. The bushes remained the same. Some of my irritation dissipated by this mad gallop I urged Kito to slow, to allow Hi-Tui to catch up. He did not take long to join my side, though his horse was blowing somewhat. In a hushed voice he warned that the pool where he had found his recent catches was just around the next corner. We dismounted and Hi-Tui gave me a crossbow to use. "This can be used lying down, so is good in situations needing stealth. I'll let you do the shooting - one animal should be enough for our dinner tonight." On rounding the corner we dropped and proceed further in a squat-walk. A pool, trapped by a higher barrier of boulders and surrounded by a flat area grassed in a reddish water weed, came into view. As did the animals, sedately chomping on the grass. In winter the water would have topped the barrier and the whole grassed area would be under water. We edged our way down the embankment a little to a point where we could take comfortable aim at the grazing animals. Unfamiliar with the cross bow my first bolt went astray, but it mattered little as the animal I had aimed for made no attempt at movement. As quietly as I could I loaded another bolt and fired again. With the same result as the first. Hi-Tui whispered to me that I had to look along the length of the bow and line up the siting point at the far end with the target. At this distance there was no need to allow for the arrow to drop. With this advice the next bolt hit true, taking the animal through its short neck. We stood and went to pick it up, causing the surviving animals to sprint into the water to hide. The skin of the dead animal was rough and red, not pleasant to touch. Hi-Tui gutted the animal and bundled it into a bag brought along for this purpose. Deciding that there was nothing further worthy of firing arrows we decided to continue downstream. Gradually as our altitude dropped the scrub was replaced once again with trees, though on this side of the divide the many limbed green leaved trees were absent, and the more usual strappy red leaved trees seemed more normal, more like we knew at home. Not wanting to make too much of an uphill ride for our horses we did not continue for too long, turning the horses' heads for a more leisurely return trip. "What could have happened to a race so powerful that the magic they created still functions I don't know how many years after they have disappeared," asked Hi-Tui. "That is a question I have asked myself, that Father and I have discussed, that Wi-Su and I have discussed, Hi- Tui, but there is no way to come to an answer. We don't have any information to even make a guess. In the dreams I had while I slept in the hut I saw many strange things. Wondrous things. Objects that were flying, large objects. Buildings tall beyond belief. People, not looking too different from us but wearing clothes of materials unknown, floating in the air. You were correct. I think the hut was talking to me. But what it was trying to tell me I don't know. I should sleep there again tonight." "No. You sleep with me tonight. Lord Srotyr may be back tomorrow. Never again will I have a chance to sleep with you by my side. And besides, you are so dark under the eyes you look like you haven't slept for a week. The sleep you had in the hut drained you rather than rested you." "Okay. But we can go up for a bath before bed. That will freshen me up." "A good idea," said Hi-Tui, smiling warmly. "Something else too. You mentioned Wi-Su. Have you thought of anything?" "No. My mind has been on other things. Have you any ideas?" "One, not much good maybe." "Tell me." "Well, what I thought was this. Lord Srotyr has indicated that you may be staying behind when we return. I will organise it that I will be at the rear of the group returning through the tunnel, with Wi-Su by my side. He can slowly slip further behind until he is no longer visible, then he can turn and return to join up with you here." "But what will happen when I return? He can't live here. There is no food." "I don't know. I said it was not much good." "Still, it will allow a little more time before he has to face Father's wrath, or maybe he can continue down the way we were going. This road must lead to KingsTown. He can disappear there." "Yes, that is it. It will buy time and give some further options," agreed Hi-Tui. "Though it will make it even more difficult for him to return to New-Town. Father is not likely to forget his intention, but if Wi-Su disappears he will not need to fabricate something to persecute, he will be able to use the law of desertion." "So maybe it isn't good." "I have not thought of any other. Please, Hi-Tui, when the party returns try to talk to Wi-Su to see if he has had any ideas." "Of course." Silence fell between us for the rest of the return trip. On arrival we handed the horses over to the field worker who was responsible for their care, and made our way to the ladder. The water again refreshed, so that by the time we were sitting down to roasted meat and rice I was feeling much more alert. "Hi-Tui, what do you make of our religion with this new knowledge we have discovered?" I asked. "I didn't think it made any difference to our beliefs. Should it?" "Well, where does The One fit in when there is a race so powerful that it can carve holes through mountains and make us fly through the air?" "But don't you think that The One came from these people? We call him The One, but could he not be a race, rather than an individual. This powerful race could have ascended to the clouds, leaving us behind to find our way. Maybe we were poor slaves of this race, and we were left behind because we were so unimportant, left behind to worship our departed masters. Maybe it is The One who is talking to you in your dreams!" "That is an interesting idea. The One and this race may be the same thing! The One has been talking to me. You are very wise, Hi-Tui." "Thankyou Cavon. Not so wise. Besides, it is only an idea." "Yes, it is only an idea. But as Wi-Su would say, it is an idea that fits in with the known facts, so it is worth accepting as truth until something proves it otherwise." That night I cuddled into Hi-Tui's large form. We made love slowly, taking each other in the mouth, or at least me taking what I could of him. Hi-Tui then rolled away to leave me to sleep alone, but at some time during the night he returned and I awoke cradled in his thick arms. FORDAY Hi-Tui was a difficult man to love. I so enjoyed touching his massive dick, but when he was in the mood to allow me it became hard, and when hard he wanted to make love, and after this he didn't want me near. Any closeness tended to lead to lovemaking, followed by rejection. When I complained he apologised sincerely, but said he had always been the same. He became hot quickly, and could not prevent it, and after climax the sensation of closeness turned to bile and there was nothing he wouldn't do to get away. I ordered him this morning to stay with me, but he was so uncomfortable, and it was so unpleasant embracing this man that had withdrawn so into himself that holding him was not dissimilar to holding a piece of wood, that I let him rise and dress to organise breakfast. He wouldn't even kiss me before going out. After he had gone I rolled back under my blanket and contemplated what could have made him so. I arrived at no useful conclusion, so turned to think of Wi-Su. I was looking forward to seeing him, deeply anxious about his future. It was up to me to protect him, which would mean that I would have to stand up to Father. But even if I did I could not see how this would change the outcome. I don't believe that I could overcome his prejudice, and probably the more I tried the greater his hatred would become, as it would confirm his belief that Wi-Su had taken his place my heart. Which in a way he had, though this was not really true. They both held a place, and it seemed which ever I was with at the time assumed the greater place. This was also leading nowhere, so I dressed and went outside. It was raining, fine mist rain, for the first time for many days. The grass seemed to spring up under the effects of the water, forming a cushion underfoot so resilient that one felt one was walking on air. Today I would again take my siesta repose in the hut, but till then I thought it best to try to put down on paper what I could remember of the previous day's dreams. I should have done it immediately, but had not given it a thought. Maybe the exhaustion I had felt had diverted my thoughts, but also I had not considered that I maybe have been listening to the mind of The One. After lunch Hi-Tui joined me on the trip up to the hanging valley and accompanied me to the hut. I encouraged him to experiment with the bed, and he was likewise amazed. But even with this magic he wouldn't stay with me, rather he would only sleep a short time before coming to wake me, so I could descend and have some restful sleep. Despite a morning of inactivity I managed to sleep quickly on being left in the hut. The dreams came quickly also, but they were different today. There were no fantastic images, rather I was talking to Hi-Tui and he was asking me the names of things. We walked in a forest, then we were climbing a hill, then we were in a town. It was in the latter that he began to ask a lot of questions. Strangely my dream self did not think that this was unusual. When I had given a name to every physical object imaginable Hi-Tui asked me about emotions, concepts, ideas, using round about ways and actions to explain what he wanted to know. It seemed he did not know the words. I awoke to the noise of the door being thrown open and Hi-Tui screaming out in anguish, "Are you alright?" "Yes, I'm fine," I replied, puzzled. "I was dreaming of you, and you were asking me lots of questions." Hi-Tui let out a loud sigh. "I've been fighting with that door for I don't know how long. It wouldn't let me in. Then suddenly it sprung open without me touching it!" "It would seem that The One did not want you to wake me." "So it would seem. You seem better than yesterday." "I am. Not so tired, though I feel it would be good to sleep some more. The things I dreamt about were normal things, of our world. You were asking me names of everything." "Maybe The One is trying to learn our language. Though I would have thought The One would know all languages. Come, let's go back to the tent." "That is an interesting idea. If one was trying to learn a language one would ask someone who knew the language to name objects. Could it be that The One was trying to teach me the language of the Gods yesterday, and I couldn't understand?" "We are talking of The One in very irreverent terms. Will we not be punished?" ask Hi-Tui. "Or maybe it wasn't that I couldn't understand the words, but I didn't know what the things were that were being named," I continued as if Hi-Tui had not spoken, "and that is why it tired my brain so much." "Won't we be punished?" Hi-Tui repeated. "Oh, sorry Hi-Tui. I don't know. I think The One is treating us to something very special. I believe he wants us to think, to delve below the surface. He left me with good feelings today." We dropped down the cliff and crossed the springy grass back to the tent. Wanting the feel of his arms around me more than sexual release I resisted the temptation to explore his body, rather I gave myself to the comfort of his embrace and fell into a dreamless sleep. SIXDAY Father arrived during the morning. He greeted me formally as was appropriate, but was keen to return to the hanging valley. He surprised me by inviting Yu-Sin to join us. I desperately tried to get a glimpse of Wi-Su, without it being obvious, but saw no sign of him. Father was quick into the pool, I following. Yu-Sin hung back, seemingly not confident when his superiors were together, but Father encouraged him to undress and join us. Father began caressing Yu-Sin, indicating for me to do the same. Yu- Sin's hands went to our dicks, taking one in each. With the magic of the water Father was soon quite hard and he position Yu-Sin on the steps so he could fuck him. Once in he took his time, setting a slow rhythm, then indicated for me to come behind and enter him. So I found myself playing counter point. Satisfied, refreshed by the water from the fatigue of days of hard travelling, Father relaxed back in the water and, after ordering Yu-Sin to leave asked me what I had discovered in his absence. I told him about the first day, where I had dreamt but not understood anything, the second day where our language seemed to have been explored, and of what happened on the third day. "Yesterday I again dreamt of Hi-Tui, but this dream seemed more normal. We rode, we hunted, we made love. Then you arrived and ordered Hi-Tui to return to his post. We dined with Mother, drank some rice wine and sang some songs before retiring." "You didn't make love with me?" Father asked. The angry glint was in his eye again. "No. We didn't. But I felt so safe and wanted in your arms that I knew this was my proper place, one I never wanted to leave." I was relieved to see the glitter fade and return to post orgasmic dullness. I knew that the glitter wouldn't have faded if I had told him what I had truly dreamt, that it was Wi-Su, not himself, who had taken prominence in the dream. That it was Wi-Su who had dined with Mother and I and Wi-Su who had held me in his arms. Hi- Tui suggested that maybe The One has been talking to me in these dreams, but I wonder if the last contradicts this. The first two seemed to have a purpose, but yesterday did not. I wonder what will happen today?" "We will sleep together in the hut. I will test out the comfort of this bed that you eulogise. We will lunch then return." We decided to sleep dressed. It seemed more proper if we were going to be in the presence of The One. But on this bed in which one felt like one was floating on air I found myself getting so excited with Father's arms encircling me that I was unable to sleep. It was bizarre how Father's arm could go right under me but, though I could feel its pressure, it did not form a lump, and Father reported that my weight leaning on it was not uncomfortable. I begin first to take his fingers into my mouth, then I turned and we were kissing. The end result was that we slept naked and spent, a dreamless, restful repose. I worried about this. Was The One upset by our display? Angry that a father should love his son in a physical manner? Would our punishment be that he would never talk to me again? I tried to put these thoughts aside as I sparred with Yu-Sin and Do-Si. It was good to feel again a sword in my hand. There had been no one to spar with during the time Father had been away. Father joined in as well. I had never sparred with Father, and now appreciated why he had a reputation as a master swordsman. As well as a strength that made his sword seem no more that a twig, he had a subtly and guile that kept you constantly off balance. I fought hard, as if my life depended on it, with so much concentration on the fight that I did not notice the horrible grey colour Father had become before I got my first touch. Yu-Sin noted though, and diplomatically replaced Father with himself as if my touch had been a signal for a changeover. Father lay on the grass, breathing heavily. I wanted to run to him, to hold him, to help, but knew I could not do so as it would make his weakness public. The role of aide fell to Do-Si, who provided a damp cloth for his brow and a glass of cold stream water and a cup of strong rice wine. By the time I called a halt, fatigued and breathing heavily from my struggle with Yu-Sin, Father appeared much better. It was only then that honour would allow me to go to him. I suggested that we bathe before dinner, hoping that the water would provide him with some needed healing. That night I expected to sleep well, physically fatigued by the sparring and relaxed by our time in the pool, embracing but not making love. Instead my sleep was broken with evil dreams, making me think that in truth The One was angry. GODDAY Father was disturbed also, and suggested before dawn that we dress and put on our armour. Yu-Sin helped, then under Father's order, without sound and without light, organised all the guard into their armour, and even armed the field workers. It is what saved our lives. We were lined up against the back wall of the valley, a row of guards in front, Father, Yu-Sin and I behind, with field workers and Wi-Su behind again, when the first flaming arrow lit an arc through the sky and by chance landed on a tent, setting it aflame and lighting the scene. Blood curdling yells then filled the air and dark shadows charged into the camp slashing and setting tents alight with flaming brands. It was not until the first few fell to the well- placed arrows of Hi-Tui that they realised that all was not going to plan. Father gave the order to stand. We had the advantage. We were still in darkness, they were lit by the flames of the fires they had lit. I also took a bow, as did Father and a number of other guards who were proficient, taking a step behind the row of swordsmen for protection. Arrows then rained down on the invaders, many of whom fell dead or wounded. Still they seemed very numerous when they determined the direction of their persecutors and charged towards us. Bows were dropped and swords again lifted in readiness, except by Hi-Tui who kept up a deadly fire at the approaching silhouettes. And then they were upon us. Light must have been increasing for it was possible to make out their forms even when not backlit by the flames, so all was not the chaos it could have been. I could not believe that my first attacker, a big man with a big sword, tried the `blow from the sky". It did not seem quite so simple when the result of a wrong calculation would be death, but I managed to get my sword up in time. The reduced friction of metal on metal compared to wood almost caught me but I managed to get far enough to the side to undertake the counterblow, slashing first at his arms. The sharpness of my new blade, driven with the force of fear, severed one cleanly and cut the other grievously, distracting him so much that I had no trouble slashing his throat on the return stroke. I did not have time to gloat though as I turned to find two more on me. Time slowed as I parried one blade, to give me time enough to think that my death was upon me as the blade of the other lifted to strike while my blade was still trapped by the first. I was in the first movement of trying to dodge the blow when it was curtailed by an arrow sprouting blood from his throat. Not allowing distraction I dealt quickly with the first, who was unskilled, before allowing myself to glance in the direction from which the arrow arrived. Father and Yu-Sin were forming a guard in front of Hi-Tui who was letting flow a constant stream of arrows. I had suddenly found myself in a little space. I looked around to see where I could help. Men were locked in combat all around, nearly all one to one. With Hi-Tui I thought things would quickly turn in our favour when an arrow dug into the ground at my feet. They had archers too! But this proved to be child's play for Hi-Tui. I found the enemy archers, shadows in the new light of dawn, in time to see them fall one after another like dominos. Hi-Tui's sharp eyes had also spotted them, though not soon enough as evidenced by our men lying on the ground pierced by arrows. I then felt my heart leap to my throat as I saw Do-Si, trying to protect Wi-Su, struggling with a number of attackers, a fellow guardsman dead on the ground beside him. Without thought I screamed and charged like a madman. The first attacker lost his head before he had time to turn, the second had time to slash at me as I tried to clear my sword from his fellow. I stepped out of his sword's path and, freeing my sword at the same time, managed to bat it to the ground, leaving him defenceless to an upward cut. Then on to the third who was about to put an end to Wi-Su. My desperate slash caught the upper arm of the attacker, distracting him enough that Wi-Su managed to parry the blow that had been about to finish him. That spelt his end as he had nothing with which to fend my second stroke. Then on to Do-Si, whose assailant was more skilled, but not enough to ward off even for a moment two skilled swordsmen. Our eyes meeting in the joy of victory, blood dripping from our swords, Do-Si and I lifted our voices as we charged at a knot of fighting men. Sensing victory Yu-Sin's deep voice also lifted with ours, his heavy paces seemingly shaking the ground as he left his defence of Hi-Tui, jumping over a straggle of bodies, to join us. This was enough to shatter the courage of our attackers, and those that could broke into a run. Father, in his battle voice, commanded for all to charge and to let none escape. Wings took to my feet as I leapt to the chase, finding myself easily catching those fleeing, ending a life with a running jab as if using a joust, then sprinting after the rest. Later I became aware that Hi-Tui had also joined the chase, letting fly arrows as he ran, till the only remaining enemy was one who was very fleet of foot and almost out the other side of the camp. Father yelled that he wanted him down, but not dead, to which Hi-Tui responded by neatly dropping him with an arrow in his buttock. He tried to put an end to himself but was easily stopped by a guard who, having flown to cover the distance, landed a powerful kick to the hand that was thrusting a knife towards his heart. A mighty cheer erupted spontaneously from our throats. Of victory, of gratitude to The One, of battle lust that still raced in our veins. When our voices were spent Father ordered that all of our attackers that lived be brought before him. The guards, aided by field workers, quickly responded to Yu-Sin's relayed order. Soon a row of 8 men, hands and feet tied, where bullied to their feet in front of Father. All were non-descript. Their clothes varied from new and well cared to almost rags. There was no mark of allegiance on any. Father approached the first in the row. "Who sent you?" he barked. The man just shook his head in refusal. At a nod from Father the guard holding him pushed him forward, his roped feet causing him to stumble. Yu-Sin lifted his sword and cleanly decapitated him as he fell. Father had stepped aside to avoid the spouting blood and rolling head. He asked the next, "Who sent you?" The response to refusal was not so clean this time. First a hand was severed and the question asked again. The screaming man was unable to pay heed to the question, wracked by the pain of his arm. Yu-Sin ignored this and used his dagger to slip open the man's clothes, indicating for the guard to pull them off. With two guards now supporting him so as he could not fall and one holding the rope so he could not kick, the man was presented naked to Yu- Sin. Yu-Sin squatted in front of him and, with little strokes, slowly inflicted a deep cut the length of his dick, opening it like a fish. Father again asked the question, but the man was beyond responding. Yu-Sin continued his dissection, slowly separating the dick from the body, then the balls from their pouch, before inserting the knife low into the belly and lifting upwards until he had pierced the chest and the heart. The screaming then stopped and the guards let the body fall to the ground. Not surprisingly the next in line started sprouting all he knew, having details filled in by others in the line, without any further questions being asked. This was not enough to spare them, of course, but their deaths were quick and clean, as had been the first. The information gained was that they were a group of mercenaries who had been hired by the Prince to perform the deed that they had attempted. Which was to kill us all and bury us so that there was no trace of our presence, and report back to the Prince that the job was complete. Father had not watched the executions. As soon as he had the information he wanted he signalled for Yu-Sin to proceed then called for me and all the free guards to accompany him. He quickly toured the area of battle to look after our own wounded. Those he felt had no chance he ordered to be mercifully killed, those who might survive were carried to our tent, that had survived without damage, to be treated. I helped mix herbs and medicines into boiling water, cleaned wounds and applied bandages. The sharp intakes of pain (none would cry out!) as the astringent balm touched raw flesh tore my heart. We had lost half our force! Most of the casualties had been amongst the field workers. Though they had been armed they did not have the skill to defend themselves, and only 5 of 11 had survived, 2 of those wounded. Twenty guards had survived, which spoke well of the training they had received from Wi-Su. Many of those who had fell had died from arrow rather than sword wounds. They had held their own. Our attackers had been quite a large band - 73 bodies were piled to one side of the grassed area. All dead for the offer of money! The wounded tended, Father ordered all who could stand to gather in front of our fallen. He offered a prayer of thanks to The One for our survival and commended the souls of those fallen to His care. This led into an impromptu sermon on the topic of avarice. How greed led to death. After breakfast all participated in the digging of a common grave in the thick earth of the stream bank, this being the only area free of rock other than the grassed area of the camp. Our fallen were placed in positions of repose in the hole and the prayer of the dead recited by all. Our enemies were placed in carts and taken down stream, further than our hunting ground, and dumped unceremoniously into a deep pond. They would feed whatever wildlife savoured the taste of human flesh. After everything had been completed and another round of the wounded had been made, Father called a council of Yu- Sin, Hi-Tui and I. He asked what we thought. Yu-Sin repeated something that one of the field workers had overheard during the battle. One of the enemy had been attacking a guard by the name of Wo-Ni, and Wo-Ni had said, "Leave me, I am your spy!" But then he had fallen with an arrow in his throat before the enemy fighter had time to respond. Fortunately for the field worker Hi-Tui must have spotted the target, for before he could lift his sword to attack the field worker he fell to one of Hi-Tui's red feathered arrows. "Who is Wo-Ni?" asked Father. "Wo-Ni is a new guard," replied Yu-Sin. "He had recently arrived from KingsTown, his wife dying soon after he arrived. He proved adept with a sword, but I didn't wish to leave him at home where I could not watch him so I ordered him to join the expedition." "Was it he who's friend was convicted of stealing the purse of Tie-Je's?" I asked,. "That was he. I interviewed him at your recommendation. He presented as a honest man." "With a treacherous heart," said Father. "That explains why they knew our camp layout so well. He presumably communicated with them secretly. It also explains how the Prince knew we were here. Now, Cavon, what would you think must be our next step?" "I think we must head home and make sure all is safe there. If he attacked us here he could have also organised some kind of coup of NewTown once news of your death had been received. He may still attempt this, even if he has no news." "What do you think, Yu-Sin?" "If we have one spy in the guard, how many more must there be in the town. We must make all haste to return!" Hi-Tui nodded in agreement, but added, "My Lord. If we have the Prince against us we are going to have a difficult life. The King is ill, may soon die. With a new King who wants you dead it will not take him long to make up an excuse to remove you. Lord Cavon seems to be making some kind of progress in this magical hut in the valley above. Maybe he should stay behind and continue to investigate. What he discovers may make a difference to our future." "What do you say, Cavon?" asked Father. "It has only been dreams and there has been nothing for a day now, but it has been different. Hi-Tui thinks that The One may be trying to talk with me. If he is it would seem he has forgotten our language. But it could take many days, and we don't have many days." "No. We don't have any days. We must leave in the morning. But Cavon could stay. It is unlikely that anyone will return here, and even if they did you could stay up in the valley with the ladder rolled up and be perfectly safe. Just a guard to look after you - that Do-Si seems competent and you are friendly with him." Hi-Tui and Yu-Sin nodded in agreement. "After siesta I want everything packed into the carts. Space must be left for the wounded who cannot ride. First we sleep. Good repose." "Good repose my Lords," Yu-Sin and Hi-Tui replied in unison. My sleep was haunted by visions of fire and blood, images of the battle transmuting into horrific forms. I awoke unrefreshed, generally sore. Father also was out of sorts, curt. After he was satisfied that the carts were loaded ready for departure he suggested that we take time to bathe. Soaking in the magical water leeched away the pain from my sore muscles, but did not ease my anxious thoughts, or take the creases from Father's brow. It did loosen his tongue a little though. "Our future may be difficult," he started. "As Hi-Tui was wise enough to say, being in conflict with the Prince is not a recipe for a peaceful life. I am sorry that my birth may inflict danger on the life of you and your mother. It would seem that the Prince has discovered that secret, and maybe the reason for which we are here. If that is the case he won't rest until I and all my heirs are no longer a threat to him, or he himself is dead." I had no answer to this, it was this scenario that had gloomed my afternoon, made worse by a fine rain that made preparations for the morning departure more tedious. I cuddled into his wet, furry chest seeking strength and reassurance. There was none to be found, but he held me tight. This helped a little. We soaked up the magic of the water before returning to ground level for a meal and sleep.