Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:01:50 -0500 From: carl_mason@comcast.net Subject: INDOMITABLE SPIRIT - 12 INDOMITABLE SPIRIT - 12 Copyright 2007 by Carl Mason All rights reserved. Other than downloading one copy for strictly personal enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author. However based on real events and places, "Indomitable Spirit" is strictly fictional. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. As in real life, however, the sexual themes unfold gradually. Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author at carl_mason@comcast.net If you would like to read additional stories by this author, please turn to the "Authors/Prolific Authors" link at the beginning of the Nifty Archive. This story contains descriptions of sexual contact between males, both adults and teenagers. As such, it is homoerotic fiction designed for the personal enjoyment of legal, hopefully mature, adults. If you are not of legal age to read such material, if those in power and/or those whom you trust treat it as illegal, or if it would create unresolvable moral dilemmas in your life, please leave. Finally, remember that maturity generally demands safe sex. CHAPTER 12 (Revisiting Chapter 11) "You're right, Tommy. I do find Ken attractive, but, Tommy, he is not you - and he will never be you. You and you alone are my chosen. It's true that the boy has a barely hidden intelligence that burns with white-hot heat. He also has more courage than most people I've met in this life. I'd like to help him to rise above his beginnings and discover what he can be. I'd like to show him my love. I'd like him to walk that road beside his new brother, but confuse the two of you? No way... Trust me, Tommy! Have patience with me! Love me!" . (Continuing Our Story - In the Dead of Night) Before dawn, Eli and Tommy were up and plotting how they might best get Ken off the farm. They finally decided to leave home immediately and take him directly to the beach house once they had him. Still before dawn, Eli left a message with his secretary and then phoned John. Was he willing to have Ken's "papers" ready in the immediate future? Snickering at how completely Eli had accepted a central role in saving the youngster, John reminded him to have his denarius ready! Light was barely showing in the sky back towards the town and the Gulf when they pulled up before the farm manse. Taking care of the transfer of ownership took only minutes, for John had been waiting for them and had already prepared the papers (and some hot coffee). After Eli had smiled and pressed the requisite coin into his palm, they silently walked over to Zeb's shack. Although the farm shrouded in darkness was still quiet, the family was already up and getting ready for the work day. Zeb greeted them at the door, showing no sign of surprise. Kenny's brothers simply went on with what they were doing, their bodies listless as they pulled themselves together. His mother, on the other hand, stood with a hand protectively on her son's shoulder, her eyes already showing pain. Eli explained that it was time to remove Ken from danger...if he wanted to accompany them. John had helped by selling the boy to him. Ken's answer came quickly. In turn, he hugged his mother, his brothers, and his father. Zeb was still distant, although he wished the boy a good life. (At that, his mother began sobbing quietly.) He left the little shack, taking only a wooden flute with him. Eli suspected that he had nothing else to take. In the backseat of the car, Tommy comforted a shaken boy whose mind told him it was unlikely that he would ever be reunited with his family. Finally, as the tears began to flow, his body shook with the misery that comes when a father turns his back on his male child. As if to lighten the burden, he suddenly spewed out the reasons for his father's rejection to the boy who was holding him. Eli's heart warmed as he heard Tommy tell him in a voice, now also choked with tears, that not all men turn away, that, for instance, he hadn't, nor did he have any intention of doing so. In the rearview mirror, he saw Tommy kiss the boy firmly on the cheek and the lad simply collapse into his arms. As a bright sun rose over the Gulf, they reached Eli's beach residence at the end of a long, unpaved approach road and spilled joyfully out of the car onto the hot sands. (Sun and Sand) For three days, Eli, Tommy, and Ken gloried in the shore, a shore whose public and private beaches alike were as yet uncrowded by throngs of spring and summer users. It was almost a kaleidoscopic time for all three of them wherein one impression merged seamlessly into another - sand, water, heat, ointment, tans, building sand castles, wrestling, eating and, at night, jogging along the moonlit beach and sharing their hearts. Eli knew well that Ken had to be integrated into a new and almost totally unfamiliar life. At fourteen, the process could not be easy or completely pleasant. Though he feared sending the wrong message, he bravely sketched alternatives for the lad. For instance, he had a friend who owned a farm in the inland reaches of the little Sheikhdom, and two others in other jurisdictions that bordered the Gulf. A fourth owned three fishing boats. As much as he liked and admired the lad, he would seek a more familiar life for him, if that were his preference. Kenny emphatically let his host know that it was NOT his preference. To underline his position, he jumped on Eli's back during one game, growling jokingly into his ear as he lay prone and breathless on the sand that they were STUCK with him! The Doctor finally decided that it was probably best to leave it at that! On his part, Ken almost worshiped Tommy and tried in every way possible to model himself on his hero. He became obsessively clean, jumping into the Gulf or the shower as often as Tommy ever did. While there was always something of a drawl about his speech, his English improved by leaps and bounds. Coupled with an impressive speaking voice, he made a fine appearance. Though Tommy would not push it while down at the beach, he mastered his letters and even began to read a bit. Though instinctively rather reserved like his father, Tommy's constant example led him to begin acting affectionately in the same informal manner as his "bother." It was still obvious, however, that he found it almost impossible to fully relax, let go, and simply enjoy living. He still had to "work at it!" Both boys were athletes. Though Tommy was three years older, they were extremely competitive. Ken neither lost easily nor, at the beginning, with much grace. Losing a simple foot race along the beach, for instance, might lead to his pouting for hours in the open area under the porch. Eli just hoped that he never met a poisonous snake under there. (There weren't many in this part of the Sheikhdom, although an incident was occasionally reported.) In one of those moods, he would probably catch the poor reptile and eat it alive, including its poison sacs! In any case, however the day went, the three of them capped it off with nearly an hour in the hot tub. Years afterwards, Kenny claimed that this came to be his favorite part of the day - for a reason that was a bit "different". It was in Eli's hot tub that he became more comfortable showing his excitement over the male form. Tommy was always fearless. What others thought about him was essentially their problem rather than his. While he would not jack off in the hot tub, he had no problem springing a boner or commenting about himself or others. Eli always played the game with adults, but with the boys he was as casual and unreserved as Tommy. You could even touch as well as look...as long as you didn't carry it too far or offend someone for whom sex was more private. Kenny would never forget the first time he went really hard as he stood for a moment on climbing into the tub. Tommy proceeded to lay it across his palm and stroke it to the point that it really started to pulse. He then grinned admiringly, saying, "Good one, bro," and arguing that it was by far the most impressive one that he had ever seen. Kenny went even redder (and almost exploded) when Eli agreed and gave the heavy handful a little squeeze! As their first stay on the shores of the Gulf rolled towards its end, Eli decided that it was again time to reach out to close friends and involved the boys in planning a small, last- night bar-b-que. Fewer than a dozen and a half people gathered under the lights, but in the main they knew each other and, more importantly, they knew the rules. There was a handful of senior doctors, a few interns, two or three students whose invitation was requested by others, and the Head of the Nursing Department and her absolutely stunning partner. (Invitations to parties at his home in the city involved people of every persuasion; invitations to parties at the beach tended to be more "restrictive," though that wasn't written in stone.) Be that as it may, tonight's group was very warm and quickly involved those few who were less known, including the two (naked) young men who served. In truth, it wasn't the easiest occasion for Kenny, but he decided he wanted to try it rather than have pizza in town followed by a movie. (Eli and Tommy felt that he did magnificently and told him so in no uncertain terms.) The drinks, the hors d'oeuvres, and the dinner went famously. After dinner Dr. Mills (the Assistant Chair), Ms. Foley (the Nursing Director's partner), and Rolf Fetzer (one the interns) brought out instruments and played a delightful selection of folk songs, not only of the Gulf but of different countries. Half- way through, Dr. Mills asked if anyone else cared to join in. (Evidently, the invitation had included an invitation to bring an instrument.) When no one volunteered, he said jovially, "Are you sure?" Everyone was surprised when Kenny shyly held up his hand. When recognized he said that he had his handmade flute and would be happy to join in. He played with the group, and he played one solo that was so hauntingly beautiful that Mills asked him who had written it. Turning a bright red, hanging his head, and shuffling his feet, he finally admitted that he had. The audience gasped and broke into applause and cheers that shook the surrounding dunes. (The strapping, rough-hewn fourteen-year-old didn't exactly fit their stereotypes of a flutist!) Most offered him enthusiastic personal compliments before leaving for home. As was the informal rule at these small gatherings, there was opportunity for everyone to walk along the beach before leaving for home. Many waved to Eli and the two boys, unwinding in the hot tub, as they walked by on the way to the parking area. The evening was marred by only one incident. At one point, Tommy went back to the boys' room to get something. As he opened the door, he saw immediately that Haley Mills was about to go down on Kenny who was fully erect and otherwise clearly aroused. Tommy cooly asked Dr. Mills to speak with his Master...immediately. He then sat on the edge of Kenny's bed, explaining to the boy that there was no sexual interaction between guests when at the house. (Maybe in dunes along the beach, but not at the house...) The tearful youngster said that he hadn't thought it was the thing to do, but he didn't know how to handle Mills' coming on to him. He had decided that he would treat it as "nothing special" - as boys on the farm did when an overseer wanted some "relief" - and go along with it, albeit passively. The boys spent some time discussing how to avoid such problems. Before the evening was out, Eli had apologized to Kenny, assured him that he had done nothing wrong, and said darkly that it would never happen again. He asked if Tommy had spoken with him about ways to avoid such behavior. Assured that he had, he dropped the subject. (Ken never discovered what happened, but Mills apologized and never took advantage of him again.) (Return to the City) Initially, the boys were happy and excited to be home. Kenny, in particular, found the facilities in the house to be "magical," though he did successfully plead with Eli to let him room with Tommy (in his "official" bedroom) rather than occupy a separate room. Tommy's hard work with a very receptive Ken on cleanliness, manners, and language was paying off. In fact, Kenny was absorbing so much and so quickly that he expanded his introduction to reading and gave some additional instruction in serving at the table. Physically, the new gym was especially important for him. As one might guess, they were times when he needed to work off his frustrations. The gym equipment provided far better targets than the people around him! Hasan from the slave center, who had been hired to work with both boys, was thoroughly impressed. In particular, Hasan felt that Kenny could become a world-class weight lifter if he began to focus his efforts and program as he approached his fifteenth year. One evening after supper, as Eli allowed himself to enjoy a few minutes of reading and music in the library, Kenny wandered in. As usual, he acted as if he wasn't after anything specific. Eli knew better, but for a few minutes he just enjoyed the sight. The boy probably had the most beautiful skin he had ever seen on a human being. Without blemish, it actually glowed softly as from a warm inner light. Lithe he was not, but the heavily muscled late fourteen-year-old was still one of the most striking physical specimens he had ever encountered. Coupled with an easygoing personally, increasingly able to show his affection, he was proving to be a delightful addition to the family. Reaching out an arm, he finally invited the lad to join him on the couch. With a warm smile, Kenny accepted the invitation and simply cuddled for a moment. The lad did everything but purr as Eli gently stroked his soft inner thighs and, hooking his hand under his upper scrotum, ran his thumb down the magnificent shaft. "Hi, Master," he finally whispered. "Hi yourself, muscles," Eli responded. "What's up?" "Give it a moment," the youth groaned as he changed position slightly, further opening himself to Eli's explorations. When the good doctor's inaction told him that "exploration" was not on his present "ToDo" list, he grunted sadly and sat up. "Got a moment, Master?" he asked. When his beloved Eli responded, "Any time, muscles," he grinned and recounted Hasan's comments about his potential as an international weight lifting champion. "You are pleased?" Eli asked. "Oh, yes, Master," Kenny replied without hesitation, "but there are problems." Accepting the invitation in Eli's eyes to continue, Kenny (who was fast becoming increasingly articulate) explained how this would mean that he had to concentrate on his weight lifting, i.e., devote most of his gym time to it, devote a great deal of his free time, and probably turn away from his music and advanced work in academic subjects. "I wouldn't want you to think that I'm unwilling to work hard, sir," he continued, "but I think I have things to do in my life that are more important than lifting weights. Sure, I want to continue building my body, but I kinda feel that too much focus isn't the way to go, as least right now. Would I disappoint you if I told Hassan that I was excited about continuing to develop, but wasn't ready to restrict myself to a strongly athletic path?" "I think you must go where your whole being tells you to go, my son. If you change your mind later, however, do not have any qualms about changing your actions. Understand?" Kenny reached up to kiss Eli on the cheek, stood, and finally worked his way out of the library. Almost on his heels, he was followed by Tommy. ("So much for my 'quiet time'," Eli thought and grinned as the boy crossed the room.) "Master, are you absolutely decided that I should begin academic tutoring this week?" he asked...just a little rebelliously. "Why, Tommy? Is there a problem?" Eli responded quietly. "Well, sir, it's been a long time since I was back in the States. I think I've forgotten most of what I knew! Then, too, we're living a good life." Tommy almost thought out loud, "I wonder if it's really necessary. From the moment the conversation began, Eli knew that no amount of logic was going to reassure the youngster. In fact, he could very easily get tangled up in the old "parental ogre" stereotype, known so well to parents of adolescents. A good sportsman in his own right, he decided the time had come to punt! "Well, my friend," he stated calmly, "I know this is something we need to work out. I'm going to ask you to do two things. First, I want you to ask your brother one question: What jobs could he have had as an adult on the farm? As a completely unrelated item, I want you to think of what you would like to have and/or to do for your eighteenth birthday in a few weeks. Get back to me with your answers to both questions, ok?" Mumbling to himself as he walked up the stairs, Tommy knew full well that his opening sally had been deflected. Moreover, in the depths of his mind, he knew that education was absolutely necessary for all of the life paths that he was interested in following. Today, however, he was feeling like a teenager! He would follow Eli's "suggestion" and see what happened. His birthday? Well, he needed to check with Ken for ideas in any case. Arriving at his bedroom door, he decided to kill two birds with one stone...or something like that. He immediately saw that Ken was fully stretched out on his bed, on his stomach. ("Man, what a build," he chortled to himself for about the fiftieth time in the last few days.) Sitting on the edge of the bed, he began to massage Ken's back, his rump, and the back of his legs. Letting out a long, deep moan, Kenny squirmed in pleasure. "Oh, yeah!" he finally rumbled. "That you, Tommy boy?" "Nah," the older lad snorted. "It's the family cat!" Rolling over on his side and looking up at his hero through heavy eyes, Kenny asked, "Hey, man, what burr got up your rear end this afternoon?" "Dunno," Tommy answered, somewhat embarrassed. "None of it's your fault anyway. Got a question for you. Let's say that you had stayed on the farm. What jobs could you have worked up to as an adult? Really, Ken, it's a serious question. No jokin' around!" Kenny scratched his stomach for a moment before suddenly reaching up, dragging Tommy down beside him on the bed, and pinning him with his heavy legs. "Ah shit, Kenny, I'm serious!" Tommy complained. "Ok, ok," Kenny grumbled. "The answer's easy. Not a damned one. I hear tell that overseers are almost always freemen, chosen for their muscle and their willingness to do anything the owner tells them to do to keep the slaves in line. Wait... There is usually one slave whom the owner uses for his own purposes. Usually, he's a lot better at keeping order than the overseers, but it's best if the slaves don't see another slave in a position of authority. On John's farm, that man is Dad. Do I have to tell you that I'd never get the separate shack and the woman when Dad dies? Everybody knows I hate slavery - and that I don't like women. So, Tommy, if I had escaped the guys stalking me - and that's a big 'if' - I would have lived my life out bedding down in some ruined stall. I would have gotten up before dark to work in the fields until it was almost dark. Another owner might have chained me with others in work gangs. I would have been hated and kicked around for liking men anytime the others got angry or frustrated. They may live like dumb animals, but they're smart enough to know you can't take it out on the overseers. That answer your question?" "Yeah," Tommy answered, "but know something, bro. It sure as hell isn't going to happen around here!" With that, he reached for Ken and kissed him square on the lips. Kenny sighed and promptly returned the favor...with a little tongue. Tommy... Well, readers, you know what happened then, yes? Let's give the youngsters a little privacy. To Be Continued