Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2023 16:30:40 +0100 (BST)
From: blackscar01 <blackscar01@btinternet.com>
Subject: Operation Pied Piper - Part 144e

IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL READERS

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, organisations, and
incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used
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organisations, or events is entirely coincidental.

The author claims all copyrights to this story and no duplication or
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Finally, thank you again to my editor, Jim.

*******

As the door closed, I honestly thought Dima was going to spontaneously
combust. "Prince, why do you let him get away with it? Sack him, he is
goading you!"

I put my arm round him, "Dima, I don't think it is only me he is goading,
plus he is probably the chap I feel safest with when he is guarding me."

Dima didn't answer.

I turned to Robert, "Now what?"

"Albert, Denis, and Marcus, Forts."

                       **********************

Operation Pied Piper – Part 144e –

Part 144e minor characters making an appearance or receiving a mention:

Thunder – A horse.

Hunter – McPhee's horse.

Robin Little – (Robin) 16yrs boy was at the children's home. Now Groom
for Forts and Davy.

Mr Duncan – Gregor (Gregor) Thirty-year-old chef, chubby build. Based at
Castle Fraser.

William Jenkins – (William) 12yrs old – The boy Davy took into the
shelter at the Savoy and who was placed in the Boy's Home. Now moved to
Castle Fraser School.


**

Robin takes up the story

I awoke with a start to the banging on my door.

"Come on, sleepyhead. Time to get up."

"Err, hang on." I leapt out of bed in my pyjama bottoms. I reached for the
door and opened it.

"Hi, I'm Will, the head groom. Sorry I didn't get to meet you yesterday. It
all got a bit busy."

The young man facing me was smiling and reached out his hand. "I am very
pleased to meet you, Robin. Get yourself dressed. I think Jeremy left you a
couple of pairs of dungarees and there should be five shirts and some
waterproofs and some wellies too. Get your self-dressed and I can introduce
you to the rest of the chaps and we can head over and have breakfast."

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes as I turned away, "Food, thank goodness, I
am starving. I didn't get to eat last night."

Will stood by the open door. "Oh God, did no one tell you to come over and
eat at the big house? Who brought you here?"

I shook my head, "Duke, one of the security men."

"Oh Robin, I am really sorry. I will make sure you get a double helping
this morning to make up for it."

I quickly dressed as Will made polite conversation. "So, what do you know
about horses?"

I laughed, "Not much. Davy said I would learn from you."

Will smiled, "Well, I am sure you can operate a shovel and a rake, so you
are halfway there already."

I fastened up my dungarees and stood in front of Will. "How do I look?"

"Like a country boy from those American films. God knows why Forts said yes
to this stuff."

We went out into the corridor and down the stairs outside. I saw two other
chaps standing, one older and one possibly my age, maybe a bit
younger. Will greeted them, "Everyone, this is Robin, the new groom. Robin,
meet Jeremy and George, your fellow workers. George also happens to be my
younger brother."

I was relieved the other two were dressed the same as me and seemed
genuinely pleased to see me. Smiling and with a little wink, Will put his
arm round my shoulders, "I think we are going to have to give Robin here an
earlier knock, he seems to like his bed."

"Hey."

Will laughed, "I am just joking. Come on, let's get breakfast."

We all walked over to the big house and I followed Will and the others as
we entered the large kitchens. I nearly turned back round as I saw Duke and
two other chaps sitting at the long table. Duke turned and looked at me and
then looked away without a word.

"Chef, this is Robin, the new groom. He didn't realise he was supposed to
come here last night for tea, so hasn't eaten since yesterday lunchtime and
is starving." Will turned to Duke. "Oi, Duke, why didn't you tell Robin he
was to eat here? Poor guy hasn't eaten since yesterday lunchtime!"

Duke glanced round, "You are the head groom, where were you? Why didn't you
tell him? ... Oh, but of course, you couldn't, could you?"

I had no idea what that was all about, maybe something to do with what was
going on at the stables yesterday.

Will swallowed, suddenly looking embarrassed. Thankfully, we were saved by
the Chef coming over. His whole body shook as he laughed. He wiped his hand
on his apron and came over and shook my hand. "Hello Robin, welcome to
Pittodrie House. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. I'm called
Chef. Now let's get you all some breakfast. How does sausage, egg, and
bacon sound with some tea and some toast?"

I am sure I licked my lips. "Really? That sounds amazing. Yes, please!"

Chef ruffled my hair, "One or two eggs?" He then squeezed my arm, and I saw
a twinkle in his eye, "I think it had better be two. We need to build you
up a bit."

Chef chuckled while the four of us joined the others sitting at the large
wooden table. I couldn't believe it. I gasped as Chef picked up a tray of
eggs and took them over to a huge frying pan. "Those are real eggs!"

Will looked at me, slightly bemused. "Yes, of course they are."

I am sure I blushed, "We only had powered eggs at the home and then, not
very often."

George reached over to fill my mug from the enormous metal tea pot. "But
every child gets a fresh egg on the ration. It's the law." George hadn't
said much but to me, he turned to Will, looking for confirmation. "Isn't
it?"

Will nodded.

"Well, we didn't." I felt I was being watched. I turned and looked straight
into Duke's eyes. He looked, I am not sure, was it concern? Thoughtfulness?
But he quickly looked away again.

"Sugar? One or two?" It was Will.

"SUGAR?"

The three of them started laughing. Jeremy smiled, "Where have you been?
Living in a cave? Don't tell us you never had any sugar, either?"

I was starting to feel embarrassed. "We didn't get anything like that at
the Boys' Home."

I caught Will giving a concerned look to the chap he had introduced as
Jeremy.

"A big breakfast: two sausages, two bacon, and two eggs and, courtesy of
our American Army friends and, just for you, baked beans. I hope you
enjoy. I will just get the toast." Chef placed down a huge plate of food in
front of me. I hadn't seen this much food on one plate, ever. We were all
always hungry at the Home.

"Baked Beans? I hope I get some too!" Will was grinning and gave me a
friendly elbow in the ribs. I couldn't speak.

I felt a tear glistening in my eye. Will spotted it. "Hey, it's okay, we
didn't mean to upset you."

I rubbed my eyes, "I'm okay, we just never got food like this at the Boys'
Home."

I felt eyes on me again. I glanced round, once more Duke was watching
me. He smiled and gave a little nod, before mouthing. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, just managing to mouth, "Yes, thank you." Back.

Needless to say, I devoured breakfast. It really was fantastic. As I put
the last piece of sausage into my mouth, I noticed Will was watching me. He
smiled, "Did you enjoy that?"

I nodded.

He clapped his arm round my shoulder. "Good." He winked, "Now to get you
shovelling horse shit."


**

Gregor Duncan takes up the story

I had been watching out for him arriving in the dining hall.

"Davy, oops Mr Thomas." I gave him a wink. I knew better, we were only to
call other masters by their first names in private.

Davy gave a broad smile. "Good morning Mr Duncan. How can I help you?"

"Can we speak in private?"

Davy nodded, "Just give me a moment to speak to William and see how his
first night went."

"Davy, it is actually about William..."

Davy stopped and looked over at him. "Is there a problem?"

"I don't know. If there is, it's thankfully not with William."

Davy frowned, "Mr Duncan, you are not making much sense. Give me a minute."

Davy went over and William's face lit up when he saw him. "Davy, we got
fresh eggs! Mr Gregor gave me three, I can't remember when I last had fresh
eggs!" Davy glanced at me and then ruffled William's hair and leant down
and whispered something in his ear. I imagined he was telling him to call
him Mr Thomas in public. William stuffed some more egg into his mouth and
went to speak again. Luckily, Davy stopped him before it could spray all
over the table.

Davy smiled and whispered something else in his ear. William nodded. "See
you later, Mr Thomas."

Davy came over to join me. I asked Landers to cover the counter. To be
honest there were not many more people to come down. I lead Davy into the
kitchen. Before I could speak he said, "Did you hear that, William seemed
amazed that he was getting fresh eggs!"

I nodded. "Davy, he was equally amazed at tea time last night. He... he
said, they only ever got porridge at the Boys' Home."

Davy looked at me as if I had gone mad, "But, I saw the food, lots of it,
cakes and everything."

I bit my lip. "Davy, you only have to look at him. That kid has not been
getting well fed."

"But Forts and I, we saw... Oh God, do you mean, do you think Forts and I
have been lied to and deceived?"

"Davy, I wouldn't like to say that. But did the Home know you were
visiting?"

"God, yes. But..."

"Davy, you only have to look at the difference between William and some of
the boys from here."

Davy looked dumbfounded. He sat down. "Okay, Gregor, please, not a word of
this to anyone. We have Colin's funeral this afternoon and then Forts and I
are supposed to be going away tomorrow for the weekend. He really needs a
break, he doesn't need this now too. Can you leave it with me? I will sort
it out as soon as we are back. A couple of days won't make much
difference."

"Whatever you say Davy."

**

Chris takes up the story

Despite all his bravado, I wasn't too sure that James really was
comfortable around horses. On the plus side, he looked really good in a
pair of Forts jodhpurs and riding boots. He stood holding a riding
crop. "How do I look?"

I crossed to him and cupped his dick and balls in my hand. "Pretty good and
sexy to me."

He wrapped his arms round me and kissed me. He dropped his hand and
adjusted his cock and balls, "You know, I am sure I can feel where Forts'
cock sits in these."

I laughed, "What, rattling about a bit, are you?"

James pouted, "Just a little tad."

I kissed him again. "Well, I love you just the way you are."

*

We walked over to the stables. Colin's funeral was going to be later on, so
we couldn't be gone too long. We hadn't seen Forts or Davy since yesterday,
and so far, I had managed to avoid Harding and Olly.

As we entered the stable yard, a familiar black face peered out of his
stall. I called over, "Hi Pegasus, it's just James and me today. Sorry."

Pegasus watched for a moment and then vanished back inside his stall. James
chuckled, "For a moment there, I thought you were expecting me to ride
him."

I gave James a playful slap on the arse. "Forts would kill me."

It was probably my greeting to Pegasus, but Will's head popped out over one
of the stalls. He quickly joined us.

"Mr McPhee, sir." I shook his hand, "Will, good to see you. I am pleased it
was all sorted out."

Will nodded, "Thanks to you and Mr Brandt, sir. How can I help you today,
sir?"

"James and I would like to take Hunter and Thunder out. Can you get them
saddled up for us?"

"Certainly, Mr McPhee." Will turned away, "Jeremy, George, can you get
Hunter and Thunder tacked up for Mr McPhee and Mr Brandt, please? Oh,
George, show Robin how it is done, can you?"

There were a couple of cries of "Yes, Will," and the three grooms in their
matching dungarees came out of a stall and headed to the tack room.

I nodded. "How is Robin settling in?"

Will finally smiled, "He seems fine, sir. He missed tea yesterday. Duke
didn't tell him to go to the kitchen. Today he has been working with
George, Mr McPhee."

"How is he getting on?"

"Good, sir. There's not much of him though, sir. Chef says he will have to
feed him up."

I chuckled. "That's a city boy for you."

Will seemed to bite his lip, "Mr McPhee, sir. Robin said they didn't get
very well fed at the Home, sir... I thought you should know, sir."

I glanced at James. He nodded. "Thank you Will. I will speak to Forts and
Davy about that... Oh, and thank you for telling me."

"He got a bit upset about it, sir."

"Okay Will. Leave it to me."

Will touched his forelock. "Sir."

"Here they come." Jeremy and George, with Robin walking alongside, began
leading the two horses across the yard. I swear Hunter speeded up when he
saw me. As they arrived, I nodded at Robin, "Hello Robin."

"Hi Chris. Sorry, hello, Mr McPhee."

I gave him a wink. Then turned to Hunter. "Hello boy." I clapped him on the
neck. Jeremy introduced Thunder to James. I am sure there was a glint in
Jeremy's eyes as he said to James. "Don't let him away with anything."

We both mounted up and, with a wave, slowly rode out of the yard. James
turned to me, "What do you think Jeremy meant by that? 'Don't let him get
away with anything'. I thought Thunder was supposed to be one of the
quieter horses?"

"Oh, he is. James, I honestly thought you being an aristo that you would be
really comfortable with horses."

James laughed, "Nope, not since one of my father's dumb animals dumped me
off when I was a boy."

"Hey you should have said. Do you want to go back?"

James raised his eyebrows, "What and have everyone laughing at me? I don't
think so. Just don't go crazy."

*

A lot slower than I had ever done before, I led James up to the vantage
point where Forts and I had our chat. We dismounted and sat practically in
the same spot, looking out across the valley.

"It's beautiful." James said.

I nodded.

"Chris, you do realise I am going to have to head back to London tomorrow,
don't you? I have already taken more days off than I should have."

I felt my stomach flip. I nodded, I knew he couldn't stay indefinitely, but
had secretly hoped it would be longer. "Yes, I know. I am really going to
miss you."

James turned away. Then forced a smile as he turned to face me, "You know I
am going to miss you too. But hopefully you can come down to London and see
me again soon."

I leant forward to kiss him. Our lips met and our tongues pushed into each
other's mouths. I felt myself mumbling, "You will be careful, won't you?
Don't go volunteering to do anything stupid."

He pulled back and looked into my eyes. "No. I won't. The question is, will
you wait for me?"

"You know I will! James, I love you more than I have ever loved anyone."

He grinned, "I hoped you would say that. Now, are we going to waste our
last afternoon together? ... or."

I winked, "Can I pick... or..."

"Good choice." James dropped his hand to the front of my jodhpurs and
gripped my thick lump of cock. He nuzzled into my neck as he massaged my
rapidly growing bulge. "I am really going to miss this."

I gasped, as I felt waves of lust wash over me, "And me, I hope, not just
my dick."

He pulled back and winked. I sat up and pushed him playfully over on to his
back. I moved to kneel between his legs and, with our eyes locked on each
other, I squeezed the now obscene bulge in the front of my Jodhpurs. "Well,
if this is what you want. You had better brace yourself, because, boy, are
you going to get it!"

James chuckled, "Finally." And began laughing, "Take me, big boy!"

"You bet!" I jumped up and began stripping off my clothes. James did the
same, rolling around on the grass as he quickly stripped off. The air was
filled with a veritable laundry explosion of shirts, vests, boots, Jodhpurs
and underwear. "Keep your boot socks on, you look so horny in them and
nothing else," James gasped as he pulled off his Jodhpurs.

Naked apart from my knee length, oatmeal coloured, thick woollen boot
socks, I leapt on him, forcing myself between his naked thighs. His hands
gripped onto my hips and began to massage up and down my arse cheeks and
the tops of my thighs. My thick, cut, nine-inch cock bobbed up and down as
we thrust together. James gripped my swaying python, "Fuck, it is so
thick."

I kissed him, "You're not too small yourself."

He chuckled, "Alongside you, I am tiny." He grinned, "Then again, everyone
is... well, apart from Athol." We both laughed.

I winked and grabbed his nipples, "Luckily you're so sexy." James winced
and wrapped his legs around my waist.

I rolled him on to his back, lifting his arse cheeks well clear of the
grass. "Shit. No lube!"

He winked and pulled a small bottle from behind his back, "You should know
me better than that. I was a boy scout, Always Prepared."

With the morning sun beating down on my back, I lubed up my cock and then
pushed one, then two fingers into James's arse. He groaned and writhed
against my digits, pushing himself on to them deeper.

"Ready?"

He nodded. I positioned my swollen leaking cockhead against the centre of
his starfish and eased myself forwards. "He winced. One second, nearly
forgot."

He dropped his hand behind him and pulled out a small brown bottle. I
grinned, "Poppers too?"

He winked, "Always be prepared. Dyb, dyb, dyb." He gave a mocking boy scout
salute.

I waited, my cock keeping up an even pressure on his hole, as he unscrewed
the lid and then inhaled several times through each nostril. I groaned as I
felt his rose begin to open, swallowing up my throbbing bellend.

As my cockhead popped into his body I lowered myself on to his chest,
continuing to bury my shaft into him. His legs gripped me tighter as we
stared into each other's eyes. He raised his head and kissed me, "God, I
love you Chris."

"I love you too." Our lips connected and our tongues pushed into each
other's mouths.

We rolled together, our minds and bodies lost in the deep love we had for
each other. My hard shaft sliding back and forwards, forcing James'
rock-hard cock to grind into my treasure trail. I knew those wiry hairs
touching his cock glans always set him off. His breathing grew faster, his
grip tighter. I quickened my pace. "Oh, Chris, I'm cumming." He practically
howled, burying his face in to my neck and biting hard. I couldn't control
myself and my own balls quit slapping noisily against his arse cheeks and
instead, readied themselves either side of my cock root.

The slickness between our stomachs became more obvious, no longer just
sweat, now a thick load of cum, too. I strained to stop myself from
blasting my load into him, desperate to keep his enjoyment going. But it
was a lost cause. His teeth let go of my neck and he threw his head back
into the grass, thrusting his hips upward. My cock exploded inside him. The
thick cord running under my shaft tensed and pulsed, tensed and pulsed,
launching several thick spurts of my cum into him.

My whole body spasmed. My eyes were closed as the fireworks went off in my
head. I was lost in my pleasure only coming back to earth as his lips
kissed mine. Opening my eyes, I was staring straight into his.

He smiled and kissed me once more.


**

Davy takes up the story

I sat thinking about the last twenty-four hours. Albert, Marcus and Denis
had all listened to what Dima had to say in silence and then had been
invited to sign the new employment contracts. Albert had signed
immediately. Then there had then been a rather uncomfortable silence as
both Marcus and Denis exchanged glances. Albert obviously knew what was
coming and had excused himself, leaving us alone with Denis and Marcus.

With Albert gone, Denis, his voice breaking, explained the position, taking
the full responsibility for the mess on himself. He had finished by saying
we would have his resignation later that day. Marcus stood in silence until
Denis asked to be allowed to leave to pack and get his things in
order. Once he had gone, Marcus broke down and revealed the full details of
the whole torrid affair to us.

Forts and I were really saddened to hear that Marcus felt that his
relationship with Denis was over. Not unsurprisingly, he felt he could no
longer trust Denis and had therefore rather than cause Forts and I any
further staffing dramas or problems he would also leave Pittodrie House and
our employment. Of course, we both said 'no'. On the surface anyway, the
problems seemed to have been caused by Denis' infidelity, nothing that
Marcus had done.

After Marcus had also solemnly left the room, it was Robert who reminded us
that we still needed someone to look after Craigievar Castle and indeed,
Pittodrie House would still need someone to be in charge of the
household. Forts sent for Albert, so we could speak to him alone once
more. Thankfully, Albert agreed to our proposal and became Forts' and my
sole valet.

We sent for Marcus once more. He came in quietly and had obviously been
crying. Forts and I stood and greeted him warmly. "Marcus, Davy and I do
not want to lose you, and would like you to step up and take over running
the Pittodrie household and also to assist Albert when needed."

Marcus wiped his eyes, "But what about Denis?"

Forts smiled, "Let us worry about Denis. We can't promise you will never
have to speak to Denis on a professional basis again, but really don't want
to lose either of you. Do you think that you can work with that? I can't
imagine it will be that often."

Marcus glanced at me, "I don't think I can accept if he is going to stay on
here at Pittodrie..."

I stepped forward, "Marcus, he won't be. We are going to offer Denis the
position of housekeeper at Craigievar Castle."

"But that is a demotion. I don't think he will accept that," Marcus
mumbled, facing the floor.

Forts smiled, "You leave that to Davy and me. Do you accept the position
here at Pittodrie?"

Marcus nodded. "Yes, thank you both." He began to sob, "I really didn't
want to leave you all."

I put my arm round him, "Now you don't have to... One thing though, sorting
out all that crockery Forts bought, will be down to you now."

Marcus nodded and turned for the door. He gave a little smile and added,
"With over a thousand pieces, I had better get started."

I gave him a wink.

"One minute, you need to sign this." Robert waved the new employment
contract at him. Marcus smiled and signed.

"Oh, Marcus, can you ask Albert to get Denis to come back and see us again,
please?"

Marcus nodded and left. Forts put his arm round me. "Two down, one to go."
I nodded.

There was another knock on the door and Denis put his head round. "You
wanted to see me again?"

Forts smiled and welcomed him into the room. "Denis, it is none of Davys'
or my business, what you get up to. The bottom line is we don't want to
lose you either. We want to offer you the position of housekeeper at
Craigievar Castle. It is to become our main guest accommodation. You will
also occasionally be called to assist here at Pittodrie, which would entail
working with Marcus. He has been asked to take over your position
here. What do you think?"

Denis looked at the floor, his voice barely a whisper. "Banished to
Craigievar Castle, never to see you all again. Well, I suppose I deserve no
better... I am sure Marcus will do a good job. He is a top bloke."

"No, that's not what I said, no one said anything about banishment. You
will have a lot more autonomy to look after the place. Plus, looking after
our guests. In fact, your first guests will be arriving the day after
tomorrow, Davy and me."

"You're going to be staying there?"

Forts nodded, "Yes for the weekend. So, what do you say?"

Denis nodded, "It will be my pleasure to serve and look after the Castle
and both of you and your guests."

"Excellent. Now no more talk of resigning." Forts smiled, "Davy and I would
have no staff left if we had accepted all the resignations we have been
offered in the last twenty-four hours."

Denis gave a little nod.

"On you go and get one of the drivers to run you over to Craigievar, see if
you can get the place ready for our visit. I think it has been closed up
for a while."

Denis nodded and pulled himself to attention, he gave a bow of his
head. "Thank you both for giving me this second chance."

Forts and I both shook his hand. Denis went to turn for the door. When
Robert stopped him, "Err, you have to sign this now."

Denis nodded, and with a flourish, signed the new employment contract.

He turned, smiling at Forts and me. "I will get going and look forward to
seeing you both in a couple of days. Thank you both once again."

*

I stood. This wasn't going to get the baby washed. Forts had already
changed for the funeral and was now in the meeting room. He wanted to speak
to us all before we left.


**

Dima takes up the story shortly before the funeral

Forts had called for Robert and me to come to the meeting room, which was
fast becoming his office.

Robert picked up his pad and slipped his fountain pen into his jacket
pocket. Luckily we were already dressed, we had just been getting ready. It
wouldn't be long before we all had to leave for Colin's funeral.

We headed down to the meeting room, on route bumping in to Davy in the
corridor. He smiled and glanced skywards, "Have you two been summoned too?
I only just got showered and dressed."

I nodded, "We were the same. Do you know what it is about?"

Davy shrugged, I think it is something to do with that suitcase he has been
guarding that Samara brought up from Mishcon.

Normally Robert and I would have knocked, but today we just followed Davy
into the room. Forts was behind the desk. I could see he was already
dressed in a black suit for the funeral. At least we were all ready to
leave afterwards. Forts stood as he saw us. "Come in, take a seat, take a
seat." He gestured towards the seats at the table.

Davy gave him a kiss on the cheek and sat next to him. "Forts, you do
realise the time, don't you?"

"Yes, it won't take long." He gave Davy a smile. Forts then picked up the
briefcase I had seen Samara with and placed it on the desk in front of
him. He reached for the chain with the cross from under his shirt and
removed it. I had never noticed, next to the cross was a small key. Forts
winked at me and then unlocked the case.

We all sat in silence as he opened it and took out a buff folder, it was
franked with the Mishcon Office stamp. He opened it and then smiled at us.

He gave a little nervous smile to Davy. "Now, I am afraid I have kept a
little secret from you all."

Davy's face tensed. Forts patted his knee. "It is not like that. While I
was in London, I asked Mishcon to contact Grand Duke Alexis Krillp."

"God, why?" I heard the voice, and with everyone looking at me, including
Forts, I realised it was me who had spoken. "I mean..."

Forts kept his eyes on me. "Dima, whatever we think of him, he is still one
of our blood relatives, however distant."

"That bastard is no relative of mine. Forts, why did you contact him? You
know what he said about your son, Draco, and his mother, my sister!"

I felt Robert grip my knee and squeeze it out of sight under the table. I
knew the meaning. 'Dima, for Christ's sake, shut up.' I unforgivably glared
at him, snapping. "No! That bastard called her a whore and Draco a
bastard!"

Robert blushed and looked down. Davy gave a little cough, "Dima, all of us
are aware of what he said and also that he made a full apology. Shall we
let Forts explain before we all jump to conclusions? I want to hear his
reasons, too."

My temper got the better of me. "Well, it is obvious, isn't it? He was
warning him about Operation Keelhaul!"

Forts had enough, he turned on me. "Dima, stop. I don't have to explain
myself to anyone! Do you understand?"

I knew instantly I had pushed him too far. "Yes, Prince. I'm sorry."

I felt Robert grip my knee again and squeeze it once more. I looked into
his eyes. He gave me a reassuring look and squeezed my knee again. I
mouthed the word, "Sorry." Robert nodded and smiled.

Forts opened the folder and took out a letter. "Dima, you will be pleased
to hear you are right. I did have Mishcon warn Grand Duke Krillp about
Operation Keelhaul." He stared straight at me, "I offered him the
information as an olive branch... Dima, this Romanov family feud has to
stop. God, we are all related and there are so few of us actually left. Yet
we have all been fighting like common street urchins."

I felt my face blush, and I looked down.

"Do you want to hear his response?" I could feel Forts' eyes boring into
me.

Embarrassed, I nodded.

"I would like to hear it too." Davy added. Forts turned to him and gave a
little smile and nodded.

'To Your Imperial Highness, Grand Duke Drageon Drageonivanov
Romanov. Prince of the Blood Imperial.'

Davy smiled, "Well, at last he recognises you as an equal."

Forts nodded and gave me a little wink.

Forts continued to read out the letter, which was full of affection and
best wishes, enquiring after Draco, Davy and, Forts paused, "Prince Dimitri
Chikenoff." He looked straight at me and gave me another wink. The letter
finished, hoping that he would get to meet us all in the flesh after the
war had ended.

Like everyone else, I was somewhat stunned. Once again, Forts, our Forts
had pulled a rabbit out of the hat.

Forts put down the letter and turned to Davy. "Do you forgive me? I know
you would have tried to talk me out of it." Forts chuckled, "I tried to
talk myself out of it too if it helps. But I tried to think what my father
would have done, and I am pretty sure he would have done the right thing
too. We can't give those Bolsheviks the opportunity to kill any more of
us."

Davy nodded and leant forward and kissed Forts on the lips. "I forgive you
this time. But no more secrets, do you hear?" Davy grinned and kissed Forts
again. They were so much in love, it was beautiful.

Smiling and obviously relieved, Forts turned to me, "Dima?"

I nodded my head, "You are wiser than me, my friend. Well done." Robert
squeezed my knee again. Forts winked, "Robert, for Christ's sake, just kiss
him!"


**

Athol takes up the story

Forts, Davy, Archie and I got into the back of one of the Rolls Royces
driven by Duke and accompanied by Darius. Dima, Robert, Chris and James
were in the other, driven by Andrei. In convoy, we left for the funeral. It
was being held at the local parish church. After the service, Colin would
be buried in his family's plot next to his grandparents.

We were all in black suits and ties. Forts sat staring out of the
window. Davy was gripping his hand tightly, they exchange occasional
glances, before once more Forts shook his head and looked out of the
window. I don't think I have ever seen someone look so sad. I glanced at
Archie. He gave me a reassuring look. I nodded towards Forts. It didn't
take a genius to work out he would rather be anywhere than here for this.

The small church was crowded, leaving several people having to stand
outside in the midmorning sun. We were met at the door by the Minister,
Finlay Montrose, the MacDonald family chaplain, who had at Forts'
insistence been comforting the family. A pew had been reserved for us at
the front. Forts walked with his head down past the many faces which
appeared to strain to see him. The women curtseying and the male guests,
bowing their heads as Forts, Davy, and I passed. I had arranged with Davy
that I would sit on one side of Forts while he sat on the other. I was
really worried about my son.

We took our seats as the organist played and then sat in silence. A few
minutes later, we watched the Minister walk down the aisle to meet the
hearse and the family who had just arrived. I didn't see it, but I knew
Forts had sent his other Rolls Royce to pick up Colin's parents and bring
them to the church. It was another small gesture amongst many he had
insisted on with the family's agreement. Davy reached and gripped Forts'
knee. The two exchanged glances. Poor Forts, he was distraught.

The coffin was carried by six pallbearers led by the Minister. It was
followed into the church by the family in silence and placed on the bier in
front of the altar. I watched as Forts glanced up at it and then reach for
his hankie as tears rolled down his checks. Now he had Davy gripping one
knee, and me the other.

The Minister began the service. I can't honestly tell you what he said, I
was too concerned about Forts. I know we sang, 'The Lord's My Shepherd' and
that was followed by a reading, and then the hymn 'How Great Thou
Art'. Then, we had followed the family out of the church behind the
coffin. Mr and Mrs Campbell stood with the Minister as we all paid our
respects. I could hear them thank Davy and Forts for all they had
done. Forts just nodded, unable to speak. Then it was on to the final part
of the service. Three pipers led by Pipe Major Murdoch MacDonald of the
Inverurie Pipe Band began playing amazing grace. The pipers split and only
Pipe Major MacDonald accompanied the procession to the family plot and the
freshly dug grave.

After another short service, Colin was laid to rest. Forts and Chris McPhee
both took one of the cords at the family's request. We were then all
invited to throw a handful of earth into the grave. I was close enough to
Forts to hear him sob, "I'm so sorry." Davy gripped his arm tightly and
pulled him closer to him.

With the final handful of earth thrown, Pipe Major MacDonald began the
lament, 'Sleep, Dearie Sleep'. After a few moments, he turned away from the
grave and began to walk slowly away, still playing, the tune getting
fainter and fainter as he drew away.

Forts and Davy again spoke with the Campbells. I was proud of my son. He
had told them he was always available if they needed anything, they were
just to ask. We then all walked back to the waiting Rolls Royce.

James took a gentle hold of my arm. "Athol, excuse my ignorance, but why
does the piper walk away? I have seen it before and always wondered why."

"Well, James, legend has it that only the bagpipes can be heard in
heaven. It is thought that the sound of the pipes helps to lead the soul of
the departed towards Heaven's Gates. So, the symbolism is as the piper
walks away, he is leading the departed to the hereafter, yet stopping short
of the gates himself through which he cannot pass."


                        **********************

Folks, there is nothing more rewarding than hearing from you that you are
enjoying the story. Please take the time to email me to let me
know. Blackscar.

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