Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2023 18:28:30 +0100 (BST) From: blackscar01 Subject: Operation Pied Piper - Part 150b 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 fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, locales, organisations, or events is entirely coincidental. The author claims all copyrights to this story and no duplication or publication of this story is allowed, except by the websites to which it has been posted, without the consent of the author. ******* If you enjoy my story or any others on the Nifty site, please show your appreciation and donate what you can afford. ******* Finally, thank you once again to my editor, Jim. ******* I am sure my hips started to match Forts, thrust for thrust. What was that all about? Cailin began to grunt in time with Davy. Both Davy and Cailin were now wanking their shafts hard and fast, both grinding their hips back on to our cocks. Forts roared, "Fuck, YESSSSS!" His hips slammed into Davy's arse hard one last time and his bum cheeks tensed. Each jet of his cum launched on its way with a barked grunt. My poor cock and balls didn't stand a chance, I joined him, spurting my cum deep into Cailin's arse. Four naked, panting, glistening bodies soon lay side by side on the bed. Cailin's head in the crook of my arm and yes, Davy's snuggled into his Forts. ** Operation Pied Piper – Part 150b – Part 150b minor characters making an appearance or receiving a mention: Count Samara – (Count Samara/Stepan) 60ish Advisor to Forts and purchaser of Russian art. Russian émigré escaped the slaughter of the Bolsheviks. Knew Fort's parents and Tsar Nicholas II. Richard Forbes – (Mr Forbes/Richard/Rich) 30year old New History Master at Fraser Castle School. Robert Milner - Photographer and artist. First appeared in chapter 113a, now based in the old Garden summer house at Castle Fraser, which doubles as his studio. Daniel Scherer – (Dan) Candidate for Forts and Davy's security team. ** Chris McPhee takes up the story We were finally all back at Pittodrie House. What a couple of days that had been. Don't worry, I am sure all the stories will come out. I was standing with Robert outside the meeting room door. I confess, I had spoken with Count Samara about the way Forts had spoken to James and treated him and everyone else when he lost his temper at the investiture. Samara had noticed it too, he decided it was something he needed to speak to Forts about. In his words, "It wasn't very Princely." He decided to speak to Forts after this morning's meeting. Robert and I had left, leaving James, Dima, Count Samara and Forts in the room. For some reason Davy hadn't appeared at this morning's meeting, judging by the raised voices from behind the door, maybe that wasn't a good thing. He frequently seemed to be the only person who could calm Forts down. ** James takes up the story As Robert and Chris left, Samara had shut the door after them. He stopped and turned back to Forts. Dima and I exchanged glances, sensing what was about to be said. Forts was actually in a good mood, or had been. Samara bowed to Forts, "My Prince, there is something troubling me, which I feel it is my duty to speak to you about." Forts winked at Dima and then smiled, "Go on, my friend, who has done what?" He had no idea what was coming. "Prince, it is about you." "Me?" Fort's smile dropped, he frowned and looked confused. He glanced at Dima and me, we both looked away. "Go on." Samara stiffened, "May I speak freely?" Forts glanced at Dima and me again, once more we both avoided his eyes. "So, an ambush is it? It is obvious both of you know something I don't." Forts turned away from us dismissively. "Go on Count." Forts voice sounded almost defensive, "What is it?" "There is no easy way to say this. It is your temper, Your Imperial Highness." "My WHAT?" It was obvious from his facial expression Forts didn't like what had been said. Samara held his own, repeating, "Your temper. Your outbursts at the slightest thing." "When?" Forts barked back. Dima sighed. "Umm'd", hesitated for a moment, then continued. "For one, your behaviour at Balmoral, Fort...s," Dima bowed, as Forts looked like he would explode. "Sorry, Your Imperial Highness." Forts glared at him. Dima bowed again and stepped back. "How dare you question my actions?" Samara sighed and spoke, his voice full of passion. "Forts, that is exactly what we are talking about. Listen to yourself, you are speaking to your closest friend, a Russian Prince no less... Forts, Prince Dimitri Chikenoff is not a dog, he deserves as much respect as you!" Forts' face flushed red, and he marched over to Samara. "I am a Grand Duke! I was declared Tsar Nicolas III." Samara held his ground, "That is correct, so act like it! I heard with my own ears how you spoke to James during the investiture. I have also been told about the night of the film when something displeased you. Forts, you can't speak to people like that, especially not in public! It shows a lack of breeding. Forts, please." My mouth went dry, and I actually swallowed as he said that. Forts sneered at him, "How dare you question my breeding? Call me Your Imperial Highness. That's my title, Count!" I had to speak, "Forts, Count Samara is just pointing out something everyone else saw. Forts, people are frightened of your temper. I am frightened of your temper. I knew as much as you did at Balmoral, or you know, I would have told you. Forts, we are your friends, all of us!" I braced myself as Forts stormed over, standing just a couple of inches from me. "YOU," he prodded me in the chest, "You were the one who told me, 'Never apologise, never explain'. Some friends?" "Your Imperial Highness, that's not what we are talking about," Samara spoke again. Forts spun away from me and was halfway across the floor to Samara. "Forts, we are your friends, we are all here because we want to be with you." "Huh, don't tell me the money doesn't help." Forts sneered as he rounded on us all, his finger pointing at each of us in turn. "You would all be nothing and have nothing without me, NOTHING!" A silence fell over the room before Samara spoke again. "Your Imperial Highness, that is where you are wrong. It is correct I had nothing when you met me and I am grateful for all you have done for me. But, I can also go back to how I was before. You are not the only person here with 'pride'." Samara bowed, "With Your Imperial Highness' permission, I will withdraw and leave to go back to London and my apartment." Forts suddenly looked unsure. "What do you mean?" Samara, his voice still strong, stared Forts out. "I will leave your service immediately. I am an Imperial Russian Count. My family goes back as far as yours. I will not be spoken to like this." Forts glanced at me and then Dima, "One of you tell him he can't just leave... I don't want him to leave, James... Dima, tell him!" Dima mumbled, looking at the floor, "That can't come from either of us, it has to come from you, Your Imperial Highness." Forts marched over to Dima. "He can't just leave my service. I don't want him to." "Tell him then." Dima stared straight at Forts. Dima's eyes were full of emotion, I had never seen that before. "Forts, we are all only trying to help you... But your outbursts make it so difficult." "But they insulted Davy!" Forts seemed to pluck it from the air. Maybe he thought it was his ace card. I stepped forward. "Forts, 'they' was the King of Great Britain. He wasn't insulting anyone! He bestowed a greater honour on Davy than any I have seen him make before." Forts turned to me. "So, it is just me who is at fault, then!" The door closed with a bang, making us all jump, including Forts. "Forts stop this! These people are your friends. Have you gone crazy?" It was Davy. "You didn't hear what they said." "FORTS! Yes, I did, I have been listening at the door. And from what I heard, everything they said is correct. I am here now to stop you doing or saying something stupid, I know you will regret." Davy approached Forts and put his arm round him. "Now, please, tell Count Samara and everyone else you are sorry for speaking to them like that. I know in my heart you are." Davy turned to me, "I am sorry James, but this is a time when, 'Never apologise, never explain' just won't wash." Forts stared at Davy, all the wind had left his sails. His eyes were pleading. He mumbled, "Davy, please." "Forts, we all have pride, but you are wrong. Saying you are truly sorry is never an easy thing to do. But if you are, don't wait until it is too late." Davy hugged him and turned him to face us all. Forts bravado had gone. He clicked his heels as he came to attention. "Prince Chikenoff, Dima, my friend, can you forgive me, brother? I am so sorry." Dima clicked to attention. This time, I did see a tear roll down his cheek. He nodded, struggling hard to keep his emotions under control as well. None of us wanted or enjoyed to see Forts hurt. "James," Forts gave an embarrassed chuckle. "You never even asked for this job and I have treated you appallingly since you started. Please, accept my apologies, I am sorry." Now for the biggy. Forts turned to Count Samara. "Count Samara, Stepan, I am sorry. The last thing I want is for you to leave me and rather than returning to London, I would like you to move here permanently and help and guide me, like these two have been trying to do." Samara stood stock still, his eyes studying Forts' face. Forts glanced nervously at Davy. The passing seconds seemed like minutes. Finally, Samara gave a head bow. Forts hurried over to him and hugged him. "Stepan, I am so sorry." Samara hugged him back. "Forts wait, I will only stay as long as you keep your temper under control and you act like the Royal you were born to be. Can you do that?" Forts dropped to his knee and took Samara's hand and touched it to his head. "With your guidance. With your guidance I am sure I can." Forts stood and turned to face everyone. "Chaps, my dearest friends, you can see I am totally out of my depth, I have been for some time. Davy, the love of my life has told me often enough we are playing at this. Please, I need your help to change that... I need all of your help, please, I will try desperately hard to change." Davy walked over to him and hugged him. Mouthing, "Well done." He then turned and nodded to each of us, mouthing, "Thank you." He took out his hankie and blew his nose and wiped his eyes. He took hold of Forts' arm. "Now why don't you and Stepan get changed, take him to meet Ladon and then the two of you go out for a ride and really clear the air." Forts looked at Stepan, "Can you start to turn me into an Imperial Russian Grand Duke now? I have made a real mess of it myself." ** Richard Forbes takes up the story I looked out of my window at Castle Fraser and up at the sky. My room, like all the Masters, was up on the fifth floor. I smiled to myself. It was actually dry today. It still made me smile. When I had been extolling how green Scotland was to Athol. He had shaken his head, moaning, "Yes, because it's always raining." Well, it wasn't today. I needed to explore. I picked up my Kodiak Monitor camera and carefully hung it round my neck. It had cost rather a lot, but I enjoyed photography, so it was my one indulgence. Since I had qualified, I had always dreamed of getting a job in a school just like this. Chuckling to myself all the way down the grand staircase, my hand caressed the ancient wooden balustrade, my mind barely able to comprehend the history it had seen since its construction. By the time I was at the bottom and by the door to the kitchens, I was grinning like a Cheshire cat. I had spoken to Gregor Duncan's boy Landers last night. I say boy, he was a strappingly fit young man now. I knocked and went inside. The kitchen was a hive of activity, although it was the weekend, the staff and boys still needed fed, what with the school restarting tomorrow. Landers smiled and abandoned the pile of washing up, he quickly dried his hands and came over, handing me a pack of sandwiches and an apple. I packed them safely away in my little rucksack. "Thank you." He nodded and smiled, "Enjoy your walk. I hope you get some nice pictures." His eyes gestured to my camera. I tapped it with my fingers, "Oh, I hope too. Thank you, I am sure I will." I headed out into the morning. At least it wasn't raining, well not yet anyway. I walked across the open gravel courtyard to a large oak tree. Leaning on the wooden fence, I looked back at the Castle. Today was really the first time since my arrival I had been able to take the time to really appreciate its beauty. My mind filled with scenes of Highland chiefs dismounting from their steeds, being met at the door by liveried footmen, then grooms rushing forward to take control of the horses. I wondered if the boys actually realised how lucky they were to actually be living and schooling in living history. Athol had been as enthused as me when I spoke of bringing history to life, warts and all. Apparently the last history master was a bit of an 'old fuddy duddy', he dismissed the local history as irrelevant. I couldn't wait to fill the boys with my passion for everything surrounding us. I chuckled, maybe I was just a bit too much of a romantic. My mind disappeared off again as I remembered meeting Forts. Fancy meeting the actual owner of another castle, my family, many years before, had owned. Then to have him offer for me to stay and visit it. For every good thought, there is a dark one, just waiting unseen to spoil it. A tear came to my eye, why couldn't Martin have been spared to enjoy it all with me, this bloody war! ... "In the midst of life, we are in death," Why did I have to remember that day? Why now? The worst one in my life. I had hated that vicar, I had so wanted him to be wrong. "Good morning." I jumped at the intrusion into my private grief. "Robert Milner, we met at the meet and greet." He began trying to offer me his hand while juggling with an easel and painting, but was having a really difficult time trying to balance everything. I took hold of the easel, "Let me." I didn't really remember him. He could obviously tell, "I am the Castle painter and photographer. I see you do a bit of photography yourself." He smiled, gesturing as Landers had to the camera around my neck. "If you are interested, I have a friend coming up, well actually, he was one of my old lecturers, Montague Glover, known as 'Monty', he is an amazing photographer." Robert chuckled, "Some of his stuff now, is a bit riskyee," He dragged out the 'e' sound. "If you know what I mean, lots of nude males. I want him to photograph Forts." I was surprised to hear his name, "What His Imperial Highness, Forts?" "Yes, he is an amazing subject to both photograph and paint, so handsome. Don't you think?" I blushed, "Yes, I suppose he is." Wow, you learn something new every day, Forts is happy to be photographed and painted nude! "Anyway," Robert smiled. What a beautiful smile he had. "Thank you." His smile was quite overwhelming. Finally, we shook hands. His eyes focused on mine, "It's Richard, isn't it?" I nodded, returning his smile. "Yes, Richard Forbes, the new History master." "Oh excellent. I see you are studying the Castle. It will be quite a change round here to have a history master who is actually interested in the local history. The last one, well, ..." He stopped himself and smiled again, "Sorry you don't want to hear me moaning on." "So, what are you painting?" He grinned, smiling, and nodded from his partially completed painting to the castle. His grin grew wider, "Err, the Castle." I suppose it was a bit of a daft question. He had an easel, and a partially completed painting of Castle Fraser and a bag of painting stuff slung over his shoulder. We both chuckled at the ludicrousness of my question. "I had better let you get on, then." I smiled, "I expect to see if finished later on, after my walk." He winked, "Hmmm, I am not sure about that. Where are you headed for your walk?" "Oh, just around the area, I haven't had the chance up to now. Is there anywhere you recommend?" Robert thought for a moment. "Well, the walled garden is original, well, mostly, it is very pretty. If you see him, a guy called Brookmeyer is in charge of it. I am sure he would be happy to show you round. Then there is the mausoleum Forts had built for his son Draco's mum, the light inside there is amazing. "Forts was married?" "No, it is a long story. Draco's mum was a Russian Princess, who had a soft spot for Forts." "But I understood Forts was with Davy?" "Oh, he is. It's a long story, I will tell you it some time. Anyway, Theodora, the princess, died just after Draco's birth, so she rests in the mausoleum now, along with the ashes of a land girl, Daphne." "Daphne?" Robert nodded, "Another long story, remind me to tell you sometime." Robert smiled. "Oh, hidden behind the mausoleum in the woods is another beautiful spot, another burial, but, beautiful again, the light coming through the trees is amazing there. It is old Gunny's last resting place. He was an itinerant wanderer." I looked at him, "A vagrant?" "Yes, I suppose that is another name for him. He had a history with Athol, back when he was a teenage boy." Robert smiled, "A few Christmases ago he turned up at the Castle door, staving and cold. Athol took him in and gave him an amazing life for his last few years. Forts offered to have him buried in the mausoleum; they all considered him as family. But as a free spirt it was decided to bury him in the woods, where Athol and he had first met." "That's fascinating." Robert nodded, "There is so much to tell you really... Then there are the standing stones and the stable block, and not forgetting my place, the old garden summer house. It is beautiful too, even if I do say, myself... Why don't you leave that until last, call in, I can show you the place, maybe we can have a cup of tea? I don't get many visitors, I would really like to get to know you better." He hesitated, and blushed, "Shared interests, that sort of thing, you know." I nodded. "That would be very nice. I will remember to do that." I smiled, "Thank you, you have been so kind and helpful," and turned away. ** Forts takes up the story Count Samara and I hadn't really spoken as we rode up to the top of the hill overlooking Pittodrie House, well not about earlier anyway. I dismounted from Pegasus and helped him down from Baxter. Tobias stayed back, a distance from us, he knew we wanted to talk. Samara and I slowly walked to the vantage spot, looking out over the valley. It was a spot I knew well, you could say it was my favourite thinking spot. I swallowed, "I have really made a mess of things, haven't I." Samara put his hand reassuringly on the small of my back. "Forts, everyone realises you never asked for any of this. Everything that has happened to you during your short life so far... I do know this though, your parents, Pytor and Nataliya would have been so proud of you, and the fine young man you have become. They both so looked forward to you growing up..." A tear rolled down my cheek. Biting my lip, I turned to Samara, he pulled me into a hug as I sobbed, "I wish they were still with me. I don't remember them at all." Samara stroked my back. "Well, if you will allow me, I will happily give you the guidance I know your father would have. The same guidance my father gave me, and the same that the Old Grand Duke gave Dima." "So, you don't think I am a totally lost cause, then?" I broke away and stared out across the valley. "I have tried, but it all seems such a minefield." Samara's hand returned to my lower back. "Son, life is. You went from being raised in poverty by a cruel, bitter lady, then practically overnight, you are told you are two years older than you think, and a Russian Prince to boot, not to mention being wealthy beyond your wildest dreams. I think you are allowed to find it all a bit overwhelming and daunting." "Do you think that is why I get so angry? ... I know I am doing it, but I just can't stop myself. Please help me. I am frightened of losing everyone, Davy especially." "Forts, Davy worships you." Samara chuckled, "We all do. You are an amazingly kind and generous person and such fun to be around... well, most of the time." I turned to face him. He smiled again and then wiped a tear from my cheek. I dug in my pocket for my hankie, "I am such a boobber. How does Dima manage to hide his feelings so well? Theodora did it too, even when she knew she was dying. Yet me, tears at the slightest thing." "There is nothing wrong with having your emotions show, Forts... Sometimes I think those of us that don't show them are the damaged ones. You are passionate, that is an amazing gift, especially when you use it for good." "What good do I do? Even Davy says this is all a big game we are playing." "Davy has yet to learn, life is a game. The important thing is how you play it, that's what counts. Forts, you ask what good have you done? Look at all your tenants, you are renovating all their homes, you give them rent free months and you ask for nothing in return. None of them think you are doing a bad job, I can assure you." I sighed. "James said I was rude to the King and Queen, that was unforgiveable of me... But, if someone had just told me what was happening..." I shook my head, "Well, it doesn't matter now. It is too late to apologise, they probably think I am just a spoiled brat." "Forts, it is never too late to apologise, and that's simply not true. The King actually spoke to me at Balmoral, I didn't think he even knew who I was, he does though, thanks to you. He is very fond of you, very fond, yes, he worries about your temper... He asked me to speak to you, he is also offering his help, if you would like it. He is inviting you to spend some time by his side, seeing what it is to be a 'royal', close up." "Do you think I need to do that?" "Personally, no, I think we Russians can give you that help." Samara laughed and stuck out his pinkie finger, miming drinking a cup of tea. "Of course, if you want to learn how to hold a teacup in polite society?" We both had a giggle. Samara looked out across the valley. "Forts, there is another thing." I swallowed. "Go on, please." "Forts, for all the right reasons, although misguided, you have promoted people who are unproven, and usually way too young for the responsibility you place on them. That has to change. Take Will the head groom. You promoted him for all the right reasons of the heart, just not the right reasons of the head, and look at the mess it caused. Please, no more rushing into promoting people." I nodded. I knew he was right, "Anything else?" Samara chuckled, "Hang on, let me check my list." I had to laugh. I hugged Samara again. "God, I am so grateful to have you as a friend." He hugged me back, "Just remember that when I say something you don't like again... You know, you can be quite scary when you are angry." "So, Stepan, will you stay and become one of my advisors?" "If you really would like me to, it would be my greatest honour, Your Imperial Highness." Stepan took a step back and bowed. "You never have to bow to me." "Oh yes I do, Your Imperial Highness. I will only ever call you Forts when we are with friends or alone. That's the way it should be." "Thank you, my friend." I hugged him again. "Forts, I am sorry to interrupt, but have you forgotten, you are supposed to be meeting the new bodyguard with Darius in twenty minutes?" It was Tobias. I nodded and turned to Samara, "See it is never ending. I would like you to be present too, Stepan." "Yes Forts." "Right, come on, let's get back." * Exactly twenty minutes later, Samara, Dima, James, Davy, Robert, Duke, Darius and I were seated around the meeting room table. Each of us had a copy of the chap's, work history in front of us. Robert handed me a copy of a letter from Gethin. I had barely any chance to speak to him at Balmoral. He had to leave very early the next day with Callum. Something big and hush, hush, Callum had said. I asked Robert to read the letter out to everyone. It basically outlined how Gethin had met and worked with the guy. All a bit official, but finishing with the words, "I recommend he join your team under Darius." There was a knock and Albert's head appeared, "Your Imperial Highness, Your Grace, Mr Daniel Schere to see you." I nodded, "Please show him in." The door opened wider and into the room came Daniel Schere. He was dark-haired, probably late twenties, with a black moustache. He gave a stiff head bow towards me and seemed to nod to Darius, the only other face he seemed to recognise. I invited him to join us at the table. James introduced everyone, while Albert brought round tea. I smiled, "Right, let's get started." ********************** 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. Other Nifty stories by Blackscar. 'NightCam Fun' – Gay/Encounters 'Exploring my brother' – Gay/Incest 'Josh's Adventures series' - Gay/Adult Youth 'An Army life for me' - Gay/Adult Youth/Military 'Grandmas Bedroom' – Bisexual/Incest 'Dominic Online' – Gay/Adult Youth 'Vampyre' – Gay/Adult Youth 'Operation Pied Piper' – Gay/Adult Youth 'Scream if you want to go faster' - Bisexual/Adult Youth 'Red and Nick' – Bisexual/Military 'The Extraordinary Christmas Party' – Bisexual/Incest 'A Brother Used' - Gay/Incest 'A very English Trailer Park' - Gay/Adult Youth 'Special lube Oil' - Gay/Adult Youth