Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 12:10:06 -0700 From: Zane Green Subject: Tessellations 7-12 Copyright 2000 Zane Hunter-Green TESSELLATIONS: A Byzantine Story This story is dedicated to Ganymede for awaking my sleeping muse with the artistry of his many stories. After reading `Platonic Love' countless times I was determined to write one story back to him, and this is it. Because this story is a historical I want to explain a few details. It is important to note that Ron (Saffron) has a genetic disorder. I decided to write about another boy such as Tristan in `Puberty' Blues that has Klinefelter's. The time of this story, 1042 a child with a rare genetic disorder would be considered a changeling or worse. All the characters in this story are fictional except for references to the leaders of the time period. This story is copyrighted under the pseudonym Zane Hunter-Green, and can not be reproduced for profit. It is also erotic fiction with some scenes of love between males, an adult and a minor so please do not read if you find that offensive. Also do not read if you are a minor or if this is illegal in your place of residence. Chapter Seven Ron, unaware of the tidal wave about to encompass his world was mostly content with his life, and freedom under Joseph's tutorage. He could still spend time in the woods and stables as Joseph was stout and had a hard time keeping up with him physically. He was also aware of the strange power he seemed to have over Joseph, and he sometimes found he used it to his own advantage. Ron having known such little attention was mystified by his feelings for Joseph. At night Joseph would be half asleep when he felt what seemed a large graceful cat land in his bed. It would be Ron, half naked to ask him about some fact that bothered him and kept him restlessly awake. Saffron's voice soft and lyrical would wake him fully. Then Ron would often squirrel himself under the covers with Joseph to keep warm as he fired his thoughts at the tormented monk. Joseph had tried to banish him from his room but it never worked. Ron would forget and come back with his dreams and nightmares, or a Greek word he wanted the meaning of. Joseph became resigned to his nightly calls. He learned to turn aside so Ron wouldn't feel his hardened manhood. At the monastery and Inns he often had slept with others, beds were rarely private so it would seem strange to keep dismissing the youth's presence for any other reason than lack of peaceful sleep. He never wanted anyone to know how close his vow of chastity came to being broken. He realized that Ron felt comfortable in his friendship, and took these liberties as something he still needed. He discovered that from earliest childhood Ron had gone without even basic affection. He imagined a small little boy alone in a dark room night after night awake from the nightmares that haunted him without anyone to call to, and then he thought about the tiny child locked in a damp haunted crypt, with that image in mind he let Ron stay with him. Yet how easy it would be to push him closer, and cover those taunting lips with his own, stealing kisses from him, sucking in the lemon and fresh cut grass smell of his innocence, to touch and probe, finding those hidden places within his pale slender body, to release his own pent up juices. He silently prayed for forgiveness on his wanton thoughts, and desired their removal, but they still seemed to taunt him. He wished that he had been warned that Saffron would be a raffish angel, a torment to celibacy. He truly needed his father to instruct him, and arrange for a girl for him to marry, he was of the age, and his youthful sexuality was growing steadily. Joseph did not know what he would do if Ron ever made the first move toward him. If Ron ever asked to be loved, he knew that he would not be able to resist him. With that in mind he asked his prayers, that it would never happen, and then a quiet voice said 'Ah but if only it could.' It was also becoming increasingly important to get him to his father. The estate was a shareholder descending through the male line. When the old man died, an uncle, not Ron was next in line. Even if he were to inherit by default it would be nothing compared to his legacy in Constantinople. Joseph had been determined to see his charge improved while he was with him. As he stubbornly refused to change his manner of dress Joseph had instructed him to tie back his hair, and try to ensemble himself with more honor. He also had hired a hunter to teach him to shoot arrows, and as the local metal smith knew some basic sword work he was requested to share his knowledge with Ron as well. The grandfather reluctantly provided funds for Joseph to use. There was little to buy in their small village, but upon hearing of a nearby fair held once every second year, he was sorely tempted to take his young charge and buy him appropriate clothes, and a decent weapon, so that he might impress his father. Only he and the Priest were aware of the plot to remove Ron from his grandfather. The old man was obviously ill, and had a cough that never left him since the winter. Joseph had been given few obstacles in this decision-making, regarding Ron, unless they came from the young lord, himself. He admitted that Ron had willful charm. What father wouldn't be pleased with him. As he grew older hopefully his still boyish beauty would turn into handsome qualities. He was slender and graceful and very intelligent. His long- long hair was too much, and he was adamant about not having his locks cut, and those large green reflective eyes which seemed almost too large could melt your soul if you weren't careful When he reached his twenties, and looked less like a girl he would drive women crazy in droves. The French had a word ' romance', which was very frivolous idea, but he hoped that Ron one day could play the part of a romantic hero. His personality was improving as was his natural fighting skills. He might become a warrior yet. Joseph regaled him with tales of knights and mythical swords, as well as the enchantment of the true blades coming from Damascus. He told Saffron of the swords and knifes history, and qualities, the myths and legends surrounding the Damascene weapons. With the purchase of one in mind he decided to take him to the fair. Ron badgered him that night to tell him about fairs. Truly the young lord had never been anywhere. It was unusual that the house had a library of books, which Joseph finally discovered the second day. That rare gift had been Ron's means of fantasy, and knowledge. His lack of exposure to the outside world had also left him young for his age, and immature. It was time for him to grow more worldly. When he finally went to bed the night before they were to attend the trades fair, he had instructed Ron not to wake him for any reason, even if a fire burned around him, as he would be too tired to get up in the dark hours so they could ride to Cloys in Orleans, the location of the fair grounds. Joseph had trouble falling asleep. Even he had only attended one fair in the past. Fairs were the heart of trade and commerce. There would be people, and merchandise from all over the world. He was anticipating going, thinking that once he returned to his monastery he would never get to see another one. Long before dawn he felt Ron breathing over his face. "Come Joseph, lazy, it's time to rise. I had the cook pack a sac of food for our breakfast." "You are tiresome Saffron! Give me a few minutes and I will join you downstairs." Ron left the monk signing a song he must have made up. The light counter tenor became quieter as the he danced down the stairs. Joseph re-aquatinted himself with the chamber pot, and got dressed. It would be a very long day! He lumbered down the stairs in the quiet household. On the treacle table was a bag of gold coins Count Terrill had left them for him, not aware that he was outfitting his grandson for a long journey. Joseph took the money. He had convinced the Count that his grandson dressed more like a servant than a young noble. Ron needed new clothes among other odds and ends. A cart, and a spirited set of horses were harnessed for them. The driver would also be commissioned to serve as a body guard, although the fairs were well policed, and they didn't anticipate trouble. Naturally Ron talked his way to holding the reins, and driving the horses. It was a focus for his boundless energy, and the driver had an easy time, giving the him directions. Within three hours the dirt road was filled with traffic heading closer to the fair, and the driver took over. Ron was busy watching everything acutely. There were caravans, gypsy wagons, peasants walking with cows, geese, and swine. A noisy motley colorful picture, and they were still kilometers from the fairgrounds. It seemed like ages until their cart was parked on the outskirts of the great event. They paid a lot manager to assure that their property would still be there when they were ready to go home, and the manager would arrange for the horses to be tended during the day. The monk was wearing the dark clothes of his order, and Ron wore a simple tunic and leggings. Joseph tweaked the braid, hanging down the back of his charge. "There are some unsavory characters here, refrain from wandering off, there are cutpurses and other beings I don't care to speak about " "Yes Joseph, I won't lose you." The food vendors were everywhere. They settled on sausage in rolls for Joseph and the driver. Ron, too overwhelmed to be hungry settled on honeycomb and an apple tart. Ron then had his first taste of mead, as his grandfather never served alcohol. They all sat down to watch a puppet show from Italy as they enjoyed their refreshments. Joseph wondered how much of the baud humor Saffron understood. They were all laughing having a merry time. Finally it was time for the business of the day. The metalwork's section of the fair drew them onward. In an elite corner surrounded by dozens of admirers were the polished muscular men from Damascus, . Their wares sparkled in the sunlight like holy relics. Ron pleaded for a showy sword with a moonstone and diamond hilt that had caught his eye immediately. Joseph felt he was far too young for such a sword that appeared to be looking for trouble so he, steered him to the smaller epees that he could strap under his tunic and hide. They found one that was razor sharp etched with griffins, and a small ruby eye. The design and the blade appealed to the young lord. He would have paid the full price at once. Joseph stilled him, and haggled for the knife and a strap. Once paid for they moved on to the clothiers. Joseph surprised him by buying a light chain mail under coat and several good linen and wool tunics. Saffron needed one outfit that was rich and showy to wear when he met his father. They went to the interior of the fair where the silk merchants gathered. One came over to them. Joseph saw that he was a Vestiopratai, one of the Imperial licensed silk dealers from Constantinople. The quality of his fabrics would be the best offered, in addition he would have styles from the Empire. He had indeed come far up the Silk Road to be at the fair. "Ah brother do you require a silk coat for yourself?" he quizzed them. "No, it's for my student." "Let's see to measure him, come forward young sir, don't be shy." The merchant was happily surprised to see the gorgeous youth, and dress him like royalty in a brilliant green top that matched his emerald eyes. A small crowd gathered to admire the young princeling. "Is he royal?" asked the merchant. "Goodness no." stated Joseph empathetically, trying to maintain Ron's privacy. "God forbid someone find out who he really was, and go back to alert his family. He briefly wondered why that concerned him. Perhaps he was fostering Saffron off too quickly. Saffron, enjoying his admiring audience, always wanting to please, started to pose and grin at the crowd, turning his fitting into a fashion show. A swarthy dressed man walked over to Joseph and said so quietly that he almost couldn't believe he heard it. "I'll pay you a hundred gold pieces for him." Joseph went over and told Ron to quickly remove the tunic. They would buy it at once, there was no reason to soil it now. After they purchased the green tunic, and a dalmatica in sky blue with a pattern of peacock motifs as well. He wondered if he should encourage Saffron to dress in such a showy manor but apparently it was the style. They finally purchased several pairs of black silk leggings. They guessed the size. Joseph said there wasn't enough time to try them on. "Joseph," Ron pleaded, why can't I wear this outfit now? I never do go anywhere at home to get dressed up." "You'll ruin them, the grounds are all dusty, then you will still not own a decent outfit to wear when you need to look like a lord of your rank, come, I wish to buy some tobacco for myself. Am I not allowed a treat as well?" "Of course, Joseph you must be growing tired." " Well you won't say a word about the tobacco will you, would you like to try some as well?" "No, I don't think so, but my lips are sealed" "Is there something else you would like Ron, some item or treat, we haven't even touched upon most of the fair?" "Yes, actually I would like to have a book. I saw there was several book and codex sellers here." "What would you like to buy?" "I'd like something from archaic Greece now that I can read the originals since you made me learn the language in a month, maybe some poetry. I would really like to own a book of Plato. "After that we really must start for home." There were too many prying eyes now that Saffron had brought attention to himself, and it was making Joseph uncomfortable. In this world there were people who would sell anything, even humans for a price. The bright face of the fair had taken on it's shadow, past noon. In this worldly tribe of strangers there were some who would steal and exploit anything or anyone. Saffron was indeed innocent as he smiled broadly at a group of Persian merchants drinking an aromatic dark drink at a small stall. "Ron, please it is not polite to eye strangers." "Why not Joseph, they smiled at me first." The young lord clearly had no idea about his looks. "Ron, what do you look like. I mean to yourself. How do you perceive others see you?" "Joseph, that's an absurd question but I will answer it to appease you. I kind of look like a white rat, don't I? I wish I looked like you, you are broad and have presence." "Yes, I am a handsome monk aren't I ?" he laughed as he leaned over to pick up some coins that he spotted in the dirt.. "Better come my dear rat, we want to be home before dark." Saffron was no longer beside him. He threw the coins in his pocket and turned to the driver who shrugged, they had both been amiss at watching their charge. Ron was fast, and had walked away curious to see the game that the Persian merchants had been playing He was standing among them watching them carefully. They moved two colored stones around a board that looked like a square of full moons. One stopped to address him. "Do you wish to play." "Yes, but how, what are the rules?" Saffron asked. "It is called Sipu, you move the stones or dogs as they are called, one at a time to set up the board, once they have been all set out you block your opponent to get his dogs, if you flank them with your dogs, you move them into a trap, and take them. The one with the most dogs left, wins." Ron learned quickly by watching, and now wanted to play as well. "We use this game to bet, would you like to make a wager?" the darker Persian asked. "Ron was disappointed as Joseph had his property, and Joseph would see gambling as evil he could not ask him for any money. Ron had to tell them no, although he knew he could win, as he quickly saw the strategy." "You have one thing of value, say we wager our golden sword there is not another like it in the world, against a small debt you would incur to us which we will collect later." As they treated Saffron with extreme friendliness they looked him up and down. He was excited and ready to play, the golden sword would be his. As he started to agree Joseph came over and grabbed his shoulder roughly. "Come on, it is past time to go." The men looked sorry as the beautiful young French boy was led off by the infuriated monk. "It won't be too soon." "What won't be too soon, Joseph?" "Nothing, Ron, nothing. It won't be too soon until we get home." "Oh that." The driver tailed them. glaring at those who were ready to come up and speak with Ron. They only stopped long enough to purchase; smoked meats, bread, cheese, butter and beer for the ride home. With their bundles they walked to the grove where their cart was waiting. Ron was playing the game of Sipu in his head. He would have won, unless they had a way to trick him. He knew what they were after, even if Joseph didn't know he knew. On the ride home he imagined what it would be like to serve them. Maybe he could have lost deliberately and let the handsome men become his masters. As he had watched the game out of the corner of his eye he was very aware of their impressive cocks outlined by their garments. He amused himself all the way home with his fantasy of what could have happened so swiftly that afternoon. Joseph looked at him and didn't intrude into his dream world, thinking his mind on the higher elements of life so as the cart moved down the road Saffron was miles away: In his fantasy he lost the game of Sipu, he watched the golden sword pulled out of his reach, and one of the men told him that he now had to strip, as they wanted to see their new property. Once he had taken his clothes off he was eased on the ground, and gently the Arab started to kiss him all over , of course by now the Arab had taken his clothes off too. He felt the man's penis press against his stomach. Saffron was able to move in such a way that he now could touch it, and it felt warm as it hardened. The Arab called out to his friend and said, "We'll keep this one ourselves. I want him so badly that I'll fight you for him, or anyone else that tries to take him from me. Then the Arab taught him how to pleasure him, but not having had experience Saffron was having a hard time imaging just all the things that they would do together. What aroused his own small cock was mostly the thought that someone wanted him. He knew that if he didn't have Joseph he would have deliberately lost and gone with them. Chapter Eight "Why should I marry your daughter?" Leo glared at his older cousin. "I have no desire to marry anyone." "Leo, if you marry within our family we will keep our wealth and powers that should be more than obvious to you." explained Aregund. "You have never seen the bitch." "I heard that her mother was a great beauty, besides what will that matter? You can continue to amuse yourself with your minions, and catermites." "Is that the life you wish to consign your daughter to?" "I have no emotional attachment to her. She's a step daughter, a pawn as Basil would say. My job for her is to arrange a good marriage and act like a generous well meaning mother, so Romanus is pleased." "I'll ignore her you know, many women would find that intolerable. It is no secret that my desires lay elsewhere." "Please Leo, give her a child or two at least. I'm sure you can find some creative way to manage that even if you use one of your eunuchs as a third- some in your bed." "Now that's an idea, especially if she's hideous. I'll wed her under one condition." "What is that?" "I want her marriage dowry to include the Jerusalem icons." "But that property belongs to Basil, as oldest son." "Then look elsewhere for her husband. There will be no contract here." "The Empress wants those icons, I know that you're trying to get them to influence her." "Perhaps" " I shall make you a deal, after Saffron has her second child by you, the icons will be yours, that's my only offer." "What if she's infertile?" "Then you will both pray for children. You can relax for awhile. They have left only a fortnight ago to fetch her, and once she is here you will have at least awhile before you will be expected to bed her." Leo looked at his cousin with a murderous stare, he felt she was pressuring him into an uncomfortable situation, if it hadn't been so recently that his mother had insisted that he think of taking a bride he would have walked out. He snatched the contract from her hands and signed his name violently." Aregund knew he had a reputation to be cruel. She brushed out the document so Romanus could sign it as well making the union fata complete. She looked at Leo to give her warning. "You must be kind to her until you wed, or she may complain to Romanus." "I will be the soul of love. I shall shower her with gifts, flowers, and songs when she arrives. I promise you. This will make my mother happy. That is the problem with the male line of our family. We are all the puppets of our mothers." "Then rejoice Leo, this maiden is fresh blood. Perhaps she will give you a son that will one day be Emperor, as the Empress seems to kill off her husbands" noted Aregund "Yes, Zoe beds with eunuchs, or their epileptic brothers in any case. Perhaps she scares off their seed who knows or most likely uses all of it in her 'cosmetics' and forgets to save any for herself. Besides the lady is in her 60s" added Leo. "If only it were Romanus, and not I who were more closely related to the royal family, whereas you are in that enviable position, Leo. Zoe would never have been empress if her brother Constantine the third had a child." "He too knew the fascination of young men, and therefore never married . Basil the first moved his divine ass right into being co-emperor with Emperor Michael the third, who he assassinated, one very naughty boy was Basil. Then Basil naturally was married Michael's mistress, of course the Emperor or Basilius never sleeps alone. Zoe is different as we all know, she's hungry for fair young men, well maybe to that degree she's not so different after all. However, every one of her cosmetic inventions doesn't seem to help the cow. Her husbands leave her cold, and I can't blame them. Her sister Theodora hates men. She has lived in a nunnery since she was a young girl. We have an interesting tree do we not Cuz." "You get away with saying too much Leo! You're lucky that the Empress dotes on you. I would have liked to see my own sons in line, but as they are not I will place my daughter there, through you. You must be a good husband to her, especially if she is strong enough to stand up for her rights. You are known to be cruel, but not to woman." "No, I just ignore the majority of woman. Well I can treat her as well as most men would. I will try to make her happy, as long as she doesn't turn out to be a harpy like my mother." "And I will train her to be a good wife to you. In public you must play the role of a husband. In private who am I to say what you do when she's not with you." "You make it sound too easy, Cousin." "It is providence that Saffron is being sent to us. Do not worry though, if she seems not to be acceptable I have sent an agent to hinder her arrival..." Chapter Nine ...They arrived home from the fair late in the evening without mishap. Ron had fallen asleep so Joseph gently woke him up to go to bed . As they entered the house Joseph could tell that there was a troubling presence. As soon as he helped to escort the half asleep lord upstairs, he came back down to hear that the old count had taken a turn for the worse. The old man passed on less than a week later. A sober funeral had been arranged quickly after that. Saffron had been left his grandfather's worldly goods, however the estate was passed on to the Count's brother's son. It would be months before he was to arrive. He had been amenable to Saffron staying and living on the property for as long as he wished, however a month later the party from Constantinople arrived to claim him without any interference now from the grandfather. The priest was there to greet the chief eunuch, who was leading the group. He explained about the death of Count Terrill, and how glad they all were that they would be bringing Saffron to Romanus. "Yes," the eunuch bowed, "I assure you the lady will have a good life in Constantinople. Both her stepmother and father await her arrival with the greatest expectation. I wish to meet the young countess so she will not fear me, nor the journey that awaits us. I have gifts for her from her new mother, some jewels and a Persian kitten. I hope that she will like them." The Priest asked Genesios to sit down while he and Joseph explained something important about Saffron." "Is there something wrong with her?" the eunuch asked in alarm. "No and yes. You see Count Terrill and I lied about Saffron to Romanus many years before. We did it so Saffron could stay with Count Terrill who was heartbroken, and perhaps to save the baby as well." The old priest could see that the eunuch was barely listening. He would have to get to the point. He nervously tried his voice... "What is wrong with Saffron, we received a letter to come and get her, if something were wrong..." At that moment the door barged open and Ron bounced in. They had purposely left him unaware of their plans for him, thinking he might refuse to leave France if he knew that he would have to go to a place where he would face the discipline of a father. "Joseph, what are foreign soldiers doing by our house?" He saw Genesios and stopped. "Oh I am sorry, who are you? What are you doing here?" Ron looked unknowingly a great deal like an elfin creature. His hair tumbled down, a golden river in the dark. He was wearing an old riding outfit, and his face was flushed from running. Genesios wondered if this were the countess. She was pretty enough, although she looked several years younger than he expected. He saw immediately that she was a tomboy. He knew how to handle the Bugler-Slayer woman, they had to be treated with great care, and humor. "I am here to meet Saffron," he said. "Do you know where she might be?" "I am Saffron, what do you want?" Ron was wary of how this strange man was appraising him like he was some kind of goods. "I will tell you why I'm here when you look more like a proper maiden, and not dressed like some serving boy." Ron reached in his tunic to get his knife. Something warned him that he was fighting for his honor, and perhaps his life. "Ron," Joseph yelled seeing this. " Please go and change, you stink like the stables. I will take care of this." "Look at him, and he dares to insult me!" Genesios looked at him with narrowed eyes. "Now I see the problem with Saffron, she's as beautiful as any maiden I have ever seen and lusty enough to please any man, and believe me, I have seen the most lovely, so that I may judge, however she acts like a wild animal." Joseph had his hand cut as he wrestled to take the knife away. "I'll kill you!" Ron rushed to the eunuch to attack him with his fists. "Ron, wait." Joseph pleaded as Genesios shielded his face. "He comes from your father's house let him be." "How dare he insult me like this. I am sorry though that I cut your hand are you alright?" Ron took a breathe, they did not say his father's house did they, he couldn't go there, he started to shiver. "Yes, I'll live." the monk said as he gripped his cut hand, fortunately it was a minor scratch, as he had pulled back in time. " The problem is that this gentleman had been told that you were a female." "What!"...All of this did not make any sense to him. "It was because of your grandfather, listen if you calm down I'll explain. Your father saw you when you were a baby, and he wanted to take you with him. Many babies are killed in travel, and your grandfather didn't dare to lose you, so your father was told that you were a daughter, a first son he never would have left behind." "This is impossible," Genesios said "Anyway my Lord saw the child naked when christened, he told me this, and the child was definitely a girl." The old Priest answered, "I helped with the deception. We christened Saffron at night. The next morning we borrowed a blond-haired baby about the same age from one of the serfs. I admit to doing a second ceremony aimed to deceive Romanus. I have kept Saffron's legal papers, he is a male and always has been." "Now Ron, go and change into some decent clothes, we have guests. "Joseph tried to bring order. Ron gave the haughty eunuch and even haughtier look to cover up his fears.. The eunuch said something very strange to him, "So you are certainly not a maiden, and yet not quite a man" Ron looked at him confused and angry, and then he left the room. Joseph pleaded with the eunuch, "Now you see my concerns. He's much better than when I arrived, but he needs a father's guidance desperately." Genesios shook his head "I don't know. It might be better if I left him here with you, in Constantinople they believe Saffron to be Romanus' daughter, Who knows what plans they already made for him..." "I must return to my monastery in six months. If Romanus decides he doesn't want his son I can bring him back with me. Let him see his son and decide. Saffron really doesn't have a home now. He could always join my order but he doesn't have the personality to start a cloistered religious life and he doesn't have a calling. His father has the right to see his son, and decide what he wants done for him." Genesios admitted that he was correct. They had come a long distance to get his lord's child, so they would bring Saffron back to his father... ...Ron had no intention of dressing up for the monster who brutally insulted him. He also had not thought about having a father in a long time, when he had been younger he had made up a father who would talk to him, and encourage him, but he had let this imaginary father go years before, and then the stories of a cruel father was told to him in recent years by his grandfather. What would a real father think of him especially one who thought he was a maiden of all things, he was afraid that his real father would ridicule him, and send him away, or worse, be the monster that he was warned of. He couldn't bear the thought, he tucked his hair in a cap so he had more mobility, then he opened his window, and reached over to his living ladder, an old oak tree, that had always been his natural stairway to escape. His curiosity finally led him to the grove beside the house where the soldiers were making camp. One called out to him. "Hey you!, do you know when they serve food around here?" He stopped to try and help them. "I don't know." he had to reply. He really never thought too much about when the servants ate their meals. He found mealtimes with his grandfather difficult enough. "Then get your sorry ass to the kitchen, and find out for us." The commander came out to apologize. "The workforce here isn't ours to order around. I'm sure that this servant has his own chores to do." Dominic looked more closely at the stable boy who was looking at him equally surprised. He had never seen such a beautiful boy, he looked well taken care of, for a servant. He must be somebody's favorite. He looked lonely too. Dominic wanted to talk to him. Find out who he was. The youth looked at him suddenly admiring his uniform. He seemed to like the way the man looked at him kindly. There was a rare innocence about him, Dominic thought. He was sexy, and wide eyed at the same time. Dominic had never seen anyone quite like him. Then the boy got excited as he noticed Dominica's Arabic sword. "Oh you have a simitar, I've always wanted to see one." "Well now is your chance. I'll let you hold it if you want. Just be careful that you don't hurt yourself with it, and remember I'm not your enemy." Dominic gave him the blade to hold, and showed him the rudimentary way to use it. He didn't know why, it was a foolish thing to do to give a weapon to a strange servant, yet it gave him a chance to have physical contact with this beautiful youth. His hand was smooth of any callus, which was odd for one who apparently worked in the stable yard, however it felt so good to brush against. He must have had some training knowing instinctively how to hold the sword, and then he was apparently trained enough to back away and have some space to practice swinging the simitar. He moved with the sword like a dancer might, taking the idea of a battle into an art form, like he was trying to entertain him. Dominic was entranced, he had never imagined that a sword could be handled so gracefully. Dinner was called and they were now alone. "You move very well, would you like to be a soldier someday?" "Oh yes, if they'll let me." Dominic wasn't going to ask who 'they' were. If he had a lover like this he'd never let him out of his sight. As the young Adonis continued to work with the sword he had a chance to drink in his golden sheen. Actually he looked like he had been created by an artist, more like a young Apollo. He had seen life size statues in Constantinople and he dearly reminded Dominic of one in particular. It was the bronze Phaeton by Lysippus, it had been rumored to have been commissioned by Alexander the Great, himself. This boy looked almost Macedonian, it was odd. He continued to watch him transfixed until he was finally handed back the simitar by it's handle. "Have you had enough?" "No, never enough!" Instead of moving back the youth pressed forward. Dominic saw the hungry look in his eyes, he radiated sex, and need, Dominic couldn't help but notice the seductive look he was given. He equally wanted nothing more than to explore the perfection before him, he let his desire for the beautiful boy take over his normal reserve, and almost unconsciously his hand slid under the youth's tunic and started to fondle the smooth unseen genitals. The sweet stranger cooed, and moved even closer, responding with the caresses. Dominic could feel the boy's small member harden in his exploring hands. "Is there somewhere we can go," Dominic gasped as he forced himself to move his hand away from the warmth that was only making him almost delirious to have more than this brief touch . "Follow me." the boy reached for the hand that had only moments ago invaded his privacy, so he could lead the man into the woods where they could resume their play. "Wait let me get something, some olive oil." Dominic thought he had never wanted anyone, as much as this one. His cock was more than ready to enter his young friend, but he didn't want to hurt him without a coating of oil which would make the entry to the youth's anus much easier and more pleasurable for both of them. No doubt the stable boy had taken it rough before, so Dominic wanted this time to be a moment that they both would remember. "Ok, please hurry." Ron thought to himself that he would finally learn about sex. He was a little afraid that if he was late for dinner, Joseph would find out what he was doing and either punish him or worse, be disappointed in his behavior. Well how long could it take! This man was very handsome, and Ron wanted him to keep doing the thing that he started with his balls and penis. It felt so good to be touched down there and not have to worry about what his grandfather would think anymore. And it felt more delightful than when he had touched himself.. Dominic found a small vial in his pack, and went back to the charming sexy bundle of impatient energy. He was being led into the forest where a clearing lay well hidden. First the youth removed his hat, and Dominic had never seen such a sight as golden hair tumbled down. This was an angel! The boy nervously lifted his tunic up over his head never taking his eyes from Dominic. His flawless naked body left Dominic breathless. He wanted to slowly cover every inch of this extraordinary specimen of young manhood slowly, lingering on every delicious detail, and run his hand through the silken treasure that already gave the boy some modesty. What stopped him was the youth still had a worried look in those delicious green eyes. Dominic started to talk to him, to slow himself down, he was so engorged that it hurt, it was either talk or just enjoy this partner of the moment. Something made him uneasy, maybe it was his mistrust of it all seeming too perfect, there was something odd about this, something he needed to figure out, with both his bodies need and the temptation before him he was having a hard time thinking clearly. He would talk to him to buy some time. He kept seeing the lady and the lion for some reason in his mind, like a warning not to enter the door quite yet. "What's the matter darling?" It was the only words that came to Dominic. There was the glimmer into the problem, this was a crossroad. Once he made love to the stable boy there was no turning back, this stranger had the ability to haunt, casting his shadow over every other affair, the one to be measured against. "I I don't have much time." Ron stammered "Will they come looking for you?" "No, but..." "What is your name sweetheart?" "Ron." Ron, I don't want to get you in trouble as much as I want you now, it might kill me to let you go, but if you can't stay." " It's ok, What can I call you?' "I'm Dominic, come my sweet one let's not waste more time, lie down, yes so I can look into your face, I have never seen a more beautiful face than yours Ron." "It is your face that I see, and I like it very much." Ron got down on his knees and looked up to see if he should lay on his stomach or press his back into the bed of grasses. "I am just a common soldier." Dominic directed him to lay on his back side as he knelt down as well so he could once again stroke the boy's genitals, as he spoke softy. Ron interrupted "No, I like the clef of your chin, and the way you stare at me, oh keep doing that, to my to my, my" hesitation he said the word penis, this time without fear of being chastised. It was a form of freedom to be able to say the word. "Yes, Dominic, touch my penis " Ron could still talk although he was now in a stage of unknown excitement. His penis, usually too small to notice had hardened, and seemed to gain an inch or two. It was turning a reddish color. Ron forced himself not to study it. Later he would have time to think about what made it change so quickly. "Hush now baby, just relax." Dominic knew that the youth would soon be ready for him to fuck. "And you are very handsome, like I always imagined he would look." Ron added. God this one could talk!" Who Ron?" "Oh never mind! What do you mean that I am bea -utiful." Ron was now gasping as the action continued that Dominic was doing to his penis which made him want to explode. "If there were time Ron, I would flatter and court you." but really Dear heart, Dominic thought to himself, it's time to fuck the daylights out of you I can't hold back much longer, and you are hot enough now to enjoy it. "You didn't come with me here to talk, ahhh talk to me." Ron filled in Dominic's thoughts "No it's true, I dearly want to fuck you. I was raised, for action, and not words." " Then do it, yes do it , please I want you to do it now, Why have you stopped?" Dominic complied by lifting his lover's slender legs upward and peered into the neither region he so desired. He almost couldn't stand the pain of holding back from him an additional minute, yet he stilled his goal and need so he could anoint Ron with the oil, to make it easier for his willing partner. Opening the vial of the amber oil he poured a liberal amount on his left hand. His hand glistened as he posed his index finger ready to test the entry that his own cock was more than ready to advance into. As he stroked the boy's thighs he thought about the days that he was in this boy's position. He remembered Romanus gently caring for him as they traveled home from this very place. This boy must not have been even born then. He was more than ready to penetrate his warm, inviting inner sanction but, something wasn't quite right, why was he mussing about his own past instead of entering this beautiful catermite before him. He already envisioned how nice it would be. He would ram his cock into the boy's tight hole getting little if any resistance from the taut muscles that involuntarily resisted buggering. If there were time he could inhale the youth's sweet juices first, as he used the posed fingers to explore and loosen up the boy's anal entrance. He really wanted to delay each step, and savor it, this boy was such a tender work! Dominic finally looked into the spot before he pressed his finger inward, and he had to stop and look again, for when he had parted the boy's slender rear and peered into his anus he had never expected to see the wrinkled closed eye of a virgin, this beautiful one had been too hot, too ready, too much like a cat in heat. Dominic knew that he himself had never been ready when he was forced the first time to make love, and he swore never to do it to another. "Ron, you have never made love before, have you?" " I know Joseph wants me, I drive him crazy, yet he won't." "Is Joseph your master?"Dominic asked. "He likes to think so, why have you stopped touching me?" Ron reached out for his hand "Because this is something we shouldn't do in a hurry, not your first time. I would hurt you badly. I'm afraid to continue now as I won't be able to stop." "I don't mind being hurt, I want it, with you. Come on, hurry Dominic, I haven't much time." That was the key word, he couldn't be ravished in a hurry there would be too much pain for him if he impaled him swiftly although he knew that he was more than ready to do just that. He didn't want his first time to be one of great pain for the boy, and the taking of blood He didn't want his obvious attraction turning into hatred. The pain would turn to great pleasure but not if he was rushed, and that would haunt him forever, that he had hurt him. He realized then that he really liked Ron. There was something about him that made Dominic hesitate, want to protect him. It didn't make sense. "Ron, please. I better go, someday you'll understand. Your first time needs to be slow and gentle. Dominic then with all of his will power got up and left Ron lying there in disbelief. "I HATE YOU! he cried, I HATE ALL THE MEN OF CONSTANTINOPLE.!" Only the birds flying overhead heard him. Ron lay naked in the woods and sobbed his heart out with tears bottled up from years of frustration. Finally he got up, put his clothes back on and walked back to the manor house. Chapter Ten Dominic had figured that his almost lover would return to the stables. He wanted to see the beautiful vision again, yet he hoped he wouldn't have to. He almost hated himself for his kindness, any other man would have taken the sexy exquisite being offering himself. He was a fool! But there was some power at work that he didn't understand, and he was a successful soldier because he had never been rash. He couldn't bear the thought of impaling Ron with one quick thrush, and leaving him bleeding. He deserved to be tended like something infinitely precious. He prayed who ever loved him next, would be gentle. He was sure it would happen soon, boys like Ron, so willing for sex would have lots of opportunity, that he was a virgin almost didn't make sense... ...Dominic thought about taking up his invitation to have dinner in the main house, and meet the young countess he was responsible for protecting on the road to Constantinople. His men were restless, he figured he should stay with them, besides he was half afraid of them finding his new friend, his dream, and Ron having to fight them off alone, one servant boy against a dozen men the soldiers would be far from gentle with him. He should never have let him go... ...Ron quickly re-climbed his tree. It only took him minutes to change into noble garb. When he went downstairs they were all heading into supper. The servants and solders had eaten outside. The dining room was reserved for the strange men from his father's house, as well as Joseph and himself. The Priest had already departed, or he would have been there too. Ron refused to eat, to talk to them, even to look at them. He had already decided that he wasn't going to Constantinople. He'd sooner join his grandfather. Then he thought about the cautious commander who had been so nice to him at first, and then turned away from him as everyone else always seemed to. He knew that he badly wanted to see him again, to punish Dominic for rejecting him, and then perhaps ask if he had a halberd that he could try, then maybe they could do other things again, except he would have to find a way to hurt the man, maybe tease him, he was so confused, and only wanted now to go off and calm himself down, touch his throbbing penis and think about the one man who left him in the woods, not sit at this table with these pompous men. Of course the soldier didn't want him, his penis was so nondescript and Dominic had such a large beautiful one, he would have loved just to touch it, he should have, it had been so hard, he should have wrapped his hands around it, and stroked it, he should have commanded the man to stand there so he could caress his large cock with this lips, and he should have said, 'I am not who I seem, I am your master, and I command you to love me', no that would not be right, to force him, because Dominic was only a soldier, and he was a lord, he wanted just to be a soldier too ... They would never let him just be a soldier, he sighed. Then he realized that he was being foolish, the idea of him ordering the commander around, he almost cracked a smile at the thought, but caught it just in time. He hoped that no one in Byzantine could read minds, or he would be in trouble for sure. Joseph could barely get through to the sullen lord. "Saffron, you've been brought up better than this. You need to show good manners even if you feel hostile. You are acting like the baby your father last saw." He then decided it was probably better to ignore him, who wasn't giving an inch, so he spoke to Genesios. "In the home of Romanus in Constantinople is there a library?" "Indeed yes, there are several thousand books." "Thousands?" questioned Saffron, coming out of his dream world. "In all languages, he has books about everything alchemy, nature, the sciences, poetry, architecture...." Ron like the sun emerging from a cloud couldn't help but be excited by the idea of so many books, he cast off his bad mood like it had never been. He started to regale Genesios with hundreds of questions. There was one that Joseph hoped he wouldn't ask. He didn't at least not until later. Genesios started to see the lord's charms. Romanus would be proud of this gem. He had to admit that Saffron was a composite of beauty, intelligence, and spirit, although he looked and acted immature for his age. He had several years over Basil but he appeared to be younger. Perhaps this was the one he and the others had been looking for, no those were dangerous thoughts and he halted them... Ron talked until it was long past midnight. When Joseph walked with him upstairs he demanded that he not 'sleepwalk' into a strangers room with more questions. "Joseph." he asked, "I didn't want to insult Genesios and the others, I mean maybe I did at first, but you're correct. I should never show my ignorance to others." "That's a good motto to hold on to Ron." "I didn't want to hurt their feelings, so now I can ask you to tell me why they seem so different. Will my father look like them?" Joseph laughed "No, I hope not." "The soldiers don't look like them either, Genesios is strange. He has a high almost squeaky voice, and he's kind of elongated with fingers that look like spades, I mean he mostly looks normal but there's that feeling I get that he's different. You're thinking who am I to say I guess." "Ron, that's not true. I feel uncomfortable explaining it to you, however you will meet many people like Genesios once you are in Constantinople, so I would be admix if I didn't. Genesios and the others are called eunuchs." "Eunuchs?" "It means empty fist." "They never fight then?" "Now that's a good joke. Eunuchs serve the church and government. They also protect and serve the women in a household." "Are eunuchs born that way? Are they natives of Byzantine?" "No, they're usually man-made." "Man-made?" "This is the difficult part to explain to you. I shall just tell you that to enable eunuchs to be good companions to females they have an operation." "What kind of operation?" "Must we truly discuss this?" "If you don't tell me Joseph, I'll ask Genesios. "Alright then, you can be impossible." "Did Genesios want this operation? Was he sick that it was warranted for him, did they use many leeches?" "Most eunuchs are too young when it happens to have much choice. It's mostly to dedicate their lives to the churches of the Byzantine empire, or it's government, or because they are slaves. The operation is painful I have been told, and as you can see when they are adults they are not as other men." "Oh never mind then. I guess I don't want the details. Good night Joseph. I'll see you in the morning" A fear clenched his stomach. "Go to sleep Ron, we do have a long day tomorrow." "Joseph." "Yes." "I don't think that I wish to go to any place where there are a multitude of gelded men." "How did you figure that out?" "I've seen it done to some of our colts to keep them from growing into stallions. I just never dreamed that it was done to humans." Maybe what his grandfather said was true. "Yes, Ron, that's what an eunuch is." " I've decided then, I'm not going there!" Ron was feeling sick. "Listen, I'm going with you. You won't be going alone." "They won't try to do that to me will they!" "Of course not, you're not a slave are you, you're also quite a bit too old for it?" " Well they seem to have been told that I'm a female, what if I disappoint them, they are barbarians. I feel like I'm being sent into a trap." "They were told you were a girl, they'll be happy with you as you are, a very argumentative young man." "Don't force me to go there Joseph. I would rather stay here." "Now I wish I didn't discuss this with you. Ron you will ruin my life. No, I don't mean that at all. I will make you a pledge. I was to return to my order in six months, but I will postpone the time until you are all settled there and no longer need me there. I will stay with you in Constantinople. That way if you want to go back to France I can go with you. "You'd do that for me?" "Yes son, now go to sleep, maybe my path is to be with you right now. Who am I to argue when I now have the opportunity to see the world. "Thank you Joseph." Joseph sat down to write another letter. This time it was to the Abbey explaining his commitment to the this young lord. He knew that he had been responsible for contacting the father. He had to make sure that he had made the right decision for Ron's future. Chapter Eleven The next day the departure was to be around noon. The servants who would be staying at the house had packed up Joseph's and Saffron's belongings. Much of the food dried for winter had been packed as well. There was no reason to delay the journey. The morning was gray and overcast. Ron lay under his covers thinking . If he went to Constantinople Joseph would have to delay his religious calling. Maybe he was being selfish in demanding that from him. Perhaps he should leave now while he could and go to Paris instead to seek his own fortune, he was not anxious to met the father who had deserted him those many years back who only wanted to do away with him, and he didn't want to travel to this strange place they wanted to take him to. Joseph knew him well. "Get up Ron, we can't leave without you, indeed what would I explain to your Father then?" "Joseph, you don't need to come, why don't you return to your own monastery." "And miss this adventure, I think not." "What if my father doesn't like me, or what I look like, and finds me unworthy of his name?" Ron, from what I was told your father was very much in love with your mother, and would have taken you back to Constantinople when you were a baby, but for respect of your grandfather, and not being prepared to make a long journey with a baby. Had he known that you awaited him, he would have brought nursemaids from his household which I understand is extensive." "Why did he leave my mother then if he were wed to her?" Joseph had to win this debate or Ron could very well refuse to go, I knew that you would ask that", he admitted. "I brought the subject up with Genesios. He said that when your father married your mother she was very young, and had a one year duty to serve the royal princess. Your father was involved with diplomatic service for the Empress Zoe, and was in Paris where he met your mother, and agreed to let her finish her service to the King. Romanus had to go home and finish his own work. He figured this would also give him a chance to prepare his household for his young wife who he planned to return for when her responsibilities to the Princess Suzanne were over." "Did he ever re-marry?" "Yes he did, In fact you have five half-brothers." "Five? I'm sure that THEY won't like me. How can there be room for another son?" "Aren't you curious to meet them or have you already decided you want to live the rest of your life here in the country.?" "Right now that sounds most agreeable." "I understand they can't wait to see you, especially your step-mother, she was most excited to hear about you, and pleaded for you to come and live with them." "A step-mother, how can she extend hospitality to me when she has her own children.?" "Listen, she sent you a gift. A very unusual cat with long hair. I would like to show it to you, She must have known how much you love animals." Ron finally got up to examine the kitten, when he spotted the gray kitten asleep in it's basket he was immediately enchanted with it and lifted it out of it's cage, where it happily purred in his arms. Several days before he had released his bird, the last of the wild creatures he was healing." "That was kind of her to send me a kitten. Although he was getting older still deep inside he longed for a mother, never having had that type of love and care. He felt a sudden bout of jealousy towards his unknown brothers" "Yes she must have thought that the kitten would be company on the road for you, Ron don't disappoint your family." "Joseph, if I go into a monastery such as yours, I wouldn't be able to keep this cat would I?" "No my son, you would have to give up all your worldly possessions, your pets, and your personal books." "Do they geld men in your order?" "Heavens no!" "How come it happens in Byzantine churches then?" "Are we back to that topic, well I suppose it has to do with traditions from early Roman and Greek sects, Certain temples demanded that of it's priests for service to the Gods. They think it goes back to the time of the worship to Attis. Are you thinking about becoming a monk?" " Do you think I would be a good one?" "Right now in your life, no. Ask me again in a few years. If you were to become a monk you would have to display obedience, patience, and discipline." "Do you think they'll let me have my own race cart in Constantinople, and of course horses?" "Let's ask Genesios." They found Genesios with the other members of the household. He was organizing the packing of the carriages. Dominic seeing that the equerry of his heart, was standing by the monk wished in his soul that they would send him with them. He had never been so enchanted before. He had started to regret abandoning the youth in the forest the day before, as soon as he had left him there. If only Ron had not been in such a hurry. He wished that there had been just one more day. He drank in the form of the flawless one to remember for the rest of his life. He almost thought of staying behind to be with him. He was surprised when he saw him address the eunuch, he moved closer so he could listen to what the incredible creature had to say. Saffron was now viewing the horses and oxen up close. He was admiring the splendid animals, especially a team of roan colored steeds. "What kind of horses are these?," he asked. Dominic thought of course he was there just to view the horses . Perhaps the Brother was kind enough to bring him from his work in the stables. Of course he would be interested in horses, although today his clothes looked almost too good to be a stable boys, yet he was unkempt as if he had been busy with his chores. Dominic was interrupted by one of his men, and had to walk away to assist him, so he missed the rest of the conversation. They're Arabians, of a good stock, but the finest are at your father's." "They're beautiful." "These boys, they're rather old, not racers but they do look nice don't they." "Does my father race horses?" "He does, at the hippodrome." "Is he that good a rider?" "Yes, he's a splendid rider but he doesn't ride his own horses in the races, he has slaves that are trained to do that." Oh, how many slaves does he have?" "I'd say about ten thousand, counting the ones that work his farmlands." "He owns ten thousand people! Are you a slave Genesios?" "No, not now I was one a very long time ago, long before I began to work for your father." "What kind of work do you do?" "I help him manage his household, I enjoy being involved with your father's family. " "Is my father kind then?" "Yes, he is very nice, especially to his sons." "Do you know my brothers?" "Yes, of course." "Do they look like me?" "No. they are very dark like their mother and your father. Although your father has hazel eyes, a little greenish like yours. Your brothers have black hair and brown eyes, three are babies or close to it. They're also much younger than you. The oldest is Basil, and then Nicephorus. They are eleven, and ten, the rest are babies." The golden lord went over and placed his hand on Genesios' arm. The eunuch looked down and observed the delicate, small tapered hand, not at all like his half- brothers, so alien, a Northerner. " What are my brother's lives like? Do they go to school, and are they being trained to be knights? What games do they play?" "They are tutored at home by an educated Greek slave. their favorite games are chess and war, and yes the older boys are starting to learn weaponry." "I have learned to play chess." "Then you can play chess with your brothers. Basil especially will enjoy that, he loves to play." When Dominic returned he was surprised to see Ron still talking to Genesios. The eunuch motioned him over. "Lord Saffron, this is Sir Dominic, he is responsible for getting us safely back to Constantinople." Dominic was tongue tied, Saffron? This couldn't be the one he had been sent to escort back. How could this be, by what magic, Saffron was a maiden, this wasn't a maiden, he had seen that too closely. even Genesios called him lord. And this meant that he had been playing seduction games with his Master's son. "Oh we met, he let me try out his sword, sort of." Ron looked hurt, his wide eyes looking up at the soldier with a unbearable expression that he cast privately at Dominic, to make him feel miserable, and guilty. It worked well, the young lord had the talents of an actor. The monk finally beckoned him back to the house before Dominic had a chance to say something foolish. Genesios turned to Dominic and said in a cynical voice, "Make sure that's all he tries. If I were you I'd stop looking at him like you'd like nothing better than to take his cherry." Dominic wanted to pound him into the ground, how dare he infer such a thing. Like he would treat his master's son like a common whore, although he almost did just that. However the eunuch a keen observer, had sensed the attraction between the man and the son of Romanus. He shuddered to himself, the young lord was ripe for trouble. Thank goodness the monk was going with them. Word quickly spread that Saffron was not a Lady but a Lord. The courser soldiers bet that he was a real hermaphrodite, and the challenge was on to see what was under his tunic. Smutty jokes were mentioned quietly about him. In the corner one started to plot against him. The Lady would not be amused by the turn of events. He had to take action before it was too late... Chapter Twelve The road was long. The trip through southern France was a blur, stopping to buy food in villages, to seek shelter during rainy days when the path was too muddy for the horses. The soldiers stayed in tents, the household in caravans. The names were places Saffron had only seen before on his parchment maps, Burgundy, Besancon, Geneva, Milano, Budapest, Belgrade, After that disaster struck. Near the black sea they were attacked by a band of vandals. The soldiers fought them off busy enough to allow one to silently creep into the Saffron's caravan, seeing him not there still there was opportunity. "Here kitty, sweet kitty." The man unlocked the cage, and took the kitten outside where no one would first see it. He let the kitten go, which ran into the cross fire. The bait worked. He watched as the foolish lord spring through the rocky terrain towards the river after the tiny terrified ball of fur "Ron!" Joseph called out. he wasn't heeded. The monk was forced to follow as quickly as he could muster his log size legs, then knowing it was futile the monk, a poor rider took one of the horses, and rode after his charge . Ron dashed from rock to rock unaware of the spears being tossed around him. As the army surrounded the contentious vandals Dominic saw a man posed to throw a spear at the figure on the plain below. He reached the enemy quickly, and beheaded him with a calculated thrust, and the spear dropped impotently to the bloody soil. Now he was after the young lord with lightning speed, the one he had deliberately kept his distance from. The kitten in it's panic made a dash from the embankment and fell into the raging river. The boy dived in after. Dominic held his breathe. The boy seemed to pose in the air and then he was in the waters moving downstream. Dominic leaped on his horse and rode towards the spot where the monk had dismounted and was holding out a stick for the boy to grab on to. The swift movement of the waters unleashed the stick from his hands, the monk lost his balance and fell in. Dominic was able to ride besides the water keeping pace with the floating figure. A half a kilometer down the river Saffron was able to hold onto some roots protruding from the side. Dominic was there to lift him up. He was soaked to the bone, and shaking. "My poor cat!". "Stay here, I must try to help the monk." "Joseph, isn't he at camp?" "No he tried to help you, and slipped in the river." "Buttt he can't swim." "I'm wasting time, I'll try to find him if you promise, no swear you will not move from this spot." Ron looked up, I'll help you find Joseph.", Dominic glared at him, "I swear I'll stay here, hurry!." Dominic pulled off his horses blanket and commanded the soaking lord to take off his wet clothes and wrap himself up. Saffron was peeling off the freezing garments as Dominic rode off to look for the monk. It was horrendous news. Several thousand feet away he found the body. The monk had floated but must have been tossed hard against the rocks, his neck was broken. Dominic quickly mumbled a prayer, and turned back. He would have to tell Ron that his teacher and friend did not make it. He dreaded the task. The young lord seemed to have so little. It was dark by now. Ron was where he left him. Dominic was sure that they had to be searching for them by now, but only he apparently had seen the mishap. "Ron, Brother Joseph is at peace." The boy became a watershed of tears. Dominic too knew grief, What soldier didn't? Self consciously he went over to Ron wanting to wrap his arms around him to try and comfort him and stop him from shaking so hard. How frightening this was for him. Dominic didn't know what to do. He was afraid to touch him, even to solace him. Then Ron looked up and whispered something. Dominic reached down to listen. "It's all my fault." "No, Ron someone let loose your kitten." "I want to die. I have no one now." "You have a family in Constantinople" "I am sure that they won't want me." "They will more than want you, you are very special, and this wasn't your fault." "Hold me" "Ron, it isn't right." "Why not, don't you want to be near me, you wanted to before?" "I want to, believe me, I want too badly. It 's just not a good idea." "I want you too,. please Dominic I feel like I'm going to drown. Please just hold me." Then Ron looked up at him with longing and sorrow. Dominic knew from the battlefield that the most ardent passion came after a great loss of life. It was a primeval call of nature, and the gratitude to the living blood.. He had no choice, he wanted to give this other being anything he needed, and he seemed to need his essence.. Once he started he couldn't stop. He held Ron close to him, just to comfort him for a short while, but before long he couldn't stand it any longer and he started to caress his face tenderly, to wipe away his tears. The passion was being lit in both of them, it felt like a primal wave. Ron had dropped the blanket, and Dominic could feel the hardened flesh of his beloved's slender stiff cock. He was in the same state, he also felt drops of wetness. He couldn't help himself. He looked down. Ron was beautiful, beautiful. His barely mature cock, battle hard was sheathed in a flesh colored silk sleeve. His own weapon had long since pulled out from it's cover. He longed to lock his sword with the lord's knife, or take his sword and plunge it so carefully between the dimpled perfect ass of his beloved. It took everything to restrain himself. It would be so easy now to take what he wanted from Ron, but he would never take from him, not ever. . He never wanted to hurt him, but Ron seemed to know that only sex would take away the pain and allow him to fill the dark moments so he could go on. He invited Dominic's hands to stroke him, first his silken thighs, and then move down to the more diminutive but perfectly shaped penis, and gently cup his small scrotum. Only the river now was their company. It was music in the background Ron tried to follow the Dominic's lead, and do the same back for him, but he was a bit clumsy with his inexperience. "No, just relax, and let me pleasure you, next time you can do the same for me." Dominic told him. "Oh good," Ron panted "there will be next time." "Do you like this?" he asked as he stroked his companions genitals "Oh yes, you know that I do." Ron was melting into bliss. Dominic moved him to his side and reached down to lick the soft puckered anus as he gently held his lean ass apart. The young lord was shivering now but not from the cold. He stopped and gently probed his finger in so he could find the spot to drive his lover crazy. "Do you like this?" "Oh yes, I love what you are doing, ohhhhh keep going." "I will slide another finger in if you'll allow but that is enough for tonight Ron. I do not want to hurt you, I will not hurt you! We have no oils here, and you should be gently prepared your first time as I seem to keep telling you." "As long as you promise that it will be your cock, to go down there.." "Yes, I promise, next time." "I want that, are you sure we can't now." "Not tonight darling, later, but not tonight. We can do other things now." "Eowooo" Ron rocked into his probing fingers. Dominic was himself becoming delirious with excitement from the pale soft flesh that was yearning for him in return, he felt the rush, and his seed was released against Ron's groin. He finally stopped as he was spent and their lips met. He kissed his lord for a long time before Ron stopped him. "Dominic, we have work to do, we can't play any longer." " Not now Ron, what kind of work?" "We have to go back to Joseph, and bury him." "You're probably right, if we wait for morning the wolves may get to him first. We have no shovels though, perhaps we'll have to return to camp, and ask for help." "No, they did not know Joseph, I owe him this even if I have to dig with my nails. He lost his life because of me." "The sand is wet by the river, we should be able to use stones and sticks. You're not afraid, and promise to be careful not to fall in again.?" "Yes, I promise." "Then wrap a blanket roman style, and we'll head upriver to find his body." The moon was bright making a trail of light, off in the distance they heard the howl of animals, and the peaceful cry of a sleeping herd of horses. Dominic realized quickly that Ron was used to wandering at night, having an innate sense of where to go once he knew his direction. The moonlight illuminated the pearlescent body of the monk Ron gasped when he first saw Joseph already half buried in the mud of an embankment. Justine quickly took his hand." "I'm so sorry Ron." "Let's hurry and do what we must. I wonder if Joseph's spirit is angry that this isn't hallowed ground?" "It is beautiful here, I am sure he is at peace." "He was kind to me, and he taught me a lot, he, he was my best tutor." The task was not an easy one for either of them. Dominic would have buried him alone but Ron insisted on doing his share. When it was done the boy sang the monk's favorite song. "I have to leave him an offering." "Perhaps we can find some flower's in the hills beyond, although they are mostly closed up at night and hard to see, we should be able to find some." "Dominic, I hate to pick flowers they make me sneeze, Joseph had that problem too, he wouldn't want flowers ." "And you were named after a flower, the spice from the crocus." "I dislike the name Saffron. When I get to Constantinople I will make sure that I am known only as Ron. I know, I will leave Joseph my knife, his spirit will know that it was precious to me as he was. I can always get another." "No, Yours is a solid blade, and you may need it, some vandal will just come along and pick it up anyway. lets find some shells for him instead." Ron agreed on the compromise, and they found several fresh oyster shells, and agates to leave as a marker. It was the very early hours of the morning when they finally arrived back at their makeshift camp where Dominic had left his horse. Ron was almost sleep walking from exhaustion. He lay down and fell into a peaceful sleep. Dominic covered him carefully, and wrapped his arms around him to keep him warm. Sleep evaded him as he watched over his young master. Dawn too soon kissed the beautiful youth radiating his glorious hair that would shine like a beacon from a distance. Dominic knew that it was time to return to camp, before they were discovered. He was sorely tempted to place Ron on his horse and ride far away in the opposite direction. Only his loyalty to the father kept him from following his instinct about Ron's safety. "Dominic?" Ron had risen while Dominic was thinking about leaving. Ron had his ear to the ground and was still stretched out, naked, his body a living statue of temptation, awake and intently listening. "Yes, what are you listening to?." Dominic felt the urgency to rekindle the passion, take him into his arms anew and slowly bare down into him, but there wasn't time, time was a thief and a tease. "I can hear the earth vibrating, or maybe it's the river. It sounds like Joseph when he snores, it's like he's telling me that he's happy now, and that he's glad for us. Can the earth really speak." Ron looked up and smiled at his boyfriend, thinking now that Dominic had all of the answers. "Have you ever seen a conch shell Ron?" "I've seen a drawing, they're from the ocean." "Conch shells have voices when you place them by your ear." "Then I hope the voice is always yours that I will hear." "Ron," he said softly as he fought against it and finally gathered his friend in his arms. "I wish we could stay here forever but I'm afraid that it's time to rise." "Oh, Dominic, can't we stay for awhile longer?, I don't want to go back. I only want to be here with you." "No, dearest we have to go back, he stroked the lord's hair, afraid to allow himself going any further with more caresses. We can't chance that they will find us like this. There will be other times." "You promise." "With all my heart." " When we return to camp, what will we tell them about Joseph?" "I think they'll know." "Kiss me, then I'll get up." "Alright you are a tease, I've never seen anyone more hungry for kisses, you want to drive me mad don't you?" "Yes" "Well your succeeding very well, I hear some movement, the soldiers are coming, quick get into your clothes" "They're still wet." "They shall have to do until we get back to camp, I would trade with you if I could Ron only we're a few sizes apart. You could wear my clothes, but it wouldn't be a good idea if I was discovered naked here" As soon as they dressed, and he had to help Ron put on his wet items, he told Ron to get up on his horse, as Joseph's horse had made its own way to camp. and he rode behind him.. He wrapped his arms about his lover, not caring that he too was getting wet, only wishing the ride could last forever. Too soon they were in camp. Genesios was there to greet them. "Goodness Saffron! You will get the death of a cold, go and change at once. Where is the Brother?" he was able to read the haunted look on the two riders faces, "Go then, do you need some help?" "Dominic, can help me." "Dominic is a soldier, he does not help boys dress. Do you want an attendant?" "No! I can take care of myself, thank you." As soon as the young lord took off Genesios turned to Dominic. "Is the monk dead?" "Yes, he drowned." "Very sad, very unfortunate. Be warned now Dominic, you must leave Saffron alone. We are only a few days ride to Varna where we will travel by boat across the Black Sea. He will be alright." "He has an enemy here, I fear for him." "Then do what you have to do, just keep your hands off of him." That night when he called for Dominic to stay with him Genesios told him that Dominic had to stay outside and guard his caravan. "He can guard me better if he's beside me." "Saffron, you can not have him sleep with you. It is most improper. There will be too much talk." "I am the titled lord, therefore Genesios I should give the orders." He laughed at Ron, "Now you sound like your father's son. Alright young lord I will give you some advice as I would your father. It is not you who would be hurt, but Dominic. You could get away with having him for your lover now as you are a lord, but Dominic would take a beating from his own men, and they could even kill him for taking advantage of you when you return to Constantinople, even thought it was your idea, and you were the one to demand the relationship." "Then what can I do, I can not live without him." "Be smart and figure out the rules, then you will learn how to break them. Be careful now that you cause no stories to proceed you to Constantinople. Those you love become the bait for your invisible enemies." "Let me talk to him." "For a moment, then he must go on guard duty." The eunuch left to get the soldier. "Stay briefly. "he told Dominic. Dominic went into Ron's private shelter. He would give anything to now hold his beloved, but caution ruled both of them. "Dominic, please listen to me, I love you and I fear I am too inexperienced to play this game but as I have no choice I want to give you something." He handed Dominic a gold chain. "Wear this for me and know that someday we will be together as the links of this. Genesios has warned me that I am on display, and it is I who can hurt you very badly if people see me favor you." Dominic was overwhelmed, how did Ron so quickly grasp all this. It spoke well for his survival, as Dominic now sensitized to him was more aware of court politics "You know that I would willingly die for you my lord, but I too would never do anything to hurt you. I will always be close watching over you, but I shall do nothing that they might use against you. I too wish for you to have something of mine to know that I am yours. I have heard that you love books, and I have one to give to you. It's the 'Barrlaam and Josaphat Tales, and The Romance of Alexander.'" Ron was touched knowing that a book was rare, it was probably the only one that Dominic owned. "I will treasure it dearly." "I must go now, darling Ron, but know I will be just a few feet away outside." "Don't go yet, I might kiss you at least." The kiss was deep and warm. Dominic had taught Ron to wrap his tongue, and explore with a life of it's own, sensual and suggestive of other pleasures. It was almost impossible to part. Then Ron felt very alone, the enormity of what was before him scared him, but he knew that he would get through this. Dominic was his only friend, as he didn't quite trust Genesios. Of the others, he knew that at least one of them conspired against him and the rest treated him in the same impersonal way he was treated by servants at home. He would show them that he was more than just the 'pretty boy' they referred to him as because of his baby face, If he had to he would now become more a man for the sake of Dominic, and the sacrifice that Joseph had made for him. There were in for a surprise if they thought him to be timid, and malleable ....