James Stuart
the Erotic Historian

Monastery Tales

Chapters 3-4

Chapter 3
Dinner at the Abbot's

Leo found that his duties consisted of more than just fetching documents or books required by the working monks. In addition he was required to regular tour the desks of the scribes, and insure their ink wells were not getting low. If so, then he would fill them up from a large casket. Sometimes, one of the brothers would request a glass of water for refreshment. In short, he was the odd job man, called upon to do any tedious duty no one else wanted. There were also long periods when the boy had nothing to do at all, and in these times he would try to study the index system, or would walk round the library to help familiarise himself with where all the different books were. The young lad was determined to be able to locate a book or document as quickly as possible, and thus create a good impression of himself. This would help ensure his continuation in this job.

A couple of times throughout the day he saw Marco come into the library on a message delivering errand, and although the boys would exchange smiles, they could not say anything. In a long dull period in the afternoon he amused himself by looking through some of the books. However he had to keep an eye over the working men, in case any were raising a hand to summon him. At the end of the day, he was rewarded with the librarian saying that he had so far performed adequately, which the boy took as meaning he could come the next day. Overall the job had it's ups and downs, but in comparison to the hard labour he had been subjected to in the previous weeks, it was by far preferably.

That evening Leo felt more alive then any previous weekday, and he and Marco made love passionately for an hour following bedtime. They finally fell asleep in each others' arms, Leo thinking how much better it felt to be exhausted after a long sex session, rather than following a day weeding vegetables.

The next day was much the same as the first, yet on the Wednesday the boy met his first real challenge. One of the senior monks had requested a document detailing some of the discussions at an ecclesiastical conference many years earlier. The young lad had scanned the index without success, and even dashed round the library shelves, and yet had come up with nothing. He started to panic that he was going to fail, and although reluctant, he decided to go to young Brother Nicolas, and ask him if he knew where it might be.

The monk considered it for a while, then whispered.

"It must be amongst the old archives, a lot of these were never indexed. These are stored in a room through there," and he pointed at a large oak door on the far side of the library. The boy immediately set off towards the door, more than a little intrigued to see what was behind it, as he had never seen anyone pass in or out of the room. It opened quietly, and he slipped inside, closing it behind him. There was a short corridor, and then it opened out into a small room, stacked with various piles of books, documents and other junk. Leo was scanning the room, wondering where to start looking for the document, when his eyes met those of a monk, sat down within the room. Both of them jumped slightly from surprise, and the monk immediately put down the quill he had been holding. He was quite a handsome man, in his middle twenties, with dark brown hair and a cleanly shaven face. Like the scribes, he had a book he was writing before him, and also another he was copying from beside it. The moment the initial surprise had gone, the man broke into a wide smile for the newcomer.

"I'm… I'm… sorry to have disturbed you Brother," Leo whispered, "I was not expecting anyone to be in here."

"That's all right boy, I don't get many guests. You really do not have to whisper in here, no one can hear us through that thick door. Anyway, come closer, I can hardly see you standing there." In truth the room was rather dark, and the monk was sat next to the small window providing the only illumination. Leo walked up until he stood right before the man, who smiled once more when he saw what an attractive youth the boy was.

"What's your name child?"

"Leo."

"That's a nice name, I'm Brother Manuel, and I'm pleased to make your acquaintance." He offered the boy his hand, who shook it, pleased he had been consider worthy of such a greeting.

"Why don't you work in the library, like the other scribes?" the boy asked.

"Well I find it more peaceful in here, and it least I can belch without everyone glaring at me."

Leo laughed at his comment, it was rare to hear a monk crack a joke.

"Can I see what you are doing?" he asked.

"Of course, it would be a pleasure to show you, I'm afraid there are no other chairs to offer you, but you can use my knee," and the man patted his left knee, which the lad sat down on. Unfortunately in the process he almost sent the ink well flying, which was perched precariously on the left edge of the table, but Manuel just managed to catch it.

"Sorry," the young boy said.

"That's ok, it is a rather small table, I've often knocked over the stupid thing myself."

Leo looked down at the page the man was writing. It was almost finished, having been copied from the other book beside it. The writing was beautiful, much better than the original, something the boy commented on.

"That's nice of you to say, though it is time consuming work. Look at the first letter," and he pointed to a large letter T, that spanned the height of the first six lines. "That alone took me a whole day. You can understand why I am very careful to ensure I do not make a mistake near the end, and have to do the whole thing again."

"What's the book about?" Leo asked. He had read the first few sentences of the Latin text, but it was from the middle of the book, and was very vague.

"Oh, it details the life of a monk that lived a few centuries back. We have borrowed the book from another monastery, and I am making a copy. It discusses the many good things the man did, such as persuading kings to make peace, feeding the poor, and helping the sick."

"He must have been a great man," Leo said.

"Well he would have been, if what the book says is completely true," the man said with a laugh. "But it is important to realise that this was written over a hundred years after the man had died, and by a monk living in a monastery he had founded. Clearly one would wish to write a glowing account of one's own patron, in order to perhaps have him considered for sainthood. Such an honour would enormously increase the prestige of the monastery the author lived in."

Leo was a bit shocked that a book written by a monk could state anything but the whole truth, yet he was flattered that the man had been so open with him. This was in sharp contrast to the curt answers he got from other brothers, who told him never to question what he is told.

"Nevertheless it is a fine story," Manuel continued, "and I am sure there are some genuine facts, hidden in amongst the propaganda."

The two continued to chat, and the boy was often laughing as the jolly monk told him some of the odd, and sometimes contradictory passages within the book. He felt he could relax in the presence of this man, something he had never been able to do with any other adult, except his mother. However, he suddenly remembered why he came in here, and panicked when he realised he had been keeping the monk requesting the document waiting. With Brother Manuel's help, he quickly located the document, and rushed out to deliver it. As it happens, the old man had forgotten he asked for it, and Leo was annoyed he had not remained longer with the other monk.

Over the next week, the boy found reasons to go into the old archive room, and chat with its occupant on two further occasions. He enjoyed his time there, though he knew he could never stay long, in case he was needed back in the main library.

Outside of his work hours Marco was ensuring that Leo's sexual education was not neglected.

"You really need to have sex with some boys other than just me, if your going to get any better at it," the young blond boy said, "Besides it is a lot of fun doing it in a group."

"Great, who shall we do it with?"

"Well to start with some of the other junior novices, I am friendly with a number that make sure everyone gets some fun. You understand that this is going to mean you getting a cock up your hole more often."

"I don't mind, it has not hurt at all the last few times you did me."

"Well that's because my prick is only little," Marco answered. "One of the boys I have in mind is 14 and has quite a big cock for his age, he will definitely want to bugger such an attractive youth as you. Oh, and another thing, don't mention that I fucked you, and we should not do it when other people are around."

"What, I don't understand," Leo said.

"Well basically, in any sex involving boys or men, it's always the younger, smaller boy that gets ass fucked, not the other way round."

"That doesn't make much sense, then it's always the bigger tool going into the smallest hole."

"Well that's as maybe, but it's always been that way, and I guess it always will be. When a younger boy is fucked by an older one, the young boy gains status in the eyes of his peers and his elders, because he has been brave enough to take a big cock in his tight ass. However, when an elder boy is fucked by a younger, he loses status, for allowing himself to be used in that way. It sounds silly, but it's all a kind of power game, and status and honour are everything to many people."

"Does that mean you can't fuck me anymore," Leo asked.

"Oh, of course I can, if you'll let me, what we do in secret between us is another matter."

"I still have a lot to learn on the social rules of this matter," Leo commented.

Thus Marco arranged sex sessions, normally during their break period, with a number of groups of junior novices, and once or twice some senior novices as well. At these Leo got his first taste of semen, as some of the older boys shot off whilst he was blowing them. His initial reaction was to spit the stuff out, but remembering that the younger lads always swallowed it, he forced himself to do the same. It had an odd taste and texture, but he was sure he would get used to it. Not surprisingly, the older boys were lining up to fuck the attractive boy from Southern Italy. Although none of their pricks were as large as the monk's that had claimed Leo's virginity, he found the horny young teenagers pounded his butt somewhat more energetically than the elderly man. Thus Leo found his lessons in taking it up the ass where still rather painful ones, but as his friend had said, this eventually lessened, and he soon found he was enjoying it more and more. Yet he did not simply have to serve the lusts of the elder boys, he got to fuck his fair share of pretty lads who were either younger than him, or about the same age. Also, the rule about not getting fucked by a younger boy, did not seem to apply to oral sex, where boys would suck each other regardless of the age or hierarchical position of their partner. Leo was also introduced to the novel experience of buggering a boy, at the same time as getting fucked oneself, the sandwich, as Marco called it. The little blond boy said he loved that, and the elder lad agreed that it was an incredibly pleasurable position.

It was the Tuesday of the week after he had first met the young monk in the archive room, when Leo was wondering if he could risk another quick visit, that the library was graced with a visit by the abbot himself.

Leo had only seen the abbot a few times, and this was during some of the evening chapel services. His young friend had been right in saying this man was frequently away, and it seemed he made himself scarce during the time he was actually in the place. The man was a rather tubby, though jolly looking gentleman, in his middle forties. He had only a few wisps of hair on his otherwise baldhead, and wore a thick gold chain round his check, plus a number of rings. These expensive looking adornments certainly stood him apart from the other austerely clad monks. Clearly the man had not come in to fetch a book, as he would have sent for that, but was instead touring round chatting with the senior monks, or inspecting the work of the many scribes. He was accompanied by the librarian, and as the pair started walking towards where Leo sat, the young boy began to scan the library index in front of him, in an effort to look busy.

"Well, well, I did not know we were taking on monks this young as scribes," the abbot said as he came up to the lad.

"He is not a scribe, father," Brother Domingos said, "He is just helping out in here, to free the younger monks from some of the lesser duties."

"At least he is much prettier than the other workers here. I'm surprised I have not seen the boy before. Tell me child, how long have you been here?"

"About a month, father," Leo replied.

"A whole month! I really should talk to the registrar about making sure I meet the new novices on arrival. It's a shame I have so little time to become more acquainted with all my charges. Are you happy here, my child."

"Yes, father," Leo answered, knowing that it would be unwise to give any other answer.

"Splendid," the man said. He stared a little longer at the boy, he was truly ravishing the abbot thought. Still, he had to move on, there was more involved in running a monastery than admiring it's pretty novices. However, just after he had taken a few paces away, he suddenly turned round.

"I have just remembered, I am having my nephew visit for dinner on Saturday and will need someone to serve us. Perhaps you would not mind that small task, maybe then I can get to know you better."

"Yes of course I will help," Leo said, realising it was as much of an order as a request.

"Good, be at my apartments at six, and bring a friend with you, it will be easier if there are two boys."

"Yes, father, thank you." Leo felt that he needed to be grateful to be given such an honour, even though it would be himself that was providing the service. Mind you, he did not resent having to do the task, as he would have otherwise been engaged in similar work in the kitchens helping with the dinner for the other monks and novices. He was also rather looking forward to having a peek inside the Abbot's personal quarters, which he had heard were rather grand.

It was no difficult matter deciding whom he would ask to accompany him, and Marco was over the moon when he heard what they were going to do.

"That's brilliant, I've always wanted to look inside the abbot's whole apartment, I've only ever seen his office. That's when I go to deliver or take messages, and that room alone is very nice. Besides, just think of the advantages we would gain if we could become one of Father Francisco's personal favourites. Opportunities like this are rare, we really have to grab them when they come up."

Leo laughed at his young friend's comment, he always seemed to on the lookout for a new way to improve his lot.

"Well maybe the abbot is not into boys. Perhaps he is not easily tempted when offered some comely lad's bottom to fuck."

"What! I heard the old man is the biggest buggerer of the lot of them in here. I have been told he regularly has one or two boys stay the night in his apartments with him, and there aint much sleeping goes on either. If you see a boy with bleary eyes and an odd walk, there's a good chance he spent the night riding the abbot's cock."

"If that is the case, I don't see why you haven't already snared him then. You seemed to have most of the senior monks in your power."

Marco laughed at that comment. "Well not quite, but anyway with the abbot I don't have much a chance. I've heard he prefers older boys, basically lads about your age. I don't think he gives us young'uns much thought."

"Well come Saturday, maybe you can show him the error of his ways, and prove that even little lads have a lot to offer." Marco grinned at that, and said he would try his best.

Saturday soon arrived, though not soon enough for young Marco, who was greatly looking forward to the boys' forthcoming adventure with the head man. They were outside the large wooden door that led to the great man's apartment bang on time, and after knocking, were met by a young brother who was the abbot's personal assistant. He led them down a long wide corridor, that was decorated with some fine carpets and pictures, and into a small kitchen. Here was another man, though he was dressed in civilian clothing, and was clearly not a monk. Since the man was busy cooking, Leo guessed he was a professional chef, probably from Milan, that had been hired for the day. Obviously the Abbot did not consider the monastery cooking up to the job of providing a good enough meal for his nephew.

"Here are the two boys that will do the serving, and help you with the meal. The Abbot and his guest are in the dinning room now, so you can start serving them anytime your ready. I'm off now, unless there is anything else you need."

The cook said there was nothing, and warmly greeted the two boys as soon as the monk had gone. There were a number of pots bubbling over the cooking fire, as well as some fine cuts of meat. The friendly man insisted that the boys taste some of each dish, and by comparison to the meals they normally got, it was truly magnificent.

"Tuck in boys, there is a lot more than our two noble guests can eat. The taste of good food can be ruined if brought in by servers who look starving themselves."

Leo and Marco were only too happy to do as he asked, but they also helped him by chopping some vegetables, or other similar tasks.

"The first course will be the soup," the man said, and handed a large bowl of the steaming liquid to Leo, the small serving bowls, a ladle, and a jug of wine to the younger boy. "Remain with the guests until they have finished, topping up their bowls, or serving wine as they request." The two boys then passed through another door leading off the kitchen, to where, the cook said, they will find the dining room.

What a surprise the pair got when they walked inside. The room was massive, at least as large as the junior novices' dormitory, which was home to 40 boys. A massive oaken table took up the centre, which was long and thin, with chairs along each side, and one on each end. Like the corridor, the room was decorated with beautiful paintings, and religious artefacts. Clearly it must have been expensive to furnish this room alone. Still, no doubt it was used when the abbot entertained important guests, and had to look good to enhance the prestige of the monastery. As Leo walked further into the room, he noticed that there was a set of double doors along one wall, and as these were open he could see another, similarly sized room beyond, filled with comfortable chairs and sofas, and no doubt functioned as a lounge. Further doors led off both rooms, leading, Leo guessed, to the abbot's, or guests' bedchambers.

The abbot and his nephew sat at either end of long table, and were having to talk quite loudly to each other in order to be heard. They stopped chatting when the boys entered, and turned to gaze at the newcomers. A slight look of disappointment went over Francisco's face, when he saw the boy Leo had chosen to accompany him. He had rather assumed the boy would bring along someone of his own age. All the same, he had often seen the young messenger boy before, and had always consider him a pretty child, with a great deal of promise for the future.

"Ahh, dinner is served at last," the abbot said, "My dear Luis, I've brought in a special cook today, so hopefully you will have a good meal. Come on boys, serve it out."

As the two boys served the men, the abbot introduced his two young servers, though he had to ask Leo to remind him of his name. His nephew, Luis, smiled at the boys. He was a handsome young man, in his early twenties, clean shaven with straight brown hair and brown eyes. His fine dress cut him out as a striking figure compared to the drab clothing of those in the monastery. The young man did not miss the liberties the abbot was taking with the children as they served him, for the old man was constantly rubbing the boy's bums whenever they bent over to pour out some soup or wine. Up until the boys had entered, the two men had been chatting about the latest gossip concerning the family estate, and other local matters. Yet with the arrival of dinner, Luis decided to change the direction of the discussion.

"Now, Father, I really think it is unlikely you invited me simply to hear about the latest illness of poor old Aunt Sophie."

"True, true, you are such a perceptive lad, though I am always interested to hear what is going on back home. I really must find the time to visit one day. However, I wanted to invite you here to talk about your future, have you given it any thought?"

"I'm not sure what you mean, I'm reasonably happy at the moment," the young man answered.

"I'm not surprised, living the high life all the time, and at your dear Papa's expense. I don't wish to tempt fate, but you know that your father is not a well man, he may only last a few more years."

"He will get better, I hope," Luis said, rather sadly, as if he did not believe it himself.

"God willing, yes, but you must think of your future. You know that according to our laws, that stupid oaf of a brother of yours will inherit everything. I really can not see him supporting you in the manner to which you have become accustomed."

"It's a harsh law," Luis replied.

Harsh although it was, it had in fact not always been like that, as going way back virtually all the nobility of Europe had descended from German tribes, like the Franks, the Goths and the Lombards. Ancient Germanic custom divided a dead man's wealth and property equally between his living sons. This even applied to kings, causing kingdoms to be broken up. However, this caused so many wars, as brother fought brother to reunify the old territory, that the system of one man takes all was rightly considered better.

"True, so it is, but you know that you have always been my favourite nephew, and I want to ensure you are not left completely penniless."

The young man smiled at his uncle's comments, which were true, not made in jest. Luis was by far the most intelligent of the abbot's nephews, and was also, in no small way, the most handsome. The abbot had enjoyed anytime he had had with Luis as a boy in the past, and it was one of his eternal regrets, that he had never had the opportunity to taste the boy's flesh.

"Maybe I can find a job somewhere," Luis said.

"Maybe, there is always a need for a clever lad like yourself, though I already have something in mind for you. I wondered whether you would consider becoming a monk, and coming to work here at the monastery."

"I never really considered a career in the church, I don't know if I'm suitable qualified."

"Nonsense, anybody can become a monk."

"Well maybe, but I'm not sure the life of a monk is all to my tastes. Once you have a senior position, like yours Father, then that, maybe, is not too bad, but I don't fancy the years as a humble monk waiting to move up the hierarchy."

"That's why I want you here, I am an ambitious man, and when the present pope is taken into God's hands, which given his health maybe sooner rather than later, then I will try to get that position, or at the very least another senior position in Rome. That would leave the position of abbot here vacant, and I am sure I could arrange it that you would succeed me."

Luis was rather taken back by this offer, as it would give him a very powerful job indeed in just a short time.

"But surely," he said, "I would be too young for such a senior clerical position."

"Nonsense, I have known cases of boys of just three years of age being appointed bishops. Granted, this is for political reasons, and they would have no real power until they came of age, but it goes to show that age is not a factor in the selection process."

"But wouldn't there be older, more experienced monks here, that would expect the job instead?"

"Such senior positions are not chosen on basis of merit my boy, nor indeed on experience. Knowing the right people is what matters, and being the chosen successor of the out going abbot is a big advantage. I know that Brother Alberti considers himself as the natural choice to succeed me, but I do not like the man that much, and would be happier leaving the abbey in your hands."

The abbot continued to talk to the young man about the advantages of taking up his offer, though Luis knew there was a major snag. He waited until the two boys had departed to fetch the main course, and then, after glancing around to ensure the walls did not have ears, he said.

"Father, there is something you must be aware of, though I am frightened to admit this. I am having major doubts about the existence of God, and thus I am not sure I could conduct a life in the church."

The young man was stunned when his uncle started to laugh.

"My dear boy, if belief in the Lord was a pre-requisite for my line of work, I am certain we would lose some of the church's most senior members. My opinion is that one's own beliefs are a private matter, and it is not necessary to agree with all the church's teachings in order to conduct them. As long as you keep such thoughts to yourself, there should not be a problem."

The two continued to debate the necessity of faith in order to teach the Lord's words, but this came to a quick end when the two serving boys returned to the dining room, laden with various pots that contained the next course.

"Hmmm, this looks absolutely delicious," Father Francisco said, as he surveyed the plate of steaming meat and vegetables before him. As it happened, the two boys already knew how tasty it was, on the grounds that they had been stuffing their faces with the same dishes just before they had come back in.

The two men returned to the subject of life at the estate where Luis lived, and also discussed various current issues in local and national politics. However as they were nearing the end of the dessert course, Francisco again started trying to persuade his nephew to come to the abbey, and started to pressurise the young man to saying yes immediately. However despite both the wealth and power that would come as the leader of an important abbey, Luis was still not sure that he was ready to spend his remaining days in a brown cloak, and having to sit for hours in chapel. Yet there was another, even bigger disadvantage, one that he was sure would end the discussion, and although it was another sensitive subject, he brought it up even though the boys were still present in the room.

"Uncle, I can not possible be a monk, as I have no wish to remain celibate, I enjoy sex too much."

The older man laughed at this, he had been expecting his nephew to mention this at some point.

"My dear little bear, you have so much still to learn," the abbot said, and the young man blushed at his Uncle's use of his childhood pet name. Francisco had not refereed to Luis as 'little bear' for some years, though the young man knew his uncle was only being affectionate.

"Just because there is a rule of celibacy for the monkhood, simply means one has to be more discreet," Francisco continued, "but I assure you, I still have a very active sex life."

"Do you mean you smuggle women into this place?" Luis asked.

"Well no, that would be rather difficult, however this place does provide a substitute, which although is not quite the same, is, in my opinion, much superior."

The young man looked rather confused at his Uncle, he was still not sure what the man was talking about. Father Francisco detected this, and a broad grin spread across his face.

"I agree that female flesh is hard to come by, but then think about what it is in a woman that you like to have lying by you. Is it not her soft flesh, her smooth, almost hairless body, her hot willing lips, and her tight cunt or ass. Is it not that you enjoy joining with one that you socially dominate, one that becomes your sexual play thing, and will perform you most perverted desire?"

Luis just gulped, he had never heard his Uncle talk in this way, and although shocked, he was spellbound by the older man's seductive, cunning talk. Although his nephew did not answer the abbot's question, his silence was all the elder man required, once more he smiled.

"Well all of what I have just described is available, in large quantity, right here, and the fellow here is a prime example," and with that Francisco reached out and grabbed Leo by the arm, pulling the boy onto his lap. "Well ok, I agree he has no cunt, but at least that means you don't risk getting any unwanted pregnancies."

Luis looked rather shocked when it finally struck him what the abbot was talking about. Of course he was not so naïve that he had never heard of the concept of men having sex with boys. In the many dubious taverns he had frequented over the years, he had often seen men flirting with the serving boys. Yet the idea of doing this himself had never really occurred to him, assuming such a thing was done by men that could obtain nothing better. Ever since his teens he had always had women surrounding him, willing to give him their favours, in the hope that the young noble man might make them his wife.

"But, but… surely they are too young," Luis complained.

"Nonsense, they are hornier than you and I, did you not play with yourself as a boy?"

"Well, err, yes," the young man rather reluctantly admitted. "but no one else played with me."

"Well that was your loss," and mine, the abbot thought.

"And you say these boys will do anything you want?"

"Of course, and they love every minute of it, look I will show you," and Father Francisco turned to the boy on his knee and said, "Stand up and raise your frock."

Leo was not surprised at the order. Given all the touching and groping the abbot had been doing to himself and Marco, he knew that it was eventually going to come to this. Clearly the abbot had not invited him over simply to serve dinner. The boy slowly pulled up his grey garment, almost teasing the abbot as he gradually revealed more and more of his slender legs, beautiful thighs, and then eventually his hairless cock and balls. Leo had realised what the abbot was talking about long before the nephew, and all the sexual talk had started to turn him on, so his young penis was already half hard. When the man reached out and grabbed his rod, it only took a few pulls and it was fully erect.

"You see, Luis, how quickly they are aroused." The abbot started to gently caress the boy's skin, particularly the fleshy cheeks of his bottom. "Obviously, it has been so long since you last stroked yourself as a boy of this age, have you forgotten how soft and warm the flesh is, how beautifully smooth the skin is, look, this boy has not a hair on his body."

Luis was looking very hard indeed, he could not understand why he found the sight of this ravishing child so erotic. It must be the wine, he tried to convince himself.

"Go and join my nephew," Francisco ordered the boy.

Leo shuffled over to the far end of the table, his frock still held around his belly. He was quite enjoying his role as the seducer, and slowly walked over to the man, before halting just inches before him.

"Well go, on, touch him, see if I speak the truth, don't tell me you don't want to," Francisco taunted.

At this moment there was nothing the young man wanted more in the world, although he felt there was a voice inside him, screaming at him to resist. Yet the flesh is so much weaker than the soul, and so looking up into the boy's face, and seeing not the agonised face of a frightened child, but a rather impish grin, he reached out his hand and touched the naked skin. The man's caresses were gentle, as if he was touching something that was fragile.

"Touch him properly, Man," the abbot shouted, "don't worry he wont break. The child's body is yours to enjoy, just let your desires govern you actions."

Leo glanced over to the far end of the table, and noticed that Marco was now naked, with the abbot having a rather vigorous grope of the boy's private parts. Father Francisco had decided, rather reluctantly, to let Luis have, what he considered, to be the most attractive boy, and he would thus settle for the young child that was remaining. He knew there would be another day when he could enjoy the charms of the ravishing dark haired lad. Marco had jumped up to the abbot with a squeal of joy when the man had motioned him to come towards him. He had been getting a bit worried that he would be ignored, and when summoned had quickly discarded his robe, uncovering his rock hard penis. He displayed it proudly, even if it was rather small. Francisco continued with his lecture.

"Grab the lovely cheeks of his ass in both hands, see how delicate and fine they are, but full and firm at the same time. Stroke the skin inside the boys thighs, just below his crouch, do you not agree that it is softer and smoother than that of any women you have enjoyed?"

As the man spoke, he performed the actions on the tender lad in front of him. Luis took the advice he was given, though he was not so rough as the elder man, lightly running his hands over the boy, which was starting to make Leo very horny indeed.

"Pull on his prick, see how much the little devil loves it," the abbot said, and was putting actions to his word by wanking young Marco quite vigorously. Luis took the elder boy's hard penis carefully between two fingers, and began to carefully manipulate it, as if he was worried that it might snap off. After a short while of this, Leo got a bit frustrated, and using his own hand showed the man how he really wanted it doing.

"Now then Leo," Francisco shouted over, "Show my nephew that a boy can kiss every bit as well as a woman."

Leo was a little concerned whether or not he could fulfil this command, he was after all still quite new to these sexual games. All the same, it was clear that that the young man was even less experienced in same sex encounters, and the boy was really enjoying the situation where he had to play teacher to this dashing fellow. Since it was awkward holding up his frock, he removed it completely, and then leaned down to the still seated man, gently kissing him on the eyes, the cheeks and finally directly on the lips. It was something Marco had once done to him, and as he had enjoyed it so much, he thought he would try the same thing. He held the kiss for a while, before slivering his tongue into the man's mouth, quickly intertwining it with the one already there. Luis was not at all unfamiliar with French kissing, and willing submitted to the boy's probing tongue, before pulling on the back of the youngster's head to draw him deeper.

After some time spent touching and kissing the boys, the abbot was very aroused, and rather keen that his own prick should get a little stimulation. He pushed away Marco, whom he had also been deep kissing, and stood up. He then removed the various adornments from around his neck, before pulling his fine robe over his head. He wore nothing underneath, and stood before the 11 year as nude as the child was.

"I assume you enjoy having your penis sucked, well stand up, and the boy will do just that," Francisco shouted over, "This young imp shall perform the same service for me."

The two at the far end of the table broke off their kissing, and looked over to man. Leo was not too surprised to see that the abbot had gotten undressed, though Francisco's nephew was absolutely stunned. He had never seen his Uncle naked before, and he hardly expected that he ever would. The man was not the prettiest sight, his body was rather hairy, and his large belly hung rather low. However there was little doubting that he was ready for action, his prick was fully hard, and although thin was very long. Yet Leo had to stifle a laugh when he first caught sight of it, as the abbot's cock had a very sharp bend in it half way along, and looked rather comical.

"Come on man, get up and drop your trousers, the child can not suck you as you are." Luis was more than a little embarrassed about having to strip in front of his uncle and the boys, yet he was now the only one wearing any clothes at all. He slowly got to his feet, and the moment he had done so, Leo fell to his knees and started to undo the young man's belt. That achieved, the cheeky kid pulled down the breeches before there was any chance to complain, and out popped a very hard, and quite large adult cock. Luis could hardly back out now, how much he was enjoying this was plain to everyone's eyes, and he started to love it even more when he felt his prick slowly slipping between the boy's soft lips. Leo had sucked a fair number of pricks in the last few weeks, and he thus set about trying to do the best job he could, eager to please the young man, and as a consequence, the abbot. The boy let the large cock head slip all the way to the back of his throat, and he started to breathe through his nose, one of the techniques he had learnt. He was hanging on to the man's legs, and from the shivers he could detect, Leo was fairly certain that he was doing a good job.

The abbot watched the performance for a while, happy to see his favourite nephew having such a good time. He could see that Leo seemed to know what he was doing, and was certainly not just a pretty face, although he excelled in that department too. The young man's butt was smooth and hairless, and twitching as he received his blow job. Francisco was certain his nephew would have been such a beauty as a young teenager, what a shame he never saw him naked then. "I bet that's as good a suck as you ever had from one of your whores," the old man commented, and having seen his fill he took hold of the back of Marco's head, and guided the younger boy's mouth onto his own straining penis.

The last statement was certainly something Luis agreed with, and he closed his eyes, and let the wonderful sensations take over his body. He lost all track of time, but was eventually brought to the present when he heard a heavy slapping sound, and a fair amount of grunting at the far end of the table. He opened his eyes to look over, and was shocked to see that the young blond boy was now bent over the table, and his Uncle was slamming in and out of the child's butt. Having decided he fancied a fuck, the abbot had guided the boy onto the table, and had pushed his bent cock up the kid's tight hole, which soon straightened it out. Marco's bottom was a bit skinny for the abbot's liking, he preferred a lad with fuller, firmer butt cheeks that he could bounce off with each stroke. He was soon pounding the boy with some force, as if it was poor Marco's fault that he was too little. Fortunately the child was no stranger to a large prick up his fundament, though he was quickly getting rather sore.

"Well boy, what are you waiting for, offer the nice man your bottom," Francisco shouted when he noticed that the other two were now looking his way. Leo jumped up at the command, and, after cheekily kissing the young man full on the lips, he lay himself across the table.

As it happens, Luis had never engaged in anal sex before, having been perfectly happy with his female partners' more usual hole. However, right then he wanted nothing more than to shove his meat up that boy's beautiful ass. All the same, he was concerned about hurting the kid, he could see from the expressions on the younger boy's face, that being ass fucked was not without its discomforts. However, when he observed Leo, prise apart his wonderful globes with his hands, then grin at the man, such concerns were soon discarded, and rushing forward he quickly lined himself up and penetrated the boy. Moments later Luis discovered for the first time the ecstasy produced by the tight anal muscles of a boy. He started fucking slowly, but as his pleasure increased he quickened his pace, and was soon buggering Leo only a little less forcefully than his uncle was doing to Marco. Luis' thoughts went blank, all he could feel was his cock as it slipped in and out of the boy before him, and the sweat ran down his back, as his entire energy went into his thrusting actions. He wanted it to last for ever, but a man is incapable of such a feat, and so eventually he went stiff, shoved his cock into the hilt, and then shot his load deep into the boy's bowels.

After lying on the boy for a few minutes, Luis rose, and pulled himself out, still gasping for breath. Leo got up rather stiffly soon after, and Luis smiled when he saw a small pool of cum on the table, showing that the boy had also climaxed. He felt a bit guilty that he had not considered the boy's pleasure's throughout the buggering, but it was the same when he was with a woman. At the end it was only achieving his own orgasm that occupied his thoughts. Many a time he had lain next to a female that he had just fucked, and wondered if she too had climaxed. He chuckled to himself that at least this time he had no doubt.

Marco and the abbot had already finished, and the young blond boy was sitting on the old man's knee with a big grin on his face. It was clear he was rather proud that he had managed to satisfy Father Francisco, no doubt the little lad would be considering all the ways he could turn this to his advantage. Luis also took his seat, and without asking Leo sat in his lap. The young man's prick was limp now, but he still had not pulled his trousers up.

"Well, what do you think of that, my lad," Francisco said to his nephew.

"It was pretty good."

"Yes, I bet you never thought you could have such fun with just a simple boy. Anyway, there is a price to pay. I assure you, that now you have felt the pleasures of a boy's ass, it will never be quite the same again if you lie with a woman. Personally, I only fuck boys now."

Luis was rather taken back by his Uncle's crude language, not at all fitting a senior monk. Still, considering what had just happened, it was hardly the worst sin of the man. The two men chatted a while longer, about the various pleasures of the flesh, and Luis almost without thinking found himself playing with the child on his knee. He was astonished when he realised that the boy had gone erect again. The abbot was right about one thing, the boys were certainly easily aroused, and obviously did not lack in energy.

"Oh, I almost forgot, I have got something for you, Father," Luis announced. He pulled out a small box, and handed it to the boy, instructing him to take it down to the other man. Leo jumped off his knee, and walked down, giving the young man a fine view of the boy's freshly fucked ass. Father Francisco lightly slapped Marco's rump to indicate to him to jump off his knee, and then took the box from the elder boy. He opened it, and then held it up close to his face to examine the contents, as clearly the old man's eyes were not in as good working order as his prick. The way he held the box, neither boy could see what was inside, but it was unlikely this was a deliberate action. After a short while the man chuckled, then closed the box and thanked his nephew for the present. Leo was rather curious to know what it was, but knew that it was not his place to ask.

The abbot reached over and pulled both boys onto his knees, where he continued to kiss and caress them.

"Well then Luis, do you think that there are certain advantages here that could persuade you to come and join us."

The young man had to admit that life here would be a lot more fun than he had originally thought. However it was a big step, and he told his uncle that he would have to think it over. One thing was certain, he would never again think so lowly of the men he had seen chasing boys. Now he thought about, he remembered that there are often homely boys hanging around, also seeking his attention, and no doubt a portion of his wallet. Maybe he would do a bit of boy hunting himself.

Chapter 4
A Walk in the Abbey

It was with such happy thoughts in his mind that made him so completely unprepared for what was to happen next. As he rounded the corner, he walked straight into someone coming the other way, and both of them fell over startled. The other person was not alone, he was in fact in a fair sized group, but when Leo caught sight of the face of the figure he had collided with, his heart suddenly froze. There, staring right back at him, with a face red with anger, was none other than Benito.

Benito was a senior novice, as were the companions around him. The boy was 17, and came from one of the most powerful families in the area. Leo had never had anything to do with him before, but he did remember that Marco had once pointed him out, and said he was the meanest, most arrogant senior novice in the monastery, and was well worth steering clear of.

"You stupid fool, didn't you look where you are going," the older boy yelled.

"I'm… I'm… so sorry," Leo whimpered back, "I was deep in thought, I didn't hear you, I'm really sorry."

"Irrelevant shits like you are supposed to just work, not think," the bigger boy yelled back, and he whacked the lad on the side of his head, causing poor Leo to yell out in pain. Benito climbed to his feet, and then hauled the kid up as well. The other boys crowded round, and Leo was besides himself with fear, not knowing what they were going to do with him.

"What's your name?" Benito demanded.

"Leo."

"Never heard of you," the mean boy shouted back.

"Heh, aint he the new boy, you know, the one that Brother Cennio was telling us about," came a voice from the back.

"Oh yes," Benito replied and a wicked smile came over his face. Leo knew that Cennio was the registrar, but had no idea what he may have said about himself to these boys.

"Well first let me welcome you to the wonderful abbey here," and that said, he drove his fist into the young boy's chest, making him cry out. "And this is for knocking me over," and he hit Leo again, which brought out hoots of laughter from the other bullies.

"You look real little, how old are you wimp?" the boy asked.

"13," Leo wheezed back.

"You look a lot younger than that, don't you agree lads." There was a general shout of yeah, yeah. Leo was certain no one ever disagreed with this boy.

"I say you're only 11 pussy boy," and he whipped up the younger boy's frock and bared the child's cock and balls to the crowd.

"See what I mean, he aint got a single hair." Benito leaned over, and grabbing the boy's genitals squeezed them hard, making Leo yelp in pain. Tears started to form in the young boy's eyes. Normally the plucky lad went instantly hard when another boy touched him there, but he was so scared, and the lad was so rough, that he remained limp.

"I heard that your Mother was a witch, is that true?." Leo was startled that the elder boy had suddenly mentioned his dead mother, particularly in such a horrible way.

"No she was not," he yelled back, and tears really started to flow down his cheeks.

"Yes she was," Benito hissed back, and squeezed the boy's tender assets harder. Brother Cennio told us all about her, says you had a godless mother, who God struck down dead cause she was a witch."

"That isn't true," Leo said, though anguish was in his voice now.

"Yeah, and you know what happens to a dead witch, she goes down to hell, where she rots and burns for ever. Think of that, boy, you mummy will be screaming right now." Benito could see he had hit a sensitive spot, as the younger boy was utterly distraught, crying hard, and trembling.

"I reckon you will go down and join her as well, you being the son of a witch," Benito continued. A number of the boys were chanting 'witch boy', 'your mother's burning', or similar insults, and they continued to poke the youngster.

"What's going on here," came a loud voice, "Heh, you leave that boy alone!" it continued, and suddenly there was a general commotion as all the elder boys suddenly flew off in several directions.

The monk that had caused the flight ignored them for the moment, though he knew that Benito at least was virtually untouchable, so there was little he could do to get the attackers later. He kneeled down and looked at the young boy that had been assaulted. By now his body had slipped down to the floor, and he was weeping furiously. As the child was not rubbing any area in pain, it was soon obvious to the monk that the crying was more for what the other boys had said, than what they had done. After the man had tried comforting the boy for a short while, assuring him that he was safe now, Leo finally opened his eyes. As his vision slowly cleared through his tears, he saw the concerned face of Brother Manuel, the young monk that worked in the small room just off the library.

"It's Leo if I am correct," Manuel said, also recognising the boy as his face started to return to normal. The man could tell that the youngster had had his emotions badly shaken, so he decided he had to try and help him through it.

"Come on boy, on your feet, I think you need a good walk outside." He gently pulled Leo up, yet the tears were still running.

"I can't, I can't…" he complained, his heart was so broken that he just wanted to run off somewhere and cry. All he could think about was his poor mother, screaming in pain as she lay in the fiery torment.

"Yes, you can," Manuel persisted, and led the boy over to the monastery exit, and they went out into the country. Normally a novice was never allowed to leave the monastery, but it was all right when he was with a monk. After the two had walked some distance from the abbey, Manuel halted and they both sat down on the grass. Leo had stopped crying by now, but he was still sniffling.

"Ok, lad, tell me what's troubling you."

"It's my mother, my poor dead mother, she's suffering in hell."

"Is that what Benito told you, I wouldn't believe him, he's just a rotten liar."

"He said she was a witch,"

"I am sure that is rubbish."

"He said she was godless."

"How can he possibly have known such a thing?"

"My Father must have said so when he wrote to the monastery and got me placed here."

"What a thing for your Father to say, why would he lie?"

"But it's not a lie," Leo moaned, "at least not completely. My mother hardly ever went to Church, I never saw her pray, indeed she rarely mentioned the lord at all."

"That does not make her a witch, I'm sure she was a good woman," Manuel commented.

"She was the most wonderful person in the world, and I loved her more than anyone can imagine. My mother was nice to me, and almost everyone she met. She often tried to intervene on the behalf of poor tenants that my Father was chasing rent from. Yet for all this, if she had no faith, she must go to hell."

The boy's tears were again starting to flow, and Manuel stopped to consider what to say next. It was true that according to the teachings of the Church, it did not matter if you were the kindest person on the planet, if you were not a believer, then St Peter's finger would be pointing downwards as you approached the pearly gates.

"People express their faith in God in different ways, just because your mother's body did not go to church, did not mean her heart was not with the lord. She obviously prayed to him in private, many people prefer it this way. Remember boy, how could a heathen be as kind as you say your mother was?"

Leo nodded, and wiped his eyes. Although the monk's statement hardly stood up to critical analysis, at least it seemed true to the child.

"Leo, if you loved her so much, then I am sure you would know if she was in distress, believe me, you mother is in heaven, smiling down on you right now."

The monk put his arm round the boy, and after a bit more of a theological discussion, he was certain he had put the boy's mind at rest, and hopefully had undone the damage caused by those evil boys.

With that achieved the two continue their walk in the fields surrounding the abbey, and when the building was out of sight, Leo was once more the cheery young boy Manuel had first met in that little room off the library. The youngster loved the amusing banter of the man as the two walked along, and he liked the way the monk often put his arm around him, and kissed him on the head, something Leo's own father had never done.

As the pair made their way up a steep path, Leo stumbled slightly.

"Oh, these rotten sandals, I have never got use to wearing the stupid things, why can't we have proper shoes?" the boy complained.

Manuel laughed, and then lifting the hem of his brown frock, he showed the boy that his own feet were bare, the soles thickened from years of contact with the hard ground.

"I gave up on those a long time ago, bare foot is much easier."

Leo pondered the idea, but quickly discarded it. The children of paupers always ran around unshod, and Leo still retained enough of his noble pride to not want to be associated with that group.

Eventually they reached the top of a low hill, where there stood a huge wizened tree, that had clearly marked this spot for centuries. The view was breathtaking, and the two sat down with their backs to the tree to look at it.

"I like coming here," Brother Manuel said, "It makes me feel free, and here the troubles of the world are so far away."

Leo agreed, and they remained silent for a while, until suddenly the boy turned round to face the man, and simply said.

"Let's have sex."

This took Manuel aback somewhat. The child in front of him had made the offer in such a matter of fact way, like he was asking a most innocent question. The man was sure the boy had already been introduced to the pleasures of the flesh, probably by the young companions he had met here, but it was evident, he had still not worked out the ethics of such things, or he may not have made such an offer to someone he had only briefly met. Now Manuel was not averse to the attractions of young boys, but he had not actually had sex with one for some time. This was for a number of reasons, one being that, unlike many of the other brothers, he did not like to use his superior position over the novices to coerce them into sex. In addition, he was afraid of the complications if he became attached to one of the boys. Yet, right here, in one of the most romantic spots in Italy, looking straight at a stunningly beautiful boy, the first word's to escape the man's lips, in rather a horse whisper was.

"Ok."

"Great," Leo said, and his young face lit up in a charming smile. In truth Leo had rather surprised himself when he had asked the man for sex, but he too had been caught up in the setting, and he had thought the young monk was very handsome. Besides, this man had saved him from the bullies, and even more importantly, had put his mind at rest on an issue he had had concerns over before. The boy felt he had to do something to show his gratitude, and at that moment, this was the best thing he could think of. Leo got to his feet and swiftly cast off his gown. With all the things he had been doing the last few weeks, Leo had lost virtually all his modesty, and he stood nude before the man without the slightest look of embarrassment.

"Aren't you getting undressed? it will be difficult to do it if you keep your frock on," the boy asked.

Manuel hardly heard the question, his entire attention had been focused on the magnificent body of the nude Adonis in front of him. His eyes took in the boy's flawless skin, slim hips, lean legs, and of course his hairless crotch. Leo could see the man staring at him, and grinned. Like most boys, he didn't really think of himself as beautiful, but it always gave him a buzz when he could see how much men enjoyed the sight of his young body.

"I'll do it for you," the boy announced, and starting at the still seated man's outstretched legs, he slowly rolled up the brown garment, until the legs were completely uncovered. The monk then lifted his rump off the ground and allowed the boy to pull the frock up to his waist, after which Leo sat down on the man's lap, so that they both were facing each other, with one leg either side of the monk's body. He completed the task he had set himself by pulling the habit over Manuel's head and tossed it aside.

The two stared at each other for a moment, as if each was waiting for the other to make the first move, but then Leo leaned forward, curled his arms round the muscular neck and shoulders of the man, and soon the pair joined in a passionate embrace. Already half hard just from looking at the boy, the monk's penis rapidly became fully erect, as the crotches of the two lovers ground together due to Leo slowly rotating his hips. With his passions raised, Manuel let his hands roam all over the wonderful boy's sexy body. After what seemed like a delightful eternity to the young man, Leo broke off the embrace, and stared down at their penises. Both were erect, though the boy's organ was dwarfed by that it lay next to.

"Enjoy that?" Leo asked rather cheekily, though it was more of a statement than a question.

"You're a great kisser," Manuel replied.

"Thanks, but I bet I can make it better than that," and that said, the boy started to kiss and lick the man's neck, his hairy chest, and particularly his nipples. Manuel just groaned in ecstasy and closed his eyes, but the youngster kept on moving down until he reached the large straining cock. The boy took it in his hand, and gently peeled back the foreskin to uncover the purple head beneath. He kissed it, then opening his mouth slowly sank down on to the hard pole. After a few up and down sucks, he sank down until the swollen head hit the back of his throat. During his time in the monastery, Leo had received some instruction on the oral art, and so he set about trying to give the man the best blow job he could.

Brother Manuel was being driven wild by the feel of the child's soft lips and tongue on his cock, and was quickly aware that he would soon explode if the horny young boy continued much longer. He thus gently pulled the kid up, and they once more started to kiss. Manuel could taste his own pre-cum on the boy's lips, and was determined to pay him back in kind. He pushed Leo up onto his knees, giving him access to the youngsters' nipples, which he started to vigorously lick and suck. In no time the boy started to shudder, indicating he had hit the right mark. After a couple of minutes this, Manuel was about to push the boy further up, so that he could blow him, but to his surprise he felt the kid take hold of his prick, and then rushing down Leo impaled himself on the iron hard rod. Initially only a couple of inches lodged inside, but the young teenager relaxed his ass muscles, and slowly sunk down until he had the whole of the man's prick inserted into his ass.

Before Manuel could say anything, Leo began to ride his cock, and quickly the pressure of the boy's tight hole round his cock drove all thoughts from the man's mind except for the exquisite sensations he was getting. Alas he could not last long, and his cock soon started jerking, emptying his load up the Leo's ass.

Manuel could see the look of disappointment in the boy's face, who was obviously looking forward to a longer ride.

"I'm sorry, Leo, but it's been a long time. Come on let me do something for you."

A wide smile quickly replaced the frown on the youngster's face, and he allowed himself to be pulled up to his feet, so that the man could start to pleasure his own smaller member.

Manuel sucked the boy slowly at first, enjoying the flavour of his hot little cock. He alternated his attention between the hard member and the low hanging balls, occasionally pulling Leo's legs apart so he could lick the sensitive skin between the ball sack and asshole. Using his hands, Manuel gently kneaded the boy's luscious buttocks, and as he did so, Leo got the rather odd feeling of wet sticky sperm leaking out of his bumhole and then running down the inside of his thighs. When the monk detected that the young novice's breathing was getting more excited, he speeded up his actions, and at times sucked the whole of the child's genitals into his mouth. After a few more minutes he was rewarded with a drink of boy juice as Leo came. It was not much, but it still tasted nice.

Leo sank down and sat once more on the monk's lap, where the two continued to kiss and pet one another. As the bark of the old tree was biting rather painfully into the man's back, he held the boy in his arms and then rolled them both over so that they were lying in the grass. It took another half hour of slow foreplay before Leo noticed that Manuel was once more fully erect, and so he whispered.

"Do you think you can last longer a second time?"

The monk nodded, wondering what the boy had in mind, but did not have to wait long before the graceful young teenager rolled over so that his back was to the man, and lifting up his leg slightly, offered his backside to fuck. This kid certainly has a horny ass the monk thought, and he had no intention of letting him down. As it was Manuel's first opportunity to admire the boy's lovely globes, he gazed at them for a while, and then gently stroked them whilst he prepared himself for that ultimate pleasure a boy can offer a man. Leo shook his ass impatiently, and so Manuel lined himself up, and soon his cock was enclosed in the vice like grip of the young boy's ass. This time Manuel treated the boy to a long slow fuck, and he wanked Leo as he buggered him. The monk did indeed last much longer this time, and by the time he finally unleashed another torrent of sperm into the boy's bowels, his sticky hand gave the evidence of the boy having cum more than once.

With their passions finally subdued, the pair lay in each others' arms. Manuel saw the sun slowly sinking in the late afternoon, but his attention was mainly focused on the beautiful face that lay on his chest. The boy's eyes were closed, and he looked so peaceful that the man was loathed to move him, even though he knew they had to be getting back for supper soon. Manuel tried to consider what had just passed was just a purely sexual thing, something that two people had done together simply for their own pleasure. Yet he could feel his heart being drawn to the boy, something he was still afraid about. It had been more than a year now since a plague had swept through the region, taking young Giovanni with it, a boy he had loved more than life itself. It had so broken his heart, that Manuel had promised himself that he would not fall for another. Given the high child mortality rate, it was just too likely he would be hurt again. Yet at this moment, watching the nude boy as he slept, Manuel was aware that it would be a promise that would be hard to keep.

As they walked backed to the monastery, they agreed to meet again sometime, and Leo was overjoyed that the adult was willing to spend his time with him. When he met his young bedmate later on that evening, Leo decided not to say anything to him yet. He was still trying to make sense of what had happened, but Marco just seemed to be pleased that his friend was in such a good mood. Naturally Leo's affection for the child had not diminished at all just because he had made a new friend. Like they often did, the two boys made love that night. It seemed that for youths the age of Leo, it was impossible to have too much of a good thing.

Leo and Brother Manuel met up on a several occasions during the next few weeks. Mostly these were the times Leo found an excuse to go into the archive room where the monk worked, but occasionally they joined up during the break period, or on Sundays. When alone, the two spent a lot of time talking about all sorts of things, and the man was surprised how intelligent Leo was for his age. Naturally sex found itself onto the agenda at some point, which they engaged in vigorously. One time the two retired into the monk's own cell, and Leo was shocked at how small they were. Of course he hardly expected something like the abbot's apartments, but even compared to the senior monks' rooms, the cells of an ordinary monk were very Spartan. There was little space for much beyond the plain wooden bed, and a small chest that held the monk's few belongings. Apart from a crucifix, the walls of the cell were bare. The two made passionate love on that small bed, as Manuel sodomised the boy in every conceivable position, indeed the wooden item almost collapsed under the strain. The boy never remained the night with his lover, it was forbidden for novices to sleep outside of their dormitories without the permission of a senior monk. This did not concern Leo though, as he would not have wanted his young bedmate to sleep alone. Indeed, despite his blossoming relationship with the man, the boy's sexual adventures with both Marco, and the other novices, continued undiminished. Manuel had made quite plain to his young friend, that he had no wish to own the boy's body, and actually quite enjoyed hearing about all the things Leo got up to with his mates. The lad was so at ease with the young monk, that he left out none of the details, and the explicit talk alone was often sufficient to get the man erect again.

Despite his desire to avoid it, it was not long before Manuel had to admit to himself that he had fallen hopelessly in love with the boy, and similarly it was obvious how attached Leo had become to himself. It was nothing new in the monastery, many of the monks had favourites amongst the novices, one simply had to be discrete in how such love was displayed. With the harshness of life, the sudden twists of fate that can always be round the corner, Manuel tried not to think about the future, but concentrated on enjoying the happiness of the present.

After a rather dull morning in the library, Leo was rather pleased to see his young mate come in to deliver a message to one of the monks. As he was leaving, he managed to whisper to the elder boy.

"I have a letter for you, I'll see you up on the terrace just before lunch."

Poor Leo was beside himself with excitement, he had never had a letter of his own before, and he wondered who might have sent it. He was sure it was Manuel, though he had no idea why the monk had decided to write. The rest of the time till lunch seemed to drag on for eternity for the excited youngster, and once Brother Domingos said he was free to go and help with lunch duties, he ran straight out. He intended to go straight to the terrace where he and Marco often spent their free time, but unfortunately as he was dashing there he almost ran into Brother Alberti, the stern faced deputy of the abbot.

"Careful child," he bellowed, "There is no need to rush around like that."

"I'm sorry Brother," the boy replied. Leo had never had much to do with Brother Alberti, who obviously was a busy man looking after the affairs of the abbey during the frequent absences of Father Francisco. Alberti was somewhat younger than the abbot, and cut quite a frightening figure due to his tall frame, bushy eyebrows, and thick black hair. Leo also noticed that the man was not alone, as stood next to him was one of the very young novices, a tiny little lad that Leo knew was only 8 years old.

"Since you seem to enjoy running, you can perform an errand for me," Alberti said to the teenager. "Go and ask Brother Clovis if he would mind taking confession this afternoon, I have unfortunately another appointment." Leo wondered if the young child beside him was that 'other appointment', but did not say anything other than to take his leave and dash off.

The boy was annoyed that he had been diverted from seeing his letter, and with that on his mind, plus his general excitement, Leo dashed straight into Brother Clovis' office without even remembering to knock first. What a sight greeted him on entrance, as there stood the old monk, his brown frock lifted up to his waist. A naked young novice, of around 12 years of age, was knelt before the man, sucking his hard prick for all he was worth. Brother Clovis' eyes almost popped out when he saw the newcomer, and the young boy stopped his sucking and grinned cheekily at Leo. The monk dropped his frock, and it covered up the head and torso of the child before him, though the large hump it formed, as well as the naked young backside poking out, meant it was hardly a convincing disguise.

"How dare you come in like that, don't you know your supposed to knock?" the monk boomed.

"I'm sorry Brother, I forgot," Leo replied. The boy stood still, not sure whether he should leave and knock, or deliver his message as quick as possible then dash off.

"Well, what is it that you wanted?"

"Err… Err… Brother Alberti wanted me to ask you if you could take confession this afternoon," Leo said.

"Well, Ohh, Ahh, I will, Ohh, do, ahh, that," the monk stammered back, and Leo was highly amused to see from the movements of the frock, that the cheeky young imp underneath had resumed his blow job, making speech rather difficult for the man receiving it.

"Thank you, Brother," and Leo turned to leave.

"And, Ahhh, knock… ohh, next time!"

The boy was laughing his sides off as he made his exit. He wondered who would be taking Brother Clovis' confessions. Now Leo knew that normally he would be soundly trashed for dashing in without knocking like he had. However, he was sure on this occasion, Brother Clovis would be unlikely to bring the incident up again.

When he finally did reach the terrace, Marco was waiting for him, and gave him the letter. Leo read the contents, and found it was indeed from Manuel. Within, it contained a short poem the man had obviously written for the boy, as well as some of the feelings he had that were more easily said on paper. Finally it ended saying they should meet up later that day.

Leo sat back and smiled once he had read it, thinking how wonderful it was of the man to use his time to compose something for him. The letter had not been sealed, so Leo asked his friend if he had already read it, since he knew the young scamp often read the messages he carried to ensure he knew what was going on.

"Well, er, I tried to," the boy rather ashamedly admitted, "but it was mostly too difficult for me to understand. I'm afraid I am finding the reading lessons I get very hard."

"Well I will have to see if I can help you with that," Leo said, and playfully roughed the blond boy's hair. He did not really care that his mate had tried to read his letter, as he had no wish for any secrets with his closest friend. He could also tell the young boy wanted to hear the contents of the letter, so he read it out loud.

"That's rather soppy in places," the boy commented.

"It's poetry, it's supposed to express emotions," Leo explained.

Marco already knew that his mate was spending a lot of time with Manuel, so he decided to make a comment. "I really do not know why you hang around with that young monk. He is not a senior monk, so can give you very few advantages."

"That's typical of you," Leo laughed, "Your always on the hunt to grab favours from some lecherous old monk with a weak spot for boy flesh. Yet you must understand that with Brother Manuel it is different than with all the other monks. He treats me like a friend, not some irrelevant novice to be ordered around. He listens to what I say, and doesn't endless preach that a boy should simply believe all he is told. Yes, we have sex, but I enjoy the time I spend with him, it's like a breath of fresh air in comparison to the stuffy, formal atmosphere that is the norm round here."

Marco sat silently for a while as he thought about what his friend had said. Leo knew the boy considered becoming a favourite of a lower order monk was unwise, but he suspected he was also a little bit jealous. Finally the young boy said, very quietly.

"Do you like him better than me?"

"Oh Marco, you must not think that. Just because I have become close to him, it does not diminish our friendship. With Manuel, its like being with the loving caring father my own never was. I like to think of you as the little brother I don't have. There is room in my heart for both of you."

"I like being your little brother," Marco commented, and smiled up at the boy. "It's just I don't know what I would do if I lost you as a friend."

"Well you will not," Leo said, "and besides, don't forget that you are one of the most popular lads in the monastery, you have lots of friends."

"Well yes, but they're not the same."

This got Leo rather curious, so he decided to push the point.

"What do you mean?"

The young blond boy started blushing, it was clear that whilst the wily kid could seduce almost any horny monk, he was finding it much more difficult to express his own feelings.

"They don't… you know, touch me like you do."

"What, during the many sex sessions they touch you just about everywhere," Leo said with a laugh.

Yet, Marco remained serious. "I know, but they do not hug and kiss me in a nice way, like you do."

It finally dawned on Leo what the boy was getting at. It seemed that despite his cushy job, his many friends, and as much sex as his little body wanted, the one thing the child was starving for was just a bit of simple love and affection. Stripped of all his worldly possessions, it was the one thing Leo could give his friend in abundance. He grabbed hold of the young boy, and hugging him tightly he showered his face with kisses.

"Get off," Marco laughed, though it was clear that he was enjoying every minute of it.

Later that day Leo did meet up with his adult friend, but that night he still held his little companion tight, and assured him they would forever be friends.

St Stephini's day was quite a major event in this local area, since, although the man was largely unknown elsewhere, he had been born here, and so had become a local saint. This meant it was a public holiday, and in Milan, as well as other local towns, there were plenty of special events. These consisted of fairs, parades, dancing, as well as the more serious religious ceremonies. Brother Manuel had decided to visit Milan, and attend some of the many things going on. He had hoped he could take Leo with him, but unfortunately the senior brothers had decided that all the novices had to stay and take part in the service at the monastery, so he had to go alone. Despite this, he still thoroughly enjoyed his day, as he watched the local people dancing, singing, and generally take a break from the rigors of everyday life. Compared to the sombre, quiet days, that were the norm at the monastery, this was one of the jolliest he had spent, although it would have been much better having the boy he loved at his side.

He was also there to shop for much needed supplies of ink and writing paper, and he successfully got what he wanted from a travelling trader at quite a bargain, saving a fair bit of money on the normal price. He was obviously going to return the unexpected change, until he stumbled across an odd looking man, whom, amongst lots of other junk, was actually selling a few books. This was very rare indeed, but he found most to be old ledgers and other such records of little interest. However he then came across a small leather bound book, which was filled with old love poems and stories that had been translated from Greek. Manuel was astonished to see that in many, the love was obviously being directed towards a boy, rather than a woman, although this was normally implied rather than said directly. He guessed that's why the book had avoided being consigned to the flames for being against Church teachings. In any case, he resolved to buy the book, which, after hard bargaining, he obtained for all the money he had saved in his earlier transaction. He felt a bit guilty about this, but at least the monastery was no worse off than if had brought the goods it needed from their usual supplier.

As he read sections of the book on the journey home he resolved to give it to Leo, as a mark of his love. He knew the boy could not physically keep the book, as novices were forbidden any possessions, though he would keep it for the boy in his own cell. He arrived back at the monastery pretty late, and although he had missed the evening meal, he came in just as the boys were washing up afterwards. Since there had been a long afternoon service to celebrate St Stephini's day, the meal was late, and evening chapel was being skipped for the day. Manuel thus hoped to get a little time with his boy before the novices were expected to be in bed. He glanced around the kitchen, but could not see the lovely dark haired boy he was seeking. He did however spot Marco, who he knew was his best friend.

"Hi Marco, do you know where Leo is?"

A sort of worried look passed over the youngsters' face.

"Err.… well, you can't see him now, he is not feeling too well, so he has gone to bed."

"Oh, that's terrible, what ever is wrong with him?" Manuel replied, and started heading towards the exit that led to the novices' room. Marco rushed to intercept him, then standing in his way, said.

"Oh, its nothing, he'll be all right, he just needs some rest."

"Well I still think I should check on him," and the man gently pushed the boy aside and strolled off to the novices' dormitory. When they got to the bed the two boys shared, Leo was lying on his stomach, with the blanket pulled over him. It was immediately obvious that he was still awake, and also in some distress.

"I tried to stop him, but he insisted on seeing you," Marco splurted out as they arrived at the bedside. Manuel was so taken back at seeing his love in pain, that he hardly heard the comment. He sat on the edge of the bed, and gently stroked the boy's hair and the side of his face. His soft cheeks were still damp, indicating that he had been crying.

"Oh no, my dear child, what is wrong, tell me where it hurts."

"Its… it's just a bit of belly ache, it's better now, I just need to sleep."

"You try to do that, I will not disturb you," the man said, and he gently rubbed Leo's back, before his hand slipped further down and came to rest on the boy's bottom. However, the moment it had reached this point, Leo cried out in pain, and the stunned man lifted up his hand. Whatever had made the boy cry out, it was not stomach cramp. Manuel swiftly pulled the cover aside, and his eyes almost jumped out of his head when he saw that young Leo's normally beautiful bottom was bright red, and covered in dark bruises. His lower back and upper thighs were in a similar state. As the monk reeled in shock, fresh tears started to flow down the poor boy's face.

"What, what happened?" Manuel gasped.

"I.… I... fell," Leo answered between sobs, which was obviously a lie.

"No he didn't," Marco corrected, "it was the abbot, he whipped him."

"Oh no, my poor child, what had you done to deserve this."

"I was very bad," he answered.

"That's rubbish," Marco interrupted again. "He didn't do nothing, the abbot thrashed him just because he wanted to."

"What!" Manuel yelled, "Why would he want to that?"

"Who knows, sometimes he gets upset or something, and so unleashes his fury on some unfortunate boy."

"Do you mean he's done this before?" Manuel said, his anger clearly rising with each passing second.

"Oh yes," Marco replied, "but not very often, and fortunately never to me. This was Leo's first time, I guess he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Manuel was now visible shaking in rage, and asked the blond boy, "Do you mean the abbot inflicted this agony on poor Leo, just to vent his own frustrations?"

"I guess so, men can be mean sometimes, powerful men especially so. There is nothing anyone can do about it," Marco said rather resigningly.

"Well he isn't getting away with it this time," and before the boys could say another word, Manuel got up and stormed out of the room. Leo tried to shout and stop him, but the man's anger had deafened him to all sounds except his own inner rage.

It was a short walk across the courtyard from the novices' dorm to the abbot's apartments. Manuel did it in no time, and was soon loudly banging on the entrance. It was answered by the young monk that acted as the abbot's secretary.

"I need to speak to Father Francisco, immediately," Manuel demanded.

"I'm sorry that's not possible," the young man answered, "The abbot is currently in discussions with the senior monks, you should come back tomorrow, maybe he can see you then."

"But I need to see him now," and Manuel pushed the other monk aside and strode inside. He quickly walked down the corridor, pushed the door leading to the dining room open, and strolled straight in without even bothering to knock. The dining room was empty, but he heard voices from the lounge area, so he quickly headed over there.

As he entered the lounge, with the young secretary in hot pursuit, telling him to leave at once, the discussions quickly came to an end as the brothers gapped at the uninvited guest. Manuel ignored them all, and walked quickly up to the abbot, who was seated in the grandest looking chair, at one end of the large room.

"What did you do to that young boy? you demon, you about half killed him."

The abbot paused for a while, as he calmly regarded his accuser.

"Exactly which boy are you talking about? there are many novices in this monastery, am I expected to read your mind?"

"You know very well which boy I am referring to, or have you trashed several today?"

"Oh, that boy, yes he was incredibly insolent, deserved every stroke he did. Are you denying me the right to ensure discipline in my own abbey?"

"No, only I heard he had done nothing at all, and you just whipped him for your own sadistic pleasure."

"Then it seems the boy is a liar as well," Francisco said, although a hint of irritation was in his voice, "Thank you for telling me Brother, it appears I will need to whip him again, only somewhat more severely."

"Don't you dare touch him," Manuel yelled, and moved even closer to the abbot, "If you lay a finger on him, I'll…." There was a deathly silence until the abbot calmly said.

"You will what?." Father Francisco's eyes locked on to those of the younger monk, and it was those, soft spoken, though chilling words that finally broke the spell that had fallen on the Manuel. He didn't know what he would do, and as his rage slipped into confusion, Brother Manuel turned heels and strolled out the way he had come, leaving all the senior monks in astonishment at what they had just witnessed.

Having left the abbot's apartment, Manuel immediately returned to his own room, where upon he slammed the door behind him and sat on his bed. The initial fury he had felt was now just simmering, and other emotions were taking a greater hold. Firstly it was confusion, then frustration, followed by anxiety, and finally fear. His head dropped into his hands, as he considered the enormity of what he had just done. He, just a humble monk with no seniority, had stormed into a meeting, threatened the abbot in front of all the senior brothers, and then left without being given permission. It was no small breach of protocol that was certain, but how could he let the abbot severely thrash the boy he loved so much, and do nothing about it. Yet the harsh truth was that the charters under which the monastery had been founded gave the abbot almost unlimited powers over his charges. In truth, he had every right to flog any of the boys, or the men for that matter, inside these walls, whenever he so wished, without any right of appeal to the victim. It was beginning to dawn on Manuel how stupid he had been, to be governed by his emotions rather than his brain. Far from protecting Leo, like he had thought he was doing, he may have simply condemned the boy to another undeserved whipping. In addition, it seemed inconceivable that the abbot would simply forget this incident, and let Manuel go unpunished. At best, he would be flogged himself, yet, more likely, he would be thrown out of the monastery altogether. The abbot might go as far as to put Manuel on trial, and have him tossed into some dungeon.

The agonised man pulled at his hair, as his mind yelled, 'what am I going to do, what am I going to do'. He tried to take control over his emotions, he needed to decide on a plan. What were his options? He could certainly pack his bags and leave now, hopefully the abbot would not be so concerned as to launch a hunt. Yet leave Leo forever, never to see him again, that was not a happy prospect. Besides how could be help protect the boy then. Maybe the two could both run away. Yet that was hardly realistic. As a penniless monk on the run, what means of support could he offer the boy. In addition, he knew that Leo was the only son of some minor noble in the south, eventually he would be entitled to his father's inheritance. Running away with a fugitive, from the place his father had chosen to put him, could put that at risk. How could he ruin the boy's own future, simply to satisfy his own wishes not to be parted from him. No, no, there had to be a better plan, but what. Manuel reached under his bed and pulled out the vial of wine he kept there for when he needed a bit of a lift. Hopefully a stiff drink could help him calm down, and enable him to think more clearly. He poured himself a large glass, and quickly gulped it down. Several other plans ran through Manuel's brain, but each one seemed more dreadful than the last. There just had to be a way to undo the damage he had done. Reaching for the vial, Manuel poured himself out another glass.

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