William Rush

The Travels of Antosh Teshna

Part III

Chapter 1

Sentar was several weeks behind us, the lands of Zethen, were endless open plains of grass. The grass was golden in color and stood nearly to a man's waist. It was not entirely without charm, nor was it without it's benefits. It was easy to spot another caravan in the distance, and once spotted, Paval, who had eyes like an eagle, could discern quite accurately what kind of caravan we spotted.

It was not only Paval sharp eyesight that proved to be a boon to our small party, but his keen mind as well. In another life he would've made an excellent merchant, able to discern a man's motivations before they discerned it themselves, this was no less accurate with boys, in particular with Urel. Paval saw something in Urel I could not see, something he would not share with me, but worried about.

One morning I awoke to find them talking at the edge of camp, Urel sitting upon Paval's knee, tears streaming down his cheeks as he nodded. When Urel saw me, he wiped the tears away and stood up. I approached them, but they would not share what they spoke about. Paval assured me that it was not something I should feel threatened by, but instead, that the boy was addressing things that he did not wish to share with me and for that reason, Paval would not share them with me either.

I knew there were parts of Urel's past that he would not disclose. The foul treatment he had received from his former master still weighed heavily on his conscious. I did not enjoy their secrecy, but I could tell as time passed, that the small shroud of sadness that seemed to cling to Urel even in the best of times, was slowly lifting, so I made no attempt to intrude on Urel's privacy.

That night I held Urel close to me, my hand caressing the soft hairs that surrounded his small cock. I could hear Kolt whimper as he kneeled above Paval's cock on the other side of camp, accepting the man inside of his bottom. Urel was listening to the sound as well and I thought I spotted a tinge of jealousy in the boy's heart.

"Are you fond of Paval," I asked.

"Yes," Urel said. "He's a good man."

"That he is," I said. "But are you fond of him?"

Urel looked at me then giggled, wrapping his arms around me and kissing me on the lips, smiling.

"I only have eyes for you master," the boy said.

I looked at my little thirteen year old lover, my hand stroking his long blonde hair and said, "You can tell me the truth."

"That is the truth master," he said, "I love you and only you."

"I know you spend time with him," I said, "you needn't worry, I know I don't own you."

"Master," Urel said, his hand moving down to my cock, stroking it in his hands, "why would I need to spend time with another man when I have this to play with?"

I groaned as his fingers stroked the head of my rod, causing it to twitch in his grasp.

"Are you sure," I said.

"We only talk master," he whispered in my ear, "nothing more, besides, I think I'm too old for Paval, he seems to like them young and slender."

I fucked Urel that night, to the sound of Kolt receiving his own thorough prodding. The two boy's whimpers and groans filled the warm evening air, only increasing my urgency. Urel still struggled to take all my length, but never denied me that joy, instead suffering with the occasional grunt, and after awhile begging me to cum inside of him.

When we finished I held his slim body close to mine, feeling the warmth of his skin as it pressed against me, listening to his soft breath as he slept and I knew more than ever that I loved the boy. I fell asleep shortly afterwards, a smile on my lips.

I awoke to someone tapping me on the shoulder, then I heard Kolt whisper, "master wake up."

I looked over to see Kolt kneeling beside me, naked and shook my head, "Kolt what is it?"

"Master Paval left and hasn't come back," Kolt said. "He's been gone a long while."

I sat up stirring Urel from his slumber as well. I reached for my trousers and pulled them on.

"How long Kolt," I said, knowing that a long time for a small boy is not the same as it was for a man.

"I don't know master," Kolt said.

"Alright then," I said, "where did he go?"

"To relieve himself," Kolt said, then quickly remembered his place and added, "master."

"I'll go look for him," I said, "Urel you stay here with Kolt. If you see anyone or hear anything I want you to yell for me, alright?"

"Yes master," Urel said.

I handed Urel the dagger from my boot, and patted him on the shoulder.

Paval's trail was easy enough to follow. It seemed he had been following the path to the river. I thought perhaps he had gone to find water. It was only after nearing the river that I heard the sound of men laughing and small children squealing that I started to worry. Not sure what to expect, I left the trail and crawled along in the tall grass, suddenly wishing I hadn't left the boys alone at the camp.

I crawled to the bank of the river and saw them, a group of six men, all naked as the day they were born, taking turns with three young boys, all blonde haired, blue eyed, Kithians by appearances. The men were brutal and seemed to take a good deal of pleasure from the boy's misery.

"Mindless brutes," I heard someone whisper as I felt a hand on my shoulder.

A small bit of piss spurt inside my trousers as I pulled away from the unknown man's grip, only to find Paval sitting there with a cheeky grin on his face.

"Are you trying to frighten me to death," I whispered, perhaps a bit too loud.

"If I was," he said, "I'm not doing a very good job of it."

I shook my head and returned my gaze to the men. It seemed that they were quite oblivious to our presence, the attention wrapped up in the boys that they had apparently captured.

"Slavers," I asked.

"Bandits," Paval said, "the boys are brothers."

I looked closely and suddenly saw the resemblance. I shuddered, wondering where the boy's parents were.

"What are we going to do," I asked.

"There's nothing we can do," Paval said, "there are too many of them."

"Perhaps we could take them by surprise," I asked, wanting so much to free the boys from the grips of the sadistic men.

"Perhaps," he said, thinking, "and perhaps if we fail they'll find Urel and Kolt, and then they'd have five boys to torment instead of three."

"We can't just leave them," I said.

"We can go to the next town and let the guards know," Paval said.

"No," I said, "'Tis a coward that would leave these boys to this fate."

"'Tis the coward that lives tomorrow," Paval said, "not the hero."

I looked at the boys, watching as one well endowed man forced the youngest of the boys, a blonde haired lad, barely seven years old, down upon his rod. The boy squealed and begged the man to stop, but the man just laughed as he thrust in and out of the boy. All the boys were circumcised, as was the Kithian custom.

"If they're bandits," I said, "they wont let the boys go."

A dark cloud passed over Paval's face. He nodded and sat down beside me and crossed his legs.

"What are you doing," I asked.

"I'm preparing a spell," he said, "it takes time to cast, but once I do, all of them will be asleep, at least for as long as I can concentrate."

"You can do that," I asked.

"Of course," he said, "'tis quite simple really."

"Then what I am supposed to do," I said, "wont they waken if I try and take the boys?"

"They might," he said, "of course you could dispatch them before you take the boys."

"You mean kill them," I asked in a shocked voice.

"Yes," he whispered. "I'm sure no one would complain if you did, least of all the poor boys out there."

I had never killed anyone before, even though I had seen men die in front of me. I did not intend to tarnish that perfect record rescuing the lads. My mind raced, trying to find a solution to our problem that did not end in suffocation or bloodshed.

I watched the men as they began to show signs of fatigue. One by one they fell asleep, slumping over, releasing their young captives. I walked quietly to the camp, grabbing the youngest boy first, I marveled at the naked boy's slender smooth body. I picked him up in my arms and carried him back to where Paval sat. I laid the boy down on the ground and went back to the camp, grabbing the next oldest boy, this one a bit more tan than the other two and his eyes were deep brown, I realized he was most likely not the other two boy's brother, but rather an unfortunate prisoner of the bandits lust. I noticed too, that this boy bore the signs of repeated and lasting abuse to his poor bottom, it's ring, slightly dark, had a scar that spoke of a recent tear, the lasting reminder of some man's lust for the boy.

I carried the boy back to Paval and laid him down next to his fellow captive, my heart greatly moved by the poor boy's state. He stirred a bit as I kneeled above him, then his eyes opened.

"Help...," he started to scream, I managed to cover his mouth, as he struggled to free himself from my grasp.

"Stop boy," I said, "Unless you want us to return you to the bandits."

The boy's eyes got wide and he quieted down. I looked at him, my hand still covering the young boy's mouth. He looked to be Kolt's age, perhaps a bit older, he too was slender, his soft tan skin showing signs of Suthian or perhaps, even Pythian influence. He was not Kithian, at least one of his parents weren't. The boy had an exotic look to him, not unlike an Anthelian lad. My mind remembered the little dancer boy so long ago, and my heart was shaken for an instant, remembering my poor treatment of the boy.

"We will not hurt you," I said. "When I take my hand away, you mustn't scream or thrash about. You need to stay here and be a good boy, do you understand?"

The boy nodded his head, much of the initial shock leaving his face, leaving in its place a curious look. I pulled my hand away and the boy spoke again.

"Thank you master," the boy said, causing me to cringe.

"Are you a slave boy," I asked.

"Yes master," the boy said.

"What is your name," I asked.

"My master calls me Athes when he is angry," the boy said, "but most of the time he just calls me boy."

"How long have you been a slave boy," I asked, realizing the boy had no name, rather his owner was taking the lord Athes's name in vane.

"All my life my lord," he said. "I was born a slave."

I trembled at the thought of this poor lad never knowing freedom, my hand stroked his hair, he did not attempt to pull away, instead he looked at me with knowing eyes.

"Who is this then," I asked.

"That's my master's son," the little slave boy said, "Lellend."

"And the other boy," I asked.

"Rorke," the boy said, "my master's eldest son."

"Okay," I said. "Well I need to get Rorke. You need to stay here and be quiet, understand?"

"Yes master," the boy said, nodding his head.

"By the gods," I said, feeling my heart moved for the lad.

I snuck back into the camp and lifted the eldest boy, barely a year or two older than the slave boy, perhaps eleven or twelve at most. He had the benefit of a loincloth wrapped around his waste, but it did a poor job of covering his hairless crutch. When I got back to Paval and the slave boy, I noticed the youngest boy was coming round. The slave boy had his hands covering his young master's mouth, preventing him from shouting.

"Good lad," I said to the slave boy. "You now, quiet or back to the bandits with you, got it?"

Young Lellend nodded his head and the slave boy took his hand from the boy's mouth.

"Who are you," he asked, frightened.

"Quiet now," I said, "I'm a friend, alright?"

The boy looked at me, unsure about the validity of my statement, rather his face looked like that of a boy who had managed to sneak out of the candy store, only to be caught with his hands full of sweets by the town bully.

"I wont hurt you lad," I said. "Here, see, I've got your brother, and now it's time for us to be going."

I shook Paval by the shoulder lightly, he opened one eye and looked at me then the boys.

"Take them to camp," he said, "I'll keep them occupied a bit longer. Get ready to leave when I get back."

"Are you sure," I asked.

"Well," he said, "since you did not take my advice and silence the brutes in a more permanent fashion, I see no other option."

"Alright," I said, carrying the oldest lad in my arms, "come with me boys, and be quiet."

I followed the trail back to the camp, the two young lads following. I was overjoyed to see Urel and Kolt huddled together by the fire, watching us as we entered the camp.

"Where's Paval master?" Urel asked, looking at the small troupe of naked boys that surrounded me.

"He'll be here soon," I said, "but we need to break camp right now."

"Why master," Urel asked.

"No questions," I said, "you two boys help them."

"I'm not a slave," Lellend said, indignantly, "you can't order me about."

"Fine," I said, "then you can stay here when we leave."

"You're a mean one," the boy said, frowning.

"Quick now," I said, "don't dally."

I had packed up the last of the food, when Paval entered camp at a leisurely pace. He looked at us and smiled.

"Well," I asked.

"They shant be coming after us," he said.

"What do you mean," I asked.

"Well I felt that letting them go was a bit wreckless," he said, "think about it, what would prevent them from grabbing another set of cute little lads to toy with?"

"What did you do," I asked, my eyes narrowing.

"A simple compulsion," he said.

"Compulsion," I asked, not liking the sound of it. "What kind of compulsion?"

"Well," he said, "since they liked buggering so much and since they were more like pigs then men, I simply planted the desire to have sex with pigs in their minds. When they woke they headed south along the river. God knows where they're going."

"There was a farm," Lellend said, "they didn't want to go near it because there were a lot of men in the fields. They were afraid they might be outnumbered."

"Paval," I said, "I hope you know what you're doing."

"I wouldn't worry," Paval said, mounting his horse, "They have little else on their mind other than pigs and rutting I'm afraid."

I helped Urel up on his horse and sat young Lellend in front of him, I then set about helping Kolt in to his basket. After he was settled in I placed the slave boy in the basket beside him.

The eldest boy was still asleep when we headed on our way, I sat him in front of me, my arm wrapped around his slim torso to keep him from falling. The boy snored as we made our way along the road.

"Where are you boys from," I asked.

"Tyver," Lellend said.

"Tyver," I said, realizing that the city was nearly a two month journey from where we were. "By the Gods, how did you end up here."

"Where are we," the boy asked.

"In Zethen," I said. "How long were you with those men?"

"Not more than a few hours," the boy said, worried now. "Is Zethen close to Tyver?"

"No lad," I said, "it's not."

"How far away are we," the boy asked.

"You're near Vinter," I said, "you're nearly a thousand leagues from Tyver."

"That can't be," Lellend said, starting to squirm in front of Urel, "the lights, it must have been the lights."

"What lights," I asked.

"The fair folk," Paval said. "The bandits must have used a circle to travel."

"A circle," I said.

"'Tis poor news," Paval said. "If they did use a circle, one of them knows the arts."

"What are you talking about," I asked, feeling more and more lost in the conversation.

"Magic," Paval said. "One of them is a magi, or at least knowledgeable in the fair folks arts."

"Fair folk," I said, "What kind of nonsense is this? There's no such thing as fair folk."

"I beg to differ," Paval said, "but this is not the time for debate, we should hasten our journey. It would not do well to have a magi follow us. We should put as much distance as we can before the compulsion wears off, for I fear when it does, they will be less than happy."

"You think so," I said, "I knew I shouldn't have left you alone with them."

"You're probably right," P aval said, "but that doesn't change anything."

"Lellend," the oldest lad said, "Lellend!"

"He's right here lad," I said.

"Rorke," Lellend said, "are you alright?"

"Are we really in Zethen," the eldest boy asked, looking up at me.

"I'm afraid so," I said, "I'm sorry."

The boy started to cry, the distance from his home filling his heart, his younger brother soon joined in, even young Urel let out a sniffle of sympathy. The only two boys devoid of tears were Kolt and the young slave boy, who were peaking out of the top of their basket, listening quietly to the conversation.

We continued our journey for several hours. I explained to the boys who we were and where we were headed. The boys were at a loss, not sure what they could do or what would happen to them.

The next day we arrived at a small village. The village held a single tavern, that doubled as an inn, there we met the town magistrate, a man in his late twenties with dark hair and darker eyes, who was quite moved by the boys plight.

"This is quite bad," he said. "We don't have an orphanage and I would not hazard sending the boys back home without suitable guardians. The problem, of course, is that Tyver is not along the normal trade routes. We could never find a caravan heading to Andiers. I fear that they might end up on the block."

"The block," I asked, hoping that I was not hearing what I thought I might.

"They'll be sold as slaves if we cannot find a home for them," the magistrate said.

"No," Paval said, "I will not abide by that. They are sweet children and they do not deserve such a fate."

"Come now," the magistrate said, "what else can be done."

"We will keep the children," Paval said. "at least 'til we can find a way for them to return home."

"They are not slaves," the magistrate said, "you cannot just keep them."

"No," Paval said, "But you would have them become slaves. Why not ask the boys what they wish to do?"

"They're just children," the magistrate said, "they can't decide what's best for them."

"But you can," Paval said. "Would you rather see them sold to some evil bastard who loves to hear them scream?"

The magistrate looked at Paval then me. He seemed lost in thought as he listened to the boys talking on the porch, arguing about something.

"Fine," the magistrate said. "I wont have it on my conscience. Bring the boys in and I'll draw up the papers."

"Good for you," Paval said, "Athes will look kindly on you."

"And you will look kindly on my purse," he said. "I'm bonding them to you, until they reach an age of majority."

"What do you mean," I asked.

"They'll be your apprentices," he said. "You don't think I'd make them your slaves now, do you?"

"I wouldn't wish that on them," I said.

"I didn't think so," the magistrate said, "except for the middle one, he's a slave already, I suppose there's nothing we can do about that."

"I will take him," I said.

"You will take them all," the magistrate said, "by law a Magi is forbidden from having any apprentices or slaves without consent of a father. There's no other choice really."

"I can't support five boys," I said, "I'm barely able to support two."

"Then they'll have to go to the block," he said.

Paval placed his hands on my shoulder and said, "I know you'll do what's right by your heart."

"By the gods," I said. "Fine. I'll take them as my apprentices."

Really the only difference between apprentices and slaves is that one was released when they turned sixteen and the other was never released. In both cases, a young apprentice or slave was taught a trade and expected to learn it, if they did not pay attention to their lessons they were similarly punished. Both were expected to call their owner or teacher, master, and both were expected to serve their master's every need, even the more prurient ones. Sometimes an apprentice returned home to their parents each night, other times they remained with their teacher, it was up to the master to decide, slaves stayed with their masters, regardless.

The boys were not happy with the circumstances. Rorke refused to agree, but in the end it wasn't up to him, rather it was up to the magistrate, who was responsible for the boy's best interests.

"I could've apprenticed you boys to someone in town," the magistrate said, "but to be honest they're a cruel and lazy lot and I could not force you into such a condition. This is for your own good. These men saved you and delivered you from harm. Consider this your payment for that debt."

"I didn't ask to be saved," young Rorke said, sobbing. "I want to go home."

"Home is not an option for you right now," I said. "And I will not have sobbing little princes traveling with me. If you wish to stay and dance on the end of one the townsfolk's rods, then that's your choice. I'm sure it will be much more pleasant than the bandits."

"I want to go home," Rorke said, stomping his foot.

I grabbed the boy by the arm and pulled him close to me, looking him in the eye. I understood that the boy could not fathom what had happened to him, that what he wanted and what he had gotten, seemed to be such complete opposites, that he refused to believe that fate had brought him to the place it had.

"You will do as you're told," I said in a calm voice. "You are now my apprentices and in exchange for that training, you will assist me in my work. If you misbehave, I will not like it, but I will have to punish you."

"Be gentle," the magistrate said, pulling the boy free of my grasp.

"No," I said, staring at Rorke, "A firm hand must be kept, lest they become the masters and I the slave. I shall not punish them out of pleasure, but out of necessity. The road is a dangerous place and I cannot have lads who will not listen traveling with me. If he cannot mind his manners, then he can stay and his brother will come with me."

"No," Rorke begged, suddenly tugging on my arm, "please don't take Lellend."

"I most certainly will take Lellend," I said, "but I will also take you, that is unless you wish to stay and end up at the slave auction or as someone else's apprentice."

"No," Rorke said. "I wish to go with you."

"Fine then," I said, "Apologize and you can come."

Rorke looked at me, frowning, deciding whether or not to swallow his pride, then with a sniffle said, "I'm sorry master."

"Good boy," I said, placing my hand on his shoulder. "I wish it could end some other way for you boy, but I'm afraid fate has not been kind to you."

"It seems to me," Paval said, "that fate is rarely kind to those that know you."

"That is most cruel," I said, "It would appear you harbor some malice towards me."

"No," Paval said, "just an honest word."

At Paval's urging we left the town shortly after that. Paval changed the markings on the little slave boy so that they matched Kolt's and Urel's. The boy seemed indifferent about it all, which disturbed me a bit. He seemed to be neither happy nor morose, but rather he seemed to exist in this state absent of emotions. He was a well behaved boy, following each instruction to the letter.

I had to purchase another horse for the oldest lad, the youngest, Lellend, spent his time riding along with either Urel or myself. Paval would've been fond to have the boy with him, but I doubted he would be able to keep his hands from roaming and I didn't want to subject the boy to anything unseemly.

"Do you think they'll follow us," I asked Paval as we stopped for a rest.

He looked at the boys, and then simply nodded.

"What can we do," I asked.

"I'll know if the magi nears," he said, "I've taken certain precautions."

"What kind of precautions," I asked.

"The birds are watching for them," he said pointing to the sky.

It was then that I noticed two birds flying in a circle above us. I hadn't noticed them before, but it did seem strange.

"But wont the Magi be able to see the birds," I asked.

"I hadn't thought about that," he said, "most likely, but there is little else we can do. Lets hope they tire of the chase before they catch us."

"I wish Corvin were here," Urel said, apparently eavesdropping on our conversation.

"I do too," I said, remembering the Kuthian fondly.

"Well," Paval said, "he's not here, so I suppose I'll have to suffice."

"We'll reach the next village by nightfall," I said, looking at the boys sitting in a circle munching on bread and cheese, "lets finish eating and be on our way."

Chapter 2

"State your business," the guard said in a thick southern accent.

"We are traveling to Vinter," I said.

"I see," he said, looking at the boys. "And what goods are you carrying?"

"We aren't slavers," Paval said.

"I would not presume such a thing," the guard said, "but I have to be sure."

"No worries," I said, "you are wise to worry about such things."

"Are any of the boys slaves," the guard asked.

"Two of them," I said.

"Well you might consider staying at the Vinter's Inn," the guard said, "Botar wont let slaves in his establishment."

"Vinter's it is then," I said, watching as the guard opened up one of the baskets.

"Are these apricots," he asked.

"Yes," I said, "would you like one?"

"I couldn't," the guard said.

"No," I said, "I insist."

"Well thank you," he said, pocketing the yellowish fruit with a smile.

"If there's nothing more," I said, "I think we should be on our way."

"Fine," he said, "everything seems to be in order. Good 'morrow to you."

"And to you as well," I said, nodding my head.

We made our way to the village stables and set our mounts up for the night. The boys waited, quiet and a bit haggard from the days travel. Afterwards we made our way to Vinter's Inn and rented two rooms, one for Paval and one for myself.

Kolt seemed taken with the little slave boy, staying close to the boy wherever he went. I didn't mind, the boy seemed to be a good influence on Kolt. I watched them as they talked in hushed tones, wondering what the conversation entailed. At one point they began to giggle only to return to a more austere demeanor a moment later. Urel, believing their actions were a reflection of his own abilities as a teacher gave them a firm lecture about whispering, but refrained from using his crop, which pleased me.

When we entered the inn, I could see that the establishment delved in more worldly concerns. Several young teenaged girls and boys sat by the door, barely dressed. None seemed old enough to have reached majority. They looked at us with dispassionate eyes. If one looked closely the marks of slavery could be seen adorning their calves.

The innkeeper led us to a back room with a large table and set about serving us. He brought out a large roasted bird, I presumed a turkey, and some roasted potatoes with leeks. The meal was quite sufficient to satisfy our hunger and not without a certain pleasing flavor. After we ate we retired to the only room that resided upstairs, a fairly large space, that encompassed what would've been the attic in a Lithlellan home. There were several cots set about along the walls and two large beds on either side. Apparently the room was reserved for the caravans teams passing through the village.

Paval was insistent that we keep watch for the bandits, so we each took our turn sitting outside the inn that night, waking Urel up a few hours before dawn to take the last watch. The village guards, of which there were six by my count, didn't seem to think it odd, perhaps having become used to the odd behavior of travelers.

When morning came, the innkeeper served the boys a thick porridge, reserving the rare treat of quail eggs and roasted pork for Paval and I. I felt a tinge of guilt whenever the boys looked at our meal, but I understood the necessity of rationing such delicacies for the elder patrons.

The innkeeper assured us that we could arrive in Vinter in less than two weeks if we kept a good pace. He also was kind enough to advise us of the best inns to stay at along the way, assuring us that when we made it to Winthess, that we should stay at The Privy, despite it's name.

On leaving town, we found that we were also finally leaving the open plains of Zethen and entering the great forest vales of Vinter. Trees began to appear more often and the road was dotted with orchards, rather than grain farms. The mood began to change, at least for Paval and I, as we passed further and further from the place where we had rescued the boys.

Our initial concerns about being followed seemed to be unnecessary. After five days there were no signs of any bandits or a rogue magi. We had made it to the town of Certhen much quicker than we had anticipated, the weather and road being kind to us.

In that time I had grown to appreciate my newest slave boy, even if I could not bring myself to touch the poor lad. Each time I looked at him, I saw the pain of his past so vibrantly it seemed to hang in the air like an aura around him. I wanted nothing more than to hug the poor boy and often times that's what I did, held him on my lap, with my arms wrapped around him.

It was in Certhen that I decided I was tired of calling him 'boy' and took him aside to ask him what he'd like his name to be. The boy was puzzled, he stared at me for awhile, then cocked his head to the side, as if he was in deep thought.

"What is a good name master," he asked.

"Well there are many good names," I said, "but the one you choose for yourself is the most special."

"What can my name be," the little slave boy asked.

"Anything you want it to be," I said, "within reason."

"Might I be called Oren," he asked.

"Oren," I asked. "Why do you wish to be called Oren?"

"'Tis a pretty name," the boy said. "I think I'd like to be called Oren."

"Then Oren it is," I said with a smile, patting the boy on the shoulder.

"Thank you master," the boy said, looking at me. "You're much kinder than Master Trefor."

"Well lets not say that too loud," I said, "Rorke and Lellend might hear you."

"Yes master," the boy said, smiling for the first time since we'd saved him.

The boy wrapped his arms around me and gave me a hug. I rubbed the boy's back as he held me tight. I could feel all those years of sadness and mistreatment inside him, almost throbbing with pain and misery, and I wanted nothing more than to rip them out of the boy, but those wounds are never healed that easily. Instead I just held the boy telling him that everything would be alright now, that he was with people that cared for him and would keep him safe.

That night as I lay in bed, Urel sleeping beside me, breathing softly, I felt a small form crawl into bed with us. In the dim light of the moon, I saw it was Oren, a curious expression on his face as he looked at me, his hands touching my chest softly.

"What is it," I asked the boy, thinking he might have had a nightmare.

"Thank you master," he said, rubbing my chest.

"For what," I asked.

"For being so kind master," he said, resting his head on my forearm.

"Oh Oren," I said, "you're such a good little boy."

"Am I master," Oren asked, like he doubted what I was saying.

"Of course you are," I said, "what would make you think otherwise?"

"Master Trefor said I was naughty," Oren said.

"You're not a naughty boy," I said, stroking the lads hair, smiling at him.

Oren reached up and kissed me on the lips as his hand wrapped around my neck. I smiled again, looking deep into the lads dark eyes. I could see that he knew of only one way to thank me, not believing his adoration would be enough, so when his free hand began to travel down my body, I grabbed it and held it still.

"You don't have to do that Oren," I said. "I know what Master Trefor did to you and I promise you I wont do the same."

"But I want to master," Oren whispered. "I love you master and I want to make you feel good."

"Holding you right now is making me feel good," I said, smiling.

The boy looked at me, a bit disappointed, then asked, "can you make me feel good?"

"I can," Urel said from behind me, "if it means you'll let me sleep afterwards."

"Shush Urel," I said.

"Please master," Oren said, this pleading look in his eyes.

I understood the boy had most likely had sex for most of his life and that he had grown fond of the pleasures that it might bring him, in fact I had no doubt the boy measured his worth, not by the purity of his spirit, but by the skills his body could muster. I felt a deep sorrow that the boy had been led to that place and wanted to steer him back on course, but I also knew denying him those pleasures, especially when he wanted them, would do more harm than good.

"Fine," I said, "you and Urel can play if you want."

"Thank you master," Oren said, crawling over my body to join Urel, as he did his leg brushed my hardening cock and the boy giggled.

"Masters getting a stiff one," Oren whispered to Urel.

"I'm sure," Urel said, "with a sexy boy like you about."

Oren giggled as he reached down and held Urel's slim four inch [10 cm] penis in his hand. Urel drew the boy close to him, so that he lay on top of his body, looking up at the boy as he continued to stroke the older boy.

"Well then," Urel said, "what shall we do?"

"Put it in my bottom," Oren said, "I'd like that."

"Are you sure," I said, knowing full well the abuses the boy suffered there.

"Yes," Oren said, "it makes my belly tingle master."

"Alright," I said, "do as our young master says Urel."

"I'm not your master," Oren said, fearing he was in some sort of trouble.

"Oh but you are," Urel said in a playful voice, "your body has made us its slave."

Little Oren giggled as Urel rolled him over onto his back, then pushed his legs up towards his shoulders. I watched as Urel let his tongue run around the boy's fresh bottom, slickening the boy's hole as he purred, enjoying the subtle sensations.

Urel reached his hand up and stroked the boy's small three inch [7½ cm] erection, causing the little slave boy to moan as he held his legs back, enjoying the sensations of the boy's hand and tongue. Urel looked at me as I watched him, a playful look on his face, knowing full well that I wished it was me behind the boy's bottom, but that I would not touch this boy, at least not for now.

Urel's used his free hand to prod at Oren's slick hole, gently pressing a finger inside of the boy's bottom. He met little resistance and the slender boyish digit entered the boy slowly, causing the lad to whimper in delight. Urel moved his finger around, I'm sure searching for that magical little button that caused boy's to squeal with such delight.

"Oh," little Oren moaned, "Please put it in me."

"Put what in you," Urel said playfully.

"Your pee pee," Oren said, looking at the boy.

"You must call it by it's proper name," Urel said.

"Put your rod in me," Oren said, "please master."

"Are you sure you want my rod inside of you," Urel asked with a little smirk.

"Please," Oren said, "fuck me master."

"Alright," Urel said, "I suppose I can do that for you."

"Oh thank you," Oren said, watching impatiently as the older boy drizzled oil over his rod, then down over the boy's balls, so it dribbled into the boy's crack.

"Do you think you could take master," Urel asked.

Oren groaned, and nodded, then looked at me, hesitantly.

"Do you want him to fuck you," Urel asked.

"If he wants," Oren said, "'tis master's desires that are important."

"That's not what I asked," Urel said, stroking the boy's rod.

"If he was gentle," Oren said, "I wouldn't mind if master put his thing inside of me."

"Master is always gentle," Urel said, "but minding and wanting are two different things. Do you want him to fuck you?"

Oren looked at me as if he was suddenly very sad, "no I don't. He's very big and it would hurt me. I'm sorry master."

"It's alright," I said, stroking the boy's hair, "I'm not angry Oren."

"Do you want me to fuck you," Urel said.

"Yes master," Oren said, "I want you to fuck me."

"Good," Urel said, "are you ready now?"

"Oh please yes," Oren said, looking down the length of his body, past his rigid little penis, to the place the boys would meet.

Urel moved his slick teenaged penis to the entrance to the boy's bottom, smiling as he prodded the younger boy's hole gently. With an expert touch, he slowly pushed inside of Oren, causing the boy to gasp, his eyes opening wide as he felt the slim intruder.

"Oh thank you master," Oren said, smiling at the older boy hovering above him.

Urel smiled at the horny little boy as he slowly slid the length of his penis inside, enjoying the warmth of the boy's bottom. Both boy's began to breathe heavier as their pleasures began to grow. Oren whimpered almost as if he were in pain, even as Urel groaned, gripping the boy's hips firmly as his strokes picked up urgency, thrusting in and out of the firm tight hole.

I could see the two brother's watching, the oldest, Rorke, fiddling with his rod, while Lelland laid beside him, his hand gripping his own stiff member through his bedshirt. I motioned for Rorke to come to me and he did, hesitantly. I laid the slim blonde haired boy down beside the two rutting youngsters and gripped his slim three and half inch [9 cm] penis between my fingers, smiling at the boy's trepidation. I thought that perhaps Paval had gotten to the boy already, but I could see that wasn't the case. It seemed Paval only had eyes for young Kolt these days.

"I don't want to do that," Rorke said, looking at Urel and Oren nervously as the older boy fucked the younger vigorously.

"Don't worry," I said as I stroked the boy's gorgeous little cock, "I just want to make you feel good."

The boy looked at me nervously, his only prior experience with men had brought him much misery, he was uncertain what to expect now. I reached down and gently ran my tongue over the head of his tiny cock.

"That tickles master," he said, smiling at me.

"Do you want me to stop," I asked.

"No master," he said, his hand resting on my shoulder as he watched me suck his penis into my mouth.

"Oh master," Rorke squealed.

"Master has quite the talented mouth," Urel said, a mischievous look on his face.

"Don't stop," Rorke said, as I began to move my mouth up and down his slim little cocklet. "It feels so good."

I listened to the two boys beside us as they picked up their pace, Urel was going to come soon, I could tell by the way he was breathing, the subtle groans emanating from his throat. At the same time, little Rorke was enjoying his first blow job, as I flicked my tongue along the underside of his penis, stretching out the boy's pleasure, building it to a crescendo, I hoped he would always remember.

"Harder," little Oren screamed from beside us suddenly, his face flush as he stroked his own little penis, trying to bring himself to his own little peak.

Urel obliged and thrust his penis savagely into the boy's bottom, causing the younger boy to gasp and grunt, then with a whimper, cum, as the older boy jabbed his penis across the boy's tiny pleasure spot.

"Oh," Oren moaned, that strange sound boys made when they seemed locked inside that place that held both pleasure and pain. "Harder! Harder!"

Urel continued to fuck the boy, even as the boy continued to orgasm, his body trembling beside us, his drawn out moans and whimpers a certain sign of the pleasure his body was reaping.

Rorke, caught up in a haze of bliss, began to moan as well, thrusting his little cock hard against my face, trying valiantly to bring his own stiff little prick to that place of pleasure, then with a final squeal he cried out, his little rod twitching like mad in my mouth. I looked up at him as I continued to lavish attention to his little prick, his eyes were wide, his little mouth half open, as if he were about to scream, his chest rose and fell as he labored for breath as his body convulsed with pleasure.

Urel was still now, as he pulled out of the well fucked youngster below him. He watched Rorke, a twinge of jealousy in his eyes, as the boy's body danced at the end of my tongue. Then Rorke, unable to bear the sensitive tingles running through the tip of his rod, gripped me by my chin and pulled me off his cock.

"Stop master," he groaned, "I can't take anymore."

Urel laughed, as he cleaned his slick little rod off with a handcloth and said, "I can master, If you want."

"Oh I want," I said, smiling.

"Can I have a go too," Lellend said with a cautious tone, I hadn't even noticed that he had crawled on to the bed with us.

"Of course," I said, "but you'll all tire me out at this rate."

Chapter 3

I decided to let the boys play while the sun was still high, not really wanting to travel in the heat. It would do them good to have a bit of fun. It had been two weeks since we left Certhen. There had been some trouble getting Lelland and Rourke to call Oren by his new name, but they had finally given in. Kolt and Oren were still nearly inseparable, hanging on to each other like two young lovers, of course it was something else that kept them together, something one could not define.

"He'll be here soon," Paval said suddenly, opening his eyes.

"What," I said, wondering what he was talking about.

"The bandit mage," Paval said. "The sparrows spotted him."

"You're talking nonsense," I said shaking my head.

"You should gather the boys," Paval said, "there's no time to run now. We'll have to make our stand here."

"Are you certain," I asked, realizing that this was not some joke, but that Paval actually believed the mage was on his way.

"Quite," he said as he stood and shook the dirt from his robes. "Gather the boys and keep still."

I gathered the boys and watched as Paval walked towards the woods and stood, his feet apart, his hands grasped together at the small of his back. He stood patiently, watching and saying nothing. The boys understood something was wrong, but I quieted them and asked Urel to tell them a story. Urel looked at me, nervous as well, but nodded. I listened as he told a fairly brutal tale of a boy caught by the Picts and forced into servitude. He was quite graphic and I could see the boys squirm as they listened to his story. Occasionally one would stop him for clarification, he would explain and continue. It wasn't until he suddenly stopped speaking that I realized someone had arrived.

He stood at the edge of the woods in plain brown robes. The man was older, perhaps forty winters old. He had a smattering of grey throughout his hair, which hung to his shoulders. In his right arm, he held a long wooden staff the ends capped with what looked to be silver. He was not what I had expected of a bandit mage. He seemed regal and well kept, in fact if I had met him in any other circumstance, I might've struck up a conversation.

"Continue your story," I said to Urel, forcing a smile.

Urel looked at me, uncertain, then started his tale again. I watched Lelland and Rourke, seeing if they might recognize the man, but they didn't. I will not lie to you, the idea of facing a mage, even with another by my side, struck me with fear to the point that my hands trembled. If the boys had not been there, I would've most certainly ran. Instead, I went and stood by Paval's side, not saying a word.

"His name is Loresh," Paval said.

"You know him?" I asked, looking at the man who stood quietly watching us.

"Quite well," Paval said, "he was my first instructor."

"I don't understand," I said.

"Neither do I," Paval said, then without another word he walked towards the man.

For a second I did nothing, not sure exactly what to do. I looked back at the boys, as another rush of fear came over me. I saw Urel watching me and I could see he too was frightened.

I smiled then, I'm not sure why, and said in a loud voice, "Continue your story Urel!"

Urel nodded and did as he was told. I turned and chased after Paval as he approached Loresh. I wondered if Paval was frightened, he didn't seem to be. In fact he seemed quite calm, almost serene, not saying a word until we stood merely a a horse's length from the man.

"I pray the God's have been kind to you Loresh," Pavel said, bowing at the waste.

"And I pray the same for you Paval," the man said smiling.

The two men stared at each other, not saying a word. I looked at them, wondering what was happening, expecting fireballs or plagues of insects to appear at any minute, instead both of them sat down and crossed their legs. Loresh looked at me, still standing and I suddenly felt Paval tug on my leg. Not knowing what else to do, I sat beside Paval and remained quiet.

"I thought you'd be back at the tower by now," Loresh said.

"No," Paval said, "When you left I took your place as an instructor."

"I'm sorry Paval," Loresh said. "It's a shame it took so long for you to enjoy your pilgrimage. I hope you can forgive me."

"The past is the past," Paval said, staring at the man.

"You've become quite a fine young man," Loresh said in a kind voice. "'Tis grim that we meet like this."

"So what shall it be?" Paval asked.

"I've come for the boys you took," Loresh said. "There father has paid for their ransom. He sent me to return with them. There is a circle not far from here. They'll be home by tomorrow."

"You can't take them," I said, starting to stand, only to have Paval pull me back to the ground.

"Be still Antosh," Paval said, "he will not harm the boys."

"How do you know that," I said. "You haven't seen this man in how long. He could be a monster now."

"If he were a monster," Paval said, "I'd know."

"You haven't been completely honest with your friend," Loresh said, shaking his head. "You might want to explain things a bit. Secrets aren't to be kept with friends such as yourself."

"What is he talking about," I said, "Does he think you and I are…"

"No," Loresh said then laughed. "What I'm saying is that this isn't the first time you and Paval have met. He might not see it, but I do."

"Quiet Loresh," Paval said in a serious voice.

"I don't think that is for the best," Loresh said, looking at Paval. "If my student refuses to tell you, I will."

"I'm not your student anymore," Paval said, his eyes narrowing.

"You'll always be my student Paval," the man said, "Just as I am your student. Tell him or I will."

Paval looked at the man, then looked at me. The man said nothing, rather he waited as I waited, and Paval waited. After a few moments the man tapped Paval on the side with his staff and nodded.

"The enlightened one, great Sadistha," Paval began, "he who bore the flower and wisdom to the gods, said that everyone who has lived, has lived before and will live again."

"Reincarnation," I said, "that's what this is about?"

"Hush," Loresh said, frowing, "let Paval speak."

"He wont understand," Paval said, shaking his head.

"Whether he understands or not," Loresh said, "isn't the question. The question is whether he has a right to know why you're traveling with him."

Paval seemed to slump at that comment, then turned to me and frowned.

"You and I are bound," Paval said. "This isn't our first life together. I could tell when I first met you at my uncle's tavern. I thought fate had brought us together, that's why I'm with you now."

"That's nonsense," I said, shaking my head. "Why do you feel the need to tell me that?"

"If you let him finish," Loresh said in a stern voice, "he'd tell you."

"Because once we have come together," Paval said, "we will never be apart. There will always be something that draws us to one another, until we pass on to the next life."

"Paval and you are lifemates," Loresh said with a smirk. "For lack of a better description."

"I'm not interested in Paval in that way," I said.

"Why must you turn everything to sex," Loresh said. "What you and Paval have transcends that. You're fate is entwined. You may not realize it, but you will."

"This is crazy," I said as I stood up. "You can't have the boys. You wont convince me to give them to you with all of this religious nonsense."

"It isn't nonsense," Paval said. "It's true and you needn't believe it. I didn't tell you, because I knew it might cause you discomfort."

"Well you shouldn't have," I said, even as Loresh shook his head.

"Well the truth is there now," Loresh said. "And I will have the boys. They wish to be with their father and their father wishes for their return. It's not your decision to make."

"How do I know you wont enslave them," I said, "or sell them off."

"Because my dear boy," Loresh said, "I do not lie and if I did, Paval would know."

I looked at Paval, uncertain and suddenly very saddened at the thought of losing the very boys I didn't want nary a month ago.

"He will take them back," Paval said. "He knows the circles. I should've guessed it was you. Perhaps I didn't want to believe you would resort to such things."

"Lets not judge," Loresh said. "I didn't intend for the boys to be mistreated, but I had other obligations and I couldn't chance the boys knowing I was involved. I do wish it had been different."

"Why would you become such a thing?" Paval asked.

"Ahh," Loresh said smiling. "Be careful what questions you ask, or you might get an answer."

"He can't have the boys," I said.

"Antosh do you trust me?" Paval asked.

I looked at him for a second, taken back, not sure how to answer. I thought of the things I had heard, things that seemed to be utter nonsense, and I wasn't sure what I thought of Paval now.

"I don't know," I said, turning away.

"Yes you do," Paval said. "You know it now that it's been asked."

I couldn't look at either of the men, instead I stared at the boys in the distance. I realized now that Urel wasn't telling his story anymore, that instead they had been watching us. I felt a need to protect the boys, to keep them from harm, to make sure they grew into strong men. The lingering fear I had felt had become something else now, a loss, for I knew now that the answer was settled.

"I want to trust you," I finally said.

"Then go get the boys," Paval said, "and bring them here."

"He can't have Oren," I said. "He can return Lelland and Rourke, but Oren is mine."

"He's yours is he," Loresh laughed. "If you believe that, you're in for quite a surprise."

"I'll fight you," I said, turning on the man.

Loresh laughed and stood up, then approached me slowly. I stood still, for a moment regretting my words as he leaned forward.

I felt his warm breath on my ear as he whispered softly, "they didn't send me for the slave, but be sure that you know, if I see it in your heart, so does Paval."

With that he patted me on the side of the cheek and turned back towards the woods. I watched him as he walked away. Paval stood up and for the first time since I met him, he seemed out of sorts. He looked at me, a worried expression on his face.

"I'll be back for the boys at dusk," Loresh said. "Say your goodbyes and have them ready."

Paval watched Loresh walk away. When the man was out of sight he turned and walked to the camp. I followed without saying a word.

"I'll miss you boy," Rourke said as he leaned down and wrapped his arms around Oren.

"I'll miss you as well," Lelland said looking as if he were to cry, "but you shouldn't come back. Father wasn't nice to you. You'll be happy here."

Oren pushed the two boys away from him and frowned, then turned away and said in an angry voice, "I don't care if you'll miss me. I wont miss you."

"Oren," I said, grabbing the boy by the shoulders. "Apologize."

"They hurt me," Oren said, looking at me, his eyes watering. "And they laughed. They liked to make me cry. I don't ever want to see them again."

I pulled Oren towards me and held him in my arms as Paval took the brothers to Loresh. I watched as they walked away. They were saddened by what Oren said, and I understood that they couldn't understand how Oren felt. What the boys thought of as fun and games, was something much different for Oren.

Paval said something to the boys and I saw them turn to me and wave. I waved back smiling. As I saw them go I realized something, there wasn't so much sadness in my heart. The only one I feared losing was still with me. Even though I had cared for the other two, I could give them up because I knew they would be happy. I doubted I'd be able to give up Oren as easily.

Chapter 4

Paval turned and looked at me with a smirk, then asked, "why, are you jealous?"

I shook my head and gave up my questions, realizing it was pointless, when Paval felt the need to speak about it, he would. Of course we never did, that was the first and last time I ever heard him speak of us being lifemates.

It took us two days before we finally caught sight of Vinter. As you come from the Eastern road the city can be seen in the distance from atop a hill. As you look down you can see the stone wall, over forty foot high, that surrounds the inner city. Tall stone buildings rise up from within and this is the abode of the wealthy. The streets within the wall are well kept and the buildings pristine. As you walk down the First Boulevard of the Old City you will see the wooden tabards gilded in precious metals hanging out in front of the shops, proclaiming the name of each vendor. It is assumed if you are shopping on First Boulevard that you will be intimately familiar with each of the shops and their goods, so there is rarely any explanation of what one might find inside, except for what one might find sitting in the windows.

It is only when you near the castle that the shops along First Boulevard fade and are replaced by the gates and walls that surround the manors of the nobles. There are no beggars inside the Old City, nor half dressed slaves. Everything is prim and proper. One does not expect entry unless one can provide a purpose.

Beneath the walls of the Old City, First Boulevard is entirely different. There in the new city, the homes and shops you find are mostly made of wood and stone. The first floor is often laid with stone and the second and third stories made of wood. The windows are often shuttered and the tabards that hang in front of the stores always list a description of their goods. No one comes to First Boulevard without a purpose, for the street is teeming with thieves and pickpockets. One is advised to hide their coinpurse near their jewels if they wish to keep them safe in the New City.

To say that the New City is a haven for the evil and immoral would be disingenuous, in fact many honest and good hearted people lived in the New City, rather there were parts of the city that lacked good taste.

Now I knew none of this as I stood on that hill, Urel, Oren, and Kolt behind me, Paval by my side, instead I saw my destination fulfilled, for hear my journey of a thousand miles had come to an end. I found it hard to sit still as I approached the city.

Chapter 4

We decided to wait until dusk to enter the city, believing that there would be fewer people about. As the sun began to sink below the horizon, we made our way down the hill and approached the gate. There was no way of knowing how much this city would change my life and the lives of those around me. If I had known I'm certain I wouldn't have entered its gates. Paval knew, I'm sure of that, but he said nothing.

Urel sat beside me, his eyes bulging as we passed by a naked little boy, no older than ten winters, a collar around his neck. The boy was chained to a post, hanging on the post was a sign stating that the boy would provide oral services for a mere dethel. I could see by the crust on the boy's chin that he had been doing just that. As we passed by, a rugged lad, just a few years my junior, produced a dethel and took the boy behind the wall. There was no doubt what he expected.

It shocked me, to see such cruelty, I did not realize then that the more one is exposed to such things, the more ambivalent one becomes. It would take barely a decade for me to become nearly oblivious to such cruelties.

My first night spent in Vinter was at the Beckenberry Inn. It was the first inn you pass on your way into the city from the gate. The inn is surrounded by a high wall and popular with slavers. In the afternoon the entire courtyard is filled with poor unfortunate souls, abducted or sold into a life of servitude, that evening was no different.

If I had been born in a different time, perhaps I would've been more moved by their discomfort, but alas I was well aware of what oiled the cogs of the world, and that of course was labor. Without workers there can be no labor and it did not take a scholar to know that slaves were the cheapest form of labor. Even then, in lands like Lithlell, there was still slavery, just a different form. Instead of being kept at the master's house you were fooled into believing you were free because you were going to your own home. You still worked the same hours in the same conditions, but there was no chain around your ankle. If you did not show up for work, you might not be whipped, but you would be fired, then there would be no food for you or your family. The idea that the choice to work or not work allowed you freedom, was an illusion, you were still a slave.

The young lady in the inn would not let me bring the boys in at first, as was the case for many fine establishments, slaves were not allowed inside. Paval explained, perhaps in more detail than was needed, that the boys were there to entertain us and the young lady, shocked by his forwardness, allowed them entry.

We had a good meal of duck and mint jelly before retiring to bed. The image of the young boy being led behind the wall incited a lust in my soul, despite myself, and I used young Oren's mouth to quench it. The boy didn't mind, even though I might've been a bit more eager than usual. He swallowed my seed and smiled, a small bit of slime coated his lips. Later, after the lights were dimmed, I could hear Urel having his fun with Oren as well. Of course there was no doubt that Paval was being 'entertained' by Kolt in very much the same way.

The next morning did nothing to sate our lust. The streets seemed to teem with young boys and girls offering their bodies for pleasure. Most were chained by their ankle or neck, a small sign displayed the acts they performed and the cost. There was no haggling, if one wished to spend time with the slave, they dropped the coin in the coffer beside them and went behind the cover provided to receive their compensation.

I had of course not come to Vinter to sight see, even if Vinter was the largest city west of Lithlell, no I had come to seek my fortune, and that is what I did. It took barely a day to find my purpose in the town, it happened by chance really. After walking through the market, viewing the oddities for sale, food, clothes, even animals, I became quite thirsty and stepped inside a worn down establishment, that was apparently an inn.

The furniture in the inn was in severe disrepair and it was hard for me to believe that the chairs could support a person's weight, in fact the sheer lack of regard that the owner had for the upkeep of the establishment, almost caused me to leave, but then I heard the innkeeper arguing with a tax collector about his debt to the crown.

Rather than describe the details of this conversation, I shall merely say I offered to pay the man's debt and a hefty sum more, the man, having no other choice, agreed. The next day I returned with the papers prepared.

I have been in that inn ever since. If you have been to Vinter perhaps you have heard of it, "The Golden Crow" is its name. I take great pride in my establishment. I have twenty-two boys and girls of all ages that work for me, providing different services for my guests. I would suggest you not judge me to harshly, for in Vinter it is not the only place of its kind and in fact it is widely known that I take good care of my workers. I have saved many children from a somewhat darker existence, for there are many men who think nothing of applying a lash to a child's body for even the most minor indiscretion. I do not lash anyone that lives under my roof, but I do require that they earn their keep and freedom, for I have little use for a slave that has gotten too old to be desirable.

Every boy and girl that works for me earns a bit of coin for themselves. If they earn enough to pay for their freedom, then I grant it to them as soon as it's paid, otherwise they're freed on their sixteenth birthday. Many of the boys and girls who work for me have been free for years, but still stay in the inn. Again, even though it's not the most desirable occupation, it pays well and no child is pushed too far.

I long ago grew tired of tears and sorrow. Even though I know it exists in the hearts of my boys and girls, I cannot willfully push it upon them. If one protests too much, then I find a chore they can perform, one that doesn't whittle away at their spirit.

I know I said I grew callous in my old age, but that's not the entire truth, I just became more aware of the way the world works and my place in that world. If a boy must suckle a man in order to earn coin to eat, then isn't it best that he does it someplace safe, where the man cannot withhold his payment or even harm the boy later?

If I had my way slavery would be a thing of the past, but of course I don't and I realize, even though it waxes and wanes, much like the tide comes in an then recedes, slavery will always be a part of this world. I know that even though it would be best for a child to be safe from these types of indignations, the fact is, men will always desire the soft pleasant curves of a boy or girl and at least I can be sure they are being treated well.

As for my companions, Paval, Urel, Kolt, and Oren, their story did not end with mine, but I fear it would be rude to share things about them without their consent. I shall ask them to share their own tales with you at a later time, but til then, let me end this tale now, for it is late and I'm sure we both could use a rest.

I will be calling a new boy up to my room tonight, one that I procured a few days ago. He's a good lad, still able to smile, which pleases me. I cannot abide by the breaking of a boy. He seems quite happy to please and almost purrs when he sleeps beside me. I love to wrap my arms around him and snuggle close, feeling the warmth of his young body beside mine.

If I leave you with anything, I would leave you with this, my journey is not your journey, nor is it meant to be. Whether you agree with the things I have done or not means little to me, rather I hope that you might have learned something from my own experiences. Don't prize freedom too greatly, for we are never really free, instead appreciate those small things life has to offer, the warm smell of bread rising up through the floor or the suns rays coming to wake you in the morning, for those are the things that you that you are alive and that your senses are alive.

Even when I am old and perhaps not as spry, I think I will still be able to appreciate my life and the good things I have. If not for grace or the gods, I could've been born in a less kind time. I could've been a slave or serf, instead I was lucky enough to be born to a merchant who reared me wisely and taught me enough to be able to survive and see more of the world than most. If you are reading this and you have no collar around your neck or cuff upon your ankle, then be grateful, for today you are more free than some.

The End

To my readers