Bara

Flavius Aulus

Book II, Chapters 1-8

Chapter 1

War was looming. Everyone in the Roman Empire knew it, yet no one knew why, not even the Emperor. He was trying hard to avoid it, as was the Scandinavian king, but somehow all their efforts to ease the tension seemed to go wrong.

With a few exceptions the Emperor did not know who to trust. One of those exceptions was His Excellency Flavius Aulus, Provincial Governor. The problem was that Flavius wouldn't turn fifteen for six month or so and still went to school.

Flavius had inherited the governorship on the death of his father. A Board of Guardians had been set up to help him with his official duties. To allow him a chance to have some sort of a childhood, a club known as the House of Sparta had been formed.

Inside the club and while wearing its uniform, consisting of a short slave tunic with gold edging and the House of Sparta insignia on his left thigh, he was treated as a slave. The advantage was that Flavius could escape the formality of the palace and get into trouble like a normal boy, without involving the Governorship.

He had even been whipped and made to do a week's hard labour for spraying graffiti. He had learnt a valuable lesson about peer pressure and, because he had been so careful not to hide behind the governorship, he had earned considerable respect for his courage. The serious side to his membership of the House of Sparta was that he was using it to allow slaves and freemen to have a proper education by forcing schools to treat all students according to ability and not by rank.

Flavius took the House of Sparta very seriously. If talking about his official duties he would not say that 'I am going to do that' but instead would say 'His Excellency is going to do that'

He was also proving to be a successful governor. He was popular amongst the poorer people because he had shaken up Provincial officials so that services had vastly improved. His education reforms gave their children more chances.

The Province was stable and favoured by the Emperor. Flavius, guided by the Board of Guardians was bringing in new business so his eccentric behaviour was tolerated by the noble classes.

One situation cropped up so often that it had become a provincial joke. On a Saturday, Flavius would hold audience as Provincial Governor. No one who saw him or had an audience with him ever doubted his authority. Most left impressed by his maturity and intelligence. In the afternoon he would leave the palace in his slave tunic and join his friends in the market, helping out until they could go off for a game of football.

The same high ranking visitor who had treated Flavius so courteously in the morning might brush past him in the afternoon, knocking him out of the way or make him clear away rubbish that they had dropped. There's an old saying that no one ever looks at a slave and Flavius proved it, time and time again.

After one particular football match one of the players approached him and held out his hand.

"I just want to say Goodbye," he said, "I think you'll have to enslave me tomorrow."

"Why? What have you done now, Brian?" Flavius asked.

"There was this vase," Brian replied, "And it was Mum's birthday. I didn't have any money so I lifted it. The stall holder gave chase and I tripped and dropped it. I didn't know that it was a valuable antique. Mum just can't afford the compensation, court fees and the rest. I'll be sold to cover them."

"I remember now," Flavius said, "I heard about it but I didn't realise it was this serious. What time do you have to be at the court?"

"Two o'clock for the afternoon session."

"OK! Report to His Excellency at seven o'clock," Flavius commanded, "I don't know if he can help but he'll try."

The following morning Brian was led into Flavius' office. This time there was no warm greeting for a friend. Instead Brian was left standing in front of the desk while Flavius ignored him continuing to study the papers in front of him.

Like the rest of the Province, Brian accepted the change in attitude and stood respectfully until his superior was ready for him.

"This isn't the first time you've been in trouble and you're lucky you haven't been enslaved before," Flavius said sternly, "That stall holder deserves compensation and I can't have a thief getting away with it in the markets."

If Brian resented being told off by a boy a few months younger than himself he did not show it but he flinched at the word thief, still staying quiet.

"The slaves of the House of Sparta like you," Flavius continued, "They seem to think that you're stupid and act on impulse rather than that you're just a criminal but I've still got to make an example of you. You do understand that, don't you?"

Brian did understand and nodded miserably.

"I've spoken to Germanicus," Flavius said, "You've been in court so many times that I can't stop your enslavement without being accused of favouritism. That would wreck my reforms."

Brian nodded sadly again.

"Part of the enslavement procedure is when you're taken from the court and paraded through the town to the market. We've both watched it and played around with the prisoners. It's part of the punishment to be publicly humiliated. I bought Publicus privately because it was simply the matter of paying the full compensation owed. In your case it's more than that. You've been in court before and ignored the chances you were given.

"According to Germanicus I can buy you providing I send you for a public whipping as your humiliation. It's to show that you're not getting any favours."

Flavius paused, letting Brian absorb what he was telling him.

"You're still free so it's your decision," Flavius concluded, "I'll understand if don't want me as your Master and I'm sorry I can't do more."

"You're still giving me a chance," Brian replied, "If I was sold I'd be lucky to end up with a master like you. I'd more likely end up as a brothel eunuch."

"And the whipping?" Flavius asked.

"It's a struggle not to beg you to let me off," Brian replied, "I understand why you have to order it and I'll hate you for a while but I'll get over it and maybe we… slave Flavius and I will be friends again."

Flavius stared at him thoughtfully. The silence made Brian feel uncomfortable.

"When you've completed your punishment, you'll work for Hans and help him to run the palace."

This time it was Brian staring but in astonishment.

"Why would you want me?" he gasped.

"My majordomo is not well," Flavius explained, "Hans is doing more and more of his work and needs an assistant. You'll be tightly supervised and Hans won't tolerate your impulses. Believe me, you won't want to get on the wrong side of him."

"Yes but why would you want me?"

Flavius grinned.

"It's all about training. Brutus and I need to be able to judge people. We think you're worth a chance but you need to become more disciplined."

"Yes but I'm usually written off as a troublemaker," Brian exclaimed, "Surely there're more suitable candidates."

"I promised that I would help if I could," Flavius laughed before becoming serious, "You're not complaining because there's not much I can do. I nearly used my office to avoid my own whipping so I understand how you feel. Just accept we think you're worth a chance."

Flavius glanced at the clock.

"I have to get to school. I'm not allowed excuses any more than you are and I don't want to be caned by Steven for being late."

He pressed a buzzer and Hans entered the office. As Flavius hurried off to change for school, Hans took Brian to the House of Sparta rooms and talked to him about his future.

That evening Brian found himself a guest of the House of Sparta. He was sitting next to Germanicus who had just sentenced him to enslavement and thirty lashes yet the magistrate was complimenting him on the courage he had shown in court and was hoping that he would get through his ordeal OK.

"Thank you, sir," Brian replied respectfully waiting for his superior to continue.

"In here you and I are equals while you're a guest," Germanicus said, "Call me Germanicus. I know it seems odd but if you want it to get really strange, bend that boy there over your lap and give his arse and his privates a good feel."

"But he's Prince Julius," Brian exclaimed. "I couldn't do that."

"I heard about the football match, yesterday," Germanicus said seeming to change the subject, "You tackled Flavius hard a couple of times and it puzzled Julius. He expected you to go soft to try to get into Flavius' good books."

"I thought about it," Brian admitted, "But it wouldn't work with Flavius. I told him about the hearing though and I did hope that he would help."

"But you didn't beg and you've accepted that you must be punished," Germanicus interrupted, "The Imperial Palace was suffocating Julius. The Gods willing, his older brother will follow his father and then grandson will follow son. Julius' sole reason for existence is to provide a backup in case something goes wrong."

Germanicus paused before seeming to head off on another new tangent. "I disapproved of all this equality nonsense when the House of Sparta started but I was wrong. It's difficult to define character. You and Julius will face challenges on equal terms. Your time on the streets and his time in the Imperial Palace won't help you if you foul up and find yourselves facing Hans.

Germanicus paused.

"For now, protocol in the House of Sparta allows you to fuck a prince or a noble but I must wait until you've joined before I can fuck you.

Brian sat quietly absorbing everything that Germanicus had just told him before looking around at the other boys in the room.

Hans was in charge constantly monitoring the other boys as they looked after their guests. He knew most of them as they often hung around together playing football.

As on most worlds, boys loved to play football but on Flavius' world it was deemed a game only fit for slaves and the lower classes. The idea of nobles charging around a muddy field for the entertainment of a large crowd was too shocking for words.

Brutus, son of Senator Crevellio, in particular, loved the game. Just turned fifteen, he was athletic and intelligent. Roman boys were often naked and everyone in the House of Sparta knew how his body would react to any physical challenge, especially if other naked boys were involved.

He had become firm friends with Steven who had similar interests. Steven was known as the General's Boy because of his relationship with General Maximilian. He often returned from the General, bruised, battered and exhausted and always with a contented smile on his face. 'General's Boy' was a term of respect that he had earned. Soldiers under the General's command stood for him and called him, sir.

Where no one had thought of asking Hans who was just a slave, Steven had been the first free boy invited to join the House of Sparta because of his hatred of bullying. He had got himself into trouble standing up to boys of noble rank if they were picking on someone. His father, Harold, was in charge of the boys' discipline though he had little to do because Hans usually handled everything efficiently and competently.

The next to join had been Alan. Although a slave he had been invited as the House had formed and established itself. He had got himself noticed because of his determination to try to continue his education. Somehow he became friendly with Titus, Flavius' uncle. Titus had bought him and had promised to free him and adopt him on his twenty first birthday. Titus' wife and oldest son, Publicus had plotted against Flavius' governorship. Publicus had been sold into slavery and his wife banished to a tiny cottage in a remote corner of the province.

Flavius had come close to killing them both but Titus' younger son Marcus had revealed the plot on condition that they would not be harmed. Marcus and Alan were good friends and both approaching fourteen. Marcus was academic and uncomfortable around the more boisterous boys of the House of Sparta. Alan shared Titus' taste for physical pleasure and they often spent time at the local brothel. Marcus often visited the House of Sparta and was always a welcome guest.

David was another slave. He had been convicted of theft, enslaved and found himself facing Brutus in a gladiatorial fight. The swords might have been practice ones but they delivered agonising electrical shocks which were occasionally fatal. Once he realised that his opponents were the House of Sparta, he had demanded to fight for them rather than against them because Flavius' education reforms were giving his younger brother a better chance.

The final member, apart from Julius, was Luke. He had joined when he had stood by Flavius when they were all whipped for spraying graffiti. He was solid and reliable, quietly accepting any challenge he met.

The Emperor had allowed his son to join for a number reasons. His son had asked when Flavius had become a star and household name after defeating a plot against him. Nowadays plots had more to do with humiliation and embarrassment rather than murder but Flavius had still defeated his enemies and his own standing had increased. Allowing his son to bask in some of the glory was good for the Imperial family.

Another reason was that the Emperor agreed that Julius would be happier away from being under his brother's shadow and genuinely considered his son's feelings. The final reason was that he was curious to see how far being incognito could be pushed in Flavius' province.

So far things had worked out extremely well. Julius was happy, indulging in his passion for wood carving. The province was used to the House of Sparta and only ever saw the boys as slaves when they were in its tunics. The Emperor almost envied his younger son's opportunity to explore the world outside of Imperial protocol.

The next step in his plan would be to visit the province himself, if not incognito but highly unofficially simply as a father visiting his son.

Flavius' attempt to modernise the education system had been simple and direct. He had attended school as Steven's slave. The school was faced with the choice of ignoring Flavius' stand which would have been tantamount to defying the Emperor or reacting to his challenge.

The school gave in, began giving the lower ranks fairer treatment and found itself getting Imperial grants and funding. Once one school started, others began trying to play catchup.

Flavius' mother Julia would have to cooperate if the Emperor visited incognito. She kept a close eye on Palace business. Her role had changed since her husband's death and Flavius' succession. Her husband had not been unkind or cruel but he had been cold and autocratic. He did not trust the slaves or his officials to do their work and expected his wife to be as suspicious and demanding as he was.

Flavius' approach was far more relaxed but because of his experiences in the House of Sparta it was far harder for anyone to fool him. The first warning the staff got that he was not happy with their work was a gentle question; is that how Matthew taught you?

A couple of slaves had tried to take advantage of him, forgetting that he was also learning from Matthew. They were whipped until their backs were a bloody mess then sold. They got no sympathy from the other slaves because the two troublemakers risked the good treatment they all enjoyed.

It was when the slave was doing his best and obviously struggling that his methods diverged from his father's. If something was going wrong he would strip off and work alongside them helping them to put it right.

If there was a problem while he was performing some official duty or some other time when he could not intervene, he would never ask who was to blame but who had failed to put it right.

The Palace had become a much more cheerful place and Julia found herself far more relaxed and able to to enjoy her position than when her husband was alive. She sought fashion advice from her maids, one of whom had been a fashion designer before getting drunk and smashing her car into a rival's shop. Neither did Flavius object to her interest in one or two of the male slaves.

With service at the Palace being compared favourably with the Imperial Palace, and so much happier in herself she was doing her best to see slaves as individuals. For those who had been in their service for some time, Julia trying to be friendly was more terrifying than when she swept autocratically past them as if they did not exist.

It all added to the vibrancy of the new regime and to the Palace's reputation for getting things done. It also meant that when the Emperor arrived unofficially to visit his son it was just added to a lengthening list of bizarre events. Nothing seemed to surprise the Palace officials any more.

Used to Flavius' eccentricities, the staff respected the Emperor's wishes to be incognito so that for the first time in his life he was ignored. Angered at the apparent insolence he had stormed off to Julia's apartment.

"Flavius doesn't believe in half measures," Julia had replied, "Maybe he's gone too far with his idea of what an unofficial visit means. I'll have a word with him."

"What would happen if I strolled down to the market to watch my son play football?" the Emperor asked, calming down as he realized that his treatment was exactly what he wanted.

Julia laughed.

"A lot of people would stare but it would be the utmost bad manners for them to ask."

"It's almost as if the entire province is tied up in a kid's game," the Emperor said, "I'm not sure that it's that dignified."

"No it's scandalous that our children are rolling around in the mud with a ball for the entertainment of others," Julia laughed again, "If you wish to be His Imperial Majesty, then I'll curtsy, welcome you formally and see that you have a guard of honour to escort you. If you'd like to slip out of the Palace with Fabian he'll look after you."

Fabian was nineteen and known as the Governor's Companion. After three thousand years of existence there were procedures for everything, including gay Governors. Flavius probably was not gay. He would have to get married one day and produce heirs and so relationships with girls were almost part of his official duties.

Even if he went with a prostitute it could be complicated. The woman could claim to have given birth to his bastard child. Nowadays DNA testing could confirm or deny it but it could still be embarrassing. Fabian provided a relationship without complications. He had been accepted by the provincial officials and nobles because they had hoped that he would distract Flavius from his reforms.

Fabian had his own work and they had drifted apart a little but still needed each other. Flavius gave Fabian the confidence he needed to deal with the Imperial Palace while Fabian always seemed to be there to give Flavius the emotional support he needed.

Fabian was more than happy to accompany the Emperor. There was something sexy about Flavius during a game. He would be covered in mud, his chest heaving with the exertion. The uniform tunic was a half tunic except that it had splits up the sides and was coloured either blue or red. As the boys walked or ran, so their legs were completely exposed, often showing their more intimate regions to the world. Somehow those brief glimpses affected Fabian more than seeing him stripped naked in their bedroom.

When the game was over, the Sparta slaves hurried over to stand respectfully before Fabian and the Emperor.

"Congratulations, boys," Fabian said, "You're starting to show real teamwork."

"Thank you, sir," Flavius replied, "Julius made a nice pass to set up that last goal. Luke only had to tap it in."

"I saw," Fabian said before turning to the Emperor. "He seems to have inherited your passion for the game, sir."

"Maybe," the Emperor replied, "We should be getting back to the Palace. Come on."

He paused, seeing Flavius hesitate, "Well?"

"His Excellency usually invites both teams back for a meal, sir," Flavius replied, "In the slave dining room of course."

"Why of course? I'm surprised you don't play in the reception hall."

"His Excellency would never allow it, sir," Flavius replied, then added impishly, "Well he might during a Saturnalia, sir."

The Emperor relaxed. He had what he wanted. An excuse to visit the province, unofficially and the chance to wander around without a contingent of flunkies planning his every move. If anything he was in most danger of spoiling it by expecting the same deference he usually received.

"Yes of course," he said, "I appear to be spoiling the fun so off you go. I'd like Luke to stay with me though. While I'm here, I'd like to meet the parents of Julius' friends. Would it be convenient to visit your parents, Luke?"

Luke looked surprised then grinned. "As long as you don't stop Mum from getting Dad's dinner ready, sir."

The Emperor repressed another surge of anger, noticing the giggles from some of the other boys.

Luke's mother was a formidable lady who took everything in her stride. Until Luke had joined the House of Sparta her social life had revolved around the shopkeepers, local businessmen and minor officials in the Provincial Civil Service. Suddenly she found Provincial Governors, the sons of nobles and even Imperial princes knocking on her door. She delighted Flavius by treating them the same as the rest of Luke's friends.

Luke took his guests, including Julius, to the front door.

"You boys. Round the back and hose yourselves down in the garden," she snapped at the boys, "You're not traipsing mud through this house."

"She turned to the Emperor and Fabian, "The kettles on, come through. I've just started dinner and I want to make sure those two don't sneak in still dripping wet."

The Emperor found himself enjoying his visit. He was welcome as Julius' father and not the Emperor and conversation centred around their boys. He even stayed for dinner.

The following day he visited Brutus' family. As a noble family they were only too aware of Court protocol, finding it as difficult to ignore it as the Emperor did. It was a far less comfortable visit. Nevertheless Brutus' father proudly showed him around his vineyard describing the changes Brutus had made with the help of his friends.

The day after, Steven's father was at work when his immediate superior entered his office.

"I've just had a phone call from the Provincial Palace," he said, "The Governor's companion is bringing a guest along to see us. Is the Emperor sending someone over for some reason?"

"Unless he's coming himself," Mr. Sorenson replied, "He's visiting the parents of all of Julius' friends."

"So why does he want to meet me?" Mr. Jameson asked.

Steven's father shrugged, "I don't know. You've chatted on the phone so maybe he wants to meet you face to face. You've met Flavius at my house. Just respect his Imperial Majesty's incognito as you respect his."

Mr. Jameson nodded. They sat waiting in a companionable silence until a flustered young man showed Fabian and the Emperor into the office. The young man was Mark, Mr. Sorenson's assistant.

"You may as well stay," the Emperor said to Mark, "Harold, You're back on active service for a time. It got you top secret clearance quickly. I'm afraid you two gentlemen are being checked without your knowledge. It's also been noted that you keep our telephone conversations highly confidential including valuable information that you thought I had accidentally let slip. I'm sorry for the tests but they were necessary."

The Emperor settled back in his chair, accepted a cup of coffee and began to explain what he was doing.

People in powerful positions were trying to undermine the relationship between the Empire and Scandinavia. They were making fortunes as both sides re-armed. They would make even more in the rebuilding that would follow a war when, in it's weakened state, the Empire would be vulnerable to a take over.

The Emperor knew that dispatches between him and the Scandinavian King were being intercepted and subtly altered. He had unofficial ways of communicating with the King but they never knew who to trust. It was essential that they met face to face and agree some documents that could not be intercepted. Even the Scandinavian King had heard of the House of Sparta and had taken an interest in Flavius' progress.

The King had agreed that the meeting be held there and preparations begun. The Scandinavian navy had a square rigged sailing ship, the Thor, which they used for training and good will visits. It would be setting sail on a training cruise soon, during which an electrical failure would knock out navigational and communications equipment. The Captain would have to ask for assistance.

"No other vessel could ask but no one makes war on children," the Emperor said, "Can you arrange for it to dock somewhere out of the way?"

"Unless one of our vessels encountered it first the Dock Master would have to ask us for assistance. He could easily ask another company. If it was one of our ships that found it we could bring it in."

"It's involving too many people," the Emperor said, "We need something discreet."

"We do have a weekly shipment from Tromsø, sir," Mark interrupted, "Satellite tracking gives its position to within a hundred metres. If Thor had the codes it could intercept it. If it was on a course so that our ship was the easiest to reach, given the winds and tide, then it wouldn't matter even if there were other ships in sight."

"That would work," the Emperor said, "Providing the Thor's Captain knows his stuff."

"More to the point would be choosing a time when the winds are favourable," Harold said, "It's probably got an auxiliary engine but I doubt if it'll be that fast under power."

The Emperor nodded.

"Give me the codes and I'll pass them on when I return to Rome. Harold, may I visit you and your wife tonight. I'm giving the impression that I'm personally vetting Julius' friends and families. This afternoon I'm attending court to watch Flavius. It's tiresome but it adds to my cover of checking things over."

As Governor, it was Flavius' prerogative to sit as a magistrate. He always sat with Germanicus beside him and it was treated as part of his training.

The first two cases particularly interested the emperor because they involved people living near the market where Flavius had most of his friends.

The first prisoner was a good looking youth of about sixteen or seventeen, just the sort of boy Flavius seemed to like. He walked with a confident swagger. He was accused of rape but he was claiming that the girl had consented.

"Hello Paul," Flavius said cheerfully once court formalities had been completed, "I wondered where you'd been."

"In your fucking prison," Paul snarled angrily, "So much for you being one of us. You treat us just like the rest of them."

"I'm sorry if you've been badly treated," Flavius said, calmly, "If you're innocent I'll see that you get compensation. Now I know rape cases are very difficult to prove and I do know people who like rough sex so it's possible that all the blood and injuries shown in these pictures were part of a rough game."

"Yeah that's right," Paul smirked, "She sure liked it rough."

"That's not what her two previous boyfriends think," Flavius said.

"What?" Paul asked, suddenly looking nervous.

"I have three more allegations of rape against you," Flavius added, "I suggest you stick very closely to the truth because if you lie then I'll have you castrated as part of your punishment."

Paul lost all the colour in his face.

"You know women," he said, "They're always teasing, trying to wind you up. I just didn't play their little games. We're all men, right? You must understand."

"So your defence is they meant yes even if they said no," Flavius asked.

"Yes sir," Paul said desperately, "It's how it is."

"One of the girls had gone for a virginity test the day before," Flavius said, "She loved her boyfriend and they were planning on getting married. Do you still claim that she meant yes?"

Paul knew he was being backed into a corner and he was thinking of the castration threat.

"No sir," he said softly.

"Tell me which one you think it was," Flavius commanded.

"The one that tried running up the alley, sir," Paul answered, "She screamed so loudly. I hit her because she would have brought the guards along."

"So you did know that she meant no," Flavius exclaimed.

"Yes sir," Paul said, defeated.

"I warned you not to lie to me, didn't I?"

Paul collapsed to the floor sobbing.

"Don't worry," Flavius said softly, "I meant an obvious obstruction of the facts. I can let it pass. Now stand up."

Paul obeyed looking relieved, waiting for Flavius to continue.

"Besides the blood loss would have weakened you," Flavius continued, "You are to be crucified and you would have died too quickly on the cross. Take him away."

The next prisoner was a shifty looking man in his fifties. Again after the formalities were over, Flavius spoke in a friendly voice.

"I see it's the same again, Mr. Smith," Flavius said, "I take it you'll be claiming leniency because of your mother? I hear she's not too well again."

"No, Your Honour," the man replied, "She's come out of remission. The doctors aren't very hopeful."

"So you go back on the drugs because you can't cope then start dealing again to pay for it."

"Yes, Your Honour. I'm sorry."

Flavius looked across to the Emperor.

"Today, is not a good time to ignore the Imperial Edict demanding zero tolerance on drugs," he said, "If you come before me when your mother's health is settled then you won't be flogged, you will be crucified. Until then go home and try to stay out of trouble. Just remember that I can only do this once."

The rest of the cases were routine and the Emperor was soon bored but he waited for Flavius wanting to talk to him.

"It was lucky those other girls came forward," he said.

"They didn't. At least they couldn't face him in court," Flavius grinned, "Everyone was scared of him and his gang. The last victim and her family are living on one of my farms because they daren't stay in town. Now that he's under sentence of death he can be interrogated about a few other things his gang got up to. A couple have already run which is fine and I reckon he'll break pretty quickly so we'll get the others in custody by the end of the week."

"They won't come after you?" the Emperor asked.

"When slave Flavius is out and about, you mean," Flavius answered, "Not in this case. Paul's got a younger brother and he's doing well at school. My Father would have ordered compensation to be paid which could have bankrupted them and got the boy sold off."

"Even so, you must have enemies."

"There are parts of the city I wouldn't go without an armed escort," Flavius admitted, "Paul's gang had connections to those areas. Instead of them getting a grip on this area we'll get useful information on them. Besides there's a game I like to play. How many Secret Service agents can you spot?"

"Good point," the Emperor chuckled, "I still feel naked without all the guards and flunkies hovering around. Dare we stop at a café and have a drink?"

Once they were settled watching the world go by, the Emperor asked, "So what's the story about the Smith guy?"

"When he was clean he did a lot of work helping others. There's even some who joined the army and one has made it to major because of him. His mother is dying of a brain tumour and he can't cope. I'm hoping that when it's all over, he'll sort himself out. If he doesn't then I'll have no choice but to crucify him."

Flavius had noticed a local businessman enter the café and beckoned him over.

"I trust that matter you discussed with slave Flavius is settled," he said.

The newcomer looked scared then grinned, "Oh yes sir, and thank you. I'm all ready for them."

As the man hurried off, Flavius turned to the Emperor who was looking puzzled.

"There's a rumour going around that the Imperial Tax Department is starting a crack down on unpaid tax," Flavius explained, "They're sending in skilled investigators trained in sniffing out money slipping out of the books and they might be taking a special interest in this Province."

"I've not heard of it," the Emperor said, "How did the rumour start."

Flavius chuckled, "Slave Flavius should be flogged for discussing Palace affairs, especially to a man who's not only the biggest gossip in town, but the biggest offender. When your visit became known, it added weight to the rumours.

"The Tax Office has been inundated with back payments. You've no idea how much accounts software has got bugs in it, how many cheques get lost in the post and how many incompetent clerks businesses employ."

The Emperor stared as he took in what Flavius had said then burst out laughing.

"What happens when the examiners don't arrive?" he asked.

"There's a routine audit coming up," Flavius replied, "There's a couple of dodgers who still haven't paid up so the auditors can concentrate on them. No one will have much sympathy for them when they have to pay penalty interest rates and fines."

"I think I see your point," the Emperor, "There are benefits in letting you wander around."

Flavius nodded.

"And do you think it's safe for me to wander around as well?"

"Probably," Flavius replied, "Take someone from the House of Sparta or Fabian with you."

"I may need to go out alone," the Emperor said.

Flavius thought for a moment.

"Sometimes when slave Flavius has been out, he has been accosted by someone who has a grievance with me. People have come to his aid and looked after him. If they come to the aid of a visitor from Rome, forgot themselves and brushed the dust from his clothes, would they immediately be arrested for touching the Emperor?

Flavius paused and giggled.

"There's some that like brushing the slave down but I don't know why they think most of the dust is under his tunic."

"And you don't mind?" the Emperor asked.

"They mean well and are looking after the slave," Flavius replied, "OK so that means they're looking after me. The point is they know me and know I won't step out of character for a little bit of groping but they don't know you."

"And you don't mind being groped?" the Emperor repeated.

Flavius giggled again.

"It depends on who's doing it," he grinned, "No I don't like it but as Fabian says, if I insist on parading around like a slave then I must put up with it."

"So you don't think it would be safe for me to wander around alone."

"You'd be safe," Flavius replied, "It would be maintaining the incognito if something went wrong that would be difficult.

"The whole point of coming incognito is to be able to go to places alone. We need to do something."

"Take Brian to his whipping," Flavius said, "Afterwards he'll want someone to hold him who doesn't mind getting blood on his clothes and who'll tend his wounds. Oh, mention demonstrating his courage to his Emperor as you make your way through the crowds. It'll give him an extra incentive to get through it and it'll make you part of things here."

"I still don't see why they won't resent one of their own being whipped because of my laws. In most provinces the crowd would hate me."

"It might be true in places," Flavius said, "Slaves Brutus and Flavius were caned for stealing apples so noble boys are much more considerate here. The crowds expect crimes to be punished whoever commits them, so they'll respond to how it's carried out and not see it as attack on their own."

"And supporting him won't seem to be condoning it?"

"Believe me. Whatever you do, won't help when the whip hits," Flavius shuddered, "All you can do is recognise his courage in accepting punishment and not running while he has the chance."

"I should think not," the Emperor snapped, "He's a slave now."

"He's a human being first," Flavius replied, "The crowd will like you recognising it."

The Emperor nodded. Flavius had some strange, almost revolutionary, ideas but they seemed to work and he needed to able wander around alone.

Chapter 2

"You know," the Emperor said almost conversationally, "Boys your age are the next generation of soldiers. Show me that you've got the courage and fortitude that the empire needs."

Brian straightened a little, still trembling.

"That's right, boy," someone in the crowd said, "Show us how you face up to things."

"Hold up a little, boy," someone else called, "Take some deep slow breaths. We can wait until you're ready."

Brian obeyed and the trembling eased. He brushed the Emperor's from his shoulder and marched determinedly forward. The Emperor started to follow but a hand rested on his shoulder to stop him.

"It's his show now," a voice said.

The Emperor was not even annoyed at being touched and addressed so familiarly by a stranger. Initially he was genuinely concerned for Brian and then realised that Flavius' scheme had worked.

"As you say," the Emperor replied.

Brian was indeed impressive as he mounted the stage, stripped off his tunic and sat, facing the whipping post as prisoners were brought out and sat beside him. One panicked and tried to run but he was caught, manacled and a collar, attached to a post behind the bench locked around his neck.

Brian looked around for the Emperor, smiling nervously when he saw him. Brian's body glistened with sweat. He was the youngest offender there looking more like a boy than the man he was becoming as he sought reassurance.

He was first to be called. He gulped and hesitated as the crowd waited expectantly. He took some more deep, slow breaths to calm himself before marching to the post.

Brian looked far younger than his fifteen years as he allowed his arms to be tied to the cross beam above his head. His body still glistened emphasising his now visible ribcage. Below his body tapered seductively to his waist then onto two beautifully round buttocks. He was a muscular youth and already they were flexing, trying to cope with his uncomfortable position.

The punishment was mild compared to some of the punishments the Emperor had seen in Rome but it was the first time that he had felt any attachment to the prisoner. He even felt a little pleasure that it took three blows before Brian yelled and another twenty blows before the doctor paused it to check his condition. By then he was hanging by his arms. The doctor held smelling salts under his nose then asked him something. He nodded and pulled himself back to his feet.

He was too exhausted to scream or cry, just jerking at each additional blow. The Emperor stared at Brian's back. It was red from his shoulders to his knees. Blood trickled from countless tiny wounds which would hurt for weeks but the scars would heal.

Finally the ordeal was over and Brian was taken down. The Emperor moved towards the building where Brian was being taken but a man stood in front of him blocking his way.

"Just send the slave. He needs someone who understands for a while."

"Do you know… " the Emperor was going to add, who you're talking to but managed with just the barest hesitation to say, "… I think you're right. Go to him, Alan."

The man continued, "Our Provincial Governor expects us to be hospitable to strangers. May I offer you a drink in that café?"

Again the Emperor managed to avoid answering with a curt nod and say, Thank you, that will be delightful."

The man grinned and held out his hand.

"I'm Simon," he said, "Your son is in the House of Sparta and you're visiting him while the Emperor relaxes in Capri. Flavius is an expert in being incognito. It must be harder for an adult to maintain it.

The Emperor grinned and relaxed as they sat.

"Could you imagine what would happen if I entered a room in the Palace and everyone stayed seated?" he asked.

"I lived in Rome for a time and my work took me to the Imperial Palace occasionally," Simon replied, "I dealt with low level officials and that was bad enough."

"So what do you do?" the Emperor asked.

"I deal in fine arts," Simon replied, "I love art but sadly have no skill except for an eye for quality."

"My younger son is a wood carver," the Emperor said, "I think he's got talent."

"So do I," Simon said, "He's shown me his work. If he was anyone else I'd arrange an exhibition."

"Ah," the Emperor exclaimed, "Incognito won't stretch that far."

"No," Simon agreed, "The pieces would be vastly overpriced because of who he is."

"Surely that would be a good thing for you."

Simon looked annoyed.

"I told you, I love art," he snapped, "I'm into quality not hype. Flavius would not like one of the province's shops exploiting the Imperial family either."

"Forgive me," the Emperor apologised for the first time in his life, "Self seeking is a way of life in Rome."

"That's why I left," Simon said calmly. "And I dare say you're still expecting me to make some sort of pitch."

"Does everyone go along with this incognito business?" the Emperor asked.

"The short answer is that Flavius is our Governor so it's better to keep him happy," Simon replied, "We talk about it here the way some people talk about the weather and we've all got a different reason why it works.

"Mine is simple. In most places, if you want something done, an official will stamp a form and says it'll be done. The next official will apologise most profusely at the delay and say it will be treated urgently and so on. Here, if Flavius says it'll be done then watch the fireworks if it isn't.

"He can be pretty harsh though," the Emperor said, "He ordered a rapist to be crucified. It was a bit extreme for a first offence. A whipping would have been more usual."

"Aquittal is more usual," Simon responded, "Even a slave girl should be able to go to the forum for her mistress without fear of being attacked. If I know our Provincial Governor, he had more on that guy than he's let on. I bet he could have been convicted half a dozen times over but he saved a lot of girls from giving humiliating evidence.

Simon paused, "House of Sparta slaves do get into trouble, you know. When I was in Rome, a couple of noble boys grabbed an antique cup out of my stall and started playing catch with it. Naturally they dropped it and thought it a big joke. I complained and it was made clear that I shouldn't make a fuss over a silly accident. Flavius got caned over a stolen apple and he wasn't even the one who stole it. While he's here, if your son gets into trouble… "

"He could find himself at that whipping post," the Emperor finished for him, "I understand. You weren't threatening him."

"Thank you," Simon said, "The quality of goods in the markets here are better quality than in most shops elsewhere and without the store overheads, is cheaper. Young Brian will be paraded around the forum with a card saying 'Thief' before he's handed over to you. Even nobles boys know that they will get the same treatment if they steal. That's why my shop is more open than it would be in Rome."

The Emperor nodded, "So you're saying, everyone gains."

"No, I'm saying everyone is treated with respect and fairly," Simon paused again, "And thinking about it, that is a gain."

"I wonder if Brian thinks so."

"It's up to him," Simon snorted, "He's Flavius' slave now. He's completed his punishment so he's got a clean start. You're interested in him which adds to his prospects. If he blows his chances then it'll be his fault."

The Emperor had noticed that the café had gone quiet while they were talking, listening to them. Most of the clientèle were nodding in agreement.

"I'm from Rome as well," a customer piped up, "At least the noble classes are treated with proper respect. I'm sure the Emperor would object to them being treated like common criminals."

"If they behave like nobles then we treat them like nobles," a local piped up, "Stealing and vandalism are not noble. Our Provincial Governor understands that."

"You've been talking about youthful high spirits," the stranger persisted, "They'll learn their true position and their breeding will out."

"And here they learn to control their high spirits and learn their position very quickly and forcibly," another customer laughed.

"Brutus, Lord Crevellio's son is fifteen and already twice the man his father is," another local added, " He's turned their vineyard around and does a lot of charity work. He knows his position well enough, especially after he took a whipping and a week's hard labour."

"That's right," another contributed, "He's a kid but he's got brains and guts. If he was standing here naked except for that slave chain then I wouldn't want to cross him any more than Flavius. How noble do you want them to be?"

"Yes," the stranger persisted, "But it's still not very dignified. I still can't see the Emperor approving."

"The Emperor approves of Flavius' education reforms," the Emperor said surprising Simon.

"Tolerates them more like," the stranger sneered, "You'll get a few slaves struggling to keep up with properly educated gentlemen and then it'll all fall apart. The Emperor's not doing himself any good indulging such nonsense."

"It seems you've got what you wanted," Simon whispered as the Emperor nearly lost his temper.

The Emperor relaxed and nodded. At that moment, Brian was escorted in. Wincing in pain, and flushed red with embarrassment he stood defeated and humiliated.

"And there's one of the Governor's friends," the stranger said, "Can't you see how he's dragging the Province and the Empire down."

Despite Simon's restraining hand, the Emperor stood up.

"You sir, are abusing the tolerance His Excellency Flavius Aulus allows," he said quietly, "There are provinces where you would be under arrest by now. Do not insult him further while hiding behind him. As for this boy, I'll give you a toast. Courage and fortitude in adversity.

The Emperor picked up his glass and drank. As he did so the rest of the customers stood up, repeated the toast and drank.

The stranger threw some coins onto his table and left without another word.

"Does everyone else know who I really am?" the Emperor asked.

"If they don't then you might be giving them some clues," Simon replied, raising a ripple of laughter.

Some of the customers were appreciating Brian's body especially the view of his uncut cock and smooth balls, flaccid through exhaustion but still beautiful. Even the Emperor could appreciate his beauty.

The Emperor was used to people standing waiting for his pleasure but it occurred to him that he needed to do more and that Brian was still his responsibility. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around the boy.

He responded to the Emperor's advances by grabbing him in a massive bear hug, causing the Emperor to stumble back into his chair with Brian cuddled up on his lap.

"Not your average day at the palace, is it?" Simon observed drily.

"Definitely not," the Emperor agreed, "I'd have flunkies and courtiers dropping dead from shock all around me."

"You mean the Emperor would," Simon corrected.

"How come you're so confident?" the Emperor asked.

"I do a lot of business with the Lady Julia," Simon explained, "Sometimes, when I'm at the Provincial Palace I bow to greet His Excellency. Other times I'm served by this very fuckable slave boy so I've got used to it. Sometimes he works in my shop. He's developing a good eye for collectibles so it's a pleasure to have him there."

"And do you fuck him?"

"As you say, I'm quite confident with the notion of incognito."

The Emperor grinned.

"Very discreet," he said, "I must find a gift to take back to my wife. Do have any ideas for an Empress that has everything.

"How about a wood carving from an up and coming new artist," Simon asked, "I could find something for a suitably exorbitant fee."

"I can find one of those without the fee. Would you be prepared to arrange an exhibition of this up and coming wood carver in another city, showing the work under a pseudonym and donating the proceeds to charity?"

"Your son's work? Definitely. It may even be a success in Rome though they're a bit snobbish about unknowns."

The Emperor laughed.

"It's strange to hear that Prince Julius is an unknown but I understand," he said, "Thank you. Today has been most instructive."

The Emperor eased Brian off his lap and they left. He was extremely pleased with himself. He understood Flavius and his ways a little better and he had been accepted in his incognito role.

Unbeknown to either of them, a strange reaction had taken place. For the first time in as long as he could remember, someone had needed him as an individual and not because of his rank. Brian had found an adult defending and protecting him. His mother did of course but she was timid, frail and a woman. Now, he was being protected by a man that he could look up to.

The man was still part Emperor and Brian could provide an another excuse for returning to the Province. Julius' exhibition would give yet another.

The Emperor was even cheerful enough to slip in through a side entrance to the House of Sparta rooms rather than make a grand entrance through the reception hall.

A palace slave was waiting for him.

"Master Flavius is having me trained up as a medic, sir," he said, "May I examine Brian."

"Take him to my bedroom," the Emperor said, "I'll be back shortly."

He made his way to Flavius' office.

"You were right," he said as he settled down in a chair, "This whole Province seems to take part in your games."

"They're good people," Flavius acknowledged.

"I'm returning to Rome tomorrow. I'll be returning in a couple of months, if that's convenient."

"Of course it is, sir," Flavius answered.

"I didn't doubt it. How is Julius really coping? Should I take him home with me?"

"He's fine, sir. He's settled into school. You've seen how good he is at football and he and Hans are very close."

Julius was content rather than happy. He was more isolated from his family than the others and so his life revolved the House of Sparta more which meant he had the most contact with Hans. Like most Romans he did not think in terms of gay or straight but who penetrated who. For the first time in his life, he was the one who could be penetrated . Hans had taken him tenderly and gently and it had been a wonderful experience to submit so completely to another.

Hans had been on the point of becoming ill through overwork and only Julius had spotted it. In his turn Hans was drawn to someone so willing to look out for him.

Brian and Hans were learning about Palace management from Matthew and Flavius also spent time working with them but Julius felt almost jealous when he was excluded from Hans' activities.

A couple of days after the Emperor's departure Julius stood meekly in Flavius' office ready to serve an assortment of household slaves gathered for a meeting.

"It's under control," Matthew was saying, "But the doctor says that I mustn't exert myself. He obviously doesn't keep slaves."

Flavius grinned. "They're all malingerers aren't they and have to be kept hard at it but I don't want to work you to death just yet."

"Thank you, Master," Matthew replied drily.

"As of today, you have your freedom and you're no longer my Majordomo. You may stay in your quarters for as long as you wish but I'm giving you a pension and if you wish to move out of the Palace then I'll find you suitable accommodation."

"But Master, I'm not an invalid, I can still serve you," Matthew protested, "It is an honour to do so."

"Thank you, Matthew," Flavius replied, "I'll need your services for a good few years yet and I don't want you deserting me by dropping dead."

Matthew laughed, "That's more like a Master. Thinking of his own needs. What do you want from me?"

"Hans already takes on a lot of your duties and does a lot of the routine stuff. The House of Sparta also keeps him busy. I intend creating a new position, Chief of Staff and giving it to Hans. It will be purely administrative and have no ceremonial function.

Matthew nodded.

"His first job will be to appoint a new Majordomo for ceremonial roles," Flavius continued, "It's one job which needs an adult with a voice and a presence to make people listen."

Matthew nodded again.

"I'd like to hire you as a consultant," Flavius concluded, "And confine your role to training."

"And I won't be woken up in the middle of the night because a tap's leaking," Matthew grinned, "It's still a lot for a sixteen year old but he'll have Brian as his assistant. Do you have anyone in mind for majordomo?"

"Hans and I have discussed it and have agreed on Craig," Flavius replied, "He and Ty still want to open a restaurant so he'll find the front of house work useful and he's got the confidence to handle the job.

"He should also learn the administrative side," Matthew said, "I might be exceeding your permission to speak freely but your father would have been serious if he had described dying as desertion.

"I can't imagine Hans leaving your service but he could have an accident or decide he wants to join the army. You wouldn't stand in his way and you'd have Craig or Brian to take over. If I could make a suggestion, young Julius knows about protocol. He could help with the training.

"Hans, Craig, what do think about it all?"

"I'm happy in your service," Hans said, "If you think I can do it, I won't let you down, Master.

"Master?" Flavius asked.

"You choose to be a slave in the House of Sparta. I choose to be a slave while I'm carrying out my duties in the Palace. There'll still be other times when we can be friends."

"Craig?" Flavius asked, "What do you say?"

"Are you really asking me to be your Majordomo, Flavius? I'm sorry, I mean, Master?"

"You're always a slave so take liberties when you can. Slave Flavius does. So, do you want to do it?"

"A slave getting a choice," Matthew muttered, "It'll bring the Empire down."

"There's a prince about to get beaten because he let a slave's glass get empty," Flavius laughed, "Now that's revolutionary."

Julius had listened enthralled with the easy relationship the others enjoyed. He jumped at the mention of his name, annoyed with himself that he had let Hans see him foul up. He hurried to fill the glasses and sidled up to the wall, trying not to be noticed.

"Craig?" Flavius asked again.

"Oh yes, Master," Craig replied enthusiastically, "Thank you for trusting me like this."

"Shouldn't you ask Julius if he's willing to help?" Hans asked.

"Why? He's just a slave," Flavius grinned before turning to the boy. "We are dealing with Palace matters and not House of Sparta affairs. You came here to get away from stuffy protocol but you could insist on standing on the dais beside me instead of serving Craig on the floor."

"Yes sir," Julius replied, "Could Craig handle three noble lords jostling for precedence?"

"This why I want Matthew fit," Flavius said, "He may be needed for some occasions to start with. If you're agreeable, of course, Matthew."

Matthew nodded condescendingly, grinning.

"And maybe I could be firmer without being killed for insolence," Julius grinned.

"You'll find yourself answering to Hans though," Flavius warned, "He takes bad behaviour at a function as an insult to the House of Sparta. Believe me, he takes that very seriously."

"Yes Flavius," Julius replied, "I'd like to help. Maybe later I could introduce reforms to the Imperial Palace."

"Master, boy," Hans snapped, "You call him Master."

Julius looked puzzled.

"You are here as a servant," Flavius explained, "You were invited to speak but that's all. Didn't you notice? They all stood at my desk before I invited them to sit down and relax."

"Yes Master," Julius Replied, "But you came round greeted them like friends."

"On another occasion, Craig could be standing where you are now, serving you and me while we discussed Imperial business," Flavius continued, "And I've served Uncle Titus while he's discussed business. I've learnt a bit how to run a meeting that way. Do you understand."

"Yes Master," Julius replied, "I hadn't realised before but when I went home last weekend I noticed things that I wasn't supposed to see. It was nothing bad, just things that Hans wouldn't tolerate let alone Matthew."

"Julius, drop your tunic and come here," Craig commanded.

Julius was a little flushed as he obeyed. He looked furious as Craig grabbed his balls and fondled them.

"Nice pair," Craig continued, "It's all or nothing here. If you're in slave boy mode then that's just how you'll be treated. If I bring you a snack to your quarters then I remain a slave and that's how I expect to be treated. You'll have a harder time and won't earn any respect if you do things half heartedly. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir," Julius said, "I think that's what I meant about the staff back home and if you carry on with that, my erection won't be half hearted."

Craig's finger slid between Julius' legs, probing, before pushing upwards. Julius winced, clenching his muscles to resist the invasion.

"Your erection is unimportant," Craig said as he suddenly pushed upwards again. This time the tip of his finger penetrated Julius.

"You will be punished for being flippant when addressing your betters," Craig said as he pushed upwards again.

"Craig," Flavius said gently, "We've been giving Julius a little leeway while he learns about us."

"Yes Master. If you were doing this to me, I could only stand and take it," Craig explained, "He is a free boy who can walk away. There will always be those trying to prove that you're ruining the Governorship. Any slave acting or speaking inappropriately will give them ammunition."

He turned to Julius, "Your knowledge and experience would be invaluable but if I had to I would beat you senseless. Speak freely but remember your manners."

Craig's finger had found Julius' prostate and was gently massaging it.

"AHH!" Julius groaned, "I understand… AHH… sir. I… AHH… I can't concentrate… AHH… I'm at your service, sir."

The last sentence was rushed almost, almost garbled as Julius trembled, tensed and a spray of boy cream jetted upwards. Craig did not ease the massage and if anything the spasms became more intense. Julius' cock was so hard that most shot upwards, hitting his stomach though as his balls emptied and his cock sagged a little some splashed onto Craig.

The others watched intently, enthralled at the scene and curious to see how it would end.

Julius' muscles had tightened squeezing Craig's finger but Craig did not pull out despite Julius desperate need to relax.

"Go to my quarters and fetch me a clean tunic," Craig commanded, "Then go to the House of Sparta and select a suitable paddle, strap or cane for your punishment. When it is convenient for Hans you will report to him and explain everything you have done to deserve it. Hans can decide what's appropriate.

Still naked, Craig stood up to stand where Julius had waited. Flavius smiled and shook his head.

"You made a good point about our enemies, Craig," Flavius said, "And maybe we've been mollycoddling him a bit. Relax, I can send for another slave if we can't manage by ourselves."

Craig nodded but picked up the tray to fill the others' glasses.

"I can still talk to you, Flavius," he said, "And it's the point I tried to make. You give us pride in doing whatever's needed."

Later in Hans' quarters, Julius stood before him, still naked, presenting him with his favourite device, a tawse which consisted of a heavy leather strap with three splits along its length. As it struck, the splits made it flexible so the impact was spread over a large area, doing the minimum damage but inflicting the maximum pain.

"We all know that your father is using you as excuse to visit this province," Hans said, "So you're under pressure to stay even if you don't want to. That's why we've cut you some slack."

"But Craig was serious wasn't he," Julius said, "He would kill me rather than let me spoil Flavius' governorship."

"Oh yes. Even if it meant your father having him impaled."

"So in a way he's still a loyal slave serving Flavius even if he's sitting drinking with him."

"Don't try and understand it," Hans laughed, "I've seen Flavius strip naked and kneel down beside a slave to get a floor cleaned before a reception starts, dressing to receive his guests and stare through same same slave as if he wasn't there.

"I've also seen him furious, ready to whip the skin off a slave's back because he failed to clear up a similar mess. The slave had claimed it wasn't his fault or responsibility."

"And it wouldn't help the Governorship if guests had to step around the spillage," Julius said, "But weren't the slaves who caused the mess punished?"

"Not in those instances," Hans replied, "They were genuine accidents. He caught one slave laying a table just slopping water into a carafe. He splashed water onto the table cloth. Everyone knew it was pure carelessness and laziness."

Hans paused and Julius waited expectantly.

"Flavius fitted a collar around his neck with a bar fixed to the front. The slaves wrists were manacled with short chains to the other end of the bar. He was then given a small plastic cup and told to fill a table full of empty jugs from a tap on the other side of the garden.

"Now it doesn't sound much until you start thinking about leverage. The bar kept pulling the collar downwards so the slave had to support it with one hand. Now the cup was not heavy but his arm was outstretched and it also carried the weight of the manacle. It still doesn't sound much until you remember he was holding his arms out like that for hours.

"He was caned for every splash onto the table and the jug emptied. Add to that any spillage meant more journeys to the tap and you can see the extent of the punishment.

"The final detail was that he had to fill all the bottles within a deadline or he would have to start again the next day. It was blazing hot and he had to run to and fro like that all day. He was crying from the pain in his arms, let alone the beatings."

Hans paused and grinned, "His backside was such a vivid purple before he was finished that Flavius allowed him to be strapped on his back. He strained his arm muscles so much that the medics didn't allow him back to work for a week. They didn't bother giving him pain killers either. No one had any sympathy for him. We'd all lose out if Flavius lost his trust in us."

Julius nodded slowly.

"I can understand that," he said, "But the nobles don't take advantage of him either. I've seen him in the Forum in his House of Sparta tunic. I saw one push him out of the way and he went sprawling. A couple of days later they met when he had just finished in the Magistrates Office. The same noble was polite and respectful. I can't imagine it happening anywhere else.

"If it was Senator Manestro then he openly admits he enjoys tormenting Flavius when he can. He says it makes up for being obsequious to a brat. He's probably been up Flavius' arse a few times and Flavius likes his plain speaking so they get on. The nobles that dislike his behaviour the most are the ones that want to bribe him or suck up to him.

"Flavius is a good judge of character, the House of Sparta has taught him a lot about people and he spots flattery a mile off.

"And when there's a provincial function then his behaviour is impeccable. No one can complain about it and he is scrupulously fair in letting them tender for new business opportunities."

"Yes but it couldn't happen anywhere else, could it?" Julius persisted.

"I don't know," Hans replied, "The reason it all started was to let Flavius have a childhood as well be Governor. He's a natural leader. Even your father recognises that. He makes it clear what he wants.

"From what I've seen of the Imperial Palace, it's run more by the bureaucracy than by your father and that flourishes more by keeping things the same. The bureaucrats here are more spread out through the Town Hall and the Imperial Offices around the Forum. They're more likely to jostle for the new office building than gang up on Flavius.

He's shaken them up a few times and they know it's better not to attract his attention but apart from that they ignore each other."

"You said something about Senator Manestro fucking Flavius," Julius said, "He seems to have had a lot of men. Doesn't that make him a bit of a whore?"

"Probably," Hans laughed, "He likes being stuffed with cock and he gives bloody good head. He's fourteen, very sexy and knows it. He gets an erection at the drop of a hat and he'll lift his slave tunic for anyone. Don't even think about it when he's the Governor though."

"Of course not," Julius answered mock seriously. "He still speaks in the Senate though. If he's had his mouth full of cock then it's not pure and untainted and they've got someone who's been penetrated senior to them."

"True," Hans replied, "But it's Slave Flavius who's the whore, not Governor Flavius Aulus. They'll tolerate it while he's a child but once he leaves his teens he'll have to start thinking about getting married and having children."

"Will he be able to do that?"

"I should think so," Hans replied, "He gets hard enough when there're girls around so I don't think it's a problem.

"Now the immediate problem is you and your lazy approach to your duties today. What are we going to do about it?"

Julius swallowed. He had hoped that he could distract Hans for long enough to get out of it, but it obviously had not worked.

"Princes don't get beaten, you know," he said, "They have whipping boys."

"That's right," Hans reposted, "And Prince Julius has slave Julius to take his place."

"What do you want me to do?" Julius asked resignedly.

Chapter 3

None of the adults who attended could see much difference between the boys attitudes, slave or prince. They were naked, shared the same discipline and had few secrets. They all knew about Flavius' rent boy activities just as they knew about Steven and Brutus' BDSM interests.

In many ways, Flavius' behaviour was just an over reaction to the years of restrictions while his father was alive. He felt guilty that his behaviour hurt Fabian and he was far too energetic to want to spend an evening in his quarters with Fabian, just watching television cuddled up together.

Although Flavius accepted a little bondage or BDSM during his encounters with other men he was not very interested. Brutus and Steven were.

The two boys had become friends sharing their common interest and like Flavius, enjoyed considerable freedom.

It was just before the Emperor's visit that they had explored the more remote areas of the estate.

They came across a wall, at least twelve foot high, topped with barbed wire. Much of the wire had rusted away but it still gave the impression that they had found a grim and forbidding prison.

The slaves attending them looked terrified as the boys searched for the entrance. It turned out to be unlocked but the hinges were seized solid. While waiting for it to be opened one of the slaves told the boys what he knew.

It was well known that Brutus' grandfather had been a cruel man and that he had his 'fun house' as he called it. Gaius, Brutus' father, had never mentioned it preferring to forget about his father's viciousness. Slaves taken into it were rarely seen again and over the years it became a place to be avoided as the stories that the slaves told about the place turned into the stuff of nightmares.

If Brutus had ordered the slaves to enter with him, they would have probably refused so, once the door was opened, Steven and Brutus entered alone. The top three feet of the wall was covered with small blades pointing downwards. Together with the barbed wire, anyone attempting to climb the wall would have been cut to shreds. The concrete yard was still in good condition except for a few cracks that had given plants a foothold. A gallows stood in the yard along with a cross and a selection of beams supported by posts. Much of it was made of wood and was rotten. The entrance to the building was also rotten but the inside was in surprisingly good condition. There were three rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom.

One room was a comfortable bedroom apart from the manacles attached to the bed. There was a day room, the décor split into two parts. The smaller part boasted a concrete floor, with eyelets fixed to the walls, floor and ceiling and a display of whips, knives, manacles and other devices. The other two thirds of the room looked like a comfortable office with a desk and comfortable chairs.

The third room was simply a torture chamber. Again there were eyelets over the walls, floor and ceiling. There was a rack, harnesses, shower and toilet area and tiny cells to hold prisoners.

Roman boys are not too worried about slaves being whipped or punished but there was something about all the devices that revolted them. Manacles had small spikes on the inside so that when they were attached the victims limbs would be pierced. Neck rings had something like sandpaper glued to the inside or were rough and burred so that every movement scraped the skin. Whips had pieces of metal knotted into them so that the flesh was ripped and torn. Even the cells had small spikes protruding so that the hapless prisoner could not avoid standing or leaning into them.

The whole set up was there to inflict injury. It was pointless.

"No wonder the slaves are scared of this place. Grandfather had a thing about spikes, didn't he," Brutus said, "We could do it up though and have some fun here.

"Not with those spikes everywhere," Steven replied, "I'm not into being ripped apart."

"Neither am I. Like I said, do it up," Brutus said, "Keep it as our fort if you like but get everything new and we can be ourselves here."

"It'll be be difficult getting your slaves in here," Steven said, "If they refuse, you'll have to punish them just for being scared."

There was a bright glint in Brutus' eyes as he replied, "I'll promise that nothing will happen to them that couldn't happen to us and they'll be rewarded for helping."

They found half a dozen slaves willing to help. They were all fairly young and were used to Brutus. The stories about his grandfather seemed more distant to the younger slaves, as if they were myths or legends.

One slave, Fred, had been a builder before being convicted of robbery, and so, while the gate was being repaired, he, Brutus and Steven planned the renovations. The first thing to be built was a simple flat pack shed standing beside the gate. Once finished they all trooped inside and stripped. Once outside the slaves automatically lined up nervously waiting for orders. Steven joined the line while Brutus knelt in front of a startled Fred, offering him a red armband.

"You're the expert so you're in charge while the gate's locked," Brutus said.

He leant forward and kissed Fred's cock. "Just don't give anything that you don't want to accept."

Fred was uncomfortable with his role and for a time Steven found himself becoming second in command advising Fred on what to do.

All the rotting wood was cleared first. Any furniture that could be salvaged was taken outside and thoroughly cleaned. Steven took pleasure in allocating the dirtiest jobs to Brutus until Fred accepted that he really was in charge then made Steven work alongside Brutus.

Outside they built a system of beams and posts looking like the skeleton outline of an enormous box. There were arrays of ropes and tackles.

Brutus was it's first victim. He was secured spread-eagle to the beams. His weight was still on the ground and his arms were bent slightly but his body was completely vulnerable. He was stiff and hard before Steven handed out lightweight cat o'nine tails to a couple of slaves.

As they approached him, Brutus' cock pointed upwards to the sky. He was breathing heavily and as he tensed himself for the first of the blows his rib cage was clearly visible above his taut stomach.

The blows stung making him jump and wriggle around as his back and front reddened. Suddenly his hips buck and he shot string after string across the yard. His legs buckled and he hung from the ropes until he was lowered to the ground.

"That works," Steven said, "Who's next?"

A couple of the slaves were sporting their own hard hard ons but it was one of the slaves that did the whipping who said, "I've given it, now I suppose I'll have to take it."

He was semi hard but he obviously was not keen.

"What would turn you on the way Brutus was?" Steven asked.

The slave thought for a moment.

"Being spanked knowing that I would be fucked afterwards," he replied.

"You're down to launch the office then. We'll install a spanking horse just for you."

The slave smiled nervously, wondering what he had let himself in for.

"We're slaves," one of the others said, "This isn't our idea of fun."

His cock was stiff and solid and he had always been the most willing to speak up for the others.

"How do you mean?" Brutus asked.

"We all get punished from time to time," the slave replied, "You're just asking us to volunteer for some more."

They all tensed, the slaves looked worried. Brutus was recovering and ordered the slave who had been speaking to be secured as he had been.

The slave was in his twenties, muscular without an ounce of fat on him. His balls hung proudly behind his impressively thick cock which had wilted, pointing to the ground not in the least excited by unfolding events.

Brutus knelt in front of the frightened slave, gently stroking the inside of his thighs before leaning forward to gently lick the slave's manhood. As Brutus' hands crept higher and his mouth enveloped the cock head the slave groaned in ecstasy. He spread his legs a little further and pushed his hips as Brutus' carefully slid a finger into the bound figure.

Brutus pulled back just long enough to softly say, "You don't have permission to cum," before taking the slaves cock deep into his mouth steadily working him to a climax with his tongue and lips. Very slowly and very gently his finger penetrated deeper and deeper into the slave.

The slave tried to obey his Master and held back for as long as he could until he could no longer stop the convulsing of his muscles and he shot deep into Brutus' throat.

Brutus withdrew his finger and stood up to look at his prisoner.

"Shall I punish you for cumming without permission or do you want to leave the fort and never return?"

The slave was still frightened but he felt he could trust Brutus. Brutus had promised that nothing that happened in the fort would ever leave it and Brutus would never want it known that he had sucked off a slave so publicly. He was also beginning to understand that Brutus wanted some sexual fun and games and he could be a willing partner.

"I'll stay and take my punishment, Brutus," he said eliciting shocked gasps from the watching slaves.

"Use my name would you?" Brutus asked with a grin, "That's OK in here. Except of course when I can torture you. Maybe you should be more polite then."

As spoke he had grabbed the slaves nipples and pinched. The slave gasped with the sudden pain.

"Don't you have to be careful, as well?" the slave asked, "I could be doing this to you soon."

Brutus laughed out loud and slapped the slave hard across his stomach.

"Yes you could but it won't get you any mercy now. Your punishment for cumming without permission is to stay tied up until everyone present has jerked you off and I've fucked you.

One of the other slaves approached Brutus and knelt.

"Master, You said we could speak freely in here," he said, "I'm happy to help you restore this place but it doesn't feel right playing these games with you. May I be excused."

Brutus nodded, "Of course. I said I only wanted volunteers. Would you be prepared to administer your part of the punishment before you leave?"

The slave grinned. "Of course, Master. Thank you."

He approached the bound slave slapping him hard across the stomach as Brutus had done.

"Have fun, Lukas," the slave said, "We all know you get hard thinking about our young master so maybe you won't mind a bit of pain as well."

Three of the other slaves also withdrew. Though each one agreed to complete his part of the punishment and each followed suit by giving Lukas a slap.

Lukas was halfway through his punishment. He ached, his cock felt rubbed raw and he was exhausted. He could move slightly; the manacles were leather lined so they could not hurt his skin but he could not rest. It seemed that the last slave had finished with him, just a few minutes ago in spite of being promised a break.

Now Steven was approaching him with something in his hand and disappearing behind him. He gasped as he felt a pressure pushing slowly upwards but insistently into him but he was too spent and drained to resist. Almost reluctantly his cock began to stir at the new sensations spreading through his body as he felt Steven's body as he wrapped his arms around his waist to grab his cock. The pressure of a young teen body pressed into him, the dildo rubbing his prostrate and the incessant stroking of his cock made his protesting body react. Finally he shot yet another load. He felt the tension and stress drain away and hoped for a longer rest to recharge his overworked balls. The sixth slave, the one who had volunteered for a spanking took over almost without a break in the rhythm.

The slave knew Brutus had only suggested he take his turn but he thought like a slave. It did not occur to him to stop even when his own arm began to ache with the effort. Lukas struggled as best he could in his weakened state, desperate for a few moments to rest and regain control of his emotions. His cock ached as once again it became rigid. All his struggles had achieved had been to rub the dildo against his prostate more. It seemed to take ages but finally he shot his sixth load.

Brutus had said that Lukas should stay tied up, not that he could not be moved so he had the slave lowered to the ground with his feet manacled together, tied to a securing eye and similarly, his hands secured above his head.

Brutus knelt down beside his victim, gave him a few more playful slaps then began stroking his cock again. Lukas was desperate to cum, not out of passion but to end his ordeal and have the chance to rest but Brutus was saving the best to last as he straddled Lukas to guide the semi-turgid cock up into himself. Lukas was torn between fear at the consequences of penetrating his noble master and elation that Brutus was consenting to it. He shot with a force that surprised everyone. His whole body seemed to convulse with each wad of cream then he just relaxed semi conscious, drained of every last scrap of energy.

Steven, and the other slave agreed with Brutus when he released Lukas except for a pair of light handcuffs. He was still tied as Brutus had promised but he was allowed to rest, eat and drink before Brutus completed the last part of the 'punishment' with Steven and the other slave taking their turn as an extra penalty for calling him by name.

Brutus' father knew that his businesses were flourishing because of the way his son was taking on some of his work, supported by the House of Sparta. He ordered a small fence be erected around the woodland surrounding fort. He further commanded that, inside the fence, House of Sparta rules applied.

A large shed was built for Julius to use as a workshop as far from the fort as possible. Soon estate slaves and employees with any sort of artistic talent found themselves welcome, together with boys and girls from the surrounding villages and the adults that could forget the Crevellio's reputation for cruelty.

Not long after the fort was established, Harold requested a formal interview with Governor Aulus. Since Harold was the adult in charge of discipline, Flavius felt more like a child in trouble than an Imperial Governor as he stood to greet him.

"We're alone, we won't be disturbed so can we relax please?" Flavius said.

"I'd like to," Harold replied, "I think that there's a plot against the Emperor and I have information that I can't discuss. I don't wish to offend you, it's just that it's on a need to know basis."

Flavius stood up and poured Harold a drink.

"The Emperor's making a big thing of coming here incognito," he said, "I have wondered why. It's too over the top to be just visiting Julius. So you've just confirmed a suspicion and No, you don't have to tell me what's going on."

Harold looked relieved but refused to relax.

"Ever since the plots against you, I've kept my eyes open," Harold explained, "Not exactly on my guard, just cautious."

Flavius nodded, waiting.

"Anyway," Harold continued, "I've noticed that my desk at work's been disturbed. The first couple of times I just assumed it was Mark but then it happened when he was away. I still wasn't too worried until I found someone had been using my phone to make unauthorised calls. I called Chief Williams in Imperial Security Service and asked him to check my office for bugs."

Harold paused theatrically.

"They found one in my phone, another under my desk and my home phone was also bugged."

"The Security people are investigating of course and I'm acting as liaison. Of course it could be good old fashioned industrial espionage and nothing to do with the Emperor."

"And of course you know what the Emperor's up to which maybe the local Security boys don't," Flavius added.

Possibly," Harold agreed, "I think it all started after the Emperor left and we don't discuss anything sensitive so it's all OK. They've traced the calls and checked the records there and they've received calls from the Provincial Palace."

Flavius stared at him.

"Are you saying that this room could be bugged," he asked.

"The security boys think not," Harold replied, "You take basic precautions seriously and allow routine sweeps, so you should be OK. Have you noticed anything untoward?"

Flavius shook his head.

"No. I've been careful since Octavia arranged for those documents to be stolen. Do you know who might be making the phone calls?"

"No except that he might be a boy, about ten to thirteen years old, bought in the last few weeks."

"That narrows it down," Flavius chuckled, "I didn't know that you were a detective."

"I'm not," Harold grinned, "The calls go to a dealer who specialises in recycling brothel boys. He trains them up a bit and sells them as servants. We think we know who our boy is."

"We'll have to tell the Emperor. Julius could do it over their private line," Flavius said, "Hans can go over the Palace records and see if we can find our mole. Given the age you mentioned, Alan and Marcus might be useful. In fact, I'd like to inform all my friends. It might be useful."

"Chief Williams said you'd want to use your own team," Harold said, "He doesn't like the lower classes being involved in Imperial business but he's used to you."

That evening in the House of Sparta, everyone was gathered discussing the bugging.

"We'll have to go easy with the slaves," Luke said, "They're only kids."

"Why?" Flavius asked.

"They might not understand what they're doing. They might be indoctrinated to think that their loyalty is to their old Master."

"If they are betraying the Emperor then they'll have to take the consequences, whatever their age. Hans any ideas about the one in the palace?"

"Yes. We've only acquired five new slaves in the time period you gave us. Only one, a twelve year old came from the dealer you mentioned."

"Marcus, will you take him on as your body slave, fuck toy or something? If he's any good as a spy then he should be intelligent enough to Involve him with your books. Get him to talk about himself. Don't mention spying or anything but you could let him see how you resent playing second fiddle to me and how you'd like to bring me down."

Marcus frowned, looking worried then as he realised what Flavius really meant suddenly smiled.

"A sort of double agent thing," he laughed, "I can do subtle."

"It's his choice, Luke," Flavius said, "What happens to him depends on how conniving he is with Marcus."

"Fair enough," Luke said, "You need information, is this the best way of getting it?"

"No," Harold replied, "It'll be a good way of feeding false information though."

"Julius," Flavius interrupted, "We've got to let your Father know. I don't want to trust the regular telephones though. Can you give some sort of coded message that only he would recognise?"

"I think so," Julius replied, "I'll work it out before he rings again."

"So what about your mole, Harold?" Flavius asked.

It was one of those rare occasions when he was stepping out of character. In the House of Sparta and naked as he was then he should be behaving like a dutiful slave but this was Provincial business. Even so, his back tingled, half expecting a lash from Hans.

"I've identified him," Harold replied, "We've only had one new boy in the offices. He came at the right time, the right place and his work schedule even fits in with those calls. I don't like him. He's about thirteen, good looking but there's something smarmy about him, you know, shifty, trying to suck up all the time."

"The only new youngster I've seen is the opposite," Craig said, "He looks scared all the time. If it's him then I'm not sure you're handling him right."

"Go on," Flavius said calmly.

"Well sir, I think he may need friends who'll help him. Supposing he's spying on us because he's terrified of the dealer. He knows it's wrong but he's just as scared of you."

"Where does he work now?" Flavius asked.

"Cleaning I think. I've only seen him in the slave quarters."

"That makes sense. Stavroes does supply them as domestics. What's wrong Brian?"

Brian had lost all his colour and was staring wide eyed, almost in terror.

"When I was in the cells after sentencing, the Stavroes man spoke to me. He said that true friends would have seen me all right and that if I could be useful to him he would be useful to me.

"I'm sorry Master. I thought it was odd at the time but so much was happening and I just didn't realise what… "

Brian trailed off.

"He could have meant, let him know about any sales I was about to make," Flavius said, "Don't worry, Brian. The Security Services are after him and we have to steer clear."

"Fabian, can you use the computers to flag any call made to Stavroes from the Palace.

"Emails would be easy but the phone system is separate. I'll see what I can do about downloading the phone company records and setting up a scan of them. Alan can help me do the scans when I'm away. I take it that you don't want anyone outside this room to know what we're doing."

"Going back to what Craig said. Marcus, play it all by ear and treat the slave how you think fit."

A few moments later, Flavius was in slave mode, hoping for a chance to service Fabian's cock. He liked being assigned to Germanicus the least because Germanicus never took any interest in the slave beyond receiving his own pleasure.

Flavius found himself with Germanicus far more often than the others especially when Fabian was in the palace. Flavius might have to spend the rest of the evening displaying his frustrated manhood but once in bed, Fabian would take pity on him and happily receive all of Flavius' pent up pressure in his arse, groaning with pleasure.

A couple of days later, Flavius entered an apartment he wanted prepared for a visiting dignitary. A slave boy, a couple of years younger than him was scrubbing the marble floor of the entrance hall.

The slave glanced up, saw who had entered and leapt up in panic, knocking the bucket over then just stood trembling.

"Let's do something about all this water," Flavius said softly, "I'll fetch paper rolls, you stand the bucket up and do what you can with sponge.

When he returned, Flavius slipped out of his clothes putting them on a table clear of the water before kneeling down beside the slave to help.

"Are you really my Master?" the slave whispered when they were done.

Flavius nodded, "My slaves don't have to be scared of me, you know."

"I do," the boy said, close to tears.

"Not if you're honest with me. That spill was a genuine mistake so we sorted it. There's all sorts of things that nobles can't control, let alone a slave who feels alone."

"What happens if he wants to stop his younger brother being enslaved? What about if he has to do things to prevent it?"

"Are you talking about a slave and the things he has to do are against his Master?"

The slave nodded.

"Many Masters would crucify his slave without caring why he did those things. If it was one of my slaves I'd say that a lot has happened in this Palace lately. I think most of my slaves would trust me enough to tell me about it. It would certainly be better to tell me before I found out some other way."

The slave nodded again. Flavius waited patiently.

"I've got to find out about the Emperor's visits," he suddenly blurted out. "I've got to tell the man who sold me to you. If I don't he'll make my parents sell Jamie."

"How can he make them?"

"Dad borrowed some money and he bought the debt."

"So how did you get enslaved."

"Dad didn't have any choice. His business went bust and he said that if he didn't sell me he'd lose his house and Jamie and I would be enslaved anyway."

"By he, you mean the man from Stavroes?" Flavius asked.

The boy nodded.

"What he said was true if your Dad did anything that was illegal," Flavius said, "Do you know how your Dad's business failed."

"He was doing business with another firm. It went out of business without paying its bills and it was the biggest customer that dad had."

"According to the law, your Dad did not have to sell you. He might have had to move to a smaller house but you would have been left with what you needed to live. He could have chosen to sell you anyway but it sounds as if this man from Stavroes was bullying your Dad."

"That's what Mum said. They were both scared."

"Jamie and your parents are under my protection now," Flavius said, "You will carry on as if I'd never spoken to you."

"Yes Master," the boy replied.

There were tears in his eyes but already his face looked more relaxed and he looked happier.

"What's your name, by the way," Flavius asked.

"Darius, Master."

"Very well Darius," Flavius said, "I may need someone to work undercover for me. It would mean doing what Stavroes told you to do and being tortured if you were caught. After I didn't need the cover any more I would see you and your family all right but it could prove extremely uncomfortable until then.

"Don't answer now and you can refuse when I do ask. I will still see that your family is safe. Do you understand?"

"Yes Master," Darius looked drawn and scared again.

"Come on," Flavius laughed, "Hans will be after you for not finishing this floor and me for distracting you."

Darius looked happier but puzzled.

"Hans protects my Governorship, not always me," Flavius explained, "If this apartment isn't ready then it'll reflect badly on the Palace and my back is just at risk as yours."

By the time they had finished, Darius was a lot happier. After Flavius had dressed he looked for his Mother and took her into his office so they could be alone. He told her about events except for Harold's involvement so he was a bit surprised when his Mother asked,

"Has Mr. Cirenson noticed anything odd?"

"Why do you ask, Mother?"

"Bribery is a way of life in Imperial circles," she explained, "Not to mention the gossip. No one is going to be stupid enough to try and turn one of your friends so the various cliques will have to plant their own people, here.

"It's probably low level at the moment but the more time the Emperor spends here, the more it'll step up but you must know that. What's really troubling you?"

"I was almost looking forward to torturing Darius," Flavius replied, "He was betraying me and I wanted revenge."

"Now you want to help him," Julia said, "So what's the problem? You judged him before you'd heard the story?"

Flavius nodded.

"You've inherited all of your Father's good qualities," Julia said, "He sold his best serving boy once because the poor thing had a cold and couldn't do his job without sneezing over an extremely important guest. Your father felt betrayed because he had to use second best servants."

Flavius laughed.

"I haven't heard that story before," he said.

"You've probably inherited his paranoia over betrayal as well," Julia said, "But you handle it better."

Flavius smiled happily, "I don't think Darius liked me working beside him so I suppose that was a little bit of vengeance."

"And on your Father," Julia laughed, "I'm still surprised we don't hear him wailing from his grave."

"Yes but you agree with him, don't you?"

"I think you're far happier than he was," Julia replied, "You're still on the eccentric side of the line and you haven't crossed over into degeneracy. For now stand up and let me look at you. I don't want my son, the Provincial Governor, to be in trouble with his slave for being untidy when he greets his guest."

It was a couple of days before the House of Sparta gathered again.

"Darius can't stop talking about you," Marcus laughed, "He still can't believe that you helped him scrub the floor."

"He keeps asking me whether I trust you," Alan added, "It's weird. He's got something on his mind but I don't get the feeling that it's against you."

"Neither do I," agreed Marcus, "Do you have any ideas, Flavius?"

"Maybe," Flavius replied, "I hate not telling you everything but we're dealing with experts this time, people who can read your body language like a poker player."

"And we're not expert poker players," Brutus said, "I understand."

"Uncle Titus, did you find anything out about his father's business?" Flavius asked.

"Yes," Titus replied, "It was a garage. My companies used it and so has the Palace. It was a bit small to handle our work on a regular basis but it was efficient when we needed something in a hurry. If it helped, I'd be willing to buy it and get its owner back on its feet again though I'm not normally into this sort of venture capital."

"It also lays the House of Aulus open to accusations of creating a monopoly," Flavius agreed, "But in this case I don't think anyone will mind me taking on a loan shark."

"Careful," Germanicus said, "You can't oppose a business just because you don't like it. That would be abusing your position just as much as any other sharp practice."

"I know but I was talking about Stavroes in the market," Flavius said, "It seems that they do buy up loans then send in the heavies to asset strip the families. I've got agents checking half a dozen families who have lost their children and their homes to them.

"Stavroes have a supply of young innocent kids to sell on and they're also making a killing in the property market. They buy well under the going price then have the cheek to charge a hefty commission from their victims."

"If you're saying that their practices are illegal then I'm all for it," Germanicus said.

"In that case can you block all private enslavements for a time?" Flavius asked.

"While we investigate irregularities in the slave trade, you mean," Germanicus answered, "I can't block them completely but I can slow them and announce extra checks while the investigation is going on."

"Won't all this affect the Security Service investigation?" Harold asked.

"No," Flavius replied, "Chief Williams phoned me yesterday. Stavroes are at the bottom of the pile. We make them squirm and Security watches to see who they crawl to."

During the day Darius continued with cleaning duties, including Flavius' office. When Flavius thought that he had become confident enough he spoke to Darius about his plan.

"Your reactions must be completely natural so you must be scared," Flavius explained, "No one will think it odd if I torture a traitor but there will be a lot of gossip if I don't."

"But you'll remember that I'm not betraying you, won't you," Darius asked timidly, "The other slaves say you look after people."

"You can change your mind right up until you take the paper, then you're committed," Flavius said, "I'll not hold it against you. Don't forget, I want Stavroes to think that they've got away with it so I don't want you caught. I just want you scared."

"I scared all right," Darius suddenly burst into tears, "I wish I was home with Mum, Dad and Jamie."

"You're a slave and belong here," Flavius said harshly before relenting and hugging the boy, "But we look after each other."

The boy nodded and settled back to work.

A few days later a furious Hans entered Flavius' office dragging a terrified Darius along by the ear.

"He's betrayed you, Flavius," Hans began without even waiting for permission to speak.

"It's not like you to be so rude," Flavius responded calmly, "How has he betrayed me?"

"I got the telephone records from the company today," Hans explained, "There's a call to Stavroes from this office. You were at school and he was cleaning in here."

"This call you mean?" Flavius asked cheerfully as he switched on the recorder.

"Stavroes," a male voice said.

"It's me, Darius," a terrified voice squeaked, "I've found something. The Emperor's seeing a doctor here."

"Are you sure?" the man said, "You know what'll happen to your brother if you're lying."

"It's a letter to His Imperial Majesty and includes a list of recommended doctors."

"Read the list out."

"The first one is Doctor Rob… Someone's coming."

Flavius switched the recorder off.

"The letter is phoney. I asked Darius to make that call and it's part of a plan that I can't discuss. Now who knows why you've brought Darius to me."

"No one, Master."

"Good. Lose those records for now and it all stays in this room. Darius, will you agree to being whipped?"

"Do I have a choice, Master?" the boy asked.

"People will wonder why Hans was so angry with you," Flavius said, "If we provide a reason then it would have to be bad enough that you'd earn a punishment. You've done nothing wrong so you don't deserve it, so yes, you do have a choice."

"How about, I found him in Marcus' apartment when he should have been working and he told me that Marcus had given him permission," Hans suggested.

Flavius nodded, "You came to me because it involved Marcus and I suppose twenty lashes would cover it. So what do you say, Darius?"

"If you say so, Master," Darius whispered.

"No, if you say so. You can refuse and we'll think of something else."

"How important is it?" Darius asked.

"Very. I'll explain it all when I can."

"OK then," Darius said so softly that Flavius barely heard.

"Take him down and don't show any sympathy," Flavius ordered, "Oh and Hans, find out how come we dealt with Stavroes."

"I've wondered," Hans said, "One of your paid employees changed the supplier. Mr. Tompkins. He was hired by your father when he was already ill."

"When Dad's judgement was affected," Flavius said, "I agree that I wouldn't have hired him. Check his references. This interview is going on a bit for a simple punishment. You'd better go."

Only Flavius knew that a similar sting was taking place in the shipping company where Harold worked. This time it involved a supply of drugs used in the treatment of Prostate Cancer. Since such a cancer can cause sterility there would be good reasons in Roman society to keep the condition secret.

Normally no one would notice such a small order but the supply would be coming from a military base near Rome and there would always be the possibility of getting further, large military orders.

The slave boy concerned duly passed the information on. This boy was different to Darius. He even asked how much the information was worth and about his freedom.

Chapter 4

Flavius administered Darius' whipping personally. The petrified boy had to be physically taken to the post and held while he was restrained. Flavius was reluctant to begin. Darius seemed so vulnerable and small as he hung from the post.

Flavius recovered and the first stroke was firm and decisive making Darius yelp. The first five strokes made Darius yell then scream progressively louder, then he stopped through lack of breath. He still struggled until he hung, exhausted and defeated waiting for it to be over.

No one doubted that it was a genuine punishment. The other slaves knew Flavius well enough to believe that he considered it a warning to Darius to improve his behaviour. If the whipping had been because of treachery then Darius would have been crippled for life, if he was lucky.

Instead he was back at work within a couple days, cleaning Flavius' office while Flavius worked.

"Thank you, Darius," Flavius said. He saw Darius wince, "I'm sorry is it still hurting?"

"Mr. Tompkins caught me in a corridor just now. He punched me in the stomach and warned me that Jamie would take over if you got rid of me."

"I hate to say it but it seems as if your cover is OK," Flavius said, "Stavroes have submitted papers for your brother's enslavement, anyway. Don't worry, they're being delayed. We're pretty sure that Stavroes believe the information and it's being passed on. Once the Security Services say so, we're going after Stavroes and a couple of other loan sharks we've found."

"Yes Master," Darius said, "But if Jamie's papers have been signed it's too late for him."

"Stavroes are having the papers prepared on your Father's behalf, for a fee of course. When they're done he'll still have to sign. Normally It's difficult to refuse with a couple of heavies standing over him but he's got a phone number. He'll have his own heavies if he needs them."

Darius grinned before looking sad, "But I'll still be a slave."

"It's best you think that for now," Flavius said.

Mr. Tompkins was in his late twenties. He was fit and looked after himself in what he saw as true Roman tradition. He also possessed a degree of old fashioned Roman arrogance, thinking that he could outwit all those around him.

Flavius' father had hired him in an effort to leave Provincial affairs in the best possible order for when Flavius took over.

He was now the subject of an investigation by the local branch of the Imperial Secret Service. Chief Williams' superiors mistrusted Flavius. They were bureaucrats and spies which meant they mistrusted anything that was different and anything they did not understand. Flavius qualified on both counts. They considered the activities in his province as low grade hampered by kids running around causing trouble.

Imperial palace cliques tended to have networks of agents working in grey areas of what is legal and what is not. Involvement with organisations like Stavroes was legal, intercepting confidential documents definitely was not.

So, the ISS had an excuse to investigate offices that the false information passed through and found clique agents working in far more interesting places. The first arrest was made in days and the ISS promptly lost interest in Flavius' Province. Flavius ordered the raids on the loan sharks and bought the slave boy from Harold's employees.

Mr. Tompkins was unaware that anything was wrong when he was summoned to Flavius' office. He only became worried when he saw two slave boys standing in front of the desk and a couple of soldiers in the room. Not knowing what else to do he took his place beside the slaves.

"This document hands title of all your possessions and money over to a Mr. Carter," Flavius said, "You don't know him but that doesn't matter. This other document is for your voluntary enslavement. This dossier contains details of money you've accepted as bribes, sale of confidential information and generally betraying your position of trust.

If you are innocent and this is a colossal misunderstanding then you will have every opportunity to prove it. If you are guilty then sign those papers and save yourself the trial and the public humiliation I'm planning for you."

Mr. Tompkins just stared at Flavius in shock.

"Your Excellency, please… " he stammered, "It was only… I mean… "

Did you betray my trust or didn't you?" Flavius cut across impatiently.

Mr. Tompkins slumped in defeat.

"Yes, Your Excellency. I'm sorry," he whispered.

"So do you sign those papers or stand trial?"

"I'll sign, Your Excellency," he said picking up a pen and signing where Flavius indicated. He straightened up.

"Strip," Flavius ordered, "Those clothes belong to Mr. Carter now. I see that your first name is Ryan. That'll do for your slave name."

Still in shock, Ryan obeyed. He took off his expensive gold watch and laid it on Flavius' desk, almost as if offering a bribe. Flavius did not react and after hesitating as if waiting for a response, Ryan began removing his clothes letting them fall to the floor then allowing himself to have his hands cuffed behind his back.

Flavius picked up a placard hidden behind his desk and hung it around Ryan's neck. It read, 'I am corrupt.' He turned to one of the soldiers.

"Joe, take him to the forum, please," he said, "Take your time and choose a good tattooist. I want that message on his chest and back. Then put him to work in your hard labour gang. How do you like the job, by the way?"

"It's not exactly soldiering, sir," he grinned, "But I've got my own quarters and a choice of slaves on tap so I'll put up with it."

"When is Reg, I mean Lieutenant Black due back from officer training?"

"Next week, sir. It'll seem strange having to salute him."

Flavius turned back to Ryan, "My original idea for your humiliation involved barbed wire wrapped around your feet and needles under your nails so I'm keeping my word to you.

"You'll be working in a gang of teenage prisoners used to clean up unwanted eyesores. I think it's mainly derelict sites. You'll provide the muscle, the others can't. You'll watch them complete their sentence and be freed, knowing that it'll never happen to you.

"I slept for a whole day after serving just one week. I wonder how you'll feel in a month or even a year.

"The system's changed since I served on the gang. A boy is allowed a rest day and uses it by passing water around. You will never be allowed that break and if you're not nice and cooperative with them, they might leave you thirsty all day."

Romans were hardened to physical cruelty. Victims screaming until they were hoarse on the cross were a regular event. Death through floggings were common.

Mental cruelty was another matter. Being paraded around the forum wearing the placard would be bad enough but having it tattooed on his body would make him worthless, unable to be sold and without any sort of hope for a better life.

Having to make himself available to teenagers who themselves had no status, in other words allowing himself to be penetrated by them, would destroy what was left of his self esteem.

Romans who heard of his fate shuddered, wondering whether they should take poison or shoot themselves if facing a similar future and it became much harder to bribe an official.

As the soldiers escorted Ryan out of the room, he called the boy, Zach, round to his side of the desk, put his arm around his waist telling him to pull his stomach in.

Zach's ribcage was clearly defined as Flavius picked up a paper knife and held the point against Zach's skin just under his ribs. Zach arched back in fear making his ribcage even more pronounced.

"I could slide this up straight into your heart," Flavius said quietly. He was older than the boy, bigger, stronger and he had absolute power. No one would blame him, no matter what he did.

He only had one restraint, fear that he would like it too much and become the sort of tyrant or sadist he hated.

Zach just stood frozen with fear, scarcely daring to breath. He had believed Stavroes' promises and so, like Ryan, he had thought he was safe,. He had been a bully, building up a protection racket with the local kids. He had been arrested when a boy he had beaten up had nearly lost an eye. Now that they had the guard's protection the victim had felt safe and told all. One by one his other victim's had come forwards and their parents began putting in claims for the money extorted. It had been too much for Zach's parents so they sold him.

Also like Ryan he was only now beginning to discover what betraying a master meant especially when Flavius was involved.

It was a turning point for Flavius. He was being driven to thrust the knife upwards by a terrific erection while he tried to let his doubts hold him back. The tension was becoming unbearable as the door opened and Craig ushered Harold into the room.

In the past, Harold had used physical force to stop Flavius abusing a slave unfairly. This time he just stood and said, "I'll come back later if you like."

Having to force his mind up away from his cock to deal with his visitor, steadied him. Knowing that Harold of all people was not concerned about his behaviour, calmed him further. He lowered the knife.

"Craig, put him in a cell. I don't want him to see or hear any palace business."

"Yes Master. I understand completely."

Flavius turned his attention to Harold and Darius as he stood up.

"Please, both of you sit down."

It was one of the peculiarities of Provincial life that Flavius' office served more soft drinks than alcohol. He poured out drinks for the three of them cheerfully serving a startled and confused Darius who had obeyed Flavius by sitting nervously on the edge of a hard upright chair.

"Darius, I don't think anyone knows the part you played in this yet. Having you standing there like a frightened rabbit helped convince Ryan I knew everything and it's the last thing I wanted from your undercover work.

"Relax. You've seen how my friends behave towards me and you are a friend."

Darius nodded uncertainly and settled a little further into the chair.

"Harold, you wanted to see me."

"Yes Flavius," he replied, "The Emperor phoned me. It sounded like one of his regular morning chats but he said that he heard the local football team is doing well just like everything else in the province."

"Julius had managed to tell him what was going on," Flavius said, "So it sounds as if he's happy with how things turned out."

"That's what I thought especially when he mentioned visiting again."

Flavius nodded thoughtfully.

"I agree. Darius, can you stand one more ordeal. It's nothing bad and it'll help to repay the debt I owe you."

Darius nodded uncertainly again. Flavius leapt up and led them both to the reception hall where the Provinces elite were waiting for an audience. As Harold took his place on the floor there were gasps as Flavius guided Darius onto the stage, beside him.

"Noble Lords, "I have a story to tell. It's true and I think you'll find it interesting so please allow me a few moments of degeneracy."

Flavius paused for the chuckles to die down. Any sort of theatrics was definitely low class and not something a Provincial Governor should indulge in.

"There is a joke that if I trip in the market, then reports that I have been beaten up and left for dead will have reached the Palace before I can get home."

He paused for more chuckles.

"In order to tell this tale only once and to prevent rumours or gossip exaggerating it out of all proportion would you allow some of the Palace staff and slaves to join you on the floor?"

"Would you like to declare a Saturnalia?" Senator Manestro called out.

"No," Flavius called back, "Just be obsequious to a brat for a little while."

The laughter was even louder as Senator Manestro nodded his consent. Puzzled and nervous the palace flunkies arrived mixing with their betters. Flavius' mother arrived and, taking in the scene stood beside her dance instructor and lover.

Flavius recounted events, suggesting that everyone the Emperor had talked to had been bugged to hide Harold's involvement in the Emperor's plans.

Flavius finished, "Darius was in a difficult position. He chose wisely and acted with true courage and loyalty."

Flavius turned Darius around showing his back to the audience.

"A few days ago he volunteered to be whipped to maintain his cover. Noble Lords, some of you disapprove of the way I mix with slaves and the lower classes. I respect your ideas but please understand why I can value their friendship as much as yours."

Flavius turned Darius around and stepped back. The whole hall had been enthralled with his tale but now stood uncertain how to act.

Senator Manestro took the initiative. He stepped forward and offered his hand to Darius to thunderous applause. Other nobles also stepped forwards. Even Flavius was surprised by the reaction. He had not realised just how popular he was becoming and his comment about why he behaved as he did had really hit home.

As the excitement subsided Flavius stepped forward again.

"In view of the outrages against Mr. Carter and his family the House of Aulus is going to indulge in a little patronage and help him get his business started again. Uncle Titus has looked at his books and believes that it could be solid enough to work on a limited liability basis which means his house and sons are protected. With an inheritance they have just received then I trust that Darius considers my debt to him nearly paid."

Darius looked at Flavius, overwhelmed by events. Suddenly he burst into tears and hugged him tightly.

Flavius looked at the crowd and shrugged.

"Noble Lords, my friends and slaves have demonstrated their loyalty and friendship and so I would like to thank them by having a party. Those of you willing to demean yourselves are welcome to stay.

"For the rest of you I will organise a suitable reception to greet you properly."

"Does that mean I'll be able to make that damn slave's life a misery?" Senator Manestro asked.

"I understand that some of the things you do are quite pleasant," Flavius answered to more laughter. "I have provincial business to attend to. Slave Flavius will be there."

Again Flavius was surprised at how the nobles suddenly accepted his twin existence. One reason was historical. Emperors or governors who had been betrayed often sought vengeance. It would not hurt to be on his side, at least for a time.

Flavius led Darius to his quarters and laid him on his bed before sitting down beside him.

"Your family is coming tonight. You're excused all duties except to look after them," Flavius said, "There's one question I haven't discussed and that's your freedom."

"You've saved Jamie," Darius said, "That's what I asked for."

"Germanicus has found a law going back about a thousand years which allows an enslavement to be revoked. That means your position will be as if you were never enslaved. I could make you a freeman today but that would mean you could go no further. It may not seem important now but it could be in the future. Do you understand?"

"I think so," Darius replied. "Legally I would have to be adopted by Dad and become Jamie's younger brother."

"Among other things, yes," Flavius said, "Now get some rest."

Down in his cell, Zach was still waiting to find out what was going to happen to him. Sitting alone in the darkness his imagination fuelled his terror far more than a direct threat. He could not understand why Flavius was so angry with him. What was so wrong with getting what he could for himself? Why should he care about others?

That's all that Ryan guy was doing. It was his bad luck to get caught. Still Zach thought he'd be all right. By all accounts, all he had to do was offer his arse to Flavius.

Flavius had sought out Harold to ask his advice.

"You understand better than most the pressure slaves can be under," Harold said, "Many would be treating Darius in the same way as Zach. Ryan deserves anything you give him. If you don't think that Zach has got any redeeming features then by all means kill him."

Harold continued, "I think you can learn to confine your blood lust to traitors. If you need advice about Zach then talk to Ty. He's a slave and still half expecting you to turn bad on him. I know he's come a long way thanks to you but he's still a scared rabbit."

"Even I don't think that I should talk to the slaves about this," Flavius said.

"Why not," Harold asked, "The nobles appreciated being informed of what was happening. They're grateful that we're still in the Emperor's favour and glad that you acted so decisively. They even accepted your appalling breach of protocol in letting the slaves mix with them."

Flavius grinned.

"They don't understand you but they accept you. You're handling a very adult problem and I'm not sure that there's a proper way of dealing with it."

Flavius nodded, went to his apartment to change into his House of Sparta tunic before wandering down to the kitchens. He found Ty washing up. Flavius stood beside him picked up a plate to clean it.

"Isn't this a bit beneath you, Ty?" Flavius asked, "I'd have thought you would be helping to prepare the food."

"It's my break, Master and it needs doing," Ty explained, "Is something troubling you?"

"I want to kill Zach," Flavius replied.

"Yes Master," Ty replied, "I don't blame you."

"You don't seem shocked."

"You might have killed me once but you understood what happened. You understood Darius' predicament so I assume you understand Zach as well. You don't see anything worth saving. Why don't you send him away with his papers hanging from his balls like you did before?"

"I don't know," Flavius replied, "Maybe I should."

"Zach betrayed another master, not you. He spied on the Emperor not you," Ty said, "Maybe it could have put your province in a bad light but it would not have been your fault. He has not hurt you directly so may I have him, please Master?"

Flavius stared at him.

"You help boys your age so you're troubled because you're planning on destroying one. Not every boy will respond to you or the House of Sparta so let someone else try. If he really is no good it will be my failure, not yours."

"You've never asked for anything for yourself," Flavius said, "Yes. You can have him."

"Thank you, Master," Ty said, "The problem with having the best slave quarters in the Palace is that we have to work hard maintaining them. Zach will keep house for us while we keep house for you. And when there's washing up to be done during my break I will be able to sit back and watch him do it."

Flavius laughed. Ty, of all people, had summed his doubts and he felt much better. He hugged Ty and ran off to his own quarters.

Fabian had an office at Titus' business headquarters. He found it easier to separate work and his private life that way and it also showed the nobles that he left Flavius alone to do provincial business.

That night he arrived home to find Flavius kneeling, naked and with his hands cuffed behind him. It was a sign that Flavius had been through a particularly bad day and wanted the pent up frustration worked out of him.

Fabian preferred it when Flavius was demanding, giving as much pleasure as he wanted but that could wait until later.

Fabian grabbed Flavius by the hair, pulled him up and hauled him onto the bed. He found the silk cords kept in a cabinet and tied Flavius' ankles to the corners of the bed. He released the cuffs before stretching his arms to the other two corners and tying them as well.

He then carefully inserted a vibrator inside Flavius then switched it on. Finally he fetched out a torment that he had never used before, six feathers with the stalks clamped to heavy stands.

He placed two so the tips of the feathers just touched his armpits, another two to touch the soles of his feet and the final two to touch those ticklish areas in his sides just above his hips.

On their own they didn't do much, especially if Flavius kept still but they were like a slight itch. Flavius couldn't help wriggling to avoid the touch and the movement made the other itches worse. Each movement meant that he had to adjust his muscles to accommodate the vibrator and Fabian had left him alone while he took his shower.

When he returned, Flavius was hard. He sat on the bed and gently stroked Flavius' cock until it was ready to cum. Then stopped, adjusted the feathers before selecting the clothes he would wear that evening.

He sat beside Flavius and stroked him to the edge again before going to the bar and pouring himself a drink.

Next time once Flavius was at the edge he leant over to kiss Flavius, his tongue exploring the boy's mouth.

All Flavius could think about was escaping the relentless irritation to the most sensitive parts of his body and the pressure in his balls. They felt as if they were about to burst and every movement made it worse.

He hated Fabian for not releasing the pressure, tried pushing the vibrator out of his body so that he could regain some sort of control. Beneath it all he knew that he could trust Fabian and when it came the relief would flood his body like a tsunami.

Fabian straddled Flavius, stroking him to the edge again before kneeling forward until his still soft cock was just above Flavius' mouth.

"I'm cumming first," Fabian whispered, "Get busy."

Briefly Flavius looked horror struck. In spite of Fabian having knocked some of the feathers out of the way how was he going to focus on another's needs when his own body was demanding so much attention?

While other cocks were fun, Fabian's belonged inside him. He lifted himself from the bed just far enough for his lips to touch the tip and his begin exploring. At first Fabian did not try to help but even that slight contact from his lover was enough to stimulate his lust and Flavius was able to reach further along his lengthening shaft.

Flavius did not fit into categories like submissive, masochist or bottom. He did have a powerful need to prove himself able to cope with anything that happened. It helped drive him to succeed as Governor and a new sexual partner could easily offend by going easy on a mere boy.

Fabian knew what Flavius needed and as he neared his climax he suddenly thrust into the boy, deep into his throat. Flavius panicked briefly, gagged at the intrusion then continued working his magic on the invading monster.

They worked together as Fabian pumped in and out of Flavius' mouth and it was not long before the thrusts became more urgent as Fabian stiffened feeling his balls squirting his cream deep into the boy he loved.

His own passion spent he eased up slightly, allowing Flavius to breathe and then lick his cock clean.

Recovering, Fabian knelt up, positioning himself over Flavius' manhood before guiding it upwards and into him. Again Fabian did not help him leaving Flavius to buck his hips to thrust deep into him.

Still he felt an urge to succeed despite Fabian's lethargy and pushed upwards with all his strength. His body began receiving its orders from Flavius' cock and he jerked upwards in massive, convulsive thrusts until he felt his cock explode.

Great pulses pushed out against the enveloping muscles as he shot deep into Fabian, his body arched and rigid and his muscles clamping tightly on the vibrator.

Finally he was spent. He collapsed onto the bed, exhausted, emotionally drained and very happy. Fabian quickly untied him, removed the 'instruments of torture and lay down beside his lover allowing him to snuggle up against him. They were soon in a deep refreshing sleep, waking fully refreshed when a slave came for them.

Some nobles did stay away not wishing to be involved. Julia attended with her dance teacher as escort. Alan attended with Marcus and his father, Titus, looking more like Marcus' brother than his slave. Hans, Craig and Brian attended in palace uniform. It was the first function that Matthew was not overseeing and they wanted to make a good impression.

Flavius attended in simple unpretentious clothes. Neither a slave nor a great noble. Steven, Brutus, Luke, Julius and David represented the House of Sparta.

Luke's parents were getting used to mixing with nobles. His mother's often remarked that anyone who brought mud into her kitchen would get a good clout, no matter what their rank struck a chord with Senator Manestro. The three of them chatted for most of the evening.

Fabian spent the evening looking after Brian's mother who was flustered by her surroundings, proud of her son, amazed that he was partly responsible for the party.

Darius was almost as nervous as his parents while Jamie just looked awestruck.

The most common emotion amongst the nobles was curiosity. They knew that Flavius' friends were in charge of the evening so it indirectly put Flavius' judgement in the spotlight.

Even Zach was present. He was shackled in a kneeling position to a pillar. Above him a notice detailed his crimes.

Flavius spotted Ty attending Craig and asked him about Zach.

"He's the Spectre at the Feast," Ty answered nervously, "Not a reminder that we will all die but a reminder that you're kind, not soft."

Flavius was touched by the sentiment and even began to feel sorry for Zach.

Darius looked as if he wanted to speak with him but was too nervous to approach. Flavius hurried over and shook his hand before greeting his parents. As he turned to Jamie the boy piped up, "You're not really the Governor. You're not grand enough."

His parents looked horrified.

"That's what a lot of nobles say," Flavius replied trying to be serious before turning back to his parents, "How long are you staying in the Capital?"

"I don't know, Your Excellency," Darius' father replied, "It's all been so sudden. We're so grateful for what you're doing for us. The first we knew about anything was when the car arrived with the messenger. I assume we're returning tonight."

"I beg your pardon," Flavius said, "I should have realised. Darius, go and tell Hans to arrange an apartment. He'll have to organise some overnight things for you, as well. There's no rush, just tell them what you need and he'll see to it."

He turned back to Jamie.

"If your parents agree, you can stay with Darius for a couple of days. You can watch the reception. Maybe I'll be grand enough for you then. If you like you can go swimming with Marcus and Fabian."

"Please," Darius' father said, "You've done so much for us already. Jamie can be a bit of a handful."

"We'll cope," Flavius exclaimed cheerfully before excusing himself and moving on to Steven who had been trying to attract his attention.

"How come you're not putting Darius up for the House of Sparta?" Steven asked.

"When he gets his freedom he'll return to his family," Flavius explained, "I didn't want to put any more pressure on him."

"OK," Steven agreed affably, "So is it OK if one of us approaches him?"

"Sure," Flavius replied, "Ask Alan. They're about the same age but not tonight. This is for Hans and his team."

"I've seen Matthew around," Brutus laughed, "He's only shaken his head twice so they must be doing well."

"I want to prove that I can run the Palace," Flavius said, "There's plenty here hoping it all goes wrong so keep your eyes open and be ready to support Hans. If I have to I'll change into my Sparta tunic or my Governor clothes but the less concerned I am the stronger the palace will seem."

"And you've got yourself a fan," Luke smiled.

Flavius looked round to see Jamie standing watching him. Flavius beckoned him over.

"I saw you on television," Jamie exclaimed to, "You're all in the House of Sparta. Can I join?"

"Only for tonight," Flavius said, "Steven is in charge and needs a messenger. Do you think that you can act as his servant."

Jamie nodded proudly moving to stand beside Steven.

Julia and her escort began demonstrating the latest dances. It might have been classed as a performance but she insisted others join in and they constantly swapped partners explaining the new steps.

Darius' father proved to be a very good dancer and so a slave's bankrupt father became a popular partner of the highest ladies of the province.

More nobles had arrived than Flavius had expected so many slaves found themselves back doing their regular duties though Craig managed a rota system. Most had a chance to relax.

To start with, slaves and nobles tended to stay in separate groups. The nobles felt duty bound to follow Flavius lead and not demand due deference. At first it was awkward but gradually they realised that they could talk to each other without the stiffness and protocol they usually needed and probably more business problems were settled that evening than in the previous month.

It was Senator Belario who changed the mood. If anyone looked like a noble it was him, tall, always immaculately dressed and with an air of natural authority so Flavius was startled when he threw a cushion onto the floor to use as a football while arguing with a slave over a bad football tackle they had both seen on television. The dispute settled, Senator Belario had grabbed a couple of glasses and thrust one into the slave's hand.

To make matters worse the slave had been serving and the glasses came from the tray he had been carrying.

The slave saw Flavius approaching and hastily put the glass back down, grabbing the tray.

"My apologies," Senator Belario said to Flavius, "Have I breached the etiquette of the evening?"

"Not at all," Flavius said , taking the tray and handing a glass back to the slave, "I just didn't expect you to be interested in football."

"We all have our weaknesses," Senator Belario replied, "Do I have your permission to explain to this ignoramus some of the finer points of the game and why the referee was right to award a foul?"

"Go ahead," Flavius laughed, "I just hope you don't set a precedent. I'll run out of slaves."

"I'm sure you and your friends would cope," Senator Belario said, "There's an order to this evening that's missing in many formal functions I attend."

As Flavius wandered off another slave took the drinks from him, relieved to be doing something he understood.

It was as General Maximilian arrived that things began to really warm up.

General Maximilian was accompanied by Joe and Reg Black, newly promoted to Lieutenant.

"Our apologies for being late," the General was saying as Hans hurried up, "These two had to swap some guard duties. It's getting a bit boisterous, isn't it?"

"It's getting out of control, sir," Hans said as Craig also approached. The House of Sparta boys also started gathering around them as well as a few of their friends.

"I don't know how to break it up, Master," Craig said, obviously upset, "I'm sorry, I should have prevented it."

"Hans. Get some of those rope barriers and cordon off an area around the bar. Shift all the guests who want a quiet time inside it.

"Reg, your first command. Gather up any slaves not involved, and anyone else who can help and form a picket line in front of the barrier. It's only a football match so far as I can see. Let them play. I'm not sure if this is a situation that Generals should be involved in."

"Damn you and your games," General Maximilian snapped, "Lieutenant Black, I'm at your service."

"Brian, look after our guests in the quiet area.

As they hurried off to obey, Flavius continued,

"Craig, you're off duty, no alcohol but relax and get some rest. There's an audience tomorrow. Be ready to strike your staff extra hard and yell out the names extra loud close to their ears. I'm sure some of the Nobles will appreciate it with the hangovers they'll have."

Craig grinned but said, "I'm sorry Master. It's my fault."

"I do believe it is my fault," Senator Belario said, "I'm responsible for all this. Again I apologise."

"I think it's great," Flavius said cheerfully, "My slaves have permission to enjoy themselves tonight and it's not me or my friends running amok with them. See if there're any medics still sober and have them ready."

It was an evening that was remembered for years. No one remembered who won the football match, how many nobles were injured or the young nobles too drunk to object to being restrained by General Maximilian.

They do remember him, shirt torn, holding a drink with one hand, a stubborn drunk held in a headlock by the other, solemnly discussing picket lines and redoubts with some of the younger boys.

They remember Julia persuading the ladies to teach their husbands the new dances in readiness for a great ball she was planning while those same husbands were unashamedly either playing football or cheering their team on.

They also remember Flavius still circulating chatting to guests in the quiet area unconcerned at the bedlam.

Some also remember Hans looking with increasing despair at the number of guests passed out around the floor. Drunks irrespective of rank were put on a stretcher and dumped on a bed in the slave quarters with a bucket or a bowl beside them. Senator Belario still felt responsible for causing the trouble and stayed to to help. He dealt with the one or two nobles who tried to complain about their treatment. .

"No one is complaining about your behaviour before you passed out, don't complain about your treatment afterwards," he said.

What everybody remembered was Flavius appearing, refreshed and alert conducting business in a spotless hall with the more hung over nobles wincing as Craig yelled out the next arrival.

Hans had worked through the night tidying up. Slaves still sobering up were put to work and of course he had Flavius group of friends helping. Only Flavius and Craig slept soundly preparing for their performances at the Audience.

Provincial business seemed remarkably brief that morning. As Flavius stepped off the podium, he saw Hans.

"Go get some rest, Hans," Flavius said, "You look done in."

"Fuck you, Flavius," Hans snapped back, "I've got too much to do."

Even as he spoke he realised what he had done and he stood, deathly white looking at the nobles who were still in earshot.

"You can fuck Slave Flavius later if you like," Flavius replied, "For now you're confined to your quarters until Julius says you're fit again. Don't worry, the rest of us know a bit about running things."

"I'm sorry, Master," Hans replied, "I didn't know if… "

"Don't be sorry, Hans," Flavius interrupted, "Don't tell him this but I don't think Matthew could have done a better job getting ready for this morning."

Hans nodded and walked away. Flavius turned to the Nobles.

"I agree with you. It was a terrible breach of discipline," he said, "You know what? We should all let off a bit steam once in a while."

Chapter 5

"What do you want to do this evening?" he asked.

"We're having a quiet evening together, aren't we?" Flavius asked.

"That's what we're planning but what do you really want to do?"

"I'm not sure what you mean."

"Do you want to go out tonight, get your arse stuffed by an oversized cock on some guy that doesn't care how much it hurts. Do you want to walk away from it knowing adults can't crush you?"

Fabian paused but before Flavius could answer, he continued, "Do you want to go to the House of Sparta and spend the night not caring who your cock is in. Do you want their cocks filling your mouth and arse so you can prove you're just one of the boys?"

Flavius looked at him aghast.

"I'm not really like that," he said, "I'm sorry if I've upset you. I'll make it up to you."

"Answer my question first. What do you really want to do tonight?"

Flavius stared at Fabian realising that he was right.

"You're making me sound like a whore," Flavius muttered defensively.

"Half of you is a whore. The other half is one of the best Governors in the Empire. The two go together to make a fantastic young man."

"So what are you saying?"

"I've been offered a place at a Rome University and a consultancy job at the Imperial Palace that will pay the fees and my keep. If you really do want the quiet domestic life we share then I'll turn it down. If you prefer to explore your wild side then I'll move to Rome."

"But I need you," Flavius cried, "I want you. Now you're running out on me."

"I'm asking you what you really want and you keep dodging the question," Fabian said softly, "We needed each other when we were two guys being pushed to live up to other people's expectation. People respect our decisions now and I want to know if you're trying to live up to my expectations."

"OK then. I've always thought that you would have preferred Marcus to me. He's quiet like you. You both like swimming and you both like books. I suppose you're right. I like using my body.

Flavius paused, "OK. I'll still miss you if you go to Rome I do like our time together."

"I'd miss you as well and I do love you. I just don't think that I can keep up with you."

Flavius laughed.

"If you're going to Rome then I can tell you a secret," he said, "I am a whore. I get more support in the Senate if they think that they're going to get their hands on me."

Flavius had known things were not right between him and Fabian. Getting it out into the open had been a relief and suddenly he wanted to spend one last night with Fabian and he hoped the meeting at the House of Sparta would be over quickly.

It was Matthew who gave him his next jolt by announcing that he would like to resign from the Board of Guardians.

"When it was set up, I was appointed to represent the Palace," he said, "I'm no longer part of the Palace and I think it would be appropriate to replace me."

"Do you have any suggestions" Titus asked.

"I would suggest Hans," Matthew replied, "He has taken my place in the Palace, proved himself capable and would still be part of the House of Sparta.

"Flavius?" Titus asked.

"Everything's changing," Flavius almost sobbed, "Fabian's moving to Rome. The House of Sparta's changing. I don't like it."

While the House of Sparta discussed business, the Board of Guardians and guests sat in comfortable chairs while the boys sat on the floor. Alan wrapped his arms around Flavius.

"We'll still be here," he said, "I bet Fabian would be on the first plane home if you needed him."

Flavius took a deep breath and smiled, "I know. Fabian made sense. You're all making sense. Yes of course Matthew should resign, if only for his health. Hans, would you like to accept the position?"

Hans looked surprised thinking for a moment.

"No. Could Craig do it? I'd like to resign as head boy as well and concentrate on palace duties."

"It makes sense. You could still remain as a member," Titus answered, "You've got a lot responsibility and it'll be a good way of asking for advice when you need it."

"So who's going to succeed him as head boy?" Harold asked.

"Brutus would be a good choice," Germanicus replied, "He's done well outside the House of Sparta as well as in."

"So have Steven, Luke and others," Flavius replied with a grin, "If I didn't know better I'd think that you're trying to put a noble in charge to restore the proper order to the House of Sparta."

"I'll not deny that the thought crossed my mind but I didn't think for one moment that you'd allow it. Who do you suggest?"

"Follow my thinking for a bit. The House of Sparta is all about training and opportunity. Let's rule out anyone who's already benefiting from his time here and consider who's left."

"It seems to come down to David," Steven said, "Brutus is doing well in the family business, Luke and I are talking about going to University in a few years, Alan's got a new family. Julius has his carving."

"And I think a slave should be charge," Brutus said, "I'm sorry Germanicus, but it's more in keeping with Flavius' reforms. What do you say, Hans?"

"He talked two drunks out of using the rope barrier as hurdles last night. He was decisive enough when he chose to fight for Flavius' reforms in front of the Emperor. I think he's worth a go."

"Hang on," David said, "I'm just grateful to be given a fresh start. There's others who deserve it more."

"If you succeed then you'll have deserved the chance," Germanicus said, "You're getting a chance to prove yourself."

"If I did get the job then the first thing I'd do is give Julius, Flavius and Brutus a good whipping."

"Why?" Juan asked.

"To prove that I can and will," David replied, "I'm not used to being polite and fair. That's why I don't think that I should have the job."

"Actually I think you've just said why you should have it," Steven said, "The first thing you want to do is prove that you won't have any favourites and I agree."

Flavius' back was red raw when he returned to his quarters.

"Be careful what you ask for," Flavius said ruefully to Fabian, "For it may be granted you."

"And you wanted a strong head for the House of Sparta," Fabian laughed, " Get your tunic off and lay down on your stomach. I'll put some balm on your back."

For once Flavius wanted to be fussed over and that night their lovemaking was gentle and tender.

Flavius awoke refreshed the next morning. He had school that morning and he was relieved that his back was already healing. The other boys would be curious about the beating the three nobles had received. The rest of the Noble boys in his class would consider it beneath their dignity to ask but the slaves would.

Before he reported to Steven he headed for his office and called up the court list for the next couple of weeks.

He smiled when he found himself a suitable case and brought it forward to that afternoon, before phoning Germanicus.

After school, Flavius slipped on some informal clothes and headed for the court arriving just as a blond, good looking youth of about eighteen was put into the dock.

The youth pleaded guilty to causing an accident while drink driving a stolen car.

"Too many lives are lost through this sort of behaviour," Germanicus thundered from the bench, "You were not insured so you will bear the full cost of repairing all damage, I will impose the maximum fines for these offences and you will bear the full court costs. There will be a half hour adjournment while the full tariff is calculated."

Flavius approached the boy.

"You're an idiot," Flavius exclaimed, "I know you were upset because you couldn't afford college but it was no excuse. I'd already said that I'd help."

"I'm sorry," the boy muttered, "It all just got on top of me."

"If you want to go to University in Rome, say you can't pay and accept enslavement," Flavius said, "If you don't want to go, ask for twenty four hours to pay. Rome won't be easy but it's the best chance you've got now."

The youth stared after Flavius as he walked away. The court re-convened and the youth swallowed nervously as the total bill was read out. He just managed to shake his head when asked if he could pay."

"In that case, you will be enslaved," Germanicus said, "I understand that Flavius Aulus will pay the full market price for you. We see no reason to refuse his offer. Take him away."

To his surprise, the youth was taken to an interview room, not the cells. Flavius arrived a few moments later.

"Even if you hadn't been enslaved, you'd have lost your college funds in fines," Flavius said, "Technically I own it now and I'll put the balance of your slave price to it.

"My companion is going to University in Rome. He needs a slave who'll also be a companion to him. Your first task will be to look after him and your second will be to get your own degree. Do you think you can handle it, Seb?"

The youth looked at Flavius and burst into tears before wrapping Flavius in a bear hug.

"Yes sir," Seb replied, "Thank you for the chance, I'll not let you down."

"I'm adding to your papers that the moment you receive your degree you will be freed and that you'll regain title to your college fund. With five years interest it should prove useful."

Seb tried to hug Flavius again but Flavius stepped back.

"You're a slave now," he said, "So show proper respect and strip."

Seb looked shocked as he came to terms with his new status. He reluctantly began to undress. Flavius was enjoying himself. He understood how humiliating the situation was for Seb which was definitely a turn on for him.

Once Seb was naked, Flavius had him spread his feet and put his hands behind his head. Flavius leant forward to feel Seb's balls, watching as the older boy blushed with embarrassment.

Flavius' finger probed Seb's cherry then pushed. Seb was tense, desperately wanting to protest, resenting being treated in such a way by a mere boy, understanding what he had become. Suddenly Flavius withdrew his hand. He handed Seb a tunic that he fetched with him in his briefcase.

"Get dressed then go and see your parents," Flavius said, "Report to the palace at four o'clock tomorrow."

Flavius was pleased with himself. Seb had worked for his parents in the market. They had pushed him to get the best possible education and actively encouraged him to apply for college after Flavius began his reforms.

The courses Seb wanted were not available in the province. The colleges he had applied to were resisting Flavius' changes. Flavius had done his best to help even to the point of asking why those particular courses were not available locally.

It had not been enough to ease Seb's frustration and drunken spree.

Seb was quiet. Emotionally and intellectually he had a lot in common with Fabian so Flavius hoped that Fabian would find the comfort and support he needed. Seb was now a slave so his duty was to look after Fabian.

School was considered important because it provided a broad background of training and learning. However children still tended to follow their parents into work so schools were expected to allow other sorts of study. In Flavius' case, running a province under the guidance of a Board of Guardians was an an ideal example. Luke would spend time, helping to run his father's shops and Steven had a good grounding in accountancy.

To accommodate outside training, schools had frequent but short terms. Students could catch up during a break before they fell too far behind.

So far Flavius had managed to carry out most of his Governor's functions during the breaks so apart from an occasional emergency, he had kept up with school. The one place where his two lives merged was his office. His desk was often covered with a mixture of homework assignments and official documents.

Flavius had found that one of the quietest times for him to work was in the early morning before leaving for school so he was a little surprised one morning when Darius and Jamie entered his office and stood timidly in front of his desk.

"Hello," Flavius said cheerfully, "What can I do for you?"

"Please Master, can Jamie come to our school?" Darius asked.

"I don't think it's possible," Flavius said, "He lives with his parents. He would have to come up by train."

"Dad's going to commute," Darius said, "He could come with him. If he can't come with Dad he could stay with me."

"You're still a slave, Darius," Flavius said, "You're supposed to be catching up your school work and fitting it around your other duties. You shouldn't have time to look after Jamie."

"I'll be your fuck boy," Jamie said, "Then Darius wont have to look after me."

"Why don't you tell me what the problem is," Flavius said trying to hide his shock, "You don't have to buy my help."

"The school doesn't want me," Jamie replied, "It doesn't like your reforms and it thinks I'm going to end up enslaved like Darius and it thinks Dad will be as well."

"OK. So I'll have word with the headmaster," Flavius said.

"It's not him," Darius said, "They actually advertise that slaves are welcome. They get grants that way. What they do is ignore the bullying. No one does anything to the nobles but there's a gang that beats up slaves who don't pay up."

"And you can't go to the guards?" Flavius asked.

Darius and Jamie stood uncertainly for a few moments.

"I think there's a gang in the Town Hall as well," Darius said cautiously, "And adults are scared of them. They're brothers and each one runs a different gang. Anyway the guards beat up anyone who complains and says it's on your orders but you're not like that are you?"

Flavius picked up the phone.

"Steven," he said, "I'll not be in school for a few days. Cover for me please. I'll brief everyone this evening."

He listened to Steven's reply, "Sorry Steven. It affects my Governorship so I'm pulling rank even if I'm staying as slave Flavius."

He hung up and grinned at the boys.

"Steven will whip the skin off my back if he doesn't think I've got a good reason for skipping school. He'll have to answer to his Father and the Emperor if he let's me slack off."

He picked up the phone again.

"Hans. Get in touch with Lieutenant Black. Ask him if he'd be willing to do a little job for me if he can clear it with General Maximilian. I want him to get a team of a dozen or so men who can travel without looking like soldiers on a mission. I also need someone who can act like a freeman and my Dad as soon as possible."

After he had hung up, Flavius turned to the boys. "Are you going to help me?"

Both boys nodded eagerly. Flavius took them to his quarters where he changed into a plain slave tunic and removed his House of Sparta chain. He twisted round so that he could see his back in the mirror, gratified to see the traces of the whipping that David had administered.

He picked up the phone and dialled an outside number.

"Hello Mr. Jenkins? It's Flavius. Could we borrow your car for a few days?"

He listened to the answer.

"That's no problem. We can lend you a Palace vehicle. It's just that yours doesn't look like one that Provincial officials would travel in, let alone the Governor."

Flavius grinned as he listened to the reply.

"I'm sure it has got a few good years left in it but you don't expect us to stop laughing at it, do you?"

Flavius listened again still grinning.

"Thanks. I'll tell you about it when I can."

Flavius hung up as Craig arrived.

His hair was swept back suggesting a receding hairline and there were streaks of grey in the sideburns. It was subtle but he had aged, looking as if he was in his mid thirties.

As Flavius stared at him, he said, "You didn't think that we going to trust you with a stranger, did you. One of the slaves worked in the theatre and did this."

"That was quick work," Flavius said, "We might just make Jamie's school in time. I'll brief you on the way."

The car that Flavius had borrowed was an ancient tourer. When it was new it was not quite a sports car because it was designed to take people across the empire in comfort. Mr. Jenkins spent hours working on the engine so that the car purred along but it looked like a rusty wreck.

As Craig drove, Flavius' stomach rumbled reminding him that he had skipped breakfast but adding what was left of his quiet time to his breakfast period and the time for his usual walk to school meant that they should arrive in time.

They arrived in good time. Craig parked before taking Flavius and Jamie to the school gates where a group of boys blocked their way.

"We don't want no filthy slaves in our school," one of the boys sneered, "You best take them somewhere else.

"Jamie's my nephew and he's not a slave," Craig explained, "I'm dropping him off while I get Milo enrolled."

"Are you fucking deaf," the boy yelled, "We don't want fucking slaves here and there's a fine for the families of fucking losers trying to defy us. How much have you got?"

Craig turned to a man standing nearby, "Are you a teacher? How about controlling these brats?"

The teacher shrugged looking frightened.

"Your car's obstructing the entrance," he said, "You should move it before you get a ticket."

The boy had pulled out a knife and was advancing on Craig, "That's right. Now let's have the fine."

Flavius stepped forward grabbing the boy's hand, viciously twisting it behind his back. The boy yelped with the pain, dropping the knife. He was a couple of years older than Flavius and once he was over his surprise would give Flavius some problems so Flavius pushed making the boy stumble forwards before quickly bending down to pick up the knife.

Flavius expertly held the knife facing the gang.

"Next," he called out.

No one moved and the three of them backed towards the car.

Once inside Craig drove off.

"You could have got yourself killed, you idiot," Craig snapped.

"Not with the training Joe and Reg give us in the House of Sparta. He had no idea how to handle himself," Flavius exclaimed, "Next stop the Town Hall. You complain about the treatment."

"Are you my son or my slave?" Craig asked.

"Make it slave," Flavius said, "You're a freedman wanting to open a shop and you want me educated to do the books and so on.

Craig nodded. They did not speak until they entered the Town Hall. Craig approached the desk and explained why they were there. The receptionist sent for an official.

"There's a fine for wasting our time," he snapped, "Your slave assaulted a free boy and you were asked to leave. In any case your car was blocking the school entrance. My brother goes to that school. He certainly doesn't want riff-raff like you disrupting his classes."

"And the money he demanded?" Craig asked.

"The school said nothing about that when they phoned. Now, like I say, there are fines for wasting an official's time. I'll need your name and address to bill you. I'll have to impound your car until you provide other proof that you're resident here."

"I don't think so," Craig said, "We're leaving and we're not going to let this rest."

"You can try," the official said smugly, "The guards will be after you as soon as you drive off. I think I'll have your slave as well. Is he a good fuck?"

Jamie had been doing what all kids do. He had been standing with his mobile in his hand, wearing an earpiece and busily texting.

"Can we go please, Uncle," he said, "He's scaring me."

"Yes, of course," Craig replied, "I'd better take you home."

"He was part of your attempt to insult your betters," the official said, "He'll fetch a good price in the markets."

Just then the doors burst open and a crowd of armed soldiers rushed in with Lieutenant Black yelling orders. They rushed through the building securing computers and detaining personnel. The official was handcuffed before he understood what was happening.

Lieutenant Black approached Flavius and saluted. "General Maximilian has been monitoring Jamie's mobile, sir. He didn't feel that the force you suggested would be adequate and sent a couple of cohorts. We've also secured the school and the local Guard Room.

"Yes but this is only reconnaissance," Flavius exclaimed, "I just wanted to find out what was going on."

"Getting involved in a knife fight broke your cover, sir."

"What's going on, here," the official snapped, "You can't just come barging in here and who is this brat?"

"His Excellency Flavius Aulus," Lieutenant Black said, "He's making a private visit to investigate allegations of bribery and corruption. When you threatened to kidnap him you gave us the right to enter and rescue him."

"That's ridiculous," the official exclaimed, "The Governor's more concerned with getting some slave's cock up his arse. If he wanted a cut, he should have said so."

Flavius leapt forward before bringing his knee sharply upwards. The official just stared for a moment as the pain spread out from his balls and then his legs gave way as he doubled up with pain. As he bent forwards so Flavius brought his fists up in a double punch into his solar plexus.

The official collapsed to the floor, groaning in agony.

"Easy," Craig said quietly, "None of your friends care how you relax."

"I do like cock up my arse and you know it," Flavius snapped, "But I'm going to have his balls for suggesting I take bribes."

Just then General Maximilian arrived.

"Flavius, my boy," he boomed, "I thought you'd learnt something about planning a campaign by now. It's to Lieutenant Black's credit that he realised that your orders were totally inadequate and informed me."

"We're OK," Flavius muttered petulantly, "We were about to leave."

"No. You were about to be arrested," General Maximilian retorted, "There were four guards by your car waiting for you. We're investigating them for corruption. If they were bent and they'd started to guess who you were, they would have slit your throats. Better still they would have shot you in the back and claimed you were escaping. How were they to know it was their Governor going undercover."

The General paused then in a softer voice continued, "I suppose that it wasn't too bad. You chose the right backup and you expect us to use our initiative."

Flavius grinned, "Thanks. I should have spoken to you first but I still get 'you've got to do it right' or you can't just rush in' so that nothing gets done."

"So what are your orders, sir," General Maximilian asked, "I take it that you've planned the rest of the action."

"I've got to know and trust some of the bureaucrats in the Capital," Flavius replied, "I want to send for them and get this place running properly. I want you to start investigating the corruption."

A man in his fifties hurried into the foyer. He was overweight and panting from unaccustomed exertion.

"What's the meaning of this intrusion," he gasped, "Get out of my Town Hall."

"Your Town Hall?" Flavius muttered.

The man swung round and slapped Flavius hard on the across his face.

"I don't need any bloody insolence from slaves," he snapped, "Now what is going on here?"

"His Excellency, Flavius Aulus, Provincial Governor will be arriving shortly to oversee a full audit of this town's affairs," Craig said glaring at Flavius.

Flavius took the hint and remained quiet.

"Why? Aren't his friends paying him enough?"

As Flavius stepped angrily forward, Craig grabbed him by the hair and yanked him backwards.

"You disturb us again, boy and I'll drag you to the nearest whipping post," Craig snapped before yelling, "STAND STILL."

He turned to the man, "Now I take it you're the Mayor. Explain that allegation."

"As if you didn't know," he paused appraising Craig, "Maybe you don't. You don't look that high up. He protects a group of officials in exchange for a share in their bribes. It's all handled by a Palace official."

"Do you know his name?" Craig asked.

"Julius Dufree" the Mayor answered.

Craig looked at General Maximilian who nodded and spoke into his phone.

"And you're saying you're not involved?" Craig asked.

"No I bloody well am not," the Mayor yelled, "I wanted to resign and move away but they threatened my wife and son. I was the honest face you see that kept it looking respectable. I don't suppose anyone will understand though."

"I think you'll find that His Excellency does," Craig grinned, "He knows what it's like to be trapped by threats."

"Are you saying that His Excellency knew nothing about all this?" the Mayor asked genuinely surprised.

"Not until this morning," Craig replied, "Then he came charging over here to see what was going on."

"Using his incognito, of course," the Mayor said, "I'm hoping it's not that boy there."

"It is," Craig replied with a grin, "The House of Sparta boys are on their way bringing some proper clothes and then you can meet formally. It would have been a breach of the protocols he created to greet you dressed like that and he takes insults to his name very much to heart. He needed a chance to calm down."

Flavius nodded in agreement.

"Sir?" he asked politely.

"Yes?" Craig replied.

"His Excellency agrees with you and he thinks that General Maximilian should be in charge. He believes the Mayor and suggests that the audit starts with the Mayor's office so that the Mayor can resume his duties as soon as possible. He apologises to the Mayor but in the circumstances he must be seen to be innocent to kill any rumours or gossip."

"I accept that," the Mayor said gruffly, "I will resign my office then go home until His Excellency is ready to reappoint me."

"Perhaps you could prepare a list of officials you trust," General Maximilian said, "We'll check them first so they can get back to work as well."

General Maximilian turned to Flavius.

"As for you boy," he rasped out, "This time we can't rush it, everything has to be done right. There's no crisis so we don't need the Governor. It's going to be a slog for the experts so they don't need you looking over their shoulder all the time."

As he spoke the rest of the House of Sparta burst into the room including Marcus and Darius dressed in the tunics. The adults followed at a more sedate rate.

Marcus looked nervously at Flavius.

"It was David's idea," he explained, "He thought we should all be under one chain of command. He also thought you might need your advisers."

"Who's running the Palace?" Craig asked.

Senator Belario has roped in Senator Manestro to help fend off the dignitaries," Marcus replied, "Your mother called Matthew in to advise Brian but he's most upset that she insisted he conduct business sitting down.

"I've got Flavius' Sparta regalia," David said before turning to Jamie, "I've got regalia for you as well but it's only for today."

Jamie grinned broadly and stripped displaying his slim, pre-teen body. He had a few wisps of hair about his groin and his cock, just beginning to look adult. He slipped on the half tunic and the gold chain before standing proudly in front of everyone.

"You can change here as well, Flavius," David added.

Flavius noticed a harsh tone in David's voice whenever he spoke to him. Normally he was not embarrassed getting naked in front of strangers but this time there was a tension that he did not like. Nobody seemed to be appreciating his teen body in the way they normally did.

Instead, once changed, he stood facing the assembled crowd.

"You own enough slaves to know how many ended up in court because they acted stupidly, on impulse," David said. He was quiet almost menacing.

"Your behaviour today, was no different," David continued, "You chose a slave to help you because he couldn't refuse. You failed to brief anyone properly because you knew they would stop you. You allowed an insult to your family honour blind you. As a result you put your life in danger as well two of your friends.

"It was as stupid and as reckless as anything a slave has done. You are the Governor and governor's can be responsible for untold misery when they act stupidly. The next town might be a bit more organised and determined to resist. If the troops have to open fire to rescue you then there could be a bloodbath. Do you want that on your conscience?"

David paused waiting for an answer. Being reminded that he was the Governor was the worst form of telling off for Flavius but he understood what David was saying He had been spot on with his motives. He had admitted as much to General Maximilian.

Flavius was close to tears and could just shake his head. It was a long time since he had just felt like a naughty boy with everything else seeming a sham.

"I've already said much the same thing," General Maximilian said, "And it did turn out well."

"More by luck than good judgement," David retorted, "What about all the garbage I hear about trusting his friends? There's not much trust in tearing off and expecting them to follow."

Flavius burst into tears, not knowing whether it was worse to stand and show his humiliation or run and hide it. David grabbed him in a bear hug and held him. Eventually, as the sobs subsided, Flavius wrapped his arms around David.

"General Maximilian is right," David said, "It has turned out well. Now that you cried all that stupid anger out of yourself, you can tell us what you want to do now."

"You're right, David," Flavius said, "The whole town thinks I've been involved. I can't attack everyone who accuses me.

He paused and grinned, "I think I might do better at the school. If we can get that sorted it might restore my reputation here. I think I should be the Governor though. May I wear some informal clothes?"

"There's some in the bus," David said, "Your Mother said you might need them."

"I suppose I'm in trouble with her as well," Flavius muttered.

"You're not in trouble with anyone," David replied, "I've said my piece but heaven help you if I ever have to say it again."

Flavius grinned nervously. David's speech had made a real impact on him. He would not forget it for a long time.

A nervous group of parents stood outside the school. The gang of bullies who had tried to stop them stood just inside the gates. They all had their hands cuffed behind them. A couple of guards stood over them. The rest of the school was trying to carry on as usual, if only to keep the students calm.

"Strip them," Flavius commanded, "Find a permanent marker and write 'Bully' on their chests, then make them stand facing the crowd."

As he spoke, one of the parents tried to approach Flavius but was blocked by a couple of guards. He was one of the boy's father, a tall striking, blond man who had obviously been a soldier. Flavius went over to him.

"Yes," he said coldly.

"Gaius Dufree forced my son to help him," the ex-soldier said, "After military service, I was a gladiator until I made enough money to open an inn. It was agree or risk being made bankrupt and having him sold off.

Flavius had already been eyeing a beautiful blond haired youth about his own age. He obviously exercised and there was something about him that made Flavius think he had received some military training. The boy would be a useful soldier in the gang.

"I take it they used my name to help persuade you," Flavius said calmly.

"Yes Your Excellency," the father said, "I didn't believe them. I saw you in that Spectacle in Rome. You're a man of honour but they obviously had some high connections and I couldn't be sure."

"I understand," Flavius said, "The DuFrees are going to wish that they had never been born. For the rest, I just need to prove that their gang is broken and I was not part of it."

The ex-soldier nodded, "I understand, sir. I'll see that the other parents do as well."

Flavius nodded then grinned, "Don't worry if I keep your son a little longer than the rest. He'll be in my bed, not my dungeon."

"Oh that's all right, sir," the boy's father exclaimed, "If you're sorting this town out, he's yours as long as you need him. We're both ashamed that we didn't resist."

They shook hands before Flavius headed for the headmaster's office. He stood nervously for Flavius. He was a little shabby, seemed to lack any bluster and had a look of despair about his eyes.

There was nothing about him that suggested he was gaining from events in his school. Flavius gestured for him to sit down.

"What's been going on here?" Flavius asked.

"Schools that accept your reforms get a lot of grants," the Headmaster explained, "I'm all for the changes and even advertised for more boys from the lower classes. Then the DuFrees took over. The kids were discouraged from coming here so we needed less money. Grants could be syphoned off, then other resources. Our students are mainly from the middle classes but I dare say you know what happens if anyone complains."

Flavius nodded, "I was dressed as a slave this morning and they stopped me enrolling."

"Your owner would have been detained at some stage and persuaded to sign some papers," the Headmaster said, "If I may say so, sir, you're a sexy looking young man. I would imagine you have a number of admirers when you're in a half tunic. I think they would have persuaded your owner to sell you at a knock down price before selling you on at a nice profit. Either way, you would be enrolled but you wouldn't attend."

"How about test results and attendance records?" Flavius asked.

"I don't know," the Headmaster replied, "The word was that you didn't care providing you got your cut but I think Julius Dufree falsified the records."

"OK," Flavius said, "There will be an investigation and an audit. Assuming we don't find anything against you then you'll carry on but I have to leave all that to the adults. What I can do is to arrange for the headmaster from my school to come over on a consultancy basis and bring the House of Sparta boys here for a couple of weeks. Our Headmaster knows how to handle us and it'll give you and your staff a chance to learn how to deal with my officials properly."

"It's unorthodox and I should object to the intrusion," the Headmaster said, "It would undermine discipline if teachers thought that students were criticising them behind their backs but I can see the advantages.

"Again, Mr. Trevellian will ensure that it doesn't happen.

As Flavius stood to leave, they shook hands. Flavius used the phone to make some arrangements and explain his plans to his friends.

"Between us all we can cover a good number of classes," Flavius said, "We won't be here to pick holes in the teaching, just provide some stability."

"I haven't been to school since I was ten," David complained, "I won't keep up."

"You will if you sit with the ten year olds," Flavius grinned, "Think of yourself as their bodyguard."

Flavius hung up and glanced through the window at the prisoners.

"There has to be consequences for threatening my friends," he said when he returned to the gate. He turned to the sergeant in charge of the guards, "Find me a couple of knives, Guard's bayonets will do. Then have Gaius released and get the circulation back in his hands. We'll continue the fight."

The Sergeant hesitated.

"Please," Flavius said quietly, "I am a Roman noble. I am expected to defend my honour with my life."

Reluctantly the sergeant made the arrangements while Flavius stripped.

Chapter 6

However, Flavius was quietly confident. Few of the town's boys back home would challenge Flavius even to a mock fight any more. With the military training he received through the House of Sparta, and the street experience he had gained from his friends he was a formidable fighter. In spite of being told off for not planning his moves earlier, he could think logically and quickly under pressure.

As Gaius began to understand what was about to happen, everyone watching seemed to see Gaius' advantages slip away. He was gripped by fear and uncertainty as they stood facing each other.

"Your family threatened my family's reputation," Flavius said clearly so that everyone could hear. "You are closest to my age so you will defend your families actions and I will defend my family's honour, to the death."

There were loud gasps from the crowd, shocked at how far Flavius was taking things but now that Flavius had declared himself, nobody could intervene.

"Please, Your Excellency… Master," Gaius sobbed, "I had no choice either."

"I saw you threaten my friend with a knife," Flavius replied, still calm and clear, "You enjoyed it. Now I'm enjoying this."

"Please," Gaius begged, dropping to knees and letting the bayonet fall.

Flavius lunged forward jabbing the knife forward into Gaius shoulder. It did not penetrate far but a trickle of blood flowed from the wound. Gaius squealed in pain.

"Fight," Flavius called out, "I'll kill you quickly. You want to stay kneeling then you'll die squealing like a stuck pig."

"Please," Gaius sobbed.

Flavius seemed to get bored, and turned his attention to the other prisoners lined up.

"How about one of you," he yelled.

"Look out," the blond boy yelled but Flavius had already seen it.

Gaius had used the moment to grab the bayonet and lunge for Flavius but Flavius had kept the bayonet in view just in the corner of his eye.

He was turning as the boy had yelled and stepped sideways. As Gaius' panic stricken charge took him past Flavius, Flavius stabbed him in the buttocks. The crowd was beginning to see that Gaius was no match for Flavius' agility and training. By contrast, he was a clumsy ox.

Gaius bellowed in pain, now limping as he turned to face Flavius, staring at his blood on his opponent's bayonet. Suddenly he whipped his hand back and threw the bayonet. Flavius had no trouble reading Gaius. In any case, it was a desperate throw, badly aimed. Flavius sidestepped easily even having time to note that the weapon would have struck him handle first.

As Gaius stood, distracted by the pain from his wounds and uncertain what to do next, Flavius stepped forwards and jabbed. Flavius was still calm and in full control. The blade penetrated Gaius' lower abdomen, no more than an inch.

It was enough, for Gaius to let out a loud shriek of agony, before collapsing to his knees clutching the wound. Flavius stepped behind the wounded youth, jammed two fingers into his nostrils and yanked back lifting his victim's head and exposing his throat.

Before anyone could move, Flavius slashed his bayonet through Gaius' throat before stepping back and dropping his weapon. To everyone's amazement, Gaius was still alive with only a trickle of blood seeping from his throat. The bayonet had barely broken the skin. Gaius was in shock, beyond terror just waiting for the next blow.

"Fetch him a medic," Flavius yelled, "Make sure he lives."

Turning to the crowd he spoke loudly and clearly, "He needed my back before he would fight. He's just like the rest of his family so he'll suffer with them as will anyone who voluntarily joined them. They'll be branded as corrupt and put into labour gangs to work to restore this town."

Flavius walked over to the rest of the prisoners.

"All the time you can read Bully' on their chests, they can do hard labour around the school outside of lessons," he said as much to the crowd as to the boys, "House of Sparta slaves, including me, will be attending this school for a week or two, so if anyone objects, I will deal with it personally."

Flavius turned to the blond boy and began fondling his cock. The boy started to protest then stopped and stood resigned.

"Were you going to object?" Flavius asked.

"Yes sir," the boy answered, "But it's all I deserve, isn't it?"

"What's your name?"

"Tommy, sir," he replied.

Flavius had slipped a finger between Tommy's legs and was probing upwards. The boy stood, defeated.

"You're coming with me," Flavius snapped, "Just stay quiet and out of the way until I'm ready for you."

Flavius found the school showers, cleaned himself and dressed before heading for the Town Hall to speak with General Maximilian.

"You let him live, why?" the General asked.

"To prove something," Flavius replied, "I was in control, even in the middle of a fight."

The General nodded, "Everyone's talking about it. One of my soldiers streamed it to me over his phone. You were right about being in control, somehow letting him live showed your power more than actually killing him. Well done."

General Maximilian pulled himself to attention and saluted. Not being in uniform, Flavius could only straighten himself and bow briefly. After the brief exchange of honours, General Maximilian continued, "We've arrested four of the local guards so far. They face court martial and crucifixion."

"If possible I'd like them enslaved and humiliated like the others," Flavius said, "I've seen Ryan Tompkins once or twice. He's not doing very well, I'm pleased to say. I don't see why this lot should have it easier."

General Maximilian shuddered. Ryan would probably be dead within the year. He was fed, looked after except that he was worked beyond anything his body could cope with. It was a crueller death than the General had ever inflicted.

The General would also have treated the Mayor as a criminal but Flavius sympathised with his predicament, in spite of being slapped by him. Flavius understood the mayor's frustration, reserving all his anger for the bullies and the corrupt.

"I'll see to it, sir," General Maximilian said, "We've already arrested some officials and Germanicus is offering them the same choices you offered Tompkins"

"I'll leave you to it," Flavius said, "I'm going to spend a few days at Brutus' fort. I want to be alone for a while."

As Flavius gave his instructions David approached Hans.

"I'm supposed to look after him," he said, "But I've let him get into a knife fight, now he wants to get away from us."

"You've got the House of Sparta to run," Hans replied, "He's trusting us all to keep things going while he relaxes. He'll get fucked raw by that prisoner then forget he ever existed. I bet the boy's family will find a lot of their debts disappearing or something."

"That's right," General Maximilian interrupted, "He'll come back fully refreshed and then we'll be struggling to keep up, again."

He paused, "He's spreading his wings and you're not his only friends any more but that doesn't mean he doesn't need you. He does and he expects you to make the most of the House of Sparta as much as him or Prince Julius."

Tommy was still handcuffed, largely ignored and scared of Flavius. He tried to stand in a quiet corner pressed up against the wall while Flavius dealt with business. Somehow Flavius would still find a way of getting close. Apart from quickly stroking his cock Flavius did not bother acknowledging him in any other way.

It was being ignored that Tommy found most degrading even if he worried what Flavius wanted him for.

Even so it was almost a relief when he found himself following Flavius out to a car, sitting next to Flavius who removed his cuffs.

"Thanks for the warning," Flavius said, "I owe you that."

"Thank you, sir," Tommy replied, "I thought you were just showing off but you'd seen what he was like, hadn't you?"

Flavius nodded, "He wouldn't have fought if he hadn't thought that he had an advantage. You won't have trouble fighting with swords will you?"

"Dad's taught me," Tommy said, "You'll have to kill me to stop me though and I think I'm better than you."

"Oh we'll be using practice swords," Flavius laughed, "Loser is the fuck slave until the next fight."

"I still think I can beat you," Tommy said seriously, "What then?"

"You'll have a fuck slave and it'll be up to you."

Tommy stared at him.

"You mean it, don't you?" Tommy exclaimed.

Flavius nodded, "Just remember. I'll take anything I'm prepared to give."

Tommy sought understanding, "You're not prepared to give up your life so you're not prepared to take mine?"

Flavius nodded.

"But you're prepared to take my arse so I can take yours."

Flavius nodded again and Tommy stayed silent for the rest of the trip.

Originally Flavius had planned on just using Tommy to satisfy his lusts but the more time they spent together so the more Flavius began to see Tommy as something more. Not a lover or a friend but more than a rent boy to be discarded when he was done.

Lukas greeted them when they arrived and escorted them to the fort where Flavius immediately stripped to stand alongside Tommy facing Lukas, one of Brutus' slave who looked after the fort and helped in Brutus' and Stevens games.

Lukas knelt down and fitted chastity devices to both boys before standing to address them.

"The game Brutus has chosen for you is simple," Lukas said, "At opposite ends of the fort is a sword and a radio remote control unit to release those chastity devices. It can also lock them so that the other device can't release them. In other words, the first one to find the device can release himself and lock the other. The other remote becomes useless."

Lukas paused.

"There are manacles scattered around the fort and the practice swords are powerful enough to stun you.

Again Lukas gave the boys a chance to absorb what he had said.

"That's about it. You can spend your time as chaste friends, trust the other to use the remote wisely, seek one out before your rival does or defeat him in battle. Remember there is no fair play or honour in this game."

Before the boys could respond, Lukas had picked up Flavius' clothes and left the fort, locking them in.

"Have you used practice swords that deliver shocks?" Flavius asked.

"Yeah. Dad's got a couple. How do you want to play this?"

"Why don't I find one of those devices and release us?" Flavius suggested.

"If you weren't prepared for a little trickery you would have stopped us being locked in."

Flavius laughed, "Good point."

He reached forward to stroke Tommy's chest. Tommy sighed contentedly as Flavius moved his hand to massage his nipple. Imperceptibly, Flavius manoeuvred himself so that his arm was across Tommy's chest.

Suddenly Tommy's hand shot out, grabbed Flavius balls and squeezed hard.

"Nice try," Tommy laughed, "Now stop trying to set yourself up to get a neck lock."

Even as he spoke he released Flavius and jumped back.

"Truce?" he asked.

Flavius nodded.

"Can I ask some questions?"

Flavius nodded again. There was a patch of grass near the entrance. He lay down on it beckoning Tommy to join him

"OK. Why me?"

"You're sexy and there's something about you."

"I let myself become a part of that gang. You'd never have joined so what did you see in me?"

"I don't know. You chose to warn me. It was just a feeling.

"Dad admires you because he says you don't hide behind your rank. Supposing I capture you. You'll start screaming that you're a noble."

"I can't. Even the Emperor would let me die rather than let my games be linked to the Governorship."

"So why are you here?"

"Doctors call it compensation. You saw all the adult stuff I have to deal with. This is just a game with physical consequences not mental."

"Last question. Can we get these chastity devices off? All these rings are so uncomfortable. I wasn't sure I'd find your balls when I grabbed them"

"I doubt it. The cock ring behind our balls is connected to the one round our ball sac. You'd have to force your balls between the two. By the way, I bet the tube's impregnated with itching powder or something."

"Why?"

"So we have to get it off and there's only one way of doing it."

"You've got some weird friends if they do this to you."

"You don't want to know what they do to each other," Flavius laughed. Tommy had reached out and was gently stroking Flavius thigh. Flavius rolled towards Tommy, so that he was lying on his belly, his head resting on his arms. Tommy took the hint and moved his hand over Flavius' arse.

"We'll have to do something about these chastity devices," Flavius said drowsily, "But I'm happy here for the moment."

It would have been a stressful and emotional day for an adult, let alone a fourteen year old, and, in spite of the game he was in, he was tired, relaxing in the warm sun.

"I'm in no rush either," Tommy said, "Forget about truces and everything, just relax."

"Uh huh," Flavius said, "It sounds good to me."

Tommy was still wide awake continuing to gently stroke Flavius. Both boys felt a pressure in their cocks but where Flavius was enjoying a few moments peace free from the pressures of his office, Tommy was far more anxious to get some relief.

"I'm going to the toilet," he said, "I'll be back so don't go away."

Flavius was asleep and did not answer. As Tommy slipped away, he felt a terrific itch along cock. He tried to scratch but every movement seemed to make it worse. The chastity tube was indeed lined with an itching powder embedded in wax. His body heat was softening the wax so the more he moved the more wax was rubbed away allowing the powder to touch his sensitive foreskin.

Tommy might have been able to wait until he and Flavius could both release themselves from the devices but he was releasing more and more itching powder. Flavius had already tried to trick him so maybe he would do it again. He ignored the toilet and set off to find the remote.

It did not take long to find a bag, containing the remote, a practice sword and some fetters. Sighing with relief, he entered the number on his chastity device and heard the click of the locks being released. He opened the rings and slid the tube off.

He rubbed his cock to remove the wax feeling it becoming rock hard.

Making sure the ankle chain was at the top of the bag he armed himself with a sword and returned as silently as possible to Flavius aware of his manhood pointing firmly outward and upward.

He was tempted to stop and empty his balls but fear of Flavius getting the advantage drove him on. He need not have worried. Flavius had not moved. Tommy slipped the manacles onto Flavius ankles then prodded him with the sword.

Flavius stirred but did not react. Tommy pressed the switch and prodded again Flavius' thigh again. Flavius yelped and his hands shot down to find the source of the pain.

"Freeze," Tommy yelled. To his surprise Flavius obeyed. By now Tommy had the sword right up inside Flavius' crack with tip the resting on his balls.

"I only have to press the button," Tommy said quietly, "So just do as you're told and don't talk."

Flavius was fully awake now, conscious that he should have been more wary. He remembered what Tommy had said about forgetting about the truce, suspecting that he might try something. He was aware that in real life he could not afford to make mistakes like that. It was almost a pleasure to know that, although the next few hours could be very unpleasant, it did not matter. He had learnt something and he was excited as well as scared of what would happen.

Tommy felt in his bag for a pair of handcuffs and threw them just above Flavius' head.

"Put them on," he commanded.

Flavius complied as well as Tommy's next command to draw his knees up under him then pull himself into a kneeling position always conscious of the electrodes along the practice sword touching sensitive areas of skin.

To add to his problems, now that he was moving around more, he felt the same itching along his cock that had tormented Tommy. He stooped a little to reach his cock but froze as Tommy jerked the sword then meekly obeyed his order to put his hands behind his head.

Satisfied, Tommy moved round to stand in front of Flavius and stared down at him. He poked the sword into Flavius' navel.

"I'm going to press the button unless you claim privilege of rank," he said.

Fear made Flavius' skin glisten with sweat which in turn made his cock itch more.

"I'd rather suck your cock but I can't do that if I claim privilege of rank," Flavius said cheekily.

As his muscles convulsed his last thought was fear that he would lose control of his bladder. Then the pain overwhelmed him and he jerked into a crumpled ball at Tommy's feet.

Tommy had used the lowest setting but it had been more than enough to shock Flavius. He waited for Flavius to recover his senses before yelling for him to get back on his knees. He only had to touch Flavius with the sword to make Flavius flinch and struggle to obey.

Flavius' cock felt as if it would explode from the itching, his stomach muscles still convulsed painfully and he stared fearfully at the sword still pointing at him.

"You'll suck my cock anyway," Tommy said, "Have you ever been in a hopeless battle that you can't win or been in a situation you can't handle?"

"No," Flavius said cautiously, "I've been tied up and whipped but that's not what you meant, is it?"

"No," Tommy said, "Gaius knew that you would beat him but he had to fight you anyway. I didn't want to be part of that gang but I had no choice. I watched Gaius. He liked being a bully as much as you do."

A wave of fury swept through Flavius. He may have lunged forward but he was still watching the sword.

"Be honest," Tommy said, "You liked personally destroying Gaius didn't you?"

Flavius was struggling to concentrate. He desperately needed to escape from the chastity device, to escape the itching and to empty his balls. For once he was uncertain and more out of control than he had ever been in his life. Tommy's cock was still hard pointing threateningly at him.

"What makes you such an expert?" Flavius asked.

The sword crackled ominously as Tommy pressed the button then he just dropped it. He held his cock pointing at Flavius' face then emptied his bladder before throwing the keys and remote down in front of Flavius. As he turned and headed for the buildings, Flavius was sure that he was sobbing.

As the piss dripped from him, Flavius was embarrassed and shocked. Briefly he was furious at the insult and degradation but he was also puzzled. However, at that moment, more than anything else, he wanted to get the chastity device off. He almost dived for the remote struggling to enter the code.

As the locks clicked free, and he worked the device off he felt a surge of relief as his cock sprang upwards and he scraped the wax off. He could have easily jerked off but he felt incredibly stupid and embarrassed still.

Brutus and Steven played even more elaborate games. Sometimes they played them with slaves who although willing, were cautious about taking the lead from their master. The specially made chastity devices were well worth the expense, providing an incentive to a slave to defeat his master and escape their torment.

So why had it gone wrong for Flavius and why did Tommy hold him in such contempt? Flavius found a shower head beside the buildings. He shivered as the cold water rinsed him clean .

He stood uncertainly, using the water dripping from his body as an excuse to delay finding Tommy. He shivered again, the sun was low in the sky and it was cooler especially in the shadows. He wrung his hair as best he could and scraped as much water as possible from his body. Reluctantly he entered the building, looking for Tommy.

He found him in one of the cells sitting on the floor, resting his head on his arms which were wrapped round his knees. Flavius could still hear him sobbing.

Hearing Flavius enter, he looked up.

"Dad's used to be a gladiator," Tommy said, "Even other freedmen think we're beneath them. Oh, nobles come to the inn to be photographed with him but they'll have their pictures taken beside any attraction."

Flavius stood quietly letting Tommy talk.

"He taught me how to fight and he teaches me about people. He's even taught me how to cook. Mum taught figures, reading and writing. When your reforms started I enrolled for school. I had to start a couple of years down but I was catching up.

"Then Gaius started talking to me. He was friendly. He even helped me with my school work. Then he started on how his brothers looked after his friends and hated people letting them down and how you hated it too and that if I helped them enforce the fines and taxes, Dad wouldn't have to pay his share and… "

Tommy sensed that he was beginning to ramble and took a deep breath.

"I liked being in their gang. I had friends who respected me and I liked everyone else being scared of me. It was better than them laughing at me. I could bring down boys a lot older than me and it made me feel good.

"Dad kept warning me that it was all wrong but I didn't want to know."

He stared desperately at Flavius.

"Don't you see. I'm as bad as Gaius. You should be sending me to a labour gang not being all friendly with me. I pissed on you. You can't let that pass. You've got to punish me."

Flavius stood silently.

"I've been told off for not planning ahead properly and you're saying I was too interested in your cock to think about who you are. I thought I was doing a good job getting this town cleaned up but I'm just bumbling along getting into pointless scrapes and playing stupid games."

"That's not what Dad thinks," Tommy replied, "He reckons, you're going to be one of the greatest governor's the Empire's ever seen."

"I wasn't being any sort of Governor when I fought Gaius," Flavius said, "It was personal. I pretended I was defending my honour but I was already doing that, cleaning up the town."

"He'd gone against you and your reforms," Tommy said, "The kids I beat up just looked down on me. They hadn't done anything against me."

"Are we going to carry on trying to prove that we're worse than the other?" Flavius asked, "I watched a boy I had sentenced for rape, being crucified. I had to dive into an alley to jerk off. I've never seen anyone's muscles so stretched. He looked so sexy especially when he moved. What's more I want to sentence someone else and watch it again."

Flavius paused, "I sentenced him for raping three girls. It turned out he had done five, we recovered stolen goods and broke up a protection racket in one of the poorest parts of town. That's why I felt so good watching him die."

"You could have put Gaius and the rest of us on trial and sentenced us," Tommy said, "Why didn't you?"

"I like making the punishment fit the crime," Flavius said, "The DuFrees corrupted this town. Now they'll die repairing it. You and the rest of the gang can all do your forced labour at the school."

Tommy stared at him.

"It's OK to like this stuff," Flavius said, "It's not OK to do it all the time. You'll never be in a gang like that again so you'll never enjoy beating someone up again."

Flavius giggled, "Unless you come to this fort again, that is. I've had enough of it for now. Let's get out of here."

Tommy looked more cheerful as Flavius picked up a phone to summon Lukas. They found some clothes for Tommy and Flavius donned his Sparta tunic before insisting they have a meal at Tommy's father's inn.

Like many things in the Roman Empire, what was acceptable was muddled. Getting your picture in the paper was vulgar and akin to a public performance. Having a giant portrait done to hang in your great hall was merely a piece of art. Everyone indulged in holiday snaps because that was for family and friends. Everyone had heard of the House of Sparta but few outside the Capital recognised the insignia and few recognised Flavius when he entered the inn.

Tommy's father, Tom, did and flustered, looked around for a good table. Flavius headed for a cramped table beside the kitchen door. He looked around at the other customers.

"I used to get this in the Capital a lot," Flavius said, "They think they recognise me but it would be so embarrassing to confuse a mere slave with the Provincial Governor. They'll be staring all through dinner. I bet a few try discreetly using their phones."

Tommy grinned.

"We've got a few regulars. They only come because they live so close," Tommy said, "The rest are passing trade. They're just about polite to Dad and ignore me and Mum completely."

"Let's eat," Flavius said softly, "You order. I'll be the dutiful slave and accept what my betters give me. Let's see what happens. Later on, you can send me up to your bedroom to wait for you."

"You really do like these games, don't you?" Tommy said.

"I like being Provincial Governor as well," Flavius replied, "There's a reason for this. We might be sitting together now. You'll probably be up my arse tonight. On Monday you'll be working naked in the school taking your punishment with the others. What better way of saying, the Governor doesn't have favourites?"

Tommy thought for a moment then nodded. "It's not what you originally planned is it?"

"No but I've got to know you and now I like you," Flavius said, "I know I'm using you but I don't forget my friends."

"Just eat your meal, boy and be grateful that you're sitting with your betters," Tommy laughed.

Flavius was right about the other customers. None of them seemed completely sure but tried discreetly taking his picture and texting friends, if not making straight phone calls. All that Tom knew was that the inn got steadily busier throughout the evening.

"Dad needs help," Tommy said, "Can I be excused?"

"You've got it wrong," Flavius laughed, "In this tunic I'm the slave. I should clear this table first then you can tell me what to do."

Watching Tommy try to stand he hissed as firmly as he could without being overheard, "SIT."

Tom, Tommy's father, came hurrying over as Flavius began work. Tom tried to find a way of protesting but failed so he just shrugged.

"You clear the tables and make a start on the washing up. Tommy can wait at table. I'll see how my wife is doing in the kitchen."

Flavius had liked the inn as soon as he had entered it. It was clean, served simple but well cooked food without fuss or its customers could sit and relax over a friendly drink. Tom was breathing a sigh of relief that a busy evening with a very unusual guest would soon be over when the doors opened and the entire House of Sparta entered including a handful of Provincial Palace slaves.

Even Germanicus conceded that House of Sparta activities had its own peculiar protocols so he was chatting to Craig about the day's events. Only David looked uncertain as he saw Flavius working.

"Craig, while the House of Sparta has its meeting perhaps you'd help Tom. It might be useful experience for you," Flavius said.

"His Excellency, Flavius Aulus sends his compliments, sir," Flavius said as Tom approached again. He spoke in a normal tone that the nearby tables could hear, "As you know, the House of Sparta has business connected with His Excellency's Imperial service in this town. He wonders whether you have a room available where they can meet."

As he spoke, he could see everyone else, trying to ignore them but listening to every word, watching Tom trying to deal with slave Flavius.

"House of Sparta boys are just slaves, sir," Flavius added, "And you are the Master in your inn so they are at your service while they're here."

Chapter 7

In their turn, the adults knew that Flavius expected them to restore order to the town and had no real wish to incur his displeasure.

After the meal, they were all shown into a large comfortable bar with instructions to rearrange the furniture to suit themselves.

"We're closing the kitchen, now so Tommy can serve you," Tom said, "You won't be disturbed."

"We're still causing you extra work, sir," Flavius said, "Craig here is His Excellency's Majordomo. He wants to own a restaurant one day. Perhaps he could help you and in return you could show him what's involved."

Once they were gone David said, "Sit down Tommy. You're a guest. One of us will serve."

As Tommy self-consciously settled into one of the chairs that had been arranged in a circle, the Sparta slaves sat on the floor in the middle.

"First order of business," David said, "New members. We know you'd be willing for Marcus and Darius to join, Flavius, but we think Jamie should join as well."

"Don't I have a say in this?" Flavius asked, "We are slaves in this tunic. He could be assigned to serve Germanicus and I still get a sore throat sometimes when he deep throats me. I don't mind but you're not going to hold back are you, Germanicus? My point is, he's going to struggle to keep up with a lot of stuff."

"You do have a say, Flavius," David answered, "And we'll respect your opinions but you're doing other things nowadays. That's fine but if we wait for you the House won't work.

"Both Darius and Jamie want to stay on at the Palace and go to school with the rest of you."

"Surely they want to return to their parents?" Flavius exclaimed.

"They're here, you know. Ask them," David said.

Flavius was still getting used to David's attitudes. He had not been a slave for long and was far less reserved than Hans had been. General Maximilian laughed quietly to himself. David had been lucky in making a friend of Flavius. Any other owner would have beaten him to death by now.

"Dad is busy getting his garage going again," Darius explained, "Mum wants to run the office so they'll both be busy. We'd like to be able see them at weekends when we can but Jamie's willing to be bonded to you until everything's settled. So would I when I get my freedom."

"That's right," Jamie nodded, "Can't I try?"

"We'll see how it goes," Flavius said, "So far as the House of Sparta is concerned, it's David's decision. We'll see what we can do about the rest when we get home."

Darius and Jamie nodded contentedly.

"So what about Tommy," David asked, "Are you proposing him?"

"I don't want to join," Tommy said hurriedly, "You know what I feel about what I've done and I've got to stay to help Dad."

"Let's leave it at that for now," Titus said, "What happened to your break at the fort?"

"Brutus' and Steven's games were a little weird for us," Flavius said, "Besides I want to talk to you all. If there's any sort of official corruption then everyone assumes that I get my take. Does anyone disagree?"

No one spoke.

"I've come across two cases now," Flavius continued, "It would be a funny coincidence if I'd stumbled across the only two. The Emperor's interested in this Province and is up to something here. What would happen if something blew up in our faces while he was here?"

"There's always some corruption," Germanicus said, "Even in the Imperial Palace."

"Especially the Imperial Palace," Julius interrupted, "My Father tries to stop it but it's so difficult."

"Exactly my point," Germanicus said, "The Emperor would understand."

"That's not good enough," Flavius retorted, "I'm still a kid so if anything happened I'd be back to being an inexperienced child losing control of things. I can't risk it."

"I warned you, David," General Maximilian laughed, "An evening as an obedient slave and he's ready to turn the Province upside down. What do you want us to do?"

"First I want a television broadcast. Use Tompkins and the DuFrees as examples to show the Province what happens to corrupt officials. Advise anyone who has been involved in it to leave the Province immediately.

"I want a full audit of the Palace, including everyone's personal accounts. I know there's privacy laws but make it clear that everyone who refuses to cooperate will be suspended and investigated anyway even if the legal way takes longer.

"After the Palace audit has been completed we'll tackle Provincial offices and Town Halls at random.

"General. I'd like you to carry out a similar audit of guard units. Most regular soldiers like my reforms and corruption like we found today threatens them. Do you think you can do it?"

"Certainly," General Maximilian replied, "There's always been a feeling that town guards are not accountable enough. I can order a complete review of procedures."

"Then my Board of Guardians can start implementing my orders first thing tomorrow," Flavius said, "Now both these cases started because Darius was involved. He spotted something wrong and told me.

"The Imperial Secret Service won't help. If they spot trouble they look to see how it affects the Emperor and if it just affects a bunch of school kids they lose interest. They won't compromise their position by offering evidence on fake fines or school admissions."

"And you want to go rushing off to investigate," Germanicus said, "Forget it. If you're not careful it will look like a witch hunt. Let's try a questionnaire first. We'll send one to every slave and freedman who has applied for an educational place."

"That's not much good if they're too scared to apply," Flavius pouted.

"We look at the distribution of the replies on a map," Germanicus explained, "We'll see any holes and find out more. It'll take time but it'll give us a chance to finish your other tasks. Besides, I think there's something you could be doing."

What's that?" Flavius asked.

"I still worry that you're upsetting the natural order but I see why it's necessary," Germanicus replied, "I do understand how to separate respecting a noble because of his rank and respecting anyone who does a good job. This inn is mostly closed up yet the part still open is clean, well run and the food might be basic but it's well cooked and well served.

"I think that's because of the prejudice against the innkeeper because he was a gladiator. His son is going to suffer the same prejudice at school and that could affect your reforms.

"It's strange because we're only half an hour away from your Palace yet attitudes here are almost as if you'd never become Governor."

"You're saying you approve of the changes?" Brutus asked, amazed.

"I still receive the honour due to my rank," Germanicus replied, "And I appreciate the talent of the artist doing my new portrait more."

"Tommy, what do you say?" Flavius asked.

"He's right," Tommy said, "The last owner used to hold civic functions. The Town Hall won't consider us yet we've still got the largest rooms in town."

"Maybe you should consider an official tour," Germanicus suggested, "Traditionally it's to give the peasants a chance to see their new master. Nowadays they're little more than brief appearances at a civic function in each town but if you held court like they did in the old days then who knows what you may find."

Germanicus paused and grinned.

"I've learnt that slaves do have ears and I'm a lot more careful what I say in front of them. My slaves are learning that I appreciate hearing any juicy gossip they've heard. Darius came to you because he trusted you. Do you get the idea? You'll probably learn what's going on, just by being you."

Flavius nodded looking around, "This inn is big enough to hold a provincial reception. Hans, Craig, see what you do can do for a week Saturday I should be in school tomorrow but I'll hear petitions here on Saturday instead of the Palace.

"What's wrong, Germanicus? I'm in too much of a hurry and it won't be properly organised? I'm degrading the Governorship by holding court in an inn? I should have more consideration for the Provincial Senate?"

"None of them," Germanicus replied, "I was thinking that only you would have the nerve to try and have any chance of making it a success."

He turned to Craig and Hans.

"If you succeed it will be vindication of Flavius' trust in you. Can you do it?"

"Hans is already doing too much," Julius exclaimed angrily, "Send for Brian and let Hans go back to the Palace."

"Shut your fucking mouth you stupid fucker," Hans screamed, "Don't you dare tell Flavius, I can't fucking cope."

While everyone else stared in shock, Julius smiled.

"Yes, you can cope," he said, "You'll cope until you have a seizure or lose your temper when Flavius can't protect you. I keep saying that you need to rest but you just carry on as usual."

"Julius is right," Harold said, "The House of Sparta was set up so that Flavius could escape adult responsibilities. You're not much older and taking on more and more."

"I can cope," Hans muttered sulkily.

"Then why are those flashes of temper getting more frequent?" Harold asked, "Be honest, if anyone but Flavius was your master where would you be by now?"

Hans did not reply.

"Excuse me, "Tommy said, "It sounded as if you want to use this place as a second palace."

"Temporary residence," Flavius corrected him.

"OK!" Tommy said, "But Dad will feel as bad as Hans if he thinks that you don't trust him to organise your functions."

Flavius rolled his eyes in despair. This was the sort of bickering that adults went in for.

"Then the two problems can cancel each other out," David announced, "The House of Sparta will provide any extra labour needed and will answer to Tommy's father. Craig will still act as Majordomo, advise on Palace protocols. Brian can support him. Hans should return to the Palace. It's going to be quiet there so he can rest."

"It's a good idea," Harold said before Hans could object, "Hans, you've already proved your abilities. Let the others show what they can do."

Hans was still obviously unhappy.

"It seems to me that there is something lacking in Hans' training," Germanicus said, "Chief of Staff carries some status and he still sees himself as just a slave. Julius should return with him. When appropriate he should act as a mentor in behaving according to his station and body slave as part of his House of Sparta duties."

Julius grinned, "How about it Hans? We'll find you a secretary and an adjutant. You'll just have to wave your arm around and say 'sort it'.

Flavius nodded, "I'd like you back at the Palace. My Mother and Matthew still remember my Father's ways. If they're left alone too long they might slip back."

Hans caved in, " OK I'll order a car."

"You won't," Julius snapped, "You'll order your slave to do it."

Julius waited until Hans sighed, "You win, boy. Go and arrange for a car."

Flavius was exhausted. It had been a long day and he just wanted some rest. For once, he wanted to sleep alone. He slept undisturbed but Jamie lay down beside him determined to serve him.

Tom and his wife were also exhausted. The inn had been busier than ever before that evening. Tommy was disappointed that he was sleeping alone while the other boys dusted down the bunks in the slave quarters and made the best of it.

The following day, David gave Flavius a simple choice. He could stay in bed or help with washing up after the breakfast rush. Although they did not realise it, he and Hans shared something in common that day. They were both made to rest.

The relationship between Hans and Julius puzzled everyone. No one doubted that Julius preferred Hans' cock up his arse to the other way around but Julius felt protective towards the older boy. At the same time, like Flavius, he liked being pushed to his limits as an individual, not as a prince. Hans was a gentle boy, especially by Roman standards so Julius felt a warmth in their relationship that he had not experienced before.

At the same time, Flavius' mother and Matthew never completely forgot that Julius was a Prince of the Roman Imperial family so when he insisted that Hans rest, Hans was not disturbed.

Julius even enjoyed working as Matthew's assistant seeing protocol and the working of a palace from a whole new perspective. Even when he was beaten for reporting late, he found himself accepting the punishment without complaint because it gave him a certain pride that like Flavius, he could cope as a boy, not just a prince. Then there was the simple sensual pleasure as Hans gently rubbed balm into his wounds, knowing that the older boy was proud of his fortitude.

Flavius, on the other hand was missing Fabian more than he expected, realising now that he had treated his companion with little more thought than a slave. While he was out with his friends or giving himself to some stranger, he expected Fabian to be home waiting for him as Hans had done. Something had attracted him to Tommy but although Tommy was willing to play games he was not going to replace Hans or Fabian.

It only slowly dawned on him that the answer was lying contentedly beside him. Flavius had dismissed Jamie as just a kid, laughing off the jokes about having a puppy following him around, dismissing Jamie's infatuation as just a crush. Yet he knew that Jamie was determined to sleep in the same bed as Flavius as his slave

Even modern Rome had some concerns about adults preying on children. It was considered cowardly, almost like cheating. At fourteen, Flavius was, by tradition, an adult so had a responsibility to look after Jamie.

Flavius gave into events and spent his time using his fingers to stretch Jamie. He had half expected Jamie to want him to stop. Instead Flavius had only stopped when he had noticed Jamie's face pinched and drawn with pain and found smears of blood on his fingers.

Flavius was mortified that he had abused his position but Jamie had just wrapped his arms around his shoulders begging to be hugged. He had been raised to be confident and was intelligent. However, when his father had gone broke, he had then been forced to watch his family slowly being destroyed, his parents being eaten away by fear and despair.

Flavius had saved them. He was brave and honourable so at a time when he was being forced away from his family he had found a role model who would look after him.

"He has chosen you," his Uncle Titus said when Flavius had been able to ask for advice, "He'll try to impress you so let him know what you expect. Tell him what you need as well. If he can give it to you then don't worry."

"Yes, but you know what they say about cradle snatchers," Flavius said, "And stealing spring chickens."

Titus laughed, "He's snatching you. He's your slave in everything but name and only you can't see it."

Reassured, Flavius returned to his room where Jamie was dutifully waiting for him.

"You're a free boy," Flavius said, "And I use people for sex. I'm not into the cuddly stuff very much."

"Steven and Brutus told me, already," Jamie paused, blushing, "And you want something better than my little cock in your arse so I'll be sent out of the way but I feel safe with you. You'll protect Darius and me."

"Your cock looks good," Flavius smiled, "It'll be magnificent when you grow up.

Jamie grinned proudly.

"I'll look after you and Darius, anyway," Flavius said, "I just don't want to treat you badly or hurt you."

"I know," Jamie replied, "But I don't mind if you do. You'll make me feel better afterwards. Stavroes wouldn't."

Flavius' arrival had generated a lot of interest and the inn was busier than ever. David insisted that the Sparta boys help out while Tom found extra staff. The following week they would all be attending the local school and of course they would be supporting Flavius at the reception but for now they could make themselves useful.

They were only too pleased to show what they could do. The next week was physically demanding for Flavius and his friends. Apart from his school work and the inn's increasing trade, they were trying to open up a large function hall for the reception. Tom got over his nervousness and began barking out orders as he used to on the parade ground. Even Flavius jumped smartly to obey the rasping voice.

As the mental stress was worked out of Flavius so he relaxed with Tommy, sleeping with him most nights. They would wrestle for superiority, the loser, bruised and battered, submitting to the winner while Jamie watched in awe. They were evenly matched, Tommy having a slight advantage but Flavius still won often enough.

Afterwards, Jamie would jerk off the loser and they would settle down for the night with Jamie nestled between the two bigger boys ready to start the day by giving them both blow jobs to wake them up.

The inn was full every night. Germanicus had been right. As the the townsfolk saw the changes that were happening some opened up and began telling the boys and slaves things that they had heard. None would approach Germanicus, the other guardians or even Flavius but they knew it would be passed on.

By the end of the week, even Germanicus was resigned to the fact that he would be fully occupied for months investigating.

Although he accepted help preparing the function room, Tom refused to allow the boys to work in the restaurant or bar on a regular basis. If the increase in business was permanent then he needed to consider extra staff anyway so he was using the week to get organised. The only help he really needed was advice in purchasing a couple of slaves.

On the Friday, Julia arrived accompanied by her favourite male slave and by Hans. They were dressed in stylish suits though Hans had his House of Sparta chain showing. Julia was modestly dressed, not as a great lady so no one recognised them until Tommy recognised Hans.

Flustered he moved them to a good table then found Flavius who changed into equally anonymous clothes before joining them.

"The palace is very quiet," Julia said, "I hope you don't mind but these two young men are my guests. They're not here to work."

"It's fine by me," Flavius said, "How are you doing, Hans?"

"I feel a lot better," Hans replied, "I didn't realise how tired I was until Julius made me rest."

"And is the palace falling about your ears?"

Hans grinned, "Not with Matthew, Julius, Senator Manestro and Senator Belario all trying to be in charge."

"That doesn't sound good."

Hans' grin turned into a laugh, "Julius pulls rank and no one dares argue."

"Hans is undervaluing himself," Julia interjected, "Julius threatens to call him, not his father and it's not as bad as it sounds. The two senators represent Flavius. Matthew runs the household while Julius runs his errands. Hans sole job is to hold staff meetings making sure they work together."

"Are you staying tonight?" Flavius asked.

"Yes," Julia replied, "We'll stay at the back and watch."

Flavius frowned, "If Hans has got his tunic then I'd like him on the dais as part of my retinue. If Xavier cares to keep four steps behind you then I'd like him there as well."

Julia stared at him.

"You know what you're saying, don't you," she asked.

Flavius nodded, "It's your choice. Xavier's as well. It would be too embarrassing to have my own mother ask permission to announce a companion.

"May I ask, why four steps?" Julia asked.

"He's a slave and obviously he penetrates you," Flavius answered, "You'll have to declare him a very junior partner."

"And you don't mind."

Flavius shook his head, "No! It'll be good to visit your apartment again with warning you that I'm coming."

He turned to Xavier. "Incognito as we are now or in private then you may regard yourself as a member of the family for as long as you make my mother happy."

Xavier looked as if he was about to speak but looked uncertain.

"You may call me Flavius at those times and you don't have to wait until you're spoken to."

Xavier grinned, "Thank you, sir. Sir is more informal than Master and I'd like to find my feet before I start calling you Flavius."

"If you wish," Flavius smiled back before turning to Hans, "So, are you going to be a slave of the House of Sparta, tomorrow or just a guest?"

"A slave," Hans replied, "I'm not really needed except as a link to the palace. I just wish that I could carry out my duties better."

"You're resting," Flavius said, "You understand how I want the palace run and as long as it is then you're doing your duty."

"And I think that you have another duty," Julia said, "Julius. He listens to you and wants to impress you. He has to attend that state function in Rome next week. I think he wants you to go with him as his companion."

"I can't," Hans stated without hesitation, "My duty is to look after the provincial palace."

"Yes you can," Flavius said, "Matthew's doctor says that the rest is doing him good and he wants to return to work. There's Craig, Brian and David to help him so I think we've got time to think about your future.

"Matthew will be able to feel useful and you can take over when he gets tired. That's all providing nothing happens through Julius. If you do find yourself with new prospects then I'll expect you to take them."

Hans just sat, tears filling his eyes.

"I'd still feel as if I was deserting you," he sobbed.

"Go back to the Palace and talk things over with Matthew and Julius," Flavius said then added with a grin, "Only if you want to."

Hans just nodded and did not move.

"I phoned Fabian the other day," Flavius said, "He was out and I spoke with Seb. He's worried that he's not treated like a slave enough. Fabian treats him like a flatmate and shares all the work. Fabian even pays him. Seb's worried that I might disapprove."

"And do you?" Julia asked.

"Not at all," Flavius grinned, "So far as I can make out, Seb feels obliged to stay in at nights keeping Fabian company even though Fabian says he can go out. Fabian's got the companionship he wants and I think Seb's getting to like being the penetratee.

He turned to Xavier, "By the way. As head of the house, I think I have the duty to fuck you to maintain my ownership of you. Mind you, I don't think Mother would ever forgive me if I tried."

They all laughed and Hans looked happier, "If you needed us, Fabian, Seb, Julius and I would be on the next plane home. Julius has already asked me if I'd go to Rome with him and I refused. I'll phone him and let him know that I can go and then head back to the palace."

As he stood to leave, Hans knelt down in front of Flavius saying, "I'm at your service," before kissing Flavius' ring.

The Audience and reception, the following day, were a great success. The function hall provided ample facilities. Flavius' success in organising such a complex event at such short notice increased his reputation. Tom took bookings for more civic functions. Flavius was still enough of a child to be nervous when two headmasters approached him but it was only to thank him and suggest it was time to return to his normal classes.

Senator Belario looking as autocratic and severe as usual could hardly wait until the formal part of the evening to be over before searching for guests who shared his passion for football. He paid for the wrecked gardens to be restored when, almost inevitably, an impromptu and very drunken game started.

During the course of the week news of the shock waves spreading out from Flavius' stand on corruption filtered back to them. Many officials shuddered at the thought that their town might be next. More importantly Flavius was making it clear that he would save his special attention to anyone trying to hide behind his name.

Although doing an interview would be too much like providing entertainment he could not prevent documentaries nor could he stop his lower class friends from taking part. Unofficially he encouraged it. Luke in particular became his unofficial spokesman.

He had inherited a lot of his mother's no nonsense approach. He was a good looking boy especially in his House of Sparta tunic and made a good impression, especially on TV.

Being young and in slave regalia, no one saw him as an official spokesman, just an energetic youth defending his friend.

By contrast, shots of Ryan Tompkins and the DuFrees showed the opposite side of the coin. They were broken, kept in chains with a gaunt look especially around their dull, soulless eyes.

Local businessmen spoke of the new opportunities that existed for law abiding citizens while the cases of two men, convicted of fraud were described in graphic detail. Senator Belario issued a statement, read out by a slave.

"Many of my fellow Senators disapprove of His Excellency's incognito activities. I was uneasy about a boy of fourteen even becoming Governor. Where such doubts are openly made known to His Excellency, he will listen and try to answer any concerns. Where actions are taken behind his back then he will crush the perpetrators.

I respect his honour, courage, intelligence and determination. He would die rather than let bad or base behaviour taint his governorship.

It is his incognito activities that allow him to demonstrate those qualities and through those activities, he has gained experience and understanding well beyond his years."

In all, the publicity improved Flavius' standing considerably. News reports tended to be accurate or suppressed. People trusted them and so, news of Flavius' war on corruption had a big impact.

Provincial offices that had already been under Flavius' scrutiny began receiving calls and messages about other towns across the province.

It had already started by the night of the reception so Flavius decided to return home. His reasoning was that everywhere else would be waiting for him and there was already enough work for his officials to do.

The following week he settled back down to his usual routine. He missed Hans but spoke to him every night, listening to friend's accounts of his adventures.

There had been terrific resistance to a newly freed ex-slave being recognised as the companion of a prince of the Roman Empire. The emperor did not mind but various flunkies were either jealous, mistrusted Hans as an outsider or simply justified their existence by explaining various rules of precedence, customs to show that it was not allowed.

Julius was used to Flavius' ways of dealing with bureaucracy and changed tactics. He explained that as a member of the House of Sparta, he was entitled to a retinue of the boys while carrying out his Imperial duties. Either they all came, in which case some would take the opportunity to study Imperial Palace operations or just one would come as his companion.

Flavius' reputation and his stand against corruption had reached the Imperial Palace so the flunkies became much more amenable to recognising Hans' new status.

Once they had arrived in Rome it had been necessary for Hans to perform the same ceremonies that Fabian had gone through at the provincial palace. Once done he was as free to wonder around the palace as the rest of the family. He soon became aware that everywhere he went he was followed. The days had gone when even Flavius could wander around unnoticed.

Julius had been sent for because a visiting king from the the east had brought his son. He was about Julius' age and Julius was required to entertain him. The visitor proved to be an unpleasant boy of about eighteen. He was spoilt, not expected to look after himself and had little interest in anything.

Since the House of Sparta was recognised by the Emperor, Hans and Julius usually wore their Sparta tunics while Prince Ugo wore smart but elaborate clothes. The prince did not seem to care what the others wore but one day the emperor sent for them.

"Prince Ugo wishes to join the House of Sparta and receive a chain and tunic," the Emperor said, "His Majesty has asked me to arrange it for his son."

"Is it an Imperial order, sir?" Hans asked.

"Not yet," the Emperor said, "Why?"

"His Royal Highness has not shown any interest in the House of Sparta. We've invited him to join us in the gym and he's declined. Julius has school work to do each day. Prince Ugo tries to take him from it. I understand that some royal houses expect their princes to be detached and remote. The House of Sparta would not provide suitable training, sir."

"He will become an honorary member in recognition of this visit. He will not be expected to take part in any of your activities."

"Very well, Your Imperial Majesty," Hans responded stiffly, "I'll send for a tunic."

"You're known in my country, Hans," King Orga said, "I'd like to hear the answer that you would have preferred to give. With His Imperial Majesty's permission, of course."

The emperor nodded curtly.

"Prince Julius, His Excellency, Flavius Aulus and Lord Brutus Crevellio work hard to earn that tunic," Hans answered, "Maybe, learning that he can't have everything handed to him would be a more valuable gift."

There was a shocked silence. Aides to both sovereigns were busily trying to work out how to paper over a massive crack in diplomatic protocol.

"According to my briefing I should address Prince Julius as just Julius while he's wearing that tunic and he could be just as easily serving at tomorrow's banquet as sitting down to it. Is that correct?"

"In practice he would attend as a member of the Imperial family, Your Majesty," Hans replied.

"Very well," King Orga continued, "Julius. Do you agree with Hans' opinion of my son?"

Julius glanced nervously at his father before replying, "Yes Your Majesty, I do."

"You're right in one thing," King Orga said, "I am far more distant from my people than Your Emperor is from his. I also agree that I've given too little thought to his upbringing. Perhaps you would be kind enough to devise a suitable training programme."

He paused and grinned, "If you lay a finger on him during this visit then technically it's an act of war. However I think I can ignore it especially if you can poke some life into him."

He turned to the emperor, "Since I'm breaking with protocol so much I'd like to try something else. How about, throwing all our aides and servants out, settling down in those armchairs with just Hans and Julius to serve us and try a bit of straight talking."

"I'd have my own diplomatic problem. If Julius is in the room then Tiberius would be insulted if he was left out."

"I know, I know," King Orga exclaimed as an aide whispered in his ear. Matching numbers but as we've already established Prince Ugo will not measure up to Prince Tiberius so it's pointless having him here. I have no objections to Prince Tiberius listening in."

The aide whispered again and the king began to look angry.

"Julius, Drop that tunic then come and bend over my lap."

Slightly embarrassed and nervous, Julius obeyed. The king gently stroked the boy's cheeks before delivering two resounding slaps, one to each cheek before gently massaging them.

"When these boys ignored protocol and gave me their opinion of my son then it was like a breath of fresh air. Julius is earning that tunic now. He's chosen a way of life and accepts the consequences of it. I'll be extremely proud of Ugo when he can do the same.

"I want all of my staff out of this room now. One may return if he can produce two Orders of the Thunder. Thank you Julius, you may get up now."

He turned to a startled emperor and waited.

"I'd like my aides to leave as well. Send for Prince Tiberius," he said quietly.

"According to diplomacy, I've been insulted by my son being denied an honour, having his character questioned and I'm being ganged up against by three members of your family.

"With young Julius' cooperation I've evened up the insults a bit and shown that I can handle myself. Now that I've given my aides something to think about perhaps we can start talking about this damned oilfield."

They were still waiting on Prince Tiberius when an aide arrived carrying two white sashes with gold lightning bolt sewn onto them. He called Hans and Julius over to stand in front of him.

"The true story of the battle this order commemorates is lost in legend. It is awarded to people who have carried out special services to the crown. Although not a title it gives the wearer the same precedence as a duke and the right to an audience with me whenever he thinks it necessary."

He slipped the sashes over Julius' and Hans' heads and adjusted them.

"I'm afraid that these sashes are only borrowed but yours are being sent for."

The emperor was in a surprisingly good mood as he settled down to the negotiations. King Orga had made him proud of Julius. He had been impressed by the King's bluntness and he believed that they could now come to an agreement that would benefit both nations.

"Didn't you take a chance, speaking to the king like that?" David asked.

"You haven't been a slave for long," Hans replied, "If you don't read some Masters right you end up dead."

"Everyone's talking about this treaty," Steven said, "Most people thought that we'd end up at war with their Outer Ring Alliance. I glad for you but I still don't see how you get so much credit for it."

Hans thought for a moment.

"Neither side wanted to fight over some vague mineral rights," he explained, "The aides on both sides were more interested in proving themselves indispensable or clever and the protocols were stifling.

"I tried to speak politely but even the hint of criticism was a massive gaffe. Spanking the emperor's son was an over the top retaliation except of course, Julius was a slave of Sparta at the time. The Emperor could not intervene without affecting Julius' position here. King Orga understood all this plus of course he'd given us permission to discipline his son.

"If we'd been adults or not representing the House of Sparta none of it would have happened but we were just a couple of stupid kids who didn't know any better."

"And of course we started Ugo's training," Julius chuckled, "We chucked him in the pool the first morning after. Luckily it was the shallow end because he couldn't swim but we didn't let him out until we were done. He could just stand in the water and get cold or start learning. In the gym we did some wrestling. Again he either tried or got battered. We ordered a tutor and when Julius settled down to his school work Ugo got some lessons. One of King Orga's aides was assigned to us to take notes and recorded everything we did."

"It was weird," Hans said, "We asked this guy if we should ease up but all he'd say was that if the King had any concerns he would speak to us directly. He never did. Except just before they left, he said that he'd noticed a definite improvement in Ugo's attitude."

"And he's offered Hans a retainer to fly out once a month to monitor Ugo's progress with the tutors that King Orga has employed. He wanted Hans to go with him to help set things up but Hans felt that he was needed here."

"Hans, phone the King and tell him that you're leaving immediately," Flavius said, "You are needed here but I want you to explore the opportunity you've got. Take Luke with you. Julius may present a diplomatic problem if his visit was not properly arranged."

Hans looked hesitant, glancing at Harold.

"You should go," Harold said, "Even if you spend the rest of your life acting as Flavius' majordomo you need to become less dependent on him. You may decide that you want to stay out there."

Hans shuddered.

"No way," he exclaimed, "When Ugo is old enough to have some power, I'll be dead and you can call that 'slaves instinct' as well.

"Use my office," Flavius said.

""So what is Hans' rank, now?" Alan asked.

"Part of the new treaty with The Outer Ring Alliance is to recognise each other's ranks and honours," Germanicus explained, "Dukes in that country are large land owners, rich enough to be influential and with a rank that entitles them to form the King's Council. We don't have them in the Roman empire but the nearest equivalent appears to be State Senators and provincial governors.

"Hans will still only be a freedman with no powers or authority beyond that but at an official function, wearing that sash, he'll be entitled to stand beside Flavius and in front of me."

"I wanted him to do well but I didn't expect this," Flavius laughed.

"King Orga's no fool," Julius said, "He's made himself very popular in Rome. Hans is still something of a star like the rest you who were in the Spectacle. The story leaked that he'd honoured Hans and me while agreeing that his son was not worthy of joining the House of Sparta. It made him seem fair and decent so the treaty's being accepted more easily.

"I'm surprised that Dad was so quiet. I would have expected him to have been furious by it all."

The two sovereigns had managed to speak briefly in private. The Emperor had already refused to give Prince Ugo a House of Sparta tunic and chain and had tried to explain why. In diplomatic terms it was still a major insult and snub to the visiting prince especially since Julius seemed to be flaunting his regalia in front of Ugo.

"Julius has been beaten for failing to carry out his duties properly," the Emperor explained, "He cannot hide behind his royal position. Hans is no pushover yet they're good friends."

"More than good friends, I hear," King Orga said, "Are you happy with your son being that close to an ex-slave?"

"My daughter's having hysterics that Hans is a temporary member of the family. I nearly vetoed him being made my son's companion but it was Julius who dealt with my aides objections. They're all a bit wary of the House of Sparta."

"I'm still not sure how they can help us though."

"I'll send for them when our staffs are present," the Emperor chuckled, "Let's give them a diplomatic disaster. I hear you're partial to playing with slave's arses. Feel free to give Julius a go if he's in that tunic. In return I'm sure Hans will have something to say about Ugo joining the House of Sparta."

It took a couple of weeks for Flavius' provincial palace to settle down. Where Matthew had once been undisputed head of the household, overall control had become much more fluid as they dealt with Matthew's failing health and Hans' changes of fortune.

Senator Belario was considered an expert in the protocols and procedures in high office and carried considerable respect in the Provincial senate. He was invited to join the Board of Guardians where he proved to have an unexpected sense of fun and was willing to give Flavius' methods a chance. The boys also found him to be a tender and caring lover.

Senator Menestro also became an unofficial member of the board mainly because Flavius loved his blunt way of speaking.

Hans and Luke returned after a few days.

"I didn't like it there," Luke said, "The nobles hated us because we didn't treat Prince Ugo as some sort of demi-god."

"King Orga was happy though," Hans added, "But I don't want to go back too often."

He paused, "I've had enough of palaces. I'd like to go and help Tom. He's opening up bars and the function hall's getting bookings. I'm not needed here while Matthew's OK."

"You can keep your quarters and I'll supply you with a car," Flavius said, "Or do you want to move out?"

"No," Hans replied, "I'll always want to serve you but I don't think I'm ready to be in charge yet. I even prefer sitting here with the others and leave David in charge."

It was one of those night when the boys were seated on the floor while the adults sat around in comfortable chairs being waited upon. Later the boys would service their cocks in some way but there was a relaxed intimacy while they chatted.

Chapter 8

"Why?" Harold asked, "Germanicus will be sitting beside you and he can warn you if you're being too soft. You can't help every boy who gets into trouble."

"That's the problem," Flavius said, "I think he should be crucified but I get a hard on thinking about it so maybe I'm being too harsh because I want to see it."

"Is there anything in particular that he did to deserve crucifixion?" David asked.

"So far as I can make out, he was cornered in an alley," Flavius replied, "The guard thought that he had given up and relaxed. He got close to the kid who lunged at him. I don't think the guard even saw the knife until it was sticking out of his thigh. The kid would have got away and the guard bled to death if backup hadn't arrived."

"So you're saying it was premeditated and not impulse," Brian asked.

Flavius nodded.

"Is it his first time in court?" David asked.

"No. All his cases had a degree of violence in them."

"So what about the defence?" Senator Menestro asked.

"His father was bankrupted because of gambling and he was nearly sold into slavery. He was put into a home but he only lived there for a short time before he ran away and ended up on the streets. He would have been enslaved anyway because of his previous convictions."

"Any trouble with the home?" Senator Menestro asked, "Anything that needs investigating?"

Flavius grinned as he shook his head. "Three of the boys who lived there have been given jobs in the Provincial Civil Service. They speak highly of it. This boy just refused to fit in."

"So he's bitter about the break up of his family," Senator Menestro asked.

Again Flavius shook his head then paused doubtfully. "Apparently he was angry with his father who was also a drunk but he didn't seem to blame his mother. He even wrote to her."

"Before you came to power, I wouldn't have seen any problem," Germanicus said, "Neither would your Father have done. I know the case as well. Your presentation has been fair to the boy but you can't change the core fact that he planned to attack and possibly kill the guard."

"I know," Flavius almost whispered, "Maybe the guard's comrades could form a firing squad. At least it would be quick or else wait until the guard was back on duty and let them continue the fight."

"You really don't want to crucify him, do you?" Titus said.

"Yes I do," Flavius sobbed, "I want to hear him scream as he's nailed down, to see him struggle, piss himself, the blood, everything. I want to ram into Jamie while I watch."

Jamie looked shocked, then briefly scared, before clambering over to hug Flavius. No one else moved or spoke for a time.

"Again before your Governorship there would have been no problem," Germanicus said softly, "As a member of this Board of Guardians I'm forbidding you from hearing this case. David, Harold, you're responsible for discipline. Do you agree?"

"But I'm the Governor. It's my duty," Flavius sobbed.

"You're a fourteen year old boy who's reached the limit of his abilities," Harold said, "It's a responsibility you're not ready for and it's why the Board of Guardians was set up. It's no disgrace because you're still learning about your sexuality."

"That's right," Jamie said, "You don't really want to hurt me, do you?"

Flavius shook his head, not daring to speak.

"Is it just the boy's age that affected you?" Senator Belario asked.

"No. I saw a photo of him after he was arrested. He'd been handled roughly and was a bit bruised and he just looked so helpless. He's good looking and he's got a nice cock. At first I wanted to help him and when I realised I couldn't I looked forward to watching him die."

"Have you done everything you can to help him?" Senator Belario persisted.

"I don't know," Flavius sobbed fighting back the tears.

"Then tomorrow, Steven as the General's Boy and I will visit this injured guard and ascertain his wishes. You, Flavius will devote your energy to learning what you can about the boy's history," Senator Belario said.

He turned to Germanicus, "Either you should withdraw or Flavius and I should because we're going to do everything we can to save this boy while you're going to judge the case with frightening impartiality.

"It's for Flavius' benefit. It's the only way he'll resolve the conflict in his mind."

"In that case, I'll withdraw," Germanicus said, "Speak to his lawyer. If a proper request is put before the court tomorrow, I'll grant an adjournment. Beyond that, you'll get no help from me."

He looked at Flavius, "Don't worry, boy. It's good to know that you've got some limits."

With that he was gone. Flavius felt an overwhelming sense of relief that he was no longer in charge. He looked down at Jamie who was still hugging him.

"I know," Jamie smiled, "You want to be the slave without any responsibility or control. I'll be all right."

"Good," Senator Menestro growled, "I know how to deal with slaves who get improper hard ons."

Flavius gulped slightly but surrendered to the inevitable.

Mentally, the following morning Flavius felt as if he was back to his old self. Physically his back was red raw while his arse was a livid purple and he walked stiffly and uncomfortably.

His cock ached from a night time of ejaculations while he was a little hoarse from screaming against the pain. Senator Menestro was an expert. He had drained more than the boy's balls, he had drained every last drop of energy and left him to the deep, relaxed sleep that he needed so much.

Senator Menestro was also drained and satisfied, glad that he had such an enjoyable way of serving his Governor.

Flavius winced as he dressed and the fabric rubbed against his battered skin and bruises but it gave him an idea.

A little later he was naked again being roughly thrown into the same cell as the boy with the guard muttering something about not dirtying two cells.

The boy eyed Flavius suspiciously. In his turn Flavius looked at the other boy, shocked by what he saw. The boy had a heavy collar round his neck, was handcuffed with his hands in front of him, a chain around his elbows pulling them back and heavy manacles on his ankles. It all looked so heavy that Flavius wondered if he had trouble standing.

"I knifed a guard," the boy explained defiantly, "They don't want me to do another one. What about you?"

"They think I'm a troublemaker," Flavius answered.

"I'm Dan. What's your name."

"Flavius."

"Like our fucking governor. I wish I could take a knife to him."

"You're not the only one," Flavius responded lightly, "What did he do to you?"

"I had some mates in the West quarter. They looked after me. I did a bit of stealing for them. People think I look innocent. I can get close to them and then a quick slice into their belly. I did well out of it. We got a good reputation for sorting trouble and got easy money.

"Fucking Flavius Aulus arrested one of our contacts and we had to run. I ended up in some god forsaken town grabbing wallets."

"How old are you, Dan?" Flavius asked.

"Probably thirteen by now. Why?"

"You seem a bit young to be a killer."

"Old enough. I've done five plus the Guard."

"Don't you feel bad about it?"

"Why should I? My old man used to say, do it to them before they do it to you. He was right but he was such a loser. He never trusted Mum but he thought I was young and innocent. He never guessed I knew where his stash was and never guessed how he lost it.

"I was eight and knew how to use my body. It kept me out of slavery and I've lived in some nice houses until I got bored and lifted stuff. Mum's got the money and I'm adding to it. It's in joint names so she can't touch it without me."

"Why didn't you go to her?"

Dan looked at Flavius as if he was stupid.

"The guards were looking for me," he explained slowly and deliberately as if to a child, "If they had found me with her, they would have found her and the money."

"Look I've only ever lived in one guy's house. I don't know how it works," Flavius exclaimed sounding irritated.

"Mum taught me a lot," Dan continued in a friendlier voice, "I stayed with her when her boyfriend was away but after Governor fucking Aulus started nosing around it became too dangerous.

"Anyway I got caught and it looks as if most of my money's going to go in bribes. I've still got my looks and a good arse. I'll make sure that Aulus is after it before I reach the dock."

"I doubt it," Flavius said before yelling, "Guard."

Almost immediately the door was opened and Flavius walked out leaving an astonished Dan behind.

That night the House of Aulus met again.

"The story fits the facts we have," Senator Belario said, "The guard had been watching the boy for ages. He's quite happy for you to take over the investigation and do whatever you think right."

"And I'm ready to sentence him," Flavius said firmly, "I was fooled by his looks not the evidence. I feel a bit silly about last night."

"Don't be," David said firmly, "You were still confused by your emotions and needed help to sort them out. There's no crime in that. Don't forget, you saved Brian, me, Seb and a good few others and you didn't let go until you got to the truth about Dan."

Flavius smiled his thanks, "In that case, there's something I need to do. Craig would you ask Ty to come up."

"What's your honest opinion of Zach?" Flavius asked once Ty was settled.

Ty could never relax in a chair like Craig but knelt comfortably beside his partner.

"He's lazy and sly, Master," Ty answered, "I still don't trust him and have to watch him all the time."

"Should I get rid of him?" Flavius asked.

"I don't know, Master. At times he seems so lost and confused but he won't let me in."

"I have to sentence Dan to death then order him tortured to get details of these other crimes he committed. Does anyone disagree?"

There were a few shakes of the head but everyone remained silent.

"I still feel weird about it so if I spent time at Brutus' fort, not allowed to contact anyone while it was going on, would that be a bad thing?"

"No it wouldn't," Harold said, "You're still trying to balance teenage hormones and your office. You're mature enough to recognise the problem but you still need help to deal with it and time away from your responsibilities."

"In that case, I'd like Zach to come with me. Let's see if one of Brutus' games will get through to him. Would you mind, Ty?"

"You want to use your sexual energy to save a boy," Ty said, "Of course I don't mind. I think it's wonderful."

A couple of weeks later Flavius and Zach were dropped off at the entrance to the fort grounds. Zach was puzzled rather than nervous though he had noticed that Flavius looked a little uneasy.

Flavius was also remembering the look on Dan's face as he was sentenced. He had sat in the court as Germanicus had passed sentence. All defiance and bravado was gone and he trembled with fear as Germanicus spoke. He looked even younger, almost like a child needing an adult to comfort him.

"You will be questioned without any consideration to your well being to extract information on various crimes you were involved in. After you will be handed over to the comrades of the guard you stabbed. My suggestion is that you face a firing squad. However they may deal with you as they see fit."

Flavius could still see the look of terror on Dan's face as he was led away. Unbeknown to Flavius, Steven had talked to General Maximilian who personally took over Dan's interrogation. Steven had spent the night with him, so he took Steven with him.

He had Steven stand naked, at the present displaying his battered body as Dan was led in to stand beside his boy.

"Take a good look at Steven," the General said softly, "He's known as the General's Boy because he has to be tough to put up with my games. He knows what hurts so he's going to soften you up first. Then when it starts getting bloody I'm going to take over.

"Now I'm going to ask you a few questions. If I don't like any of the answers then we'll start seeing how loudly you can scream."

Dan had been alone with his thoughts for most of the time that he had been under arrest. He was still very much a child and craved some comfort and reassurance. He knew that his life was spiralling downhill and was scared.

He could have shouted defiance, yelled that he was not going to answer any questions but it would not have mattered. The general had spoken matter of factly and without leaving any doubt.

The General had guessed right and Dan gave in. He answered the questions dully and flatly but completely. When the General left the room with his information. Steven grabbed a cup of water, sharing it with Dan before cuddling him as best he could with all of Dan fetters. He leapt back in his proper position when General Maximilian returned.

The General had some more questions which Dan duly answered. The process went on for most of the day with more arrests beginning while Dan was still being questioned. Every time they were left alone Steven would try to comfort the boy.

General Maximilian was a good judge of character who also respected Steven's abilities. Between them, they were trying to assess Dan. It was not for the boy's benefit but for Flavius.

The House of Sparta and the Provincial Palace understood that he would have saved Dan if he had been able. Out of deference to Flavius, even Germanicus was prepared to listen to more of the background to a case before passing sentence. The House of Sparta had done its best to discover as much as possible about Dan and General Maximilian was trying to save the boy's life.

The consensus of opinion was that Dan had been manipulated far more by his mother than he had realised and had been groomed to be used by the gangs that he thought were looking after him. He was wrong to think that he had any savings. His signature had been forged long ago.

None of this would have made any difference in court. He still couldn't have been left free to carry on as he was but it did provide a plan to save his life.

General Maximilian had spoken to the squad that Dan was going to be given to, including the injured guard. They would keep him as a slave looking after their billet. He would still be under a virtual death sentence but if he took the slim chance he had, he might live and even make something of himself.

The squad respected their general and loved Flavius reforms so they enthusiastically began planning his training. General Maximilian almost felt a little sorry for Dan after hearing the regime being prepared.

Hopefully Flavius would feel relieved that Dan was alive and feel that his friends supported him and his ideas.

Flavius was unaware of all this as he stood beside Zach, in front of Lukas. Lukas liked his master, Brutus and through the games they played had come to trust him. He also had considerable respect for Brutus for the way he and his friends had turned the estate around. If Brutus said that he was to be a harsh overseer and Flavius a mere slave then that was enough for him.

"Strip and display," he snapped.

Flavius knew enough to obey immediately. Zach started to protest. Lukas pressed the prod he was carrying against Zach's thigh and pressed the button.

Zach yelped, saw Flavius standing with his hands behind his head and feet apart without question and followed suit.

"The fort needs cleaning up ready for your master," Lukas rapped out, "Changing room first, then yard and his quarters."

He raised the prod menacingly

"Move it," he snapped.

Flavius set off at a run with Zach following. As they rounded a bend Zach called out, "He can't see us now. You can ease up."

Flavius kept running, not slowing until he reached the fort. Without hesitating he entered the changing room beside the main gate handing Zach a broom when he arrived while wiping down the table and other fixtures.

"You're the governor. You don't have to be scared of him," Zach exclaimed.

"Trust me," Flavius said hurriedly, glancing at the door, "I am scared of him especially if he doesn't like our work."

As Flavius finished speaking, Lukas marched through the open door.

"You're here to work, not gossip," he snapped, "Bend over the table."

Lukas alternated the strokes between the boys delivering six to each. Through the pain Zach could see the tears in Flavius' eyes and could hear his moans and cries. He understood why Flavius was scared of Lukas but could not understand why he put up with it. Zach's train of thought was disrupted by the final searing blow.

"Display," Lukas called out.

Both boys struggled to stand still.

"I will be inspecting your work before your Master arrives," Lukas said, "Don't let me find anything wrong."

Zach had got the message and worked as hard as Flavius for a time. He still wondered why Flavius was still so scared of Lukas but did not dare question it. Flavius found the images of Dan fading as he concentrated on avoiding further punishment.

In fact there was little to do but Flavius knew better than to stop working. Zach kept an eye out for Lukas and found places where he could not be seen and took it easy.

Lukas called them both over.

"I said that you're here to work," he rasped out as angrily as ever, "Not skive off. Twenty lashes each tonight, plus whatever your master orders. Now kneel beside the path, your master will be here shortly."

In fact they knelt there for over an hour, not daring to move. Finally there a noise at the gate and Jamie entered, walked over to Lukas and shook his hand.

"Thanks for doing this," he said, "Flavius thinks I'm too young to understand his games but I know mustn't do anything, I can't take. Are you going to show me how to use a whip, later?"

Jamie was ignoring Flavius and Zach and allowed Lukas to show him to his quarters without even a nod of recognition.

By the time Lukas finally returned they had trouble standing. Their knees not only hurt but were locked. Lukas had to help them to their feet and wait until they got a little strength back before pushing them over to a beam. He tied their wrists together above their heads before attaching a rope and pulling them up.

They could still put their weight on their feet but they had to stand almost nose to nose.

"Young Master Jamie is a good cook," Lukas said in almost friendly voice, "Mind you, there's a mess of clearing up to do before you get some sleep. I must go. I'm invited to dine with him."

"And I thought Jamie was such a nice kid," Flavius muttered.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Zach asked.

"Waiting for a whipping, thanks to you."

"No," Zach said in a softer voice, "Why are you letting all this happen to you?"

"The Governor has to be an adult," Flavius said, "My friends think I need physical challenges to compensate."

"It's a physical challenge all right," Zach laughed, "Why am I here?"

"I sent a thirteen year old boy to be tortured and shot," Flavius whispered, "He was a good looking kid and it affected me badly."

"Why? You could have fucked him before he went," Zach said, "What was he to you?"

Flavius was silent for a moment.

"Nothing. I would have got a hard watching him scream. I had a hard on when I had that knife against your chest. You nearly died because of it."

Zach shuddered, remembering how scared he was.

"Why should you care? Who would have stopped you?"

"Don't you ever feel that something is wrong?"

"I don't think about it. Grab it before someone else does."

"If I ask, someone will give it to me," Flavius grinned, "There's some things you can't just take though."

"Like love you mean?" Zach sneered, "I'd rather have a fat wallet."

And your life still depends on me," Flavius said, "Do you want me to think like you?"

Zach was silent for a moment, "So my life depends on licking your arse."

"The only thing you can lick at the moment is my nose," Flavius laughed, "Don't get me any more punishments though."

Zach was quiet again. "But you're using me to feel better. You could have refused to come here. I couldn't."

"You could have chosen not to beat those other kids up. I don't give anything I can't take. Do you?"

Zach was silent again. Flavius was rich, powerful and confident, all the things that he wanted to be. Flavius was also strong, intelligent and still calm and confident in spite of their predicament. He could feel that Flavius' cock was swelling, trying to point upwards. Flavius pulled his hips back, allowing it to spring upward. He grinned at Zach.

"This has got possibilities. Interested?"

"It's all right for you," Zach muttered, "They'll make sure you live. They won't care if I get killed."

"Lukas is under orders to treat us the same," Flavius said.

"So you say."

"Are you going to whine and skive off the whole time?" Flavius asked angrily, "To answer an earlier question, you're being tested and so far you're not doing very well."

"Yeah, You would say that."

"No but you're just a sulky kid. You've got us beatings and you just feel sorry for yourself. You want the governor's help then show him what you can do."

Zach nearly had a go at Flavius, calling the way he referred to the governor as someone else, stupid but Flavius' remarks had stung. For the first time in his life he began to question his attitudes.

"Sorry," he whispered.

He might have said more but just then, Jamie and Lukas strolled out to greet them.

"Had a nice chat?" Jamie asked. As he spoke he slid his hand between the two boy's bodies and found Flavius' cock.

"It feels as if they've been talking sex," Jamie laughed, "Have you, boys?"

"No Master," Flavius replied feeling a little embarrassed, "We were talking about how we got here."

"So that's why Zach isn't as horny as you," Jamie laughed again.

"They've got twenty lashes each because Zach skived off, didn't they?"

"That's right, Jamie," Lukas replied.

"Would you use the cat o'nine tails you showed me, please," Jamie asked, "The one with smooth strands. Let's make their backs redder than their arses but no blood. I don't want it over my bed tonight."

Lukas nodded and fetched the cat.

"Make them dance a little before we start," Jamie said, "Let's see if we can make Flavius cum."

Zach stared at Flavius in desperation realising that his attitude had got them in more trouble. Flavius was staring at Jamie. He had been so careful not to force or hurt the boy. He had even hidden his toys so as not frighten him but apparently Jamie was far more interested than he expected.

Flavius flexed his muscles pressing into Zach who briefly pulled back then gave in and pushed forward. It was a novel situation and Flavius found it exciting. He could feel Zach's cock responding and jerked back to allow both cocks to be sandwiched between them.

Zach followed Flavius' lead and found himself increasingly turned on. Flavius relaxed, enjoying Zach's response and quickly found his body taking over the action and the pressure building in his balls to push through his ramrod stiff manhood and shoot out to lubricate their bodies with his boy cream.

Zach eased back thinking that Flavius would stop but was surprised when he whispered, "Your turn."

Zach was not used to anyone caring about his needs and more self-conscious about their situation, especially with Lukas and Jamie watching. Flavius pecked him on the cheek to encourage him.

Flavius was a little surprised that they were not being stopped or being given another punishment but Zach was becoming lost in his own emotions. Flavius could feel the hard cock begin to throb as Zach pushed harder into him. Flavius felt more cream being squirted onto his tummy as Zach tensed, his body arched as much as possible and his head thrown back until he collapsed to hang by the ropes.

He was still recovering when the the first blow struck Flavius' back, knocking him forward. Both boys were off balance when the next blow struck Zach. Zach struggled to get his weight on his feet as Flavius tensed, ready for another blow.

"Look at their backs," Lukas said, "It's more of a wrist action than brute strength with these whips. Can you see you've cut into Flavius but the welts are shorter than Zach's? I've used the whole length of the whip to cause pain but I haven't drawn blood.

Flavius will heal enough before bed providing you don't cross those welts with any more and I might have to stop you if he's likely to be scarred. You'll have to work down his legs to spread them properly.

The rest of the whipping continued in the same way. Zach and Flavius suffered the indignity of having their backs examined and listening as Lukas advised Jamie on how to inflict more pain.

When they were done Lukas examined Flavius' back.

"Not bad," Lukas said, "The skins really flayed but there's hardly blood. Watch."

Flavius screamed as Lukas ran a nail along one of the welts.

"I didn't press hard, any other time and it would have been ticklish but the skin's thin enough to bleed. That's just how you want it."

"Most pain, least damage," Jamie agreed then shuddered, "It'll be my turn soon."

Lukas grinned, "I reckon you'll cope. You could be home snuggled up in bed with your parents kissing you good night. Instead you'd rather go to sleep with Master Flavius' cock up your arse. It wouldn't suit everyone."

"I'm going to bed. Are you sure you'd rather head back to the slave quarters.

"I'll have a chat with my mates then get a good night's sleep. I'll wake you for school then set these two to work in the fields. If you give me some idea when you're back I'll see that they're cleaned up ready for you."

Zach and Flavius were released and sent to clean the kitchen, hungrily eating the cold leftovers, before cleaning themselves, ready for bed and reporting to Jamie. Whatever else was going on, Lukas had been right. Jamie only settled comfortably when he felt full with Flavius' cock and his master's arms wrapped round him. Zach almost felt like an interloper until Jamie pulled him close and went to sleep with his hand resting on Zach's cock.

Zach and Flavius spent the following day, weeding and hoeing. Lukas never seemed far away and neither boy dared slack off. The other slaves watched them indulgently. Indirectly, through their master's relationship with Flavius their lives had improved dramatically. They shared their rations and water, warning them whenever Lukas approached.

Flavius and Zach worked until dark then were sent to Jamie who was content to watch television while sitting on Flavius' lap. Zach just sat beside them. The rest of the week followed a similar pattern with a few exceptions. Jamie cheerfully blew Zach before Impaling himself on Flavius. They shared a bed but it was Lukas who gave the instructions and administered punishments. Jamie helped and listened as Lukas explained how to use the various implements.

Flavius enjoyed working in the vegetable garden and worked hard. Zach worked quickly and was not thorough enough which earned them both punishments. One day in frustration, Flavius tried going back over the ground that Zach was supposed to have done in his lunch break.

Almost before he had started Lukas had them standing in front of him.

"Why are you doing Zach's work?" Lukas asked.

"I'm not," Flavius replied, "I just noticed a weed and picked it."

"Down. On your belly. Legs apart and hands behind your head," Lukas snapped. "Do not move until Zach has finished all the work you were allocated, today.

"Zach get busy. No more breaks today."

It was dark, Jamie had got home and wandered over to watch them before Zach had finished. Zach was exhausted and Flavius could scarcely walk when they were sent to bend over the kitchen table to be caned.

"Do not lie to me or treat me like a fool," Lukas exclaimed, "Your work's not good enough so you'll be punished. You lied, so tomorrow you work in chains."

"Can't you get us out of this, Jamie?" Zach asked that night when they were in bed.

"I could, but I won't," Jamie replied.

"Why not?" Zach asked.

"It's hard to explain," Jamie said, "Flavius loves his friends but he needs sex. I love him. He doesn't love me but he needs a sex slave. When he's not doing things with other people, he likes it when I'm in his quarters, naked and waiting for him. I've got him to myself this week and I like it."

"I'm sorry, Jamie," Flavius said, "You mean more to me than that. I like you being around."

"You like me," Jamie said, "You want me there if there's nothing else but you'd hate me if I wanted more than just to be used."

"So the great and mighty Flavius is just a user after all," Zach laughed.

"Don't kid yourself that he's like you," Jamie retorted contemptuously, "I'm just talking about sex. You're a user 24/7 and don't have any friends."

Zach fell into an embarrassed silence.

"I do like you," Flavius said softly, "You can move into my quarters permanently if you like and I'll make time for you."

"I'd like that," Jamie said, "I can make sure that everything's always ready for you and I can be waiting for you."

"I didn't mean as a slave," Flavius said quickly trying to hide his confusion.

"No but I did," Jamie replied, "Are you really telling me that you want to change your life to fit in with me?"

Flavius stayed quiet. He'd lost control of the conversation and could not recover it.

"Do you remember the other week," Jamie continued, "I was stuck with some maths homework. You helped me and stayed with me until I'd got it. It made you late for a reception and you said it was because of family business.

"That's why I love you. If it was sex, you'd leave me kneeling, handcuffed to your bed all night while you visited Senator Menestro and I can live with it."

"I'm not that bad, am I?" Flavius asked.

"You're wonderful," Jamie said, "You need stuff and I love giving it to you but this week I've got you every night and I love that too."

"So how do you get off on all this punishment stuff?" Zach asked trying to throw Jamie.

"Brutus and Steven have been showing me when you're out. They like the pain and torture. Flavius likes the work out. I like a bit of each."

"So you're not faithful to him," Zach sneered, "I thought you loved him."

"I'm not a hermit, and I'm learning what he likes," Jamie snapped angrily. "That's it. I don't want you trying to put us down any more. Go and sleep on the kitchen floor."

"What?" gasped Zach.

"Flavius might want to get to know you. I don't so fuck off."

Shocked, Zach got out of the bed and shuffled out of the room. He had developed some respect for Flavius but he just could not understand him. Neither could he understand why Jamie could love Flavius yet could speak so openly about being used by him.

Flavius was still fretting over Jamie's remarks.

"Fabian said exactly the same as you did," Flavius said, "I didn't mean to treat him badly and I'll treat you better."

"No you won't," Jamie said, "The others told me about you. You need the whore stuff. Stop worrying and go to sleep you've got a hard day tomorrow."

Flavius was still upset the following day. Zach did not talk to him but worked steadily. Jamie welcomed him in his bed again, obviously happy to be filled by Flavius again.

It was on the last day that Zach spoke to him again.

"Who's that guy looking at us over there?" he asked, "He looks like the Emperor."

Flavius glanced in the direction that Zach was looking before glancing towards Lukas and resuming work.

"He's a long way off but I think it's him," Flavius said, "That means I'm in more trouble."

A surge of pleasure swept through Zach but it faded and to his surprise, he actually felt some concern. He worked harder than before, determined to keep Lukas off Flavius' back. The figure would disappear only to return again to watch for a while leaving Flavius to become steadily more worried.

When the days work was over, they were led back to the fort only to find the Emperor relaxed in a chair waiting for them.

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