Bara

Flavius Aulus

Book III, Chapters 1-7

Chapter 1

Flavius dozed contentedly knowing that it wouldn't last. He could already hear David padding around and some of the other boys were stirring. Only Jamie seemed to be fast asleep laying contentedly in the crook of Flavius' arm and a leg stretched over Flavius, almost rubbing his cock.

It promised to be a fine day and he was looking forward to the football match in the afternoon. He was also looking forward to the party in the evening as all his friends gathered to watch the International.

It sounded ordinary except that he was His Excellency, Flavius Aulus, Provincial Governor, the party would be held in the Great Hall of his palace and his friends consisted of a mixture of slaves, commoners and nobles from his province. He would turn fifteen in a couple of weeks and not long after that, he would celebrate his first year as governor.

The least interesting part of the day would be in the morning when he held audience greeting the provinces great and mighty and listening to any petitions they might have. The province was running smoothly and prospering so the audience would pass off quietly but nowadays it served another purpose.

Because Flavius was so informal, happily mixing with slaves as well as nobles, it was the time each week when the nobles established their authority and importance. Everyone acted strictly according to their rank and no one dared misbehave.

He had spent the night in the House of Sparta, the club where he could escape his rank and just be a boy. He could relax escaping the pressures of his office but he was also subject to the discipline of David, the Head Boy.

Flavius completely separated his position as governor from his role as a slave. If he was dressed in the Sparta half tunic he would refer to the governor in the third person. He was admired because as governor his behaviour was impeccable while as a slave he would rebel and get into all sorts of trouble, never using the governorship to avoid the punishments he earned.

He shook Jamie who opened his eyes, smiled, then tried to slide down ready to swallow Flavius' cock. Flavius stopped him.

"It aches too much after last night." he smiled, "Be in my bedroom when I change for football, though."

"Yes Master," Jamie replied, "Are you going back with Senator Menestro tonight?"

"Probably. If Johnny can sleep over you can use my apartment."

"He shoots spunk now." Jamie said, "How long before I can?"

"It'll happen when you're ready." Flavius replied, "I'm looking forward to tasting it."

Jamie smiled happily then frowned, "You won't get fed up with me because I'm still a kid, will you?"

"You're not a kid." Flavius said, "I couldn't tie a kid to the bed and pound his arse the way I do yours."

They quietly kissed.

"Let's get a shower before the rest of them wake up." Flavius said, "We can volunteer for kitchen duty. David can give the others cleaning duty."

A few hours later Flavius stopped being a slave trying to escape the less pleasant duties, had completed his school assignments and was dressed in his official robes.

Jamie knelt in front of him saying, "I'm at your service, Your Excellency."

Flavius made his way to his mother's apartment, slaves and even freemen pressing against the wall as he passed.

As he entered, his mother and the rest of the family stood, the men bowing and the women curtseying. He then led the way to the Great Hall for the audience. He passed David who knelt respectfully. Flavius knew that David was appraising him. If anything was wrong, then Flavius would be in trouble back in the House of Sparta.

It was complicated but the palace thought in terms of protecting his governorship not him personally so Flavius was expected to answer for any mistakes he made. The system had the full authority of the Emperor behind it so Flavius had to accept it.

At fourteen Flavius was glad to have people guiding him even if his back did tingle at the thought of the punishments he could earn. That morning everything passed off without problems and the nobles left content that everything was in it's proper order.

Flavius breathed a deep sigh of relief and quickly stripped and stood waiting for Jamie who knelt in front of Flavius, gently licking his master's cock. As it stirred Jamie took it into his mouth massaging it with his lips.

Flavius' cock swelled sending urgent signals to his brain. Flavius grabbed Jamie's hair, holding his head as he pumped with his hips. Jamie still worked his magic with his tongue and lips. He was used to Flavius and his breathing adjusted to Flavius' thrusts.

Suddenly Jamie tasted Flavius' cum and swallowed eagerly. As Flavius relaxed Jamie licked him clean before settling back looking contentedly up at Flavius.

"I still worry that I hurt you." Flavius said.

"No you don't. At least not while you're worked up." Jamie retorted, "You take far more from the men you go with then assume that you can give me the same."

"I know." Flavius said, "Why do you put up with it."

"Because for most of the time you care about me." Jamie replied, "You need those times when you don't. I love you and I'm happy as your slave. I just don't like having this conversation all the time."

Flavius grinned.

"I'll stay in tonight if you like." he said, "You can tie me up and I'll be your slave."

"No." Jamie said, "You'll try but you won't like it. I'll be all right with Johnny."

Flavius pulled Jamie up and kissed him.

"You're grown up and wise." Flavius said, "Thank you for being here."

A little later Flavius strolled through the market looking for some of his friends. He stopped before a new market stall looking at the silks, wondering whether to buy his mother something.

He was not sure whether he heard the crack of the pistol or felt the searing pain first. He just knew that he could not breathe without coughing up blood. His legs buckled as the shock overwhelmed him and he collapsed.

He came to in a hospital room becoming aware of the tubes sticking into his arm, another tube in his nose. David dozed in a chair beside him.

"David." he managed to croak.

David was instantly awake pressing a button. A nurse hurried in and studied the instruments before looking at him closely. Flavius lay quietly waiting for his strength to return.

"Everything seems fine." she said, "Don't move unless you have to. You'll hurt yourself if you try."

"Was I shot?" Flavius asked.

"Don't talk for now." the nurse said, "I'll give you a little water. Then it may be easier."

"You were shot." David confirmed, "The bullet ricocheted off your ribs and killed the stall holder. They operated on you to get the splinters out of your lungs and repaired as much of the damage as they could.

"His family?" Flavius gasped, "Help them."

The effort proved too much and he fell into an exhausted sleep. He woke to find his mother by his bed with David standing beside her. Jamie was there as well gripping her hand tightly.

"Hello Mother," he murmured, before dozing off again.

When he woke again, his mother and Jamie were still there. He felt stronger and more alert.

"I'm thirsty." he managed to rasp out.

Jamie leapt forward, seizing a sealed plastic cup complete with a straw and placed the straw to his lips.

Flavius tried to hold Jamie's hand but he yelled at the pain that coursed through his chest.

"Don't move, Master." Jamie said, "let your slave look after you."

"Friend when it counts." Flavius managed to say.

Jamie grinned and his Mother nodded approvingly.

"Come round the other side of the bed." Flavius commanded, "Now try sitting on it."

Jamie gingerly obeyed.

"Lie down."

Again Jamie did as he was told.

"Good. Get rid of that tunic and get in bed with me." Flavius ordered then added, "Please, I don't like thinking someone wants to kill me. I'll feel safer if you're by my side."

Jamie looked at the Lady Julia who shrugged, "The bed's too narrow for you to be comfortable for long but see what you can do."

Jamie dropped his tunic and gingerly climbed in beside Flavius. Flavius' features screwed up with pain a couple of times as the bed moved under him. Jamie lay still hardly daring to breathe as he moved his arm across Flavius' tummy.

Flavius fell asleep again but this time he had a contented smile.

Each time he woke up, Flavius felt stronger. Jamie's warmth comforted him and he was alert when the nurse came in to check on him.

"That boy must leave." she snapped, "It's completely against regulations."

"If I was four years old would you allow me a teddy bear?" Flavius asked.

"Of course." the nurse replied.

"Well he's a fourteen year old's teddy bear."

Jamie giggled while his mother smiled.

"I'm fetching the doctor." the nurse exclaimed angrily flouncing out of the room.

"It's not ideal, Your Excellency." the doctor said, "But if it's your orders…"

"Flavius will do." Flavius said, "And you give the orders."

The doctor smiled, "We had to operate to repair some of the damage so I'm a bit worried about infections. The biggest concern has been the damage to your lung. Luckily it was slight, caused by a splinter of bone which we removed. The rest of your ribs will heal over time. They will be painful and you will be very weak and tired."

The doctor looked at Flavius, "Anyone else and I wouldn't consider sending you home so soon but I do know something about the House of Sparta. I think that they would enforce any regime far better than the hospital staff would dare to do."

Flavius smiled and nodded.

"Breathing and coughing will be very painful." the doctor continued, "You will need large amounts of pain killers which will need monitoring. You'll have to hire agency nurses and equipment so that they can consult with a doctor on line."

"I train up slaves as medics." Flavius said, "Will they do?"

"No. Not unless you've trained them well beyond the usual level. The dressings will have to be changed regularly and they'll need to know what signs of infection they need to look out for."

"Fair enough." Flavius said, "When can I get up?"

"As soon as you're able. It depends on how much pain you can take."

Jamie giggled, "He may as well get up now."

The doctor frowned, "I know about his sex games. This is different. It'll be all he can do to stand at first. The sooner he's up the better though. It'll help his recovery."

"I'm tired again so I'd like to sleep again." Flavius said, "I'd like to see Craig, then General Maximilian. I'll try standing up after they're gone."

"Not too much Provincial business. I don't want you overdoing it." the doctor hesitated, "At least… you shouldn't…"

I understand."

Relieved the doctor left leaving Flavius already asleep.

When he woke up, Craig was waiting for him.

"Don't tell me to rest and not worry." Flavius snapped, "Report."

Craig stood at parade rest. Feet apart and his hands behind his back.

"Marcus is representing you. You named him as heir so it seemed right to show continuity. Senators Susitas, Menestro and Belario are assisting him. The Emperor expects regular updates. The palace is running smoothly and the Board of Guardians are continuing with their usual duties. I can report that your governorship is unaffected by your absence, Master."

"So I'm not needed. I may as well have died." Flavius retorted petulantly.

"No, of course not." Craig snapped angrily, "It's unaffected because we're doing things your way and using our initiative. It's how you taught us."

"Feel free to get angry, please Craig." Flavius said, "I don't need anyone else hovering around looking worried."

Craig grinned. "Yes Master. You've taught us well and we're managing. It'll be a relief when you're back though."

"That's good to know. Please go. I need to speak with General Maximilian and I'm getting tired again.

"We can find no political motive for the shooting." the General said, "It's even possible you were just collateral damage. The target could have been the stallholder's son."

"That's comforting." Flavius muttered. "Explain."

"The family has just moved out of the West Quarter." The General responded, "On the face of it they worked and saved hard until they could afford to move and set up the stall. We dug a little deeper and the son has been arrested for drug dealing. Some of the goods may have been stolen."

"Ah." Flavius managed to say.

"The money raised by the parents can all be accounted for and they may well have been completely honest. What's really worrying us is the idea that the son was spearheading a push by the drug gangs in the West Quarter and they wanted to take you out to stall your reforms."

"So either one of us could have been the target. It's lucky the gunman was such a rotten shot."

"He was a kid not much older than you, sir." General Maximilian said, "We think he was proving himself worthy to be a soldier for one of the gangs. He was also expendable and probably didn't know anything useful even if he had been questioned."

"You mean he escaped." Flavius said.

"No sir. Someone saw him draw the gun and aim it in your general direction. He's not sure who it was aimed at, you or the son. Either way he grabbed the boy's gun as he fired and pushed him to the ground. As you know the market was crowded and when they saw who had been shot they grabbed the kid and strung him up. Guards tried to cut him down but they were too late."

"They're my friends." Flavius said, "Surely they must have known I wouldn't have approved of that."

"They were scared and angry." the general explained, "You're still their Master and could demand reprisals and they were angry that you got shot. There're hotheads in any crowd. It was an explosive situation and there's the other side of the coin. I don't think the man that grabbed the gun or the medics that attended you will ever have to buy a meal or a drink again."

Flavius tried laughing, doubling up with pain from his ribs.

"Is the son talking?"

"No sir." the general replied, "He's too scared. He's caught between what you want to do with him and what the gangs would do."

"As soon as I'm well enough, I'll hold a reception to thank the people who helped me. Let people know. It should stop them worrying about reprisals. Tomorrow I want to see the son then his mother. I don't want to see anyone else.

General, Jamie, I'll feel a lot more human if I can take a piss standing up. Any volunteers to help me?"

By the time he was back in bed, he was exhausted again. His chest hurt and his breathing was laboured. A male nurse came in to check him.

"We'll increase the painkillers." he announced.

"I don't need them." Flavius snapped, "I can handle it."

"So you can relax, breathe in steady slow breaths and allow your lungs to work normally, can you?"

"I can try." Flavius muttered.

"And while you're trying, your lungs become congested and you end up with pneumonia. You'll show how tough you really are, then."

Flavius glared at him then grinned. "You should be saying Yes, Your Excellency; No, Your Excellency; Whatever you say, Your Excellency."

The nurse grinned back, "You have a slave, Brian. He's a cousin of mine. I can't believe how he speaks to you and the Emperor. We're all a bit scared of you here but Brian's standing outside. Shall I send him in?"

"Providing I can have him whipped if he looks worried, asks me how I feel and tells me I'm looking better."

Brian appeared at the door, grinning.

"You certainly sound better, Master." he said.

"I'll let you off because you've got a good looking, hunky male nurse for a cousin." Flavius said, also smiling, "Now everyone get out. I want to sleep."

"I always heard that he's so polite." the nurse said once they were outside.

"He is, normally." Brian said, "Because he's the one putting everyone else at ease. Now it's everyone else fussing over him and trying to calm him. He doesn't like being out of control."

"That's not what I heard."

Brian grinned, "This isn't the same. He knows he should be at the Reception tonight, at school tomorrow and preparing the monthly reports for the Emperor. He also knows that he's not going to have any rough sex for a long time because his body won't be able to cope."

"So he takes his temper out on everyone else. I can understand that."

"Could you get a leave of absence from here, Jake." Brian asked, "You'd get well paid as his personal nurse."

"Easy." Jake replied, "They're scared of him and the Emperor's phoning all the time so they're scared of anything going wrong. They're asking the Provincial Palace for a statement. No one here has the guts to prepare one on his behalf."

"Oh dear." Brian sighed, "He'll have to vet it. I don't think anyone is going like his version."

Brian was right. The final version read,

His Excellency, Flavius Aulus is grateful for the kind support he is receiving. He is recovering and hopes to resume his duties soon. When he is recovered, he will hold receptions so that he can thank as many well wishers as possible in person.

However his recovery will be considerably delayed if he has to waste energy trying to be polite as yet another visitor fusses over him or reassures him over the phone. Please stay away and allow him to use what strength he has more productively.

He wrote it the following day after he had tried to stand up and take a couple of steps. He had collapsed into Jake's arms, angry that he was so weak and useless in front of such a sexy young man.

The palace and the hospital had instructions to read it to everyone who enquired. One unfortunate hospital receptionist found herself talking to the Emperor. It was the first time that she had seen the statement.

"I can't read this out to you." she gasped.

"It'll be all right. I'd like to know it says."

She complied and waited, terrified of what she had just said to her Lord and Master.

"He makes a terrible invalid." the Emperor laughed, "You'd better warn the Hospital Administrators to be on alert. If he spots anything wrong he'll be on their backs."

Flavius had slept after his mornings exertions and woke in the afternoon feeling fine. Jamie was always by his side and with a little help managed to sit in a chair before his visitors arrived.

The first one was the son of the stall holder who was killed, the drugs dealer. It did not help the hospital authority that he was naked, in chains and had two guards as an escort.

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?" Flavius asked.

"What's it to you, you fucker?" the youth snapped. A guard stepped forward but Flavius shook his head.

"Maybe I'm wondering how much I can raise in slave sales." Flavius said quietly, "There's compensation for my injuries, hospital bills, all sorts of things. How much would your mother fetch, do you think?"

"You fucking cunt." the boy shouted, "She's done nothing to you."

"Except raise you." Flavius said quietly, "It seems a waste since you're going to die screaming on a cross."

"Please," he suddenly sobbed, "Mum and Dad didn't know anything about it. Some guy sold me stuff. I thought it was cheap but he said it was legitimate. I thought I could trust him and we did the deal on a handshake. He waited until they'd sold a bit on the stall before he told me that it was stolen and traceable.

"He said he'd help me if I helped him. That's when he gave me the drugs and told me to sell them to my new friends. Mum and Dad were so happy that they'd got out of the West Quarter and they were so sure everything was legit, I didn't want to spoil it so I just hid the drugs and left them.

"They started pressing me for payment saying they wanted the full street value. I couldn't even return them unless I came up with the profit they expected."

"So the boy with the gun was aiming at you because you welshed on your deal."

"No, I don't think so. He was there to frighten me. Maybe shoot up the stall. They can get away with it in the West Quarter. He possibly saw you and tried to make a real name for himself."

"You can wait there until your Mother arrives." Flavius said. It was an uncomfortable wait and Flavius was tiring rapidly. She broke down in floods of tears, hugging her son when she saw him. Again the guards moved to intervene but Flavius stopped them. Finally she turned to him.

"Forgive me for not standing." Flavius said, "And I'm sorry that there's not another chair but I'm not going to keep you. There's a vacancy in one of my lodges for a housekeeper. I don't use it very often. My Father liked it and I'm reluctant to get rid of it yet. There's an excellent local school for your younger son, your daughter too, I believe.

"I can't return your husband but I might be able to return your son. If his story checks out then I'll commute his sentence to slavery and give you the papers. You'll need a handyman about the place. Are you interested?"

"We'd get right away from here and start again?" she asked

Flavius nodded, "I'm sure one of my staff and my nurse are hanging around outside. Go and speak to them. They'll arrange for you to go and look the place over. Take your children and stay for a few days. The gangs are going to have other things to worry about. They won't have time to search the whole province for you."

Her eyes briefly widened with fear then she stepped forward as if to hug Flavius but as he raised his hand to stop her, Jamie stepped between them. She settled on a deep curtsey and left. Flavius turned to her older son.

"I hope you've told me the truth." he said, "If you haven't then people are going to be badly hurt and you can't imagine the pain you'll be in. Do you want to say anything before it's too late?"

The boy shook his head.

Flavius turned to the guards, "Take him away. Tell General Maximilian it might be worth questioning him again."

Jamie bent over and kissed Flavius on the forehead.

"That was wonderful." he whispered.

"Get off you stupid idiot." Flavius growled. He tried slapping Jamie away and would have sent him sprawling if he was fit. It was still enough of a slap to sting a little.

"Help me into bed." Flavius snapped, "Then clear off. I want some rest."

He woke early next morning. He struggled off the bed and staggered to the door.

"Jamie." he yelled, "Where the fuck are you."

Jake hurried over to him.

"Shut up and behave yourself." he commanded in a firm voice, "This is a hospital not your palace. If you want to do something useful, get over to your bathroom and tell me whether your bowels and bladder are functioning properly."

"I can't walk that far," Flavius exclaimed, "I've done myself in getting this far."

"You've proved that your lungs are OK." Jake said, "You can rest on my arm if you think you're too weak."

Flavius glared angrily at Jake planning all sorts of revenge but he could not escape the the challenge. He turned and taking small steps crossed the room, aware that Jake was close by ready to catch him.

They got to the bathroom door and Flavius felt triumphant.

"Good." Jake said softly, "I won't insult you by asking you if you want me to come in with you."

While he was waiting he fetched a chair over so Flavius could rest.

"I'll have to help you wash in the bathroom but I'll try to make it a bit more dignified than the bed baths you've been having. When the doctor comes by I'll ask him if we can switch your medication to tablets instead of the drips."

"How bad was the wound?" Flavius asked, "I mean how lucky am I?"

"Untreated it would have killed you through infections over a week or so. There would have been a steady loss blood, possibly not enough to kill you first but you could also have drowned in it as your lungs filled.

"You know the bullet cracked a couple of ribs one bad enough for a splinter to puncture your lung. There's also muscle damage. You're being kept in hospital mainly to keep an eye on you and to give you some of your medication intravenously.

"Originally the staff wanted you home with your own medical team because they did not want the responsibility of looking after you. However you're doing well. There's been no reaction to the anaesthetics and no sign of infection. The hospital authorities are beginning to see you as a success story and good publicity."

Flavius grinned.

"So when can I go home?" He asked.

"If you're not going to turn your bedroom into a hospital ward, not for a couple of days."

"OK but I need to work. I don't mind the pain killers any more and I don't mind plenty of bed rest or whatever but some things can't wait."

"Yes they can." Jake said firmly, "It's only for a couple of days."

"The Provincial Governor says they can't." Flavius said equally firmly.

"Brian phones the Emperor. I can stop you." Jake said, "Just don't spoil your progress by overdoing it."

Flavius nodded, "Who's waiting outside?"

"Brian." Jake said, "His job is to liaise with the Imperial palace, the Provincial Palace and the hospital."

"Where's Jamie?"

"School I expect. He's been with you since you were admitted. Your mother made him have a good nights sleep and take a break. He'll be back this evening."

"Would you arrange for a desk, chair and phone for Brian in here, please." Flavius asked, "It seems to take all my energy to move my arm so I need someone on call who can take dictation."

"Your arm's stiff because of the muscle damage and massive bruising."

"Brian, I want to see General Maximilian, Marcus, David, Luke and find a couple of boys from the market."

A little later they were assembled around his bed.

"We've got to do something about those gangs." Flavius said, "They're not satisfied with the West Quarter any more. They want to take over the city."

He turned to General Maximilian, "I want some of those unmanned drones operating over the West Quarter. Low level and conspicuous. If anyone takes pot shots at them try to figure out where but just send in another one if necessary."

"We could send in a helicopter to take the gunman out."

"No. It's our own people in there. I don't want the innocent ones hurt. I don't even want the ordinary gang members hurt if I can avoid it. I will have the leaders in work gangs clearing the West Quarter up and humiliated as much as possible."

"Marcus. You will announce a zero tolerance on carrying weapons, contraband or illegal substances." Flavius then added, smiling, "Enjoy being Governor while you can. Make it sound if it's your plan if you like."

Marcus grinned as well, "I don't enjoy it. The Board of Guardians has got the real power. I just have to stand in front of all those people."

"Try to guess which ones want to get their cocks up your arse." Flavius grinned, "I know that's not your thing as much as me but it does bring them down a peg or two."

Marcus laughed, "I wondered why you seemed to smirk sometimes."

"Luke, you and the other two from the market, I'm going after the gangs not crack heads who want to blast their brains out in their bedrooms. Warn Andy Wiles and his mates to keep their stuff off the streets. If they get caught up in anything, I may not be able to help them.

I also want as many people as possible to keep a look out for anyone from the West Quarter. I think they're mainly interested in the forum and other market areas. Find out which taverns and cafés they use."

"You're planning something." Marcus said accusingly, "And you're planning on taking part."

Flavius grinned, "I hurt too much to do anything but General, could you have a couple of cohorts on instant readiness. It'll be a large scale stop and search operation. I'll give you more details when I get them."

Flavius was feeling tired again but he had one more job to do after the others had left.

"Brian, put a call through to the Emperor, please." Flavius asked

"At last, you deign to speak to me." the Emperor exclaimed.

"I thought you'd rather have an excuse to talk to Brian, sir." Flavius said.

"So how are you? Still being rude and insulting?"

"Things are better all round now I'm planning on what to do with the West Quarter."

"All cities have areas like that." the Emperor said, "Some governors like the whole city to be riddled with gangs. If they're fighting each other then they're not fighting him. But that's not your style and you need my help, correct?"

"Yes sir,"

"Go ahead. You're rarely boring."

"Thank you, sir. When our secret agents are abroad they consider likely candidates to recruit. They don't at home unless it's some sort of sting."

"Go on." the Emperor said wondering where Flavius was leading.

"Well sir, if Scandinavia follows the same policy they might have intelligence on the West Quarter. We are strategically important, after all sir."

"We're close allies now. You shouldn't even be considering the idea that they have agents here."

"So we don't have agents up there, sir?"

"Point taken." the Emperor said, "They're still impressed that you recognised their laws and jurisdiction during the Prince Svan affair. What do you want?"

"I don't know." Flavius replied, "None of the usual methods are working and if I just send in the army it'll be a blood bath. The province can't cope on it's own, sir. We need people from the outside who won't be recognised and know what they're doing."

"Most governors would consider that to be an admission of weakness." the Emperor said, "I don't and restoring order would be part of your reforms. Prince Bjorn wants to visit. I'll give my permission providing he becomes a member of the House of Sparta. Rome won't have to recognise his arrival if he's parading around as a slave. He also has permission to help you if he can."

As the conversation finished, Flavius lay back, exhausted. He was still content to lay back and quietly doze while Brian set up a laptop he had been given.

"Jake's here." Brian said later.

"Hi Jake." Flavius said, "I'm going to miss you prodding and poking me."

"There's a young man waiting outside." Jake said, "He seems to be a little scared of you at the moment."

"Poor old Jamie puts up with a lot from me." Flavius said, "But he's the best thing that ever happened to me."

Flavius turned to the door as Jamie ran in trying to throw his arms around Flavius' neck.

"Back off." Flavius snarled albeit half-heartedly , "I still can't handle being fussed over. I wish I could throw you on that bed and ram my cock into you again."

"I wish you could too." Jamie said, "I hate not being able to touch you."

"When you can wank me without my ribs giving me hell you and I will go away together. We'll ignore other men and boys and I'll make a big fuss of you."

"You'll be unhappy." Jamie said, "How about we visit Prince Bjorn. I'll bring Johnny for the nights you want to try those hunky Scandinavian soldiers."

"I want to do something for you though." Flavius said.

"OK then, let me try some hunky Scandinavian soldiers."

Jake was finding the conversation a turn on. He and his wife had just had their second child. Although he tried to help, his wife was always tired. He was sure that she allowed sex out of a sense of duty more than pleasure. Perhaps he should take the strain off her.

"If you like," he said, "I can come and check on you each day. You know, adjust your medication and keep an eye on the wound."

He glanced at Flavius' crotch, "It might be worth noting when everything is fully functional."

"Yours is." Flavius laughed before grimacing with pain, "Change the conversation I'm getting horny but all that movement will hurt my ribs too much."

The following day, the last of the drips and needles were removed. Flavius could walk to the toilet. It wasn't easy but the pain from the movements to his chest was manageable. The doctor arrived for his daily examination.

"You can go home tomorrow." he pronounced, "We'll arrange home visits to monitor the pain killers and change the dressing."

"Jake's taking some leave and working in the palace." Flavius said.

"Will you need an ambulance or will you arrange a car?"

"Car." Flavius stated firmly, "I'm going to the market and have a drink in the tavern, first."

"That is a bad idea." the doctor said, "I cannot agree."

"His Excellency needs to go." Flavius said, "That area of the town needs to know he still trusts them and doesn't blame them. He also needs to return to the scene just to reassure himself. The longer he leaves it, the harder it will be."

The doctor looked helplessly on, then turned to Jake for support.

"You'll go to the car in a wheelchair and I'll come with you." Jake said, "You may walk from the car to the tavern but I will decide whether you need a chair on the way back. You will also stay here in bed and rest until it's time to go. If the doctor agrees, I'll increase the medication slightly but the slightest problem with breathing and you'll be straight back here in an ambulance."

Flavius nodded. He might be governor but he was still young enough to want a grown up like Jake in charge.

I'd like to see Luke, then General Maximilian, please Brian." Flavius said as he clambered into bed.

Chapter 2

The journey to the market went much as Jake had decreed. On Jake's instructions the driver ignored the no vehicle instructions to park outside the tavern that Flavius had chosen.

Flavius was obviously in pain as he got out but he walked unaided to a table. It was late spring, the weather warm so Flavius was comfortable in his Slave of Sparta half tunic. The car's arrival caused a bit of a stir, Flavius caused even more when he got out, followed by Jamie and Jake. The car disappeared to a regular parking area.

Inevitably the youngsters approached Flavius first but they were unusually cautious until one of them said, "We want to know how you are but we're not allowed to ask."

Flavius grinned, "Take a look at me and guess."

"It hurts, doesn't it?" one of them said, "We're all sorry. We should have looked after you better."

"You did." Flavius said, "That's why I'm still alive."

"We shouldn't have let that scum from the West Quarter move in." one of the adults said, "They just let the rest in."

"Drugs is a problem everywhere." Flavius said. "His Excellency is satisfied that the family wanted to get away from the gangs. It went wrong and the father was killed. It was wrong. The gunman shouldn't have been lynched either. That's West Quarter ways. Beside he should have been questioned by the guards."

"You might be a toff but you're one of us." another adult said, "No one goes against us."

"Thank you." Flavius said, "Just don't let the guards know who did the lynching. His Excellency might have to have them crucified.

There was a ripple of laughter. Partly it was relief that their Master was still on side and partly it was relief that Flavius was as sharp as ever.

Flavius was feeling far stronger. He was relieved that he still had his friends in the market, the warm evening cheered him and it was good to be out of the hospital.

"Free drinks. Tell the landlord to bill the Palace." he announced, "Let's have a party."

"No way." Jake exclaimed, "You're overdoing it.

"Maybe I am." Flavius replied, "I'm the Provincial Governor. This is my capital city and I'm not going to be scared of being out in it. Check my lungs, my breathing, change the dressing if you must. If it gets too much I'm sure someone will find me a bed."

"Good on you, Flavius." someone called out, "My door's always open to you. There's a bed if you need it."

As the man spoke so the rest of the House of Sparta arrived, including the adults. Flavius was surprised to see Prince Bjorn of Scandinavia.

"Luke, take Bjorn home as quick as you can." Flavius said.

"OK but can you tell us why?"

"There's a café a little way down the road." Flavius said, "A guy from the West Quarter goes in there everyday about this time. Today he's going to be detained, strip searched and have his papers checked.

"It's part of the zero tolerance policy. So that he can't claim harassment or prejudice everyone under twenty five is going to be searched in the same way. I need to show that I'm part of it and I thought you would all back me up but I can't expect a foreign prince to just walk in on it."

Bjorn sat down beside Flavius.

"Grandfather is watching me." Bjorn said, "He doesn't think I'll cope with not being a prince. We didn't expect this, though."

"The rest of you, get to the bar or something. Just stop hovering around. You make me feel like an invalid."

The day went better than Flavius had thought possible. The visitor from the West Quarter had been setting up a protection racket. He had used Flavius' shooting as an example of what might happen.

The soldiers that Flavius had asked for swooped down starting with him. Their search uncovered a gun and a large amount of money. Two other visitors from the West Quarter were arrested for similar offences.

The searches spread out as Flavius had ordered so that anyone in their vicinity and anyone who may have had contact with them would also be searched. The search reached the tavern where Flavius was sitting.

Among the members of the House of Sparta Prince Julius, the Emperor's younger son, Brutus, son of Lord Crevellio, Flavius himself, Marcus, his cousin, and Prince Bjorn. They all submitted without complaint to the same searches. Flavius felt slightly relieved that no one had been doing something stupid.

Not only did the locals understand that they were not being singled out for some reprisal they protested when Flavius took his turn to be searched.

"He's been shot." one said, "He can't stand for long, let alone raise his arms."

"We know." the soldier replied, "We know who he is as well. We've orders that it's not a reprisal against this district. It's a crack down on crime so no one is exempt."

Flavius' search was quicker and more perfunctory than the others but he did have to stand while a soldier checked him but it is difficult to hide anything in a half tunic.

That evening General Maximilian reported to Flavius.

"Once they were all caught, we convinced the locals that the crack down is here to stay. They started opening up. We've got the West Quarter ones on extortion. Two stallholders came forward to say that they had been pressured into selling drugs. Since they surrendered them voluntarily we're not taking action for receiving. I think one or two other stallholders might be holding drugs but haven't come forwards."

"The sad thing is, none of the boys we arrested were much older than you. One was with his brother who was younger."

He hesitated, "I've brought those two with me. I assumed that you would take a personal interest in the younger one."

"General, I'm too tired to be interested in anything, tonight." Flavius said, "I'm sorry. It was a good thought. If you're visiting Steven then see what the House of Sparta can do."

"I understand, sir." General Maximilian replied, "I'll just say goodnight."

As the general settled into a comfortable chair in the House of Sparta, Steven hurried across to serve him. He had been kneeling beside his father, Harold. No one was feeling particularly cheerful and the boys tended to huddle against their favourite adult for reassurance.

However, Steven chose to kneel respectfully in front of General Maximilian. He bowed his head and crossed his wrists behind his back. The General was notorious for his rough games. Even the toughest of his soldiers feared them yet Steven was a willing participant. By kneeling as he was, he was offering himself for later on. He earned the title of General's Boy and he was respected by the soldiers under the General's command.

Harold looked on slightly concerned that the General might go too far but proud of his son's physical resilience.

"How do you think he is, sir?" Alan asked, "He was beside Titus, Flavius' uncle, who had his son Marcus kneeling on the other.

"There's always the possibility of complications." General Maximilian replied, "Post Traumatic Stress can occur at any time for example but he's not exactly bottling up his anger, fear and frustration up. I think he'll be fine."

"It just seems strange not seeing him here with his arms round Jamie." Alan persisted.

"I tell you what." General Maximilian said, "Tomorrow, you tell him that he should pace himself and not be worn out by evening."

"No way!" Alan exclaimed.

"I spoke to Jake, his nurse." Titus laughed, "The poor man is more likely to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress than Flavius. You briefed him well Brian but it's not easy to stand up to Flavius is it? I've invited him to attend our meetings but he's worried about his wife."

"Brian?" Marcus asked.

"I think it's called Post Natal Depression." Brian explained, "Jake thinks there might be something wrong internally but she refuses to see a doctor."

"See if the Lady Julia can help, please Titus." David said, "I don't know much about these things but let's see if we can find a couple of slave girls and keep them on standby."

"I'm not sure that we should interfere." Germanicus said, "We can't just barge in."

"Of course we can't but Flavius would want to help." David exclaimed, "We should have everything ready in case. Brian, put out feelers. See what Jake thinks."

David had not been a slave for long before becoming Flavius' property. There had not been enough time to lose his initiative and a degree of street bravado. He thrived under Flavius because he directed his energy to serving his master. It was generally agreed that any other owner would have whipped him to death long ago.

Prince Bjorn watched the exchange in amazement.

"I still can't believe the way slaves are allowed to speak." he exclaimed.

"He's not the slave in here. You are." Titus explained, "I'm sure it's been explained to you before. Flavius expects us to protect his governorship, not himself personally. In this case they're the same. Jake may need support while he helps Flavius so David is setting it up. If he went too far then Harold, as disciplinarian, would step in and it's borderline when he gives the Board of Guardians instructions."

"I'm sorry, sir." David said, "I just feel so helpless. I'm supposed to look after him but he gets into far more trouble with me in charge than he did with Hans."

"That's your bad luck, not your fault." Harold said, "You can stand up to him. That's what he needs. Are we complaining about David's plan or his way of speaking?"

"If he was my slave, I'd have him impaled for his bad manners." Germanicus grinned, "He's Flavius' slave and makes his thoughts as clear as his owner does. Imitating his master is flattery, hardly a punishable offence. If you want to live, boy, don't get yourself sold."

David grinned, "I am sorry for being rude. I could resign and get some training in being a polite slave."

"No." Harold said, "But Julius can give you some training in diplomacy. Bjorn could help while he's here."

"Couldn't we do something easier?" Julius asked, "Like finding the meaning of life."

As the laughter died down, the conversation turned to the two prisoners.

"Flavius will do his best to salvage the younger one." General Maximilian said, "He may find something there. I think the older one is probably beyond help. It's a novel experience even caring about them. Any other governor and they'd be crucified as soon as we'd got the information out of them."

He ruffled Steven's hair.

"I can't complain. I've done well from his strange ideas. What do you want to do?"

Despite Titus comments on David's manner, everyone turned to him.

"Flavius will have to be fit before you start any operations against the West Quarter, General." David said, "He'll want to be involved so there's no rush. Keep them separated and as far as possible, the only contact is with Flavius' friends."

The others nodded.

"Luckily there's a school holiday. Flavius and Jamie can start catching up with the work they missed. Between that and physiotherapy it'll keep him out of our hair for a while. I know that's insolent so would anyone like to volunteer to involve Flavius with their work?"

There was silence apart from a few chuckles.

"Brutus, Steven, I don't suppose you'd care to spend the week under Lukas at your fort would you? You'd work alongside the younger brother. Flavius has used this tactic of uniting in front of a common enemy before. If you want to do other things you can be taken away for a time. Steven, perhaps the General would like to visit."

"I'm up for it." Brutus said, "What's the cover story."

"Just tell the truth." David replied, "This is about building trust so don't lie to him. If he doesn't believe that you do it for fun and thinks you're mad then fine. Better would be if you convinced him that you really are learning how to run the estate from the bottom up.

"How will that help?" Germanicus asked.

"I was in a gang in Rome." David said, "They're all about front and status. Argue with the leader and you get a knife in the gut. When I became Flavius' slave I didn't understand when Flavius let one of his slaves argue with him. OK so it was advising him. I know that now but Flavius could actually admit that he was wrong."

"So you're saying that seeing Brutus giving up his position, simply to learn about the estate, will have a big impact on the boy." Germanicus asked.

"I think it's called culture shock." David replied.

Germanicus frowned irritably for a moment then smiled.

"As you say. Will it work?"

"It did with me." David replied, "I know I'm rude and I'm sorry but serving Flavius is an honour. So is being here with you gentlemen."

"Don't get obsequious on us, David." Harold laughed, "It doesn't seem right but thank you. You're quiet, Steven, how about you? Are you willing to work the fields?"

"I've been thinking, Father." Steven replied, "There's some land for sale next to Brutus' estates. Could we buy it? Brutus wants to buy it as well but things are still a bit tight. If Brutus doesn't want me as any sort of partner we could rent it or something. I only brought it up now because of all this talk of learning from the bottom up."

"Dad likes you." Brutus said, "I think he'd go for a partnership. I know the land you're talking about. Compared to our estates, it'll only give you a ten per cent share, though. I'd like you as a partner."

No one believed that Brutus was only discussing business.

"Hang on." Harold said, "There's no way we could afford it. General, I'd like my son back for a moment."

"OK Dad." Steven said, "We can start with my University fund. I won't be going for at least another four or five years. I could still go on the income being generated from the land. I've got that legacy in trust from Grandfather Cirenson and you've got your pension funds. Pension funds invest in land so the risk would be the same.

"The big advantage is that we've got all the resources of the Provincial Palace to advise us. That's not asking for favours because we'll do it on our own but I'm sure our friends will wish us well."

"It's a good idea." Titus said, "Land is always a safe investment. You could easily get a loan and if it was backed by the House of Aulus terms would be very favourable."

Titus glared at Harold, "Before you say anything. Our backing would be based on your actions over the last year. In business terms you're a low risk investment which does not yield a high interest rate."

"I'd be pleased to represent you." Germanicus said, "Allow me to prepare a business plan. We'll take it from there."

"Thank you everyone." Harold said, "Steven, you'd better start learning how to run a vineyard and you'd also better remember who you're serving tonight."

Steven grinned as he once again knelt submissively in front of General Maximilian who asked, "What about the older boy."

"I'd like to put Johnny in charge." David said, "A fifteen, sixteen year old would find it humiliating to have an eleven year old ordering him around. Darius and Jamie could act as his assistants."

"I'll help," Bjorn said.

"No." David said, "There's a hole in the cell floor where he can shit. Every so often Johnny's slaves will have to hose him down. They'll also get a few stripes on their backs if they're slow."

Bjorn turned to the man who had accompanied him from Scandinavia who shrugged.

"His Majesty is still upset by Prince Svan's failure to face up to the consequences of his behaviour." he said, "Prince Bjorn will honour his promise to visit as a slave of the House of Sparta without expecting special treatment. If I might make a suggestion."

"Yes, please do, Lord Ragnar." David said.

"I believe the idea is to break his resistance without breaking him physically by torture or mentally through drugs. Might I suggest His… er… Bjorn is simply assigned to look after the prisoner to start with. It'll be good experience for Bjorn because I'm sure that the prisoner will be far less amenable than the courtiers he's used to dealing with. He will also speak far more confidently and authoritatively than young Johnny."

Johnny frowned, looking close to tears.

"Did you only let me join because I was Jamie's friend?" he asked.

"We were worried that both you and Jamie were too young." David said, "Why?"

"You don't think I can do stuff."

"If you hadn't been Jamie's friend we wouldn't have known you so it's partly yes to your question." David said, "Since you've joined you've coped well and I'm pleased to have you here. Lord Ragnar's plan is better because it's simpler but you'll still be involved."

Johnny nodded, looking happier.

"There's a knack to everything, including being in charge." David continued, "Supposing the Emperor wants a dog to sit. The dog doesn't know what an emperor is. If the Emperor raps out the order firmly and confidently, the dog will obey. If he says, 'sit', in a pleading whiny voice then, Emperor or not, the dog will ignore him.

"The same idea will apply to you. We'll keep Bjorn naked and you can wear a brown half tunic so you'll look as if you're in charge. We'll also show you how to stand and speak so he'll just assume that you're in charge."

"That is a very interesting description of authority." Lord Ragnar said, "I know a few nobles who could use those lessons."

"So do I." Brutus said, "Not Flavius though. When Flavius was whipped then sentenced to a week's hard labour for spraying graffiti, I watched him accept a salute from an old soldier. He was naked, filthy and exhausted. The soldier marched away proud of his Governor."

Johnny listened to the conversation, happy that he was being taken seriously.

The following morning Johnny and Bjorn entered the dungeon. Johnny marched over to a cell door and opened it. Cells consisted of rooms split in two by steel bars with it's own gate. Prisoners could be locked up behind the bars and the outer left open so they could watch events in the dungeon or the door could be shut leaving them in complete darkness.

He turned then glared at Bjorn who eventually got the message, straightened up spreading his feet and crossing his wrists behind his back. Johnny fetched a strap that was hanging on the wall and landed a heavy stripe across the front of Bjorn's thighs before dropping it to the floor.

"Next time don't be so fucking insolent." he snapped, "After you've done the prisoner clean this place as well."

As Johnny strutted through the door he turned when the prisoner couldn't see him and winked, sighing in relief.

Bjorn picked up the strap and hung it up, rubbing his thigh, his face still screwed up with pain.

"Fucking prick." the prisoner said, "What is he, the master's favourite?"

"Something like that." Bjorn replied. He looked at the prisoner, surprised at the real sympathy in his remark.

"I'm Bjorn." he said, "I'm on dungeon duty for my sins and I'm supposed to clean you up. I can hose you down through the bars or I can cuff you to the bars and give you a proper wash."

"I'm Tony." he replied, "I don't suppose you can forget the cuffs can you? I won't try to escape."

"Do you really promise me that you won't take advantage of a kid a hell of a lot smaller than you are? You wouldn't get out of the palace."

"I'd rather get shot trying to escape than wait to be crucified."

"They'll use electronic stun guns." Bjorn pointed to a small cage about three foot by three foot by three foot. "You'll be stopped, recaptured and put in that punishment cage."

Tony slumped slightly in defeat, "You don't know what's happened to my brother Terry do you?"

"He's been taken to a vineyard owned by one of Flavius Aulus' friends." Bjorn replied, "He'll work in the fields, have good food and a warm bed until everyone decides what to do with him."

"Once he's in court, he'll be sentenced to death or slavery. You talk as if people care about him."

"No, no one does but they care about Flavius Aulus." Bjorn said, "He'll have you crucified and enjoy sex watching you scream. His weak spot is he hates sentencing people younger than himself. Terry's got a chance if he takes it and you help."

"Thanks for that." Tony said, "I won't tell anyone you told me that stuff. I suppose helping means grassing on my friends."

"You'll do that after you're sentenced." Bjorn said, "Drugs and electricity can get anyone talking. For now, don't tell me anything that I can't pass straight on to the guards. How about getting you clean. If you'll put up with a few restraints I'll take you up to the kitchen for a meal."

"I appreciate the warning. Won't you get into trouble if you take me to the kitchen."

"No, I won't." Bjorn said, "You see, I'm not a slave. I'm supposed to get you on side but I like you and I really want to help you, if you'll let me."

"Yeah right. So what's the story? I hope it's good one."

"I wanted to visit Flavius after he was shot but I could only come here if I travelled incognito. I joined the House of Sparta to make my position clear."

"I've heard of the House of Sparta. It's just so a load of rich kids can slum it when they want to."

"No it's a lot more than that." Bjorn explained, "Slaves do well out of belonging as well."

"Maybe I should join." Tony sneered.

"It's possible but you'd have to give up all the information they want, first."

Tony stared at Bjorn, wondering how his insult had been turned back on himself.

"It's a good story so far. Who are you if you're not a slave."

"I'm His Royal Highness, Prince Bjorn, first in line to the Scandinavian throne."

Tony stared at him.

"And I'm the Emperor." he finally said.

"No you're not." Bjorn chuckled, "I've met him and he's nothing like you"

"Like I say, it's a good story and I did ask for one. I bet you can't save me though."

"Probably not." Bjorn agreed, "But I can try. Now stand with your back to the bars, hold your arms out wide at about head height and spread your legs so I can secure you."

Tony complied. He still did not believe Bjorn's story but there was something about him that Tony trusted. His father had died in a knife fight and his mother died of cancer. He had joined a gang because his squat was in their territory. If he had not joined he would have either been driven out or killed. So would his brother or worse. He could have ended up in some brothel.

Their mother had always dreamed of starting a new life outside the West Quarter. She had tried educating her children to see beyond the moment. She had succeeded with Tony who was a sensitive boy, willing to give Bjorn the benefit of the doubt.

She failed with Terry who despised his older brother for being soft. General Maximilian was embarrassed by what he saw as his legion's failure to protect Flavius and so he misjudged the situation. If he had not done so then both brothers, along with other gang members, would have been facing almost certain execution. Instead of helping Flavius salvage a young boy events had conspired to bring Bjorn and Tony together.

As Tony faced a gentle, almost sensuous wash from Bjorn, so Terry, the younger brother was earning his second punishment from Lukas.

The first had been the night before when he arrived. He had been scared. The fort was a forbidding place. Brutus and Steven used it for their BDSM games and it had the air of a prison.

Except for a chain between his ankles, Lukas removed his restraints, waiting patiently while he rubbed his arms and swung his arms to restore their movement. He remained quiet as Brutus and Steven lined up beside him. They were also a little anxious. Lukas had learnt his role well. If Brutus was naked or in a brown half tunic then he was the slave and Lukas the harsh master. Brutus' cock was erect, excited by the physical demands to come, knowing that Lukas was looking forward to burying his own manhood deep inside him.

Steven was just as excited. Lukas was easy going compared to General Maximilian but working as a slave was different. It was a chance to show the General what more he can endure.

Trouble started when Lukas ordered them to fetch brooms and sweep the yard.

Brutus and Steven hurried off. Terry had regained a little of his composure and remained standing trying to stare Lukas down. Before Terry fully understood what was happening, he had been picked up by Lukas, carried to a bar about waist height, bent over it and his hands manacled to chains fixed in the ground. He knelt to spread the boy's legs to the extent of the existing chain before fixing them to other fixed eye-bolts. Lukas yelled for Brutus and Steven to bend over the bar as well.

Once all three were secured to his satisfaction, he fetched a cat o'nine tails. Brutus and Steven stayed quiet while Terry wriggled around trying to see what was happening. He caught a glimpse of the cat and yelled, "Fuck you!"

He heard the swish through the air and the crack as it struck. To his surprise he felt no pain only hearing the grunt from Steven as it struck him. The cat swished again and this time Brutus moaned. Terry watched amazed as Brutus' cock twitched, his hips bucked as best they could to shoot out jets of boy cream, some of it hitting Brutus' down turned face.

He was so absorbed by Brutus' reaction that he was not aware of the cat swishing through the air for a third time until he felt a thud and a burning sensation that grew in intensity across his arse. He yelped, more out of shock than pain.

Lukas continued the triple beating steadily working his way along the line of boys. For all of them the pain built up as the welts criss-crossed and the punishment continued. Hearing the whip hit first one boy then the next added to the fearsome anticipation of their next blow. Sometimes Lukas aimed for their thighs, strands even curling round to flick their balls.

All three boys yelled and had tears in their eyes. Terry was two or three years younger than the other two and unused to such treatment. Finally he broke as Brutus prepared for his latest blow.

"No, please stop." he screamed.

The blow landed anyway and Terry shrieked in pain.

"What happens the next time I give an order." Lukas snarled.

"I'll do it." Terry bawled before screaming even louder to another blow.

"Who's going to fuck who?"

"You'll fuck me." Terry cried, tensing for another blow. Instead he felt a hand slap his arse before a finger felt his ring and pushed it's way in. Terry cried out with a new pain but the finger pushed relentlessly in.

Finally Lukas was satisfied. He released Steven with instruction to release the other two. While Steven and Terry worked in the yard, Brutus was summoned to stand in front of Lukas.

"Your father has invited Mr. Green's son over to discuss the land purchase on behalf of Mr. Cirenson. He wants you there. You are to go up to the house and stay there until Mr. Green has gone."

"Is that what Dad wants?"

Lukas grinned.

"He'd be more comfortable if you behaved like his son but his actual words were, 'I suppose I'll have to do it his way'."

"I'll attend in a House of Sparta tunic and serve. I'd like you to support my father. You've looked at the land and know how badly it's been neglected. Dad can negotiate OK but I've met Mr. Green once or twice. He'll hate the idea of a Noble trying to push the deal. You'll be able to back dad up with all the facts figures."

Brutus paused, "He is sensitive about being a commoner when dealing with us. You'll have to stand and I won't offer you a drink unless dad tells me to. He might even like being served by a noble."

Brutus was wrong.

"Is your son trying to insult me by clowning around like that? I thought that it was to be a serious discussion." Mr. Green snapped.

"It is and I'd be happier if Brutus remembered his station, more." Lord Crevellio said, "The fact remains he can already run these estates better than me or even his Grandfather. Profits on last years vintage are double the previous years and this year promises to be even better."

"Yes but he should be standing beside you, receiving me properly, not serving us like a common slave."

"I warned you that this meeting would centre around expertise." Lord Crevellio said, "Brutus defers to Lukas' knowledge and to our business acumen. You want to settle your father's affairs. We want to negotiate a fair price for his land on behalf of our friends and Brutus will be studying the proceedings as part of his training."

"I still don't like slaves being involved in my affairs."

"That's what my brother thought." Lord Crevellio laughed, "He also thought that he got the better deal by inheriting father's estates near Rome while I was stuck in the provinces. He conveniently forgot that Father preferred living here."

"Lord Crevellio took a sip of his drink. "He invited us to stay with him over the holiday that the Emperor declared after signing the Scandinavian Treaty. The first day was pretty dreary. We were tired after the journey and my brother seemed intent on treating us as the poor relations."

He paused theatrically.

"They made the mistake of suggesting that Brutus would be better off staying with them so that he could be introduced to the right people. Brutus mentioned that he already had one or two contacts and excused himself to ring to see if he could meet up.

Lord Crevellio laughed, "The conversation was so innocuous. It was as if Brutus was baiting a trap. It went something like this:-

"Hello sir, I didn't mean to disturb you. I was just going to ask Kieran if Hans and Eamonn were back from Capri, yet."

"I take it Kieran is still struggling with his maths. It's good of you to help him."

"I assumed that they'd be here if Hans or Eamonn were. Thanks, I'd like to pop over"

"I am staying with my Uncle. He's inviting me stay with him so I can meet the right people."

"I'm sorry but I don't think that you're on the list. I'll see if Victorrio can come with me and show me the the way."

"Now, my brother had no idea that Brutus was talking to the Emperor.

"The Emperor?" Mr. Green gasped.

Lord Crevellio nodded, "It's not well known that His Imperial Majesty takes a great deal of interest in the boys and young men in the palace and not just as bed boys. His idea is that everything is new to them so his reforms are normal while adults see them as revolutionary. As they grow up and take on various positions they won't even know the old ways.

"Brutus could have visited without asking but he had obtained permission to bring his cousin along and had asked the Emperor for help. His Imperial Majesty enjoys getting involved with boy's plans, it's a chance to use his position without consequences."

Lord Crevellio paused for another sip and his guest waited expectantly.

"My brother very grudgingly gave his permission but only out of consideration to a guest.

"Victorrio and Brutus don't get on that well. Victorrio was most put out when Brutus suggested he just wear a half tunic. He only agreed because Brutus said that he wanted to visit the Imperial Palace and the Emperor had decreed that a half tunic was proper dress for any youth under twenty one.

"My brother and Victorrio thought that Brutus planned the sightseeing tour that all provincials indulge in. I don't think Victorrio understood where they were going until Brutus strode past a sign saying 'No admittance' into the Palace proper. According to Brutus, Victorrio just looked shocked as a footman greeted him and led them through to what seemed like a family gathering.

"Victorrio still didn't recognise anyone. I think that Victorrio began to understand that we're not the country bumpkins they assumed we were when he was introduced to Cassius and his servant, Eamonn, then Prince Julius and his companion, Hans. Finally he was introduced to the Emperor who had taken an interest in Kieran, a slave who now ran his private office.

"My brother and his family had heard things but assumed we were on the fringes and not really involved. I do know that Victorrio could hardly speak when he got home and tried to explain where he'd been. Apparently he had been completely incoherent in front of the Emperor."

"I really enjoyed myself when I said that the Emperor sometimes visits me when he's staying with Flavius. I couldn't help adding that we don't mention our connections because we consider it so vulgar."

Lord Crevellio looked at his guest.

"Things are changing in the Empire and my son is at the forefront of them. Please don't underestimate him. When it comes to estate business he defers to a slave who is more formidable than he is. You'll put yourself at a great disadvantage if you don't accept that."

Mr. Green stood, obviously thinking.

"I apologise." he said, "I was rude and thank you for your warning. I know that Father neglected the estate in later years and I've been busy with his other business interests. I take it that the neglect will be be reflected in your offer. However…"

The negotiations continued far more amiably than Lord Crevellio had hoped. Mr. Green even listened politely to Lukas.

Meanwhile Steven knew that his father had agreed to buy if possible so he was interested in the lesson another slave was giving him and Terry in tying the vines. The slave knew that Steven was a friend of his Masters so he was a little nervous acting as if he was in charge.

Terry immediately picked up on it.

"What you got on him?" Terry asked as soon as they were alone, "Why's he so scared of you?

"Nothing." Steven replied, "It's just his way."

"Bull-shit." Terry spat out, "Tell me or you'll regret it."

Steven glanced around to see who was looking before pushing him to the ground.

"You'll have to grow a bit before you take me on." Steven said quietly, "Now get up and get on with your work."

"No." Terry screamed, "I'll do it. Don't hit me again."

He had been loud enough to attract attention. The slave came hurrying back.

"He wants me to do his work while he skives off." Terry sobbed, "Please don't let him hurt me."

Uncertain what to do, the slave muttered that he would have to tell Lukas then stood nearby watching them work.

"Brutus isn't going to like being punished for something when he wasn't even here." Steven whispered, "Idiot."

Terry smiled to himself. He could get rid of Steven and the other slave then Brutus would be a push over especially if he offered to take care of Brutus' ever present hard on.

Brutus and Lukas arrived a little later. Brutus immediately got on with his work. Terry turned to Lukas.

"Please sir, may I speak?" he asked softly looking at the ground.

"Go on." Lukas replied.

Terry pointed to Steven and the other slave, "Those two are plotting something. I don't know what it is but Steven's got some sort of hold over him."

"Fetch three gags." Lukas ordered the slave, " I don't want these three talking together until I've dealt with it. If you even think they're slacking off then use the prod on them."

Chapter 3

In his heart, Terry knew that he had not fooled Lukas. He was beginning to wonder what was going on. The slave had been scared at his accusation, while Steven had almost been amused. Understandably, Brutus was confused to start with but it quickly turned to anger. All four of them should have been terrified by being accused of some sort of conspiracy. The only thing that made sense was that Lukas was also involved which meant he had to talk to the owner.

The three boys had spent the previous night locked in a cramped bare cell. Terry had talked about how he was making a name for himself in the gangs. He showed little interest in his companions dismissing them as losers. In their turn Brutus and Steven were content to listen, hoping to hear anything useful amidst the self-important bull and bragging.

That evening the three boys found themselves standing on a path circling a copse of ancient trees on the estate. It was about a mile long. it. All had their ankles manacled by a chain and linked by yet another chain fixed to metal collars around their necks. Brutus, the tallest, was at the front while Terry, the smallest, was at the back as they were made to lift a roll of old carpet above their heads.

It should have been a log but with their ages ranging between twelve and fifteen Lukas was prepared to allow them something lighter. It was also flexible enough that each boy took his share of the weight despite their marked differences in height.

They set off running along the path with two slaves on either side of them carrying prods. The slaves had orders to use them if they even suspected that the boys were slackening off.

"Tomorrow you will work without causing a fuss or I will have you in chains again breaking rocks all night." Lukas had warned them.

During their first lap, Lord Crevellio strolled across to join Lukas who stiffened up to stand respectfully before his master.

"Relax, boy," Lord Crevellio said as the boys ran past onto their second lap he asked, "Do like torturing your young master like this?"

"Not this time, Master." Lukas replied, "This boy, Terry, isn't worth it. I'll feel as though I'm comforting Brutus rather challenging him when he comes to my bed."

"You call him by name? Yes of course he's a slave for this week. I try to understand but it's difficult."

"He scares me a little." Lukas admitted, "He's like slave Flavius when he comes here. He won't give anything he can't take. The trouble is that he pushes himself to take more and more."

"He also has friends from all classes. It's not something I can do. Stop sneaking up to his bedroom. You always find that creaking floorboard. Just come and go as you please."

"Thank you, Master."

The three boys were panting freely as they ran past for the second time. Their stretched stomachs heaved as tried to take in enough air. Sweat trickled down their bodies. Lord Crevellio and Lukas studied the muscles straining in their legs and their arms.

"Straighten those arms." a slave snapped.

All three boys obeyed but it was Terry who yelped as the prod send jolts of electricity through his arse. The slave glanced nervously at Lord Crevellio before turning back to the boys.

"How long will you keep them at it?" Lord Crevellio asked.

"Until Brutus loses some of his erection if that's all right, Master."

Lord Crevellio laughed, "He scares me too. Maybe he should be scared of someone. See what you can do."

"Yes Master." Lukas dutifully replied. It was the strangest order that he had ever been given and given Lord Crevellio's conservative views it was almost surreal.

Lukas waited until the boys came running past again. They were exhausted and the slaves were obviously using the prods more and more. Brutus still had a glint in his eye and his cock was still pointing proudly forward so Lukas let them continue.

The next time they came round, Terry was obviously in a bad way. He was staggering and despite the prods his arms were sagging. The slaves had delighted in the chance to give Terry a bad time. They liked Brutus as their master. He was harder to fool than most and he could be extremely cruel if a slave was a real troublemaker. However they had good food and comfortable quarters and like Flavius, he never punished anyone for a genuine mistake.

He also listened to them, learning from their knowledge of the vineyard and acknowledging their problems. Most importantly they trusted him, slightly awed by his determination to prove that he could do everything they could.

Lukas stopped the boys, ordering them to the fort. Terry was in a bad way, scarcely able to stand as they prepared their evening meal. With Lukas glowering over them, he dare not slack off. Lukas had removed the collars but he left the ankle chains on Brutus and Steven.

That evening as they were left in their cell, Brutus grabbed Terry by the throat pushed him against a wall and punched him hard in the stomach.

"You start behaving yourself or I'll kill you myself." he snarled, "Now keep out of my way."

Terry fearfully huddled up in a corner as Brutus pulled Steven down onto the hard floor in a sixty nine position. The cell was so cramped that their legs were bent but they managed to explore each other with their tongues and lips. They were both exhausted but Brutus managed to shoot his wad which Steven eagerly took and swallowed. Steven tensed and shot his own load moments later. They did not speak for they were both asleep, resting their heads on each other's thighs leaving Terry to curl up alone not daring to touch them.

The following day they worked in the fields removing leaves that shaded the ripening grapes, checking for pests and generally ensuring that the vines were in good condition. Each boy worked beside an experienced slave. Brutus and Steven talked freely to their mentors even sharing the odd joke or a little chatter.

Terry remained surly, keeping one eye on Lukas and doing the minimum necessary to keep out of trouble.

Lord Crevellio strolled over. After a curt, 'Carry on' to Lukas he stood watching.

"How are those three doing?" he asked Lukas.

Brutus and Steven are doing very well, Master." Lukas relied, "They work hard and learn well. Terry is useless. I know it's probably his first time in a vineyard but he's a lazy, arrogant troublemaker."

"My son has taught me to trust you, Lukas." Lord Crevellio said, "In this case, if you feel he is too much then I will override him and remove the boy."

"Yes Master, thank you." Lukas replied.

Terry was seething with frustration. He had been making a name for himself in the gangs but here he was nothing and he was unable to do anything to establish himself. As he heard Lukas' opinion of him so his temper took over.

"Fucking grass." he screamed as he lunged at Lukas. He held the knife that he had been using for pruning, low, swinging it upwards towards Lukas' belly.

Terry had forgotten the chain between his ankles and stumbled as Lukas stepped sideways out of the way. He struck Terry in the back of the neck causing the boy to completely lose his balance and fall to his hands and knees.

Lukas leapt astride the boy's back and grabbed his knife arm forcing it up and back. Terry collapsed face down into the dirt screaming with pain from his twisted arm. Lukas brushed the dropped knife out of reach, grabbed Terry's hair on each side of his head and pushed his face into the soft soil, enveloping the boy's nose and mouth.

Terry heaved in a panic stricken struggle to breathe air but just choked on the fine soil.

"No one moved or attempted to stop Lukas. It was nearly a minute before Lukas relaxed knelt back on his haunches and let go of Terry's hair.

Terry continued to heave with a rasping cough as he struggled to suck in air while at the same time coughing out a filthy mixture of mucus and dirt.

"You two. Take him to the whipping post but with his back to it." Lukas ordered, looking towards two slaves. As he got up he turned to Brutus.

"I should take a heavy bull whip to him until he's dead, Master." Lukas said, "But technically he's in the Guard's custody. He can't stay here though."

"No." Brutus said, "I'm sorry Lukas. If I'd known what he was capable of I wouldn't have agreed to him coming."

Lukas shrugged, "It wasn't my first knife fight. It was how I got enslaved."

A little later Tony, Terry's brother stood in front of Flavius. His ankles were still chained together and he still wore a heavy collar to which his hands were manacled by equally heavy chains. He had plenty of movement but his chains meant that he had no hope of running or even hiding easily since every movement made them clank loudly.

"You seemed to have made a friend in Bjorn." Flavius said, "That's up to him but why should I treat you differently to the others?"

"There's no reason, Your Excellency." Tony replied, "I knew what I was doing. I wish you could help my brother though."

"My friends have tried to get through to him." Flavius said, "They've failed and he nearly got himself killed. He should be crucified for what he's done there, let alone the drug pushing."

"It's just what he's used to, sir. He doesn't know any better."

"And witnesses said it was you who was reluctant and he was pushing you." Flavius snapped harshly before relenting, "Look my friends think I worry about condemning kids younger than me. That's not strictly true. I just know how lucky I am to have all the privileges. I sometimes wonder how I would have turned out if I had been born in the West Quarter.

"Please be honest. Will your brother take advantage of any chances I give him?"

Tony slumped his head unable to look at Flavius in the face.

"I think you've answered my question." Flavius said softly, "Terry's just a vicious thug and enjoyed being in the gangs.

Flavius hesitated, thinking.

"I'll try one last thing." he continued, "You're over fourteen so legally an adult. That means you're Terry's guardian. If you signed his enslavement papers and signed him over to me then all charges would be dropped. I'll send him for interrogation but he should survive. He's not that useful; neither are you. If you're both fit and well in spite of being questioned your gang might wonder how you managed it. If I understand the gangs right they'll assume that he's betrayed them and be out to kill him. He'll need your help then."

"Yes but I won't be able to do anything, will I?"

"If you apply for voluntary enslavement yourself, I'll take you onto the palace staff. The court won't mind avoiding the expense of trying you. You've seen how my slaves are treated and you won't be any different. Just understand this. I'll expect your undivided loyalty. You'll be questioned by the guards and you will tell them everything you know. You can have a little time to think about it but I need a decision before the hearing date is set."

Tony let out a sigh of relief. Even as just a prisoner he had felt safer in the palace than in the West Quarter. The other slaves were content and cheerful and he wanted to be part of it.

"I'll do it… er… Master." he replied, "I don't need time to think. About my brother…"

He hesitated uncertain how to continue.

"Go on." Flavius said encouragingly.

"Please do your best for him but I'll understand if you have to… you know…"

"Yes, I do know. I'll do what I can."

He turned to the slave escorting him.

"Get those chains off him and put him to work while I have the papers drawn up. Bjorn can have him as a body slave if he wishes. I'll phone Lukas about Terry."

"I don't know why you bother with this West Quarter trash." Germanicus complained that night in the House of Sparta, "They're all thieves and cut-throats. Just crucify them and be done with it."

"I come from the same sort of place." David said, "Should I have been crucified?"

"Of course not, you're the exception." Germanicus snapped, "You were given a chance and made good use of it."

"I'm not the exception." David snapped equally vehemently, "I wasn't the only one who hoped for something better back home and I don't suppose that Tony is the only one here. You're trying to make Flavius' reforms a sham."

"That is overstepping the mark." Harold exclaimed angrily, "Report to the gym for punishment."

"I'd like to hear his reasoning first, if that's permitted." Lord Ragnar said calmly, "I understand if it's not possible."

"I have no objections." Germanicus said, "Providing he remembers his true position."

"I apologise." David said softly, "I did not mean that you were deliberately acting against Flavius. When I was at school I was taught that slavery was unnatural and that slaves had the right to improve themselves and seek freedom. It sounds nice, kind and civilised so everyone agrees with it but does nothing about it. Flavius reforms centre around giving not only slaves but everyone those rights.

"I've got friends who have probably been crucified by now because they didn't have the same chance I had. They were trapped just as the boys in the West Quarter are. And yes, there are others who are only good for chain gangs in the mines but not all of us."

Nobody spoke for a moment. David was close to tears and the passion had been obvious in his voice.

"Come here, David." Germanicus said softly, holding out his arms. David obeyed burying his head in Germanicus' shoulder.

"The boy is right of course." Germanicus said, "My remarks were crass and out of keeping with this gathering. I'll have a word with Flavius. If he agrees I'll show leniency as much as possible and enslave them. They'll have to take their chances with their owners but at least it is a chance. Is that acceptable, David?"

"Thank you, sir." David said, "I'm your humble slave tonight."

"You humble? Never. I'll take your arse later on but you stay on my lap for now."

"I have to report for punishment, sir." David said, "I'll be back after but I'm not sure if I'll be able to sit."

Flavius was steadily recovering. Jake barred him from physical activity and watched to see that he did not over exert himself. He was in a peculiar situation which would have been unthinkable before Flavius came to power.

It had started when Flavius had insisted on holding an audience. Jake accompanied him. As a mere freeman he should have stood meekly at the back of the hall. Instead he walked beside Flavius close enough to catch him if he stumbled. By the time Flavius had climbed the stairs to the podium he was sweating and tensing up with the pain.

"Someone fetch him a chair." Jake called out then more quietly, "I'll give you a couple of painkillers but you must sit until they kick in."

Flavius glared at Jake but as another surge of pain surged out from his chest, he nodded and groaned, "Marcus?"

His cousin stepped forward.

"His Excellency is trying to work out how much of Jake's insides could be extracted while he's still alive and screaming. He'd see it as vengeance for the hell he goes through during physiotherapy sessions." Marcus said to the assembled nobles raising a chuckle, "Please be assured, Jake's sole concern is his master's well being. Of course if there's a noble present willing to tell Flavius when to go to bed and when to take his medicine then it would help to restore the proper order."

It was well known that Senator Menestro dominated Flavius, sometimes quite harshly during their sexual encounters and all eyes turned to him. He shook his head.

"A nights fun is one thing." he said, "Let the nurse have his moment of glory. His Excellency might be serious about gutting someone who slows him down."

If Jake was surprised at the cordial way that nobles greeted him from then on he was almost overwhelmed by the way that the entire palace rallied round trying to help his wife.

Flavius' mother Julia insisted on meeting Jake's family to thank them for the way that Jake was looking after Flavius. For most women such an invitation would mean visits to the beauty parlour, a new robe and hours of preparation. Even Luke's mother, who had been known to tell the Emperor to wipe his feet, drove her husband to distraction preparing for a visit to the provincial palace.

Jake's wife, Brenda, appeared as if she had not even brushed her hair and looked dully ahead, almost unaware of her surroundings. When the baby started crying, she shrugged when Julia offered one of her maids to look after her.

"Would you mind if I took Jake away for a moment?" Julia asked, "He won't discuss Flavius in front of anyone."

Again Brenda just shrugged.

"There's definitely something wrong." Julia said, "I've encountered nervousness, jealousy, all sorts of reactions but never apathy before. I can find your family an apartment in the palace. She'll be able to rest while the staff look after her. I know Flavius is recovering well but until that wound has healed completely I'd like you nearby."

"I can stay in the palace anyway." Jake said, "I can't hand over my family problems to you."

"You won't." Julia replied, "You'll hand them over to my son's staff. They love him as much as I do and we're all grateful to you. It's either you standing up to him or one of them. Believe me they'll do anything to make sure it's you."

Jake grinned, "Thank you, My Lady. I'd be very grateful."

For the first few weeks Jake banned Flavius from going out alone for fear he might be jostled though he was soon well enough to wander around the market finding he could spend more and more time there. He chose a simple, white half tunic so it was difficult to tell his rank. He wasn't strong enough to join in with the other market boys but he still liked to escape the formality of Governor.

"You don't have to accompany me every time I go out, General." Flavius said, "I'm sure your minders can cope."

"What minders?" the General asked.

Flavius looked around then pointed at a couple of men.

"Those two for a start." Flavius laughed, "The one down the road has either got a fetish for lingerie or he's trying to avoid catching my eye. The other one's not much better. It's harder spotting Chief Williams' men but I think one's just gone inside and is reading his paper."

General Maximilian stared at him.

"So why do you sit out here in full view?" General Maximilian asked.

"Why not?" Flavius asked looking towards a third man and waving him over.

"Don't blow your cover, Eric." Flavius said, "Just sit down as usual."

"Eric's one of your best men." Flavius said to General Maximilian, "It took me a hell of a time to realise he wasn't a tourist. So how's it going, Eric?"

"It's all quiet, Flavius." Eric replied, "Your men have spotted a couple of suspects and I've radioed in the intelligence."

He looked nervously at General Maximilian as he spoke.

"It's got a bit silly," Flavius said, "I changed direction unexpectedly and we ended up face to face. The only way to preserve his cover was to act as if he was someone I knew. The locals know he's an agent but visitors don't twig."

"OK, so what's this about your own men?"

"How many of them can you spot?" Flavius asked.

General Maximilian glanced around shaking his head. "I can't see any."

Flavius raised his good arm and two boys about ten years old came hurrying over.

Flavius grinned, "Here's two of them. What do you think of the General's security arrangements, boys."

For some reason, the boy's took it as an excuse for one to sit on General Maximilian's lap while the other stood close pressing into his shoulder as they pointed out the various agents.

"OK boys. Give General Maximilian back his wallet and watch."

Flavius laughed at the General's confusion.

"The Governor gave them a choice. Enslavement or school. They chose wisely but they still fleece visitors at the station. The difference is they give the the stuff back and show the marks how to protect themselves. There's always a little crowd watching them and they do well out of tips. No one loses except professional pickpockets."

"I thought I recognised them. They still get searched pretty regularly but nothing's ever been found on them."

"That's good. The Governor would have to sentence them to an adult type flogging if they mess up the the chance he's given them."

"I'm still not sure what you're up to. The general snapped a little irritably.

"Flavius looks after us so we look after him." one of the boys said, "He let's us stay in the slave quarters if dad gets too drunk. We don't have to do it for food any more and it's fun playing tricks on adults.

"That's not what I meant. Are these your only men?"

"No but they're all kids. Guards and security agents don't take them seriously. Eric here does and passes on the information he receives from them. You'd better find Andy. Tell him to keep low today."

The boys headed off.

"Andy Wiles?" the General said, "You know we're after him."

"He's harmless. He sits in his room all day dreaming of becoming a great musician but he's too full of crack to lift his guitar. You want him because of all the photos my men have taken of his deals and passed onto Eric. You should be building up quite a dossier of dealers."

"We are and we've been wondering how one man was getting so much information. I take it you want the the answer to stay at this table."

"For the moment." Flavius said, "There's the problem of the kids being believed and I'm concerned that his immediate superiors won't take the security so seriously."

"Fair enough." General Maximilian said, "I still don't see why so many many people help you. You get the youngsters rousted and you stop them getting drugs. They should resent the authority."

"Andy's not the only one I turn a blind eye to." Flavius said, "Slave Flavius does warn them if they're going too far and sometimes the Governor has inside knowledge if they end up in court. The quarters and the districts are very tight knit communities, though. They hate a thief because it's betrayal of trust and on the whole they prefer law and order."

The General nodded.

"I could tell my men to lay off Andy, if you like."

"No." Flavius said, "Slave Flavius can risk a whipping by helping a criminal but the Governor can't use his influence to save him."

"I think I understand."

"Excuse me, General, but I couldn't help overhearing. One of my neighbours was sentenced to a flogging and slavery for burglary. It served him right. It was to pay for his habit. His wife and daughter were enslaved too but Flavius arranged for them to go to an elderly couple who needed looking after. I've seen them around and the couple are happy. The wife and daughter will be freed in their will and maybe even inherit the house."

He turned to Flavius.

"You remember the case, sir." he said to Flavius who nodded, "You would have got a better price selling the girl to a brothel but she's with good people who won't abuse her. Most would just have sold them all and forgotten about it. The law's tough but Flavius makes it fair and we like it."

He looked around.

"The guards are coming. If you don't want to be searched again, I'm sure you'll be able to slip upstairs out of the way.

"If it's that good looking one then he's free to feel under my tunic." Flavius smiled, "Thank you but it's part of that fairness you mentioned. Afterwards let's see who's been rounded up today."

It was one of the young soldier's first duty as a town guard. Nervous because his General was watching and under orders to treat all young men fairly and politely he made Flavius take off his tunic so that he could examine it for contraband stuck to the inside. He looked uncertainly as Flavius raised his arms as high as he could, pleased to discover that the one on his wounded side now almost reached shoulder height.

"We've been told that internal searches are unnecessary unless we're suspicious, sir." he said carefully, "But the dressing could hide something and I've got no orders about it."

"Oh for God's sake man." the General snapped, "Don't you know who we are?"

"Yes sir and for all I know, this could be some sort of test."

"Good thinking." Flavius interrupted before the General could reply, "May I lower my arm, please? It's beginning to hurt."

"Yes of course, sir." the guard said, "The General is in charge of these searches. If he can assure me that you have been properly searched and you have not come into contact with any suspect then it would be foolish to continue."

"No he bloody well hasn't and you're a fool anyway." General Maximilian snapped, "You'll be re-assigned."

"Stop trying to fuss over me, General." Flavius exclaimed, "It's not like you to treat your soldiers like this."

"Maybe you're right." General Maximilian, "I don't like to see you treated like this. OK you're willing but questioning you about your wound is going too far."

"He's polite and courteous." Flavius said, "He saw something worth checking and tried to find the best way of doing it. Please General. You're knocking yourself out over something that was beyond your control."

"Very well." General Maximilian said. He turned to the soldier, "My apologies. You acted correctly. How many have you caught this time?"

"Three sir." the soldier replied, "And a good stash of drugs between them. We get good intelligence, sir."

"I'd like to see them one at a time." Flavius said, "Can you arrange it before they're taken away? I'd like the drugs brought here as well."

"Yes sir." the soldier replied

The first one was a youth in his twenties. He was quiet enough but as he approached the table where Flavius was sitting he spotted the drugs. He kept glancing at them then looking almost pleadingly at Flavius.

"Take him away." Flavius ordered.

The second prisoner was about Flavius age. He defiantly stared back at Flavius who turned to the guard.

"Use your bayonet." Flavius commanded, "Get his clothes off him."

He turned back to the prisoner

"Stand on tip toe, get your feet further apart. Hands above your head spread them until the chain's tight. Guard, use the prod every time he loses position. Turn up the setting each time."

"Fuck you, you fu…"

His angry response turned into a scream as a prod fired against his thigh. He tried yelling again and again it turned into a scream as he was prodded.

Reluctantly he obeyed Flavius.

The boy quickly showed signs of distress. He was not in pain yet but his muscles were stretching in unusual directions and his tendons were strained awkwardly.

A sheen of sweat covered his body in spite of the cool breeze.

"I can get you a supply." he gasped, "I know who Blood Hand deals with. I can help you set up your own dealers."

"Take him away." Flavius snapped. Angry at the attempt to bribe him he imagined the boy's agony as he drove his knee into the other's cock and balls. He might have done it for real, taking pleasure in seeing the other boy curl up in agony at his feet but his side still hurt.

The third prisoner was a little older than Flavius. He was relaxed, almost resigned. He watched Flavius warily. Flavius rapped out the same orders as with the second boy. Also like the second boy, he was soon struggling.

"We don't grass, you know." he gasped, "Please, I don't want to be shocked but I can't keep still for much longer."

"Maybe I want to see you jerk around and hear you scream." Flavius said quietly, "Why should I care what you want?"

"I don't know."

Flavius glanced at the drugs.

"You don't care about other peoples lives. At least, you're not going to destroy any more."

"Do you care or do you just get rich off of them?" the boy panted desperately trying to find enough reserves to talk. General Maximilian and the guards started towards him.

"Relax." Flavius said calmly, "You as well, boy. Sit down. Someone fetch him a glass of water. What's your name?"

"Ryan." he replied then after a moments hesitation, "sir."

"Flavius in this tunic. You've been round this market and the forum. Do you think it's the same as the one in the West Quarter?"

"No." Ryan replied.

"How is it different?"

"The people here are soft and smug. That's why they're a pushover."

"Supposing I said they're prosperous and relaxed because they trust the guards to protect them. If they're pushovers, how many have given into you and your gangs."

Ryan looked at him, not answering.

"So when are you going to question me?" he finally asked.

"I don't think we'll bother." Flavius said, "The others you saw being led away will be telling us everything we want to know by tonight when they're begging for a fix. There's plenty of others like them. You'll be too much time and effort. I want you to keep your strength up for the cross."

The boy nodded, staring fearfully at Flavius.

"I'd like to live." he said softly.

"You could try begging." Flavius said.

"I'm not far off it." the boy admitted.

"You could apply for voluntary enslavement now." Flavius said before turning to the guards, "If he agrees he can start work in the market as soon as he's signed the papers. Arrange suitable supervision, please. If he wants to talk to me about the West Quarter then bring him to me after he's finished work."

Flavius' ribcage was hurting as General Maximilian walked him home.

"You're overdoing it." the General said, "Try to rest more."

"I get plenty of rest." Flavius snapped, "I'll feel happier when I can last a meeting of the House of Sparta without falling asleep. "

"You're doing fine." the General said, "So why did you think the Ryan boy worth saving?"

"I'm not sure if I do yet." Flavius replied, "Remember I can have him sold to the mines or put him permanently in one of the hard labour gangs. They'll both kill him but it'll take a year or so instead of a few days. I gave him a chance. Let's see what he does with it."

"So why didn't you help the others?

"The first one only had eyes for the drugs. If he's not kept in chains for the rest of his life he'll betray his master and run to the nearest supplier. The second one tried to bribe me and stretched like that I could see the track marks. He's only fit for a labouring gang and he can take his chances.

"Ryan seemed to be clean and only involved because he assumed everyone else had their angle. He spoke honestly and showed his true feelings. He'll be highly visible in the market. The locals might appreciate seeing the results of the crackdown."

They did not speak any more. Flavius was too tired.

"How's Brenda?" Flavius asked that night as Jake changed the dressing.

"She seems a bit brighter." Jake replied, "But I wish she'd see a doctor. I'm still sure that there's something wrong."

"I'd like to appoint a nurse to set up and run a sick bay in the palace." Flavius said, "Between the slaves, regular staff and visitors we seem to have at least one incident a week. We also seem have more than our fair share of royal visitors. I'd like someone to keep an eye on health and safety. Are you interested?"

"Yes, Your Excellency." Jake replied.

"OK, I was going to offer you the job anyway but do you think all new staff and their families should have a medical?"

Jake nodded, "Yes sir. She might accept that. Thank you, sir.

Flavius stared at Jake's crotch.

"It's only a thought but do you have more interesting physiotherapy exercises?"

Flavius' ribs could still be painful but the signs were still there that he would make a full recovery. Each day, he was aware that he could do a little more. Jake steadily reduced the amount of painkillers. Sometimes Flavius tried to do to much. Jake would send him to bed and give him extra tablets, making him sleep alone. More and more often, Jamie, his friend Johnny and Bjorn would sleep with him.

One night, while they were all gathered in the House of Sparta, he asked Bjorn about Tony.

"If I told him to jump off the palace roof he'd do it." Bjorn laughed, "If we're in bed he'll ask me what I want him to do. The best I can figure is that he's terrified of seeming ungrateful."

"So you've got an attentive slave." Flavius said, "Isn't that what he should be?"

"Palaces are full of them." Bjorn exclaimed, "He was friendly until I spoke up for him. I liked it. I liked him but now he's just an obedient puppy."

"I've discovered that one of my slaves plays chess and knows a little about wine." Germanicus said, "At first I made him drink a couple of glasses just to relax him but now we can enjoy very pleasant evenings together. It's good to have slaves who can be more responsive."

"What about his brother, Terry?" Titus asked.

"He's a lost cause." Flavius replied, "He's attacked another prisoner and a guard. His case comes up tomorrow. I suppose that's why I was wondering about Tony."

"You're not a do-gooder looking for a cause or wanting to change the world." Germanicus said, "But you'll help a noble out with a loan with the same compassion you use to allow a slave gain his freedom. You work with the people you become aware of.

"I know the younger brother's history and I agree, he should be crucified. However, if I know you at all, you'll be wondering about the effect it'll have on Bjorn's slave."

Flavius nodded.

"I'm inclined to sentence him to enslavement then invite the guard and the prisoner he attacked to finish the fights he started. They wouldn't be true gladiatorial fights, they would be too one sided but he could survive without too much permanent damage.

"You knew the prisoner's circumstances and spoke up for him. I was able to reduce his punishment to a whipping. He knows it's because of you that he'll be able to go back to his family and I do know he's partly grateful to you."

"Partly grateful?" Alan asked.

Germanicus grinned, "Part of him is scared and resents the whipping. The grateful part knows that if it wasn't for Flavius he'd be enslaved.

"What I was trying to say was that he'd be willing to give the boy a good beating but leave him intact.

This is all highly unofficial but I happen to know the guard would be willing too."

"Why bother?" Flavius asked, "He'll be a useless slave. There're a lot more deserving cases."

"Maybe but we're both arguing from the other's usual point of view which is intriguing. Maybe you should think about turning Terry into an obedient puppy while turning Tony into Bjorn's friend. It'll occupy you while you're still recovering

"Do you suppose we could spend time at the fort." Bjorn asked, "Maybe I could get to know him if we're on the same side."

Chapter 4

A few days later, Tony found himself standing in front of Lukas who was seated in a comfortable chair. Brutus was kneeling beside him holding a glass on a tray. Brutus was holding the tray high and out slightly so that Lukas could reach it comfortably. It was highly uncomfortable for Brutus and it placed a slight but constant strain on his arms.

"In this fort, I am the Master." Lukas began, "And I have a job to do. It's difficult to explain.

"My young master wants to prove that he's not only a noble lord but also a capable young man. Soon he will be able to do every job on the estates and he knows what it's like to work the fields like a slave."

Lukas paused and chuckled, "That's why we have water boys going round ensuring slaves don't get dehydrated.

"His closest noble friends have the same ideas. Flavius Aulus, your master, Prince Bjorn don't need their underlings bowing and scraping all the time. They need people who can see beyond their rank and see their qualities as men.

"Do you understand?"

"Yes sir." Tony replied, "I suppose that's why I've been sent away. Prince Bjorn needs someone who can do that."

"You don't think that you can?"

"I'm just a slave and an ex drug pusher. Who cares what I think?"

"Would you believe the Emperor and the King of Scandinavia?"

Tony stared at Lukas who grinned and continued, "No, they don't care whether you live or die. They do care about the friendship you offered a young slave. If Bjorn had really been a slave would you have been his friend?"

Tony nodded, "There was something about him. I thought he was joking when he told me who he was but he didn't mind. We talked while he cleaned me and it was nice."

Tony paused, understanding something, "He wanted to be friendly. That's why he kept coming back to see me."

"And now?"

"He saved my life to be his slave. It's OK. He was good to me. Now I can be good to him."

Lukas pointed at Brutus

"Outside, this slave is my master, Lord Brutus." Lukas said, "Sometimes I go to his quarters as his friend and often I'm his slave working the estates for him. If he drops that glass then I'll whip him raw. If I was to betray the estate he'd bury me alive in the compost heap."

"That's the way His Excellency separates himself, isn't it."

Lukas nodded, "Flavius is tough. I'd think twice about getting in a knife fight with him. I'm twice his size, survived in a gang because I was handy with one and only got arrested because I wounded a noble. Brutus and Cassius don't have to hide behind their rank, either. They're just as tough.

"And now Bjorn wants a slave who can make him just as tough."

Lukas held up his hand.

"Yes. You. He'll get all the training he needs in the House Of Sparta. You're three years older than him. When you go to bed with him, his arse should be yours for the taking. Don't you realise that?"

"I can't do that." Tony exclaimed, "I'd hurt him."

"Probably." Lukas agreed cheerfully, "What's this about you getting him up for school?"

"He's terrible getting up in the morning." Tony said, "I shake him but he just tells me to fuck off. What can I do?"

"Grab him by the hair and throw him into a cold shower." Lukas said, "He gets caned by Steven because he's late so you're doing him no favours."

"Lord Ragnar's said something similar." Tony admitted, "I just can't believe he means it though."

"He does." Lukas confirmed, "Bjorn's here by choice. You're here because you were ordered. Your orders are now to get some confidence in dealing with Bjorn. At the moment he's in chains, locked in a cell. You're also to administer a whipping. Lord Ragnar will inspect his back and ensure it was severe enough."

"What?"

"Nobles sometimes have an odd sense of pride." Lukas smiled, "His brother used his position to avoid punishment. Bjorn is coming out of Svan's shadow and needs to prove himself better than his brother. He offered to take Svan's punishment but Flavius didn't accept. I think he wants to show that the offer was genuine if only to his friends."

"I'd better go to Bjorn." Tony said.

"No. I think you need time to take all this in. Sit down and have a drink. Enjoy being a master for once."

It was considerably later when Tony finally stood looking at Bjorn through the bars of the cell. Bjorn had been waiting, nervously anticipating how Tony would handle things. Tony opened the cell door and unlocked the manacles.

"Come with me." he snapped, leading the way through to the kitchen. He pointed to a chair the table, rapping out a simple 'sit'.

Bjorn watched curiously as Tony served up the steaks he had been cooking with a simple salad and a glass of watered wine.

As they ate, Tony relaxed.

"I'm your slave and for now I'm happy with that." he said quietly, "Terry talked about the tattoo he'd get when he proved himself to the gang. You want a scarred a back to prove yourself to your gang. You don't see your grandfather as a gang leader or the House of Sparta as a gang but the result is the same.

"I wouldn't help Terry impress them and I'm not going to help you.

"There's another reason why I try not to be your friend. I want you to help Terry and it would be unfair ask you for that sort of help."

"I know that." Bjorn laughed, "I knew you'd risk your own chances for him so I've already spoken to Germanicus about him. Even Flavius is ready to give up on him but for your sake he's got one last chance. Flavius intends breaking him until he's fit for little more than working in the fields then giving him to me. I'll own both of you. He can learn to be our servant or I've got plenty of fields where he can work. It'll be up to him."

Tony stared thoughtfully at Bjorn.

"You're serious about wanting to be my friend, aren't you?" Tony said thoughtfully, "There's something I'd like. A piano. Mum taught me and I love music. Is it OK to ask you for something like that?"

Tony waited nervously, certain that he had annoyed the younger boy as Bjorn went through to the office and picked up the phone.

"This is Prince Bjorn." he said as closed the door with his foot.

Lukas arrived a little later and with a terse come on, led the way to the main house. They entered the library and Lukas directed Tony to a grand piano. Lord Crevellio was relaxing in a large comfortable armchair with a book in his lap.

"You've got ten minutes." he said gruffly, "Convince me it's worth disturbing me and you can stay longer."

Tony gulped, too scared to speak and hurried over to the piano. He tentatively tried some scales. They were jerky and he hit the wrong keys. Bjorn approached him and rested his arm on Tony's shoulder.

"Easy." he whispered, "Take a deep breath.

Tony obeyed and tried again. It was much better though the lack of practice was still obvious. Then he tried a simple piece. It was a classic but well known. He was still a little jerky but he was becoming lost in the music, forgetting his surroundings.

He next played a folk song from Bjorn's home singing to the tune. To his surprise Bjorn joined in providing harmonies. As they sang, they snatched glances at each other smiling.

As the song ended they were startled by the sound of clapping. Lady Crevellio had entered the room. Without thinking Lukas had joined in until Lord Crevellio glared at him.

"Don't stop on my account." Lord Crevellio said as gruffly as ever, "My son's gone to the Provincial Palace so they're your guests. I suggest you find chairs for Lady Augustina and yourself. And give everyone a drink."

Lord Crevellio was genuinely annoyed that his sanctum had been invaded but deep down he still saw Bjorn as a foreign prince and would not refuse him any hospitality. Before sitting down, Lady Augustina showed them a pile of music sheets then chatted to her husband while Bjorn and Tony selected another piece.

Tony was exhausted when they finished. Not only his hands ached but flashes of pain streaked up his arms. He had also spent an evening lost in the music he loved with a companion who seemed to share his passion. He was happier than he had been since his mother died.

"I suppose you wish to return to that fort and play your games." Lord Crevellio said, "A pity. My wife would welcome such talented house guests."

"My Master would be pleased to accept such an invitation." Tony said quickly, "If I may use the phone I'll send for more suitable clothes for him."

Lord Crevellio nodded, "Yes of course. My majordomo will give you everything you need. Is something wrong Your Royal Highness."

"Not really," Bjorn began uncertainly, "It's just that…"

He tailed off uncertainly.

"You want your slave to relax with you." Lord Crevellio said, "Good slaves are ten a penny but a good friend is something to be valued. Brutus does tell me what's going on."

Bjorn grinned and nodded.

"I suggest that your first act of friendship would be to ensure that he gets a chance to practice everyday. I further suggest that you respect his desire to be a good servant. He's got a good body and its your right to enjoy it. Allow him the privilege of enjoying yours if you wish but be patient. Relationships like this take time to develop."

Bjorn nodded again only more seriously.

Lord Crevellio turned to Lukas.

"Are you waiting for my son in his bed or do you have other pleasures planned for tonight?"

"I think he intends staying at the House of Sparta tonight, Master." Lukas replied, "With your permission I'll return to the bunkhouse."

Lord Crevellio nodded.

That night Bjorn slept spooned up to Tony, filled by the older boy's cock. Tony was just as content. His Master understood him better and he could relax.

Only Terry was unhappy lying on a cold cell floor, unaware that Flavius had a couple of visitors.

"General Maximilian has explained the problem, sir." the guard was saying, "I'd be happy to bend him over my knee and take a belt to him, especially if I could do it in front of my comrades."

"Thank you." Flavius said, "Will?"

"Why should I help you?" Will snapped angrily, "It's not me who should be whipped."

"I believe Sylvia." Flavius replied, "I was investigating it but smashing the guard's car windscreen was stupid. If I'd applied the full tariff you'd be enslaved by now. As it is by the time you've paid the compensation all your savings will be gone. You can forget about setting up house with her. You can't afford it any more."

Flavius paused, "The guard can now claim that she's now got a grudge against him because he reported you. That'll taint her evidence. I've got other witnesses but the defence will ask why they didn't come forward earlier. You've destroyed any case I was building against him. Worse you've left him free to grope other girls while supposedly searching them. You should be whipped just for that."

"I'm sorry." Will responded, "I just got so angry."

"You got so drunk." Flavius said remorselessly.

Will just nodded, "Do what you like with the boy. I won't complain but I don't want to be involved."

"Fair enough." Flavius said, "You're on bail. If you complete your punishment we'll talk about some sort of loan. It's all I can do."

"Thank you sir." Will said as he left.

"Do you know the soldier we were talking about?" Flavius asked the guard.

"Oh yes sir. I'd have done more than smash his car if he'd touched my girlfriend like that. It's a pity you can't do anything about it."

Flavius grinned to himself. He had recovered most of his mobility. He was nearly ready to take on the West Quarter. Personally reviewing the prisoners already taken had been filling in time. He had persuaded Chief Williams of the Imperial Secret Service to begin surveillance of the guard and some of his friends were also discreetly watching him.

Flavius was sure the guard was over confident and would try something soon. If he did there would be enough evidence to crucify him.

It only left Terry. From the moment that Lukas had almost drowned him in the dirt his life had become worse than he could have believed possible. He had not been beaten while tied to the whipping post. Instead the word 'Troublemaker' had been written on his chest in big black indelible letters and he had just been left there.

Slaves strolled past him, mainly ignored him but occasionally felt his nipples or crotch. He could only stand immovable as they sauntered across to their quarters for their evening meal, laughing and joking with their friends.

Terry scared them. He had upset their master which threatened them. They certainly were not going to show him any sympathy. That would seem like taking sides against their master so he just stood there, hungry, thirsty with the cool night air steadily chilling him. As dawn broke and the estate came to life so he waited for someone to take pity on him. As the morning sun warmed him and he was still ignored, the fear that he was being left to die engulfed him.

He tried calling out but found himself gagged for his trouble. It did not matter that his cry was a croaky rasp. Being ignored was worse than the gag. He was talked about, prodded, poked and handled but any sound he made was met with a slap or a punch.

Guards arrived for him mid morning. He ached for standing in one position for so long and yelled, or rather pushed air around the gag as one hand was finally released and he tried to lower his arm. The muscles were locked, stiff and unyielding.

As he was released from the post so he was locked into punishment restraints, everything thicker and twice as heavy as normal ones. In his weakened state he could not bear the weight and collapsed to the ground.

Arms grabbed him, dragging him along until he was thrown into the back of a lorry. He felt the lorry moving but he lost all sense of time. He was aware of it stopping and as he was dragged out, saw that he was in some army barracks before being taken to a latrine.

He was bent over a table as nozzle was forced into him and he was filled with water. Even the slaves wrinkled their noses as they yanked out the nozzle allowing the foul smelling detritus to flood out of him. They hosed the floor down then repeated the process. No one spoke to Terry or offered him any sympathy.

He felt as if he was just being processed. It continued until only clear water poured out of him. His stomach ached from the succession of cramps he had suffered, he was sore from the nozzle being repeatedly inserted and he was hungry. He had absorbed enough water to ease his thirst a little but he was in a bad way as he was hauled off to a barrack room.

He was left standing beside a chair and a table with a fearful looking strap resting on it. When he could drag his eyes away from the strap he watched chairs being put out as if to seat an audience.

What followed became hazy, difficult for Tony to remember. There were the two soldiers who grabbed him and tied him to the table but he could not remember what they looked like though he did recognise the soldier who he had attacked. He remembered the first searing blow across his back but no others though he could still feel the pain spread until his back, arse and legs felt as if they were on fire. He was sure that he would be scarred for life if he even survived.

No one spoke to him still, he was still gagged so he could scream but he could not beg. His cock hung between his legs, not pressed into table so sometimes the strap flicked round to catch it or his balls.

He was sure that he passed out only aware of the foul smelling salts bringing him around again. He must have released because his next memory was returning the chairs then being handed a bucket and mop. There was always a soldier nearby ready to encourage him with a prod as he cleaned the whole barracks.

Finally his collar was attached to a chain fixed to the wall. He was given a bowl of food and another of water which he quickly devoured. Not knowing what else to do he lay down. He didn't see the rest of the squad returning for he was asleep, not waking until he was rousted just before dawn and dragged to lie with his back to the table. His chest, stomach and the front of his thighs took the punishment this time. Again it continued until he passed out and again he was brought round then to set to cleaning duties.

The gag had been taken out the night before so that he could eat. He had stayed quiet so it had not been replaced. Once or twice he had looked pleadingly at his guard and had felt the prod and received a yelled order to get back to work.

He spent that night chained to the same wall.

He was woken just before dawn again then marched to the medical room. A medic looked at his back then announced that it had healed enough for fresh punishment. As he was returned to the barracks he saw the guard he had attacked standing with the belt. Terry burst into tears collapsing to his knees.

"Had enough?" the guard asked.

Terry nodded.

"Do you know will happen if you attack one of us again?"

"Please, I won't do it again." Terry wept, "I'm sorry."

"Take him to get something to eat." the guard said, "I'll tell the governor I'm satisfied."

To his surprise, he was taken back to stand in front of Lukas.

"Let him rest and get some food inside him." Lukas ordered, "We've got some unfinished business and I want him fit to complete it."

The following day all his restraints were removed and he was made to do light exercises with a couple of beefy slaves acting as his guards. He thought about running but lacked the courage. All he could think of was avoiding punishment.

The next morning followed the same routine but in the afternoon he was taken out into the yard. He noticed Lord Crevellio standing on a balcony looking down on the slaves forming a circle that looked suspiciously like an arena.

Lukas arrived, shepherded him into the ring then handed him a practice knife. Instead of sharp edges it had a series of metal studs which could deliver powerful electric shocks.

"OK boy." Lukas said in a quiet almost friendly voice, "Come at me. Unless you stop me, I'm going to hurt you."

Terry was in no state to argue. He guessed that he was going to get hurt whatever he did. It also seemed as if he had the advantage. Taking a couple of deep breaths to steady himself, he charged. Lukas stepped sideways, grabbed his wrist and twisted it around so that the dagger touched the boy's back. Everyone heard the crackle of electricity a moment before Terry screamed.

Lukas waited until Terry had recovered.

"In a real fight, you need the blade pointing upwards so that it slides in under the ribs. You can try for the neck or head but it's a smaller target and leaves your own body exposed. Now try again."

Terry ignored Lukas' advice and charged with his arm raised. Lukas dropped to one knee, raising his arm in turn as he did so and grabbing his opponent's wrist. At the same time he drove his other fist into Terry's solar plexus.

Again he waited for Terry to recover.

"I thought you were into knife fights." Lukas said still sounding calm and friendly.

"Please." Terry begged, "No more."

Lukas moved close to Terry spreading his arms a little so that they were clear of his body.

"What about now? He asked.

Terry dropped the knife.

"Please, I've had enough."

"OK, Brutus do you want a go?"

Brutus stood up, stripped off his tunic and took the knife. The difference was immediately obvious. He held it expertly judging the balance before lunging. It was not a desperate charge like Terry but a feint to test his opponent. He suddenly switched the knife into his other hand and lunged again.

Lukas was taken by surprise and the knife touched his wrist. He yelped and jerked his wrist back leaving his groin exposed. Brutus nearly fell into the trap but pulled back. Lukas was still alert and although one hand was weakened his other could have grabbed Brutus.

He had stepped back at a slight angle and there was an opening. He lunged forward again only this time the full length of the blade ran over Lukas' biceps making his arm spasm. In a real fight his arm would be useless and bleeding profusely. Lukas yelled and stepped back.

"Yield or to the death?" Brutus asked.

"I'll yield." Lukas groaned nursing his arm, "You're getting too good."

Brutus turned to Terry, "Do you want a go with me? Winner fucks the loser all night."

Terry stared wide-eyed, desperately shaking his head.

"I think he's ready to meet his new master." Lukas said to Brutus, "You're going to that gathering tonight. You take him."

The room was full and noisy with conversation. Brutus stood him against the wall and left him. Although he was back in chains they were lightweight, suitable for his age. Compared to the ones they were replacing they seemed like feathers.

Even so he knew better to move or make a sound. He did gasp and twitch slightly when he saw his brother, Tony.

Tony was dressed in a brown half tunic but he was laughing happily as a noble talked to him. Terry noticed another slave but his tunic was edged with gold and bore an insignia over the left thigh. He also wore a gold chain around his neck. Terry could see other slaves in similar tunics and chains serving. What he found odd was the easy way that they chatted to the free men present.

Finally Tony noticed him. Instead of greeting his brother he beckoned a slave over to give him some instructions. The slave then approached Terry while Tony walked confidently over to a piano. As he struck the first few notes, Terry was hustled away, taken to Bjorn and Tony's apartment. Telling Terry to stand still and wait for his new master, the slave left.

Tony completed his recital to the House of Sparta and headed for the apartment. He was not sure if he had been given instructions or advice. Either way they boiled down to the idea that he should bully or dominate Terry until he accepted his new status.

"Get me out of chains, Tony." Terry ordered as soon as he saw his brother. Terry might flinch if anyone else noticed him but he still thought that he could control Tony.

Tony looked at him and without warning punched his brother in the stomach so that he doubled up in pain.

"You've run out of chances." he said as Terry recovered, "If it wasn't for Master Bjorn wanting to do something for me, you'd be dead by now. If not you'd still be hanging on a cross praying for it to end. Now, you're just a dumb slave."

"You're my brother." Terry wailed, "You've got to help me."

Tony brought his knee up into Terry's balls. Terry screamed and tried doubling up with pain but Tony locked his hand onto Terry's throat and pushed him back up against the wall.

"I know it was my fault as well." Tony said, "I let you drag us into that gang. Well, you're not dragging me into any more trouble. I'm happy here."

Terry stared at Tony not daring to speak or move.

"That's better. Hands behind your head, feet apart." Tony said, "Master Bjorn won't be long. Be ready for him."

Even as he spoke, the door to the apartment opened. Tony leapt to stand beside Terry, adopting the same display position. Bjorn entered turning to look at the two brothers.

"A bit formal, aren't we?" Bjorn asked.

"No, Master. I must set an example for Terry to follow."

"Fair enough but you may relax now." Bjorn said, "Come here."

Tony stepped forward, wrapping his arms around Bjorn. They kissed passionately while Terry watched, wide-eyed in amazement.

"I'm spending the night with Flavius." Bjorn said, "You'll have the apartment to yourself."

"Thank you, Master." Tony replied.

"Make sure he understands that you've earned privileges that he hasn't."

"Yes Master."

Bjorn grinned. "Then you'll be able to call me Bjorn again."

The two grinned conspiratorially.

"Since you're in slave mode, you can find me a fresh tunic while I shower." Bjorn added slipping his hand under Tony's tunic to fondle his balls, "Nice and full. I'm sure the new slave will appreciate a gift from his overseer. I'm saving mine for young Johnny."

Bjorn changed quickly and left. Tony was just about to take Terry to the bathroom to clean it when there was a knock at the door. Tony opened it and immediately stepped back, assuming the display position again as Lord Ragnar entered.

"A simple bow will do when ushering in a guest." Lord Ragnar smiled, "You have to close the door, announce the guest then possibly take his coat."

"Yes My Lord," Tony replied, "His Royal Highness isn't here. He's with His Excellency until tomorrow."

"No matter." Lord Ragnar snapped, "I merely wanted to know whether he needed anything for the reception tomorrow."

"His clothes are already back from the cleaners, My Lord." Tony replied, "I'll polish his dress shoes tomorrow morning and lay out his regalia after. He can rest for a while in the afternoon and I'll see that he begins preparing about 5 o'clock."

"You'll see that he begins?" Lord Ragnar queried, "Are you becoming more confident dealing with him?"

"I think so, My Lord."

"Good. Remove your tunic please.

Puzzled, Tony obeyed.

"Very nice." Lord Ragnar said, "Have you made many girls happy with your manhood?"

Tony blushed, "Not many, My Lord. It seemed to take my energy just to keep the squat going."

"So what sort of girls interest you, big breasts or a nice arse?"

Lord Ragnar held up his hand, "No don't answer. Your cock seems to be enjoying the question. Let me explain.

"The Scandinavian throne is secure at the moment but if there's any doubt about the succession then there's scope for pretenders to try and muscle in.

"You do find people unfortunate enough not to be able to appreciate both sexes. Normally it only affects them but Bjorn needs to be able to produce an heir. It's not a problem at the moment but perhaps you could express a desire to visit a brothel from time to time. Feel free to invite him along then we shall see what we shall see."

"My Lord?"

Lord Ragnar smiled.

"Impregnating a woman may never be as satisfying as being impregnated by you but the more used he gets to it the more easily he will be able to provide a successor. You can't force the issue and maybe there's not even a problem but if there is then we have to deal with it."

"Yes My Lord."

"And you, no doubt, are thinking that it's no job for a street urchin and should be left to some noble."

Tony grinned and nodded.

"Your brother is standing there, lapping up every word we say." Lord Ragnar continued, "He's waiting for the chance to turn them to his advantage. So would most nobles. You're better than that. It's difficult to define. Perhaps it's that you'll succeed through your own abilities and not by pulling others down. You try to copy the slaves in this palace don't you?"

"Yes, My Lord."

"You could do worse. Officially Bjorn came here to visit a wounded friend. The death of his father and his brother's disappearance from public life has left a political vacuum. It's not being filled by plots and treason but by petty jealousies and jostling for positions that become available.

"Unofficially he's being kept out of the way until his Grandfather has completed the changes and it all settles down. You probably know most of this."

"Yes My Lord."

"Have you been approached?" Lord Ragnar asked, "Have you been offered rewards if you offer anything useful information about Prince Bjorn."

"Yes My Lord. I've had three or four calls when I've been here alone. They were always when he was at a function that had been announced."

"Was it three or four?"

"Four I think. Thinking about it, it could be five. One guy said that if they knew about Prince Bjorn plans then they could see that they went smoothly."

"We've only tested you three times and you didn't tell Prince Bjorn about that fifth one."

"No, My Lord. It sounded innocent at the time. Another one said he was calling on behalf of King Æirik and it was not to be discussed. It sounded odd but I was really scared when I told you."

"Then you understand the pressure Prince Bjorn could be under if he was home. I'm surprised that no one has suggested that if you keep quiet and something happened to the prince then you would be implicated in the plot. I'm ordering you to answer those calls as rudely as you can. Say whatever you like if you think it will discourage them."

"I've heard how one of Flavius' friends told the Emperor to fuck off." Tony grinned, "I'd hate to make a mistake like that."

"His Majesty's call to you would always be routed through my phone. You need not worry."

Tony stared at him.

"We are having this conversation for two reasons." Lord Ragnar said, "Firstly, you make Prince Bjorn happy. It has been noted as has your loyalty. We are also aware of your own self-doubts. I think the expression is, you're the real thing. Please be assured that you're not a stand-in until someone better comes along. I said earlier that we appreciate your qualities so carry on as you are and your future is assured.

The second reason is again something I mentioned earlier. Your brother needs to know the risks in betraying us. It will not be held against you if he tries but he needs to know that he would regret it."

"Yes My Lord. Thank you." Tony said.

"He may not show it but Prince Bjorn is grieving for the loss of his brother and father. You are helping to ease that grief so thank you. I'll leave you. Just remember you have a friend in me for as long as you offer friendship to Prince Bjorn.

"I always knew that you were an arse licker." Terry sneered as Lord Ragnar closed the door, "You've got these creeps crawling all over you. I'm your family, how about giving me a break?"

"You had a chance and you blew it." Tony snapped angrily, "At the vineyard, remember?"

"Yeah right." Terry scoffed, "A barmy kid who thought he was the owners son and a bunch of slaves who had some scam going."

"Brutus is Lord Crevellio's son. Steven is his partner." Tony said quietly, "They were learning about looking after the vines. Lukas is Brutus' slave and also his friend. There was no scam."

"So why did Brutus and Steven end up in a cell with me and how come they got beaten like me."

"They like games. Lukas went soft on them because you were involved."

"I didn't know." Terry cried, "If I had, I'd have offered my arse."

"If they'd wanted it, they'd have taken it." Tony laughed, "You've got nothing that they can't take now."

"So why do they crawl over you so much?

"I don't know. They seem to think I try looking after Bjorn the way I tried looking after you."

"Yeah but I wasn't a cissy boy and didn't need it."

Tony slapped Terry's face, hard. A big red mark appeared on his cheek as Terry shook his head to clear it.

"You needed it, all right. You nearly got us both killed and you're still trying to get yourself crucified. Can you imagine what it feels like when those nails go through your wrist?"

"So get us out of here." Terry said, "Once we're back in the West Quarter, we'll be safe."

"Flavius sent me some toys." Tony murmured more to himself than to Terry, "I hoped I wouldn't need them."

He went to a cupboard, rummaging around in a box before returning to Terry. Tony grabbed his brother's nose and as the boy opened his mouth to breathe or protest, Tony pushed in a spreader.

"You've always reckoned that you're too tough to suck cock." Tony whispered gently, "Tonight you're going to take mine and swallow my cum. You can kneel down and do it willingly and I'll let you cum as well or I'll put you in a chastity device for a month."

Terry stared at his brother, wide-eyed. Gang culture reflected Roman society in many ways. Allowing yourself to be penetrated lowered your status. Fighting off an assailant and fucking him instead raised it. Tony knew this as well as Terry.

"Is your back ready for another beating?" Tony asked.

Terry continued looking at his brother. He was different; more confident, more in command. Maybe he knew what he was doing. Terry sank to his knees. The spreader made it difficult to kiss his brother's cock so he took it into his mouth. Tony groaned appreciatively before grabbing Terry's hair, thrusting his hips. Terry was beyond panicking or resisting. He concentrated on breathing between thrusts and allowing his tongue and even his lips to stroke the invading cock.

Tony unexpectedly stopped, pulled Terry across to the bed before throwing him face down. He kicked Terry's legs apart before pushing into Terry from behind. Terry was no virgin and was used to being fucked roughly by older boys who he could not fight off. He did not resist even as Tony's thrusts became more urgent. Tony shot deep into his brother before collapsing on top of him, exhausted.

As he came down from his high he felt a little guilty at how he had treated his brother but as he rolled off and looked into Terry's eyes he saw a submissiveness that he had never seen before.

For the first time since his arrest he felt some hope that Terry might survive.

Chapter 5

As always, Flavius felt a little shy and exposed as he stood naked in front of Jake.

He had endured the usual checks, blood pressure, temperature and so on and had breathed deeply as Jake had listened to his chest through a stethoscope. He was now swinging his arms around demonstrating their mobility.

"No pain?" Jake asked.

"A little when I'm really stretched but I can live with it."

Jake frowned.

"Really." Flavius added, "I can breathe fine even if I'm stretched out like this."

He was standing on tip toe in a spread-eagled position while Jake watched closely.

"Fair enough." Jake said, "Relax. You've made your point. You're fine and you don't need me any more. I think I should return to the hospital."

"What about the first aid room?" Flavius asked.

"Those courses will bring your medics up to speed but there's not enough work to warrant a full time nurse. I've been offered a promotion so the money won't change and I'll feel more useful."

"When we take the gangs out in the West Quarter I want to set up medical facilities as soon as possible. It's been impossible for a doctor to work there without his pharmacy being raided every night. You know my staff so will you take charge of the operation? You've mentioned becoming a doctor. I'll cover your tuition fees, you can keep your position but just monitor things making sure there no problems while you study."

"That's very generous of you, sir." Jake replied, "Brenda's feeling a lot better since she began treatment. The Lady Julia's been wonderful to her. We'll move out of the palace of course."

"It's not necessary." Flavius said, "I'd still like a trained nurse on duty. You can arrange cover during the day and you'd be here at night. Besides, my mother loves playing the doting grandmother."

Jake grinned, "I use one of your maintenance slaves. He's better than my hand all the time. So I've got reasons for wanting to stay."

"Ah so you prefer grown men. I wondered."

"It's not a good idea to get attached to patients." Jake said, "I can't treat my wife or immediate family. You're getting hard now. Medically it's a sign that you're mentally and physically healthy. If I did what I wanted and kneel down to suck every last drop of sperm from you, I'd stop being objective. That's why I've kept your examinations as formal as possible."

"I see." Flavius said, "I thought your own sign was just as physically and mentally healthy. I wondered why you seemed to pull back. It was professional etiquette but that doesn't apply any more."

"Don't tempt me." Jake grinned, "Males are just fill ins while Brenda is ill. I think that I could get too fond of you if I didn't keep it formal."

Flavius slipped on his tunic, "If you ever change your mind let me know. I'd still like to try some exotic physio-therapy with you."

"You're fit enough now so you're going to be busy, aren't you?"

Flavius nodded, "I've got the West Quarter to clean up."

The palace's great hall was packed. The commanding officer plus a private soldier of every unit involved was present as well as a selection of civilian organisations. Flavius had asked for the gathering to be relaxed and informal as slaves moved through the throng offering refreshments. It had worked reasonably well. Officers were as unused to the meeting as the privates so their natural reserve had broken down a little.

As Flavius arrived and mounted the podium every soldier present and a good few citizens came to attention waiting for their Lord to speak.

"Thank you all for coming." Flavius began, "OK I know the military are under orders but I can't see anyone edging towards the doors hoping to slip away."

Flavius was pleased to hear a few chuckles and the atmosphere relaxed considerably.

"I'm not going to say anything that hasn't been covered in the countless other briefings you've had. I just want you to understand that if you keep to the orders you have been given you will have my full support as well as that of the palace and my friends.

"We are not about to invade a foreign country, neither are we about start a campaign against the West Quarter. At least three quarters of the people there are just trying to go about their daily lives. Our targets are the five per cent of gang leaders and heavies who prevent the place from enjoying the sort of prosperity the rest of the city does.

"I'm afraid the only spoils of war will be the satisfaction of knowing that you've helped improve the lives of a lot of people."

Again he succeeded in raising a quiet laugh.

"You'll be going against untrained teenagers and youths in their early twenties. Don't underestimate them. A drug crazed thirteen year old armed with a machine gun can be just as deadly as a trained soldier so don't hesitate to take him out. However if another one drops his gun and tries to run home to Mummy, let him go.

The first teams in are going after the gangs HQs. You've got pictures of the primary targets. I'd prefer them taken alive but the decision rests with the men on the spot. Let them run if they're unarmed and there's a risk to innocent civilians. If they're armed keep the risks to citizens to a minimum. If you seize the bulk of their arms and supplies while they scatter then you've broken their hold.

Flavius paused.

"That's when the medical units move in. Professionals have avoided the West Quarter. The only medical staff are dedicated volunteers. They've been overworked and underfunded. Treat all injuries impartially and without asking questions. It might not be a glamorous thought but if you find yourself treating a bad case of bunions before the day is out then the operation will have been a success.

Again there was a ripple of laughter.

"Like I said it's not glamorous but getting people back into the medical system is a quick and tangible benefit for aligning to us instead of the gangs. The same applies to the engineers. They haven't been able to enter the West Quarter without risking having their van and equipment stolen or someone taking pot shots at them. If you're trying to fix an electricity cable and someone asks if you can fix their fridge then have a go. It'll help convince people that the operation is for their benefit. Rescuing a cat from a tree would be appreciated more than restoring a thousand phone lines.

"The hard labour gangs have been pulled off their other work ready to help. To start with, it'll mainly be refuse collection. Anyone who is arrested can be put into those gangs. That includes anyone on our wanted list and anyone caught carrying a weapon or drugs. Remember you'll undo a lot of our public relations building if you detain anyone in case they're carrying or you're just suspicious. Feel free to take pictures of suspects before you arrest them to back yourselves up."

Flavius' audience nodded thoughtfully. Photographs was an idea he had only just thought of and it was new to his audience as well.

"Finally, don't get yourselves killed, don't get any innocent passers by killed and if possible save a few of the targets so they can be displayed on the work gangs.

"General."

"Thank you, Your Excellency." General Maximilian responded formally, "There is only one word of warning I would like to add. Local stores are used to paying protection and losing stock as so called gifts to the the gangs. They may well assume that you expect the same arrangement. Please be assured that any soldier accepting that sort of hospitality will find themselves in the hard labour gangs.

"I know that you do receive offers of hospitality that are just that but normal rules won't apply in the West Quarter for some time. Any questions?"

"We've been told not to start the 'stop and search' routines that we've been doing elsewhere." a soldier who had searched Flavius asked, "Isn't that giving them special treatment."

"We've been uncertain about it." Flavius admitted, "Judging by the way you searched me, you'd be quite happy if I'd searched you back. That's OK. The order refers to random searches and there'll be enough resentment to start without alienating anyone through heavy handed policing."

The soldier blushed at Flavius' remark but nodded, "Thank you, Your Excellency.""Are you going to check each prisoner personally as you have been doing?" another guard asked.

"No!" Flavius replied, "I've tried to set the criteria by which they're assessed and handled. I have to trust the courts and you to carry out my wishes."

"Yes, but don't you want us to give special consideration to prisoners your age or younger" the guard persisted.

"I don't know where this idea came from." Flavius answered, "I haven't dealt with any cases personally but I have spoken to the other magistrates. The youngest I've recommended for execution is nine years old. He told us everything he knew hoping for a fix. He offered his body to anyone who'd accept it as well. Doctors said he already had brain damage and he was physically in a bad way. He's been clean for a couple of weeks but still, all he thinks of is finding a fix.

He'd have to be kept restrained to stop him running off to find a dealer so who would want to buy him?"

The three or four I've recommended for enslavement have all been older than me. They've not got hooked and they're not out and out killers so I hope that their future owners have something to work with."

"Yes sir." the Guard replied, "I meant no offence."

"It was a fair question," Flavius replied, "I enjoy a good crucifixion but only when there's no alternative."

There were no more questions and the audience ended.

Flavius turned to General Maximilian.

"I feel a bit silly in this uniform." he said, "I feel more like a kid playing at soldiers than the officer in charge."

"Even kids could be arrested for having the Imperial eagle on their epaulettes." the General said, "Don't worry. The army does take you seriously and you are in charge of the campaign. Lieutenant Black will act as your aide.

"Thank you, General," Flavius said, "You're in charge. I'm going to change and slave Flavius can serve Lieutenant Black while he observes operations from a helicopter."

"You're not." General Maximilian snapped, "You're not getting yourself shot again."

"The governor says I am." Flavius grinned, "Lieutenant Black will see that I don't get into trouble."

"And you want to be at the front." the general grinned.

Flavius was still smiling.

"The locals are going to be worried." Flavius said more seriously, "It may help if I'm nearby. Don't worry, Reg isn't into suicide missions."

Lieutenant Reg Black smiled in his turn.

"Not on this sort of operation." Reg said, "Besides, he knows I'll put him over my knee and spank him if he tries to get us into trouble."

"Very well." General Maximilian agreed, "It's an interesting variation on military discipline."

Reg and Flavius hurried off. It was well timed. As they reached the West Quarter they could see the convoys of military vehicles entering the District. Also safely below them, helicopters swooped in heading for heavily defended buildings.

It was dawn the time when most people's were the least alert. The roads were also at their quietest so only a few startled motorists suddenly found themselves surrounded by troops as they set up road blocks at strategic points. One young driver tried to charge the road block being set up in front of him but stopped as nearly twenty rifles opened fire.

Mindful of Flavius' wish to save life as far as possible, the soldiers aimed for the car rather than the driver hitting the engine, wheels and tyres but the driver was still lucky only to be wounded in the leg.

Ironically had he stopped and allowed his car to be searched he might have got away with it. The soldiers were not ready and would have only carried out a perfunctory search. Instead they found the drugs in a secret compartment in the fuel tank.

As the roadblocks were made ready more troops surrounded buildings known to be gang HQs. Where possible more troops arrived by helicopter abseiling down onto roofs.

Surprise was complete. The troops were well trained and as Flavius had said at the outset he used every possible source to obtain intelligence. The whole operation was over in less than hour. The residents of the West Quarter woke up to a new reality.

Within two hours, Flavius was back as governor ensconced in an office in a council building.

Reg insisted he wore a flak jacket under his clothes but in his turn, Flavius insisted that he was acting as a civilian not a member of the military.

Odd incidents filtered through.

There had been sentries on some the roofs who opened fire. Two were pulped into bloody messes as the helicopter machine guns opened fire. A third dived for the stairs and was allowed to go. He reached the ground floor rushing outside to be confronted by the ground troops. He raised his arms in surrender. He was obviously terrified, seemed to be unarmed so the troops ignored him. He sidled sideways a couple of steps and was still ignored. He turned and ran, hands still above his head until he rounded a corner.

As the troops poured into various buildings an elderly lady opened the door to see what the noise was about.

"Please go inside, ma'am." a soldier said, "We're just making a few arrests."

"That's nice, dear." the old lady said, "I'll put the kettle on. I'm sure you'd all like a nice cup of tea when you're done."

Many of the gangs seemed to have taken over the top floors of the apartment blocks. In another block it was an old man who opened his door.

"Please," he said, "They sell me antibiotics for my wife. She'll die without them."

The soldier spoke into his radio calling for a medic. It turned out that the gang had been selling the old man sugar pills claiming that they would treat her badly ulcerated legs. The medic called an ambulance to take her to hospital. The couple were fussed over by staff all day at a field hospital while they were both examined.

With vehicle registration recognition, and face recognition most people passed through the road blocks without being stopped. All the blocks reported seeing youths approaching then turning and hurrying away.

Some did approach. They were all asked if they had found any discarded weapons which they wanted to hand in. Most lost their nerve and took the escape route offered. A few were stupid enough to try conceal weapons forgetting the metal detectors and other equipment. They were arrested.

General Maximilian reported to Flavius about mid morning.

"It's been a complete success, sir." he said, "We're already starting to repair the infrastructure and there's been no reports of violence. We've got just about everyone on the wanted list. We've already recovered a good haul of weapons and drugs and they're still coming in."

"Well done, General." Flavius said, "It was a good plan."

"Thank you, sir." General Maximilian replied, "You did your part with the extra intelligence gathering. You also set objectives that were clear and tight. It was a good team effort."

"Any problems?" Flavius asked.

"Not a problem." General Maximilian answered, "But it is awkward. It's the day most people get their benefits. Most of them cash their cheques at the Post Offices. We put a couple of guards outside to protect the building but they keep getting offered their cut. It seems to have been a regular thing with the gangs."

"There's nothing that we can do about that." Flavius replied, "As long as your men refuse to take anything then that's all we can do. Come on. Let's find a tavern near their market. At least we can set an example and pay for it."

General Maximilian wanted to protest but he knew it would have been pointless. Flavius was the provincial governor, they were in his capital city and he was going to show that he was in control.

Instead, General Maximilian sent for an escort of half a dozen men. Flavius did not mind because it made him more visible than usual. One of the first shops he encountered sold sweets. He paused and entered. When he came out he handed each soldier a bar of chocolate, as well as General Maximilian.

"I hope you all like chocolate." he said, "Eat up and enjoy."

Flavius grinned wickedly at General Maximilian who looked in despair at what was now a decidedly non-military looking escort.

"I'm happier having an escort." Flavius admitted, "But we don't look so intimidating now."

As they entered the market he turned to General Maximilian, "I think I'll have an ice cream. It's your shout so see what flavours the rest want."

Many generals would find the order insulting but General Maximilian understood what Flavius was trying to do. He managed to send a couple of soldiers with Flavius while he examined the next stall and dutifully bought ice creams for everyone, carefully ensuring that he paid the nervous stall keeper.

Military discipline had not exactly broken down but he regretted selecting a squad of rookies barely out of their teens as a concession to Flavius' youth. General Maximilian felt as if he was in charge of a group of schoolboys rather than escorting his Provincial Governor.

Flavius could feel the fear and tension emanating from the locals. As they stood in an informal group he said, "I know we're giving General Maximilian a heart attack but we've got to set an example. I'm settling in that tavern over there. I just want to relax. I don't want any snappy salutes or parade ground responses from you lot either. Relax as well. Choose tables around me and stick to soft drinks. You can get drunk later. Do it one or two at a time but take a look around the market. Try and buy something. Small stuff like an apple or something will be better than something expensive. The stall holder will be less likely to press for payment. Just politely insist on paying."

"I do understand what you're doing." General Maximilian said as they sat down, "But this is hostile territory. They're not going to accept you like they do in your regular hunting grounds."

He might have said more but he turned to a high pitched shriek of 'Flavius'.

It was the two boys, General Maximilian had met before. They hurtled over to Flavius leaping on his lap and hugging him. A group of other young boys followed.

"Look what I found," the boy on his lap grinned as he held up Flavius' wallet, "Is there enough to buy my friends something to eat?"

The soldiers had leapt up to protect Flavius but he had held up his hand to stop them.

"I should think so." Flavius smiled back taking the wallet back, " But first, what are you doing here?"

"We saw the helicopters fly over. We guessed it was you and wanted to watch but nothing's happening."

"Sorry. I'll try to arrange a battle for you next time. Go and order your food. No games while you're here. The soldiers are off limits."

He beckoned to one of the soldiers over, handing him some money.

"He'll try and bargain the bill down." Flavius said, "Don't let him. Just pay the full price."

The soldier started a salute then hesitated glancing at General Maximilian.

"Don't bother, son." the general said, "Just pray that your centurion doesn't get to hear about it."

The soldier gave a nervous laugh as he hurried off.

As the boys settled down to wait for their food, all chattering happily, Flavius called his young friends over.

"There's a boy about my age watching us." he said, "Don't make it obvious but what do you make of him?"

They glanced up and hared off. They spread so that which ever way the boy ran one would intercept him. The boy hesitated not knowing what to do and the two youngsters were onto him. They talked briefly then the stranger found himself being dragged across to Flavius.

""His mother's ill." one of his friends called out, "She needs a doctor."

Flavius turned to a soldier, "Use your radio. Send for a medic, please."

Flavius stood up, waving to the soldiers to stay sitting. He was wearing a plain full tunic which covered the bullet proof jacket he was wearing underneath. He was relaxed as he approached the boy.

"What's wrong with your mother?" he asked.

"I don't know. She's been getting ill for months. You know tired and everything. Now she has bad stomach pains."

"Why didn't she go to hospital?" Flavius asked.

"She did." the boy sobbed, "They gave her a prescription. One of Blood Hand's goons took it as soon as we got back. They've taken the repeats as well."

"I've heard that name before." Flavius growled, "I'm looking forward to meeting him."

Just then an ambulance pulled up. A military doctor jumped out, pushed the boys out of the way before saluting General Maximilian smartly.

"I have orders to report to His Excellency, sir." he rapped out.

"He's behind you." General Maximilian replied, "He's the one being helped up."

The doctor turned bright red, partly anger at the laughter aimed at him and partly embarrassment at knocking his governor down. He struck Flavius as being a pompous little man and did not like him.

"I do beg your pardon, Your Excellency." he said, "I was told that it was an emergency. I assumed that you were the patient."

"It is an emergency." Flavius exclaimed, "This boy's mother is the patient. You'll answer to me if you don't give her the same consideration you would have given to me."

He turned to boy. "Show the doctor the way."

There was real anger in his voice and the boy almost jumped to obey. The doctor looked nervous too as they hurried off.

As Flavius returned to his seat, a stall holder who had been watching nervously approached Flavius. As the two youngsters brushed past him he grabbed one and whispered something. The boy nodded, grabbed the man's hand and pulled him to Flavius.

"Can I help you?" Flavius asked as gently as he could.

"It's my taxes." the man muttered, "They don't believe I make so little on my turnover."

"Because you had to make payments to the gangs."

"The man nodded, "Yes Your Excellency. It was more than that. They had some scam and I had to put my name to it. I ended up paying some of their taxes as well."

"I'll have to stop you there." Flavius said, "I don't suppose that you're the only one and it sounds as if it could be complicated. Tell your friends here to send in completely honest tax returns. Include bribes, protection money and everything else. Also include a list of everything you remember signing.

"They can do things like offset your tax against the last five years or allow any criminal loss. They can also accept that you were coerced into various activities but it's all got to be audited properly. Can you be patient?"

"Oh yes, Your Excellency. Thank you." the stall holder gushed, "That would be wonderful."

"I was wrong." General Maximilian said, "Maybe you can get them on side."

"I don't suppose that you can find this Blood Hand can you?" Flavius asked, "It's time I dealt with him."

"We've set up a holding pen not far from here." General Maximilian replied, "He should be there. By the way the rest of the Sparta boys want to join you."

"No." Flavius said firmly, "I need to be here but I'm wearing a bullet proof vest. I've got these bodyguards as well. They'll just be so many targets today."

"Yes sir," General Maximilian agreed, "But I'm sure you're planning something that'll involve them."

"Who me?" Flavius asked innocently then added, "Maybe setting up some football teams will get some of the kids on side. We can also check the schools out."

They continued chatting as they headed for the pen. It was a wire enclosure holding a number of young men and boys. They were all naked, except for leg irons and a heavy metal collar. The collars were numbered for identification. Their arms were cuffed behind their backs.

The Centurion in charge consulted a list and sent a couple of soldiers armed with prods to fetch a prisoner.

"So you're Morris Palmer." Flavius said as he looked the prisoner up and down.

Morris was covered in tattoos. In some parts of the Empire tattoos were considered attractive, and a statement of their heritage. It was the Roman in him but Flavius saw Morris' as a disfigurement, concealing a strong, developed body. Even the tattoos were hidden by a mat of thick black hair. Flavius ordered him turned round and stared at the red tattooed hand.

"I've heard of you." Flavius continued, "I haven't heard anything good though."

"And I've heard of you, Your Excellency." Morris replied in a surprisingly cultured voice. "Perhaps you'd do me the courtesy of using my adopted name."

"Your gang name, you mean. It's not a recognised title and your gang is gone. I'm afraid you're stuck with Morris now."

"I've got friends still." Morris said, "If I put the word out then you're dead so show me some respect."

Flavius smiled and pulled his phone from a pouch hanging from his waist and played a recording of their conversation.

"Threatening me gives me authority over you." Flavius said before turning to a guard, "Gag him. I want him shaved. His head as well. Find an artist or a tattooist who can draw a white box on his chest and back over those tattoos. I want it to look as if Gang Leader was originally written in the box but I want Leader crossed out and Chain added above it."

Flavius paused, "It can be indelible pen for now. It can be made permanent later but I want him cleaning the market as soon as possible. Put up notices inviting his friends to join him. Goodbye, Morris."

Flavius turned, walking away satisfied at the way Morris' attitude had switched from contempt to anger then terror as Flavius had spoken. Morris had obviously seen himself as some wild barbarian. Shaving him and eradicating some of his tattoos would emasculate him more than castrating him.

Flavius still easily got tired and was ready to go home. However a soldier hurried after him to tell him that another prisoner wanted to speak to him. He was taken to a tent beside the holding pen.

"I'm told that you want to see me." Flavius said, eyeing the prisoner.

He was standing in front of the desk, naked apart from the heavy chains between his ankles, more chains, attached to a heavy metal collar, holding his wrists at chest height and a final chain looped around his elbows. The soldiers were not risking some trick on the prisoners part.

Jan was a muscular blond, about six foot high. Flavius studied his impressive cock which hung almost hiding a large hairless ball sack. Jan smiled to himself thinking that he had Flavius hooked.

"I can give you the suppliers." he said, "I can give you something for yourself if you want it. If you like it now, you'll love it when I'm hard and pumping inside you."

Flavius' cock was swelling in response. He liked the idea of a bit of fun but he looked pointedly at the guards.

"We'd best concentrate on the suppliers." he said. In spite of himself his voice was a little husky.

Jan grinned, allowing his tongue to slowly moisten his lips. "Information costs, you know."

Flavius nodded.

"What do want?" he asked.

"Witness protection and a fresh start." Jan announced.

"Take him back to the pen." Flavius said, "Then come back here, Lieutenant."

While he was waiting for the guard to return Flavius made a phone call. He hung up satisfied that the goods he wanted would be delivered. The guard returned.

"Sit down, Reg." Flavius said, "Has he got anything useful?"

"We think so." Lieutenant Black replied, "He supplied some of the smaller gangs."

"OK!" Flavius said, "I could do with a couple of nice hunky soldiers. Blond, nice and big where it counts and willing to act like willing sex slaves for a day or so. If they want a willing slave boy in their bed tonight, so much the better."

Reg Black looked at him quizzically.

"I still don't like people thinking I can be bought." Flavius grinned, "Since he's tried to bribe me with his body then he's committed a crime against me personally and I can deal with it. It might be a bit shaky if it comes to court but I can deal with it but transfer him to the palace cells."

Reg excused himself and headed for the barracks wondering what Flavius was up to. He entered the canteen where he knew his century would be eating with their comrades.

"Carry on." he yelled as he entered and strolled among the tables before moving to where he could be seen.

"Continue with your meal but please listen for a few minutes." he began. "His Excellency has need of a particular type of soldier, blond, well endowed and in his words, hunky. The lucky soldiers will have the use of Slave Flavius tonight, if they want it. However while His Excellency is interrogating a prisoner the soldiers will be the sex slaves. And no, I don't know anything else.

"If anyone wishes to help His Excellency then come to my office. Finish your meal first."

Nearly a dozen soldiers lined up outside his office not long after, including a couple of centurions and another Lieutenant.

"His Excellency wants quantity rather than quality." Reg said lightly raising a few smiles, "He also wants it over stamina."

Where possible, Romans exercised nude, soldiers were no exception so Reg already knew what most of the soldiers looked like. He was also aware that failing to choose someone could injure their pride and make an enemy of them. He pointed to two soldiers.

"You two fit the prisoners measurements the closest." he said, "Some might consider it an insulting way of being selected for this sort of activity so if you prefer not to go ahead then I understand."

"Stop the flannel, Reg." the other lieutenant laughed, "Young Flavius isn't normally this choosy and he doesn't need a pimp. If he's getting a thing for blonds then we'll get a chance anyway. Just choose the right ones for the job."

Reg nodded his thanks, taking the soldiers he had selected to see Flavius. They found him studying a couple of fucking machines, a vacuum pump and a restraint that would keep it's victim in an unmoving kneeling position.

Flavius grinned at the soldiers.

"He wanted sex with me." he said, "I'm going to give him some. All night, down his throat, up his arse and letting him cum as often as he can. He thought he could get to me because of his looks.

A little later Jan was brought into the room. He saw Flavius sitting behind a desk flanked by the two naked soldiers. He could see that Flavius was naked to the waist, briefly admiring the young teen chest just beginning show traces of adult muscles. However his attention was drawn to the slaves. They were muscular with prominent pecs and a pronounced six pack. It slowly dawned on him that they were not only good looking, they had better bodies than him and they were also blond. Flavius was idly fondling one of the 'slave's' balls.

"I've thought about your offer and I'm rejecting it." Flavius said, "I've found far more interesting cocks for tonight."

Flavius paused theatrically before continuing, "Here's my offer. In exchange for everything you know given freely today, I'll crucify you. Reject my offer and you'll be tortured until your mind goes and then you'll be put into a forced labour gang where you'll last for about six months."

Jan was scared now. Forced labour slaves had their crimes tattooed to their chests and backs making them completely worthless for anything else. They were given enough food and water, allowed basic sanitation but were worked beyond what their bodies could handle. Romans were expected to face pain and death bravely but they feared the humiliation of the tattoos and the grinding, never ending, hopelessness.

Jan needed his cronies to give him courage and the chains gave him a sense of helplessness which overwhelmed him. He burst into tears and collapsed to the floor.

"Please give me a chance," he pleaded, "I'll do anything. Don't kill me like that. You can still have me and I'll do whatever you want."

Flavius let him ramble on while he quickly sorted out a form.

"This is for your voluntary enslavement." Flavius said, "Sign it and you'll get the same treatment as the rest of my slaves. "

Jan looked at him hopefully then nodded.

"Release his hands, but all of you pick up a prod and be ready to use it." Flavius commanded.

Jan's hands were freed for just long enough form him to sign. He looked puzzled when the cuffs were put back on.

"You tried to bribe me earlier," Flavius said, "My slaves know better than to try it. Don't worry. I'm only going to give you a little sex. It's what you offered me. Put him in that kneeling frame."

On Flavius' orders the guards fitted a mouth spreader and set the fucking machines up one ready to enter his anus and the other his mouth. The vacuum device was attached to his cock.

Flavius stood, walked over to Jan and knelt. He was wearing a brown half tunic.

"I'm going to spend tonight having my arse and mouth filled while my balls are drained. So are you. You had a chance to talk. You still chose to try and bargain with me. I sell slaves I don't trust and I think 'NOT TRUSTED' will look good on your chest."

"You said I'd be well treated if I signed." Jan wailed.

"I said you'd be treated like my slaves. Oh and I allow my slaves to be interrogated whenever it's necessary. It's a strange thought but you'll be face fucked by a dildo that's not big enough to rip your throat. You might want to thank your interrogators for that small concession."

Flavius positioned the fucking machine then adjusted it so that it would thrust deep into Jan's throat. The naked blonds set up the other machine and the vacuum device.

They left Jan and a guard who unconcernedly picked up a book to while away the time. Jan desperately tried to control his gag reflex and breathe in time with the intrusion in his mouth while being thrown off balance by thrusts into his rear and the stroking action on his cock.

At first his cock felt good, stiffening, preparing to shoot its load but as he tensed preparing to squeeze his cream out of his balls so the demands of his breathing or the thrust against his prostate made other demands on his muscles. Even when he did cum the relentless assault on his body continued not allowing him to relax.

"I'm still not sure why you needed us, sir." one of the blond soldiers said once they were settled into an apartment in the House of Sparta.

"The only thing he had to offer was his body." Flavius explained, "Having something better, like you two, took away his only bargaining chip. I was hoping it would break him more and he'd agree to talk. Instead he tried to wheedle himself out of trouble. It doesn't matter. He enslaved himself and I can allow him to be questioned now instead of after the trial."

"Do you need us any more, sir?" the guard asked.

"Call me Flavius. I'm wondering what it would feel like to have those cocks of yours filling me at both ends. I suppose you'd rather return to the barracks instead of finding out how many time we can all cum tonight."

Chapter 6

The two soldiers were more than willing to oblige Flavius. Where Jan endured a constant unchanging assault, Flavius enjoyed a passionate energetic night, spoilt only by pains from his wound if it became too energetic. The two soldiers fell into an exhausted refreshing sleep while Jan still endured the constant pumping from the machines penetrating and pumping him.

The two soldiers were willing to remain as slaves. They took Jan to be tattooed the next morning then set him to work digging latrines at the holding pen before taking him to be questioned. He worked in the sun, unprotected while the two soldiers sat in the shade sipping drinks.

That night he was put back in the kneeling frame with the various machines doing their work again.

The following morning he was before Flavius again

Jan was no longer arrogant, looking fearfully at Flavius. The tattoos on his chest and back saying 'Not Trusted' still hurt. His shoulders were badly sunburnt, his throat and inside his arse were raw from the constant machine fucking.

By contrast the two naked soldiers flanking Flavius were relaxed and confident.

Flavius looked at the row of prisoners standing behind Jan.

"You're all set to join him on the hard labour gangs." Flavius said, "That's after you're interrogated. Jan kneel down and give the other prisoners a blow job each."

"Please master." he begged, "Do I have to deep throat them?"

"What's the matter?" Flavius asked, "You can't handle nice big cocks? I'll see that you get some more practice."

Flavius paused allowing the tension to build, "Very well. See what you can do with your tongue."

"He tried to bribe me." Flavius explained, "He thought he had something to offer and could sell the information he had. Jan, what's the name of your supplier again?"

Marcel Bosting, Master." Jan replied before returning to the cock he was servicing.

"You others are accused of handling drugs and carrying weapons." Flavius said, "You've all passed the drugs tests and show no signs of using so I'm offering you all voluntary enslavement.

"My slaves do not try to bribe me like Jan did. Also they willingly offer up any information they have because they are completely loyal to me.

"If any of you cannot meet those standards then stand still. You can take your chances in court. Otherwise, line up at that table to sign the papers but one word of warning. Jan volunteered but failed to meet my standards."

No one moved. Flavius walked over to stand in front of one of them.

"Some of my friends are slaves." he said, "I've worked in the fields beside them and they argue with me when they think I'm wrong. The only things that makes me angry are when someone goes behind my back or tries to bribe me. Is that really too much for you?"

The prisoner that Flavius had spoken to had moved to the table but frozen when no one else moved.

He shook his head, looking at the two naked soldiers, still standing calm and contented.

"I'll sign." he whispered.

"Any one else," Flavius asked as the prisoner shuffled over to the table. The rest followed.

"Send them back to be questioned then distribute them around my farms." Flavius ordered, "If they answer fully then check to see if any of them have families who need help. See that they're looked after."

That evening General Maximilian visited the House of Sparta.

"It's gone extremely well." he said, "Parading Jan in front of them, showing off his tattoos and having him repeat everything he told us certainly shocked them. Pleading not to get fucked again really got to them. After all said and done what red blooded male objects to a bit of sexual fun. They didn't know what you'd done to him but it scared them and made them a lot more cooperative.

"Offering to help their families had a big impact too. Even those without families. It seemed to convince them that you do look after your slaves."

"We've started similar sweeps in other towns and with the information we got they're proving just as effective."

"We've revived an old system." Germanicus said, "His Excellency doesn't sit as a magistrate but reviews and confirms the sentences. His views have been scrupulously fair on the ones he's referred back and I've had no problem amending the sentence according to his suggestions."

"It's easier that way." Flavius admitted, "Seeing them in court seems to make it personal. It's better just reading the court report and any petitions."

"I'm surprised you didn't object to the Brayton boy being sentenced to death." Germanicus said.

"Why, because he's only ten?" Flavius asked.

Germanicus nodded.

"The guards allowed anyone who ran to get away." Flavius continued, "We did start 'stop and search' patrols but unless we found drugs or weapons they were treated as politely as we have been. Brayton pretended to surrender then opened fire on a team as they approached him. Luckily they were wearing protective jackets. They managed to grab the gun and catch him.

"You've sentenced about a dozen pre-teens to slavery and he's the only one you've sentenced to death and I agree with it. The gangs trained boys his age to look innocent so they could get close to the their victim. I've come across two or three others like it.

"I gave one of the other boys I came across to the squad of the soldier he attacked. He took a knife to the wrong soldier and took three days to die from a nasty gut wound. They were so fed up with him, they didn't bother taking him to hospital. He had to make do with field dressings.

"The thing is I don't think they can be trained not to be treacherous. I can't put owners at risk by allowing them to buy murderous little hoods. They're too young for the hard labour gangs so that leaves crucifixion.

"I could suggest a firing squad but that's a military execution. I don't want to give any of these gang members the idea that they're soldiers."

"I agree with your opinion." Germanicus said, "Will you attend the execution?"

"No." Flavius replied, "I prefer seeing hunky men scream, not kids. Jamie excepted of course."

Jamie who was kneeling beside him looked up and smiled. Flavius was fond of Jamie but Jamie loved Flavius with all his heart. Flavius' sex drive was complicated. He needed to prove to himself that an adult could not crush him and expected to be pushed to his limits. With his own age group he relaxed and just used his body without inhibition. He tried to be gentle with Jamie and enjoy a warm loving relationship when he could.

However Jamie not only enjoyed the affection and tenderness, he wanted to earn Flavius' respect by being able to take anything that Flavius gave him. When he knew that Flavius was stressed or worried, he would wait for Flavius bending over their bed, waiting for his master to take him as harshly and as violently as he could.

While Flavius simply wanted to prove himself, Jamie was interested in BDSM. So when Flavius was with some man, Jamie would visit Steven and Brutus for some fun of his own.

For the rest of the time there was a deep bond between the two boys which was obvious whenever they were together.

"I thought you'd like to make anyone scream." Jamie said.

"I feel bad about those two brothers." General Maximilian said, "I shouldn't have involved you with Tony and Terry."

"Tony's turned out quite well." Flavius relied, "He's got a real chance to make a go of things. I'm giving both of their papers to Bjorn. If Bjorn doesn't want to keep Terry then he can go to the cross.

"So what are you going to do about the West Quarter?" Harold asked, "It's all very well saving individuals but you've created a vacuum there and it needs to be filled."

"I've been thinking about it." Flavius replied, "The main problem is that it's one of the poorest areas in the province and the inhabitants are mainly untrained labourers. Their biggest complaint is that slaves keep taking their jobs.

"I know that tourism is flashy entertainment but it might be worth providing more facilities and places of interest for visitors. We're already getting more from Scandinavia so historical sites, vineyards and the forum could be exploited. Our beaches could have cafés and be kept tidier. Maybe we could have more theatres and fun fairs as well but the general idea would be to make the province an interesting place to visit."

"And it would be labour intensive." Titus said, "It's an idea. Anything else?"

"Yes." Flavius replied, "An engineering and science centre. Not exactly a university but a place that will help with new lines of research or engineering projects. We could get Imperial grants for that."

"Any ideas on how to finance it all?" Germanicus asked.

"The House of Aulus will supply the capital. Anyone who wants to buy shares can do so as long as they understand that it'll be a long term investment."

"It's going to take time to set up." Titus said, "What are you going to do in the meantime?"

"Work at the bottom with small stuff while you work at the top with the big projects. It's a bit late in the year to open a snack bar on the beach but we can start by setting things up. If we allocate people to various historic sites they can start studying the place so that they talk knowledgeably about it next season. That sort of thing. We can get guide books printed, signs erected."

"There won't be much in the way of full time work but we can offer part time work to supplement their benefits to start with. At least it'll get things moving."

The following day General Maximilian reported to Flavius.

"We believe a ship is on its way from Columbia carrying a supply of cocaine. Some of its cargo is headed our way. The only thing is, it's going to come through Governor Gracchus lands and we've got no jurisdiction there."

"What about stopping the ship?" Flavius asked.

"It's an Outer Ring Alliance vessel. Stopping it would be an act of war or piracy."

"Yes but once it's in Roman territorial waters you can do a customs search."

"It doesn't enter our waters. It rendezvous with a small boat."

Then we go after the the boat."

"We'd have to put in a request to the Admiralty in Rome. Governor Gracchus has a lot of friends there. I don't think the security would be very good."

"And the ship may be tipped off. So what do we do?"

"I can increase the patrols along the provincial boundaries but apart from that there's not much that we can do."

Flavius turned to the serving slave.

"Ask Prince Bjorn if he'd join us." he said.

A few hours later Flavius, David and Bjorn were boarding a helicopter on their way to a Scandinavian ship.

"It's good to meet you, Commander," Flavius said as he offered the frigate captain his hand, "It must be boring waiting in International Waters in case we decide to kidnap Prince Bjorn."

"Sir, I must protest." Commander Svensen exclaimed, "That's not why we're here."

He might have said more but he noticed the conspiratorial giggles that Flavius and Bjorn shared.

"My apologies, Commander." Flavius smiled, "But take away the diplomatic double talk and explain why the Royal Scandinavian Navy always has a ship on manoeuvres just off of my province."

The commander relaxed and grinned, "Fair enough but it's not only Rome we're concerned about. Ever since his father's death and his brothers er… decision to serve in the Merchant Navy things have been unsettled at home. He's better off away from the bitterness and wrangling. Unless there's a plot to return Prince Svan and restore his good name, there's no point in harming Prince Bjorn but…"

"There's always a but." Flavius replied seriously, "Forget about orders for a moment. How do you feel about being under my command for this operation?"

"Again it's what my orders boil down to." Commander Svensen nodded, "The only thing that really bothers me is the Imperial Navy's reaction."

"Everyone is used to you hanging around." Flavius explained, "Nobody will be surprised that Bjorn and I want to visit you especially if you can entertain the rest of the House of Sparta at times. The only people that know what it's really about are some of my closest advisers, your King and my Emperor. If your high speed launches arrive in time then it could still be a harmless exercise on your part.

"Our sovereigns have given us permission to do this but to the rest of the world, including our admiralties, it's just permission for good will visits. However if some of our ships turned up then that would arouse suspicion."

"Both our Atlantic Fleets have little to do now that our two countries are so close. Between us we could make it very hot for the smugglers and pirates." Commander Svensen said thoughtfully, "It could help all of us. We've got a drug problem too."

"There'll still be couriers bringing it in on scheduled flights and of course there'll still be overland routes through the Outer Ring Alliance." Flavius said, "It looks as though one of my neighbouring governors gets a cut from the sales. If we operate within his provincial boundaries then he'll resist and complain to Rome."

"And some of your South American and Caribbean provinces almost encourage piracy for the same reason. I know. I'm your guest. I shouldn't say that about the Roman Empire."

"It's true though." Flavius agreed, "if we get it right here then it could provide an incentive to try similar operations in other places."

"So your intelligence is that this ship has sailed from Columbia with a cargo of coffee but is also carrying cocaine. You want us to track any small boats that might approach it and see what's off loaded. If we find drugs in the boats we intercept and stop the ship."

"It's heading for Riga." Flavius said, "We can only interfere with Outer Ring Alliance trade if we have proof."

"But once it enters the Skagerrak, it'll be way inside Scandinavian territorial waters. We'll be entitled to search it. We can track it to see if it offloads any more drugs."

"That'll be up to you. There won't be any jurisdiction issues then."

"Forgive me, Your Excellency." Commander Svensen said, "But when a Roman says he wants to cooperate, it usually means that they expect to be in charge and take all the credit."

"Flavius isn't like that." Prince Bjorn said, "He's wearing that white half tunic so you don't have to treat him like the governor. Once the plans are agreed, you'll be in charge. Flavius will be on board as a slave of the House of Sparta. So will I and you will treat us both like cabin boys. However, if it's needed we can change and you'll have some pretty powerful diplomatic backup."

"Possibly not like cabin boys." Commander Svensen smiled, "Some of your duties might be a bit intimate and tiring."

"Don't worry, Commander." Flavius grinned, "If we tire you out we can go and get some fun in the crews quarters."

"Er yes." Commander Svensen stammered, "I was honoured to speak to His Majesty by radio. On one hand I'm expected to show everyone that we can cooperate and on the other I'm supposed to treat a Roman Governor as a slave."

"David really is a slave but he's also head boy of the House of Sparta. He'll deal with discipline problems."

Commander Svensen shrugged in defeat. He was being given more independence than a modern ship's captain usually got. Far from entertaining a couple of spoiled brats as they treated his ship like a toy in the bath, he found himself dealing mature and intelligent young men.

He headed for the bridge. He felt more comfortable there as he prepared to speak to the crew.

"It seems like only weeks ago that we were preparing for war against the Roman Empire. We are now allies engaged in a war against drugs. We will be operating within Roman territorial waters. When we do we will be operating under the flag of His Excellency Flavius Aulus who is on board.

"His Royal Highness Prince Bjorn is also on board working closely with His Excellency.

"Those of you know about the House of Sparta will understand the significance of having three of their slaves on board. They will bunk in the seamen's mess and receive no special privileges unless you see His Royal Highness or His Excellency dressed in their formal attire.

"That is all."

He beckoned his senior officer over.

"The boy, David is in charge. Tell the heads of department to liaise with him. We've got some boy seamen let the Sparta boys shadow them."

"Yes sir but they're sixteen and seventeen years old. We only call them boys because they're under eighteen."

"I spoke to Captain Jorgensen by radio. He dealt with the House of Sparta during that business with Prince Svan. He reckons that they're highly competitive and will try to keep up. Not even their Emperor expects Flavius to hide behind his rank. His Royal Highness wants to be treated the same."

"Let's see how it goes and if anyone complains let me know."

"Yes sir." the officer replied.

"We've got a few days so organise a few drills with the inflatables. Choose a good petty officer and give the boys their own boat. That should keep Flavius and Bjorn quiet."

When Flavius had done a week's military training he been assigned to a mentor who not only pushed him to his limit but expected him to look after his kit as well Flavius' own and serve him in bed. The three bemused sailors assigned to look after Flavius and his friends quickly found themselves with their own slaves.

It was least fun for David who was already a slave but Flavius enjoyed focussing on his master's needs rather than the affairs of state he was caught up with. Bjorn also found it a novel experience, distracting him from the troubles back home.

The bunks were narrow and attempts at sex often ended in fits of laughter at the impossible positions they ended up in. Showers offered more possibilities and Flavius happily agreed to 'wash a seaman's back' returning with a full arse and a contented smile."

At first the petty officer in charge of their boat was not too happy about baby sitting a bunch of kids. He mellowed as they not only respected his authority but learned quickly and worked well as a team.

He mellowed further when Flavius invited him to a planning conference.

"Governor Gracchus can still yell Scandinavian invasion." Flavius said, "If PO Smits thinks we can do it, I'd like ours to be the lead boat. We can cross provincial boundaries if we're in a chase. Could we shadow them in and get the shore crew as well?"

"No." Commander Svensen replied, "Chasing a boat on the high seas is one thing. Setting foot on Roman territory and firing on Romans is another. If we knew in advance where the landing point was then you could send in your own troops but as it is we couldn't coordinate properly."

"Supposing we had our troops in a helicopter on your flight deck." Flavius said, "You follow us in as far you dare. That way we'd have a constant flight time wherever we end up along the coast."

"So Petty Officer Smits." Commander Svensen said, "Can you lead us in?"

"Seaman Morten and Seaman Hagen are already fully trained, sir." PO Smits replied, "Seaman Christiansen is doing well and so are these lads but won't Flavius be going as governor?"

"For once, I'm going to merge roles." Flavius said, "Maybe I should take some governor's clothes with me but if it's night I'll be in black camouflage, won't I. Oh and Commander, stop frowning. PO Smits is quite right not to refer to my rank or family name."

Commander Svensen smiled in return, "I'm still not used to it. Calling your friend, Bjorn, almost seems like treason."

"I wish I could go with you." Bjorn said, "I know, It has to be entirely Roman in territorial waters."

"I'm still worried that the Columbian ship will realise that it's being followed." Flavius said.

"We've been here for a couple of months now. We've extended our patrol area way beyond your province's boundaries and carried out exercises on passing ships. Weather permitting we'll keep a patrol boat between her and the land. Even if they spot something, it would just be another exercise. As long as they don't know about our new found cooperation they won't expect us to be to doing the Imperial Navy's work."

As the Columbian ship approached, tension steadily mounted, then as it ploughed along the coast about a hundred and fifty miles out to sea, nothing happened. Finally in the early afternoon the patrol reported a fast motor boat on an intercept course with the Columbian ship.

"It's good timing." Commander Svensen said, "They should be reaching land at dusk. The setting sun will silhouette the land and they'll be in relative darkness. We can intercept them easily in international waters."

"Good." Flavius said, "We'll head out to towards the general interception area as planned. Your men can secure the crew and fit demolition charges. Make it clear that the crew will only be taken off if we get all the information we need."

"They'll probably call our bluff." Captain Svensen said.

"I'm not bluffing." Flavius exclaimed, "They're heading for the cross or enslavement. I can class them as pirates out here so I've got powers to deal with them. Of course if they accept voluntary enslavement, tell us everything they know then they work on my farms. It's hard work but if I can do it then so can they."

The operation went perfectly. The motor boat was not intercepted until the Columbian ship was below the horizon and they were still out of sight of land.

Captain Svensen's boats had swept round in a wide arc so that they were between the smugglers and land. As they all came into sight, the smugglers slowed. They might have turned in a desperate attempt to escape to the ship but Captain Svensen's frigate was bearing down on them from that direction.

On the face of it their best chance was to surrender. They were Roman citizens being stopped by a Scandinavian warship. It would cause a diplomatic incident if they were not allowed to continue on their way. They stopped and as the inflatables approached raised their hand in surrender.

The smuggler's boat had swung so they could see the frigate. It was difficult to imagine their feelings as the Roman Eagle was hoisted above the Scandinavian flag while yet another patrol boat approached, also flying the Eagle.

Flavius had fixed badges also bearing the Roman Eagle onto the arms of his vest. The smugglers boat was small fast. It had an open cockpit where the two crew sat, now safely cuffed.

"Fix the charges." Flavius yelled as he came alongside the smuggler's boat. He turned to the smugglers.

"We don't have much time." he said, almost conversationally, "You can stay quiet and get blown up with your boat, lie and end up on the cross or cooperate and end up working on my farms. It's your choice. Let one of the sailors know what you decide."

"You can't do this." one of smugglers cried out desperately, "We're Roman citizens."

"I'm Flavius Aulus, Roman Governor so don't worry. You'll die under the Roman Eagle."

At a gesture from Flavius the inflatable edged away from the smugglers.

"Wait." the smuggler screamed after him, "I'll cooperate."

Flavius turned to PO Smits, "Ready to invade the Roman Empire?"

PO Smits grinned, "It'll pass away the afternoon. What you got planned for tomorrow, sir?"

"Flavius please. You're the expert so you stay in charge. The other crews are working fast. Lucky the stuff was wrapped in plastic. It's easy to split and drop over the side."

"I hope they've remembered their breathing masks." Seaman Hagen grinned, "Otherwise they'll be as high as kites."

Flavius laughed with him, "Careful. Your petty officers don't like jokes on duty any more than our centurions."

"I'll make an exception this time." PO Smits grinned. The radio crackled briefly, "Back on duty. We'll follow about a mile behind. It's a pity they took their rear seats out. Those smugglers will be lying on the fuel tank. If they've lied then they'll be burnt to a crisp if a bullet hits it."

"If they've lied then I want them alive." Flavius muttered, "I'll keep them alive long enough to regret it."

All the seamen on the boat shuddered a little. They had heard how Flavius treated his condemned prisoners.

Although Flavius was finding his time on the inflatable exciting he was on the fringes of events. He was the token Roman leader but the operation was being carried out by adults who were experts in their field. However he was close enough to the action to be at some risk and still technically in charge.

It was still an unusual operation. The deck crew of the frigate looked quizzically at the the Roman Eagle flying above their flag as they saluted General Maximilian, a Roman officer. The whole crew had a sense of going into action as they nudged towards the coast.

"Thank you for your cooperation." General Maximilian said to Commander Svensen, "How did you get on with our young governor?"

"Extremely well." the Commander replied, "I think he was disappointed that he couldn't lead a full blown landing party but he does listen."

"That's him." General Maximilian grinned, "He'll give his orders saying what he wants done, then while we're running around trying to obey he'll go and get his arse filled by some private. In your case some seaman."

"I suggest that you're ready to go dead on time." Commander Svensen grinned, "If you're late, he'll start without you."

General Maximilian chuckled, "You're right. Again thank you. This sort of cooperation is going to jolt a few of our generals and admirals."

Back on the inflatable Flavius grinned nervously at David.

"Do you regret switching your allegiance to me?" Flavius asked.

"The next time someone tells me I have a nice soft job looking after a bunch of kids in a club house, do I have permission to be rude, Master," he laughed.

"Refer them to me. I can be ruder." Flavius laughed in his turn.

"Quiet in the boat." PO Smits rasped over the roar of the engine.

David and Flavius grinned conspiratorially as the boat surged forward.

PO Smits nodded approvingly. He had dealt with cadets who were sons of nobles. Many had just not been interested and resented being ordered around. He liked Flavius attitude of never giving what he couldn't take. He gave orders so he took them. PO Smits could believe that the stories he heard about Flavius were true.

The timing was spot on. As the ex-smugglers boat edged into the inlet indicated by the smugglers, Flavius heard the beat of a large helicopter flying low and fast towards the shore. It passed so close that Flavius was sure that he felt downdraught from the twin rotors on his face.

He was excited enough to signal PO Smits indicating that they should follow it in. PO Smits grinned, ignoring the breach in protocol. It was all part of the plan and he knew what he was doing and did not need telling.

It seemed an age to Flavius before they entered the inlet. It was ablaze with searchlights. Flavius could see a group of civilians standing with hands in the air. Men from the boats were examining a truck stopped at the end of a lane leading down to the water. A patrol was bringing down a couple youngsters from across a field.

As his boat nudged the bank Flavius leapt out, hurrying across to General Maximilian. As he did so, an army lorry appeared round a bend in the lane before stopping to allow a platoon of soldiers to leap out.

"How did they get here so quickly? General Maximilian yelled angrily.

"We'll ask them." Flavius said quietly, "Unless Governor Gracchus is with them I'll outrank anyone they've got."

"Good point." the General grinned.

A megaphone blasted out, "This is Lieutenant Horrows of the 915th Legion. Stand down and allow my men to disarm you."

General Maximilian had been handed his own megaphone. Grinning Flavius took it.

"This is His Excellency, Governor Flavius Aulus, acting as direct representative of His Imperial Majesty. You stand down." Flavius said firmly but could not help adding, "Your turn."

There was a slight chuckle in his voice as Lieutenant Horrows replied, "It appears to be your point, sir. I'm sending a soldier to verify your identity."

While they waited, a soldier approached with two boys about twelve years old. They seemed a little nervous but mainly curious.

"What are you do doing here?" Flavius asked.

"Nothing." one of them answered, "Just mucking around further up the creek. We're trying to make a raft out of oil drums. We came down because we heard that lorry."

Flavius looked at the soldier who grinned.

"We found their camp." he said, "If that's their raft then I hope they can swim."

"Sleeping out?" Flavius asked.

The boys nodded.

"We're after drug smugglers." Flavius said, "I'd like someone to talk to you about what you've seen then we'll see if we can get you a ride back in one of those boats. Maybe someone will give you some tips on building your raft."

The boys nodded enthusiastically and hurried off with the soldier. Flavius turned his attention to the prisoners. He started in surprise as he recognised Gaius Toleno, the son of a noble.

Flavius beckoned him over.

"Tell me you were kidnapped or something." he said.

"No. You've got me. You can pack me off to the Emperor again."

"If I do, I won't be able to help you. It'll be a public trial and execution. If the Emperor decides to make an example of you then your family will be ruined."

"My brother, sisters and mother knew nothing of this." Gaius said.

"And your father?"

Gaius remained quiet until he whispered, "Can you do anything?"

"The boats belong to a frigate of the Royal Scandinavian Navy. We're trying full cooperation to break the trade. You picked a bad time to be caught. Accept voluntary enslavement, tell us everything you know and I'll do what I can. It's what I'm offering everyone so you're not getting special treatment."

Gaius nodded, "You save that for your slave friends, don't you?"

"Accept enslavement and you'll find out."

Gaius looked at Flavius, beginning to realise that it may be a mistake to antagonise him but he still firmly believed that Flavius was a degenerate bringing the Empire down with his egalitarian ideas. However at that moment, Flavius did not look like a degenerate and it was himself who had been caught drug smuggling.

"Promise to keep Antonius out of it and I accept." he whispered losing his usually confident tone.

"I promise Antonius to do my best to see that he inherits an honourable House of Toleno." Flavius replied, "You've forgotten haven't you? Promises to you end with your enslavement."

Gaius shuddered and nodded.

"Come with me." Flavius commanded leading him over to General Maximilian.

"General." Flavius said, "Gaius has agreed to be enslaved to me. Once the paperwork's complete you may interrogate him as you think fit. Apart from that he's a man of honour and courage. Please treat him as well as you can."

"Yes sir." General Maximilian replied, "This is Lieutenant Horrows."

"What are your orders, Lieutenant?" Flavius asked.

"To escort the lorry in transit, sir." the Lieutenant replied, "I was told the the truck contained essential equipment. It was secret so I wasn't to approach until after it had been loaded."

"It was a shipment of drugs." Flavius said, "Gaius, do you know the destination?"

Gaius nodded.

"Then work with the Lieutenant and General Maximilian. Follow the trail. I'm returning to the ship in case the Imperial Navy turns up.

Back on board he shook Captain Svensen's hand before hugging Bjorn. He explained what was happening.

"It sounds rude but the sooner you're in international waters the better." Flavius concluded, "Soldiers were sent to escort the drugs which means we're offending some pretty well placed people. They could cause trouble if they thought that you were involved in the land operations."

"I understand." Commander Svensen said, "If you'll stay on board until we're back on station then we'll get you home."

"Excuse me sir." PO Smits said, "There's a disciplinary matter to be dealt with. We can complete the punishment this evening but he needs to complete another day's boat training before he's allowed ashore leave."

"Really PO Smits." Commander Svensen exclaimed, "He's not one of our seamen. He's not bound by our procedures."

"Sir, the boy himself does not believe in half measures. Flavius left the boat before it was properly secured. He knew the drill but forgot them in the heat of the moment. In other circumstances he could have put lives at risk. As you say, sir, he can leave with unfinished business or he can complete the course."

It was an offer that Flavius could not refuse. He knew that jumping off the boat without permission was a mistake. He could hide behind his Governorship by claiming that he was more concerned with events ashore but it was not in him.

"I accept." he said, "It'll give General Maximilian time to complete the operation and collate the initial intelligence."

"Get down to the mess and wait for me." Petty Officer Smits ordered.

"Have they really completed any course?" Commander Svensen asked when they were alone.

"It's patchy, sir but yes. We did man overboard drills one day. The two Romans didn't complain about jumping in the cold sea. Don't worry they can swim or I wouldn't have allowed them in the boats. They've cleaned the heads and completed full watches with their mentors as they call them. Then you've had Flavius telling you and their general what he wants done as if he was Admiral Of The Fleet. Do you have any complaints about his behaviour, sir?"

"No. What about Bjorn? I get phone calls from his grandfather asking me how he's doing."

"He's the youngest but he keeps up. If we could arrange a night exercise for him I'd sign all three as completing initial training. I'd like to issue them with service record books to sign them off properly."

"I don't think our noble guests will appreciate being recognised as ordinary seamen"

Flavius will, sir." PO Smits replied, "He'll be proud of achieving it by his own efforts rather than a Governor's influence."

"I hope you're right but carry on."

Chapter 7

Flavius stood at attention in front of General Maximilian, saluting smartly waiting until the General had returned the salute before lowering his own arm.

"At ease." the General snapped and Flavius smartly adopted the position, "Have you changed careers, Flavius?"

"No sir." Flavius grinned, "I haven't had time to change yet. I don't know how they found uniforms to fit."

"I think PO Smits was asked to give King Æirik a progress report. His general opinion was that you'd earned the right to salute the ship's captain as seamen."

"I always thought you earned the right to be saluted." Flavius said.

"Civilians don't have either right." the General said, "I believe the training was a bit painful."

Flavius winced, "Yes sir. I was caned for forgetting the boat drills then spent a day repeating them. I'll wait for orders before disembarking next time. It was being naked and bent over the mess table that was worst. I don't think anyone else has ever screamed as loud as I did when that thick rattan cane of theirs landed."

"Apparently you took it well. Try letting your cock dangle next time. All your wriggling made you cum, didn't it. You know with your cock sandwiched between you and the table. It spoils the punishment effect if it looks as if you enjoyed it."

"I tried focussing on it to forget the pain but it didn't work, sir."

"It happens. You earned that boy seaman's uniform so be proud of it. I'll brief you properly later but briefly we followed various trails until Governor Gracchus found out what we were doing and started complaining. He's in it up to his neck. We've got proof but possibly not enough to convict him. The corruption in that province is so blatant, you wouldn't believe. However we've passed it all up to the Emperor's office. He'll have to deal with it."

General Maximilian paused thoughtfully. "The Tolenos are involved. They aligned themselves with Governor Gracchus to oppose your reforms. There's no conspiracy or anything. They just didn't object to making some easy money on the side."

"Has Gaius been useful?"

"He's needing some persuasion." General Maximilian answered, "It's strange I'm sure he feels duty bound to protect his ex-allies."

"I'm going home deal with any urgent provincial business, then relax. I think I could do with relaxing in my apartment with Jamie the dutiful slave tonight. My wound still gives me trouble and I'm very tired."

It took a couple of days before Gaius' interrogation was completed and he was handed over to Flavius who decided to visit Lord Toleno.

"The evidence is building up against you, Lord Toleno." Flavius stated, "If it goes to court and you're convicted, everything you own will be confiscated, including the rest of your family. Gaius has already incurred the Emperor's displeasure so he's not going accept pleas for leniency."

"And if it doesn't go to court? Supposing I died beforehand."

"The case would die with you. Your estate would be held in trust for young Antonius."

"And Gaius?" Lord Toleno asked.

"You can't help him." Flavius replied, "He's had the sense to protect your family name this time. You can only help your wife and remaining children."

"Meaning he's is no longer my son."

"No."

"You'd treat your slave friends better. I suppose Gaius is too noble for you."

"He's arrogant and stupid. I whip arrogance out of slaves and stupid slaves end up working in the fields. Slaves that go against me end up dead. He'll be treated the same."

Lord Toleno nodded.

"Maybe you do have some backbone. If you'll excuse me, I have something to do."

Flavius jerked the leash locked around Gaius' cock behind his balls. With his arms cuffed to a collar behind his neck, Gaius could do little but follow. Once in the antechamber he bowed formally to Lady Toleno.

"My apologies Madam." he said, "This must be very difficult for you."

"I warned my husband not to treat you like a fool." she replied, "Will you protect my children, please?"

At that moment a pistol shot rang out. Lady Toleno stepped forward to hurry to her husband but Flavius held up his hand.

"He is protecting you and your children, My Lady." Flavius said quietly, "Send a slave who can ensure he's not in pain."

Flavius expected to see anger or hatred in her eyes but he only saw sadness as she gestured to her majordomo.

"He was a good husband and father." she said, "What happens now?"

"Antonius is your youngest and only nine." Flavius said, "He needs a guardian. May I suggest that you find yourself a slave boy just turned fourteen. It's a bit complicated but if you free him, bond him to you then marry him, he will legally become Antonius' guardian. Because he's also bonded to you then you will be in control.

"Must I go through that rigmarole?" Lady Toleno asked.

"No but the courts might assign a guardian. They're more tolerant of women being in control nowadays but a husband takes precedence even if he is a token gesture."

"I'll consider it. What will happen to my older son?"

"He is no longer your son. I'm sorry I can only protect the innocent."

Lady Toleno nodded, "I understand. I appreciate that I am still at liberty as are my remaining children. However I still see my oldest son being humiliated and in chains and my husband is now dead. It is difficult to still make you welcome."

"Forgive me." Flavius said, " It was necessary to convince your husband that he'd lost everything but it's crass of me to continue parading Gaius in front of you."

Flavius bowed respectfully before turning to the door. As he did so Antonius grabbed a knife from the table and rushed forward screaming that Flavius should leave his brother alone.

Flavius was a skilled fighter. He took in Antonius' desperate attack and at just the right moment grabbed the younger boy's wrist. Antonius swung round, losing his balance, finishing on his knees looking fearfully up at Flavius as the knife fell to the floor. Flavius kicked it across the room.

He looked at Lady Toleno.

"I promised that I would look after Antonius. I fear your floor is somewhat slippery." he said, "That could have been a nasty accident. Perhaps a slave should see if Antonius hurt himself."

Flavius and Gaius left. The chauffeur opened the door for Flavius before bundling Gaius into the boot for the drive back to the city.

Once near the forum the car stopped allowing Flavius to parade Gaius through the crowds. He had done a similar thing once before to a cousin who had betrayed him and it had made a deep impact on those who saw.

Once out of the car Flavius removed the gag he had inserted into Gaius' mouth before studying the youth. Gaius was fit, five years older than Flavius but Flavius was in charge. With his hands cuffed behind his head and the chain between his ankles, Gaius could only stand his body completely exposed, awaiting Flavius' pleasure. However he felt obliged to speak.

"Thank you for not having Antonius arrested." he said.

Flavius punched Gaius as hard as he could in the stomach. Gaius' legs buckled and he would have collapsed in a doubled up heap if Flavius had not grabbed the leash and hauled him back up by his cock.

"Do you want to speak again?" Flavius asked.

Gaius shook his head. Flavius grinned.

"Saying 'No Master' would have been acceptable." he said.

Flavius began a leisurely stroll of the forum while Gaius had no choice but to follow. Flavius sensed how humiliating it was for Gaius. From being a Noble's son, having everyone bowing to him as he passed he was reduced to being an emblem of Flavius' power. At nineteen he was at the height of his sexual strength but it was his cock which was trapped by the leash forcing him to follow like an obedient puppy.

Flavius was in formal clothes so the market boys stood respectfully waiting for permission to approach. However he saw a senator approaching so he ignored the boys.

They greeted each other formally.

"How's Cassius?" Flavius asked.

"He's become Prince Tiberius' personal assistant." Lord Dessolini replied, "It's a great honour especially since he's so young. He's got a couple of slaves experienced in office management under him so he's learning from them."

"And you approve of him learning from slaves?" Flavius laughed.

Lord Dessolini smiled quietly, "I've visited him in Rome. It's amazing how freely he talks to the Emperor, let alone Prince Tiberius. Following the new Imperial palace protocols, we've recognised each other's rank so let's sit at a table in that tavern and you can ask your young friends across."

Gaius was completely ignored. One or two of the boys handled his cock. There was a brief discussion as he was compared to various older brothers but no one bothered speaking to him.

"May I ask? What do you intend doing with Gaius?" Lord Dessolini asked, "I think Lord Toleno might have something to say about his son's treatment."

"Lord Toleno is dead." Flavius stated flatly, "Today I'm letting everyone see the consequences of breaking the law so flagrantly. I like Lady Toleno though and the sooner she can get on with her life the better. After today, I don't think that he needs to be seen again."

"You say that Lord Toleno is dead?" Lord Dessolini gasped, "How? When?"

"About an hour ago." Flavius replied grimly, "He died protecting his family from his own involvement in the drugs trade."

"I see." Lord Dessolini said, "Cassius is visiting soon. I'm holding a reception in his honour. I shall withhold the Toleno's invitation."

"I'd be grateful if you didn't." Flavius said, "Neither Lady Dessolini, her daughters or Antonius were implicated."

Flavius turned, grabbed Gaius' cock and pulled down making his prisoner half crouch.

"Let's give the punishment to those who deserve it."

"You have some strange ideas, young Aulus." Lord Dessolini laughed, "They do make sense though. She'll have to start looking for a suitable husband. I'll see who I can introduce."

"I've suggested a bonded ex-slave." Flavius grinned.

"I've heard of that." Lord Dessolini said, "Will it work?"

"It's going round in circles a bit." Flavius said, "The boy maintains an adult male presence though he'll be more like an elder brother than father but he's obliged to obey his mistress. His wife is obliged to obey him but like me they'll need advisers. The advisers will also have to start training Antonius.

"The law does permit female advisers where the woman is known to be competent and Lady Toleno certainly qualifies. Now if any noble on my Board of Guardians were to offer their services as a male adviser then Lady Toleno would be in a very secure position."

"Cassius hardly ever attended the House of Sparta so I don't qualify."

"You're just as trustworthy and that's what's important." Flavius said.

"And being married will prevent opportunists from pursuing her. It's a good plan."

"She may have other ideas." Flavius said.

"I'm sure you'll still help." he turned to Gaius, "You may be right about him disappearing. Have him killed."

"I should do my own dirty work." Flavius said, "I can't keep passing the buck."

"I don't see why not." Lord Dessolini said, "No one will think that you're squeamish or soft. Just find a soldier who'll dig a grave deep in some forest and wring his neck."

"I suppose that's the neatest solution." Flavius muttered uncertainly.

"You have a reputation for not giving what you can't take. That is a noble concept. The exception is anyone who betrays you and even that is understandable. Gaius there hasn't betrayed you directly. He's just a common criminal."

Lord Dessolini grinned, "You give your low class criminal friends chances to redeem themselves, why not him? Allow him to enlist as a private in the army but put him into a legion on the Eastern frontier on condition he never enters your province again."

Flavius looked visibly more cheerful, "That's a good idea. I'll think about it."

Flavius was still holding Gaius' cock forcing his legs to be bent. They were beginning to ache. Gaius could see the others glancing unconcernedly at his discomfort. He listened not daring to speak while they discussed his fate. Although he was sure that Flavius would let him live, his future looked bleak. He was only slowly accepting how much he had lost, almost envying his father's chance to commit suicide.

"And while you still have him, you could start breaking him of his airs and graces. What do you think boys?"

The market boys who had gathered round had studied Gaius appraisingly, delighted at his downfall. Arrogant and proud, he had swept through the forum, quick with his fists or stick if he thought anyone was failing to show him proper respect.

They had listened enthralled as Flavius and Lord Dessolini had discussed the Toleno's fate. Like Flavius they were surprised at Lord Dessolini's change in attitude. In the past he was as aloof as the Tolenos.

"Flavius should give him a chance." one of them piped up, "He let Joe join the army when he was done for thieving."

"Yeah but I wish I could give him a hiding the way did me the other week." another said.

"You deserved it. " a third laughed, "Flavius would have done you if he'd caught you being that cheeky to a noble."

"Philo didn't deserve it though." the second one added, "He's deaf and didn't hear him."

The others nodded in agreement.

"Lend him to us." the boy continued, "We'll show him he's not a noble any more."

Flavius nodded.

"No permanent damage or scars." Flavius instructed, "He won't be speaking in the Senate so show him what else his mouth could be used for. Be careful, he might be tempted to use his teeth. In that case you can match any damage he does with a pair of scissors."

Flavius released Gaius' cock and offered the leash, "Bring him back to the Palace tonight."

"Ye gods." Lord Dessolini laughed, "I'm glad I didn't go against you."

"You did." Flavius laughed with him, "You supported my impeachment after that graffiti incident but you did it openly and legally and I've got my revenge. I've got you sitting here talking to market boys."

"True. And we're all better off than those wretches."

He was looking at a gang of slaves trudging through the forum. They were aged from about fifteen upwards. Each one had their ankles manacled by a heavy chain; they wore a heavy collar which joined them together by just as heavy chains. Many had 'Drugs' tattooed on their backs and chests in large, bright red letters. One or two had Thief' written on them.

They looked exhausted, just looking ahead with dull lifeless eyes. They were muscular without any fat on them but their muscles seemed wrong. Flavius could not figure why but somehow they seemed stretched and taut.

Flavius recognised the youngest boy. He had been one of the first to be arrested in the crackdown. Then he had been cocky and, Flavius had to admit, sexy. Once he had been stripped he showed off a sleek silky uncut cock that caught Flavius' eye. It stood out proudly from the boy's slim, firm body. Now it seemed almost shrunken and the boy had gone from a beautiful youth to an old man stooping under the weight of his chains.

Flavius felt a twinge of guilt at destroying him but then remembered how the boy had drawn a gun on a stall holder who had refused to sell drugs for him in exchange for 'protection'.

"Sometimes I hate my position." he said quietly, "Those are lives I've destroyed."

"Tonight go to the House of Sparta and look at the lives you've saved." Lord Dessolini replied.

He frowned as he saw a couple of young boys edging forwards.

"What about those two?" he asked, "I've seen their performance at the station. If they're coming over, I'm hiding my wallet."

"Lord Dessolini is off limits." Flavius said sternly as he waved them over, "I'm in my Governor's clothes so behave."

"Of course, Your Excellency," one of them said cheekily but bowing gracefully, "Will you grant your humble subjects an audience?"

"It's your dad's pay day, isn't it?" Flavius asked, "Where do you want to sleep tonight?"

The boys became serious, "In your slave quarters, please, Flavius. We'll behave."

Flavius nodded and the boys relaxed.

"Are you going out tonight?" one of them asked, "Jamie said we could sleep with him in your quarters if you're not there."

"That's right." the other piped up, "He's going to help us stretch our butts."

He could not help giggling, "Unless you want to help us as well."

"Just go and annoy Ty." Flavius said as sternly as he could, "If you help him clean the kitchens, he'll find you some lunch."

The two boys scampered happily off.

"That's what I mean." Lord Dessolini said, "Everyone knows you look out for them. With anyone else as magistrate they'd be crucified by now. If I may offer some advice then remember that you are not a god. You cannot create a perfect province but you're creating a better one. I apologise if I've overstepped the line."

Flavius did not answer but stood up as if to look at something, brushing past Lord Dessolini before sitting down again.

"Did you check your wallet after those two left?" Flavius asked.

"Yes you saw me." Lord Dessolini replied checking again. His complacent smile vanished as he checked again followed by a confused frown.

"I'm sure I had it." he muttered.

Flavius held up the wallet, laughing.

"How do think I'd manage as a street kid?" he chuckled.

"Very well, it would seem." Lord Dessolini replied, a little irritably but then he relaxed, "It's amazing what you can learn from slaves, isn't it? Is there a point to that demonstration?"

"If I wasn't Aulus how easily would I end up with 'Thief' tattooed on my chest?"

"You'd take a lot of catching." Lord Dessolini replied, "It might sound like flattery but you'd be good at anything you tried."

"So in a way, I only punish fools."

"Ah! I should have spoken more carefully. I forgot how you debate in the Senate. That gang upset you but be honest. Was there one member of it who would not slit his master's throat if he could profit by it. Could any of them just be freed.?"

Flavius shook his head.

"Get back to your palace. Look at some of your slave friends then ask yourself where they would be without you. My slave's lives have improved because of your influence. They still not confident enough to openly deny that claim but I do try to listen to them more."

"Thank you. I should be getting back."

That evening, Gaius' ankles cuffs were locked to eye bolts in the floor keeping his feet as far apart as the connecting chain would permit. His wrists were still cuffed behind his head to the collar which was now fixed to a chain hanging from the ceiling.

Flavius examined his prisoner's cock.

"I'm glad that they didn't need to use the scissors on you." he said, "It would have been a waste."

"You've made your point." Gaius said wearily, "You can do what you like with me."

"Yes I can." Flavius agreed, "But it's not a point I make to slaves. They discover it for themselves when the lash hits. I was making a point to others. No one is above the law."

Flavius stood thoughtfully, "Sooner or later I'm going to kill someone with my own hands. You won't understand this but I don't want to do it because I'll enjoy it too much. It's been bothering me since I became Governor.

"If I just left you like this you would struggle until your legs just gave out then you'd slowly hang. It would be fun watching you. Your muscles would look awesome. You've got a nice body and the sweat would make it shine. I'd watch you through that CCTV camera because after a couple of days your piss and shit would stink this room out."

"If I was free, I wouldn't have any trouble killing you." Gaius retorted with as much energy as he could summon."

"When I had you sent to Rome in chains, you impressed the Emperor." Flavius said, "You stood by what you believed in even though you were going against him and me. So why get involved in drug smuggling? Why did your father."

"I'm not telling you anything." Gaius exclaimed, "I talked enough when I was drugged."

"Don't feel badly about it." Flavius said, "You put up a good resistance and you're lucky to have kept your mind. You're still a bit doped up otherwise you'd have caused more trouble today."

Gaius found Flavius' friendliness confusing. He did not doubt that Flavius was genuine and suddenly his resistance crumpled.

"It was Father. He was jealous of the Crevellios." he said, "He didn't think that a boy like Brutus could turn their estates around as much as he has without some sort of fiddle or back handers. He was positive that you had to be involved. I believed him and it was fun getting one over on you. We were both sure that you were more interested in playing at slaves to really take us on or care how we made some extra cash."

He paused then added ruefully, "We were wrong, weren't we."

"Doctors call it compensation." Flavius explained, "The more I have to be governor the more I like to go to the other extreme to balance up. There's nothing like a whip near your back to make you concentrate on the here and now rather than politics, the state of the economy or whether the Emperor approves."

"That makes sense. Father reckoned that you should have had a committee of senators to govern."

"So what do I do with you?"

"Let me go." Gaius grinned, "I wish I could suggest that you put me in a cell with a single shot gun but I don't think that I'm as brave as Father."

"He did it to save his family. You would just do it to escape. No more talking now."

Flavius stripped off his clothes folding them onto a chair before examining an array of whips. He tried a few, swishing them through the air until he found the one he wanted.

He positioned himself by Gaius and flicked it. It struck Gaius on the arse while the tip swung round his body to land in his neat little pubic bush. As it rebounded away it caught some of the hairs and pulled them out.

Gaius screamed at the triple pain, watching Flavius fearfully, dreading the next blow. It landed across his back. Again the tip flicked round, drawing blood in the dark ring surrounding his nipple. The third blow was aimed at his thighs with the tip wrapping round his leg and raising a welt along his inner thigh.

Gaius was sobbing freely, screaming at each blow, knowing that he was powerless to stop the fourth. This time the tip caught his armpit ripping more hair.

"Flavius fetched himself a glass of water, waiting for Gaius to recover.

"I have a proposition for you." Flavius said, "I turn you into an obedient slave, then I lend you to Lady Toleno to act as Antonius' mentor. You won't feel humiliated because you'll be too anxious to avoid being returned to me."

"And was that a sample of my training?" Gaius asked.

Flavius flicked the whip so that the tip struck Gaius' balls. Flavius waited for Gaius to recover before saying, "No, it IS part of your training. I did not give you permission to speak. Now you have permission to speak about my proposition but be respectful."

"Yes Master, will my mother treat me like a slave?"

The whip landed squarely on his back, leaving a line blood drops.

"Ask the question again," Flavius commanded.

Gaius thought about what he had done wrong, "Will the Lady Toleno treat me like a slave?"

"I shall point out that the more she treats you like a son, the more it will confuse Antonius."

"She'll hate that." he glanced at Flavius "I meant My Lady."

He screamed again as this time a line of blood droplets appeared across his stomach.

"She might." Flavius agreed, "But she might be glad to have you back alive and well."

"So why do you think that I would make a good mentor, Master."

"You know the Toleno estates and you do have a sense of honour. Antonius will also need to learn about his body. I can make sure that you have plenty of experience with boys of his age. You'll know what he needs."

Gaius gulped and his cock twitched, "Yes Master."

I didn't expect you to be turned on by the idea." Flavius laughed.

"Those boys were demanding this afternoon, Master." Gaius explained, blushing bright red, "They were curious as to how big my cock grew and how many times I could cum. They wanted me to try and make them as big as possible and I could only use my mouth. It was all friendly and I suppose it was fun."

He paused for a moment, "I was surprised. They didn't seem to mind how I treated them in the past."

Flavius tossed the whip so that it cracked. Gaius flinched, staring wide eyed at Flavius.

"I didn't ask for an explanation." Flavius grinned, "I'll let it pass this time. In the past you got the worst service and paid the highest prices so honours are even."

Gaius stared in amazement then burst out laughing before looking at the whip and freezing solid.

"Slaves of Sparta have worked in the Forum and the district market." Flavius continued, "I reckon any of us can negotiate the price down by at least a half from the tourist price. At least on the visiting stalls who don't know us. Regular stalls offer us local rates and we don't haggle."

Gaius remembered to keep quiet. Flavius left him to stand all night, alone and in the pitch black. Relieved that there was no House of Sparta meeting that night he headed for his apartment.

As he entered he was startled to see not only Jamie but Jamie's friend Johnny and the two boys he thought of as The Pickpockets. Jamie looked up at him, equally startled and leapt into the display position, legs spread and hands behind his head. The Pickpockets followed suit scared that that they would be in trouble but Johnny just watched.

"Are you going to have your argument?" he asked.

"What argument?" Flavius asked.

"The one where where Jamie insists that he's your slave and you insist that he's your friend."

"Which do you think he is." Flavius asked, amused.

"A bit of each." Johnny replied, "You need a slave so you can do your other stuff. He thought you were going out so he's upset because we're disturbing you and he hates that. You're going to say that this is his apartment as well so he's entitled to invite his friends. You don't understand that he wants his apartment to be ready for you."

"In that case, join the line and be quiet." Flavius said, "Come here, Jamie."

Flavius stooped just far enough to kiss Jamie firmly on his lips before hugging him closely.

"Relax and go on watching TV." Flavius said, "I just want to be quiet."

He slipped through to his bedroom and threw himself onto his bed. Johnny entered a few moments later standing quietly by the door.

Flavius stared at him until he began to feel uncomfortable.

"Jamie told me to come through in case you wanted something." Johnny said, "He's looking after Ben and Sam."

"You like Jamie, don't you."

Johnny nodded, "He don't brag about stuff like being friends with you and the Emperor."

""He doesn't brag." Flavius corrected suddenly feeling like a grown up, "What about you? You know us as well."

"My parents are weird." Johnny said as if changing the subject, "They keep telling me to behave, make sure I know how to bow or kneel properly. They tell me to keep quiet unless someone speaks to me. They don't believe it's not like it is on the telly."

"Mother likes you calling her Aunt Julia. How did that start?"

Johnny blushed, "I was thinking of my Aunt Rene. She keeps trying to teach me to wait table and says I'll do better the quicker I learn my duties. I was sitting there watching the Lady Julia pour me a cup of tea and it kind of came out."

Flavius laughed, "It's a good story. You are a guest. You can sit on the bed if you like."

Johnny shook his head, "It's OK. It's a bit like Jamie. We do this stuff because we like to. I was just thinking though. Would you come to my birthday party? That would freak my family out."

"Slave Flavius might attend Jamie." Flavius replied, "But it wouldn't be very nice if you tried to embarrass everyone."

"No, I suppose not." Johnny replied, "You're either a slave or the governor. I'd like to show them that you're my friend."

He hesitated, "It's not my parents. It's my aunt. She's older than my mother and thinks she's got it all. She doesn't like us being better in any way. She convinces Mum that I'm not your friend just a servant.

"I've got a prisoner downstairs." Flavius suddenly said, "I might have to kill him. She might be right and I'm not a good guy to hang out with."

"Jamie warned me." Johnny said, "Thinking about it makes you want to pile-drive into someone and not care if you hurt them. He said that I should get him if I didn't want it."

"Jamie doesn't understand me as well he thinks he does." Flavius said, "I wanted to cuddle up to him, not rape him."

"So you haven't got a hard on?" Johnny asked.

Jamie was the only person who could leave Flavius floundering, uncertain what to say. Apparently Johnny had been having lessons.

"OK, yes I have. I'm sorry Johnny but I want Jamie in here. He's the one I love. You and the others use the guest room will you?"

Johnny nodded, "You do love him, don't you?"

Johnny bounded across to kiss him before hurrying off. Only Jamie knew how much his injury still affected him. It was getting better and he could hide the pain for most of the time but he could not be hugged too hard or take any sort of blow to the area. He still got tired easily. While on the frigate, only PO Smits had realised and had discreetly made allowances. Now only Jamie really understood.

Jake examined him, complained that he was doing too much but there was little he could do. His tiredness stemmed from a little breathlessness still.

The following day Flavius had Gaius brought up to his office.

"Have you considered my suggestion?" he asked.

"To become my brother's slave?" Gaius asked, "At least I'll serve my family. I accept."

Gaius was exhausted and ached from being chained up all night. There was nothing noble about him as he he stood still in chains. He was hungry though he had been given a little water.

At a nod from Flavius the escort removed the chains leaving Gaius to stand freely for a moment.

"Kneel, back on your haunches, spread your knees. Hands behind your head."

Gaius complied.

Flavius picked up a letter he had written.

My Lady Toleno,

The slave bearing this letter is aware of it's contents.

I cannot return your elder son to you however I can offer this slave on loan. He is well versed in your family's interests, understands the responsibilities of being a noble and also understands the questions that a growing boy may have about himself.

I wonder whether he may be a useful body slave for Antonius. Should you accept him I will grant the slave his freedom on Antonius' 21st birthday. In the meantime you may use him as you wish.

Should you reject my offer then please send him back to me.

Flavius Aulus.

"You will take this letter to Lady Toleno," Flavius said, "You will demonstrate how you should behave before her and your young master Antonius. Adopt that position in front of your young master unless he tells you different. It's more submissive and puts you below Antonius' eye level."

"May I speak, Master." Gaius asked.

Flavius nodded.

"You said I'm to take the letter. Won't anyone escort me?"

"No. You know what you used to expect from other slaves. You know how I expect you to behave towards your new owners. It's your responsibility to make this work."

"Yes Master. If I'm going out, I need a tunic."

"No you don't. You go as you are. The welts show your status well enough."

"And as a slave I don't even rate a tunic, Master."

"I've kept my promise to Antonius." Flavius said, "Be satisfied with that."

It was not an easy journey for Gaius and even harder when he presented himself to his mother and finally his brother. Antonius seemed uncertain and with his mother's permission asked to see Flavius.

"Father and Gaius said slaves should be kept in their place," he said after the formal greetings. "It's not how you do it so how should I treat Gaius?"

"Send for David." Flavius ordered the serving boy.

David arrived standing respectfully in front of Flavius.

"Drop that tunic and bend over my lap." Flavius commanded.

Startled, David obeyed. Flavius stroked David's buttocks allowing his hands to slide between the slaves legs.

"David is a slave." Flavius said, "He is also my friend and normally I wouldn't embarrass him like this."

Flavius delivered a resounding slap to David's arse.

"He's probably furious with me at the moment but I need his obedience. When he became the head of the House of Sparta the first thing he did was to whip all the nobles to show that he could. Again he needed to impose discipline. If he's still willing to go to the forum with me, we'll both be wearing Sparta tunics so we'll be equals. The trick is being clear when you can relax."

"Yes but I'm bound to get it wrong." Antonius exclaimed.

"You probably will get it wrong at times." Flavius replied, "I'm hoping I haven't got it wrong with David, now. Shall we ask him?"

Antonius nodded uncertainly.

"No, you haven't got it wrong, Master." David said, "I was angry but I understand. Master Antonius, how about visiting the House of Sparta tomorrow night? We'll try and answer any questions you may have."

"Aren't you going to punish him? How dare he think that he could offer an invitation like that?"

"Some people call it wearing different hats. In his slave hat he's hoping I won't take a belt to him. In his Head Boy hat he's entitled to invite you to the House of Sparta. In his administrative hat I'd be unwise to ignore his advice on palace affairs."

"Thank you Your Excellency." Antonius said, "You really are trying to help us. I'm sorry I attacked you with the knife."

"That was an attack?" Flavius asked feigning surprise, "I really thought you had slipped. If I hadn't I would have had you arrested as well."

"That's what Mother said. She apologises, she is grateful for what you've done but she's feeling Father's loss too much to greet you at the moment."

Antonius left leaving Flavius feeling better. She understood Lady Toleno's attitude but was sure the hostility would fade. At least he could put the Tolenos out of his mind and concentrate on other things.

He made a point of inviting the Toleno family to functions thereby ensuring that were still accepted by the province. At first Lady Toleno did not accept but gradually came to accept that Flavius had done his best and they were reconciled.

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