Maiocxx

A Five Little Boy Slaves Story

Danny's Education

Chapter 3

It was a Friday, and a school holiday, so we went out for one of our frequent walks, Danny two paces behind me with his head held high. He was Master Marcus's best slave ever and that was his proudest accomplishment.

We had been to a shop in a less familiar part of town to get some needed building supplies. As we walked along a busy street, a car suddenly roared past. Without stopping, the rear door opened and a small body came pitching out onto the street. As the car sped off, shots rang out and everyone scrambled for cover.

Well, not everyone.

Danny threw down the roll of roofing paper he was carrying and quickly ran to the child. This despite my very direct command, "No, Danny. Stop! Don't do it! Stay down!"

When the danger passed and I reached him, he had, miraculously, emerged physically uninjured and was cradling the little girl's head in his lap and she was holding onto him for dear life.

Darlene… we found out her name from her slave registration… was black, eight years old and gravely wounded. Several of the bullets had found their target and she was bleeding profusely. But, she showed all too graphic signs of beatings and worse. Her entire pelvic area was a mass of torn and bleeding flesh. She was obviously from one of the brothels in the city and had displeased a client.

"Master," Danny pleaded. "Please get an ambulance."

Looking at the child, I almost thought a knacker might be more appropriate, but I did as he asked.

The medics tried everything they could do for her, but it was no use. The little girl died in Danny's arms. He had managed to hold his tears in check until the medics took her gently from him, but I held out my arms and he fled into them and cried like I hadn't heard him since that first night in the slave pen.

When we arrived home, Michael was waiting with hot soup and hot showers for each of us. He managed to get all three of us into the big shower, scrubbing and drying me first and then turning his attention to Danny.

I sat before the fireplace waiting for my young slave, my young hero, to appear. At last he came, freshly scrubbed and radiantly pink. Kneeling before me, he waited my judgment.

He had deliberately disobeyed me. In public… the only time he had ever done so… and he was distraught. He knew there would be hell to pay… how much neither he nor I could have guessed.

"Danny," I said, pulling him into my arms, "I'm so very, very proud of you!" That wasn't what he had expected.

"But I disobeyed you! And the little girl died, so it was all for nothing!" he replied, dry eyed.

"It wasn't for nothing," I assured him gently. "You were there for her when she needed you most. Maybe for the first time in her life there was someone who loved her."

"And now I must punish you for it," I cried, tears welling up in my eyes.

He disentangled himself, walked over to the rack, retrieved my whip and returned, handing it to me. "Master, you told me one time the mark of a true person is being able to do what you believe is right no matter what it costs you. I couldn't leave the little girl die alone, even it meant disobeying you. I'm ready to pay the costs." And he assumed his punishment stance.

I couldn't do it!

I simply could not punish him! How could I possibly do this? What kind of a jerk am I?

He looked at me from between those beautiful legs, distress on his upside-down face. "Please, Master. You must."

He was right. Equilibrium had to be re-established. I would have given anything to spare him.

But, before I could act, the law intervened.

Suddenly two constables and an inspector appeared, followed by a very angry and frightened Michael. "Master, forgive me but they forced their way in." I nodded to him and turned to face my unwelcome guests.

"We're sorry to intrude, Mr. Shay, but I have a warrant for the arrest of your young slave on a charge of Public Disobedience."

"Why is this necessary?" I asked him, rising. "I will punish him suitably."

"No, you don't understand," replied the inspector. "A citizen has made a complaint and the offense was in public. Under the terms of an almost forgotten and little used law, your slave must be punished in public, by flogging. Fifty strokes of the whip or cane well-laid-on."

"Fifty strokes! You'll kill him!"

"I assure you sir, we will try our best to avoid that, but young boys have died from less."

"This is outrageous!" I shouted.

"I agree, sir, and I have begged my superiors to set it aside, but they say the law must be obeyed. Now please let my officers take the boy in without a fuss."

Full of misgiving, I turned to my quaking slave. "Go with them Danny and do whatever they tell you. I'll come to you first thing in the morning and we'll get this straightened out."

The constables cuffed and shackled him and led him out. His look of fright cut me like a knife.

The inspector lingered for a few minutes. "I wish there were some way I could make this easier for you, but you have some choices to make."

"Like what?" I asked sarcastically.

"Where the punishment will take place," he answered.

"How about the street out front," I snarled. I was getting angrier with this little officious prick every moment.

"Very well, we'll block off the street. That should provide a suitable venue for the crowd that is sure to gather."

"Watch your tongue, dum-dum," I told myself.

"You have a choice of whip or cane."

"Who will be doing the flogging?"

"You will. If you refuse, he will get one hundred strokes from one of my officers, and if he survives that, he'll be sold to the mines."

I thought for a minute. "I'll choose the cane." I was pretty sure I could control it better and avoid injuring him permanently.

"You understand you can't go easy on him?"

"I know what 'well-laid-on' means, Inspector."

"I'm sorry you're so upset, Mr. Shay. Obviously you have some affection for this slave. But he is just a slave," he sought to remind me.

"JUST A SLAVE!" I exploded. "HE'S A LITTLE BOY, FER GOD'S SAKE! YES I LOVE HIM!"

The two of us simply glared at each other. "Good evening, Inspector! Michael," I barked, "Show this, this, this… to the door!"

And I sank to the floor, my tears at last flowing. "Oh, Danny! What have I done? What have I bumbled into?"

Somehow, I found enough courage and coherence to call Timo and tell him what happened. He was aghast, but managed to gasp out his confidence in me; that everything would be all right. I certainly wasn't sure and Michael had to spend most of the night comforting me.

Early the next morning my solicitor and I marched into the chief inspector's office. "That law was to apply to adult slaves," my solicitor told him. We wrangled for an hour before my solicitor shook his head sadly and said, "Enough, Marcus. The law is quite specific. If he doesn't carry out the punishment, they will just send someone else."

"Please, Mr. Shay, I understand your feelings, really I do. I have children of my own and a cherished slave, a lad about your slave's age. I know what this would do to them. I'm terribly, terribly sorry."

We spent the next few minutes getting my papers authorized and filed. That taken care of, I asked, "May I see him?"

"It's a bit irregular, but I'll make an exception." He nodded to the desk sergeant who took us… my solicitor and I… into the cell block and turned us over to the block captain. As soon as the reinforced door into the cell block was cracked, I could hear Danny shrieking.

We pounded along the corridor coming at last to a cell containing a terrified and shaking Danny. The guard quickly passed us into the cell and I rushed to the boy and folded him into my arms. He wailed and clung to me like there was no tomorrow… and, indeed, maybe there wouldn't be.

"Please, Uncle Marcus, don't let them!" His use of his former name for me told me how terrorized and disoriented he was. "Don't let them put me on a cross!" he shrieked. "Don't let them drive nails into me. Please! Please!"

The guard coughed and I tore my gaze away from my boy and looked at him. There was something he wasn't telling me! He gestured to the wall opposite from where I crouched with Danny in my arms.

On that wall was a large poster… whether photo or drawing I never found out.

I almost 'lost it'.

It was a scene of a crucifixion. A young boy was hanging on a cross in agony, nails piercing his wrists and ankles. Ranged about him were his young friends in tears watching him slowly die.

Now I understood what Danny had been saying. And I was truly enraged. But I kept my cool for the moment; I had a terror stricken slaveboy to care for. While I held and tried to sooth him, the guard shamefully removed the poster.

It took me upwards of an hour before Danny was able to listen to me. "They are not going to do that to you, you must believe me," I finally got to him. "You will be flogged and, yes, it's going to hurt." I was forbidden to tell him that I was the one who would be caning him.

"I just told him that is what will happen if he doesn't learn to obey. I just marked his wrists and feet to show him," the guard offered lamely. My glare must have skewered him; have you ever seen a pale black man?

It was my turn to cry and Danny's turn to comfort me. "Please Master, I'll be brave. I'll make you proud," he assured me. He had no idea of the hideous pain he would have to bear.

I finally hugged him goodbye… not for the last time, I fervently prayed… and allowed them to lead me back to the Chief Inspector's office.

And there I did 'loose it'!

"YOU GOD-DAMMED STINKING PERVERTS! HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO A LITTLE BOY. A SLAVE WHO'S ONLY CRIME WAS TRYING TO COMFORT AN INJURED AND ABUSED LITTLE GIRL IN HER LAST MINUTES. WHAT KIND OF MONSTERS ARE YOU? HOW COULD YOU LET HIM BELIEVE HE WAS GOING TO BE CRUCIFIED?"

The Chief Inspector, jumped as if struck. Indeed, if my solicitor hadn't been restraining me, I would have done him great harm. He rounded on the guard, "You didn't?" he spat. The hapless guard nodded. "Turn in your weapon and badge and get out of my sight," he told the guard in cold fury.

By this time my rage had subsided somewhat and I stood facing him white with anger.

"What can I say?" he asked, truly contrite. "Except that you need to learn to hold your tongue, Marcus. You have committed at least three offenses for which you could be severely sanctioned. I'm willing to overlook them if you will promise not to impede things further. Do you still wish to be the one to administer the flogging?"

"Yes." Then, "Forgive me, Chief Inspector. It's my fault, not yours."

"Marcus, I knew your father. I admired him for what he did protecting the six of you. And I was very happy when you were all finally free. It would be a complete tragedy if you were to lose your freedom over this slave. There is a preparation we can put on him that helps to prevent scaring and deadens the pain a bit."

"He's the son of my very best and oldest friend who wanted him to know what it meant to be slave," I told him softly. "One of the six."

"Oh, Lord!" groaned the Chief Inspector.

My solicitor drove me home to Michael's waiting arms. I had three hours to wait and he wanted me to take a sedative. But I shook my head, "Michael, I must be clear-headed this afternoon. One slip and we could have a maimed little boy to return to Timo."

I summoned enough courage to call Timo and tell him what was afoot.

"We'll be right over!"

"No Timo. You must not come near this place. The law forbids slaves to associate with their former parents. Goodness knows we've bent it any number of times. But you and I are under close scrutiny and any overt move on either of our parts to interfere could have devastating consequences."

"I will be the one who flogs him," I confessed. "I can't pull my strokes, but you'll just have to trust that I can keep from maiming or killing him. Poor little guy has no idea how much it will hurt."

I heard Jenny's scream in the background. After a moment, Timo agreed and rang off to tend to his grief-stricken wife.

I sat in the garden as the minutes ticked slowly by, trying to calm myself. Without Michael's strength, I would have been a basket case. The hour arrived and we stepped through the front door to a scene that was absolutely medieval.

The whole avenue had been closed off, snarling traffic for miles I was told. A punishment rack had been erected directly in front of our house. A surly crowd had gathered; they knew what had happened and were close to revolt at the horror they were about to witness.

I stepped out onto the porch, held up my hands and they quieted somewhat.

"My friends and neighbors," I addressed them, "I thank you for your outpouring of love for Danny and your utter disgust at what will take place here. I have to be the one to punish him. He is my slave and my responsibility. I ask you to lend me your strength that I may do what must be done. I ask you also to lend this little boy your courage to bear the pain and humiliation he must endure. Lastly, I ask you not to think ill of the guards and officials who are upholding the law. That we… a free people… permit… even encourage… such atrocities as this is our fault."

"Yours and mine!"

"It doesn't have to be this way!"

Looking out over the crowd, I saw heads nodding and I knew I had accomplished my primary objective: preventing this gathering from turning into a riot. In the crowd I spotted, Billy and his dad; I suspected two other two boys were somewhere there, too.

I saw Evan Carouthers, but I heaved a thankful sigh as I walked toward the frame. Timo and Jenny were not there.

Two uniformed officers brought Danny from their wagon and removed his cuffs and shackles and his slave collar. They fastened his ankles to the bottom of the rack and his hands far above his head giving me a clear target of his back, rump and upper legs. Just before they put the protective helmet over his head and shoulders, he twisted about and mouthed, "I love you," to me. He was dry eyed and determined. He would not know it was I who was flogging him until afterward.

"Who is your second, Mr. Shay" one of the officers asked.

"Michael Lang, my registered trustee slave. There is nothing in the law that prohibits an adult slave from acting as second." The officer looked at me in shock, but then nodded his agreement.

The crowd was strangely quiet as I hefted the cane and laid the first stroke over the middle of Danny's pink ass. The crack of cane hitting bare flesh brought no response from Danny although there were cries of dismay from several in the crowd.

It wasn't until my fourth stroke planted an oozing stripe across the tops of his legs that his scream pierced the silence. I had to avoid certain areas carefully as his genitals were not protected.

With the fifth stroke I was suddenly seized by anger.

Anger at myself for blundering into this nightmare!

Anger that I could not have taken the punishment for him!

Anger that a great nation could be so uncaring!

Anger at the animals who had so hideously harmed and killed the little girl!

I swung mechanically; there was no doubt the strokes 'were well-laid-on'. His cries gradually decreased and then stopped until all I could hear was the cane striking him once more. I continued in my thrall until Michael suddenly gripped my arm. "It's done Master. Go to him!"

I threw down the cane and stumbled toward the rack where the officers were removing the inert body. "Oh God, please let him be alive!" I prayed as I had never before. As I received his broken body, I could suddenly feel a pulse. "HE LIVES!" And the crowd cheered, much to the discomfort of the officers.

I gently carried Danny back toward the house. My arms and shirt were stained with blood… Danny's blood dripping from a score or more cane cuts.

At the doorway, Michael took my burden. "Go to the garden, please, Master. I will come for you once I have had time to treat him." I felt Mr. Carouthers grip me by the arms and steer me away toward the garden. "Come laddie! You need to recover. Don't fash yeself about the caning. It was an act of bravery and kindness." Depositing me on one of the benches, he withdrew.

I cried!

I cried for Danny and the pain I had caused him.

I cried for my inability to have saved him from this.

But I cried also for our land and its people who had descended into a kind of savagery that permitted the whole slavery process and the abominations it spawned. We were not a great people, just frightened and greedy people. This despite the crowd that had turned out to offer Danny and me their support today; they were a glimpse of what we could be if we only had the courage to throw off our collective chattels.

Michael was assisting a young intern from the local hospital… one for people, not slaves… and, together they worked feverishly to repair the damage I had caused.

After an hour, the intern came into the garden and sat across from me, leaving Michael to watch over his patient. "I believe he'll live," he told me. "He's lost some blood, but I've managed to stop that. He's asleep now, but I've told your servant to secure him so he can't roll over. Whatever they did put on him helped with the scaring. He will have some, but not as much. I doubt very much it deadened the pain, however."

"You were very wise to concentrate on his ass and legs. The back is where the problem lies. Sometimes the spine is injured. Or there is internal bleeding. Or the heart, liver or pancreas is damaged. I don't think that is the case here. But, it's shock that kills. Each blow is a shock to his whole body. He seems like a strong little guy and I'm hopeful he will be able to endure it."

"Keep him warm with his head lower than his feet. Make sure he is hydrated. I've left instructions for your servant. I think he's in good hands. If he makes it through the first twenty-four hours, he'll recover. But we won't know for a while. Aside from that, it's a matter of time. I know you didn't want to have to harm him. You were brave and did what you had to and I admire you greatly."

I thanked him and offered to pay him, but he refused. "I spend a lot of time patching up drunks and druggies, the same people over and over. It's an honor and privilege to be able to help you and Danny."

"When I was a young boy," he continued, "I had a slave my own age, a black boy. I loved him very much and we were good friends, more like brothers. I vowed I would free him as soon as I was old enough. My drunken father beat him bloody one time too many and locked us both in our family's slave pen."

"I yelled and screamed for help, but no one came. I tried and tried to stop the bleeding from the whip cuts on his back and legs. But I couldn't, and I was too young to know that he was bleeding internally, too. I had to sit there with him in my arms and watch him slowly die. I vowed I would never be in that position again, a bit foolish, but I was too young to know better."

"So, I thank God the boy is still alive. He may be a slave but I can tell you love him dearly. That's what he needs most just now. Love!" And he was gone.

It was just starting to get dark when Michael came for me. "Master, please come. He's awake and asking for you."

Panic seized me. Did he hate me? How could I face him after what I had been forced to do to him?

"Please Master." Pausing to hug Michael, I entered my room with fear and trepidation.

He lay on his belly, his ass and upper legs a mass of oozing welts… welts that I had put there. His eyes were closed and his skin was a pale waxy white. His ankles were fastened so he couldn't roll over. I stumbled over to the bed and collapsed beside it reaching for his hand.

"Is that you, Master" he rasped.

"Yes, oh yes, Danny! Look at what I've done to you! I'm not worthy to be your master."

"But, I love you and you're a good master," he replied, just above a whisper.

"No! A good master would not have let this happen. How can you love me?"

"Master, but for you the officers would have beat me to death. I know you didn't want to beat me, but you had to. Michael explained it to me. You saved my life." He gasped as a fresh wave of pain shook his ravaged body. "Master, it hurts! Please make the hurt go away!"

I looked up at Michael standing in the background and he shook his head. "Doctor said not to give him any pain killers until the shock is passed. I know it hurts, little one and I'm sorry."

I motioned for Michael to leave us, and just sat there holding his hand. What could I possibly say that could 'make the hurt go away'! After a while, he slept and I just lay my head down with his hand on my cheek and wept.

Sometime later, Michael entered quietly. "Master, Sir Evan Carouthers is here. He wants help watch over Danny. You better go to him; I'll stay with Danny."

I found Evan waiting in my office. As I came in, he stepped up and embraced me. "Tis a sad and evil day it's been for ye. How is the wee lad?"

"Badly injured, I'm afraid, but the doctor is confident he'll recover."

"Praise the Lord! I was of a fright he might not make it. Ye were a brave heart today, Marcus, an I will be humble to help where 'ere I might. Let me keep watch over the night while you and your servant sleep. Ye'll need all your strength in the days ahead."

"That's very kind of you, Mr. Carouthers,"

"Evan, if ye please."

"Thank you, Evan. We may well need your help."

"It's but a wee thing and the least I can do seein' the long friendship your pa and I had. He many-a-time helped me and the missus when things went a bit slack."

"Michael is treating his wounds just now," I explained. "When he's finished, I'll take you in. Danny shouldn't need anything more than a drink now and then and someone to hold his hand when the pain gets too bad. Evan, you're a saint to take this on."

"I 'spect there are many who might question the saint. But I shall be honored to watch over him."

I gestured him to a seat and took one myself, while we waited to Michael to finish.

"Your pa was sore troubled when ye all five first was come to him. He oft came to our porch where he could set a spell and speak of his troubles. He knew ye had been unfairly treated and was vexed he could no do anythin' to change it. I knew him to be cruel at times, but he loved all of ye very much. When young Sebastian was found, it almost did him woe. But he was determined to save the lad. And, when the two took their lives, it was a mighty blow to him. He almost didn't recover. He often said it was disgraceful to deprive our society of such fine boys and he worried oft what would become of all ye when you growed up."

"He oft talked of his special boy, you, Marcus. How ye was sech a wondrous bairn. So bright! And so loving no matter how rough he did ye. He kep tellin' me how ye stole his heart. He knew ye was more than jest a slave. I kep telling him ye had to be kin, but he would no accept it. And when he found you were son to him, he would have died trying to free ye if needed. I was proud to call him friend. An, you, also."

For Evan Carouthers, that was probably the longest speech he had ever made. I sat there with tears of thankfulness for this gentle man.

Michael beckoned and we went in.

Evan gasped. "Jesus, Mary and all the Saints! He has been sorely used. Still, you saved him much more. Well, wee laddie," he gently told the sleeping boy, "ye've a long path to tread an I'll give my hand."

By morning, Danny's color was somewhat better and we began to have real hope all would be well in the end. Evan turned out to be a great help over the next days freeing Michael and me to tend Danny's wounds during the day and allowing us to get much needed rest at night. I kept Jenny and Timo appraised, but begged them to stay away as I knew we were still being watched. It was ghastly hard for them but they understood.

But on Friday I received a call from Bill Scott. "He's making slow progress," I answered him.

"That's a relief. I know this is probably rushing things, but would you be up to a visit from Billy. He's been a mess. Says he won't go back to school until he knows Danny is better. Just sits on his bed and cries. I'm truly afraid for him."

"Billy might be just the tonic Danny needs," I replied. "He's still in a lot of pain and being tied to his bed about drives him crazy. Please come as soon as you can."

They arrived a few minutes after lunch and I met them in the hallway outside of Danny's room. Bill was pale and nervous, but the look of hatred and sorrow on his son's face was frightening. He refused to look at me as I told him, "Billy, you're not going to like what you'll see. Danny's in a lot of pain and he can't move very much. But we're sure he will get better." He simply stared sullenly straight ahead and said nothing.

I led the two of them into the room and Michael left.

Billy took one look at his friend and, then, turned and launched himself at me. "It's your fault!" he screamed, hysterically. "Look at him! How could you do this to him?" And he began to pummel me with his fists. His father immediately started to pull him away from me, but I waved him off. Gathering Billy into my arms, I forced him struggling against me and just held him tight and left him sob.

"Billy! Nooooooo!" came a weak voice from the bed. "It's not his fault. He saved me! Please don't!"

Finally breaking away from my hold, Billy ran to the bed and collapsed on his knees. Taking his friend's hand, he bawled like an infant.

"Let them work it out," I told Bill, softly as I steered him out of the room.

"I'm sorry, Marcus. I knew he was terribly upset but I never dreamed he would attack you. I've tried to explain what happened… how you chose to flog him rather than allowing one of the officers to beat him to death… but he hasn't been hearing me."

"I know, Bill. All he knows is that his best friend has been badly injured and I'm the one who did it. He lost his mother and then his best friend and then he found him again. But he almost lost him again. Pretty tough for a young boy to understand."

"You're right," sighed Bill. "His mother died during routine surgery and he's hated that doctor ever since. He's got an overdose of empathy in him and if someone he loves is hurt or treated unfairly, he takes it very personally."

"How did you hear about the punishment?" I asked.

"Billy told me Headmaster came into their class and told Mrs. Thompson about it. She cried and was so upset she sent the class home. First thing I knew he was on the phone to me screaming that something bad had happened to Danny and I must come home right away. I didn't want to take him to see the flogging, but he insisted and so we went. It was terribly upsetting for both of us and he was ready to attack the guards and you and everyone else in sight. It was all I could do to get him home again. He cried most of the night in my arms. And, I must confess, I cried for Danny, too."

Just then, Billy emerged and walked straight to me. He fell on his knees and went to his 'position'. His father was amazed, but I had somewhat expected it. "Please, Mr. Shay. I was wrong! Danny told me what happened and I'm so, so, so ashamed of myself. I love him and I was just so sad when I saw how badly he was hurt. Please forgive me for the way I behaved. I should know better."

"There's nothing to forgive," I assured him. "I know how much you love him and how bad you must feel." I pulled the boy to his feet and hugged him. "Thank you for coming to see him. It means a lot to him."

"Dad," he asked, turning to his father. "I want to stay with him and hold his hand tonight. May I please?"

Bill looked at me and I nodded. "On one condition," I told the boy. "You must go back to school and let Mrs. Thompson and his schoolmates know he is getting better. It will be a long struggle. We'll need you to bring his schoolwork every day and help him and just be here for him until he's well enough to go back to school. Will you do that?"

Billy looked at his father. "Every day, son. No football or running off with your friends."

"I will, Dad. I promise. He's my best friend!"

"Go back to him, then. Michael will bring you some supper and you can help him feed Danny."

So, that night Evan had two young boys to look after. Each one hurting in a different way.

From that day onward, Billy would arrive every afternoon and stay with Danny until his father picked him up. On weekends, he stayed thru Sunday evening, helping to feed and bathe him and dress his wounds and give him physical therapy. Michael and I often observed the two of them together and it was so beautiful.

After about a week, I had Billy help me get Danny out of bed. He could not sit yet, but could stand and the time off his belly was a great morale booster. We had to be careful not to disturb the healing wounds on his ass and legs, but we managed that OK. He was weak as a newborn at first, but with Billy and me supporting him he managed his first steps. After that, part of Billy's regular routine with him was to walk him around the house. It was a signal day when he could stand and walk unaided for the first time. Billy's devotion had been a huge asset in reaching this goal.

Another milestone was reached when he was able to eat his meals with us… standing up, of course. It certainly beat having to be fed while flat on his tummy. By this time, too, he was fretting about not being able to do his chores… a good sign that he was starting to heal and put the terror behind him. So Michael and I tried to find things he could do while standing. `

But I had other concerns to tend to also. Jan and Chris had had a continuing crisis in their family, too. I didn't tell Danny much about it as I thought he had enough on his plate. Just that I had to go out for a while but Billy and Michael would be with him.

The day finally came when Danny was able to sit up for the first time. The open sores had now healed although the underlying bruises would take quite a bit longer. He was still sore and he walked with a slight limp, but I had decided we might risk a visit from Timo and Jenny.

That morning he had been up and worked at his chores as best he could. We had had a discussion about them the night before. "It's not fair, Master. You and Michael are taking care of me and I'm not doing anything. I need to repay you for all you've done."

"My dear little one, you repay me every time you tell me that you love me." He had been doing this several times a day almost from the beginning.

"Well, just the same, Master. I want to start helping again."

By noon, he was exhausted and I told him, "After lunch, I want you to rest in your bed until Billy comes." He sighed, but did as I asked. When I looked in on him, he was asleep.

Before I could call Timo, he called me. "Marcus, can't we please see him. We trust you completely, but Jenny is at the end of her tether. She's his mother! You've got to understand!"

I hesitated just a moment. "Well," I told myself, "I might just as well get this over with!" Danny's open sores had healed, but the bruises had not. Every welt from all fifty strokes was still plainly visible on his ass and legs.

"Yes, Timo, I have time to discuss a business loan with you."

"Business loan?" he asked puzzled. "Oh, yes, a business loan."

Less than ten minutes later, they stood in my office. "Marcus," confessed Jenny, "at first I wanted to cut your balls off. But, thankfully, Timo wouldn't let me and I guess I understand what you did and why. But I'm not sure I can forgive you yet."

"I understand, Jenny. I'm not sure I forgive myself." She smiled, the two of them nodded that they were ready and I took them in.

Jenny froze in the doorway, hand at her mouth. "Oh my baby!" she moaned, before continuing to his side.

Danny stirred. "Mom, is that you? Ooops, I shouldn't have said that."

"Danny," I called to him, "It's OK. Your dad is here too and slave discipline is off."

"Oh my baby! What did he do you? Oh my baby!" And she put her arms around him and wept.

"Mom!" he struggled, rolling over onto his side, "Master saved my life! I'm getting better and he says I will soon be well." That last was an exaggeration as we had never talked about his prognosis. "And I'm not your baby any more."

"Dear heart," she wept, "you will still be my baby when we're both old and gray."

"OK. Mom! I surrender!" He made a face and then smiled up at her.

Timo joined her at his bedside. "Hi, Dad! It's really great to see you both. I'm sorry I look so awful." Timo just took his hand and squeezed it.

I left them and returned to my office where Timo joined me a short time later. "How is he doing?"

"Well, the cane cuts have healed and the underlying bruises are slowly fading," I answered. "One of the tendons in his right hip was hurt, so he walks with a slight limp."

"No, I mean how is he up here?" he asked, pointing to his head.

I sighed. "He's rather quiet, not as spontaneous as he used to be. But still very loving. In some ways, I think I must have beat the 'little boy' out of him."

"He insists on telling me how much he loves me several times a day. I'm not sure if he's trying reassure himself or me. But every time he does, I feel a pain much worse than anything Father did to us."

I was struggling not to cry, but had to give in to tears at last. "Oh, Timo!" I bawled, "when I think how close I came to losing him, it just does me in! I simply could not have faced you and Jenny knowing I had destroyed the treasure of your lives. If he had died, I think I might have joined Nico and Julian."

Timo got up and just held me tight. "Marcus, I think you have some healing to do, too."

"Yeah, you're right. You and I have been best friends forever and knowing you understand helps a lot. I love him! He is every bit as precious to me as Michael." Timo continued to hug me until I could get my emotions under control again. "Thank you, my friend."

"The one thing he has had trouble understanding is the real difference between a slave and a free person. He thought all slaves were treated like he was… I just can't be as strict with him as I should. That pixie grin of his melts my heart. I was searching for a way to make the difference clear, but I certainly hoped it could have been some other way than this. He knows why he disobeyed me and I honor him for his bravery in going to the little girl. What he doesn't quite grasp is why he was treated so horribly. So I still have some mentoring to do."

"Is he going to be OK?"

"Timo, he's going to carry emotional scars from this for the rest of his life. But, he's a tough little guy, brave and strong; so yes, I'm confident he'll recover."

"I know you and Michael have had a really hard time caring for him, so should Jenny and I take him for a bit?"

"No, Timo. I don't think it would be good to uproot him at this point. He has a good support team with Michael, and Evan Carouthers and his friend Billy. I would not want to return him to you less than completely healed. I had planned to free him soon; but, now, toward the end of the school year might be more realistic."

At that moment, Billy arrived and I introduced him to Timo. "I understand you have been very important and very faithful helping Danny recover." Timo told him. "His mother and I want you to know how much we appreciate your help."

"Thank you, sir," replied Billy. "He's my very best friend and I'm proud to be able to help."

"Danny's mother is with him, but you can go in," I told him. He nodded and entered.

"What a fine young man!" Jenny exclaimed when she came out to us a short time later. "He showed me how he helps with Danny's therapy and how they do their schoolwork together. And he comes every day?"

"Yes, he's been a god-send. It's good for Danny to have contact with someone his own age. I'm hopeful he'll soon be able to go to school again."

"Thank you for letting us see him," she replied as she gave me a tight hug and kiss.

Several weeks after Timo and Jenny's visit, I decided that Danny was well enough physically and emotionally to return to school. This time the price I paid was agreeing to Emma Thompson's demand that Danny attend full days. It would be a bit more difficult for him to get his morning and afternoon chores done, but I decided his education was more important than dusting the bookshelves.

Billy had been such a constant and dependable companion during Danny's recovery, I decided to enlist him in a move to give Danny a little more freedom. And, it would enhance Billy's sense of accomplishment, too.

Unless a slave was an adult and a registered trustee like Michael, the law required that he must be under the control of a free person whenever out in public. But there was no requirement that the free person be an adult. Indeed, many young slaves were out every day in the community with their equally young masters. After consulting with both my solicitor and the local chief inspector, I was ready to put the plan into play.

Billy's dad would drop him on the way to work each school-day. With Danny on a lead clipped to his slave collar, they would walk to school together. After school they would walk home together and Billy would wait at our house where the two could work together on their homework until his Dad picked him up.

It worked beautifully. The two boys were happy to be with each other and the requirements for Danny's enslavement were being met. It was good for him to be out and about with someone other than me. Danny still had to observe slave discipline while he was 'in transit' but that certainly didn't seem to dampen their enthusiasm.

His classmates welcomed him back once more. Mrs. Thompson had forbidden any questions about his ordeal; he would tell them about it if, and when, he was ready. She did praise Billy for his faithful care of Danny and he publicly thanked Billy as well.

All was well for several weeks and it looked like Danny was on the road to a full recovery. He still limped slightly and needed a cushion on his school desk, but those were minor inconveniences. I knew he was 'almost home' when he told me one evening, "I talked to the class today."

"What did you tell them?" I asked.

"I told them how you taught me about 'being true to myself' and how you were the bravest person in the whole world to do what you had to do. And how you and Michael and Mr. Carouthers helped me and how Billy helped most of all."

I didn't mind one bit playing second fiddle to his best friend. My halo is a bit tarnished anyway. Mrs. Thompson told me later that he bravely told his tale with determination and without playing for sympathy. Just the facts… they alone had been enough to bring tears to her eyes.

The two boys usually arrived home about 3:00 PM, shortly after school was dismissed… as a slave he was not allowed to participate in non-classroom activities. Billy, faithful as ever, lost out on football, but Danny was 'way more important', as he put it.

But one afternoon, they were late. When they still had not appeared by 3:45, I was alarmed and decided to go after them. Before I could, however, the phone rang.

"This is Chief Inspector Lewis. There's been an accident!"

"Danny and Billy!" I gasped. "Are they hurt?"

"No, they are all right. But it's complicated. You'd best come down to the station straight away."

A few minutes later, I dashed into the police station, followed closely by Bill Scott who had also been summoned. The desk sergeant waved us through and down the hall to the chief inspector's office. Entering, we found our two boys sitting across from Chief Inspector Lewis, arm in arm, weeping softly.

They both jumped up and ran to our waiting arms. We just held them for several minutes and let them cry themselves out. Finally Danny recovered enough to drop into his 'position'. "Master, I'm sorry! I should not have greeted you that way!"

I sat down and pulled him into my lap. "It's OK." I glanced over at Lewis, hoping for an explanation.

He cleared his throat and replied, "I'd like the boys to tell you what happened. When they're ready."

Billy wiped his tears with his father's handkerchief and began. "We were on our way home, like usual, and this man started to yell at us and chase us."

"Master," added Danny, "do you remember that awful man who wanted to beat me the first time we went out walking and you didn't let him? That's who it was! And he had a knife!"

"Danny doesn't run so good yet," Billy continued, "but we tried to get away from him. After a couple of blocks he was gaining on us and I had to do something. There was a shop across the street, so I thought we could ask for help there. We got across OK, but the man tried to follow us and got hit by a lorry [truck]. They say he died!"

Both boys were shaking again "Master, we didn't do anything bad, honest! We were just walking along and the man started to yell at us and chase us."

"And they are absolutely correct," chimed in Lewis. "Two of my officers were patrolling nearby and saw the whole thing. In fact they were both running toward the scene. The boys have done nothing wrong. Unfortunately, the man who was killed is Sir Norman Swickert. You probably know him by reputation."

Indeed, both Bill and I did. In Parliament he was constantly pushing to have slaves treated much more harshly. Wanted them castrated and other equally extreme measures. I looked quizzically at Lewis.

"Yes," he admitted, "he was the one who levied the complaint against your slave. You weren't supposed to find out, but now that he's dead…"

"There will have to be an inquest," he continued. "But my officers are quite capable of testifying the death was accidental, so your boys probably won't even have to attend."

At that moment, his phone rang. "Chief Inspector Lewis. Yes. She did what? You've got to be joking! That's preposterous! Yes, of course, we'll oppose it. The very idea." Slamming the phone down, he told us, "Lady Swickert is bringing a prosecution against the two boys, charging them with murder! Claims they lured her husband to his death. She has absolutely no case, but now there will have to be a public hearing. And both boys will have to appear… as defendants. Of all the misbegotten…! It's a travesty! And the judge will swiftly throw the case out. Our Crown Prosecutor will oppose her and act as counsel for the boys. The hearing is tomorrow morning at 9:00 in the courthouse."

Both boys were crying and shaking again and both Bill and I assured them things would be OK. I had a cold shiver of terror: would justice be done? It certainly had not been done a few short months ago! I made up my mind I would NOT let that happen again!

"Will you have to keep them overnight?" I asked.

"No! You need to get them out of here. I'm sure young Danny doesn't have very positive feelings about this place. You'll have to bond them out, but they should go home."

After a rather uncomfortable night, all four of us arrived at the court shortly before the hearing time. Since this wasn't school and full slave discipline would apply, Danny was nude. The court bailiff took both boys in hand and we shortly discovered Billy, as an accused juvenile felon, would have to be nude, also. Both would have their hands cuffed in front of them and shackles on their ankles and have to sit in the prisoner's box.

For Danny, being out in public unclothed was no big deal. For Billy, it was a very big deal! But he had no choice and shamefully surrendered his clothes to his father. Danny tried to comfort him, "Billy, you have nothing to be ashamed about. You have a beautiful body and no one is going to do anything bad to us. Please don't feel bad!"

The Crown barrister sat next to them and Bill and I directly behind them.

Lady Swickert and her barrister entered. She was dragging a very little boy behind her and slapped him repeatedly before depositing him on a bench away from her and her barrister. Both Danny and I gasped. "Master! The lady at the market! And the little boy!" Yes, it was her and she was now going exact her revenge. Or try to. Our counsel got up and walked over and engaged in a heated conversation with the Lady and her barrister.

When he returned, he growled, "Couldn't talk her out of it. She's determined to have her moment in court no matter who she hurts or how foolish it will make her look! She's under investigation… well they both were… for abusing the child and I can see why."

The judge took his place, opened the proceedings and nodded at the prosecution to call its first witness.

Lady Swickert was the sole witness and she treated us to a rambling, barely coherent diatribe roundly damning Billy and Danny and all slaves in general. After about five minutes, the judge cut her off and told the court reporter, "Let the record show that Lady Swickert has testified her husband was lured to his death by the defendants." When she objected vehemently, the judge told her sternly, "Madam, this is not a gathering for political speeches and you will return to your seat and be quiet or I will hold you in contempt!"

When her barrister simply rested, the judge asked incredulously, "You have no more witnesses? You built a case on that?"

"Yes, your honor," he sighed in distaste.

With a look of complete wonder and distress on his face, the judge turned to us. "All right, Sir Colin, call your first witness."

Billy was let out of the box and taken to the witness stand. Since Danny was a slave, he could not testify… even in his own behalf… and Billy would have to do the honors for our side.

"Please state your full name."

"William Edward Scott, Jr. But everyone calls me Billy, Sir.

"How old are you, Billy?"

"Almost twelve, Sir."

"And you know what it means to swear to tell the truth?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Let the record show the witness has been duly sworn. Now, Billy, would you please tell us what happened yesterday afternoon."

"Danny and I were on the way home like always. He's a slave and I had him on a lead like we always do." And he proceeded to give an accurate and factual account of what had taken place.

When he had finished, Lady Swickert's counsel did not ask to cross-examine Billy, and he was dismissed and returned to the prisoner's box But she jumped up and screamed, "HE'S LYING! THEY KILLED MY HUSBAND! HE AND HIS FILTHY SLAVE! AND YOU'RE GOING TO LET THEM GET AWAY WITH IT!"

"Counselor, control your client or I will have her put in chains!" Turning back to us, the judge asked, "Do you wish to call further witnesses?"

"No, your honor, but I have depositions from two constables corroborating this young man's testimony and I wish to enter them in evidence."

"Counselors, please approach the bench." Both stood before the judge and there was a short, vigorous conversation. When our man returned, he told us happily, "He's going to throw the case out."

Then the judge did something unusual. He asked, "Is young William's father present?"

"Yes," replied Bill, rising.

"Is the young slave's master, present?"

I rose and the judge invited us to the bench.

"In a few minutes," he declared, "I'm going to throw this case out of court so far it will go into orbit around the moon, but I want you to know how distressed I am that these two young boys… slave or not… had to endure this. Peer or not, Lady Swickert had no cause to bring this action. It was despicable!"

"Thank you, your honor. We understand," we both told him and returned to our places.

"This case is dismissed with prejudice to the prosecutor, Lady Swickert," the judge announced. "Bailiff, get those cuffs and shackles off the boys. There is no reason for them to be further humiliated." Lady Swickert's barrister dragged her screaming from the courtroom, leaving behind her crying child.

Both boys jumped into our respective waiting arms as an amused Sir Colin watched. Suddenly, Danny wiggled away from me and dropped into his position in front of our counsel. At my nod he told him, "Thank you sir, for helping us. I'm just a slave, but I sure didn't want my friend to go to jail." I nodded again and he rose.

"You're both fine young men, son. And I would not have wanted either of you to suffer unjustly." And he shook hands with both of them and withdrew.

Then, Danny noticed the crying little boy across the courtroom and immediately jumped down and ran to him. Holding out his arms, he asked, "Do you remember me, Little Sir??

Through his tears, the child nodded and then sniffed, "Yes. I hurt you and I was sorry."

"Will you tell me your name, Little Sir.? I'm sorry your father was killed, but…"

The boy interrupted him with a statement that astonished us all. "It's Christopher and I'm NOT sorry he died.! He was a bad man!. He liked to hurt me and he hurt my little sister so bad she died!" And he then burst into uncontrolled sobs as Danny took him into his arms and tried to console him.

Shortly, a court matron appeared and said, "I'll take him now, little slave-boy. Thank you for trying to comfort him."

"Yes Mistress," replied Danny, "I think he's been hurt really bad." She nodded, took the sobbing bundle from him and withdrew. Danny returned to my arms, tears running down his cheeks as Billy and his dad stood white faced.

"Danny," I told him, "that was absolutely beautiful. And so brave, it takes my breath away." Billy joined us in our hug and his dad rubbed Danny's back appreciatively. After a few minutes, we started to get ready to leave again.

Bill handed his son's clothes to him, but Billy looked at his dad and said, "If Danny can be brave enough to be out in public naked, well I can be too." That startled all of us.

Bill looked at me and I just shrugged. "OK. If you're sure."

Technically, Billy would be breaking the law since he was not slave, but I was sure there would be no harm. His expression of solidarity with Danny took a lot of courage.

"Bill, I'll take both boys with me for the rest of the day. I know you have clients to see."

"Thanks! I was going to suggest that." Giving Billy a big hug, he told his son, "You were very brave there on the stand today and I'm proud of you." Bundling the two of them into my car, we set out for home.

We were scarcely settled when Danny asked, "Master, what will happen to little Christopher?"

"Well, the bailiff told me his mother had left him alone in strange places many times, so I think he'll probably be taken into care."

"That's a fancy term for being made a slave, isn't it?" asked Billy.

"This kid doesn't miss much, does he?" I thought as I bit my lip and sighed. "You're right, Billy."

"Master, do you think we could… we might…"

"No Danny. He really needs a mother just now. I'm sure he hasn't had much tender care from Lady Swickert. Besides, he's much too young to start training yet." I marveled that he had given no thought that his service with me might be nearing the end. "But, I promise you I'll do everything I can to make sure he goes to a good family." That seemed to comfort my two young charges and we continued homeward.

On the way, however, I decided to make a stop and I pulled into the car-park next to our favorite ice-cream shop. Leaving the two boys in the car I entered and greeted the proprietor.

"Good morning, Mr. Shay. I see you have a new young slave with you."

"No, he's actually a free boy. But he's Danny's best friend and he wanted to show his solidarity. We'd like to order some ice-cream. Can you let me have a menu?"

The proprietor hesitated for a moment and then said, "Why don't you bring them both inside. Don't know why I've been such a snot. Should have invited both of you inside long ago!"

I went back out to the car to get the boys. Danny was thrilled; Billy less so. The look on his face told me he perhaps thought going naked hadn't been such a good idea after all.

"But I'm…"

"Yep! Let's not keep the nice man waiting." And I ushered the two of them into the shop. Danny went to his position and then greeted the proprietor formally after I had released him. Billy tried desperately to cover himself as we sat on the high stools at the counter. "You're going to find it rather hard to eat with your hands in your lap," I told him.

"Martha," called the proprietor, "better stay in the back. I have two nekkid little boys out here."

"Horace, dear," she answered, entering from the back, "I know what naked little boys look like. Did you forget we have a son?"

Horace snorted and Billy turned bright red.

"My, what handsome young men," Martha added as Billy looked like he wanted to crawl under his stool and hide. But he soon got over his embarrassment and joined Danny in his very favorite treat: Moose Droppings with chocolate sauce. We three adults just watched them enjoy their treat.

When they were finished, both boys bowed low and thanked Martha and Horace for their hospitality and headed back to the car. "Please bring them anytime."

"Thank you, Sir," I responded.

Safely back in the car again, the two somewhat sticky boys sat in the back with their arms around each other. As we pulled out of the car-park, Billy sagely commented, "I guess one advantage to being this way is I don't have to worry about spilling chocolate sauce on my shirt. A quick glance told me his left nipple and several other places now bore somewhat liberal coatings of chocolate. But it was Danny's whispered question… which he didn't think I heard… and Billy's giggle in reply that convinced me both boys were back in their 'grooves'.

"Would you like me to lick it off?"

As soon as we arrived home, the two of them hurried off to Danny's 'Den' and I called my friend at the Slave Authority. John Knox owed me big for taking care of Frankie and Johnnie.

The next afternoon, when the boys came skipping in from school, I had good news for them.

"My friend, Mr. Knox, at the Slave Authority says he's received Christopher from the court and he already has a good family for him. A woman doctor by the name of Joyce Wilson who lives near us and already has another son about your ages.

"That's Tyler's mom!" crowed Billy. "Isn't that brilliant? We'll be able to help care for him. And I bet Sean will help too."

"Yeah! It will be like he has four big brothers, Ooops! I guess I don't count," blurted Danny.

"What?" interjected his friend. "Don't be a twit? You're my very best friend and will be so forever. You're not going to be slave all your life and, anyway, that doesn't matter!"

There! He had said it with a finality I could never have escaped. Well not quite yet, but how could I possibly wiggle out of that one?

"Oh great!" I commented. "The boy will have four big brother/masters to boss him around and make life miserable."

"We wouldn't do that!" protested Billy. Turning to Danny, he asked, "Would we?" There was an awkward moment of silence and then all three of us burst into laughter.

The school year was quickly winding down and, with it, came 'promotion' to the upper school. Each of the students in Danny's fifth year class would receive their certificates in a special ceremony on the last day of school and parents were invited. I would attend 'in loco parentis' for Danny, but I made sure Jenny and Timo would be there too… as interested members of the community, of course.

A few parents were still uncomfortable with the idea that a slave boy was in their child's class, but Danny's politeness and respect on that day soon won them over. I could see some of them thinking, "I certainly wish my child was this polite and well-behaved!"

Indeed, one father approached me directly and asked if I would take his older son for training. I told him I was honored that he asked me, but declined. The boy was much too old for me to work with.

And I was pleased to see two persons sitting in the back… they looked a lot like Timo and Jenny… the law be hanged.

To everyone's surprise and Bill's and my delight, top academic honors for the year went to Billy Scott. It was, as his father explained later, a classic case of the teacher learning as much as the student. For the first time, he really had worked at his studies. He had a best friend who was depending on him.

Every family, by this time, knew the story of Danny's flogging and recovery. And when he walked to the stage with a slight limp to receive his certificate, applause broke out. With a bow, he kissed his teacher's hand and turned to the audience and bowed deeply once more, his face shining.

Bill had to leave to go back to work so I took both boys with me. Just as we were about to leave, Mrs. Thompson asked if she might speak privately with me. I sent Danny and Billy out to my car to wait, "Never mind Danny's lead, just hold his hand!"

Emma studied me quietly for a few minutes before she spoke. "Marcus,"… she had never called me by my given name before… "you and I are in a similar situation. I've taught Danny all I am able to. I would love to keep him in my class, but it's time for him to move along. I believe he's about reached that point with you, also."

"Is there really any more you must teach him or is it that you just don't want to give him up? I can certainly understand why the latter might be the case. I have had few students in my forty odd years who have touched my heart more than Danny and it is hard for me to give him up. But I must. He will always be the son of my heart! Do you have the courage to give him up too?"

"Mrs. Thompson, I promise you he will be a free boy long before school takes up again."

She smiled. "I was very unsure, at first, about you. And about the awful punishment you and his parents foisted on Danny. But he and I have talked many times about the things you have taught him. Things like courage and honor and discipline. About putting the need of another before his own need. The courage to comfort a broken and dying little girl and risking his life to do so. Yes, about being true to himself. Those things are equally as important as anything he's learned in school. I try to teach those things, too, but I often don't get much help from parents. You have my profound admiration, Marcus."

"He told me about you and your partner, Michael. I know Michael is legally your life-slave, but from what Danny's told me, he is much more, so I prefer to use that term. He's told me that you and Michael have taken other young enslaved boys and set them on the road to freedom. I still think slavery is an abomination, but I concede that some young boys need strict discipline and even welts on their posteriors to wean them away from the temptations of crime."

"That's been my feeling, too," I agreed with her. "Yes, I have found it necessary to inflict some pain on our young charges, even Danny. But I don't enjoy it and only as a last resort. It took many years for my father to learn that encouragement and praise is far more productive than beating. And beating this little boy that I loved so dearly was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Without Michael's love and support I almost gave up. Danny's cries at the beginning were almost too much for his 'uncle' to bear. And his father knows that and he suffered, too"

"I'm glad to hear you say that, for I have an offer to make to you," Mrs. Thompson went on. "Danny's experience here with us has taught us all some things. I thought I was being daring and innovative by sending exercises for Danny to work at home. To my chagrin, I discovered several of my fellow teachers were already doing that with their own slaves or those of their friends."

"And, Danny's success in my classroom has opened a whole new chapter for us. Starting next term, my colleagues who own slaves will be able to enroll them in the appropriate year. Our offer to you is to provide home schooling materials and assistance for your young slaves and, when you deem them ready, enrollment in our classes. There are two conditions: they must wear clothes and it must be full-day."

Michael and I had always tried our best to keep our charges up in their schoolwork, using the few materials that were available for purchase. But having our young slaves mentored by professional teachers was a huge leap forward. Most slave owners who took boys with fixed terms gave little thought to things other than strict… and often cruel… discipline. When freedom came, their boys were often woefully behind their age-mates and sometimes had great difficulty integrating back into free society. A sad percentage of them drifted back into crime as adults.

"Mrs. Thompson, you have given me a gift of unparalleled worth. How can I ever thank you?"

"Just set the boy free!"

That night and for a few days after I wrestled with her question. Did I have the courage to let him go? Watching Danny and Billy together only made my choice harder. It was Michael who finally convinced me to act.

After supper on the Wednesday following his 'graduation' I held Danny in my lap and we talked about all the things that had happened since he was rudely thrust into my care. It was like an oral final exam although he didn't recognize it as such. I was simply astounded at his understanding.

We talked at length about death of the little girl and his subsequent punishment and recovery. It had been a frightening and painful time for him, but he refused to let it consume him. He saw it as the aberration that it was… the failure of our land to protect and nurture its young. And he said, "The men who hurt poor Darlene are the ones who should be beat! If the law allows them to do that, then the law should be changed! Maybe when I'm grown up I can help to do that!"

Oh my beautiful Danny! Is there no end to your compassion?

"How do you feel about your time as a slave? How tough was it at first?" I asked him.

"Well, I was a real twit at first! I gave both you and Michael all kinds of grief!"

"No, you weren't a twit. Just a sad and frightened little boy who had lost everything … parents, home, love. Who believed no one loved him any more and that all the people who used to love him now hated him. And he didn't know why."

"Yes, but I should have known better!" he wailed. "My parents would never hate me; you would never hate me. And I was too stupid to see that!"

"Not stupid, Danny, just very young and very, very frightened. But you had courage… courage to resist what you thought was completely unfair. Courage to finally decide to make the best of a bad thing. Courage to become the bright and shining boy you really are. That's the boy I will always hold dear in my heart."

"Yes, you caused both me and Michael a lot of pain at first. It was like I was beating myself and I almost gave up. But, Michael wouldn't let me."

"Will Michael ever be freed?" he asked, plaintively.

"I don't know, little one." I answered. "But it makes no difference. So long as we have each other, life is good. It doesn't matter to him that he is slave and it certainly doesn't matter to me."

"Just like Billy and me!" he sighed fervently. ""Are we lovers, do you think?"

"You might be… some day!" We were both quiet for a few minutes.

"Of all the things that you have experienced so far," I went on, "what are the ones that you will remember?"

"Well, learning that you can be my strict master and still love me," he replied immediately.

"Besides that," I encouraged him.

He thought for a minute and then said, "Taking care of Frankie and Johnnie. I was scared at first. I knew you were counting on me and they needed someone to care for them and do the right things. They were so sad and lonely and I thought, 'What if I fail? They could die!' And then I remembered one of your sayings, 'Failure is not an option!' and I just started to do the things you taught me. And it all worked out!"

"But the day I remember most was that first day on the playground when Billy told me, 'It doesn't matter if you're slave! You're my friend and that's all that matters.' That was awesome! And I learned what being a true friend is all about. And then, when he came every day to help me get well again! That was double awesome!"

"He's quite a boy, isn't he?" I agreed.

"Yeah! And I truly, truly love him! Master, do you think Billy and I might be mates when we're older? Like you and Michael?"

"I guess that might be," I answered him. "You can think about it, but don't make up your mind quite yet. You might decide you like girls."

"Yech!"

"Hey! Your mom's a girl. And your dad must have liked her pretty much or there wouldn't be a delightful little boy named Danny!"

"That's different! She's my mom!" he asserted.

"She's still a girl," I countered.

Danny just snorted!

We made love that night in my bed like we had never done before. Warm, passionate and tender. I explored every centimeter of that luscious body that would soon no longer be mine to play with. It was almost as thrilling as Michael and me. Michael had understood when I took Danny alone with me that night; it would be my last time with him.

"Why isn't Michael with us tonight?" Danny asked.

"Oh, no reason. I just wanted you all by myself tonight."

"I like it very much when you and Michael are both here," Danny confessed, "but I like it best when it's just you and me."

Never before had one of my slave trainees captured my heart like this little guy had. Of course, he was the son of my oldest and best friend and I had watched him grow and loved him since he was an infant. If he had been an orphan, a neglected child or even guilty of some terrible crime, I would have adopted him in a minute. He would have been the son I would probably never have as it was unlikely I could ever find another boy so loving and courageous.

The next day I had invited important guests to dinner.

It was a Thursday… spanking day… but there were visitors coming that evening and I told Danny that we could skip the spanking for that week. His reaction was not at all what I had expected.

"It won't be right without my spanking. Don't you want to feel my nice ass? I know you like it and I don't mind the pain any more. 'Cause after you always hold me and I really, really like that."

So, I gave him an extra hard and long afternoon spanking. He managed to hold out for almost forty but the tears finally came and that was my signal to stop. I didn't rub the lotion on him either as I wanted his ass to be bright red for the benefit of my guests. He would be able to serve; he just couldn't sit down very comfortably.

When he came in with Michael's first course, he was surprised… but not panicked… to see who the guests were. His parents and his best friend!

He had long since shed his embarrassment at appearing naked in front of his mother or anyone else, for that matter. At eleven-years-old, he had a gorgeous body and was now quite content… even excited… to show it off for anyone who cared to look. He knew I would never permit more than just looking, so he felt safe. In a year or two, once puberty reached him, he would probably be more circumspect, but at this stage in his young life he just reveled in his nakedness.

But the other two guests shocked him into just standing there. Billy and his dad!

As soon as Danny had entered, Billy stood up to go to him.

"Please remain seated, Billy," I said. "Danny is on duty."

"Well, can't I help him?"

"No. He would be terribly embarrassed if you tried."

"Oh!"

All of them did gawk at his flaming red ass and I explained how that had happened. They were astounded but thought it was hilarious… except for Billy who just winced.

The dinner proceeded in its usual pleasant way… Jenny and Timo had been frequent enough visitors and having Billy and his dad was extra special… and we soon adjourned to the library for coffee. After Danny had poured cups for each of us, I told him to take the tray back to the kitchen and then rejoin us. If he wondered why Michael gave him such a loving hug, he didn't ask.

After he had knelt and been released, Timo asked him, "How have things been, Danny?" Billy sat in the background, clearly puzzled.

He glanced at me and I nodded, his signal that he could speak freely. "Very good, Sir."

"Why don't we use 'father' and 'mother' I suggested. He looked surprised for a moment, but then continued.

"I've done well in school and the things Master teaches me, too. It's exciting to go out with him and prove I can be a good slave no matter what. The little girl dying was kinda tough"… he never mentioned his flogging… "but even from that I learned something. I still miss being with you and Mother, but I could be very happy here for a long time."

"You're not anxious be free?" asked his mother.

"No. Master says that may come some day, but I have a good life here. Yes, I would like to be with you and Father, but the most important thing just now is to please him. I know he loves me very much and I love him. And I will always love you and Father just as you love me."

"Father, I understand why you made me slave and I know how hard it must have been for you. But I understand. Master has taught me what it means to be slave. It's very hard, but I am proud to be his. Every person, slave or free, has worth. Every person can have a life of meaning. I'm still a young boy… a slave… but Master has showed me that even a young slave can have a life that is exciting and full of hope."

Quite a speech for one so young.

"Daniel"… I had never called him that before. It was his 'grownup' name… "Would you like to go home with your mom and dad tonight?"

He stood with his mouth open. "Master, what do you mean?"

Billy's eyes were as big as saucers.

I held up the warrant and contract that Timo and Jenny had signed when they had turned him over to my tender mercies. "Do you see this?"

He nodded.

"Do you know what it is?"

"It's the paper that made me your slave," he guessed. I had never shown it to him before.

I tore it in half, crumpled it up and threw it into the fireplace. He watched dumfounded as it burst into flames and became ash.

With his mouth still open, he turned to me. "D-D-D-Does this m-m-m-m-mean I'm f-f-f-f-free?" he stammered. Still unable to fully comprehend what had just happened, he turned to his parents sitting together on the couch. "Really?" They both nodded and he threw himself into their laps.

Billy sat there with his mouth open. Then, comprehending for the first time, he ran to his friend, dragged him to his feet and threw his arms around him. "Oh Danny! Danny! You're free!" And the two of them danced around the room to the amusement of all the adults.

But after long and loving hugs from his parents, Danny turned again to me but with a look of distress. "But, then I can't be here with you and Michael! If I stay with you, I can't be with Mom and Dad. Oh, shit!" That expletive had never passed his lips before and he clamped his hand over his mouth as soon as he had said it. "What am I to doooooo?"

"You are to go home again with your parents," I told him with tears in my eyes. "That is your home once again. But you will always have a home here, too. I hope you will visit often. Even overnight. You and Billy can still go to school together and I am sure he will be welcome at your home."

And, indeed, they did visit often and provided a different perspective and role models for the slave-boys Michael and I had in training. And understanding, comfort and encouragement for them when things were not going well for our young charges.

"Would you like to stay with Uncle Marcus?" asked Timo gently.

"No! Yes! I don't know!" he wailed. Then he squared his small shoulders and made his choice. "I will come home with you and Mom. That is what is right." And then, he threw himself into my lap. I had motioned for Michael to join us and he stood behind me with his hand resting on Danny's head.

"I will miss you both sooooooo much!" he told us, tears flowing freely. "So very, very much!"

"And we will miss you, little one," Michael told him. I was so choked up I couldn't speak.

An hour later, after uncounted hugs and buckets of tears, they were gone except for Billy and his dad.

I motioned Billy to me. "Billy, you deserve lots of credit and thanks. You have helped him reach for and gain his freedom again. He was gravely injured and if not for you, he might have never recovered. It's been your love and care that has made him healthy again. You have never once abandoned him and I know how much courage that took."

"Please, Mr. Shay! He's my best friend. I couldn't do any less. He would do the same for me!"

"Yes, I think he would. And Bill, I owe you much, too. For having such a fine son and allowing him to be with Danny when he needed him."

"Well, it's not all one sided," replied Bill. "Billy has grown a lot. He's not my little boy any more. He's a strong, courageous lad, almost a teenager. And what he learned from both of you is priceless."

"And I think I know what being a slave means, kind-of," added his son. " But Mr. Shay, would you…? Maybe…?"

"Billy!" said his father somewhat alarmed. "What are you asking?"

"Well, I haven't always been very fair to Mr. Shay. And I almost got him into big trouble. And he doesn't have Danny any more. And maybe I would be a better son for you if I had a strict master for a time. And maybe we could???"

Both Bill and I were floored by what he was asking. He wanted me to take him as a slave trainee!

A creepy thought entered my mind. Was he really interested in the discipline? Or was he trying to talk his way into my bed again? He couldn't be that devious!

Could he?

I watched him carefully and what I saw was a young boy with a beguiling, quite coquettish look trying to appeal to me. He was doing everything except fluttering his eyelashes. "My God, the little shit has the 'hots' for me!" I thought. Recalling what Danny had told me about wanting to sleep with me since he was a small child, I asked myself, "Are little boys attracted to me?" I really was fond of Billy and he had a gorgeous body, but I wasn't going to let him trap me.

Michael confirmed my suspicions later that evening. "Marcus, I was afraid he was going to rope you in. I could see him doing something very foolish, almost like I did."

"Yes, it certainly seemed that way to me," I replied. "My guess is that he would have rebelled from the very beginning at the strict discipline and we would have had a very unhappy, completely untrainable boy on our hands. I was not going to let that happen."

Further confirmation of Billy's little scheme came the next day when Bill asked me to have lunch with him. "Marcus, I don't know quite how to apologize for what my son tried to do to you last night. But you handled it beautifully."

"He obviously has some feelings for me that he doesn't understand," I told him. "I know he has deep feelings for Danny, but I'm the 'forbidden fruit'. I have great affection for him and I wouldn't want him to do something foolish that he would regret." And I went on to tell him Michael's story.

"Of course the consequences would never have been quite that serious, but it still might have damaged him emotionally. And that's the last thing I would want. I have to say it, I'm sorry; but you've got to put your foot down, Bill. He can't go through life thinking he can scheme his way to what he wants."

"You're right, Marcus! I've been a pushover. I've got to start saying, 'No'. I've not done that."

"Don't beat on yourself too hard, Bill. He's a wonderful boy in many ways. And you've been a good father to him in some very hard circumstances. I guess we must both work at keeping him focused on Danny."

But I didn't want to crush Billy completely. "No, Billy," I told him gently. "I told your father the day we first met that I would never again take a boy for training that I knew and loved. It's just too hard. In Danny's case, it was something I had promised his father when he was first born. But, I can tell you Uncle Marcus and Master Marcus were constantly at war. I simply loved him too much to be the really strict master he deserved and needed. And that's how it would be with you."

"Besides, Danny needs you as his best friend… as a free boy, just like he is again. But thanks for asking. I'm honored and I want you to know something."

"I think you're a pretty cool kid, just as you are!"

"But if it should ever happen, God forbid, that you need a home, you will always have one here with Michael and me."

Billy was quiet for a moment and I saw disappointment in his eyes. But then he smiled and said, "I understand and thank you Mr. … may I call you 'Uncle Marcus' too?"

"You bet! "

Bill heaved a sigh of relief. The disaster had been averted. "Come on, scamp! We need to get home. There's still tomorrow and I think your best friend will need some help."

And silence descended over the house.

Michael and I made passionate, almost brutal, love that night.

The next morning… fortunately bright and sunny… we both sat at breakfast with morose expressions in the too quiet kitchen.

"This will never do!" I told Michael. "It's not like he died!"

"I know, Master. But of all the boys we've had, this one really stole my heart. When I think of how sad and frightened he was that first night, I just, just, just..… He was just so loving and beautiful!"

It took us several days to regain 'normal' activity. Was our house ever normal, with a free person and a life slave who were lovers?

But then, I had good news one evening.

"I've been contacted by a man with a problem, a very big problem," I told my lover/slave. "In fact, two of them. Named Willie and Joe."

"Seems Willie, who is eleven, is completely out of control. Truant, bullies other kids, steals and smokes pot. Joe is ten and is rapidly following his brother into petty crime. So far, he has managed to keep them out of the clutches of the police, but it's only a matter of time."

"Sounds like our kind of kids," Michael assured me. "Are we going to?"

"He wanted me to take the older one off his hands. His wife is preggers again and he thought he could bring the younger one about. I doubted it and I told him so. I told him it would have to be a 'package deal'. He refused at first, but then gave in. He's that desperate. But I really believe he is more interested in his own reputation than in the two boys."

"I offered him a three-year contract with an optional extension. He's got piles of money so I mentioned a shameful price and he snapped it up."

"Sounds like these two need some parents," observed Michael.

"Wait, there's more. At the end of the contract, they go up for adoption by a family of my choice. If they don't work out, they go right to the slave dealer, no questions asked."

"Master, we have never failed with a boy."

"No and I don't intend to make this a first. But it will make Danny seem like a summer outing at the park in comparison, I'm sure. Better get your whip's and ropes ready."

"And the branding iron," he thoughtfully reminded me.

"Yeah, I'm afraid we'll have to do these two for real."

"Master," Michael asked thoughtfully, "shall I get Thunder's cart ready for tandem ponies?"

The End