Ben

The Sandman

Chapter 1

"I'm coming!" yelled a screeching old voice. A crooked man with long stragglely gray hair, hunched back, dirty crooked teeth, tired worn gray eyes, a pointed chin and a long crooked hooked nose came waddling through the cobble stone courtyard. "Who in carnations is knocking at this hour?" he grumbled to himself.

POUND, POUND, POUND!

Came a thundering thud from the large wooden gate doors. The old man pulled his moth eaten black hood to his cloak over his head to keep the pouring rain off of him. But it didn't work. The rain hammered the ground and anything that got in its way. The wind howled with fury. The lightning and thunder joined in their chorus to this midnight hour.

POUND, POUND, POUND!

Came from the doors. The pounding wouldn't stop. It was frantic pounding. It was desperate pounding. I was a pounding of urgency. "Enough already! I'm coming!" complained the old man.

The old man unlocked the double wooden doors that stood ten feet [3 m] high and swung them open, revealing a heavy iron gate with thick black iron bars. Standing on the other side was a cloaked man, drenched from the midnight storm. His soiled black cloak hung in the mud below him. The old man held up his candle lantern up and looked at him. He was in his mid 30s. His black, shoulder length hair soaked with rain water pasted it self onto the back his neck. His brown, fearless eyes stared the old man down, not blinking once. He had a narrow face with a black beard and mustache. His body and facial features looks like he could pass off as one of the Three Musketeers.

"Let me in," he said rapidly, constantly looking over his shoulders.

"No one enters these gates. Now leave," scolded the old man.

"I need to see Mr. Moore, it's urgent."

"Mr. Moore sees no one. You're not welcome." The old man began to shut the wooden door.

The man on the other side of the gate stuck out his hand to keep the thick wooden door from closing. His face showed determination and showed no sign that he would fail in the reasoning he was coming.

"I don't have much time. I need to see Mr. Moore." The thunder gave a loud crack. The rain was coming down sideways now. The combination of the cold bitter air and the pellets of rain drops hurt when they came into contact with the skin on the face.

"I told you. Mr. Moore sees no one. Especially at this time of night."

The man reached in his cloak and drew a long sword. He poked the tip on top of the old man's Adam's apple. "Let me in now, damn it."

"You think you are so tough with that sword, do ya?

"If I have to be. I need to see Mr. Moore," said the man calmly but coldly.

"Why the urgency?" asked the old man not showing fear to the sword.

"That is between and Mr. Moore."

"Who are you then?"

"That is between me and Mr. Moore."

"Let him in, Peter," said a calm, cold James Mason sounding voice from behind the old man.

The cloaked man looked past Peter and saw a tall, dark shadowy figure, holding an umbrella. The lightning flashed showing a quick glimpse of a white man wearing a black robe. The man had pure white hair and red eyes. His skin was very very pale. The cloak man lowered his sword with Peter grumbling and griping under his breath. Muldoon unlocked the iron gates. They creaked and groaned adding its ear piercing song to the midnight storm's symphony, competing against Muldoon's complaints.

The cloaked man shuffled into the gate. He turned and watched Muldoon close and lock the iron gate and then proceeded to do the same to the wooden doors. He turned and saw that the shadowy figure had disappeared. No doubt went inside to get out of the storm. Muldoon gestured with his head to follow him. "Follow me," he said. "I still don't know why someone is disturbing us at this time of night in this weather," he continued to grumble to himself. The cloaked man followed him across the cobble stone courtyard, passing a well that was in the center. They reached another thick wooden door. Muldoon pulled out his large iron key ring with many skeleton keys on it. He unlocked the door and stepped inside. The cloak man shuffled slowly into the dark stone corridor. Muldoon closed the door and locked it from inside. He then took a stick and lit the end of it using the flame from his lamp. He lifted the stick to a cupped hand that was sticking out of the stone wall. A flame began to dance in the palm of the stone hand. Muldoon continued to do this to several other hands so they too had fire parading around in it. The fiery glow gave the circular foyer an eerie feeling. At the end of the round foyer a set of stone stairs that lead up into darkness. On both sides of the staircase were two wooden doors facing each other.

"Your cloak," said Muldoon as he held out his arm.

"No, I'll leave it on."

"Suit yourself. Follow me; I will take you to see Mr. Moore." Muldoon grabbed his lamp off of the marble pedestal that he had placed it on and started climbing up the stairs. The cloaked man followed, but had difficulty and walked oddly up the stairs. A couple of times, Muldoon could have sworn he heard an ouch or two. But he quickly brushed it to the side and took the cloked man through corridors and stairs that seemed endless. They finally arrived to a wooden door that sat all by itself in a little cul-de-sac. Muldoon opened it and motioned for the cloaked man to enter. Once inside, Muldoon shut the door behind the cloaked man and then made his way back down the corridor.

The room was dark. The only light emitting into the room was the lightning flashing through the single stained glass window. The cloaked man could barely make out a figure sitting behind a desk.

"You wished to see me?" said the same voice that told Muldoon to let him in.

"Mr. Jules Moore?"

"You obliviously know me, but you have me at an advantage, I don't know you." His voice was calm and cold. Showing no fear, no expression, no nothing.

"Mr. Moore, I can't tell you my name for I fear it would cause harm."

"Is that so? Harm has dared to show its horrid teeth at me several times and I survived. No doubt it will return, but let me be the judge if something as simple as a name can bring me harm."

"Very well, but you must vow to me that you will never divulge my identity to anybody."

"Why the secrecy Mr…"

"Ederickson. Sam Ederickson."

Moore cocked his in awe. "The Smuggling Sam Ederickson?"

"Shh, not so loud. There is a price on my head you know?"

"Have no fear Mr. Ederickson, no one lives here that will give away your identity. Please sit down and tell me why you grace me with your presence." For the first time, Moore's voice changed its tone, He sounded amused.

"I can't sit down. Look, would it be alright if we light a lantern or something?"

"Ah, I know this darkness must be uneasy for you. My apologies." Mr. Moore struck something and soon a candle was burning on his desk. "Pardon me for the darkness, but bright light tends to hurt my eyes. Now why have you graced me with your presence?"

"I need a safe haven."

"Did you smuggle something that even you couldn't pull off?"

"You can say that."

"And what did you bring to hide on my property? Swords? Drugs? Oh let me guess, dirty money."

Ederickson didn't say a word. He unbutton the front of his cloak, being careful not to reveal what was underneath it. When He was done, he opened it up.

"Good lord!" said Mr. Moore. "How dare you bring that into my house!"

"Mr. Moore, I know this is a lot to ask, but…"

"You're damn right it is a lot to ask. I want you out of my house and take those with you. My God man, if we are caught with them, we both would be doing the hang man dance."

Two boys, one 12 the other 13, stood there huddled up to Ederickson. They were wet, naked and shivering. They're bodies were thin, deathly thin, the skin just hanging off of their ribs. The thump of their heart could be seen. They were dirty, bruised and dried blood was caked up around small abrasions and cut.

The 13 year old boy had long blonde hair. It was matted together and very dirty. He had ears that protruded out a bit and lightning blue eyes. His thick lips were raspberry red, standing out from his pale cheeks.

The 12 year old boy's hair was just a little bit shorter then the older boy's hair. But his hair was brown and showed signs of curl. He had large puppy dog brown eyes and a button nose. His front teeth seemed abnormally large and small freckles were scattered about his muddy face. His finger nails were chewed to the bone and he had a small scar on the back of his left hand.

The boys looked nothing a like. The older boy was taller. Both of them were fighting a major case of malnutrition, but their bone structures did not match ever so slightly. The older boy had a rounder face, where the younger boy had more of a square face. But they had one thing in common, a scar on their left arm. It was in shape of the letter "S".

"Mr. Moore, I beg you, please reconsider."

"You must be mad. These boys have the markings of slaves. And not work slaves either. For if they were work slaves they would have their mark on their cheek. If they were mining slaves, the mark would be on their forehead. But these boys. Their mark is on their arm. So when their masters rapes them and forces sex upon them, they don't have too look at a scar that blaintenly tells them what they are doing is immoral, ruthless, and inhumane. They just want to look into their age of innocence eyes, raping their purity away from them."

"You and I know that slavery is wrong. Especially using young boys and girls to get their jollies off. But we need to do something. We need to make a difference," said Ederickson.

"Why me?"

"Mr. Moore, I think we both know why."

Moore lifted his right hand and placed it over his left shoulder. "How'd you know?"

"Several nights ago when this storm first began, I was trying to smuggle across the land, some illegal arms. I was taking one of my secret back routes when I stumbled across this man who had been mortally wounded. Although I never saw him before that night, he recognized me. He told me he had these boys and needed to get them to a safe haven. He told me to take them to Jules Moore of Eagle's Borough. Then he died. I have no idea how he came across these boys. They haven't said a word to me since I got them. But when I saw what they were, my heart, as black as it might be at times, cried for them. We traveled here nonstop. I knew if we were caught, all of us would be dead by morning. I could have left them there to die, but I couldn't. My conscious, what little one I have, wouldn't let me do it. I knew the man wasn't a slave retriever, but I could tell in his dying eyes that he had to get them to you."

"Who was the man? Did he say before he died?"

"No," replied Ederickson.

"The Sandman," said the older boy very soft and timid like.

Moore just stood behind his desk. Not saying a word as he looked at the pathetic faces of the two young boys staring at him, crying for help through their eyes. That name that the little boy spoke of hit a certain nerve. A nerve that wasn't tampered with in over 40 years.

"Mr. Ederickson, have you ever heard of The Sandman?"

"Yeah, isn't he the one who puts you to sleep at night, leaving those crusties in your eyes?"

"In tale yes. But here in this land, the Sandman puts you to sleep so he could take you to beautiful dreams. Wonderful dreams. Peaceful dreams. And that is what this Sandman did. He would steal slave children, especially the sex slaves, and told them to go to sleep and he would take them to a place where they could dream. Over 40 years ago, the Sandman rescued me and brought me here to live away from that horrorish nightmare."

"The Sandman brought you here 40 years ago? That can't be. The Sandman couldn't be much older then me."

"That's because, Mr. Ederickson, that when the Sandman dies, someone else takes his place. I always expected that I would be called upon to help out the Sandman, but as I grew older and my days grew shorter, I thought the Sandman didn't need me or he never passed his mission down to the next Sandman."

"So, you are going to be the next Sandman now?"

"Oh no Mr. Ederickson. I can't. My health isn't the greatest. I can't go out into sunlight, because of my condition. No, I am stuck here in my house."

"Then who will carry on the Sandman's legend?"

"That torch, Mr. Ederickson, has been passed to you."

"Oh no, wait a minute. I smuggle for money. There is no money in smuggling slaves. The only thing I can get out of this is my death sentence."

"If you don't take the torch, many slave children will die. You don't understand the brutality they go through. Their owners don't make love to them. They abuse them. They rob them of their youth. If they bestow pain onto them, it doesn't phase them in the least. These children are just property. A toy. Something that needs to be stopped, but until the governors comes to their senses, we just have to do what we can to make sure that these kids has a chance to have a fairly normal childhood."

"So what? I go out, risk my life and kidnap these kids, and then what? What do I do with them?"

"Children with parents never become slaves. It's only homeless orphans and children of the slaves once they reach child bearing years, that are sold. It is the Sandman's job, your job, to find couples who will take them in and claim them as their own children. You have to forge fake birth certificates, find childless couples who are willing to take these children in and move to a far off town so no one would know that these children aren't their biological children, but escaped slaves. But the hardest part is finding ways to remove the mark. It's not easy removing the mark. It takes rare roots and herbs and lots of time to remove them. It can be done, but it isn't easy, nor is it painless." Mr. Moore held his arm again, remembering the pain that took place on his mark removal.

"Look, I don't have time to do this stuff. I don't know how to remove marks, I don't know how to find parents and forge birth certificates. I am just a smuggler and a thief, nothing more nothing less. There is no way I can do this."

"I don't like it anymore then you do. If I had my choice, I would love to turn my back too. But we can't. It is our duty. It is our destiny."

"I don't understand you. First you want me to get these kids out, and now you want me to start this whole Underground Railroad shit."

"That's because I had to make sure you weren't setting me up for a fall. Plus that was before I found out you were the Sandman."

"Look, I am NOT the Sandman. Get it through you thick albino skull."

"Very well Mr. Ederickson. I will not force you into something you don't want to do. Muldoon should have your room ready by now. You may spend the night and have breakfast and be on your way. We will not keep you."

"What about these boys?"

"I will see over them. You hands are washed of the matter." Mr. Moore walked around his desk, put an arm around each boy and escorted them out of his office, leaving Ederickson by himself.

"Follow me and I will take you to your room," said Muldoon in a tone that lead Ederickson to believe that he was being an annuscence.

Ederickson and Muldoon walked down the long corridors. Ederickson said a silent prayer asking that nothing would happen while he was in this building, because he was liable never to find his way out. Muldoon stopped in front of a door. Across the hall was another door that was partly open. He looked in and saw the two boys in there, standing watching him. Mr. Moore was stooped to their height drying them off with a towel. He saw the boys were looking at something, so he turned and saw Ederickson staring back at them. Mr. Moore stood up and shut the door.

"You're in here," said Muldoon. He opened the door and walked down the hall, complaining to himself.

Ederickson went into his room. There was a candle burning on a small stone table next to the feathered mattress bed. It was a simple room. There was nothing hanging on the cold stone wall. There were no rugs on the floor. The room was big enough for a twin size bed, a small table and a dresser. The ceiling was bout 12 feet [3½ m] high. Towards the top of the one wall, there was a small window about 3 X 1 [90x30 cm] that let the lightning light up the room for a brief moment. Off in the far corner was a fire place with cold ashes.

He took of his wet cloak and hung it over the tall bed post. He took off his wet shirt, boots, and pants, just leaving on a pair of worn, stained, gray one piece underwear garment. Because it was wet too, he took that off as well, exposing his naked ass. He had dark curly hair that covered his chest and stomach. His black pubic hair was a thick forest that covered the base of his dick, his balls and some in his ass. His cut dick was short when not excited, but if he would get aroused, it would grow to 7 inches [18 cm].

He pulled down the feathered blanket and curled up under it. The sound of the storm caused his tired and weary body to be sung to sleep in no time at all.

Ederickson laid in bed. A beautiful young auburn lady stood before him. He was a sucker for redheads. She was completely naked, but her long auburn hair came down over her shoulders, unto her breasts, hiding them. It continued to hang down pass the red mound over her private entrance. She shot him a wicked smile that made his dick stand on end. She bent down and took his hard member completely in his mouth. She sucked it gently at first but increased speed and suction. His balls began to do their little dance and draw close to his body. Then it got better, he felt a pair of lips, small tender lips, kissing his. He opened his mouth lightly and a tongue came in seeking to wrap around his tongue. He started to buck his hips and kiss passionately. He couldn't see who was kissing him. So he opened his eyes. It was a boy. He pushed the boy off the bed and sat up just as he shot his load in another boy's mouth. He scurried off the bed and grabbed his cloak and wrapped around him. The 12 year old boy he had rescued was sitting on the floor naked. The 13 year old was kneeling on the bed, wiping the cum off his face.

"What the Hell you doing that for?"

"You took care of us the past couple of days. You saved us from our Master. We are repaying you," said the 13 year old.

"Repaying me?"

"Yes Sir. I am a bed partner. My service is to make your pipi spit and please you. You're not pleased? We didn't do a good job?"

"Yes you did a good job. No, what I mean is… oh for crying out loud. What you are is a slave to make adults sexually pleased. This is wrong. You are free now. You don't have to have sex with another person, unless you want too. If someone does you a favor, you don't have to repay them by sleeping with them. You understand?"

"But if me, Kirin, and Matthew don't please our Master, how are we to eat? Where are we too live?"

"I will find you someone who will be your mother and father," said Mr. Moore as he entered the room.

"Mother and Father? Like the real children have?" said the older boy in disbelief.

"Yes, now why are you two out of your clothes I gave you last night?"

"They felt funny. We never wore clothes before."

"Doesn't he speak?" asked Ederickson nodding towards the 12 year old boy who was still sitting on the floor.

"No, Matthew hasn't spoken since he was seven."

"Why?"

"On his seventh birthday, Master took him and celebrated with him and ever since then, he hasn't spoken."

"You have no Master now," said Moore. Then he turned to Ederickson. "When a child turns seven, he is at the legal age to be a bed partner. That is when they are sold at the processing center and most of the time their virginity taken from them. There are times though that a sex slave isn't brought up through the processing center. If two sex slaves has a kid, their master is automatically given ownership to them."

"Do all of them lose their virginity at age seven?"

"No, some lose it at age 8, 9, 10 or even as high as 14, but a virgin sex slave at that age is rare. If a boy is found out that he or she isn't a virgin at age seven, they are sent to the mines or fields to work. Anyway, Mr. Ederickson, I am sure you are in a hurry. Would you care for some breakfast?"

"Uh, no. But thanks anyway. I need to get back."

"Very well. Now the boys told me that your horse died on the way here, he broke his leg, while carrying the boys across the raging river."

"That's right."

"I'll have Muldoon take you to my stable and you can have one of my horses. Your choice. They are no prize winners, but it is the least I can do for helping these young boys."

"I can't take one of your horses."

"I insist on it and there will be no argument about it. Now boys, lets go back in your room and put your clothes on. I know you don't like the feel, but you will get use to it. I promise."

Ederickson road his horse hard up the side of the rolling hill. He stopped and looked down at the fog covered structure where he had spent the night. He could tell it had to be an old monastery at one time. He wondered what happen to the monks that lived there. He looked at his horse's eyes "Okay, Storm, let's ride." He kicked the horse's sides and they road off through the misty air.

Joshua looked out his bedroom window. He watched the wind sweep through the forest horizon. He let out a deep sigh and wondered what it was like out there. Like being a child without a letter S imprinted on your left arm. He could see his refection in the glass of the window. Glass was new to their generation. Only the rich folk could afford something as luxurious as this. As he stood there, he could see his own reflection. He had wavy red hair that hung just above his shoulders. His head was long and narrow. He had bright green eyes, almost like cat eyes. His skin was pale and freckles added certain cuteness to his baby face. He turned 13 years old today and he had been in this place since he was seven, when he first was sold as a bed partner. On his seventh birthday he was sold told to Gallick. Unlike a lot of bed partners thou, he just didn't serve one master. His master ran a business where clientele off the streets could come in and have a little bedroom fun. At a price of course.

Joshua turned away from the window and went to his bed and sat down. He knew it wouldn't be long and Fara would be coming to see him. Fara was his biggest customer. He had a fancy for red heads. Matter of fact, Joshua was Gallick's most popular boy. There were 17 boys all together, but Joshua was the only redhead. It was Fara who had taken Joshua's virginity away from him on his 7th birthday.

Joshua looked up as his door opened up. There standing in the doorway was a big burley man. He looked at the red hair boy wearing a white robe and smiled a toothless grin. He stood about 6' 4" [1.93 m] high and weighed in about 310 pounds [140 kg]. He had a handlebar mustache, but other then that and his eyes brows; he had no other hair on his head.

"There's my Joshy, it's been a few months since I saw you. You grown," he said with a deep voice.

"Hi Fara."

Fara walked heavily over to Joshua on the bed. He picked up Joshua by the arms with no effort and stood him up on the bed. He embraced him tightly, squeezing the life out of the skinny boy. Then he plastered his face up against Joshua and gave him a deep kiss letting his tongue invade Joshua's sweet red, thick lips. Joshua returned the kiss, although he hated doing it. But he knew that if he didn't please the customer, Gallick would punish him and he wanted to avoid that at all costs.

After the kiss, Fara untied the white robe that Joshua wore and slipped it off. "What's this!" he bellowed in anger. He reached down and grabbed onto a small chunk of red pubic hair and with no effort on his behalf, he ripped it out. Sheer pain ripped through Joshua's groin area. He felt tears build up in his eye, but he fought them back with out success.

Fara stormed out of the room and Joshua collapsed on the bed, letting his tear flow. He looked down and saw a small bald spot and a little blood from where the patch of hair was ripped out.

"Gallick, what are you trying to pull here?" yelled Fara as he came downstairs to Gallick's office and shoved the fist full of red pubic hair in his face.

Gallick stood up. He was a full foot [30 cm] shorter then Fara, but he always acted taller and bigger then what he truly was. He wore a black v-cut robe with a red shirt underneath. He had a diamond earring in his left ear. He was in his late 50's and his features showed it. His black greasy hair was slicked back, failing at trying to cover the baldness on top. His eyes were black and mysterious and his face looked like a rat. His boney hands were long and lanky and his long fingers nails were filthy.

"I'm not pulling anything," insisted Gallick with great confidence.

"What do you call this?"

"That looks like pubic hair."

"You know I don't do bed partners with pubic hairs. I like my clean."

"Joshua is at that age. If you want them clean, I will give you another one."

"He is a red head?"

"You know redheads are very very rare. I'm lucky I got Joshua, he cost me an arm and leg as is."

"Look, you get me a clean redhead in two days; otherwise I will take my business elsewhere."

"I'll have you your clean redhead, even if I have to clean Joshua myself."

"I don't care what you have to do, but get me what I want." Fara threw the pubic hair on the desk and stormed out, pissed off because he didn't get what he had hoped to get.

Joshua sat on the bed, wiping his tears away, and rubbing the tender spot above his shivered cut dick. He didn't have many hairs down there to begin with, but now he had even less. He didn't realize that having hairs down there was wrong. He just hoped he didn't get punished now.

"You!" said Gallick as he came in carrying two jugs of liquid.

"I'm sorry Master; I didn't know having hair down there was wrong. Please forgive me. I didn't put them there; they just appeared out of no where." Joshua was cowering on his bed, scared to death on what the out come was going to be.

"Lay on your back," insisted Gallick.

Joshua did as he was told. He laid on his back. Gallick poured a hot liquid over Joshua's field of pubic hair and he continued to pour it onto his peach fuzz covered balls and down his crack. Joshua bit his lower lip, tasting his own blood. He didn't dare scream, because he would get more punishment then he was already getting.

The thick liquid goo cooled down and turned very hard within minutes. Gallick grab a small corner of it and started to pull slowly.

The pain of the pulling was too much for him to hold back. He screamed in pain. "Stop it!" he cried, tears flowing down his pale cheeks.

"I can't risk the chance of taking skin off, I have to peal slowly and not at once, now hold still damn it."

Finally after 45 minutes of sheer pain, and being yelled at to shut up, the harden goo was completely off of Joshua's body. He was really sore down there very red and tender too. Joshua looked down and saw that there was no evidence that he had once had hair down there.

"Now that should keep anymore hair from growing down there for at least six moon cycles. Now, to place this ointment on it to make you heal faster, so you can be back to normal by the time Fara comes back. I can't lose him, he is my best customer." Gallick poured a purple liquid onto the red tender area of Joshua. Joshua screamed once more in great pain. The liquid stung and burned him down there like someone was taking a lighted torch and holding it to his groin. "There that should do it. Just have to put this stuff on before you go to bed tonight and twice tomorrow and you will be a new boy."

"Gallick, come quick," said a maiden's voice. "It's Danny." Gallick got up running with the maiden towards Danny's room. Joshua stood up in pain and followed. Danny had been at the house for three months when he had turned seven, but today was his first time being a bed partner.

Gallick ran into Danny's room. There stood Grawdo putting on his clothes with a smile of satisfaction on his face. Grawdo stood over six feet [1.80 m] tall. Although he wasn't as burly or bulky as Fara was, Grawdo could hold his own and it would take a man with great courage to cross him.

Lying in the bed in fetal position was Danny, a blonde hair boy with big blue eyes. Normally Danny was a real hottie and would make anyone get a hard on just looking at him. But not now. Both his eyes were black and blue and swollen shut. His lips were bloody and swollen. His bloody nose even looked broken. Bruises were appearing on his body where Grawdo had beaten and held on tightly to the boy. A combination of blood and cum, more blood then cum, was oozing out of his anis. He was crying and very scared.

"Grawdo, I want to see you in my office now," said Gallick.

Gallick went out the room and into his office and behind his desk. Grawdo strolled in and stood before him.

"I must tell you Gallick, that was a good fuck."

"Let me see your palm" said Gallick.

Grawdo thought this was an odd request, but he held out his palm of his hand. Gallick's left hand slammed it hard to the wooden desk as his right hand came out of no where and slammed a dagger into the center of the palm, pinning it to the desk. He then grabbed onto Grawdo's left hand and twisted it, causing him to twist a little, but not too much because his right hand kept him from moving.

"Now you listen here you son of a bitch. You just ruined one of my boys. His face will be scarred and no one wants to screw an ugly boy. Now my boys are to have sex with. If you want to beat something up, I suggest you get yourself a wife. Now he is no good to me. I won't be able to sell his services again. If I ever catch you doing this to one of my boys again, I will cut off your balls and replace your eye balls with them. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, now let me go."

Gallick released his arm and pulled the knife out. He then grabbed onto Grawdo and threw him out the door and slammed it shut. Then he returned to his office to clean up the mess that was on his desk.

Joshua hobbled over to Danny and crawled into bed with him. Danny connected to Joshua the first day he was brought to the house. He looked up at Joshua as a big brother and Joshua looked down at Danny as someone he had to protect, love and cradle him. Joshua held Danny into his arms and sang him a lullaby.

Hush hush Danny, don't you cry
For one day we will say bye
Because that will be the day we become free
When the Sandman rescues you and me

"Joshua, do you believe in the Sandman? Does he exist?"

"I think he does. I heard stories that he rescues boys like us, but I don't know of any boys who actually saw him."

"I heard when the Sandman comes, he only takes one boy."

"I heard that too."

"Why do you think he does that?"

"Probably because it is easier to escape with one boy then a bunch."

"Do you think if the Sandman came here, he would only take one of us?"

"I don't know."

"I wouldn't want him to take you if didn't take me too. I wouldn't want to be here without you. I love you Joshua." He then snuggled up closer to the boy.

"I love you too Danny," snuggling up too. He felt Danny's body go heavy. Then a light snore appeared through he swollen face.

"Sandman, I don't know if you exist or not. But it you do, can you come here and rescue Danny?" Then Joshua drifted off to sleep himself.

Ederickson sat by the small campfire that he made, cooking the bird that he had caught. It had been six sun passes since he left Moore's estate. He couldn't get the image of the little boys sucking and kissing him out of his mind. His heart just went out to them. He personally had no interest in having sex with a young boy, but after being sucked and kissed by one, he could change his mind. But he knew that if the day came when he would have sex with a young boy, it would be because the child wanted too because of consent not because of gold pieces or being a master or anything like that. He stared up at the full moon, listening to the night creatures singing their symphony to the audience of the stars.

Ederickson heard something in the bushes and quickly drew his sword. Out of the bushes came a young boy, about 8 years old. He had jet black hair that caused him to look paler then normal. His brown eyes were filled with grief and pain. His naked body tumbled to Ederickson, collapsing with sheer exhausted into his arms. Ederickson saw that boy had been brutally tortured not only physically but sexually as well.

"Help me," moaned the boy.

Ederickson noticed the letter S on his arm. He laid the boy down on a blanket and got some water from his leather canteen and fed the boy some.

"Who did this to you?" asked Ederickson.

"My master."

"Why?"

"Because he wanted me to suck his doodle and I didn't want too."

Anger and rage raced through his body. How could someone do this to an innocent child? He quickly stood up and drew his sword once more. Standing before him was a man with brown frizzy hair and crooked dirty teeth. Standing behind him were two slave retrievers.

"Ah, I see you found my slave."

"You did this to him?"

"Of course. He is my bed partner, I can do whatever I want too."

"Not no more. You want him; you will have to come through me."

"You are in violation of the slave policy," said one of the slave retrievers.

"I don't give a damn."

The two slave retrievers drew their swords and walked towards Ederickson. The nocturnal chorus stopped as it was replaced with the clanking of swords, cursing and the movement of feet in the dirt. Ederickson managed to stab the first slave retriever in the heart and he fell down dead. The second slave retriever stab Ederickson in the arm, but that was the last thing he did before meeting his maker.

The boy's owner pulled out his dagger.

"You don't know who you are dealing with," said the man.

"NO, you don't know who you are dealing with." He stabbed the owner in the stomach. The owner gasped and fell to his knees.

"Who are you?" he asked with his final breath.

Chapter 2

Came from the thick wooden door with urgency. Muldoon stifled a yawn, carrying his lantern as he walked across the cobble stone court yard "Can't a man get any descent sleep here," he complained to himself.

POUND, POUND, POUND!

Shot through the courthouse with a thundering thud. "Hold your pants on, I am coming!" yelled Muldoon. The moon disappeared behind some moving clouds. The courtyard became darker. Muldoon took out his giant key ring and opened the tall wooden door. There standing on the other side was Ederickson and a young boy.

"Should of known it was you. Don't you believe in calling at hours when people are awake?" griped Muldoon.

"I need to see Mr. Moore. Now let me in."

"As I told you before, Mr. Moore doesn't see anybody, especially at this time of night."

"He did before."

"That was then, this is now. Good night." Muldoon began to shut the door, but Ederickson held up his hand to stop it.

"Who is it, Peter?" asked a voice from the darkness.

"The Sandman," answered Ederickson before Muldoon could.

"Let him in," said Mr. Moore as he disappeared again.

The same routine as a few weeks before happened. He was escorted by the grumbling and griping Muldoon through many corridors and doors until he reached Moore's office. Sitting behind his desk, was Mr. Moore himself.

"I see you have another slave," said Mr. Moore as he lit a candle, creating an eerie glow.

"Yeah, he stumbled into my arms one night. Unfortunately his master chasing him and I had to kill him as well as two slave retrievers."

"You killed two slave retrievers?" said Moore in an alarm tone of voice.

"I had no choice in the matter. Don't worry there was no witnesses and I made sure no evidence of me or this boy was left behind."

"Why did you bring him here?"

"Look, I had no intentions on being the Sandman, but after what happen the other night, I guess I have no choice now. But all I can do is get the kids, as for dispersing them to new families and hiding them out and stuff, that is another story."

"So you came here for my help then?"

"Yes, on my way here I developed a plan. I will go and rescue these kids. I will take careful precautions and bring them back here to you. Then you will see them about getting a new birth certificate, parents, and getting their mark and serial number removed."

"Serial number?" asked Mr. Moore.

"Yeah, Serial number. Kish, show Mr. Moore the bottom of your foot."

The young boy who Ederickson saved from his master and slave retrievers showed Mr. Moore the bottom of his foot. Burned into him was a serial number that compressed of numbers and digits representing his identification number, the city and the processing plant he was sold from.

"Hmmmm, this is new. This looks harder to remove then the mark. We will need a very good medicine man. I wonder why Matthew and Kirin don't have one?"

"I don't know. Maybe they weren't registered slave, just a guess."

"This serial number brings a different light on the subject."

"So, we got a deal or not?"

"The Sandman always works alone."

"But I can't do this by myself. Will you help me?"

"I can supply the holding unit and possibly find the adopted parents, but I can't forge birth certificates and remove the mark and serial number."

"Look, I know a forger who can be trusted and he owes me many favors. I will seek him out. But I don't know any medicine men."

"I do, but I am not sure if the one who I know can do the job, is willing to do the job, plus I don't know if he can be trusted."

"I guess we will just have to find out."

"Well, Sandman, you got yourself a partner."

"Since I am the Sandman, I think I will call you The Keeper."

Moore smiled and stuck out his pale hand and shook Sandman's hand, sealing the partnership.

Captain Mosk, the officer in charge of the Slave Retriever Department in Snake Eyes, stood before a wooden door at Slave Retriever Head Quarters in Flickertail Falls. It was a two day ride for him, but he had to talk to his boss, General Ambrose Tucker.

Captain Mosk was talk, but his aging face was beginning to show signs of ware and tare. He had salt and pepper hair, more salt then pepper. He smoked on a thick cigar and let the smoke out slowly. Over his left eye he wore a black patch with a scar running out from the bottom of it and continuing down to the bottom of his jaw. He had two or three days worth of growth on his face, attempting to hide the scar.

"Enter!" boomed a voice from behind the door.

Captain Mosk walked in with a great deal of confidence and pride. No doubt he was very good at his job as a slave retriever. Of the 30 plus years he has been doing this, not one slave managed out wit him and never be caught.

"General Tucker, I am afraid I have some bad news," he spoke as if nothing was wrong.

A figure sat behind a large mahogany desk in front of a small window. The small light that was peering in, was causing the figure to be silhouetted. Mosk squinted his eyes, trying to make detail of Tucker's face, but there was no other light in the room and it was difficult. For as long as he knew General Tucker, he had never truly seen his face.

"You know I don't like bad news."

"I know sir, but three days ago two of my men and a slave owner were found murdered."

"Murdered?"

"Yes, a local merchant by the name of Fred Engles came to us and reported that his bed partner ran away. Two of my men went with him to track the boy down. They weren't heard of again for a couple of days. Then a local hunter came to me and said that he had found Engles and my two men dead. I went to the sight. It looks like they were in a sword fight. All three of them were definitely killed by a blade of a sword."

"I see," said the General, taking this story in with great interest.

"Do you think that the killer had taken the bed partner?"

"There wasn't any true evidence that stated that, but I believe so."

"Hmmm, who would help a slave escape?"

"Maybe it was the Sandman," suggested Mosk.

"Captain Mosk, we both know that the Sandman is pure myth that was started long before we got into this business."

"In al due respect, I believe the Sandman exists. My counterpart over in Spider Forest said that he chased a man who had stolen two slaves from his town. A couple of days after they escaped, they found his body, but the two slaves were no where to be found."

"So what are you saying? That this dead man was the Sandman?"

"He might not be the Sandman, but he might have worked for him."

"Okay Captain Mosk, if what you think is true; I relieve you of command at Snake Eyes."

Mosk was pissed. "General, in all my years, I was never relinquished of command."

"Relax, Captain. I am promoting you to the rank of Colonel. You will enlist four of the best slave retrievers in our land and your purpose it to prove that the Sandman is just a myth or to track down the Sandman and kill him and all of those who are associated with him. And you better not fail, because if you do."

"I won't fail General."

"Very well, you're dismissed."

Joshua laid in his bed with his white robe on. The door to his room swung open and in walked Fara. Without saying his normal welcoming words, he marched over to Joshua.

"Take your robe off," he demanded. This was so unlike him. He normally was happy to see Joshua and always planted a kiss on him.

Joshua took off his robe, exposing his smooth, hairless, naked body. Fara gently rubbed the back of his hand over the smooth base of Joshua's crotch. It felt smooth as a baby's. Fara smiled with delight and then embraced Joshua, planting a long deep kiss on him.

Joshua opened his mouth a bit and felt Fara stick his tongue and rubbed it against his own tongue. Joshua was returning the kiss. He felt stirring inside him and his member started to get hard. Fara felt it sticking into his gut and looked down and laughed. With Joshua standing on the bed, Fara knelt down and took the hard tool completely into his mouth. Shivers went through his body. Fara began slowly sucking and bobbing up and down. Joshua began to buck his hips. His balls started to dance and grow close to his body. He reached down and pushed Fara's head into his crotch as he thrust his hips forward hard. His 5 inch [13 cm] tool shot four hard squirts, one week squirt and lot of dribble into Fara's warm mouth. Fara was slurping down the boy cum and enjoying the sweet salty taste of young boy. He was also inhaling the sweet aroma around the young boy's crotch. Now with his own cock throbbing hard and leaking precum, he undressed himself and had Joshua get on all fours. Joshua knew what was coming, but he was prepared for it. Fara reached around and drained Joshua's dick what was left of his cum. He used it to wipe over Joshua's rosebud. Joshua gasped a bit when he felt a pudgy finger go inside him to lubricate him with his own boy seed. Joshua let out a deep breath as he felt Fara's tip to his 9 inch [23 cm] thick cock touch the entrance of his boy pussy. Slowly, Fara pushed himself into Joshua. One inch was in, then two, three, four. Soon, Fara's thick black forest of pubic hair was pressed tightly against Joshua's pink ass. Fara began to pump slowly. "Say it," he bellowed.

Joshua knew what his lines were, although what he was about to say was so far from the truth. "Fuck me Fara! Fuck me hard! Fuck me deep! Harder! Deeper! Fara I want you to cum in me. FUCK ME FARA!"

Fara was pushing himself in and out of Joshua with all his might. The bed was shaking and pounding against the wall. Joshua was moaning and grunting in between his rehearsed lines. Then with one final push and a loud moan, Fara emptied himself into the bowels of Joshua, filling him up with white, creamy goo. Fara pulled himself out and rolled Joshua onto his side and collapsed next to him. Cuddle up next to each other; with Joshua's head laying on Fara's hairy chest, the two of them fell asleep.

Joshua woke up to see that Fara had gone. Tucked under his pillow was a gold coin. customers weren't supposed to leave tips to the boys, but Fara always did for Joshua. He took the gold coin over to the fire place in his room. He crawled inside and removed a loose brick that was in the base of the chimney. The brick had concealed a small cubby hole that had several gold coins in it. Joshua placed the new addition into his secret hiding place and sealed it back up.

Joshua went over to his bed and put on his robe. He decided he would go to the shower room. He knew he would have the rest of the night off. Very rarely did Gallick sell his services twice a day.

"Joshua," said a voice.

He turned around and saw Gallick standing there with a new boy. Joshua's heart sunk. The boy had dirty blonde hair that was parted in the center and layered back above his perfect ears. His lips were thick and pink and he had an awkward smile that showed his top row of white teeth. This boy was so hot.

"Yes Master Gallick."

"This is a new boy. We just got him today. I want you to show him around, explain my rules to him and help him get settled into his room."

Joshua wasn't surprised at being told to do this. He had done this sort of things twice before when new kids came in. The last one he did it for was Danny.

"Where will he be sleeping, Master Gallick?"

"Danny's old room."

"But?"

Gallick saw Joshua's face turn pale. He felt he never had to explain anything to his boys, but he decided to tell Joshua. "I sold Danny to the mines this morning. That bastard, Grawdo not only ruined his looks, but screw up his boy pussy as well. I wouldn't get my money out of him now. So I sold him and got this boy. Now do what you are told. You know the check in process. I have business to take care of." Gallick then stormed away, leaving the young boy standing in the doorway.

Joshua sat on the bed, fighting back tears. He knew many boys in here, but Danny was the only one he felt the way he did. Danny was like a brother he had never had.

"Was he your friend?" asked the boy.

Joshua completely forgotten about the new boy. "Uh, yeah, He was like my baby brother."

"I'm sorry. I heard those mines are worse than bed partner houses. Once you go in the only way you come out is in a pine box."

Joshua was getting mad at the new boy. He wished he would just shut up. "What's your name?"

"Slave Serial Number 030913-B-J3917U-034"

"You weren't given a name yet?"

"No, Master Gallick said you would give it to me when you check me in."

"Yeah, I have to check to see what name is next in the log book."

Joshua stood up and looked at the young boy. He was still wearing his navy blue robe that was issued at the processing plant. His heart started to thump weird too. Even though he was sad that Danny was gone, there was something about this boy. Joshua escorted the new boy to the in processing room. He told the boy to sit in a chair in front of a desk. Joshua sat behind the desk and opened up a huge log book that must have been thee feet [~1 m] in length, two feet [60 cm] wide and six inches [15 cm] thick.

"Okay, what is your serial number?" Joshua took out a quill pen and dabbed it into a jar of ink.

"030913-B-J3917U-034"

"According to the log, your name is now Stephen."

"Cool, that's a neat name. I like it."

"Alright Stephen, I have to ask you some questions for our records." As Stephen answered the questions, Joshua scribbled the answers into tiny blocks next to his name I the log book.

"Age?"

"12, will be 13 in two months."

Joshua looked at the boy and proceeded to write down the boy's eye and hair color in the book. He pulled out a tape measure and measured the height of the boy and then had him step on a scare. The boy was average height for his age and a little on the thin side, but still looked well proportioned. "Are you a virgin?"

"Pardon?"

"Has anyone had sex with you?" asked Joshua.

"Do you mean has anyone put their snake in my butt?"

"Yes."

"I only saw naked boys, mainly our age, but never touched or been touched by anyone in a sexual manner."

"Wow, a virgin never touched. Almost 13, you will bring in a nice price for your first customer."

"Will it make Master Gallick happy?"

"Yes it will. Now, how big are you?"

"You just measured me."

"No, no, no. How big is your penis when you are hard?"

"I don't know, I never measured it."

"Take your robe off," said Joshua as he grabbed the tape measure again. Stephen took his robe off, exposing his pale, smooth body. Joshua looked and saw the tiny shriveled member of Stephen's. He continued to look at the young boy's smooth naked body. Not a blemish or scar on him. His pink nipples were beginning to get hard from the slight chill in the air. But that wasn't the only thing that was getting hard in the room. Joshua felt his penis starting to stir and grow. This was odd for him. He never felt this way before of the other boys here at the house. Why now? Why this boy? Joshua stopped breathing when he took hold of Stephen's penis. It immediately responded to his touch and began to grow. Once it was fully hard, Joshua measured it. It was 4⅓ inches [11 cm]. Joshua continued to hold on to Stephen. Their eyes met and were locked on each other. Joshua could feel leakage around his own dick. "You cum yet?" he whispered.

"You mean does my snake spit out the white stuff?"

"Yeah," Joshua finally managed to break himself from the trance and regain his composure.

"I don't know. I never tried it."

Joshua knew what had to happen next. He would have to have Stephen masturbate to see if he cums yet or not. When a new slave beginning puberty arrives, they have to masturbate to see if they cum. Master Gallick likes to know this, because not all of his customers like it when his boys cum. Some only like boys who have dry orgasms. So he always ensures to see if a boys can cum or not, before putting him on the market.

Joshua rubbed his hand through his red wavy hair. His green eyes were just filled with anticipation. He was going to get to watch this new boy possibly cum for the first time in his life. But then he had a thought. "I am gonna have to see if you can cum or not. We can do this one of two ways. You can jack yourself off or I can help you cum."

Stephen looked at Joshua. He was a bit nervous and scared, but he loved the way his body felt when Joshua had held onto him. He wanted that feeling again. He licked his pink lips. "Can you help me?" he whispered shyly.

Joshua nodded and walked up to the boy. Stephen's dick was still hard. Joshua new all he had to do was jack him off, but he wanted more to himself. He had only had sex with grown ups and he never enjoyed it or liked it. Nor did he want to do it, but he was left with no choice. But for the fist time in his life, he wanted to have sex with this boy. A boy he only met not even an hour before hand.

Joshua knelt down and grabbed onto the boys dick. He saw that there were a few stray light brown hairs growing around the base. Joshua quickly dismissed the reminder of pain that he had gotten when he had his pubic hairs removed. Joshua took the tip of his tongue and gently licked the slit at the top of Stephen's cock. Stephen jumped a little at the touch. He loved what was being done to him. If his stay was going to be anything like what is happening to him now, he knew he would love it here.

Joshua opened his mouth and took the entire penis in his mouth and closed it. He felt Stephen's penis move with his mouth. He never had such a young cock in his mouth. The sweet aroma of a young boy glided past his nose. Joshua was beginning to see why so many men wanted to have sex with a boy. Joshua began sucking gently on to the hard cock in his mouth. He tasted a light salty flavor on his tongue as it rubbed all around. Stephen began groaning and bucking his hips. Joshua sucked harder and harder. Stephen let out a loud gasp and pushed his dick hard into the back of Joshua's throat. Joshua felt a sudden gush of warm, creaming fluid shoot down his throat. Joshua continued to suck and clean off Stephen. Finally the pleasure of the suck and cumming got so great and intense and unbearable to handle that he pulled himself out of Joshua's mouth. Joshua stood up and looked at the boy. He leaned over and planted a small simple kiss on his lips and then bent down and got him his robe and placed it over him.

"You can cum," smiled Joshua as he licked his lips clean.

After the paper work was completed, Joshua took Stephen to the bath house. Stephen would have to get cleaned up and then be issued his white robe that all the boys wore. The two young boys walked into a room with a small pool in it. The pool was only about 6 X 6 feet [1.8 x 1.8 m]. The water was nice and warm and steam floats off the top. The two boys took off there robes and stepped into the 3 foot [90 cm] deep tub. Joshua began soaping up and scrubbing Stephen's body. Normally he just had the other kids clean themselves, but he wanted to clean Stephen himself. Once he was done, Stephen returned the favor and washed Joshua's body.

"Joshua, can I ask you something?"

"What's that?"

"Remember what you did to me in the in processing room?"

"You mean sucking you off?"

"Yeah, well can I do that to you?"

Joshua smiled. So much he wanted Stephen to do that. "I would love for you to do that, but not here. We have to do it when Master Gallick isn't around. We aren't allowed to have sex with each other. If we are caught, we get severely punished. But I promise we will find time and a place to do more then just that."

Stephen smiled. The two boys got out of the water and dried off and Joshua proceeded to take Stephen to his bedroom.

The Sandman and Keeper sat at the long wooden table eating eggs and scrapple. Matthew and Kirin had met their new friend, Kish and was showing him around the estates.

"So what's your game plan?" asked the Keeper.

"I plan on riding to Hangman's Valley to see if I can find my forger friend. On the way there, I will be passing a slave processing plant. So I thought I would stop by and see what kind of Intel I can get on the place."

"Why do you need Intel on a plant?"

"I know they keep records of the slaves they sell. So I can use that to guide me to them. Plus I will try to free the slaves there as well."

"Look, I know you like adventure, but be careful. Don't try to take too many at one time. Limit yourself to one or two at a time."

"Don't worry, I will be alright."

"There is another thing you have to be careful about."

"What's that?"

"Not all slaves want to be rescued. Some of them like what they are doing and don't want to go. Some of them are too scared to escape and might turn you in fear that they might get in trouble if caught with you. Be cautious on the slaves you take. If you take the wrong one, it could cost you your life."

"Thanks for the heads up, but I know how to handle the situation. Now, what about the medicine guy?"

"He lives in the next village over. When the sun sets, I will ride to see him tonight."

"It must be hard living in the dark," said the Sandman as he sipped his coffee.

"After all these years, you get use to it. As a child I didn't know what I hated more, being a bed partner or being an albino, but I managed."

"Well, I'm not gonna find our forger sitting here. I should be back within a week, two at the most."

"Very well Sandman. And Sam, do be careful."

"Relax, I'll be alright."

The Red Moon Tavern was packed. Bar maids showing off their cleavage was busy bringing mugs of ale to the paying customers. The room was filled with smoke, laughter, and talking. Grawdo was over at the bar, drinking his ale and blabbering out the mouth.

"So this weasel challenged me to the Kipper challenge. So I took it. We did 27 shots then he missed all three candles in the round. Of course I got all mine with no worries. I could have gone farther too."

"That's a tale if I ever did hear one," said a man sitting at a near by table eating some lamb stew. He was about 6 feet [1.80 m] tall. He had very light brown hair with blonde high lights. It was wavy and hung slightly past his shoulders. The hair above his forehead was curly. He had gray eyes and lady killer smile. He had on a white button down shirt with frills on the front and poofy sleeves, a forest green vest and a pair of pants that matched it. His deer skin hide moccasins boots went half way up to his knee and had little tossles around them. Around his neck, he wore a pewter cross on a piece of twine.

"Are you calling me a liar?" said Grawdo as he stood up and walked towards the man.

"I'm not calling you anything my friend. But 27 shots and still put out all three flames? That's a little far fetch even for a tavern tale."

Grawdo grabbed the man by his frills and pulled him in close. "I challenge you then to the Kipper Challenge. I will prove it to you."

The man pulled Grawdo's paws off of him as if they were infectious decease, trying not to touch them. "My dear fellow, I cannot accept your challenge, because I do not wish to humiliate you in front of your friends here. I am just passing by, now if you don't mind, I like to finish my stew. It is quite tasty." The man sat down and broke off a piece of bread and dipped it in his soup and took a bite of it.

Grawdo took his hand and flung it across the table, causing the bowl of soup to fly across the room. By this time, the room had quiet down and all eyes were upon them.

"My dear fellow, I wish you wouldn't have done that. I wasn't finished."

"You're finished alright. Now accept the challenge!" demanded Grawdo.

"No Sir, I don't think I will." The man turned himself around and broke another piece of bread off and ate it. "Excuse me waitress, can I have another bowl of stew please?" he asked a bar maid standing by watching the scene.

"You are a chicken liver coward," said Grawdo with fury.

The man put his bread down and lifted his head, not looking at anyone in particular. "What did you call me, dear boy?"

"A chicken liver coward!"

"That's what I thought you said. My dear fellow, you just don't know what you did, do you?"

"Accept the challenge you long hair sissy girl."

The man stood up and faced Grawdo. "Long hair sissy girl? You do need a new vocabulary. So let me get this straight. You challenge your bow against my bow?"

"That's right."

"The Kipper Challenge?"

"Yes, one shot after each round."

"Very well, I accept them."

"Someone set up the candles!" yelled Grawdo as he smiled through his dirty teeth.

"Right now? But it's dark outside."

"Are you scared of the dark?"

"Oh no, it's just harder to see that's all."

"Afraid that you won't be able to see the flames?"

"Oh, good chap, I am just afraid I won't be able to see your face when I whip your ass."

The crowd around them was cheering on the challenge. Everyone was making bets among each other.

"What is a Kipper Challenge?" asked a young man to the bar maid.

"It is a test of marksman ship for archers. Each of them has to shoot out the flames of three candles. They each have their own set of candles and they are placed at different heights. There very first of the first round, they can take as long as they want. But once the first shot is taken, they have to deliver the next to arrows within ten seconds. Once they finish the round, they take a shot of whisky. Once the candles are relit, they shoot the next three flames and then take a shot. They keep repeating this until someone misses a flame. Once a flame is missed, the challenge is over."

"Bar Tender get me two bottles of whisky!" yelled Grawdo.

"Pay up front," replied the bartender.

Grawdo looked at the man. "You have to pay for our bottle."

"First of all, my friend, we drink from the same bottle, that way I know yours isn't water down. Secondly, I just plum spent my last coin on that wonderful stew that you viciously threw to the floor."

"What you accept the challenge and but can't cover yourself?"

"Now don't get yourself in an uproar. It's not good for your health. I told you I didn't want to challenge you, but you insisted."

"I should kill you right here and now."

"I'll spot his bottle," boomed a voice over the crowd.

The man looked behind him and saw Sam Ederickson. "Smuggling Sam?" He smield and laughed and embraced him with a hug. Ederickson did the same.

"How are you doing old friend?" said Ederickson.

"I got myself in a bit of pickle. This overgrown oaf challenged me to the Kipper's challenge. But I don't have money for my bottle."

"You're like my brother to me Crazy Bill Carrick. I will spot your bottle, but we need to talk afterwards."

"Anything." The two men gave each other another hug then went out side where the candles were burning.

Carrick had his bow already. He ensured his arrows were straight and ready to take flight.

"Have you done the Kipper Challenge before?"

"Oh yes, seven times before."

"And how many times have you won?"

"Well, I came close once."

"You mean to tell me you never won?"

"When I'm sober I can shoot and arrow like no other man can, but after 12 shots, it's a whole different story. I can't get past the thirteenth round. All of them, I fumbled in the thirteenth round." He then smiled and cast Ederickson as smile as if not to worry everything is under control.

Carrick lifted his arrow and aimed it the faint lights burning in the wind. He held his breath and shot it, followed by two others. The three fiery glows were out. He took his shot of whisky. Grawdo took aim at his first set and fired. All three of his candles went out. He took his shot. By the time Grawdo took his sixth shot, bets were being revamped and more being made. Carrick slammed down his seventh shot, eighth shot, ninth shot. The alcohol was starting to go to his head. Grawdo was sweating and kept leaving out large belches. He shot his arrows, then taking his tenth, eleventh, and twelfth shot. Ederickson stood there. He knew this was the round that Carrick never got through. He was swaying a bit. He shook his head to clear his vision. He grabbed his first arrow and shot it. Light one went out. He quickly fired his second arrow. Light two went out. He grabbed his third arrow and shot it. The silence was so thick; you could hear the arrow slice right through it. Then thud, it hit the wall that the candles were up against. The candle remained burning.

"Ha, this is my round," laughed Grawdo. All Grawdo had to do was get all three candles out and take a shot and he won the challenge. He took his aim and fired the shot. Candle number one was extinguished. He shot arrow two and within a second, candle number two was out. He aimed and fired his last arrow. The silence was just as thick. Everyone was holding their breaths as the arrow soared through the darkness towards it target. The deafly silence was broken with a rupture of cheers as the third candle went out.

Carrick fell to his knees. "Always the third candle in the thirteenth round," he mumbled to himself.

Grawdo took his prize money from Ederickson, five gold pieces. "Now I think I will go to Gallick's for a little action." He then stumbled off into the darkness.

Ederickson picked up his drunken friend and turned himself into a crutch for him. He saw a bar maid standing by. "Is there an Inn nearby?"

"Well, Honey, you have three choices. If you are looking for a little female action tonight, you can go to Sweet Sue's. If you want a little boy action, you can go to Gallick's, up the road a bit. If you are looking for a good night sleep, there is the Dusty Road Motel on the other side of town."

"Thank you," he then started to carry his long lost friend towards the Dusty Road. Then he stopped and turned towards the barmaid. "Did you say boy action?"

"Yeah, if you like bed partners who are boys under 17, Gallick's is your place."

"Thanks." Ederickson then proceeded to Dusty Road and got a room with two single beds. He let his friend pass out in one bed and decided to go check out Gallick's. He's been searching for Carrick for over a month. He told Moore he would be home shortly, but it didn't work out according to plan. But now that he has found his friend, he can now return to the Keeper's house and maybe bring a slave or two with him. He never did stop at the processing plant like he had originally planned.

He walked into the castle like house of Gallick's. Sitting at the front desk was Gallick himself, counting the gold coins that were given to him just moments before. Ederickson recognized one of the coins because of a scratch that was on it. He had given that coin to Grawdo earlier in the night.

"What can I do for you?"

Ederickson felt uneasy in this place. He definitely wants to help a slave escape, but he had to be careful who he chose. "I like a boy," he replied.

"Very well. You can have one until tomorrow morning."

"How much?"

"Depends what you want. First of all, how old you like them?"

"13ish?"

"I have one 13 boy left for tonight. The only thing is that he is a red head, so there for he is my most expensive boy. But you will get your money well out of him."

"How much?'

"Ten gold pieces."

"Look, let's just save time and make it seven gold pieces. Because I will say five, you will say nine, then I will go to six, and you will go to eight, and then I will go to seven and you will agree."

"Sorry Mister. There is no haggling here. All prices are set in stone."

"Ten pieces, this boy better be worth it."

"Oh, he is," said Gallick as he held out his hand and ten gold coins dropped into it.

There was some screaming and yelling up stairs. "Damn it," yelled Gallick. "Wait here, I will be right back." He stormed up the stairs. A few minutes later he came back down. "Sorry for that. One of my customers got out of hand. I should of known better then to let his drunken arse in here, but money always talk. Now, if you don't mind, just go up the stairs, turn left and it's the first door on the right. His name is Joshua."

Ederickson went to the top of the stairs. He heard some crying at the other end of the hall. He made sure no one was following him and decided to take a peak. He looked in the cracked door. Lying in bed was a redhead holding and rocking another young boy with blondish-brown hair. The boy being cradled was crying. He had a bloody nose, fat lip, and his eyes were turning black and blue. The sheets were stained with blood. Then he heard the redhead begin to sing a sweet melody.

Hush hush Stephen, don't you cry
For one day we will say bye
Because that will be the day we become free
When the Sandman rescues you and me

"That's a sweet song kid. You believe in the Sandman?"

Joshua looked up surprised. He didn't realize someone was watching him. "Uh, yes Sir I do. And I hope he takes my friend here soon, because now that he is beaten up, he will be sent to the mines, like Danny was."

"What's your name?"

"Joshua."

"Joshua, I just paid the rat face looking man ten gold coins to be with you tonight."

"Mister, I try to please my customers so I don't get beaten myself, but don't make me leave him. He needs me now." Joshua began sobbing.

"What are you doing here?" asked Gallick as he snuck up behind Ederickson.

"I went to the room you told me too and my boy was missing. I found him in here."

"So he has come out of his bedroom. Back to your room, Joshua, you have a job to do."

"Please Master Gallick, not tonight. I don't want to leave Stephen."

"Never mind him; he's worthless to me now. I knew I should have taken care of Grawdo last time he was here. Now he just cost me another boy."

"I tell you what Gallick. Let me stay in this room tonight. I will even give you an extra gold coin."

"But that boy is no good now."

"Maybe so, but I just want Joshua comfortable when I make love to him tonight and I know his mind won't be on his business if he is not here with his friend."

"The boy cost me 50 gold coins. Tonight was his first fuck and probably his last. So I am out 40 gold coins."

"If you expect me to pay 40 gold coins for the boy, you're mistaken."

"Nah, give me three gold coins and you can spend the night in this room."

Ederickson opened his purse. "Sorry I only have two coins left."

"Good enough," Gallick snatched them out of Ederickson hand and left, shutting the door behind him.

Joshua stood up and removed his white robe. He just wanted to get his business done with, so he could lay next to Stephen.

"What are you doing?" asked Ederickson.

"Getting ready for whatever you want."

"Look, Joshua. I'm not here to have sex with you. I am just here to case the joint."

"You're a thief?"

"You can say that."

"Master Gallick doesn't like thieves. The last person who tried stealing his money from him found his hand flopping around on the dirt ground.

"I'm not here to steal his money. I am here to steel you."

"What?"

"Joshua, I asked you earlier if you believe in the Sandman."

Joshua's mouth dropped and his eyes widen. "You mean?"

"Yes, I am he."

"My prayers finally answered. I know you only take one boy at a time, please don't take me. Take Stephen here. I don't want him to go working in the mines. It will just kill him."

"Don't worry Joshua. I'll take both of you."

"You will?" Joshua's eyes were light up like it was Christmas morning.

"First of all, let me see how bad, Stephen is. Stephen, this is the Sandman, can you move?"

Stephen sat up in pain. He nodded his swollen face. "Take me with you."

"I will my child, I will."

"Sandman, you have to make love to me," said Joshua.

"I don't want too. I am not here for that."

"Look, in a few minutes, Master Gallick will be looking through a peep whole. If might arouse suspicion if he doesn't see us do anything."

This wasn't what he had planned. Joshua then shot him a warning look. The small peep hole was now occupied. The Sandman walked over to the young boy and against what he believed in, he hugged the boy. He let his lips touch Joshua and he begin kissing the naked boy, kissing him deep and passionate.

Chapter 3

Joshua began undoing the Sandman's belt and unbuttons the buttons on his shirt. For first time in a couple of years, he was quivering and anxious about having sex. It was like his first time all over again. Most of the time when he had sex, it was just the motions he went through, but somehow this was different. He wasn't sure if it was because he knew he and Stephen were going to be rescued, or if there was something much more. Something that he had never felt before.

Joshua took off the Sandman's shirt and the Sandman picked Joshua up and laid him down on the bed. He immediately started to kiss Joshua once again, losing himself in the strange feelings he had instantly developed for the young lad. Joshua ran his hands up and down the Sandman's body. The Sandman moved his tongue down to the young boys pink nipples. He began gently tickling them with the tip of his tongue and then blowing light kisses on them. Joshua had chills go through his body like wildfire. He looked down and saw the man paying equal attention to both of his nipples. He could see that his own tool was slimy with leakage.

For the first time, he wanted his customer to fuck him.

Joshua laughed as the Sandman's beard rubbed along his smooth belly. Then he let out a gasp as the Sandman took his entire member into his mouth. His hips bucked a bit. He could feel the Sandman's tongue clean the leakage from his slit in his head. Joshua whimpered out some soft moans as he was falling into the realm of ecstasy.

The Sandman stopped and looked up at the boy. The boy shot him a look like 'why did you stop?'.

"How far have you gone with your customers?"

"All the way. They were never really finished until they placed their penis in my hole."

"Have you ever placed your penis in a hole?"

"No Sir."

"I never had a penis in my hole, so maybe we can help each other out. Would you like that?"

Joshua didn't say a word. He just nodded his head and shot the Sandman a look of compassion. A look of love. A look that he never gave anyone else before. The Sandman took off his pants, exposing his hard member. With Joshua still on his back, the Sandman straddle him and held Joshua's penis up straight. He felt the combination of Joshua's precum and his own saliva touch the gate to his hole. He slowly lowered himself onto the boy. Joshua let out a moan of pleasure. Soon, the Sandman's cheeks were resting upon the bare base of Joshua's cock.

The Sandman started to ride Joshua ever so gently. Joshua started to shake. He had had orgasms before, but the one he was about to have was the more intense and most pleasurable he had ever had. After about the fourth drop down onto Joshua's dick, Joshua let out a loud moan and shot his load, a full load, the biggest load, into the bowels of the Sandman. He was huffing and puffing and his heart was running rapids. He was shaking like a leaf. That was the best orgasm he had ever had.

"Do me now?" asked Joshua with emotion in his voice.

The Sandman wiped his crack, filling his hand with excess leakage of Joshua's white creamy boy seed. He then wiped it onto the rosebud of Joshua's rear end. He propped Joshua's legs over his shoulders and slowly slid his cock into the boy pussy. Joshua moaned and pulled the Sandman closer to him. For the first time, he actually liked the feeling of a man's cock in him. He didn't know why this was different from the others, but it was. The Sandman began to slowly pump in and out. With he thrust he gained some momentum and speed. He started to pound the boy, but slowed down thinking he might hurt him.

"No, don't stop, harder," said Joshua.

The Sandman began slamming his cock hard into Joshua's ass. With he thrust, Joshua left out a moan and groan, but kept encouraging the Sandman to go harder, faster and deeper. With one last thrust, the Sandman's body stiffened up as his cock erupted in Joshua. Joshua could feel his insides being filled up with the cum of the Sandman. He pulled the Sandman close to him and they kissed passionately for a long time.

Without pulling out, they managed to roll over where Joshua was now laying on top of the Sandman, with the Sandman's dick still in him. He laid on the chest as best as he could and soon both of them were sound asleep in each other's arms.

The Sandman woke up as the sun's arms tickled his nose and the rooster warned him that it was morning. He looked down and saw that Joshua was curled up on his right side next to him and Stephen was curled up on his left side. He had forgotten all about Stephen. He tried to remember if Stephen was in bed when he made love to Joshua, but he was so engross in the feelings and emotions that were going through his body last night, that he couldn't remember.

Without disturbing either boy, he got up and got dressed. He kissed both boys on the forehead and whispered "I'll be back. I promise."

The Sandman walked outside and took in a big batch of fresh air. He looked and saw a man laying in a wheel barrow. The man's pants were pulled down to his ankles. The Sandman looked closely and saw that the man's sack was cut and empty. It was just a hunk of skin just hanging there. He wondered what happen to the man's balls. Then he looked at the guy's face and that answered his question. The man's eyeballs were replaced by his testicles. Then it dawned on him. He had seen that face before. Last night at the Kipper Challenge. It was Grawdo.

"That's what happens when you don't heed to my warnings," said Gallick as he came up behind the Sandman.

"Is that the man who hurt Stephen?"

"That it be. He hurt one of my boys a few weeks ago. I had to sell him to the mines. By the time he would have healed completely, I would have lost a lot of money. It's easier and more profitable by selling him and getting a new boy."

"What are you going to do with Stephen?"

"When he is strong enough to move, I will take him to the mines and see if I can get a good price on him."

"I see. When do you think that will be?"

"Why you ask? You want to buy him?"

"I used the last of my money last night. I won't be able to afford him," said the Sandman.

"Grawdo got a warning when he beat up the first boy. Now he's dead because he didn't listen to it. Take a look, a good look at him and consider this your warning."

"I am afraid I don't follow you. I didn't beat up your boys last night."

"No you didn't. But I saw the way you looked at Joshua. Also know that you are Smuggling Sam Ederickson. If you try to steal my any of my boys, you will face the same fate as Grawdo here. Don't make the same mistake as him, listen to your warning."

"I'll listen to it alright. Now, I have to be going. Maybe we can do business again in the future. By the way, if I do come up with enough money, how much will you sell Stephen for and when?"

"30 gold pieces by sunset the day after tomorrow. Because the next morning, I will be making the trip to the mines and the processing plant."

"25 gold pieces and give me until that morning."

"I'll give you until that morning, but my price is non negotiable."

"Deal." Sandman started to leave.

"And remember Smuggling Sam, I always carry out my warnings."

The Sandman didn't pay any attention and hopped on his horse, Storm and road off down the road.

The Sandman was heading back in town. His horse came to a screeching halt. Along the trail were several wonchoos, a very poisonous reptile. The horse was getting excited and scared.

"Easy Girl," said the Sandman as he tried to calm her. One of the wonchoos jumped towards Storm, spooking her into for run. "Whoa," he yelled but she wasn't listening to her rider. She ran around a blind corner and KLUNK!. The Sandman hit his head on a branch crossing the trail. He was thrown off his horn and fell hard to the ground. He looked around and there was a wonchoo staring him down. This wonchoo had to be the King of its pack. The wonchoos traveled together like wolves. Most of them are about a foot [30 cm] long, but the King was always the biggest. They had a snake's body, lizard's feet and an iguana's head. Two very long and sharp fangs stuck out. Its eyes were blood red and drool was dripping out of its mouth. The skin was scaly and it blended in with the trail like a chameleon.

The Sandman didn't break eye contact with him. He slowly grabbed his sword. He heard something down the trail. It was Storm. She had come back for her rider. This was unusual for a horse after being spooked. The Sandman drew his sword and slayed the wonchoo, but another one jumped out of the bushes and bore its venomous teeth into his arm. He screamed with pain. He stumbled to his horse, forced himself on her and road off.

Carrick sat in Indian style on his bed at the inn. He held a small wooden flute that he had made himself sometime again. He played a sweet lullaby. He could never remember the words to the lullaby, but he knew it had something to do with the Sandman.

He jumped up out of bed, ignoring his headache, when the Sandman came tumbling through the door and falling hard to the floor. He was sweating protrusiously, very pale and his vision was blurred very badly.

"Sam!" yelled Carrick. He quickly went to his long time friend and helped him into bed. He looked at his arm that was all pussy and swollen. "Wonchoo bite. Damn! Alright, come on buddy, we need to get you some help if you want to see what tomorrow looks like. I just hope I'm not too late."

Carrick threw Ederickson over his shoulders into a fireman's carry and ran out side. He threw him onto his own brown and white horse named "Whisky". He then took off like a bat out of hell.

He ended up at a small house on a large farm. "Milo!" he yelled as he took Ederickson off the horse. "Milo, help!"

An old man by the name of Milo Jenkins, came out. He had white puffy hair above his ears and the back of his neck, but bald on top. He had thick side burns and a bushy white beard, but no mustache.

"Arson Annie, what happen?" he yelled as Carrick ran into the house.

"Wonchoo bite," he said laying him on the dining room table.

Milo immediately looked at the bite. "Not good. Tim, go fetch my pouch with my Ambrous weed in it. Billy and Doug, I need lots of water. Scott build me a fire and you Ben, I need some horse manure. Now hurry. We don't have much time."

The five boys that came from down stairs ran to do their tasks. Tim ran out side and into a small hut. There were all sorts of roots, herbs and vegetations lying around. Tim looked for the pouch with the Ambrous weed in it. Tim was only five feet [1.50 m] tall. He was the smallest of the five boys, but the toughest. He was 15 years old. He had brown hair that was cut short on the sides and a little long on top. His brown eyes sparkled with compassion. He ran back inside and gave his pouch to Milo.

"Here you go, Gramps," said Tim.

Milo immediately began applying the orange weed onto the cut. He took a knife and began cutting away the puss. Ederickson was in a delirious state. Carrick was putting cold compresses on his forward, trying to help break the fever.

Ederickson reached up with his good arm and pulled Carrick close to him. "Carrick, do me a favor."

"Shhh, Sam. Save your energy," said Carrick.

"Two boys at Gallick's. Stephen and Joshua." Ederickson was having a hard time breathing and getting his words out.

"What about them?"

"They need the Sandman by tomorrow." Ederickson then passed out.

"Here's the horses poop, said Ben as he brought in a wooden bucket with brown smelly stuff in it. Ben was 5'3" [1.60 m]. He had dirty blonde hair that if it was looked at under the right light, you would see reddish highlights. His eyes were bluish-green and had many freckles painted on his face.

"Good, now go help with the water," said Milo to the 14 year old who just brought him the horses manure.

Billy and Doug were pushing an empty wooden barrel into the house. Once inside, they grabbed buckets and ran out to the barrel on the porch and started to fill the barrel inside the house next to the table. Tim and Ben both grabbed buckets and started to help.

Billy was the tallest of the five boys. He was 5'7" [1.70 m] and had a swimmer's built. He was by far the strongest, but Tim could give him a run for his money. Billy was also the oldest. He was 15 like Tim, but Billy was born before Tim. He had blonde hair and green eyes that would make anyone stop to admire this hot looking young man.

Doug was the baby of the five boys. He was only 13. He had brown hair and brown eyes and slender. He was about 5'2" [1.57 m] tall and had cute dimples when he smiled.

Scott just got the fire going. He brushed his hands off and blew into it to make it blaze a bit stronger. He had helped Milo once before with a wonchoo bite, so he immediately put a black caldron over the fire with water in it. He went and grabbed the bucket with horse manure and dumped it in the water, stirring it constantly.

Scott was 14 years old. He had blondish brown hair and hazel eyes. He was almost as tall as Billy, but not as built. He had an awkward, quirky smile and was a bit on the lanky side.

The next several hours were crucial. Carrick just watched as Milo and the boys went to work on his lifetime friend. Not able to take the site anymore, he went outside and sat in a rocking chair on the porch. He broke out his flute and began playing it, trying to ease his mind. Milo came out, exhausted.

"How is he?" said Carrick as he stood up.

"I think we got most of the poison out. It was a close call, but I think your friend will be alright."

"When will we know for sure?"

"If he can hang in there for 72 hours, he has it licked. But we have to keep a close eye on him and continue to keep his body wet with the water and place the manure and ambrous mixture on it every hour. If he goes into convulsions, then he only has a 2% chance of surviving."

"I'm here if you need me."

"I will need you to watch him during the night when the rest of us sleep. Billy will get up extra early to relieve you."

"That's fine."

"Carrick, what do you know about your friend?"

"Both of us worked for a crime lord on the other side of the ocean since we were about eight years old. Then when we hit 18 or 19, we screwed up and fled for our lives. We came to this land after eight months of sailing on a life sucking ocean. We started off together, but then we went our separate ways about two years ago. I saw him last night for the first time since we went our own ways."

"I see. Did he say anything to you about what he has been doing the past two years?"

"No, we didn't get a chance to talk. All he told me is that he had a favor to ask me."

"What was that favor?"

"I don't know, he didn't ask me it."

"Before your friend passed out, he told you that someone needed the Sandman. Does that mean anything to you?"

Carrick shook his head. "Not a thing, why?"

"Do you know who the Sandman is?"

"Can't say I do."

"The Sandman rescues child slaves and gives them a clean start with a real family. He's been doing this for over 60 years."

"What does this have to do with Sam?"

"Nothing maybe. But something tells me he is the Sandman."

Carrick laughed. "That can't be. Sam isn't in his 60's. He is only in his mid 30's like me."

"But the Sandman is a job passed down from one person to another over the years."

"Were you a Sandman?" asked Carrick who was now taking interest in what Milo was saying.

"No, I was never a Sandman. But I knew the Sandman. Matter of fact, he brought me all of my boys. All five of them were bed partners, but the Sandman rescued them and brought them to me. Matter of fact, he brought me many boys and girls and I removed their mark. But those five boys took a special place in my heart. I never had children of my own, so I treat them like my own kids. I never had sex with them, but I love them as if they were my own flesh and blood."

"What happened to the Sandman that brought you your boys?"

"When he brought me my last boy, Doug, he collapsed on this porch. He was dying for a good year, but he kept playing the role of the Sandman. But when he knew his time was coming to an end, he passed the legend down to another man. I had heard that the man was found dead along a smuggling road. Colonel Mosk and his men found the body. They suspect he was the Sandman, but couldn't be sure. When I heard this, I was afraid that the legend had died, but when your friend said that those boys at Gallick's need the Sandman by tomorrow, I suspect that he now carries the torch."

"That's crazy. I can't picture him doing something out of the act of kindness, unless he is getting a price for it."

"The Sandman gets no price."

This is ridiculous. How are we to be sure that he is the Sandman?"

"Ride to Gallick's. Look up this Stephen and Joshua. Maybe they can tell you something."

"Alright, I just hope you're right about this. I'll go now."

"Do you have any money?"

"No, I lost it last night."

"Here are 20 gold coins. Use it wisely."

"What will I need this for?"

"Gallick is crafty and sneaky. He loves his money. Go undercover. See what you can find out."

"Alright, I'll be back soon. Just watch over my friend." Carrick jumped onto his horse and headed down the road.

"Bog, I need you to ensure the steam room is working. Fara wants to take Joshua there in a few minutes. After that, report back to me," said Gallick to one of his adult henchman.

Carrick walked in and accidentally bumped into Bog. He saw a certain look about his eyes. His eyes were small and beady.

"May I help you?" asked Gallick, sitting behind his desk.

"Uh, yeah. I believe a friend of mine was here last night. He recommended your place," said Carrick, who had his bow bag and arrow sling over his back.

"Good, good. So you want a boy?"

"Uh, yes my friend."

"I can't help you. I am all sold out tonight."

"That's too bad. My friend recommended Joshua and Stephen,"

"Oh he did, did he? Well, Joshua already has a customer and Stephen is in no shape."

"What's wrong with him?"

"He is just not in any condition, that's all."

"Why?"

"I had a customer that didn't respect his looks,"

"I tell you what. I trust my friend's judgment. I'll give you two gold pieces just to look at the boy and if I like what I see I will give you an additional three gold pieces."

"Make it five gold pieces to see and five more for action."

"How about four and four?"

"Deal, come on, follow me." Gallick lead up Carrick up the stairs and to Stephen's room. He opened the door. Sitting on the bed in a white rob was Stephen. His face was black and blue and swollen.

Carrick's heart bled for the boy. Carrick felt something he never felt before in his stomach. If his friend was the Sandman, he could see why he would do this without pay.

"Alright, you saw, now give me your four gold pieces."

Carrick reached in gave him his four pieces. "Here, he might not be the best looking, but I do need to relieve myself. Here is the other four gold pieces."

"Excellent," said Gallick. He had Carrick step in the room and then he shut the door and went to lock up his money.

"Stephen?"

"Yeah, you're not gonna hit me are you?"

Carrick smiled. "No, I won't hit you. I won't even lay a sexual touch upon your body."

"Why?"

"I just want to ask you some questions. Was anyone here last night?"

"A customer. He slept with Joshua here with me. He didn't do anything with me."

"What was his name?"

"I don't know," said Stephen as he looked away.

"You don't know or you won't say?"

The boy didn't answer.

"Look, I am the Sandman's friend. I am here to help you and Joshua."

"You know the Sandman?"

"Was it the man you saw last night?"

The boy didn't answer the question.

"Stephen, you can trust me. I know it's hard to trust a stranger, but I bring no harm to you."

"But how do I know you won't try to capture the Sandman?"

"So it was him. Look, the Sandman was injured this morning. He was bitten by a wonchoo. But he should be all right. We will know for sure after three days."

"But he told Master Gallick that he might buy me before Master Gallick takes me to the mines. By the time he gets better, I will be gone."

"You're not going to no mines. I will see about that."

Stephen moved in pain to Carrick and started to undo his belt and pants.

"Whoa, what are you doing?"

Stephen cast him a strange look and quickly pulled out Carrick's floppy cock. He immediately began sucking on it. Stephen felt the 8 inch [20 cm] uncut member grow in his mouth. Carrick wasn't quite sure what to make of all of this. He looked at the direction where Stephen pointed to with his eyes before taking his cock into his mouth. Carrick saw two beady eyes peaking through two small holes I the wall. They were the eyes that he first saw when he came here.

"I can't put you through this to save my hide," said Carrick. He was never really to start anything, but once in awhile he couldn't help himself. He reached over his back and grabbed his bow and two arrows. All in one breath, he aimed both arrows at the peep holes and let them rip through the air. A scream of agony roared through the place as each arrow simultaneously entered a hole.

"Come on Stephen, I am taking you to the Sandman." He picked up Stephen and ran out into the hall. Bog came running out from the room next door. Blood was flowing down his face. He was holding onto the arrows that were stuck in his eyes. Then he fell dead.

Stephen and Carrick ran to the stairs, but saw Gallick coming up to see what the screaming was about. He quickly pulled Stephen in a different direction. They ran to the end of the hall to a window. He placed Stephen on his back and immediately began climbing out the window onto a nearby tree.

When he got to the ground, he was surrounded by five henchmen.

"Hello boys, nice of you to greet me." He quickly shot off two arrows and killing two of them before he pulled his sword and began fighting the other three. "Stephen, run!"

Stephen ran off into the darkness. Carrick fault brilliantly, killing one more Henchman. But he knew he was over his head. He ran into the opposite direction as Stephen did, hoping to out run them.

Stephen ran into a little stone hut. He had a hard time breathing in there, because of all the steam. In the corner of the steam was a small bowl of water with very hot rocks in it to create the steam.

"Hey, I got the steam room," bellowed the voice of Fara.

Stephen could see a naked man sitting on a wooden bench. In between his legs was a red head sucking on his tool. Joshua stopped to see who came in.

"Stephen?"

"The Sandman's friend his trying to save us, but he didn't do so good."

"The Sandman?" said Fara. "There is a 1000 gold piece bounty on him." He stood up and began to walk towards the door. Joshua stuck his foot out and tripped the man. He fell face forward into the hot rocks. He bellowed in pain.

"Come on Stephen, let's get out of here."

The boys ran out of the steam room. Only to be greeted by Gallick. "And where do you boys think you're going?"

"Stop those little bastards," said Fara as he came out with blisters on his face.

"To a family," said Joshua. He then kicked Gallick in the balls and grabbed onto Stephen's hand and ran towards the forest.

Carrick watched from a distance the boys disappear into the darken woods, as he fought off the two henchmen. Then he felt a sudden blow on his head and darkness overtaken him.

"Good morning, Mr. Carrick," said Colonel Mosk.

Carrick woke up to a throbbing headache. He found himself in a cell with his arms chained above his head on a stone wall.

"Where am I?" he groaned.

"You are at the slave retriever's dungeon. Now where are the two bed partners that escaped last night? Where were they headed?"

"Fuck you, you pig," said Carrick. He was glad to know that they managed to escape. He just hoped they didn't get caught.

"Now that's not very nice. I pictured you more of a gentlemen." He walked over to Carrick and squeezed Carrick's balls tightly. "Now where are they?"

"Did I stutter the first time, or are you hard of hearing?"

"So this is the game you want to play. I love to play games. But I think I will give you an hour to decide if you want to play by my rules or yours. I have a tender spot in my heart right now." He then punched Carrick in the gut and left the cell, locking it up tight. Carrick cough and gasp for air. He didn't like Mosk; he had a history with him.

An hour later Mosk returned. "Okay Mr. Carrick. Are you ready to play by my rules? Who was that man that slept with the two bed partners the night before they escaped? Is it the Sandman?"

Carrick looked up at Mosk. His legs were weak and barely keeping him standing. The metal bracelets that were around his wrists were cutting into his skin, causing a stream of blood to run down his arm. "Mosk, you lowly, little warthog. Go fuck yourself and that phantom you work for."

"I see Mr. Carrick that you want to play by your rules. I'm for that." He twisted Carrick's body so that his bare back was now facing away from the wall. Mosk took a leather raw hide and swung it hard and firm onto his bad. Carrick roared with pain. "Now, are you ready to talk?"

The sun was high in the sky when Milo returned from town. He had ridden into town to retrieve Storm. But during his visit in town, he heard about the excitement at Gallick's and that Carrick was captured, but two boys managed to escape.

"Boys! Gather around," said Milo.

"What is it Gramps?" asked Ben.

"How is Sam doing?"

"He is sleeping, but the fever had broken," said Scott.

"Good, if we are lucky he will gain consciousness by this evening. Now listen up. Two slaves escaped last night from Gallick's. We need to find them before the slave retrievers do. I want, Tim and Scott to take the horses to town, tie them at the stable and head into the woods to see if you can find them. Be careful not be captured yourself. But if you are, you know the routine. Ben and Billy, I want you to stay here and continue to give Ederickson his treatments. We can't let him go into convulsions."

"What are you gonna do Gramps?" asked Billy.

"Tim and I are going to the Slave Retriever's headquarters to find out the news on Carrick and try to get him out of there. Tim, I know you won't like this, but if my plan works, I need to replace your mark on you."

"Whatever Gramps," said Tim.

"You know what we need to do, let's go."

Doug and Scott made it into the woods. They were listening for any signs of movement or sounds that were unnatural for the domain they were in. They carefully searched the woods, looking in caves, under exposed tree roots, in thick bushes, trying to find Stephen and Joshua.

"I got you little bastards!" shouted a voice from behind a boulder. Scott and Doug climbed up on the boulder and looked down. They saw a big bald man with a handle bar mustache holding on tight to two boy's hair. "You're going to pay for this your fucker!"

"Fara, let go on me!" said the redheaded boy.

"Oh, I will let go of you, trust me on that. Gallick, I caught the little worms." He yelled.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?"

Doug and Scott turned around and saw a rat face looking man standing behind them. He held a cross bow, pointed right at them.

"Gallick," said a frighten Doug.

"This must be my lucky day. I came out to find two escaped slaves, but found three."

Milo and Tim stood in the waiting room of the Slave Retriever headquarters. Milo wasn't sure if his plan would work or not, but hoped it would.

"Mr. Jenkins, I am Captain Boswell, I work with Colonel Mosk. I understand you want to see him?"

"Yes, I captured this slave and I was hoping he would give me some reward. Is he around?"

"He is busy interrogating right now. But I will take the slave and I am sure the Colonel will get in touch with you in the next couple of days."

"No. I am not turning this slave over to anyone but to Colonel Mosk." He put a protective arm around Tim.

"Mr. Jenkins, if you do not turn over the slave to me now, I will be forced to arrest you as well."

"You can threaten me all you want, but I am not turning him over to anyone but to Mosk."

"You leave me with no choice but to arrest you."

"Captain Boswell, what seems to be the problem?" said a black hooded man. He had on a black robe with a hood that covered his face.

"General Tucker, this is Milo Jenkins. He claims he caught this slave, but he won't turn him over to anyone but Captain Mosk."

"Interesting. Mr. Jenkins, please step into my office. You can bring the slave with you," said Tucker. Then he whispered something into Boswell's ear.

Milo, Tim and the General went into the dark office. The General sat behind his desk. He took his hood off, but the window behind him caused a silhouette effect, so Milo and Tim couldn't see his face.

"Look General. All I want is to turn this slave into Mosk personally. I just want my reward money, that's all."

"Dr. Milo Jenkins. How is your medicine farm growing? I hope all the rain we had a few weeks back didn't drown your crops."

"My farm is fine."

The General stood up and walked over to Tim. Tim couldn't see his face well in the dark, but he looked very pale. Tim couldn't stop staring at his eyes. He never saw eyes that color before. How could one have red eyes?

The general pulled Tim's arm, practically out of his socket. He examined the mark. "Dr. Jenkins, this is nice work. Nice work indeed. But this mark is a fake. Now tell me, you're here to rescue Mr. Carrick, aren't you?"

"Who's Carrick?"

"You don't fool me," said the General.

"Seriously General, I don't know what you're talking about. I am just here to return this slave to Mosk."

There was a knock at the door. Captain Boswell walked in carrying a red hot fire iron poker. He gave it to the General.

Boswell stood behind Milo and held him tightly to keep him from moving. The General grabbed onto Tim and placed the hot iron just centimeters from his face. "Now Dr. Jenkins, unless you want this slave to get a authentic mark, I suggest you talk."

Ben finished giving Ederickson his hourly treatment. He turned and saw Billy lying on a fir rug naked. He gave Ben a look of temptation.

"Are you horny?" asked Ben as he felt his own stirrings inside him.

"You should know better then to ask that question."

"We do have an hour to kill before the next treatment," smiled Ben.

Billy stood up as Ben walked over to him. Billy helped Ben out of his clothes and then they merged into a passionate kiss. Ben slipped his tongue into Billy's mouth. Their hands were running over each other's smooth body. By this time, Billy's cut 5½ inch [14 cm] cock was rubbing against Ben's hard 5¼ [13 cm] cut cock. Ben slipped his hand down and began stroking Billy's cock. Billy left out a small whimper.

They knelt down on the rug. The fir was soft on Ben's back. Billy finished kissing Ben's lips and moved to his neck and ears. He then left his tongue glide to Ben's nipples. He nibbled and tickled them wit his tongue. They became hard. Both boys had leakage coming out of their dicks.

Billy's tongue rolled down Ben's smooth belly and to the small mound of hair. He blew on the pubic hair to make them dance. This feeling sent chills down Ben's spine. Billy started to lick up and down Ben's cock. Every time he licked the head, he tasted the sweet juice of Ben. Billy let his tongue slide down one last time and onto Ben's balls. He then slid his tongue up under the back of Ben's sack. Billy quivered as Billy hit his sensitive spot. Billy lifted Ben's legs and spread his cheeks apart and began licking that pink rose bud of his. He started to slide his tongue in and out.

Billy wiped the precum from his own throbbing dick onto the entrance way of Ben. He propped himself up.

Ben could feel the head of Billy's hard cock resting against his entrance to his boy pussy. Then there was a slight pressure and Ben moaned as he felt Billy slide his cock into him. Ben could feel Billy's pubic hairs brush up against his ass cheeks. Billy began to pump slowly and lovingly. He bent down and gave Ben a long, hard, passionate kiss as he thrust his hips into Ben. Ben was thrusting his own hips, to match Billy's rhythm.

Billy let out a large grown and he shot his load into Ben. Ben felt himself being filled with Billy's treasure and he pulled him closer to him.

"I love you, Billy," he whispered.

"I love you Ben," replied Billy.

Billy slid out and began sucking on Ben's throbbing member. Slurps and gasps of air could be heard as Billy bobbed his head up and down. Ben was moaning at the pleasure.

"Almost there!" said Ben in pleasure.

All of a sudden, chairs next to the table were kicked on the floor. Billy took Ben's dick out of his mouth to see what happen. Ben let his boy seed explode out, four big gobs of his white creamy seed shot onto Billy's face.

Both boys's looked at the table where all the rumbling was coming form.

"Oh shit, Ederickson is going into convulsions!" said Billy.

Chapter 4

Beads of sweat were forming around Tim's brow caused by the hot iron just centimeters away from his face. He tried to be strong and brave, but Milo's plan wasn't working out. He looked over to his father-like figure. Milo stood there curling his bottom lip.

Milo started to shake his left arm. Soon a small pouch fell out of his sleeve and into his hand. No one saw him do this.

"What is it going to be?" asked General Tucker.

"Alright, alright, let the boy go."

Tim couldn't believe his ears. Was Milo actually going to blow their cover? He didn't like the idea of their cover being blown because of him. He could take the pain.

"Drop the iron and let me sit down. These weary bones don't last long these days."

General Tucker nodded to Boswell and the Milo sat down. Tucker set the hot iron up against the wall and went over behind his desk and sat down. Tim started to slowly walk backwards towards the door.

"General, do you know what happens when Stinge weed, Marcus Root, and wonchoo venom is mixed together?" asked Milo. The general did not answer. He could care less. "I'll tell you. Nothing happens. However, if you place the mixture against heat, well then. That is something spectacular to see."

"What does this have to do with answering my questions?" asked the General.

"Nothing. Until now." Milo took the pouch and threw it at the hot iron. The pouch busted open and the mixture poofed out over the heated rod. A thick fog began to engulf the room. Everyone in the room began coughing and gagging. Milo ran and grabbed Tim and they ran out the door.

In among the chaos, they disappeared down the hall and deep into the head quarters. Milo broke out his dagger he had strapped to his boot and was ready to protect him and Tim. They came across a guard standing in front of a door. Milo reached into one of his many pockets in his cloak, and pulled out another pouch. He held his breath and ran to the guard and threw the white dust into the guard's face. The guard collapsed. They entered the door that lead them to a dark, spiral staircase. They ran down and they could hear slashing and screaming once they reached the bottom.

There were two rows of cells running down the dark, dingy corridor. The occupants started to make noise and chat and scream and yell when they saw Milo and Tim. They ran down the corridor and ran into two armed guards, sword drawn, ready for a fight.

Milo stopped. He looked in the cell that they were standing in front of and he saw Mosk, whipping Carrick. Carrick was just hanging from the chains. His back was bleeding and raw.

"What do we have here?" said one of the guards.

"Look, drop your sword. All I have is this small dagger. It is no match against your swords."

"Then maybe you should drop your dagger then," said the first guard.

Milo reached into another pocket and pulled out yet another pouch. He quickly opened it and threw it at the two guards. A fine pink dust cloud formed around their heads. They began sneezing uncontrollably. Mosk drew he sword and marched out of the cell to slay the intruder. Milo took out a small class vile and opened it up. He threw the contents at Mosk's face. He screamed in horror as the acid burned deeply into his skin. Tim quickly grabbed the keys from Mosk's belt and he unchained Carrick. Carrick collapsed to the floor. Milo ran over and used himself as a crutch to carry Carrick. They ran up the stairs and back into the corridor. Guards were swarming all over the place, looking for them.

"Tim, take Carrick to the horses and go back to the farm and get the others. Waste no time. Ride off to the village of Heddex. There you will find Aurora."

"Who's Aurora?"

"My daughter. We haven't spoken for years, but I know she will take care of you. Now go."

"What about you?" asked Tim, knowing he isn't going to like what he about to hear.

"I am going to stay here and distract them. Don't worry about me, I'll meet you in Heddex." Milo then pulled out all of his vials and pouches he had and started to created one giant distraction. Tim fought back some tears and helped Carrick outside and onto the horses. They road off and made it out of town before anyone noticed that they disappeared.

Scott, Doug, Stephen and Joshua sat on some hay in a wooden cage on back of a wagon as Gallick and Fara sat up front and controlled the small team of horses, heading back to Gallick's place.

"Doug? Is that you?" asked Joshua.

"Hi Joshua."

"I thought you were sold to the mines?"

"No, the Sandman rescued me."

"You know him?" asked Stephen to Joshua.

"Yeah, he use to be one of Gallick's boys. But then one day Gallick told us that he sold him to the mines."

"He probably didn't want the other boys know that Doug escaped with the help of the Sandman," said Scott. "By the way, I am Scott."

"I'm Joshua and this is Stephen."

"Too bad we couldn't meet under better circumstances."

The boy's attention grew to the horses. They had stopped and started neighing and bucking. Fara and Gallick were trying to get them under control, but weren't having much luck.

"Damn wonchoos!" said Gallick. "The trail is covered with them."

A wonchoo jumped at the lead horse, but missed him. The horse bucked once more and then shot off, leading the team down the wrong trail. Gallick and Fara worked frantically to stop them, but to no prevail. The four boys bounced up and down in the back, trying to hang on. The wagon hit a big rock and leaned onto one side, but fell back on all four wheels. During this time, the cage almost fell out of the wagon.

"Whoa, that was close," said Doug.

"I got an idea," said Scott. "On the next bump and tilt, everyone lean to the same side."

The wagon hit a deep gulch and leaned to the left. All four boys quickly pushed and leaned onto the left side of the cage. The wheel hit a rock and the cage came tumbling out of the wagon with a crash. The cage broke and the boys managed to get out of it. They got up and saw that they were alright. They quickly ran deep into the woods as they heard the echoes of Gallick and Fara disappear.

Ederickson shook violently on the table. Billy and Ben ran to him and immediately putting more ointment on the wound and began wetting him down by pouring buckets of water on him. Billy ran to the kitchen and grabbed a wooden bowl that had some gooey stuff in it. He brought it over and started to slap it onto the bite mark. Within five minutes, Ederickson calmed down and laid there, breathing hard.

"Did we get in time?" asked Ben.

"I hope so."

"Man, that was a close call."

Both boys got dressed and just hung around, watching and treating Ederickson. Around sunset, the front door burst open and in ran Tim.

"Tim, you're back!" said Billy.

"Look we have to go now. They know where we are at."

"Where's Gramps?" asked Ben.

"We got split up. He said to meet him in Heddex."

"Heddex? That's a two day ride."

"I know but we have to go."

"We can't go. Doug and Scott aren't back yet. Plus we can't move him."

"You boys got a wagon?" asked Carrick who stood in the doorway, using it to prop himself up. He was worn and very weak.

"Yeah, out back," replied Billy.

"Go hook the horses up to it. The slave retrievers will be here soon."

Billy, Ben and Tim hooked up the wagon to the team of horses. They carefully carried Ederickson and placed him in the back. They loaded up the wagon with some personal belonging and a bunch of Milo's equipment, recipes and ingredients. Carrick forced himself in the driver's seat and got the team going down a back trail.

"What about Doug and Scott?" asked Ben as he watched the farm house grow smaller.

"There is nothing we can do. If we wait here for them, we will be caught," said Carrick. Then he slashed the reigns harder and they disappeared into the dark.

The sun was trying to wake up and let her hands dance upon the land, but a blanket of dark clouds turned her warm hands into cold, wet fingers. Joshua, Stephen, Scott and Doug pushed their tired bodies through the rain and towards the medicine farm.

They came to a giant tree. At the base of the tree was a small entrance leading to an underground hole that was sheltered by the tree.

"We're not far from the farm now. You two crawl in that hole under the tree. It will be a bit cramp, but you will be safe," said Scott.

"Where are you going?" asked Joshua.

"Doug and I are going to scout ahead. We want to make sure that Gallick and Fara didn't track us here."

Stephen and Joshua crawled under the tree. The whole was big enough for them to sit Indian style comfortably. It was dark and damp though. A small trail of rainwater was flowing into the hole as well.

Scott and Doug cautiously headed towards the clearing where the farm was. They heard something coming and took cover behind some rocks. They watched two slave retrievers on horseback come passing by. Once the coast was clear they continued on. They had to hide once more, because this time a slave bounty hunter on the ground came crawling by. Sniffing the air and smelling the dirt. The bounty hunter stopped and sniffed the air as if a dear was smelling danger. But then he dismissed whatever he had smelled and continued on. Once the coast was clear, the boys made it to the edge of the forest. They could see the farm house swarming with slave retrievers.

"How they find where we lived?" asked Doug.

"I don't know. Maybe something went wrong with Gramps and Tim."

"You think they caught Ben and Billy?"

"No, I don't think so. Look the wagon is gone. I don't think the slave retrievers would have taken the wagon."

Scott and Doug's eyes grew really big and their hearts stopped when a dirty hand came around from the back of their heads and clamped over their mouths.

"Shhhh, they're hear you."

Scott and Doug turned and saw it was Milo. They were so relieved and left out a big breath of air.

"Gramps, they taken over the farm," whispered Scott.

"That's alright. The others should well on their way to Heddex. Did you find the runaway slaves?"

"Yeah, they're in a safe place," replied Doug.

"Good, let's go get them and head to Heddex."

The three then went to get the others and head on their two day journey to Heddex.

The journey was hard, wet and long. Carrick's back was really hurting him and he was pretty sure it was infected. They arrived to the large town of Heddex. The rain that has been lingering for the past two days, kept people off the muddy streets.

Ederickson was still unconscious in the back. He was gaining his normal color back and the puss from his arm was almost completely gone. Ben and Billy were cuddle up in the back with each other as Tim sat up front with Carrick.

"Well this is Heddex. Did Milo say where to find Aurora?"

"No, he just said go to Heddex."

"You think he would be more specific. Heddex isn't a one horse town you know."

"What we do now? Go to the inn and get out of the rain?"

"No, I want to stay away from public places for a little bit. I saw a barn just on the outskirts of town. We will go hide the carriage and you boys there. I will then ride into town and see if I can find this Aurora."

"Look!" pointed Tim. Carrick followed the direction where Tim's finger was pointing too. It lead his weary eyes to a weather beaten sign. Aurora's Brew

Carrick stopped the wagon in front of the building. It was old, in great need of repair, and spooky looking. He jumped off the horse and his legs almost gave out on him. His back was hurting him and he needed to get something to put on it.

"You wait here. Any sign of danger, regardless the amount, you guys flee and head into the forest." Tim nodded in acknowledgement.

Carrick went to the front door and pushed it open. He was almost blown over by the incense wave that swept past his nose. He walked in and the room had many kinds of bottles of all shapes and sizes. The room was lit by many many lighted candles.

"Hello?" said Carrick, unsure of himself.

Out the back coming from behind a thick burgundy curtain came a lady. She was about Carrick's age. She had long strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes. She was slender and wore a black dress.

"Welcome, what can I do for you?"

The aroma of the room made Carrick's head spin. His back was killing him. The lack of sleep over the past couple of days was catching up to him. The room started spinning and down he went with a thud.

The women in black went over to him. She saw that the back of his shirt was sticking to some raw sores. She knew he needed treatment. She peered out her curtain covered window and saw the wagon out front. By this time, the rain started to come down harder. She went over to the door and opened it up.

"Boy, you with him?" she asked.

"Yeah," replied Tim. "We all are."

The women saw that someone was laying in the back of the wagon, but couldn't see how many. "You have more sick in the back?"

"Yeah, our friend was bitten by a wonchoo a couple of days ago."

"He's still alive?"

"Yeah, we been giving him some treatments," said Tim.

The women ran out in the rain. By this time, Ben and Billy were waking up. She climbed into the wagon and looked at Ederickson.

"Are you boys alright?"

"Yeah, we're fine," said Ben.

The women began looking more intently at the wound and the treatment. A strange look came over her face. "I know this work. Where is he?"

"Who?" asked Billy.

"My father."

"Gramps is your father?"

"Yes, I am Aurora Jenkins." A big flash of lightning wiped through the cloud covered sky with a loud clap of thunder soon following. "Look, help me get him inside and then take the wagon to the wagon barn behind my shop. We have to get out of the storm."

The boys listened and soon they took cover in the eerie looking shop.

Ben, Billy and Tim stood in the doorway to a bedroom in Aurora's shop. They had placed both Carrick and Ederickson in a double bed together. She attended to both their wounds.

"I think both of them will be alright. The wonchoo bite is looking really good. My father always new how to handle poisons. Speaking of the bastard, where is he?"

"We don't know. He told us that he would meet us here," said Tim.

"What kind of trouble are you guys in? Are all escaped bed partners?'

None of the boys answered. They all looked to the floor.

"Why don't you love your father?" asked Tim.

"I love my father. I just don't like him very much."

"But why?"

"That is between me and Milo. Now I have some cabbage soup on the stove in the kitchen, go help yourself, while I finish up here."

The day seemed to drag by. Tim was worried about Milo. He wondered if he escaped the slave retriever's head quarters. He stood by the window as beads of rain pittered pattered against it. Daylight was beginning to diminish. Dusk had come.

General Tucker sat in his office very disturbed the past few days of events. He was not pleased with the lack of results his men were getting. His door flew open with fury. Standing there was an average size guy that looked like a wimp, but inside he was very confident and head strong.

"General Tucker, what is happening here?"

"Governor Hauser, how dare you storm into my office like this!"

"Knock off the tough guy shit. I heard you had a jail break yesterday. This doesn't look good."

"I have everything under control."

"Look, the vice chancellor took a turn for the worse. You know that chances are good you will get his job when he dies. It is important you get his job."

"You don't have to tell me governor. I know Chancellor Osborne is leaning towards setting all slaves free and making bed partners illegal. When I become vice chancellor it will be my job to make him see otherwise."

"You better, otherwise we all will be out of money and power. Now make sure yesterday's events don't ruin our plans." Governor Hauser then stormed out, passing Colonel Mosk.

"You best be bringing me good news," insisted Tucker.

"General, we found a bounty hunter in the woods just outside of Jenkins's farm. He was murdered. There was some blood on his own dagger. We're not sure who's though."

"Did you find Jenkins or the others?"

"No General. But I think he might go to Heddex."

"Why, what's there?"

"His daughter."

"Did you send a team there to check things out?"

"We leave first thing in the morning."

"Very well, Mosk. Whatever you do. Don't fail. Kill them all if you have too. Just bring me their bodies."

"Yes General. With pleasure."

Carrick woke up with the smell of bacon sweeping pass his nose. His body was sore, but he managed to stand up. He looked and saw his long time friend sleeping on the bed. The wonchoo bite looked really good. He was pretty sure his friend was out of danger. He wondered off into the kitchen.

"Good morning," said Aurora as she was cooking up some bacon.

"Where's the boys?"

"Still sleeping. How you feel?"

"Better, thanks."

"You're boys wouldn't speak last night. Tell me. What trouble are you guys in?"

"What makes you think we are in trouble?"

"My father wouldn't have set you here otherwise."

"My friend in the bedroom is the Sandman."

"The Sandman? You guys are in more trouble than I thought."

"We will stay here just til Milo gets here. Then we will get out of your hair."

"You guys can stay here as long as you like. But if slave retrievers come, I am turning you in."

"Why?"

"Because what you guys do is illegal."

"But what people do to those kids is immoral."

"I am not one to judge on immorality. My job is a healer of the body, not of the heart or soul."

"I've been to one of these bed partner houses. This boy only 12 or 13 years old was brutally beaten by a man who had sex with him. It was horrible. The look in their eyes."

The bell to the front door rang when it was slammed open. Aurora went to the front of her shop and saw four boys being used as crutches to an old man.

"Father? What happened?" She saw the front of his soiled shirt was covered in red stain.

"He was stabbed by a bounty hunter," said Scott.

Carrick and Aurora rushed to Milo's side and took him into her bedroom and laid him on the bed. She tore open his shirt and accessed the wound.

"It's bad. He lost a lot of blood." She ran and grabbed a bucket of water and some medical ingredients. She began cleaning and treating the wound.

"Aurora," said Milo very weekly. He felt for her hand and held it.

"It's okay, father."

"I'm sorry,"

"For what?" She felt tears building up in her eyes. She forced them back with great success.

"For not respecting your opinion."

"That's okay. I guess you can say we are even."

"Aurora?"

"Yes."

"Aurora?"

"I'm here." She held her fathers bloody hand to her cheeks.

"Grant me one wish, a favor."

"What's that?" now she was losing the battle with her tears.

"Aurora? You there? I can't see you."

"I'm here, Father. What is it you want me to do?"

"Take care of my boys and others that might follow them."

"I can't father. You know that."

"Yes you can. Let your mother's heart lead you in your decisions. Please do this for me." He squeezed her hand really tight as he grimaced in pain.

"I'm sorry father. I can't."

"Then you're not my daughter." His body went limp as his spirit was released.

"Carrick?"

"Yes."

"Take what supplies you need, take your friend and the boys and please leave my home."

"Don't you get it?"

She turned around in anger. "I get it alright. You see what breaking the law does you? It gets yourself killed."

"I broke the law all my life and I am still living."

"But it will catch up to you, just like it did to my father. Now leave."

"I don't even now where to go."

"I do," said a week voice.

Carrick turned around and saw Ederickson standing in the doorway. He was still a little pale, but he was awake, with a throbbing headache. Who's that?"

"A father's disappointment. Let's go out here and talk."

Ederickson and Carrick went outside behind the shop. Morning fog hung around, making it hard to see.

"What happened? Where are we?" asked Ederickson.

"You were bitten by a wonchoo. I took you to a friend who healed you. In the mean time, I went to rescue Joshua and Stephen. It didn't go according to plan, but we got them. They are upstairs sleeping with five ex-bed partner's who Milo was raising as his own children after they were freed by your predecessor."

"What happened to this Milo?"

"A bounty hunter got him," said a voice.

Carrick and Ederickson turned around. Standing behind them was Scott and Doug. They had Milo's blood all over their clothes. Their eyes were red from crying and the streaks of tears caused a small glare.

"I'm sorry boys. I am sure he meant a lot to you," said Ederickson.

"He was like a father."

"I don't think we are safe here for long," said Carrick. "You said you know where to go?"

"Yeah, The Keeper's Estates. He will help us with the boys. Once we get there, I need to ask a favor of you."

"What's that?"

"I need a forger to make these boys birth certificates. I can think of no other who can do a better job than you."

"Forging is my forte. I'll do it."

"Thank you my friend. Now let's head out."

Carrick and Ederickson sat in the front seat of the wagon with all the horses teamed up. Joshua, Stephen, Billy, Ben, Tim, Doug and Scott all sat in the back with a bunch of supplies. Aurora stood in the doorway and watched the wagon disappear in the fog.

The next few days were long and hard. It rained most of those days. But finally the rained stopped, but the clouds lingered around. The small group decided to make camp. Ederickson was sitting by the fire smoking his pipe looking off into the darken woods. Carrick sat on the opposite side of the fire and played his flute. The boys were out of sight. They were all laying on a small beach next to a stream.

"So how much further we got to go, my friend?" asked Carrick.

"We should be there tomorrow night."

"This Keeper of yours will help us?"

"Oh yes. He has helped in the past."

"So what's the story between you and Joshua?"

"What do you mean?"

"Come on Sam. I known you too long. I see how you two look and act at each other. You had sex with him, didn't you?"

"No I didn't. I mean. I made love with him. At first I only did it to protect both of our asses, but shortly into it, feelings surfaced out of no where. It was really bizarre."

"I know what you mean. When I went there, Stephen took my dick in his mouth and the feelings I felt, got me scared. So I released them through my arrows. As much as I want to, I find it hard to fall for a boy so young."

"I know what you mean. Speaking of the boys? Where are they at?"

"I think they went to the stream to clean up some."

Ederickson nodded and took a puff of his pipe. Carrick began to play the Sandman tune on his flute.

"Guys, I want to do something special for all of you tonight, but I want it to be a surprise. Is it alright with you all if I do it?" asked Billy.

All the boys had no problems with surprises. They all loved Billy, even Stephen and Joshua who only knew him for a few days.

"Good, don't say or do anything then. Leave it all up to me." Billy took a bucket of water and went over to Doug who was sitting down on his butt, but used his arms to prop himself up.

He knelt down and took a rag and dipped it in the water. He began to wash Doug's feet. He did it gently and lovingly. Once they were clean, he caressed them and massaged them. Doug laughed a bit and pulled them back a couple of times because it tickled. Then Billy pulled his Doug's right foot up to his tender lips and began kissing them and blowing soft kisses on them. Doug moaned a bit and felt something get hard in his pants. He had Doug stand up and Billy pulled down his pants, releasing Doug's hairless cock. It was only about 3½ inches [9 cm], but Billy still liked it. He got in close and took a big whiff of the young boy smell. Billy could feel his dick pushing against his pants. He could feel it leaking as well. Billy took Stephen into his mouth and began sucking it. Before long, Doug let out a gasp and moaned and arched his back. Billy felt a small amount of cum being released into his mouth. He stood up and gave his found treasure back to Doug as they gave each other a deep passionate kiss.

Billy then proceeded to Ben. He followed the same motions as before. He washed Ben's feet softly and gently. Caressing them and kissing them. Bringing his feet to rest upon his cheeks. He took in some whiffs, smelling the aroma of Ben. He then had Ben lift his butt up and he pulled down his pants. Billy wedged himself between Ben's legs and began smelling Ben's masculine area. He closed his eyes and took Ben in his mouth. Soon, Ben released his boy seed into Billy's mouth and then Billy gave it back to him.

Billy went to Joshua next. This was the first time he would have ever done anything with Joshua. He began to wash his feet. He caressed them and massaged them. Joshua had had sex many times, but this was only the second time he felt love behind it. The first time was with the Sandman. Billy continued to kiss Joshua's feet and rub his face over them. He then laid down in between his legs and released Joshua's hard member. He took it in his mouth and sucked it gently at first, but increased speed. Joshua was moaning with pleasure and began bucking his hips. In just a few minutes, Joshua would be tasting his own cum as Billy gave it back to him.

Billy went over to Tim. He sat down and began to rub and massage Tim's feet at first. Then he started to wash them up and make them nice and clean. Billy then kissed them and licked his tongue over them. He blew sweet kisses on them and smelled them. He couldn't explain it, but he loved feet. He then stood Tim up and pulled his pants down. He took Tim's 6" [15 cm] member into his mouth and he felt it hit the back of his throat. He sucked long and hard and soon he felt the explosion erupt in warm mouth. He stood up and gave Tim, a sweet passionate kiss. Their tongue wrestled with each other as the white creamy substance was well mixed.

Billy went over to Stephen next. Stephen was unsure of this, but since Joshua did it and Billy has been nothing but nice to him on his entire journey, he figured he would let Billy do to him what he had done to the others. Billy could tell Stephen was nervous. He gave him a reassuring smile and then washed his feet. He massaged them and kissed them, running his tongue ever so lightly over and under his feet and between his cute little toes. Billy put one foot on each of his checks and began rubbing his face with them. He then spread Stephen's legs apart and got in between them and pulled his pants down. Billy began sucking Stephen and soon, a dry cum exploded into his mouth. Although Billy had nothing to give back to Stephen, they still kissed long and hard. Stephen loved the feeling that Billy just gave him.

Finally it was Scott's turn. Billy first massaged his feet and then washed them. Like the rest, he rubbed his face with them and kissed them. He then pulled Scott's pants down and began sucking on his hard leaking member. Scott left out a yelp as his cock exploded in Billy's mouth. Billy looked up and gave Scott a big kiss. Scott liked the taste of his own cum, but tonight it was different. Not only was it his cum, but a mixture of everybody's.

Billy then sat down well satisfied with what had just happen along the beach. As far as he was concerned, his job was done.

"Guys, I think we need to take care of Billy now," said Ben. "Let's all of us get naked."

The boys complied. Doug got down on all fours and soon he felt Billy's hard throbbing cock in him. Ben got behind Billy and stuck his cock in Billy's ass. As Billy pumped inward, Ben pumped outwards. Scott stood and straddled Doug, facing Billy. Billy opened his mouth and soon Scott started to fuck Billy's mouth. Billy could taste more precum from Scott. Tim decided to go for Billy's feet. He took the wash rag and water and began washing the souls of his feet and started kissing and licking them. It was difficult to do, because of everyone in a big pile, but he managed. As he was washing his with one hand, he was jacking himself off with the other. Stephen and Joshua wanted to help too. They each got on a separate side of Billy. Joshua began nibbling and kissing Billy's right nipple, while Stephen took care of the left nipple. Both boys were stroking themselves as they did this. Billy was in heaven. Never had he had so many boys pay attention to him all at once.

Doug loved the feeling of Billy pumping in and out of him. Just the thought and the feeling in his butt made his balls stir. They began to draw close to his body. Then as if all the boys were on the same timer, cum shot out of every cock. Doug shot his load onto the ground. Billy shot his load deep into Doug's butt. He felt Ben fill his ass up with his creamy white seed. Billy coughed as Scott shot his load deep into this throat a second time that night. Billy felt a warm ooze on his leg. It came from Joshua. Stephen had another dry cum. Tim came too, onto Billy's feet, and then he leaned over and licked them clean.

That night, all the boys slept well and cuddled up into one big pile.

The rain didn't stay away for long. When daybreak broke, the rain returned. The group traveled all day. The sun had set and the boys fell asleep in the back. Ederickson knew they were close to the Keeper's estates, so he continued on.

He pulled the wagon up in front of the large stone walls and gates. He pounded hard on wooden doors. He kept pounding then he heard the familiar griping and complaining. The door opened up.

"How did I know it was you?" complained Muldoon.

"Can we come in?"

"It's been over a month, we figured you to be dead."

"Almost was."

"You got a wagon there?"

"Yes, can you open the back gate so I can bring them in?"

"Very well. Meet me over there." Muldoon shut the door, grumbling and complaining to himself all the way.

The wagon was stowed in the safety of the property. Muldoon escorted Ederickson, Carrick and seven sleepy and groggy boys to Mr. Moore's office. There was a figure sitting behind his desk. The hood to his robe was down and the candle burning cast an eerie glow onto his pale face and red eyes.

Tim felt rage build up in him when he saw the man sitting behind the desk. He ran over to him and began pounding him and hitting him and crying as he did so. "You Bastard! You killed my gramps!"

Ederickson pulled Tim off of the man. The man stood up dismayed at what just happened.

"Tim, calm down. This is Mr. Moore. He is our friend," said Ederickson.

"No, he's not. That's General Tucker, the head Slave Retriever."

Chapter 5

Tim was shouting and screaming and punching Mr. Moore, claiming that it was General Tucker. Ederickson had to pick Tim up and take him to another room to calm him down.

"Sandman, I swear. That is General Tucker." Tim was so sure of himself.

"Tim, you have to be mistaking. His name is Jules Moore. He no much of a slave retriever as I am the Chancellor," assured Ederickson.

"May I come in?" asked Moore.

Ederickson looked at Tim. Tim didn't say a thing. He tried to keep his patience, but it was very hard task for him to do.

"There's something you both should know. I never knew my parents. The earliest memory I have is being at the slave processing plant. The Sandman came and rescued me some years later after my earliest memory. He brought me here to this monastery. The monks were dying off and no one was joining their group. Ten years ago, the last monk died, leaving me alone with Muldoon, who's been here longer than I have."

"What does that have to do with you being General Tucker?" asked Tim.

"For many many years, the same dream use to haunt me. At first it always scared me. It was always the same dream. I walk down a dark corridor in some castle. I turn the corner and I see myself. Like a mirror image. I could sense the evil in my image. I draw my sword and my image draws his. Then my dream turns into a third person view. I see me fighting myself. It was a hard fight. A long fight. I always lose track on who is who, the real me or the mirror me. But then, a sword is thrust deep into the other. Death caused the fight to be over. But I never knew who won. Was it the real me or the mirror me? I always thought this dream was the good vs. evil in me fighting it out. But, if what you say is true. That General Tucker looks like me. Then I would have to believe that the mirror image of me in my dream wasn't a mirror image, but General Tucker, my twin brother."

"That's bull shit! You're a fucken liar!" yelled Tim.

"A twin? Are you sure?" asked Ederickson.

"No, I'm not. But we have to be sure. If General Tucker is my twin, then we have more problems than we bargained for."

"Carrick and I will ride back to the slave headquarters and see if we can get a look at him."

"No, Carrick must stay. While you were in here calming Tim down, he told me about his run in with Colonel Mosk. General Tucker I am sure is well aware what Carrick looks like. We can't risk him being detected."

"Then I ride alone."

"Very well. We will discuss this more at breakfast."

"Good, because I am exhausted. Hey one thing. How did you make out with the medicine man?"

"I didn't. I went and saw him and felt him out. He has three bed partners and is very adamant about the slave policy. He would not be a good choice. We will need to find another."

"I have someone in mind. It won't be easy getting them, but I think if I pull the right strings, I can do it."

"Very good. Now let's get these boys to their rooms and call it a night."

"Let's get one thing straight, old man. I don't trust you. As far as I am concerned you are lying and you are General Tucker. I will keep an eye on you constantly." Tim then stormed out to find his friends.

Chancellor Osborne sat at the bed side of his life long friend, the vice chancellor. A tear ran down his winkled cheeks. He held the dying hand of the vice-chancellor and just sat there. Those two have been through so much together.

"How are you doing old friend?"

"Tired and weak," whispered the dying man.

"Hang in there my friend. The policy we worked so hard over the past few years will be signed tomorrow. All the slaves will be free."

"Finally."

"I hope you are strong enough to be there for the signing."

"I won't miss it, my Eric." The vice chancellor squeezed the Chancellor's hand. The chancellor leaned over and gave his vice, chancellor, his best friend, his lover a gentle kiss on the lips.

"Excuse me my liege, but your presence is requested in the war room," said a young knight.

"Can't it wait?"

"I'm afraid it can't, Sir."

"Very well, I will be down there in a minute. Well my love, duty calls. I will be back when this business is over. I love you." He gave him another kiss and then left the room.

The Chancellor went to his war room. In the room, Senator Berring, Senator Noswelth, Senator Fieldings, Governor Hauser, Governor Mottoh, General Keating the leader of the chancellor's army, and General Tucker were already there sitting at the table.

"Now gentlemen, what seems to be the problem that it can't wait until tomorrow?"

"Your Sire, we have a situation," said General Keating. "It seems that slaves are rebelling against their owners and killing them. It's all started when General Tucker here captured the Sandman and destroyed him. Riots are breaking out throughout the kingdom."

"Why would the slaves rebel? We sign the policy tomorrow?"

"They feel that what they hear is all lies."

"General Tucker, you're the head of the slave retrievers, what do you say about this?"

"We need to take immediate action. All slaves that are caught rebelling will be put to immediate death. We need to show them that they will pay for their actions."

"No, I will have no killings. Arrest them, but bring no harm to them. Hopefully this will change once the policy is signed tomorrow."

"Very well your Sire," said General Tucker.

"Now, I must go." The Chancellor got up and left. He returned to the vice-chancellor's room. His jaw dropped to the floor. Standing over the vice-chancellor's body was a slave boy. His hands were clasped to a dagger that had protruded into the vice-chancellor's office.

"You!"

"Uh… Sire."

"Excuse Chancellor…" General Tucker saw what had happen.

"General, seize him!" General Tucker ran after him and caught the boy who was frozen in his tracks. He pulled him into another room. The chancellor ran to his vice-chancellor to see that his life was taken from him. Not from the illness he was suffering from, but from another one's hands.

The Chancellor stormed into the room where the boy was sitting on a chair being interrogated by General Tucker.

"What was the meaning behind this?" he demanded.

"He said he did it for the cause. That slave will raise and gain their freedom through force and force alone. That the government is a liar and a fraud," said General Tucker.

"No, wait," said the boy.

The chancellor held the dagger that killed his lover. He stormed to the boy and sliced his throat. The boy collapsed dead on the floor.

"General Tucker, you know how these slaves work and think. I declare you as my new vice chancellor. I also declare war on the slaves. If any of them are caught rebelling or fleeing, they will be put to immediate death. Any one who helps the slaves will be put through high torture then death. They will pay for what they did." He then stormed out of the room.

Governor Hauser walked in. "So, General?"

"Our scheme worked. It's Vice-Chancellor now. And within the next few months, it will be Chancellor," smirked General Tucker.

Ederickson, Moore and Carrick sat at the long wooden table eating their eggs and scrapple. They were discussing their game plan.

"Gentlemen, over the past few weeks, having Matthew, Kish and Kirin here, well it really lighten things up around here. And now with the other boys here, it adds more cheer to this place. So I was thinking, let's turn this old monastery into an underground school and home for slave runaways."

"But is that wise?" asked Ederickson.

"I think so. If Mr. Carrick is as good of a forger as you say he is, he can come up with birth certificates for each boy and come up with the proper documentation to turn this place into a school. That way if the law does stop by, we have it. But other than yourself, we haven't had visitors here in years. I think we will be safe."

"Birth corticated are fairly easy to forge. I just need to get some forging tools. But that shouldn't be too hard, I know exactly where to go. As for the school documents, that could be a bit trickier. I never seen one, so I will have to get my hands on an authentic one."

"Here's what we do. I'll take Doug and ride to Heddex and see if I can talk the person into helping us with the marks and serial numbers removal. I also want to go and see if I can get a look at General Tucker to see if he is indeed your twin brother. Carrick, you go get the tools and documents you require to do your job."

"I have a plan, but I need a boy. Is it alright I take Stephen?"

"That's fine. Now Mr. Moore, I assume you will handle the school curriculum at this end."

"Yes, Mr. Ederickson I will. I am sure the boys won't like school, most don't but education is very important."

"Very well, hope to see you all soon."

The three men adjourned their meeting and went to take care of their business.

Ben, Billy and Scott sat around in Ben's bedroom. They weren't use to having their own bedroom, but the monastery had over 100 bedrooms. Their attention was drawn to the door as Joshua ran in.

"Guys, Tim ran away."

"What?" When? Why? How?" asked Billy.

"After Carrick and Stephen, Ederickson and Doug left this morning, he said he wasn't staying with a liar and fraud. He said he would be a lot safer on his own."

"We got to go get him," said Ben.

"Scott, you and Joshua stay here and try to cover for us. Ben and I will go get Tim and hopefully be back by sunset," said Billy. "Scott do you know which way he went?"

"He mentioned something about going to Carson City."

"Carson City? That's in the complete opposite direction of Heddex. I wonder why he's going there?" asked Ben.

"Because that is where he was born before becoming a slave. Come on let's go. My best estimate is that Carson City is about an eight day ride from here," said Billy.

Ben and Billy went to the stables and grabbed two horses. They then let themselves out and took off to Sol, hoping to find Tim before he got into any trouble.

"Ttocs, more wine!" shouted General Tucker from his dinner table where Governor Hauser was sitting.

"Now that you are vice-chancellor and have the power to do whatever you want to the slaves, we can make that slave trade deal with the country across the ocean."

"Governor, we haven't done that in the past because we don't have enough slaves for our country let alone someone else's."

"General Tucker, once a child is taken across the ocean, no one here will see him again. Who will ever know if the children we sell them are true slaves or not?"

General Tucker smiled. "I think I know where you are going."

"It's simple. We send in raiders to kidnap children between the ages of 11 and 16 and sell them off as slaves. We will make so much money doing this."

"Yes we will. Colonel Mosk will be taking over for me as the Slave Retriever Chief. I know he will do what I tell him to do."

During their conversation, a 14 year old slave was pouring wine and listening intently. He was a bout 5'4 [1.63 m] and weighed about 110 pounds [50 kg]. He had dark brown curly, frizzy hair and crystal blue eyes. He's been a slave for General Tucker as long as he could remember. He wasn't a sex slave though. He was a house work slave. He cooked, cleaned, and waited hand and foot on General Tucker. On his off time, he would sit in his cold, dark room and stare out the window dreaming what it would be like to be free. He heard General Tucker and Governor Hauser mention something about a Sandman who rescued slaves. He would look at the stars and wish the Sandman could rescue him, but he knew it wasn't likely. No one was foolish enough to steal a slave from someone who was so high in command and had so much power and authority. So he would dismiss the dream with sorrow and continue on his work.

Siberious Mongrel walked into the tavern with pride and confidence. He stood about six feet ten inches [2.10 m] tall, weighing about 350 pounds [160 kg]. He had no hair on top, but a big bushy salt and pepper beard. He was burly and wore a ruby pinky ring on his right hand.

"Siberious, I was beginning to wonder if you would show. Tomorrow is the show," said a little weasel looking bar tender.

"I'm here Calvin and I got my two boys with me. I think you will be very pleased."

"Two boys? I paid in advance for a three boy show."

"At the time I had three boys, but my third boy met with a terrible accident and I didn't have enough money to buy a third boy."

"You listen here. Tomorrow night when we have the sex show, I best see three boys on stage, if not, I will be sure you will not ever be hired again in this part of the land."

"Now, now, let's not get hasty here. I will have you three boys." Siberious then left thinking where he could get himself another boy. He only had a day to find one. There was no slave traders' close by to purchase one, and even if there was he didn't have the money to by one. He spent his earnings the last few days in the taverns on his way here to Sol.

He looked up in the sky. According to the sun, it was late afternoon. He had to find himself a boy. Then as if an answered prayer had been given to him, he saw a young boy ride in town on horseback.

"That's a mighty fine horse you have here," said Siberious.

"Thanks, hey how far is it to Carson City?"

"Carson City? Oh about seven hard days from here. You got parents there?"

"No, I have no parents. I am on my own and decided to make a clean start there."

"That's admirable of you. My name is Siberious Mongrel." He stuck out his large fat hand to the boy. The boy reached out and shook hands.

"My name's Tim."

"Nice to meet you Tim. So you are going to Sol. Do you have 15 gold pieces?"

"Uh.no why?"

"To enter the town of Sol you need to pay a toll of 15 gold pieces," lied Siberious.

"Damn, I don't have any. I don't even have any for food or lodging."

"Come on down on that horse and I will be a good citizen and buy you some dinner. You look hungry. Then maybe we can figure out a way for you to get 15 gold pieces. I hate to see someone not make their goal because the lack of money."

Tim agreed and went into a tavern where they sold food. Tim and Siberious talked, while Tim filled his growling belly. Tim began to feel dizzy and lightheaded. He didn't know that Siberious had slipped something in his drink to make him sleepy. Soon Tim was out like a light.

Siberious picked up the sleeping Tim and carried him outside and down the street. He came to an enclosed wagon that had a door on the back with a padlock on it. He unlocked it and threw Tim in there. He looked at the two boys who were already in there.

"This is Tim, your new partner. When he wakes up, ensure he knows what to do. And you might want to tell him what happened to Bug when he didn't do what I told him to do." He then slammed the door shut and locked it.

Carrick and Stephen sat buy the burning fire along a stream. Both of them had full bellies from the quail that Carrick had shot with his mighty bow. Carrick was playing his flute, relaxing as Stephen just watched and listen.

"Carrick, can I ask you something?"

"What's that buddy?"

"Was I doing a bad job sucking you off back at Gallick's?"

Carrick coughed in surprise. "Uh, why you ask?"

"Well, you pushed me away and shot Bog. I thought maybe I wasn't doing a good enough job."

"No Stephen, it wasn't that at all. A boy your age shouldn't be forced into having sex for money or anything other thing. If someone wants to have sex, it is because they want to and not because they have too."

Stephen slid over and cuddled up to Carrick. Carrick was uneasy at first, but then put his arm around the young boy.

"I'm glad you rescued me," said Stephen.

Carrick looked at the young boy and went to kiss the top of his head, but unexpectedly Stephen looked up at Carrick. Accidentally their lips met. They kissed each other quickly, but spark flew through them both. Carrick had uneasy feelings in him. At that point he knew what he wanted to do, but he didn't want to do anything to hurt the boy.

"Carrick?"

"Yes."

"I liked that kiss."

"Me too."

"Can I have another one?"

Carrick couldn't believe his ears. He wanted so bad to give the boy another kiss. But he kept asking himself if this was right. "Stephen, I have to be honest with you. If I give you another kiss, I am not sure if I can stop there."

Stephen scrunched in closer to Carrick. "Carrick, you said that sex is something that one shouldn't be forced to do, right?"

"That's right. And I won't force you to do it. But I am afraid that I might try to pursue you against your will. And that would be wrong of me."

Stephen stood up and stood in front of Carrick. He leaned over and kissed him. Carrick felt Stephen open his mouth, so he slid his tongue in. They wrestled with each other. When the kiss was broken, Stephen spoke.

"Carrick, I only had sex once with a mean guy who beat me up. Unless you count the time when Joshua suck me to see if I could come and when Billy sucked me a few nights ago. The funny thing is that Joshua was the only time I had a wet orgasm. All the others were dry. Anyway, I want to know what having sex with someone as kind and gentle you is like. Please show me tonight."

Carrick looked into the young boy's mesmerizing eyes. He drew close to the boy and began kissing him all over again. Stephen undid the frilly shirt of Carrick's and exposed his chest. Before long, the grown man and the lad were naked under the stars next to the campfire. Carrick was caressing and kissing Stephen's entire naked body. Carrick took Stephen's hairless cock into his mouth and began sucking it. Stephen started to buck his hips and moan in pleasure. Stephen felt a stirring inside his balls. Not to mention a weird feeling in his stomach. He felt his body shiver as Carrick brought him to a climax. Stephen sucked a little harder and then kissed Stephen. Stephen was surprised. There was a gift in Carrick's mouth for him. He actually came. It was a small shot that was more clear then white, but he had had a wet orgasm.

Carrick began licking Stephen's rosebud. He tongue fucked him and then used his finger gently and lovingly to prepare the glory hole for what was coming.

"Are you sure you want this?" asked Carrick as Stephen laid on his back with his legs propped over Carrick's shoulders.

"More then ever," assured the young lad.

Stephen grimaced a little when he felt pressure on the outside of his butt. Then slowly, but surely felt the hard throbbing cock of Carrick's. It hurt at first, but Carrick was careful and treated him with gentleness. This was so much different and so much better then when Grawdo did it to him. With each thrust that Carrick made, Stephen left out a small grunt of pleasure. Then a tremendous wave shock ran through his body as he saw Carrick tense up and felt his hole being filled with Carrick's creamy thick cum. This sent him over the edge again and he had another orgasm himself. Very little came out, but the feeling was so intense that he passed out.

The next morning, Stephen woke up. He was cuddled in closely to Carrick. Both of them were still naked, but had a blanket over them. He scooted closer to Carrick and squeezed him.

"How are you doing, buddy?" mumbled Carrick in a groggy voice.

"Carrick, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what?"

"I never had a dad. Will you be my dad?"

Carrick's heart was overflowing with joy at what he just heard. It was over flowing so much, that it caused his eyes to leak. He had never been asked to be called a dad before. He rolled over to look at the young boy. He kissed him on the lips so lovingly.

"Yes my son, I will be your dad."

Stephen smiled and gave his new father a hug. They then got up and had breakfast and then as father and son, headed down the trail to get the stuff that Carrick needed to do his job.

Ben and Billy rode through the town of Sol. Night had came, but they didn't want to spend the night in the town. They continued on pass the town, passing a closed wagon with a padlock on a door in the back. They continued on and headed to the next town, hoping to find Tim.

Morning had come and Tim found himself in a dark room, sleeping on some straw. Hardly any light was leaking through the cracks of the room.

"Where am I?"

"Oh, you're awake," said a voice.

"Who are you?" Tim squinted to see the person who spoke the voice.

"My name is Blake and this here is Charlie. You just became a part of our act for Siberious's road show."

"I'm not in no act. I gotta get out of here." Tim got up and slammed himself against the door, but it was no use.

"Look, don't try to escape or anything. Everyone boy that has tried to escape in the past was captured and killed," said Charlie.

"I don't plan on getting captured," Tim was still trying to figure out how to get out of his wagon cell.

Tim stood back as he heard something on the other side of the door. It sounded like a key. Soon enough the door opened. All three boys shielded their eyes from the light.

"Here's some food. Make sure you guys are ready for tonight," said Siberious as she slammed and locked the door again.

Tim managed to see both boys before the light was taken away from him. Blake was about 12 years old. He was short for his age and looked like he could be full of piss and vinegar. He had ocean blue eyes and his hair was so blonde that it was almost white. He had fair skin. Now Charlie on the hand was a bit tan. Siberious used him outside in the sunlight a lot, so he managed to get a slight tan. He had light brown wavy hair and hazel eyes. He also had a smile to kill. Tim could tell that Charlie would be the more athletic and cocky one of the two.

Tim decided to not to act hasty and eat the leftovers that were thrown in to him. He sat down and ate and talked to Blake and Charlie.

"So what kind of act do we do?"

"We go on stage and have three way sex. Then after each of us have an orgasm, we then go and suck off guys in the audience for tips. If the price is right, we might go to a private room with a customer and do more than just suck him off."

"I'm not doing that. I was bed partner long ago before the Sandman rescued me. I am not going back to that life style."

"You were rescued by the Sandman?" asked Blake.

"I thought it was just a fairy tale, "said Charlie.

"No, he's real."

"You think he will come back and rescue you?"

"I don't know, but if he does, I will be sure he takes you two along, if you want to come."

Both boys were eager to say yes. They had enough of Siberious's Road Show and wanted to taste freedom.

Later on that day the three boys were taken to a shower house. Siberious wanted to make sure they were nice and clean smelled nice for the audience. Siberious couldn't trust Tim, so he chained the three boys together both by ankle chains and wrist chains. Tim looked down the road and saw a familiar face coming out of the general store with supplies. It was Muldoon.

Muldoon was surprised to see Tim. He knew Tim ran away, but didn't realize that he had been captured by this Siberious guy. Muldoon knew he couldn't leave Tim. Because if he would go get help, who knows where the Road Show would head next. So Muldoon decided to stick around and figure out how to save Tim.

Billy and Ben came to a small cabin in the woods. Outside the cabin was Tim's horse. They finally found him. They got off and went to the cabin. But they decided to peak in at first.

They saw this man that just looked plain out mean. He had a scruffy black beard with food particles sticking in it. His eyes were black and cold. His naked body was covered with dark curly hair. He had large biceps and large hands.

There in front of the man was a young boy about 12 years old. He looked to be about 5 feet [1.50 m] tall at about 100 pounds [45 kg]. He had blonde hair and green eyes. He was on all four and naked. His 4 inch [10 cm] cut penis flopped around as the man fucked him hard and mean. Billy and Ben saw that the man had an 8-9 inch [20-23 cm] cock and because it was so big, they could see some blood on it from the boy. Finally the man yelled and pulled himself out and threw the boy on to his back and jacked himself off, causing four massive shots of thick cum to shoot all over the young boy's face. It was followed by three smaller shots and lots of dribble.

"Any sign of Tim?" whispered Ben.

"No, but there is a boy in there."

Billy decided to be ballsy and went to the front door and knocked. The man opened the door. He had a mean look to him.

"What do you want?"

"Excuse me Sir, but we are looking for a friend. I believe that is his horse out there. His name is Tim."

While Billy was at the front door, Ben peaked in and saw the boy. He was crying a bit from the pain that was given to him. He looked up and saw Ben. Ben immediately saw the look in the boy's eyes. Although the boy didn't say a word out of his mouth, his eyes said "Help me."

"I don't know no Tim. I bought the horse last night from a man in Sol. Now get off my property!" He slammed the door shut.

Billy went back to Ben and both of them explained to each other what they saw and heard.

"Billy, we need to rescue that boy."

"But we're not the Sandman,"

"No we're not, but the Sandman rescued us a few years ago. Now it is our turn to return the favor."

"What about Tim?"

"You said that the horse was sold to him in Sol. Tim must still be there. We just missed him. I say we get the boy and head back to Sol. We hide out there and see if we can find Tim and then head back to the Safe Haven."

"Hello?"

Billy and Ben jumped. Standing behind the wood pile was the boy they planned on rescuing.

"I'm sorry to scare you."

"That's okay. Where's your dad?" asked Billy.

"If you are referring to the bastard inside the house, he isn't my father. He had stolen me from my real parents when I was young. I want to go back to them, but I don't even know what town they lived in, let alone who they are."

"What happens if he catches out here talking to us?"

"Don't worry, he is taking his nap. He loves to hit his whisky, have sex with me and then sleep it off. After he talked to you, he passed out on the bed."

Ben went up to the boy. He was wearing nothing but a tattered gray robe. "Are you okay?"

"I'll be alright. I just wish I could get out of here. But I have no where to go and I am afraid of being captured by him."

"Look, my name is Ben and this is my friend Billy. Have you ever heard of the Sandman?"

"No, who's he?"

"He rescues kids like you, like us from assholes like that. We help him out. We will take you to him, but you will have to leave now, before he wakes up."

The boy couldn't believe his ears. This was his chance for freedom and then maybe finding his real folks. He was scared at the thought of leaving. He was afraid of being captured. Then he felt more blood and cum combination run down the inside of his leg out of his butt. He knew he couldn't pass this opportunity up.

"My name is Corey; we have about two hours before he wakes up. Let's go."

Ben and Billy climbed onto their own horses and Corey took Tim's horse. They then headed back to Sol.

Tim stood on stage with Charlie and Blake. They were both naked. The tavern was filled with the aroma of stale ale and smoke. A bunch of men raging from the age of 17 to 77 were there crowded around the stage. They already liked what they saw.

Blake and Charlie were both hairless. Blake however had the beginning of peach fuzz forming around the base of his cock. Both boys were hard. Blake was about 3½ inches [9 cm] long where Charlie was just a tad shorter. Tim instantly got a hard on seeing these two beauties.

Blake and Charlie informed Tim what they had to do. The three boys caressed each other and sucked each other off and kissed each other all over the different parts of the body. The grand finale was when Charlie got into the doggy style position. Blake came from behind and started to fuck him hard. Tim got behind Blake and sandwiched Blake between him and Charlie. Tim liked the way his throbbing cock felt as it entered Blake's dark hole. As if on cue, Blake pulled out of Charlie and shot three squirts of clearish white cum over Charlie's back. Tim pulled out and shot his load over Blake's Back. The Charlie stood up and with a few jerks he managed to shoot two squirts, one on Blake's face hitting his eye ball, and the other one on Tim's face where it made it into his open mouth.

The boys then wiped themselves off and proceeded down to the audience. Men already had their dicks hanging out with a gold coin next to it. One by one the boys began to suck the dripping cocks.

Tim looked up in between customers and saw a 19 year old give Siberious a full bag of silver coins. Siberious thanked him and motioned all three boys to come to him.

"Tim, you are doing real good. Give me all your guys' money." The three boys gave them their earnings. "Now, I know I don't normally do this, but this gentleman paid me a kind price to take all three of you back to his room at the inn for one hour. Do what ever he wants. After wards, he will return you here where you will have more customers waiting."

The three boys followed the young man out the tavern. They passed a dark alley way where Tim saw a whisky bottle come straight down over the man's head. He fell unconscious to the ground. Tim looked and saw Muldoon wiping off his hands.

"You okay?" he grumbled.

"Yeah, why are you here?"

"I came in town for supplies and saw you got into deep waters. So I stuck around to bail you out. Now come on before he wakes."

"Uh, Muldoon, these guys are my friends. Can they come with us?"

"Yeah, come on. We don't got much time."

Muldoon climbed onto the front of the wagon and the three boys got in the back. Muldoon's heart stopped when he saw three horses coming down the street. He didn't want witnesses. So he quickly threw his hood over him.

"Tim!" said Billy as they road in.

Muldoon realized who it was. "Shhh, be quiet before someone hears us. Come on, let's hurry out of here." The wagon and three horseback riders took off into the darkness, headed to the Safe Haven.

The sun was waking up as the tired bunch returned to Safe Haven. Muldoon explained to the Keeper what had happened and ensured him that no one followed him or knew that it was him who taken the boys. The Keeper was relieved that all the boys were alright and that they managed to free some more.

Corey sat in his room looking out the window. He couldn't help wonder how it would be like to be free. Mr. Moore explained that he would do his best to find out who his family is and return him, but until then he was more then welcomed to stay there. Mr. Moore ensured him that no more harm would come to him.

"Hi. May I come in?"

Corey turned around and saw Ben. A smiled covered his face and he stood up to greet his life saver. Ben came in sat down on Corey's bed.

"Thanks, Ben for taking me with you. I wish there was a way I can repay you."

"Don't worry about. Before long you will be back with your own parents. How are you feeling? Are you still sore?"

"A little, but I will be okay."

"I bet it was horrible experience."

"It was but it wasn't. I like the idea of having sex, but the man who gave it to me was so big and he didn't take pity on me. I often wondered what it would be like if I had sex with someone my age, my size."

"Maybe sometime you will find out."

"Ben, have you had sex with any kids our age?"

"Yes, I have. There is a certain group of us, five of us in particular, that we love each other like brothers and more. We tend to share our love with each other from time to time. We don't have any one particular partner, because we want to share each other, because we all love each other."

"I see. I wish I had someone who loved me," Corey looked down to the ground to hide the tear that was forming in his eyes.

Ben walked over to Corey where he was sitting on the window seat. He lifted his head and saw a tear leak out. He caught the tear with his finger and brought it to his lips and kissed it. Then he brought his finger to Corey's lips. Corey opened his mouth and took the finger inside and gave it a once suck, tasting his own tear.

"Corey, you have someone who loves you. I love you and I know Billy loves you."

"You do?"

"Of course we do. And it is my wish that my love for you will grow as strong as my love for Billy and the others. And I hope you one day will learn to love me and the others."

Corey started to cry. He could feel the love that Ben was giving him. Ben leaned over and held him tight and let Corey get rid of all his fears, pain and worries through his tears. Ben looked at Corey's eyes and kissed each one. Then Ben's lips found Corey's and they touched intimately.

Billy walked past the cracked door to Corey's room. He saw what was happening and he smiled. He stood there and watched as Ben gave Corey something he had never had before. Billy started to get a hard on and ooze when he saw Corey and Ben get naked and kiss and caress each other. Corey began washing Ben's feet with his own tears and then kissed and licked them clean. Seeing this made Billy go over the edge. He was playing with him self and shot a load onto the cracked door. But he didn't get soft, he kept playing with himself.

Corey had peach fuzz around his 4" [10 cm] cut dick. Billy watched as Ben sucked on it and then pulled off as Corey shot a small amount of clearish white liquid onto Ben's face. Corey then licked Ben's face clean. Corey got on his back and propped his legs over Ben. Ben gave Corey a loving look and slowly and gently slid his cock into Corey's hole. Just as Ben shot his load into Corey, Billy had jacked himself off a second time, causing more cum to drip down the side of the door. Ben and Corey kissed again and then cuddled up on Corey's Ben and took a nap. Billy smiled at the love he had just saw and knew that is what Corey had needed and there wasn't a better choice to give it to him, then his Ben.

After a hard journey, Ederickson and Doug made it to Heddex. They went into a tavern to get something to eat. After eating, Doug excused himself to go take a much needed dump. While Ederickson sat at the table, drinking his ale, a man walked in with a boy attached to a dog collar. The boy was about 12 and he was naked. He stood around 5'1" [1.55 m] and about 98 pounds [44 kg]. He had blonde hair that looked like it hadn't been washed in weeks. The boy was dirty and needed a bath. Ederickson noticed is 2" [5 cm] soft uncut penis surrounded by bare skin.

"Hey mister, you want to buy a bed partner. He's a virgin and I will sell you to you for 30 gold pieces."

Ederickson looked at the man. He his face was scruffy and what teeth he had was crooked and yellow. He had long straggling gray black hair and his breath smelled horrible. He had a dirty gray jacket on that hung down to his knees and he wore black gloves with the finger tips cut off of them.

"Sorry my friend, but I don't have that kind of money."

"Well, then. For a gold piece he will get under the table and drink your white treasure. Scooter's really good at it you know."

Ederickson looked at the boy. He knew the boy didn't want to do it, but was forced into it by his master. Ederickson figured that the reason no one had bought the boy was because he was so filthy and dirty. But Ederickson new that once cleaned up, the boy would be one cute kid.

"Not this time," said Ederickson.

"You're lost."

The man then dragged the kid off to the next table. Ederickson watched with great interest. The poor boy was forced to stand on the table and dance and play with his foreskin, making himself hard. Then he saw some man give the boy's master a gold coin and the master practically pulled the boy off the table and pushed him under it. Ederickson had to turn his head as the boy was forced to suck a cock that hasn't been washed in weeks. Ederickson's stomach turned and knew that this boy needed the Sandman.

Doug came back to the table. Ederickson told him to go outside and wait for him. Doug did as he was told.

"Excuse me sir, I am suppose to get paid here shortly. Will you be here tonight? I like to give a gold piece for him to do his magic."

"I don't know. For a gold piece we may we may not be here."

"How about two gold pieces, does that make this evening lest foggy?"

"Five gold pieces clears the vision up completely and I know we can be here."

"No, five is too much. My offer is two."

"Make it three and I will be here."

"Deal, say around seven."

"We will be here. And remember if you like what he does, I will sell him to you for 30 gold pieces."

Ederickson smiled and then went out the door.

He met up with Doug and they headed down the road to the Aurora's. They entered the incense filled shop and saw Aurora finishing up some business with a customer. The customer paid and left.

"What are you doing here? I told you not to come back. You know the problems Colonel Mosk gave me after you left. He almost ran me out of business. Now leave."

"Look, you know how to remove the marks and serial numbers. Not many people do. We need you."

"I told you, I am not doing it."

"I tell you what. Come to the Slaughtered Boar for a drink. Just let me buy you one drink. After that drink if your answer is still no, then I or my friends will never bother you again. But if you don't come for that drink, I guarantee you we will be back more than you can possibly imagine."

Aurora let out a loud growl like a bear. "One drink and then you will leave me alone, even though I will say no."

"Yes, one drink."

"Fine, let's go."

"Is it okay if Doug stays here?"

"Whatever, as long as he doesn't touch anything and stay out of sight of people."

Doug went to the back room and stayed there. Aurora and Ederickson entered the Slaughtered Boar and they sat at the same table that Ederickson and Doug had their lunch. Ederickson was happy to see that the man and his slave, Scooter was still there. Scooter was on a table dancing and the forced harshly underneath to suck a man's dirty disgusting cock.

Ederickson didn't say a word. He knew only slime disgusting men came to this establishment. The only reason he had lunch here was because of all the taverns in town, this was the best food and cheap. Ederickson just sipped his drink as he watched Aurora. She was trying not to watch Scooter be jerked around and forced to swallow several guy's cum, but it was hard not to notice.

A man sitting at a table next to Aurora motioned for the man and Scooter to come over. The man dropped his pants and Scooter climbed under the table. Aurora got a good look at the man's dick. It was pussy and dripping with black ooze.

"Wait!" she yelled at Scooter and his master as she stood up.

"What?" asked the Master.

"This man's penis is diseased. Your slave could get serious ill."

"But he is a paying customer and I can't turn down a paying customer."

"Fine. How much is he paying you?"

"Three gold pieces," lied the man.

"Here's five for you to not have your slave put that disgusting thing in his mouth and here is five for you to come to my shop and get the medication you need to cure that." She turned her attention to Ederickson. "I had my one drink, may I go."

Ederickson smiled and nodded his head. After she left, he quickly hurried out the door and ran up to catch up to her.

"You knew they were going to be there, didn't you?'

"Yes I did. I just wanted you to see what happens to these kids. It might be illegal to kidnap them, but it is inhumane to stand around and watch that shit happen." Ederickson and Aurora entered her shop.

"So how about it, Aurora? Will you join our cause?"

Aurora was too furious to answer. She went into her kitchen and began throwing pots and pans around like she was going to cook something up. Doug came out to see what was happening, but Ederickson motion him to stay away.

Through her clenched teeth she said "Mr. Ederickson, I had that drink. Now leave."

Ederickson didn't say a word. He nodded and he and Doug left, failing in their attempt.

"Now what?" asked Doug.

"For sure I thought the scene in the Slaughtered Boar would get to her. Well we head to the Slave Retrieving Head Quarters to see if General Tucker is indeed Mr. Moore's twin. But not until the Sandman strikes the Slaughtered Boar."

"You gonna save that kid?'

"Or die trying. Come on, let's go find a place to relax until tonight."

Doug waited in the back alley behind the Slaughtered Boar. He had both his horse and Ederickson's horse ready to escape when he came out with Scooter. The back door flew open and out came Ederickson and Scooter. Ederickson threw Scooter on Storm and Ederickson got on too. They took off down the alley. They rounded down the main street and ran into a road block. There were 15 armed slave retrievers blocking the way out of the town. Doug and Ederickson quickly turned the horses around but that was now blocked too. They were trapped.

"I am assuming you paid for that slave," said Colonel Mosk.

"Yes I did," lied Ederickson.

"I was in the Slaughtered Boar and saw you take him. You and those two boys are under arrest. Seize them!" order Mosk.

To Be Continued...

This was a good idea, but after he sent this chapter (Sept. 2003), the author has never sent anything more....