Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2003 16:40:57 -0700 (PDT)
From: mycandlelight_dreams <mycandlelight_dreams@yahoo.com>
Subject: Sailor Boys - chapt 17

THE NORMAL BORING DISCLAIMER: This story is FICTION, and just one of my
fantasies.  Any similarity to real persons is purely coincidental.
Further, this story contains sexually explicit information between an adult
and a teen-ager.  If this type of material offends you, do NOT read
further.

However, if you like these kinds of stories, then read on and ENJOY!

---

CHAPTER 17

---

Evening came, and that was when the surprise that Brandon and I had cooked
up would take place.  Before securing the deck stairs door for the night,
we blind-folded Shaun and guided him downstairs.

The boys were lined up downstairs, waiting their turn, and as I guided
Shaun into the room, the familiarity of my dream returned, and I began to
feel the wonderful stirrings in my shorts.

The boys tried so hard to be still, but the occasional giggle escaped.

Brandon and I positioned Shaun in front of the boys, and ripping the
blindfold from his face, the boys all yelled, "SURPRISE!"

Shaun just about jumped out of his skin by the noise, but then smiled wide
when he saw all of his friends gathered around the galley table.  The
Pineapple Upside Down cake Andrew had baked lighted up the very center of
the table.

"Make a wish," Jeffy exclaimed in his excitement.

"Yes, yes, make a wish, Mister Man," I cheered on.

The room fell silent as Shaun tightly closed his eyes, concentrated for a
moment, and then blew out the candles in a single breath.

"Yeah!"  All of us cheered and applauded.

Andrew passed out plates, and I passed on the cake cutter to Shaun.  "You
have the honor," I said as I bowed slightly, handing him the knife by the
blade.

Shaun just smiled, and graciously took the knife.  Lining it up carefully
against the prized cake, he made his first slice, then another, and
another.  Soon enough, the cake was portioned and Andrew began handing it
out.

The yellow cake was airy, but also moist, delicate and rich.  The fresh
pineapple slices were only slightly caramelized during the baking process.
I've traveled far and wide and can attest that it was one of the finest
bakery delights I've ever had the pleasure of consuming.  My mouth watered
as I stuck my fork into the delicate dessert, and the boys seem to concur
with my assessment.  Although, boys being boys, they didn't take the time
to savor the texture because in no time, the dessert was consumed.

'Man, these boys can eat!' I chuckled to myself.

With the dishes cleared, I announced, "It's time!"

The boys had just begun to settle down, but my announcement raised a new
aire of excitement.

"Yes, yes, each of you will get your turn.  Shaun, you know the tradition."
I pointed to the couch in the main room, and Shaun quickly took his
position for the traditional birthday spankings.

In a flash, my dream came back to me, and I could feel my dick grow with
anticipation of laying my strong hands across his tender boy cheeks.

"Now remember, guys," Brandon quickly announced.  "Be gentle, he's still my
little brother!"

"It's cool, Bran, I can take it."  Shaun proudly smiled, waiting for the
spankings to begin.

Miwaka was first in line and after twelve teasingly tender spankings,
Miwaka surprised us all by skipping the "pinch" part and giving Shaun a
kiss on the cheek instead.

Thomas was next, and after his twelve swattings on Shaun's 12-year-old
butt, his followed Miwaka's example, replacing the pinch with a kiss on the
cheek.

Andrew followed Thomas, repeating the previous two examples, and so it went
on.

I was smiling gleefully.  These boys were as gentle as kittens on Shaun's
butt, when they had every opportunity to be rough, and then followed the
spankings with a gentle kiss on the cheek.

I was last in line, with Brandon just ahead of me.

Brandon approached and as he reached up to take his first swing, Shaun
reminded him, "Be gentle, brother!"

Brandon looked at his little brother, bent over before him, smiled, and
brought his hand down across his little butt with a loud SMACK!  Shaun,
shocked by the first spanking looked up at his brother.  "What the hell?"

"THAT is something only I can get away with!"  Brandon giggled, and was
much gentler with the rest of his spankings.  Brandon couldn't resist the
"pinch to grow an inch," and giggled as he delivered it.

I was next in line; with the other boys seated on the opposite couch
watching.

"Well now.  Seems like somebody sure has gotten his share of spankings
today."  I kneeled in closer to Shaun.  "Are you okay, Mister Man?" I
whispered in his ear.

He simply nodded but didn't look up at me.  I could tell that his brother's
spankings had been rougher than the others, and this was having an effect
on Shaun's feelings.

I sat down on the couch next to Shaun.  "Lay over my lap, Shaun." I pulled
on his arm, and Shaun slowly moved over and lay down across my knees.  I
could feel his slender dick protruding from his shorts, as the physical
attention was having an effect on his sexual excitement.

"I'm only going to give you three paddles," I announced as I raised my hand
high in the air.  "One for luck," I said as I brought my down fast and
stopped just centimeters above his butt, then I tapped him lightly.

"One for love," down came the second one, just as fast, and stopping just
as quickly before tapping his bottom.

"And one for good measure."  Again, I swiftly rose and lowered my hand, but
only tapped his butt.

I then lifted the boy from my lap, so that he was now facing me.  "Happy
Birthday, Shaun."  And I kissed his lips.

The boys watched all of this with great interest.  Some giggled when I
kissed him.  Some, like Jeremy, just simply smiled, wishing it was their
lips pressed against mine.

"Now then," I said as I broke the quick embrace.  "I have another special
surprise for you, and then Brandon has his gift for you."

I set Shaun onto the couch, and left the room to retrieve his gift from my
cabin.

When I returned, the room fell silent and all eyes were now on the dark
mahogany box I was holding.

"Shaun, in some cultures, the age of 12 is a right of passage; a landmark
line crossing from child to adult.  In some ways, I think those cultures
are smarter than our own.  Nevertheless, in my eyes, today marks an
important day.  Sooner than you even realize, you'll be all grown up, and
sailing through your own life.  I hope you remember this summer and
remember who you really are.  May you never be lost." I said as I handed
him the detailed wooden box.

Shaun looked it over carefully, and all the boys watched in awe.

"Go ahead.  Open it." I smiled at him.

Carefully, Shaun opened the hinged lid, exposing the red velvet lining.  He
peered in, and paused.  "Oh, Man.  Check it out." He exclaimed, as he
carefully pulled from the box a gold chain attached to an antique compass.
He held the compass high for all to see, and as it turned on the chain, you
could see the sailing ship engraved on the back plate.

"There's writing on it," Jeffy pointed at the compass.

"What's it say, Shaun?" Brandon spoke up.

"Um, it says The Mighty Miss.  How cool."  Shaun quickly threw the chain
over his head, letting the compass dangle from his tender neck.  He stood
up and threw his arms around my chest.  "Thank you, Captain, thank you."

"You're most welcome, Mister Man.  Happy Birthday, Shaun Apernathy."  I
smiled, and my heart melted.

Brandon pulled me aside as the boys gathered around Shaun to admire the
gift.  "It was yours, wasn't it?"

"I was eight years old the first time I saw that compass.  My father only
let me see it once.  It was my grandfathers, named after a ship he served
on.  I used to brag that one day when I was all grown up, I'd have a ship
of my own, and I'd name it after grandpa."  A single tear began to well in
my eye, as I remembered my childhood and the love of my grandfather.
"Gramps used to take us to the water's edge to look at the ships and tell
us great adventure stories.  He used to tell me that I was a special kid
and that he was proud of me."

"Gramps never got to see this ship, and died before we left Ireland.  Dad
heard I bought this ship and came to visit me."  I stopped for a moment,
and had to sit down.

By now, the boys had seen us huddles in the corner, and could tell by the
whispering that I was relaying a story, and one by one began to gather to
hear.

"Mum had died a couple years back, and I knew by his health that dad wasn't
far behind her.  But, oh, boys, you should have seen his face light up when
he stepped aboard.

I hadn't had her a week.  Was fixing to repaint her.  She was called
"Trumpet" or some stupid name that I despised.

'Trumpet?' dad asked me.  'Yeah, I know.  Want to change it, but don't know
to what.' Was all I could say, hanging my head.  My dad walked back down
the gangplank to his old Ford.  Lifted the trunk lid, and brought out that
box."  I pointed to the box now settled next to Shaun.

"He came back on deck and handed it to me.  I knew right away what it was,
even after all those years.  'I figure this fits,' he said, as I opened the
lid and read the inscription.  'The Mighty Miss.'  Dad, it's perfect,' I
exclaimed to my father."

I paused again, wiping the tears from my eyes.  "It was the last time I saw
my father alive.  He spent the day with me on the decks of this old girl,
giving me pointers on all the things I needed to fix up.  He could have
called it a traveling pile of horseshit, and I wouldn't have cared.  He was
there for me, and I loved him for that.

It was that night he announced that he was going back to Ireland.  I begged
him not to go, but a stubborn Irishman is not easily convinced.

Yes, Sir" I continued, as the boys intently listened.  "I would have told
him I loved him, had I known I'd never see him alive again."

I looked up, and my eyes met Miwaka's.  Not realizing it, I had sparked
memories of his own father and the tears welled in his own eyes.

Shaun moved through the crowd of boys, and placed the box with the compass
inside on my lap.

"What's this?" I said, as I looked at the boy.

"I can't take it from you, Captain.  It means too much to you.  I get lots
of stuff from my dad.  It's no big deal."  Shaun turned to return to his
seat.

Grabbing his arm, I turned him to face me.  "Shaun, I would like you to
have it.  Maybe you can pass it on to your son or someone that touches your
heart the way you and your friends have touched mine.  Please, Son, take
it."

Shaun carefully took the box from hand and held it tightly to his chest.
"I'll take real good care of it, Captain, I promise."

"I'm certain you will."  I looked around the room and realized that I had
single handedly crashed Shaun's birthday celebration.  "This isn't right!"
I exclaimed as I rose from my seat.  "This is supposed to be a celebration.
A birthday celebration, but a chance to celebrate life!  And," I winked at
Brandon, "You haven't received your brother's gift yet!"

Shaun smiled at Brandon.

"Come on, Shauny," Brandon said as he led the boy back to my cabin.

As the two boys left the room, I began to clean up and the boys quickly
followed my lead.

---

"Well, don't keep me in suspense.  What's my present?" Shaun's excitement
came through his voice.

"You'll see." Brandon said, smiling devilishly back at his brother.

Brandon opened the door and pointed to the bunk. "Have a seat, Shauny."

Brandon looked at his watch.  "Yep, just about time."

"Time for what?" Shaun was beginning to get impatient.

But, just as he was about to rise from the bed in protest, the
ship-to-shore on my desk rang.

Brandon without hesitating picked up the receiver and handed it to Shaun.

"Hello?" Shaun said hesitantly.

"Shaun?  Is that you?" A static drowned voice said.

"Yes.  Dad?"

"Hey, Buddy.  Happy Birthday!  Man, 12 years old now.  You're getting old,
kid!"

Shaun smiled, as he couldn't believe his ears.

"Dad?  Is it really you?"

"Well now you didn't think we'd forget your birthday, did you?...oh, okay,
hold on, Shaun...mom wants to say hi."

Shaun realized he had stopped breathing, and gasped for a breath.  Brandon
sat on the bunk next to him, and simply put his arm around Shaun's
shoulders.

"Baby?  It's momma.  Happy Birthday, Angel.  Oh I wish we could be there.
Brandon tells me you're having so much fun, and you're being such a big
help.  Do you like it there?"

"Yes, mom.  It's great.  I've made some new friends, too.  And Captain gave
me an old compass for my birthday.  It's so cool."

"That's wonderful, Baby.  Momma loves you Shaun....what? oh, Daddy wants to
talk to you again.  I love you, Shaun.  Happy Birthday."

"Hello?  Shaun, you still there?" Shaun's dad said through the crackling
phone.

"Yeah, I'm still here.  Where are you guys?"

"You're breaking up, Shaun.  I can't hear you.  Listen, mom and I love you,
Shaun.  Happy Birthday, and we'll see you in three weeks."

A pause in the line, and Shaun was about to speak.

"Shaun, if you can hear me...I love you.  We both love......"
kssssssshhhhhhhhhh, and then the phone line went dead.

Shaun handed the phone back to Brandon who placed it to his ear.  When he
recognized the silence, he replaced the receiver on the hook.

"Oh, Bran," Shaun said as he hugged his brother tightly.  "You're the
greatest brother a guy could have."

"I knew you hated spending another birthday without mom and dad, and this
was the best I could do."  Brandon hugged him back.

"It was awesome!  Thanks!"  Shaun glowed with love for Brandon.  "But, how
did you find them?"

"I didn't.  I told the Captain about us always being away for your
birthday, so he tracked them down and arranged the whole thing.  I just had
to make sure you were in here when the call came in."

Shaun rose from the bunk and raced from my cabin into the main room.
Seeing me, he raced up, threw his arms around me again, and said proudly,
"I love you, Captain.  This is the best birthday, ever!"

"Well," I said, choked with a knot in my throat. "I love you too.  I love
all of you boys.  You're very special people!"

With that a stampede of boys surrounded Shaun and I and formed a tight
'group hug.'

---

As I began to turn in for the night, a distant thunderclap could be heard.
I settled Jeffy into bed, kissed him on the forehead, and said, "I need to
check the deck and then make sure everyone's in bed.  I'll be back in a
little while."

"Okay." Jeffy said with a smile, as he snuggled down under the sheet.  I
patted his tight little butt and kissed him on the forehead again, before
leaving the cabin.  Another slightly louder thunderclap was heard as I
opened the deck stairs' door.  In the far distance, I could see the quick
flashes of lightening.  It wasn't a large storm, but I wanted to make sure
that everything on deck was secured.

As I finished doing my rounds on deck, the first few droplets of the warm
and subtle rain kissed my skin.

I closed the door behind me, wiped my brow, and saw the flash of the
lightening, and the muffled thunderclap.

I quietly moved through the hallway, checking in on the boys.  Each seemed
to be asleep already, so I returned to my cabin.

As I was snuggling in next to Jeffy's warm naked skin, I heard a quiet
knock at my door.

Jeffy and I looked at each other, and Jeffy shrugged his shoulders, as if
to say 'I dunno.'

"Yes?" I called out.

"Captain," in a loud whisper.  "May I come in?"

At first, I didn't recognize the mouse like voice.  "Yes, come in."

The door opened and Zach appeared in the doorway, shaking and covered in
his sheet.

"Come in, Zach, and close the door."  He entered my cabin and closed the
door behind him.  "What's on your mind, Matey?"

The 12-year-old boy walked closer to the bed, and I could see that he was
upset and shaking.  "I..." He hesitated, looking down at the floor.  "I..."

I wrapped my arm around his waist and gently pulled him closer to the bunk.
"It's okay, Zach, you can tell me.  What's upsetting you?"

"I'm afraid of the storm.  I don't want to drown like Thomas almost did."

I pulled him tighter, and as my hand brushed across his sheet-covered butt,
I could tell that the sheet was the only covering he had on.

Just then, another flash of lightening struck, and the rain began to
tap-tap-tap against the porthole.  Zach jumped, letting go of the sheet, as
it fell to the floor.

While Zach stared at the ceiling, somehow expecting the lighting to come
inside; Jeffy and I stared at Zach.

"I don't suppose you'd like to sleep here with us tonight?"  I winked at
Jeffy and then looked at Zach, gauging his response.

"I...ummm...could I?"  He casually picked up the sheet, draping it around
his shoulders again.

Zach got his answer as I pulled the sheet back, inviting him in.  Another
strike of lightening and Zach practically raced into my bunk, leaving his
sheet on the floor.  His shaking body pressed tightly against my muscular
frame.

"Easy, Matey.  It'll pass soon.  It's a small rainstorm.  Probably won't
even rock the ship."  I wrapped my arm around him and pulled him closer to
me.

I had just reacted, and hadn't really thought about it until now, but here,
in my private cabin, in my warm oversized bunk, I had two tender young boys
snuggling to me; one out of love, one out of fear, and me in the middle to
be the rock for both to lean on.

As Zach's shaking diminished I asked him, "Was Billy still asleep when you
left the room?"

"I think so." He answered.  "I don't want him to know I was scared of the
storm.  Please don't tell anybody."

"Cappy won't let them make fun of you, Zach.  I know." Jeffy chimed in, my
proud little lover.

"That's true.  Just try and rest, Zach.  The storm will be gone by
morning."  I squeezed him gently, and he snuggled in against my side,
resting his left leg over mine.  "In the meantime, just let your mind enjoy
the rain as it dances on the glass.  Do you hear it?"  Zach nodded.  "Just
let it sing you to sleep."  I began to stroke his hair the way I do to
Jeffy.

Zach's shaking stopped and as he pushed his leg closer to me, I felt his
dick brush my thigh.  As soon as I felt the heat from his boyhood, my own
dick began to swell.

My thoughts raced through the possibilities.  Here I was, surrounded in
pure innocent boys.  I could have done whatever I wanted, and I certainly
wanted!  But, then my logical reasoning kicked in, and my mind began
yelling at my dick to go to sleep.

Now understand, my dick doesn't listen to my mind...never has.  But, I
tried to mediate between the two.  Before the battle even had a chance to
begin, I could feel the solemn rising and falling of Zach's chest as he
slipped into dream-filled sleep.  Jeffy was soon behind him, and my dick,
realizing it was getting no attention this rainy night, decided to join
them.

I woke only once that night, and as I turned to my side, facing Jeffy, Zach
spooned in behind me, hugged me tightly, and went back to sleep.

The thunder and lightening had stopped and the peaceful rain lulled me back
to dreamland.

I woke early and even though my clock said 5:06 AM, the room was still
dark.  I peered out of the porthole, and the soft rain that had visited
last night decided to stay.

I rolled over and gently woke Zach, by planting a soft kiss on his cheek.
"Good Morning, Mister Man," I whispered in his ear.  "Time to get you back
to your room."

Zach reached up and began rubbing his still tired eyes.  "Do I have to go?"

My heart melted.  "You don't want Billy to know you were gone, do you?
Come on, now, let's get you back to your cabin."  I pulled the sheet away
from our bodies.  The cool air touched our skin and immediately woke my
morning hardon.

Zach reluctantly got out of the bunk, but not before dramatically
stretching, pushing his own morning hardon into the air.

I reached down, gave his stiff dick a gentle squeeze and said, "You can use
the head before you go."  I pointed to the bathroom in my cabin.

"Thanks," he said as he wiggled his naked butt across the room.  He entered
the bathroom and didn't even bother to close the door.  I could hear the
water hit the bowl as he let loose of his morning piss.

After washing up, he came out to leave the cabin.  Just as he was about to
open the door, he turned to me, and hugged me tightly.  "Thank you for
letting me stay here last night, and for not telling anyone."

"You're welcome," I whispered as my dick began to bounce against his belly.

Zach took only a moment to peer at my dick before gathering up the sheet
from the floor, and opening the door.

I walked Zach back to his cabin, insuring that Billy was still asleep.  If
Billy was awake, I was prepared to make up some lie, just to protect Zach.
But, as we entered the room, I could hear the soft rhythmic sound of
Billy's dreamy sleep, so Zach was safe.

He snuggled back into his own bunk and I tucked his sheet around his
slender body.  I reached in to kiss him 'good-night,' but as I reached his
face, he quickly turned, landing my kiss on his lips.

I pulled back from the kiss and looked at Zach, who was smiling devilishly,
as though he had planned the whole thing.  I patted his butt, and quietly
left the room.

By now, my dick was raging full on, and I needed to let loose of my own
filled bladder.  I rushed back to my cabin, and into the head, where the
water began to flow as soon as I arrived.

"Ahhhh," I said out loud, not realizing I had done so.

I then heard a small giggle from behind me.  "You say that every time."

I turned, and standing there watching me was my Angelboy Jeffy.  "Oh yeah?"
I said as I raced to him and lifted him from the floor.  I quickly carried
him back to the bunk and threw him onto the mattress.  As he hit the bunk,
I rushed in and began tickling his tight little tummy.

Jeffy laughed out loud, and I laughed right with him.

"You're gonna make me pee," Jeffy managed to say between giggles.

"Then you better hit the head," I said as I got up from the bunk.

When Jeffy returned, I asked him, "What shall we do today?"  I knew the
rain was going to make for miserable sailing, and I was feeling a bit lazy
anyways.  "Mom always has us play board games when it rains.  Do you have
any board games?"  His innocence continued to shine through his eyes.  I
wanted to pull him into my arms and kiss him passionately right then and
there.

"Only one.  Chess."  I answered as I stared deep into his beautiful eyes.

"I don't know how to play that one.  I know how to play checkers, though!"

"Well, we'll have to see if the other boys know how to play chess and have
our own little championship rounds."  I smiled at the idea.  It was quite
brilliant actually.  The rounds could take up most of the day.  And, it
would be a great way to build the boy's strategy skills.

"But, I like checkers!" Jeffy said as he bounced up and climbed into my
lap.

"Well, I don't have checkers, so we'll just have to play another game."  I
gently started to tickle his side again.

"I know a different game that we like to play."  Jeffy said as he reached
down and pulled on my dick.

"Yes, and you're very good at that game, aren't you?"  I pushed him onto
his back and couldn't resist the temptation any longer, as I pressed my
hungry lips to his and began kissing him with the passion and hunger that
my heart was feeling for the lad.

---

Breakfast was quiet and simple, with toast and cereal.  The somberness of
the rain had gathered inside, and as the uniform-dressed boys gathered in
the galley, the overall lethargic mannerism that had matched my laziness
was now apparent.

"Gentlemen?" I announced, quieting the room.  "I'm afraid this little
rainstorm of ours has us in a bit of a predicament."  All eyes were on me.
"We could use the diesels, but it would mean an additional stopover for
more fuel."  I walked to one of the portholes and peered out.  "It doesn't
look like much of a storm, but it could make traveling really ugly.  So,
we're going to stay here today, and see how things clear out."

The moans and groans only proved that the boys were feeling less than
jovial.

"Now, now.  It's not that bad.  I do have an idea to occupy our day today."
Suddenly, their heads lifted.  "Any of you know how to play chess?"  I
looked around the room and all but two were shaking their heads.  Brandon
and Max raised their hands.

I noticed that Max had raised his only hesitantly.  "Max?"

"Well, I know how to play, but I'm not very good at it.  Dad says I'm
stupid cuz I don't make the right moves." He answered sort of shamefully.

"Don't you worry, Max.  Nobody is going to call you stupid here, right
gentlemen?"  Everyone nodded.  "Besides, since you know how to play, you
can help teach."

I turned to the rest of the boys.  "Well, you guys up for the challenge?"
Everyone nodded, and the smiles began to appear.

"All right then.  I'll be right back with the boards."  With that, I left
them in the galley, and went to the main room, retrieving the two
chessboards and pieces.

"Here we are," I said as I reentered the galley.  "You boys ready?
Brandon, Max...you two sit at opposite sides of the table.  We'll do one
'tutorial' game, so you boys can understand the pieces and what they're
allowed to do."

The boys took their seats as the rest gathered around.  I set up one of the
boards and explained the names of the pieces and how they ranked as they
were set up.  "We'll go through each move, along with the options each one
has.  The first game will be kind of slow, but once you understand it, it
will go faster."

Brandon helped set up the board, and Max was beginning to look a little
uneasy.  "Don't worry, dude, I'll be nice."  Brandon smiled at Max.

"Thanks," Max responded, feeling a little easier.

"Okay, let's begin.  White goes first.  Brandon, make your move."  I patted
Brandon on the shoulder for support and the game began.

With each move, the piece was explained and the optional moves and
consequences.  After an hour, the first game was coming to a close.

"Now, he could move his Queen here," I said, as I pointed to through the
squares.  "And force him to move his Rook, or he could move his Bishop,
taking his other Rook."  The boys all stared with great interest, trying
desperately to absorb all the strategy.  "Go ahead and move, Max."

Max moved his Queen to the square I had indicated, and Brandon moved his
Rook.  Then, Max moved his Queen to the space the Rook had occupied and
announced, "Check!"  I stopped the game and re-explained the move Max had
just made and how Brandon would need to move in order to get out of the
"checked" position.

After fifteen more minutes, Max had cornered Brandon's King and declared,
"Check Mate!"  The broad smile on his face led me to believe that it was
the first time the boy had actually won the game.  I looked at Brandon who
didn't seem the least bit upset or concerned that Max had beaten him.  I
raised my eyebrows at him, and he just smiled and winked at me.  I knew
then that Brandon had thrown the game.  Making incorrect moves on purpose,
basically allowing Max to win.

It may not have been the best lesson in chess, but that boy earned yet
again a higher level of respect from me.  I returned his smile, and
recorded that little performance in my head for reward later.

"All right then.  You boys have seen how it's done.  Let's pair off for the
first round.  Brandon and Max, you'll sit this one out.  You'll have to
monitor the games, so there's no illegal moves.  Max, you'll be here.
Brandon, you sit at that end and monitor that game.  Okay, first up then
will be Zach and Thomas here; and Miwaka and Billy there."

And so it went.  The boys were paired against each other in the "mind
games" as the boys came to call our championship chess matches.  That day
was the first of several days that we would play chess, and each time, a
new champion was declared.

However, on this first day of chess, Brandon and Max were only allowed to
monitor and give options, not advice.  I sort of felt bad that the two boys
were not allowed to "play" but Brandon seemed proud to teach; and Max
simply looked relieved that he didn't have to defend his win over Brandon.

As each team declared a winner, the two winners would play, and the two
losers would play, and so on, until every boy had an opportunity to play at
least four games.

Surprising to me was how quickly the time passed.  No one complained that
they were bored or tired, and not one of those boys was a sore loser or
sore winner.  Despite the competition, they knew they were on level ground,
and it was just for fun.  And that was the way they played.

The boys continued play right through lunch, and as evening approached, I
suggested that we break for the day and eat some dinner.  More moans and
groans followed, but they boys complied with my request, cleaning up the
boards as the last two winners were declared.

The conversation during dinner was all about chess.  Who made the best
moves; which ones seem to get the hang of it quickest; who wants to take on
the captain?

"What's this?" I asked as I heard the last question fly by.  "Someone
looking to challenge 'Old Eagle Eyes?'"

The room fell silent, and Max spoke up.  "We think somebody should play
you."

"Well, I didn't want to be unfair.  After all, you're just learning."  I
smiled to myself.

"Bran knows how to play.  He's kicked my dad's ass several times!  Didn't
you, Bran?" Shaun's pride over his older brother never shined so brightly.

"Shut up, Shauny."  Brandon was uneasy about taking on the Captain.

"What do you say, Brandon?  Think you can beat me?"  I urged him on.

"Well, I didn't get to play today."  He looked as though he was mottling it
through.

"It's settled then.  Right after clean up.  Tonight...here in the galley."
I rose from the table, and set my dish in the sink.  "Now if you'll excuse
me, I have to prepare the punishment for the loser."

The excitement in the room rose and I could see in Brandon's face that he
wasn't sure he made the right choice challenging the Captain.  But then, he
didn't make the challenge.  After I left the room, he smacked Shaun on the
back of the head.

"Hey!  What was that for?" Shaun said as he rubbed his head.

"That's for setting me up, Idiot!  For all I know, the Captain's an expert
player."

"You don't know that, Brandon." Miwaka spoke up.  "For all you know, he
only teaches well, but plays like shit."  "Yeah, that's right." The boys
began to chime in.  "You've never seen him play," Billy said.

"Hello?  Are you guys dense?  Didn't you see how he was explaining the
game.  He pointed out options I hadn't even seen.  There's no way I can
win."  Brandon began to feel nervous.  He had worked so hard to impress me,
and the idea of losing this game, in front of all his friends, was more
than he could handle.

"Not scared are you?" Shaun piped up.

"Shut up, Shauny, before I smack you again."  Brandon lifted his hand.

"I don't think so," Miwaka stepped forward, grabbing Brandon's hand in mid
air.  "Smack him, and I'll be smacking you."  The look in Miwaka's eyes was
clear.  Brandon may be the First Mate on the ship, but Miwaka was Shaun's
lover, and felt the need to protect the little guy.

I reentered the galley as I saw Brandon pull his hand from Miwaka's grip.
"What's going on here?" I asked, setting a chess-timer on the table.

"Nothing, Captain.  Just a little misunderstanding."  Miwaka spoke as he
glared at Brandon.

"Brandon?"  I reached over and pulled his chin, forcing him to look at me.

"He's right, Sir.  Just a misunderstanding.  It's no problem." Brandon's
eyes locked on mine, and as much as I tried to gauge his statement, I
couldn't tell if he was lying to me or not.  I decided to let it go.

"Fine.  Then, let's get started."

I took my seat opposite of Brandon and allowing him to choose color,
Brandon chose Black.

"The rules are a little different this time, Gentlemen," I announced as I
placed my hand over the timer.  "Each player will make his move, and then
push the stop button on his side of the clock.  The plays are timed, so
that if there's a stale mate, the winner is the one who took the least
amount of time.  Understand?  Let's begin."  I pushed the clock button,
made my first move, bringing the Knight out to the front row, and pushed my
timer button.

Brandon eyed the move, brought his Rook Pawn forward two spaces and pushed
the timer.  The room fell silent.  No one asked questions and Brandon and I
offered no advice or lessons.  It was between him and I, and the dreaded
tick-tick-tick of the timer clock.

After only five or six moves, a rhythm began to develop.  Move, click;
move, click; move, click; move, click.

I watched his moves, and worked through his strategy.  He was working on
two fronts.  The first was to clear a pathway to my King from the left of
my board.  The second was to corner my Queen for attack and possession.

The beginning 15 moves were book perfect, and I was impressed by his skill.
He showed no signs of distress, just careful calculation.

However, that confidence changed when I cornered his own Queen and took her
with a Knight.  As I took the Queen from the board, and smacked the timer
clock, the boys gasped.

Brandon stopped for a moment, examining the board, as if it would somehow
speak to him on how I had taken his most powerful piece.  After another
moment, Brandon moved a pawn forward, and pressed the timer, forcing me to
take the aggressive approach.

I could feel my confidence building as I saw the demise of his kingdom.
Rook to Knight, click; Bishop to Rook, click; Queen to Bishop, click.

Then, Brandon sat back and smiled at me.  As soon as his lips parted, I
realized my mistake.

He moved his remaining Rook in place, and declared, "Check Mate!"

Before I even looked at the board, I knew he was right.  The boys looked at
me for confirmation.  I looked at the board, and then looked at Brandon.  I
stood up from the table, reached out my hand, and said with all the pride
of my heart, "Well done!"

The boys exploded with cheers and Brandon shook my hand vigorously.  "Good
game." He said.

---

The rain continued to fall that night, but the thunder and lightening had
not returned.  It was peaceful on The Mighty Miss, as I snuggled into bed
with my warm cuddly Jeffy.

"Good night, Mister Man," I said as I kissed his tender lips.  "You know
Cappy loves you."

"I love you, too, Cappy."

THUMP!

"What the hell?"  I looked up at the ceiling as I heard the second THUMP!

"Stay here, Jeffy."  I threw on my shorts, and dashed out of my cabin.  As
I ran down the hallway to the deck stairs, I noticed the door was closed
but unlocked.

I opened the door and walked onto the deck.  I heard another much louder
THUMP!

I started to look around and saw two people at the bow, rolling around on
the deck in a heated fight.

"You Bastard!" One of them said as he punched the other.

"Get off me!" The second person said as he kicked off the first person.

---

I hope you're enjoying this adventure.  I welcome comments and questions,
so, write me at mycandlelight_dreams@yahoo.com.