Date: Fri, 3 May 2013 13:21:02 +0100 (BST) From: ukwriter12@yahoo.com Subject: Lord Aquamaine - Chapters 13 Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, events or locales is purely coincidental and no slanderous intent is implied. This is a story about a son of Duke from a fictious kingdom and the life and experiences that he has when he ends up in America. During this story we discover two fictious nations and principalities and their royal families ... These are completely the product of my imagination and bear no resemblance to anyone living or dead. I know that I hinted that Lord Aquamaine would be Part 2 of the Moonside Manor story line. However when I started writing, it took on a life of it's own and when I tried to tie the two together they would not let me and I had to do major rewrites in Lord Aquamaine as we result. There will be more of CJ and more or LJ, but they are stand alone at the monment. Currently working on a story set in 1880s in the Ridings of Yorkshire about a boy from the coal mines. This work is copyrighted and I ask that you do not copy, post or electronically download without my express permission. If you are too young to be here or it is illegal in your state then please leave; finally if you are looking for hot sex scenes then look again as you'll not find any here. Email me - Kev (UK) with your comments at ukwriter12@yahoo.com ***Please note this story was written at the end of last year, beginning of this year. Regular readers of Aquamaine will know that the Boston Estate has been vistied throughout the story by LJ and King Roger...Over the next few chapters the family move to Boston and experience extreme problems. This is in no way meant to minimise or scandalise the atrocities that have recently happened there. I appologise in advance if this causes upset.**** ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- In an effort to help you follow what is happening the characters are listed below, but in addition since Lord Aquamaine is a very rich young man other things are listed as well, such as his businesses to help you follow. Characters ----------- Lord Lancelot Jefferson Bravender VI - Lord Aquamaine Charles Edward Bravender - LJ's adopted son - Lord Lyonaisse Troy Jordan Bravender (TJ)- LJ's adopted son Jame Ross Bravender (JR)- LJ's adopted son Ezekiel DeLuca Nelson Bravender - LJ's adopted son Annabelle Margaret Bravender - LJ's adopted daughter - Lady Ravenswood Colt Nelson Vravender - LJ's adopted son - Lord Caderis Baron - LJ's Horse Anna Hemmings - Nanny Mr Jake - Master of the Prince's stables Dotty Walters - Mr Jakes wife - Main housekeeper Johan - Dotty's son - Caretaker of LJ's estates. Ryan Crow - LJs PA Andrew Collins - TJ special friend. Rupert Devereaux - LJ's Interior Designer Brodie Reid McGregor - Clothes Designer Nicole DuBois - Opera singer Josh Connors - Country Singer King David – Heir to the throne of Aquamaine. Queen Christine - Wife of King David. King Myles - King of Lizondia Prince Steven - Prince of Lizondia Princess Zorina - Daughter of Myles. Governor Walt Simms - Texas rancher / Belle's husband (x Governor) Belinda Tremaine Davison - LJ's guardian (x Vice President) William Tremaine - Belle's father (retired) Arnold Tremaine - Attorney / Belle's brother Peter Tremaine - Belle's oldest son Bobby Tremaine - Belle's son Richard Tremaine - Belle's twin son Barnaby Tremaine - Belle's twin son Signor Andre De Luca - Italian Prime Minister Nonna DeLuca - Wife of the Prime Minister Carl Masterson - Foster son on Nonna President Masters - President of the USA Professor Phillip Masters - President Masters father and LJs mentor Professor Bryan Masters -President Masters brother and LJs tutor Dean Reynolds - Dean of university and LJs mentor Judge Reynolds - The deans brother Professor Absom - Class tutor Martin Japp - PI Maria Gonzalez - Spanish speaking - Colt's mother Lincoln Struthers - LJ's friend - Partner in law firm Colt Nelson - Cace's Pa Thomas – LJ's Major-Domo Simon – LJ's Footman - Todd's lover Mike Russo - LJ's security guard Mickael Russo - Mike's nephew Dave - LJ's security guard Gunny Wilks - LJ's security guard Todd Wilks - LJs Friend and Security guard General Nathaniel Wilks - LJs chief of Security Coach Ord - LJ's Sensei with Dave ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Titles ------- Lord Ravenswood - 14th Duke of Ravenswood and Aeden Viscount Ravenswood Earl of Lizonby Earl of Aylsgart Baron Rooksfeld Viscount Aeden Viscount of Kingsmere Viscount of Reymire Viscount of Rooksfeld Marquess of Reymire Earl of Kirkowen Lord Mallamtap Baron of Crogdun Lord Aquamaine Duke of Rookfort Marquess of Conroy Baron of Kingsmere 17th Duke of Valkland Marquess of Reyesford Baron of Lizonby Viscount of Iddlesworth 12th Duke of Vauxland Prince Of Bowland Countess of Aylsgart Marquis of Vauxland 8th Duke of Caderis 15th Earl of Perisand 19th Marquis of Ironsea 5th Duke of Shadehaven 12th Duke of Lyonaisse 16th Marquis of Stoneacre ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Locations ---------- Chrysland (Nation) Lizondia (Neighbouring nation) Towns and areas in Chrysland ----------------------------- Lizonby Aylsgart Valtland Jusland Sifton Park - Aquamaine Aquamaine Properties ----------- Rooksfeld Manor (Near Lizonby) Aquamaine Palace (Home to the kings of Chrysland) Aquamaine House Florida Ocean Front House Oklahoma Ranch Stoneacre Estate - Boston Thousand Oaks Estate - California Texas Ranch (Main Home) Aquamaine Mansion - Washington DC Penrise Hall Iddlesworth Hall Ironbay Hall Stoneacre Castle Blackswale Castle Grande Vista Palazzo - Ezekiel and Colt's inherited home Italy Giardino di Fiore - Ezekiel and Colt's inherited home Italy All businesses controlled by "The office of the Prince" Aquamaine LLC ------------- Aquamaine Fruit and Vegetables - Florida Aquamaine Horse and Cattle Company - Oklahoma and Texas Aquamaine Wineries - Califormia and Texas Aquamaine Hotel Several Shopping Malls in differnet States Two Theme Parks Aquamaine Men (Menswear) Aquamaine Retail (departmental stores) Aquamaine Real Estate - Various Rental properties Aquamaine Dude Ranch - Montana Bravender LLC -------------------- Bravender Gallery Bravender Art Bravender, Struthers and Tremaine - Aquamaine Law Roksfeld Accounting and Auditing Co. Bravender - Freedom Bank Bravender - Florris Investments Bravender - Lazy T Mall Bravender - Boston Properties At Home with Aquamaine LLC - Company created by the Bravender kids. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lord Aquamaine -------------- Chapter 13 – War and the Battle of Stoneacre Estate So it was that Carl and Gunny with the special agents that were still there drove over to the Masterson's house and were astonished by what they saw. It was an extensive estate and though not as large as the Stoneacre Estate was a four storey eight bedroom mansion. Carl let us in and ignored all of the staff and went straight to his father's office. They searched through all of the cabinets and storage and through all of the draws in the desk and there was nothing. Everything was empty. Someone had already been here. Gunny carefully looked around and asked, "Does your father have a safe, because that picture looks odd?" Carl looked, "I don't think he did when mum died, but I was young. I agree with you it does look odd and I could never work out why he liked it." He pulled the picture away from the wall and it opened like a door to a cupboard. There in front of him was a combination safe. "Knowing dad and how egotistical he is the number will be his birthday." Sure enough when he entered the number the door sprung open. The inside of the safe was full of envelopes and important looking documents so Gunny placed it all in a box and with Carl and the agents walked back out to the vehicles. Only this time he was faced with two very large gorilla type police officers and their weapons were pointed at them. Without thinking one of the special agents stepped forward and stood between the deputies. "Sorry Gunny, but life is life ..." as he reached forward his partner pulled his gun and took out one of the deputies and then the other sunk to the floor. As the agent held the box he covered the gun in his hand and shot at the same time. The four of them ran for the vehicles and were soon on the road knowing full well that that the Police would be following. They were within a mile of the estate when they came upon a cordon in the far distance the one access to the estate road. Without thinking Gunny turned and went down the first road ... Handed the box to Carl and let him out of the car. "Call Lincoln at this number and just say Action command 1 activated he will know what to do. Get out of sight and stay there until someone comes for you." He handed him the box and there in the box was a phone so no one could see what was typed on the screen which was the number to call and the place to go. They were within walking distance of a motel. As he closed the door he looked at the agent and held up his gun as he said, "I'll have your phone and location beeper if you don't mind Crowder... you to Harridon." As he held the gun he looked at the devices and sure enough Crowder was sending the location of where they were. "Let's go for a drive guys." With that he pulled out a gas cylinder and sprayed both agents. They passed out. First before anything else he got out of the car and smashed the phones and the location devices to smithereens. Then it was time to drive, and drive like a mad man. At the same time he placed a call, "Mike status RED. I repeat STATUS RED! Two agents down. Carl safe...Cannot return...Police Department have blocked the road to the Estate...Repeat you are in danger...Action Command 1. I repeat, Action Command 1." "Action Command 1 immediately. Estate on full alert!" Mike looked at me and I placed all of the children with Nonna, Anna and Thomas as well as the household staff in the panic room. Obviously I cannot tell you where it is as you would know where to find it if I did. "Thomas, Action Command 1 activated you know the procedure." As I was closing the door I reached in and pulled out the kevlar jackets that you see press people wearing. We did not want to have a look that was natural we wanted protection so it was a full sleeveless body armour with groin protection. I made everyone put them on that stayed with me. Thomas looked at me, "Join us please LJ. They're after you. I could not bare losing you." I hugged the man that had been more than a father to me as he already knew my answer. He locked the kids and Nonna safe with him and all of our records. He then used the satellite phone in the panic room and made two calls. "King David please... Sire? Action Command 1 activated at Stoneacre ... the Prince is under attack, I repeat the Prince is under attack." "Thomas hold tight we'll get to you, Keep the children safe. Where is Madam Belle? I understand she was there today." "Walt, Belle and Linc flew home earlier, they're safe. The Prince is out there with the security team and Gunny is out with two rogue agents. Carl who we were protecting I don't know where he is." "Message received response activated. I repeat response activated." He hung up. Next Thomas called the President, "President Myers please...Lord Aquamaine's Major Domo. Yes I'll wait... President, Action Command 1 the Prince of Bowland is under attack... Yes sir it is the police. Thank you the children are safe ... No, you do not need to know where." He hung up. Why did that whole conversation seem wrong and why did he ask where the children were? Thomas was angry. If the police wanted to have a war then they had one. Chrysland was activated and its forces were on the way to the Stoneacre Estate so was the President of the United States, but were they on the same side? While this was happening Charlie called Belle's mobile. "Aunt Belle the Prince is in danger. Action Command 1 has been activated. All but father are safe. I repeat we are safe, but he is not. Please..." with that he broke down and dropped the phone. Nonna picked it up. "Madam Belle, Gunny was attacked by two rogue agents and he dropped Carl off for his own safety. We do not know where either of them are. It was two rogue agents... Thank you madam my little ones are scared for their father." Remembering this is possibly the most painful memory that I will have to record. I called it battle because to us, at that moment, that is what it was. I know the children and everyone was safe that could be safe, but people that I loved were in danger. We had activated all security measures including the electric fences around the property. The building was on complete shut down and no one would be able to get in or out to any of the properties on the estate. I sat with Todd and Simon while we waited for news. Todd was in tears as Gunny had been father and mother to him for most of his life. In the end Simon placed his head on his lap and covered him over so that he would sleep. I left them to their private moment and walked out to Mike and Dave. "What do you think guys?" "My Lord we will not let anyone harm you." "I know. What about Gunny and Carl?" They just looked down. At that moment a text came from Gunny's phone... *** Rising Sun Motel ... Owner says Action Command 1 activated ... Carl safe. Repeat Carl is safe ... Will remain in lockdown until Lord Aquamaine's clearance. All the best guys.*** "Good news guys. Mike, Marcus your man that we placed as the new owner of the motel has just contacted. Carl is at the safe house and they have lock down. We just need Gunny to pull through now." With that we could see the television monitors activate as gunshots were sounded and the assault on the premises started. The attack stopped almost as soon as it started when their people were stunned and electrocuted. Not deadly, but they would be out of action for some time. We also heard helicopters landing on the grounds and recognised the FBI and they took control of the grounds and prepared for a full on assault. As they tried to leave the gates to get to the blockade they were attacked and the gate was assaulted. After some time the gates were once again closed, but we were at stalemate. Wondering what the hell would happen next. We heard not only helicopter overhead, but also noise of what sounded like a force arriving in the distance. At the estate we were now in stalemate waiting for the next onslaught. We all breathed a deep breath until we heard an explosion at the back of the premises and glass shattering. Someone must have got passed the guards at the entrance when the gates were open. Mike handed me a gun and told me to get to the panic room. As I was running through the house bullets started flying. I dodged as best I could and felt several fly past my head. Suddenly I felt like I had been hit in the shoulder with a sledge hammer. Kboom! I flew through the air and as I was I was hit in the chest. Kboom! That one felt like I had been hit by a baseball bat. As I was falling to the ground I was hit again in the thigh when I landed I had blacked out and everyone thought that I had been killed. When I started to come to it felt as if I had been kicked by an elephant and was struggling to breath. I think this kept me blacking in and out of consciousness. Mike made the mistake of letting this get to him and took the snipers down. What he did not know was there was a sniper to the left which in his haste he had not seen and he was shot in the head. Mike was down and Dave was alone. He took out the sniper and sank to the ground wounded himself and broken hearted as he knew Mike, his man, was dead in the line of duty. Something they both knew could happen, but also knew that they would lay their lives down had it been required. "Simon? Todd? Coast clear! I need your help I'm shot and Lord Aquamaine is down I need you Todd. Please to god I need you. I think it's already too late for Mike." With that Todd came running with Simon. Simon checked Dave and shook his head. In all my pain this was the worst that could have happened and I screamed, "Nooooooooo!" Todd came racing over and started trying to check me for wounds. Apparently the vest had taken the brunt of the impact, but because it was so close it looked like I had a cracked rib and definitely badly bruised. When he looked at my thigh he screamed, "I need help to make a tourniquet to stem the bleeding the bullet must have hit his femoral artery." With that Simon was in the kitchen getting as many clean cloths as he could and Todd had fixed his belt around my thigh and pulled tight to make it so the blood slowed. When he did that I screamed with the pain and passed out again. So Todd and Simon worked hard; Simon to maintain pressure on Dave's leg and Todd to maintain my stats as good as he could. Time was now against us and both Todd and Simon knew that they were fighting a losing battle. I was in and out of consciousness and getting weaker. That was when we heard gun fire again and it was being returned en force. I was unconscious by now and rely on others records for this. Gunny had called in all of the favours that he could think of and managed to secure the premises. Let me back track now and cover what others were doing at the same time all of this was happening... It was as if time stood still for the children, Nonna and Thomas who were stood in the panic room watching everything on the security screens. Charlie was on the phone to King David all of the time and Thomas on the phone with Belle and Linc who were all on their way to help. When they saw the attack on the house Annabelle screamed as she saw her beloved daddy fall to the ground, followed by Mike and Dave take a shot. They could not see clearly. They could see I was moving and still conscious, but also noted that there was no movement from Mike. To a trained eye also they would have seen Dave had tears rolling down his face. "Sire ... Oh My God!!!" Charlie screamed, "Daddy has been shot at least twice it looks like to the chest. Repeat daddy has been shot in the chest. Mike is down. Dave is with Simon and Todd, but Dave is injured as well. Sire father isn't moving. Hurry! Oh God please hurry." King David was in the helicopter over the sea as he was hearing this and just slumped to the ground when he heard that LJ had been shot. Why could people not just let him be a normal father with a normal family? He wanted to insist that they move back to Aquamaine, but knew that he would not run for cover. Lord Aquamaine would stand and be counted, he always had. While all of this was going on Belle and Linc were talking to Thomas and heard the children. Belle felt numb as she felt that she had failed not only Lance, but also her friend, his mother. She had failed to protect him. Linc sobbed at the thought of losing the only true friend that he had ever had. Mary being a nurse had insisted on travelling with them and had left the children with her mother as they now had a little girl as well, but she could see the fear and pain in her husband's eyes. Gunny though had managed to drive away from all of the action and had tuned the radio into a waveband that very few knew existed. This was a call that he never thought that he would make. It was a call to the General. His father. "Gunny Wilks to retribution over...Repeat Gunny Wilks to retribution over!" "Gunny, son what the hell is this all about?" "I need to mobilise every task force that you can think of. Lord Aquamaine and his family are under attack from the Law enforcement officers and have little or no protection... I repeat..." "Don't bother I heard first time. Why should we help?" "Because your little Toddy is in the middle of it as one of his guards. The house is under siege and they will all die if we do not help. That includes six innocent children sir." "My Toddy?" He paused, "My grandson?" "Yes father your grandson." "All hell is being raised for you both, ETA twenty minutes. Meet at Aquamaine Safe house. By god people will pay if Toddy is harmed in any way. My question though is why has the President not been notified?" "Father that is just it ... He has. FBI is on the grounds and they are still under attack. The Prince has been shot and Chrysland will declare war if anything happens to him." With that communication went dead and Gunny was racing back to the motel. Fifteen minutes later the air force, navy, marines and army had all been mobilized by General Wilks of the pentagon, Gunny's father. As they were arriving outside the safe house, King David's task force arrived. The General greeted them as he got of the helicopter, "Sir we got here as soon as we heard and will do everything that we can. There is no need..." King David just looked at him, "Get this and get this straight it was obvious that something was seriously wrong when we saw LJ on the television this afternoon yet you did nothing. The President did nothing. I can only assume that you are in cahoots with whoever is causing this and so is the President. "Do not bullshit me sir I was fathered by the best of bullshitter that there ever was. Now help, or stand down and let us clean up your mess. One thing is sure America will pay if anyone in the house of Aquamaine dies." "You know that you are in breach of all international protocols sire. We could declare war upon your nation." "Cut the crap Nathaniel you know as well as I do that the Prince declared war this afternoon and we are going to make damn sure that everyone sees that he has the power to make that happen. Never again will my brother be placed in such a situation." "Your brother Sire?" The general was shocked. "Yes! Since the age of ten he has been looked upon as a Prince of Chrysland in line to the throne second only to my family. America has declared war upon a Crowned Prince and so we now declare war upon those who have allowed this to happen. Step down sir or help as an ally." There was more shooting in the background and then an explosion ... "My force will move first if we fail then you are free to take the site by force general." "Wrong! We are seen to do this together ... or not at all. Are you in sire?" "Yes," and with that the whole task force was on the move on the ground and again in the air. Carl had been released by the King and placed with his guard for protection. He would remain at the back away from any action. The guard was told protect at all costs no matter what. Carl was shaken and was sobbing into Edward one of the kings guards and remained with him as everyone left. As a contingent of Chrysland and US forces arrived at the police station it was obvious that most of them were well aware of what was happening and in the process of arming themselves to head out for action. So the Kings men fired in the air while the American forces made it clear that one step out of line and they would regret it. So the forces gained complete control of the station and the police officers were arrested until the situation resolved. The battle had cost us dearly. Mike had given his life to save me and there was so much bloodshed and death that it made me so sick that this could happen. Once the place was secured the King and the President arrived with Carl. As the door opened and people stepped in there was one final sniper who had sat and waited for his shot. As Simon stood at the door the sniper shot him through the head, only for Gunny's lightning reaction to spin around and take him out. We locked the mansion again and Gunny made the window secure. As the President's man and the forces from Chrysland cleaned the area every man that was down was from the police force supposedly to protect and uphold the right and yet here we were with two fatalities and very nearly another. The children ran from the panic room and knelt around me as my David cradled my head in his lap and wept for his friend. At that moment Belle arrived in another helicopter with Zoltan and his partner. As Thomas let them in sobbing she did not need to ask. Screaming, she ran and fell to the floor sobbing as she looked at me. "Why? Why can't people let LJ lead a normal life with his family that's all he wants...?" She looked around and let Zoltan get to me. "Walt call the board and let Ian and the Masters know. Lincoln let the office of the Prince and study group know. We need to get to a hospital now." "No madam his vest took the worse, first ..." King David stood, "I want to know why the President did nothing to stop this. Myers looked like a rat caught in a trap, "What do you mean? We secured the grounds." "Yes I have thought of that and then I thought of the Trojan horse and realised how the house was able to be entered. Gunny, check the men that have been shot. I think you will find they're FBI the Presidents agents." David looked at the general. "I promise you if they are then we are at war with America, no matter what the cost." The general looked at the President, "You idiot not you as well. Return to the residence sir. Walters pick a team to guard the President he is to have no contact with anyone at all or any phone calls until we get answers." He looked at Myers, "Here is a gun sir you may want to ... retire since you are a coward." He turned and said to no one in particular, "Take him away and arrest all of the FBI that came with him. Oh and Myers you can have my resignation I have never been so ashamed of America." Gunny returned as Myers was being led away. Walking up to him he shouted in his face so close that Myers flinched as spit hit him, "Agents Winter, Dodds and Smith, a sad day for America." With each name he pinned the badge on the President. "Never hurt my boys again!" With that he just punched him full strength in the gut. The general looked at Gunny and Todd who was cradling Simon in his arms sobbing. "Gunny I want to stay here with you and my grandson. Maybe we can be a family after all." Todd looked up and cried "Oh Pops!" his grandfather just sank to the ground and nursed him as he nursed his beloved Simon. Edward and Carl arrived and Carl just sank to his knees sobbing "I am so sorry!" Thomas took Carl in his arms and simply said "It is not for you to be sorry. You are one of ours now." Gunny looked at the box. There among envelopes that we did not know about was Carl's mother's and grandparents wills, but also the original will of Lady Charlotte Marie Bravender. Once Charlie had taken the box and locked it in the panic room. No one would find it there. Belle, Walt, Nonna and King David along with Edward, Carl and the kids all headed out to the Kings helicopters. The forces that were there tried to stop the children as they walked forward. Charlie looked at them as they tried to block his way and simply asked "Do you really want to take me on sir. I am so dying to kick ass at the moment. That is Lord Aquamaine Prince of Bowland the only father that I have ever known. Do not even think of stopping us being with him. I was loaded on to one chopper with Belle and Walt and Zoltan. The king organised the rest of the family and ensured that we all had security. As they left the house Charlie looked at Anna and Thomas "Make sure that the best is given to both Mr Simon and Uncle Mike. We want to remember them, as they were the best of the best." As Todd and Dave heard this their composure finally broke. "Mr Thomas, look after Todd. Mr Dave get in to the helicopter with father as you need to be treated. General sir can we trust you?" "Yes Lord Lyonaisse, my Toddy needs me and it is time for a stupid old man to forget the past hurt." "Make sure the place is secured and that Mr Simon and Mr Mike are looked after. Thomas start getting assessments of what is needed to get the place secure again. Cost does not matter, just make it so. General with your knowledge can you help him and if possible make the security stronger?" He turned, "Gunny you are with us if you are up to it." Gunny nodded and with that they ran to the helicopter. As we were flying away we heard a gunshot. The flight paused and we found out that the President had shot himself. He would be made a hero by the story that I insisted on that he was shot protecting my family. The American public did not need to lose trust in their figure head at this time. It turned out that Dave would be out of action for some time as he had been shot in the knee and it had shattered his patella. We arranged with the doctor to replace the knee cap, but it meant that he would never return as our chief guard. So Charlie had a word with him as we decided that we needed a larger security contingent and in doing so we would need a coordinator. Dave readily agreed as he loved the family. Me, I was lucky. The bullet to the shoulder had simply caused bad bruising. The bullet to the chest had caused bruising and a cracked rib which they bound up. As for my leg it was a straight in and straight out wound. Once they had fixed the artery and stopped the bleeding I was fine. After two days I was allowed home. When I arrived I was shocked by the outpouring of hate towards the family. Nothing direct, but often that is the worst type. I don't know what caused the outpouring of hate, but pour it did. It seemed that we were outcasts and people made us feel exactly that. When we went back to the school we were unable to get an appointment and when we called the heads direct they were unavailable. First shot and nearly killed, then ostracised. I can tell you we had had enough and were ready to move back to Texas or even over to Rooksfeld Manor and abandon America completely. Instead I called the private investigator and got him to look into the foundation that the will of Lady Charlotte Marie Bravender had established. Luckily we were able to give him a copy of the will and all of the provisions and also let Linc have a copy so he could go over it as well. Something just did add up. Once they came back to us we were over the moon as we finally had the ability to act. Charlie and the children called a press conference at the school assembly hall and invited all of the TV stations and national media to attend. We didn't care what they thought of us as we entered the school with Linc in full control having an injunction of some description to stop them from interfering. We did pause and invite them to attend though. I was still in a lot of pain so Dave and I sat at the back with the rest of the family while the children and their new security team which Gunny and the General had organised stood with them. The General from this day would be their main protector. I had been lucky as I had been shot in the chest twice and only received brusing because of the vest that I was wearing. The shot to the thigh went in one side and out the other and once cleaned and stitched just caused me to have a limp for the rest of my life. Mike and Simon were not as lucky and the press conference was going to put the people of this area well and truly in their place. At 10am Charlie and the children stood on the podium in front of the line of microphones and little Colt addressed the cameras. "Ladies and gentlemen of America it is with great sorrow that we the children of the Crowned Prince of Bowland and owners of the Aquamaine and Bravender brands address you this day." TJ continued. "On Monday this week father declared war upon what we have discovered to be called `The Golden Knights'. An insidious group that profit in the sale and slavery of young boys and who take delight in the torture and murder of these boys. Charlie my brother was one himself many years ago until father saved him." Jr spoke, "When we went to view our school on Monday the coach and the football team attempted to rape all of us and indeed the coach did molest our sister before we put an end to it. You may well ask how? We are all martial arts trained and we can look after ourselves. We announce today that court cases, led by our attorney Lincoln Struthers of `Bravender, Struthers and Tremaine' law firm, will be brought against all parties involved then, and later during the siege of Stoneacre Estate. At that time our family were murdered and our father seriously injured." Here he looked at the headmasters and all in the hall, "Ladies and gentlemen go to war with us and will bloody well go to war with you... and we will win." Ezekiel looked up, "Father was shot in the chest, shoulder and leg and only because he was wearing a bullet proof vest did he survive. Our footman and special guard both citizens of Chrysland were killed and were not as lucky as our father. Rumour has been spread that the President gave his life in protecting our family. I hate to burst the bubble. What a load of bollocks. This is a total lie we will say no more, but we are suing the United States of America for damages which we will win as Chrysland will maintain a state of war if we do not." Annabelle looked up,"Since that day you have hated us. You have ignored us. You have even stopped us from attending school. This is stopping and stopping today." There was laughter from the crowd and reporter shouted "You and whose army little darling?" Annabelle smiled, "This army." At that she waved the document that she was holding. "We have here the original documents and will that created the foundation for the Bravender schools that granted education to all. I read, and please remember this was the great great great Aunt of my father. The document reads, `As no direct descendant', but surely she was a relative of the Duke of Ravenswood? Oh well where was I, `As no direct descendant has been found the fortune of the Patterson Estate will be placed in trust with the school board of the region. To provide education for all." she paused... Continuing she went on, "This is where it is important so listen up. I continue to read," she paused, "To provide education for all UNTILL a DECENDANT of Lady Charlotte Marie Bravender be found. Then all lands, buildings and premises will resort back to the said family." Charlie looked at the crowds and then at the cameras. "Ladies and gentlemen that alone was illegal as it was well known that she was Lady Charlotte Marie Bravender of Rooksfeld Manor in Chrysland and so a descendant could have been found. It was never the Patterson estate." He paused as murmurings started around the hall. Charlie continued, "Mr Lincoln Struthers is today petitioning the supreme courts of America for the return of all lands and finances that were in the will. This includes the Bravender Bank which later changed its name to the Freedom Bank breaking the law... Bravender Investments which is now Florris Investments again breaking the law ... Also all of the land around this area and the Ranch that was called Lazy T just outside of the town which is now the internationally acclaimed Lazy T Shopping Mall that serves this area, again breaking the law." There was now shouting and people vying to get their chance to speak. General Wilks stood and banged his gavel which he had and bellowed, "Be quiet!" Shock of shocks they did as well. "Now sit down and listen to the lad." Charlie smiled, "Be warned we are coming for you! All of these along with the school buildings and finances will be returned to the Bravender family or those of you that do not will be arrested. You have brought this upon yourselves for we would never have known otherwise if you had treated us right. Even if we had known we would have done nothing. As father said YOU want war? Well never go to war with us or you will bloody well lose!" Annabelle stood, "We now insist that the leaders of the aforesaid properties and businesses remove themselves and cease breaking the law. We will start by the removal of the three headmasters who have initiated all of this and have brought this upon you." Bateman stood up and raised his arm, he was holding a gun, "By god you're good, but not as good as we are......"He never got chance to say anymore because as he went to pull the trigger the General acted in order to save Annabelle's life. Annabelle simply smiled, "See what background your President was from? It was his family that sold the ranch and created the shopping mall thus making his family millions. It was also his brother that just tried to murder me. Changing his name to Myers when he went into politics does not erase a family history." There was a hush in the hall as I stepped forward using my stick for support as I was in so much pain. "We do not want to do any of this, but we do want to live in peace and America seems intent on ensuring that I do not. At this moment special agents assigned by General Wilks are entering all of the said properties and businesses and seizing all of the records." I paused and let it sink in. "All of the four families are being arrested and charged with theft, attempted murder, fraud and embezzlement of funds. Please arrest the remaining heads of these schools and everyone else indicated as all of the other arrests in town are now taking place. I would also like to introduce to you the families that have done this. Arrest Evelyn Walters, sister of Coach Boyer and wife of the police deputy superintendent. Boyer took control of the bank back in the 1800s. Arrest Charles Patterson a descendant of my own grandfather's family. His family took control of the investment company in the 1800s. Martin Bateman's family as you know took control of the ranch and more recently it was Bateman himself that made millions on the sale. Captain Masterson has been arrested but his family took all of the land and made millions on the rents that you pay to Masterson Land and Properrties and have done since the 1800s knowingly. I am sorry. I have had to fight greed since I was ten years old. Maybe I am finally too old." At that point I staggered and fell backwards. TJ and JR rushed to my side and caught me. The fear etched in their faces that I might be ill. I was. I was sick to the teeth with people and their greed. It had cost me dearly in the past and now I had to face two more funerals. Charles stood and took my place. "Auditors are entering these four original family homes and businesses and will produce a full audit and we will have reparation. The Police Captain and his family are already arrested. The only one who is not is Carl. He would not mind the truth being told as his father and family will soon face prison. His beloved father and uncle raped and sold him on a daily basis with the heads of this school knowing what was happening. How safe are your children?" There was gasp from the audience. "I hope all of the jails and prisons are watching this as Carl could have been your child that you are unable to see at the moment. Put these men in the showers with big Bubba and make them scream." Charlie looked at Carl and they simply nodded as the General held Carl as he sobbed. "All of what has been stolen from the foundation will be returned. The schools will remain schools, but will rent the property from my family who will then decide the investment we make into them each year. The bank and the investment companies will given back to my family." Charlie continued for some time with the expectations, but essentially the meeting was over and the families now knew where they stood. Fear gripped the area. Over the next few days things changed. First our security detail grew considerably and the General as we knew him became a very important part of the family. He refused to let the children go anywhere without his protection. He was a war hero from Afghanistan and everyone knew and respected him. When it became known that the General was leading our security, people who had worked with him and who he had trained in the past came to him wanting to be involved. You see they had become disheartened with the authorities that they were working for. The Supreme courts resisted the application for the return of the Bravender foundation and properties to the family only until the General stood and let it be known that he would reveal the reason why the request was being refused if it was not treated like any other application. For some reason things started to go smoothly from that moment and people realised that we were not to be going to be played with. Money came pouring back to us after all of the arrests were made and we were soon had all of our properties back. We were the owners of the Bank, which we changed the name of to Bravender - Freedom Bank. We were the owners of the Investment Company, which we change the name of to Bravender - Florris Investments. We were the owners of the Shopping and Pleasure Mall, again we changed the name to Bravender - Lazy T Mall. As a final move the Masterson Properties were renamed to Bravender - Boston Properties. The people that we felt sorry for were the children of the families that were involved and Charlie met with everyone so that he could feel out the situation. That boy had one hell of a knack with reading people. This was the time when he took the step to plead for the release of several college age boys and included all of the children. He found that the bitter hatred came from the parents and grandparents, but the distant relatives were not involved in any way. So the authorities released them and they took custody of the children for each family. King David, Belle, Walt and Linc all remained with us and helped with everything until things started to settle down. Before moving on with the record of the family we ought to cover how things came about as well once everything had settled. This all took time to happen, but we need to let you know so that we can cover the more important subject and that is the goodbye we had to bid to our friends. The CPS was reviewed the authorities under the eye of the General and a newly married young lady from Texas, Catherine Thompson Rinaldi was appointed as the director with full rein to organise and recruit exactly how she thought it was needed. Her husband was recruited as the headmaster for Bravender High. Likewise the Police Deputy Superintendent and Captain along with all of the police officers were recruited from outside the state. They moved into homes which Stoneacre Estate had returned to it as the families moved away from the area because of their involvement in the siege and scandal. The school again looked outside the state for recruiting and Sherry Stevens became the head of the elementary school, her husband being one of the new deputies in the police department. She acted as joint head of the middle school for the first year as they struggled to fill that role. Eventually Mark Rogers became the head of the middle school. His partner Lukas Koch became the Police Captain. Nico Rinaldi, Catherine's husband, became the headmaster of the high school. Bruno Rinaldi, Nico's younger brother became head coach for the three schools. Stephanie Koch, sister of Lucas Koch was head of music and drama for all three schools and got the interview with Dave for Lucas. Stephanie also acted as deputy head of the middle school. Mia Russo was head of language studies for all three schools and worked with Nico Rinaldi as deputy head of the high school. Once in place they worked to get a full faculty and met with the school board on a regular basis to ensure that they were meeting expectations. At the same time they had to fill the Deputy Superintendent of police's role. Dave showed interest in it, but held back as he felt loyal to the family. After many discussions we agreed that with the loss of Mike he needed to find himself. We did however insist that he remain living on the estate in one of the houses. I suggested that we build a house to his design as a thank you, specifically for his family going forward and he loved the idea. So the Mike Russo Lodge was built and was given to Dave. It stood across from the main gatehouse facing out onto the street and was a typical Aquamaine design which Mike would have loved. By the time all of the audits were complete and the full extent of the fraud known it dated right back to Lady Charlotte's days and the original members of the four families even before her death. The mayor of the area at the time she died insisted that he control the will and it was he that created the supposed foundation. Since then it had been used to benefit the four family's party to the crime. Martin Bateman's ancestor was the mayor. There had been a mass exodus by the families as they became aware that we might come hunting them if we were really out for blood. Families simply accepted that the good life was over and that it was time to move on. In this way they averted war as Chrysland accepted this. As families moved Stoneacre Estates were notified that their house was vacant and as the family had never paid for it, it belonged to the Estate. They dropped the keys off at the gatehouse in droves. Often we also heard that estates had been vacated and the keys left at the gatehouse. In total over eighty six properties became vacant and became ours as they were on our land and the money from the will had been used to build them. We feared that the extent of the hatred for us ran deep, but when the truth was known and the families removed the outpouring that took place was astounding and it was exactly opposite to what had been happening before. The real people of Boston and America were real people and welcomed us with open arms. They were thankful that the oppression which had been over the area was gone. As everything settled we donated the grounds and buildings back to the school board. We also set up the foundation officially this time so that it was there to manage the individual school needs and to ensure that ALL children in the area are able to obtain an education. We specified that nothing had to be charged, it was free for all. We also specified that a family representative had to serve on the school board as did one of the children. The child representative had to be nominated by the children of the schools. We were pleased as punch when Carl was nominated by almost everyone. I was surprised at the turn of events here as both Gunny and Todd jumped at the opportunity to serve with Carl. Gunny was successful in becoming the chairman of the board, but Bruno Rinaldi the coach asked Todd to become the swim coach as they had been in opposing school teams when Todd was state champion and he knew Todd only just missed being selected for the Olympics. This started Todd on to something that he loved doing and also established a live long friendship with Bruno that soon turned into a deep love. Maybe it was me, maybe I was old fashioned but I believed that school was school and play was play. We created a school uniform, much to the distress of the children, which `At Home with Aquamaine' would run in their catalogues. Any family in need simply had to apply to Annabelle or Charles and they would provide free uniforms for the children concerned without anyone else having to know. We worked with the children of the school when deciding what the uniform should be. It was finally settled on a smart navy or light blue polo shirt with the gold Bravender coat of arms on the left breast. This was matched much to the kids delight with bleached out Levis for the navy top or classic blue Levis for the light blue top. In addition there was a sweatshirt for the winter in the same mix of colours and cargo trousers in the same light and dark shades for the summer. We also included a range of winter coats acceptable for the uniform. The school was also given a sports uniform that it could have pride in. The navy blue and gold ran through everything including the speedos and wrestling singlets. When the final catalogue was presented to the school board and then to the whole school everyone loved it and soon all of the teachers wore it as well. The only thing that the teachers asked to be added was a range of skirts that could be chosen by the girls. Annabelle agreed, but ever the lady insisted that a certain length be insisted on. So she worked with Brodie Reid to make sure they were loved. The businesses were a little more complicated to transfer. Once there had been complete agreement in the courts and legally everything in name had been transferred we sent in Dwight and our team of auditors to audit everything so that we had a complete clean slate when we took over. When each Audit was complete we went into the Bank, the investment company and the mall and took control. In the bank they went out of their way to be good to us. There were fifteen branches and Charlie made sure that he interviewed every member of staff. Only in three branches out of fifteen did we experience any resistance and they soon relented. The biggest problem was the number of loans that we had to write off due to the situation, but because of the circumstances we accepted those losses. Eventually we were happy with the Bank and moved on to the investment company. Ezekiel was in his element and set about reviewing every account and every investment. He soon uncovered several areas where the family had laid sleeping agents in the firm and he destroyed them and returned the funds sitting in those accounts. After just over three days he was happy that he had the right people and could work with them. This too had twelve branches throughout the state so we visited all sites to make sure all was well. The Mall management company on the surface was supposedly an independent company that had purchased the site. It in fact was driven by the four families and they controlled everything. This was my Charlie's baby as it meant meeting with everyone in all of the shops and offices on the site and reviewing all of the audited records. Whenever any of the kids met with people the General always stood with Gunny in the background so that they knew the kids had guardian angels. All seemed well until we heard a disturbance coming from one of the stores where Colt and Nonna had gone in to. When we arrived there Colt was being held by a familiar looking female. "Stay where you are. You think you can just waltz in and take over. Didn't you get the message with the bastard son? Well I'm related to them and to Bateman. I should have a claim to it all." "Why? I am adopted by Lancelot Jefferson Bravender and even I do not feel that I should have claim to anything. He is the oldest living son by birth and he has the right of succession no one else. So why you? Colt you know what to do." On hearing Charles, Colt used the little self-defence training we had taught him to get free and run to Nonna. Once he was safe it was a matter of seconds till Annabelle stepped in and subdued the woman. "Never hurt my baby boy again do you hear me?" with that she inflicted a little more pain than was really required. That was the last we heard of the families and soon after our lives were back to normal and we started enjoying a normal life. Before we approached the school again we had to say goodbye to our friends Mike and Simon. Todd and Dave had thought long and hard about what to do and had decided that they wanted them buried where they were both the happiest and that was at the Texas ranch. There was a small burial site on the top of the paddock hill and I had spent many hours talking to Papa there and also in a way getting to know grandma. It was a hard time for all of the kids as it was the first time that they had to face the death of a person that they loved and that had been a father to all of them. Multiply that by two and you had the funeral of Simon and Mike. Both Todd and Dave would travel back to the ranch as often as they could to make sure that their boys were doing ok. On those visits we let them have the ranch for the weekend so that they could have private time. Whenever they visited there was always flowers as Dotty too looked after the boys. What surprised us all was the outpouring that took place when the area learnt that the funerals were taking place in Texas. We started receiving flowers the day before we travelled back to Texas and also cards, lots and lots of cards. Each one had money in for Todd and Dave, but both donated it to children's charities. I won't describe the funeral as I believe that is a very private affair, but the media travelled with us and it was in all the papers "A sad day for America as Lord Lyonaisse and his siblings grieve for the fallen heroes who saved their lives and their father's life. The hearts of America goes with them today." They were heroes to us and I was able to paint portraits of them and hang them in the reception room so that our friends would always watch over us. I also gave Dave a portrait of Mike, and Todd one of Simon. What touched us most was the school unveiled a plaque to the two of them and hoped that it would help the children celebrate heroism. Whereas the media did cover the entire funeral of Mike and Simon they never mentioned the President. He had shamed the country and it would forget him. The general was sickened by what happened and before the new elections took place he resigned his commission and at my invitation had moved into the old suite that Mike and Dave had used. Edward, the Kings guard, moved over and with Pete, an ex Army man recommended by the General, were my new guards. They shared a room next to mine. Each of the children had their own guards which were interviewed by both Charlie and the General to make sure that they would protect at all costs. We also placed undercover guards in the school to make sure that the kids were safe and could lead a normal life. After sitting down with all of the family and the guards assigned to us we discussed the next moved for the family. Though we were all touch by what had happened we were determined not to be chased away by the events that conspired against us. We came here to lead a normal life and lead it we would. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- That's all for now folks ... Chapter 14 - Life settles down after this and then colt goes camping with friend... ***Please note this story was written at the end of last year, beginning of this year. Regular readers of Aquamaine will know that the Boston Estate has been vistied throughout the story...Over the next few chapters the family move to Boston and experience extreme problems. This is in no way meant to minimise or scandalise the atrocities that have recently happened there. I appologise in advance if this causes upset.**** The character list has been reduced by those that do not appear again... If you enjoy reading the stories on nifty consider donating to the site to help with costs - http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html I would like to thank all of those that have written to me to say how much they are enjoying the story. Many of you have already read my other story Moonside Manor (that one is in Beginnings as well). Continue to let me know what you think it really helps to inspire me ... Write me with your feedback and comments at ukwriter12@yahoo.com ... For those of you that do contact me I will always try to reply. If there are any editors out there let me know. I have reviewed it, but a second pair of eyes never hurts. A little about myself ... I'm Kev, from the UK and born in Yorkshire... Ancestors were miners. Me I'm and accountant. I have always loved writing and hope you enjoy...Let me know!!