Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:16:03 +0000
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@hotmail.com>
Subject: Mystery and Mayhem at St Mark's:  Sequel 25

		      Mystery and Mayhem At St Mark's
				 A Sequel

				    by

				   Joel


Seq:  25:

             Some of the Characters Appearing or Mentioned:
Mark Henry Foster                          The story-teller: Newly graduated.
Tristan (Tris) Price-Williams          His well-proportioned boyfriend.
Francis Michael Foster                    Alias Toad/Gobbo   Mark's younger brother
Adam Benjamin Carr                       Mark's cousin
Ivo Richie Carr                                 Ditto, as his twin; a diplomat
Sophia Carr                                       Their mother in Dorset
George Carr                                      Their father: A farmer
Victoria ['Tory] Carr                        Ivo's wife
George Henry Carr                            Ivo and 'Tory's new-born son
Sir Henry Machin                             'Tory's father, something in the City
Lady Mary Machin                           'Tory's mother
Ignasz Zendener                                The hotel manager in Strelzen
Tomas, Igor,  Frantischek;                 Receptionists and students
Aloys zum Adamszberh                     Rector of the Rodolfer University
Jerzy zum Adamszberh                      His son, studying at Cambridge
Tadeuz Galenosz                                A botanist, also at Cambridge
Herr Diesselhorst                                A relieved Minister of the Interior
Dr Claude Valentin                            Organist of the Cathedral of St Vitali
Andrei zu Glottenberh                        Rothenian Army Officer [Special Services]
Lucasz Voynovich                              Rothenian Army Officer [Signals Division]
David Vinodosj                                   Secret police


				 Thursday

     We were due at the Cathedral at half past two.  What we didn't expect
was the military escort.  A camouflaged lorry turned up at two o'clock.
Andrei was there, in uniform, with a driver and a guard.  The lads were
quite taken aback as it drew to a halt. They, like us, were all neat and
tidy in suits.  I had held onto my shoulder bag with the box in it when we
left the hospital and sat in the back of the van clutching it and feeling a
bit uncomfortable with the sling restricting any movement.

     We drew up away from the Cathedral entrance where Father Artur was
standing with Ivo and Mr Marriott.  Jerzy and Tad were standing behind
them.  Father Artur shook hands with all of us and we followed him through
a side door.

     "His Eminence is in the Chapel and two of the other priests are with
him.  Our Librarian and the Keeper of the Treasury."  He smiled.  "Many of
our books disappeared in all the troubles and we don't have much in our
Treasury either."

     We filed up the side aisle and reached the open door.  A tall, thin,
fairly elderly cleric was there.  Not in scarlet robes as I imagined but in
a simple black cassock and dog collar.  He held out his arms and spoke in
English with Ivo translating into Rothenian.

     "Welcome my friends.  I know our meeting has been delayed but I greet
you in the name of St Vitalis our patron saint, and in the name of the
blessed St Fenice whose presence has already been made known to some of
you."  He made the sign of the Cross and everyone bowed their heads.  He
smiled at the lads, including Tad and Jerzy.  "You have shown bravery and
courage as true Rothenians.  We thank you and, no doubt, there will be more
thanks to come."  He walked over and stood in front of Tris and me.  "You
did not expect to be involved in the mysteries you have experienced.  We
know you are under powerful protection and although you have been wounded
you did not waver."  Oh, that word again.  "You brought a key which
unlocked a tomb."  He turned to one of the priests who handed him an
envelope.  "Your friends from England have written to me saying how much
they value your friendship and will never forget the kindnesses they
received when at the house.  I will meet them when they return."

     He turned to one of the priests with him.  "Father Timotei has brought
the Ring from the Treasury.  Perhaps we could see that first."

     The small rotund priest turned to the ornate altar and picked up a
glass-walled reliquary.  On a small plinth was a Ring.  As he held it up
and turned it to show it off I could see it looked exactly like the one
Charles had found.  I looked at Tris who nodded.

     "We are certain they look identical," I said.

     The Cardinal smiled.  "That is our most precious possession.  Soon we
shall see the other one."

     The priest returned the case to the place on the altar and was smiling
broadly.

     The Cardinal turned to Father Artur who then pointed to my shoulder
bag.  "You have brought more..." He shook his head.  "...We are puzzled.
May we see?"

     There was a small table at the side of the Chapel.  Tad and Jerzy went
over and picked it up and placed it in front of the altar.  I opened my bag
and took out the wrapped box.  I carefully unwrapped it and placed it in
the middle of the table.  Father Timotei stepped forward and bent down to
study it.  He looked up sharply, held up a finger and just about scampered
off as fast as his fat little legs could carry him.  As soon as he had
disappeared everyone in turn had a look at the box and its carving.

     I took the two keys out of my pocket.  I explained they had been sent
to me by Dr Stein who was a descendant of Baron Wildenstejn and he was in a
line of 'guardians'. I said that the silver one had unlocked the door of
the mausoleum at the house in Gastberh.  We wondered if the gold key, being
much smaller, would unlock the box.  I said that I had been sent a picture
of St Guthlac which matched the depiction on the box of the angel handing
him what was thought to be a scourge.  I took Dr Masterton's picture out of
my bag and passed it round.  That last word 'scourge' took a bit of time to
translate but Father Artur came up with something in Rothenian which made
them all nod.

     I gave the two keys on the key ring to the Cardinal.  He smiled as he
read the inscription of 'Phillips, Van Zyl and Partridge'.  He was about to
insert the gold key in the keyhole when the little priest came puffing
back.  He was holding an identical, rather dusty, box.  But this one had
already been opened forcibly as the front wood was cracked and it was
empty.

     He explained it had been in the Treasury in a cupboard.  No one knew
what it was for and it hadn't been on show for many years.  They hadn't
associated it with St Guthlac as someone in the past had tried to
obliterate the Saint's face.

     Very slowly the Cardinal inserted the gold key in the second box and
turned it.  The box opened easily and inside was another silver key.  The
Cardinal didn't pick it up but placed the one on the key-ring beside the
box on the table.

     "They are the same," he said.  "Why?"

     I was thinking hard.  The single key had opened all four locks in
turn.  We still had to surmise how that one had got to Great Britain.  I
assumed it's original home was in the other box.  Two identical keys
perhaps were needed to open two locks.  Two locks at the same time.  I
looked at Tris.  He was thinking along the same lines as he nodded.

     "I think there are two locks which have to be opened simultaneously,"
he said and Ivo translated the sentence.

     "I think it's in this Chapel," I said.  I picked up the key-ring and
gripped the silver key.  I felt that familiar warmth as I held it.
Everyone watched as Pyotor and Yniold walked to the rail in front of the
altar.  Pyotor picked up part of the top rail which allowed access to the
back of the altar.  The boys disappeared behind the altar and we heard
Pyotor explaining something to Yniold.  The Cardinal smiled, lifted out the
other key and we all followed the boys.

     Pyotor then said something rather involved in Rothenian to the
Cardinal.  The Cardinal laughed.  "The boy confesses he has explored this
Chapel a number of times.  He was in the choir and the boys would play, I
think you call it, 'hide and seek'.  He hid behind St Guthlac's altar and
wondered why there were two holes side by side.  He tried to look but he
thought they were blocked even though he pushed a pencil in."

     There was plenty of room behind the altar as we crowded round and
Pyotor pointed out the two holes.  I noted Tris had his digital camera up
and was taking shots.  The Cardinal put one key in one hole and I put the
other in the second hole and as he counted 'One, two, three' we turned the
keys.  What happened next surprised us all.  Yes, I had been struck by the
altar's similarity to a rather large sideboard.  The front had a bank of
porcelain shelves on which were vases of flowers and candlesticks and now
the back opened with a creak and a groan and showed an interior also of
shelves, but wooden.  Each shelf was stacked with objects.  It was quite
dark but I made out a couple of what could be chalices and, almost in pride
of place in the centre, what looked like a smaller version of the St
Guthlac's relic from the College.

     The four priests were talking animatedly together as the rest of us
stared, just about open-mouthed, at the many objects within.  Tris was
standing, then on his knees, taking photographs.

     The Cardinal held up a hand.  "My friends, I think we may have found
things which were hidden many years ago.  Father Timotei says the chalice
there is likely to be one hidden when we were invaded by Albertus and the
old town was destroyed and the Cathedral was under siege."

     "Albertus Verrus?" I asked.

     Father Timotei said something in rapid Rothenian.  The Cardinal looked
impressed.  "How do you know?"

     I explained about the burnt documents.  I also said that the Palace
Archivist had a drawing of the key and he didn't know why.

     "And all this was under the protection of St Fenice," I said.

     I don't know who was more enthralled by all that had happened.  The
Cardinal said the contents of the altar would have to be listed and
accounted for by properly trained archaeologists.  Yep, we knew that
because we had seen them at work in College.  He said something to Father
Artur.  "Father Artur will be in charge and as soon as all is listed you
must all come and see everything."  He said something then to Father
Timotei.  "Father Timotei will talk to the Palace Archivist and Father
Petrus will look for clues in our meagre Library.  Until all is done we
will only make a small announcement."  He smiled at the lads.  "We have
seen history today," he said as Ivo translated for us.

     He was in a really ebullient mood.  He sent Jerzy and Tad to warn his
housekeeper to prepare afternoon tea.  Father Artur whispered "that was
planned anyway".  We stared a little longer at the opening and I could just
make out several flat dishes and a number of small engraved boxes but there
seemed to be much more as many things were piled on others.

     The Cardinal gave me the key-ring I had brought and with the help of
Ivo and Andrei the heavy doors were closed and the Cardinal and I locked
them again with the two keys.  I guessed the doors were iron even though
backed with porcelain.  "We will lock the Chapel as well and, if I may, I
will keep the two keys safely."  He unlinked the silver key from the
key-ring.  "Please give the gold key back to Dr Stein.  You must tell him
his family have been true guardians.  I will write to him as well.  I would
like him and his son to visit us." He turned to Tris.  "I would be very
pleased to have copies of the photographs you have taken."

     It was while we were having a substantial tea of pastries and
sandwiches that Mr Marriott came over to us.  He was laughing.

     "You seem to have the knack of making things happen.  Now I've got to
make things happen for you.  I expect you know there are no flights out
today or tomorrow and you have to be in Cambridge on Saturday for the
degree ceremony."

     I'd forgotten that.  I supposed a train somehow to Paris or Lille then
Eurostar might be a possibility.

     "Have you heard of Diplomatic Bags?" he continued.

     Yes.  I'd come across references in a couple of detective novels.  How
governments got secret documents across borders without them being snooped
at.  Tris looked at him wondering what he was going to say.

     "Well, you two are official Diplomatic Bags tomorrow.  The General was
highly amused when I asked him.  Be ready packed at two o'clock.  A car
will pick you up and take you to the military airstrip and you'll be
dropped off at a small airfield fairly near Gatwick and you'll be ferried
from there.  You'll be home by six I guess as we're one hour ahead of
British time.  Just one thing.  All hush hush!"

     Rather bemused, but very contented that there had at last been a happy
outcome of all the 'trials and tribulations' which an even more cheerful
Father Timotei said of the happenings, both Tris and I watched as the
Cardinal went the rounds and spoke with everyone.  The lads had also
witnessed something which put their injuries on a different plane.  They
had been so brave.  Each of them received a personal blessing from the
Cardinal as we left.  He had a special word for Pyotor who was almost
glowing.  "His Lord says I must sing for him.  He hear I have good voice
even though I stick pencils in holes."

     We were whisked off back to Ivo and 'Tory's where Lucasz was waiting
to see Andrei.  They still had much to discuss as Lucasz led Andrei off to
the room Ivo used as a study.  George Henry was awake and cooed when I held
him and Tris put Henry the Lion in front of him.  "I doubt if he can focus
yet," said 'Tory, "But I bet his first memories will be of his fond
Uncles."  Oh, forthright, pragmatic 'Tory, you touched a chord then.

     As we mulled over what we'd seen that day I think we probably came to
a sensible conclusion about the boxes and the keys.  The two keys were kept
in the two boxes.  One was in the possession of the cathedral, the other
was given to a 'guardian' to keep until the appropriate time.  When the
Baron's wife and then the Baron had died, someone knew that one key was
necessary to open the mausoleum.  We suspected that Baron Julius had
confided in his friend who had then engineered the break-in of the
Cathedral's box.  The box with the second key and the gold key was already
out of the country and somehow after the Baron's death the other key had
made it's way to Julius Stein.  In conversation with Jerzy we had learned
that a previous Cardinal was very much in league with the extreme
right-wing and, although not a member of the Rothenian fascist movement,
had done little to curb their excesses.  So, Julius's friend had been able
to do things without raising suspicion.

     Tris wrote down our thoughts and a second 'affidavit' was drawn up.
Ivo was most complimentary.  "I'll say it once, you're a loss to the
Diplomatic Corps."  Then back to usual Ivo.  "But then, if you joined you'd
probably be posted as Fifth Secretary, Paperclips Division, in Outer
Mongolia.  How's your Mongolian?"

     Tris didn't quite give him the usual two fingers as 'Tory was there.
In his gentle, urbane manner he said that if permitted as soon as Andrei
and Lucasz were finished in the study he would like to download the
photographs and send them to Father Artur as he was sure Ivo had his e-mail
address.

     Andrei was quite subdued when he and Lucasz came back in.  "I must go
tomorrow to see the Lieutenant's family.  Lucasz will come with me. We will
have a proper military funeral on Tuesday and he can be buried at his home
but not in a churchyard.  He was very foolish.  Two other young officers
have resigned and a Major has been arrested.  I hope we can protect the
King although he is in England."  He shook his head. "This could be used to
show the military is corrupt.  The General is talking to the correspondents
of the papers tonight.  At least they will be able to write about that
Casino man and his evil empire. The Parliament is having a discussion
tomorrow but we do not know what they will say.  There are suspicions even
there.  What we need is more good news like the arrest of that other man
Gorschkov.  Lucasz says they know where he is.  You told them that..," He
looked across at 'Tory. "...He arrived there this morning and we have asked
for him to be taken in for questioning."

     So the day had gone from surprise when the use of the keys was
revealed, to happiness at the treasures being restored, to wonderment at
being designated Diplomatic Bags and now to sombreness at the contemplation
of the sadness of the poor Lieutenant's family.  Ivo and Tris disappeared
off to the study and after that I think we were all ready to break up the
evening.  Lucasz said he would drive us to the hotel and get Andrei back to
his billet.  Yes, Andrei did look a bit haggard.  "I will see you next week
when we can all be happy," he said as we gave each other rather clumsy hugs
on the pavement outside the hotel.  Yes, my arm was stinging and I had to
get the dressing changed at the hospital in the morning.  Tris said his
dressing itched as they had cut away his hair to suture the wound.

     Ignasz was in solitary state behind the Reception desk.  He grinned
when he saw us.  "Those boys they make Franzi's father take them to
McDonalds.  He says his son is very brave.  That is good.  He is a good
boy."  He reached behind him.  "Here is letter from hospital.  To be there
at nine o'clock."  He handed over a sealed envelope.  Was he a secret
steamer?  "My friend that doctor phoned to say to take one pill each.  They
are in envelope as well.  Good night sleep."

     We dutifully swallowed our pills and there was no sex that night!
There was no stinging arm either just a restful sleep.  Tris's last words
as he settled down were a repeat of those heard before.  "You'll find
treasures of many kinds."


                                                                Friday

     Even after the pills we were awake bright and early.  We decided to
leave as much clothing to be divided amongst the lads with the promise of
more to come.  We wrote our thanks to each on the backs of five postcards.
Yes, the ones from College.  We would leave them to puzzle out the context.
Ivo's beard might make recognition difficult in the one for Yniold, but he
would be meeting Frankie quite soon.  The dancers for Pyotor and Tomas
would prove no problem and a Satyr each for Igor and Franzi might need some
explanation.

     We took a taxi to the hospital and our dressings were changed.  We
were told the stitches could be removed in a week's time but I had to keep
the sling on for at least one more day in case my arm was bumped.  Our male
nurse made a point of coming over.  We shook hands and with the help of a
young lady nurse expressed our thanks for the care he had given us.  We
didn't mention the apparition but he seemed to have forgotten that as he
said he had been blessed when Father Artur had been there.

     So after a nice lunch next door we were packed and ready just before
two o'clock and standing in the lobby trying to get Franzi to say the
alphabet in English, with a proper Zed and not a Zee!  Ivo came hurtling
through the door.  "Are my two old bags ready?  Great news!  They've
arrested Gorschkov.  Turns out he's not Russian so he was an illegal
immigrant from Lord knows where.  He's on a plane back here and Mrs G and
the children are so pleased as he was a real swine to them.  She is
Russian, she was married before so the kids aren't his and she's staying
there.  Well, mustn't gossip as this is another day gone phut!  Come on,
transport's waiting!"

     The two Diplomatic Bags joined a laughing Mr Marriott in the best
Legation car.  We were given an attache case with a chain which Mr Marriott
locked round Tris's wrist.  "That's got all our secrets in there," he said,
"At the other end you'll have it unlocked, if they haven't forgotten the
key and you'll be home for tea!"

     "What happens if they've forgotten the key?" a rather bewildered Tris
asked.

     "Plenty of one-handed openings in your line of business I'm sure."  He
looked at me.  "Just in case."  He handed me a key-ring with a single small
silver key on it.  "It did happen some years ago and the Fire Brigade had
to file it off so we have a few spares.  Give it to the lad who collects
the case.  He'll be a squaddie of some sort.  As long as he doesn't lose it
I'll get it back sometime."

     We had been driven quite rapidly out of the city and pulled into a
small airfield with the usual windsock and rather dingy looking hangars.  A
small twin-engined jet was in front of one of them.  We thanked the driver
and Mr Marriott took us over to the stairway up to an open door on the
plane while a young soldier took our bags and waited for us.  Mr Marriott
went in first and introduced us to the pilot and co-pilot.  They were
laughing as he shook their hands and turned to us.  "Funny couple of bags
they said and it's upset their afternoon.  Captain Aronowicz is one of the
pilots of the display team and he was going to practice a couple of rolls
and flips over the English Channel.  It's OK, your fame goes before you and
the General has decreed you are to be delivered safe and sound, though I
dread what will happen on the flight back."

     As it happened both pilots could speak good English.  They'd trained
with the Red Arrows and were full of praise for our own pilots.  Just
before we left three others joined us.  A very sullen-looking man, who
immediately had one hand handcuffed to a ring by the seat, and what
transpired to be two policemen of David's ilk.  Another British villain
who'd though himself safe and had used Rothenia as a bolt-hole rather than
the Costa Brava.

     The flight was fast and very smooth.  We'd stocked up with bars of
chocolate and being kind souls offered them around even to the hand-cuffed
man.  "Thanks mate," he said to me, "First time in two months someone has
shown a bit of pity."  He then saw the chain on Tris's wrist.  "Bloody
hell, what've they got you for?"

     I forbore from saying something like 'shagging the President's
son-in-law' or 'making off with the takings from the Ministry male brothel'
as the second might be too close to the mark.  Tris just looked at him.

     "I'm a Diplomatic Bag."

     Matey was silent for the rest of the flight.  One could almost imagine
the cogs meshing.  He did look at Tris's legs encased in trousers.
Transvestite?  Drag artist?  Arrested for what?  Flashing his
unmentionables at the Mothers Union or equivalent?

     On landing we had to wait while matey was unlocked and escorted down
to an anonymous white van with barred windows and a small door at the back.
He was handed over to two prison guards and the last we heard was a shouted
'Fucking bastards' as he was helped none too kindly into the confines of
the van.  We shook hands with the pilots.  "Nothing too spectacular on the
way back.  We've got those two to return.  Mustn't spoil their nice
trousers."  The captain indicated the two Rothenian plain-clothes policemen
who waved and did then smile.

     We clambered down the stair and followed the soldier who was pushing
our bags on a trolley and walked over to a black car whose driver was
signalling to us.

     "Oh my God!" he began, "Not you again.  I wondered why the duty
officer said I could have ten minutes to visit my Mum on the way back."

     I recognised him, too.  "Hello, Philip, you seem to get all the
interesting jobs."

     "All he said was there were three Diplomatic Bags to be collected and
I was to make sure I didn't leave any on the back seat like those other
arses up and down Whitehall do.  I wondered why your address was given.
What's it all about?"

     No, we didn't play him up.  Of course Trooper Parkinson remembered
collecting the envelope in Cambridge.  A couple of stifled 'Bugger me!'s
accompanied the tale of what the contents of the envelope had led us into
as he drove us up a country lane and then joined the M23 by what seemed an
unmarked entry.  We really told him nothing in detail, just that a couple
of nasty crime empires had been toppled.

     "Yeah, there was something on the ITN news last night about Rothenia
but I didn't take much notice.  Something about good intelligence had
cleared up some major problems.  It did show the King.  He's at Oxford
isn't he?  Rocky's got a place there if he passes his A levels.  Bugger'll
want to go to Sandhurst after that and then he'll claim family ties to the
Regiment."  He laughed.  "I told him he'd better glue himself to the saddle
otherwise he'll fall off when he salutes Her Majesty."

     "He'd better get Tris's sister to teach him to ride, then."

     "Oh, he's started already. There's some Camilla he's always on about."

     "That's my sister's friend," said Tris.  "From what I hear he'd be
onto a good thing.  She adores good, upright young men."

     Philip let out a snort.  "She'll have one there though I say it
myself!  Better watch the traffic now and I don't want to be done for
speeding.  I do this trip a couple of times a week so I get to know where
the rozzers sit."  He laughed.  "DB's come in from all over but it's the
first time I've had a couple of human ones!  Did collect something once for
one of the other Embassies and was met by an armed guard when I drove into
their courtyard.  I never found out what it was all about but my Captain
said we weren't doing any more runs for that mob!  I guess someone was
smuggling drugs or diamonds as the case was quite small.  I watched the
newspapers and a few days later it said a diplomat had been send back
home."

     He certainly knew his way around the back streets of South London.
I'd turned my watch back an hour just before we landed and it was just
quarter to six when he drew up in front of my house.  He helped us put our
bags on the pavement.  I handed him the silver key and he unlocked the
attache case chain.  Tris looked rather relieved .  He then locked it round
his own left wrist.  "We're taught to drive like this though I could put it
on a ring in the car.  Mum'll be impressed when she sees it."

     We waved him goodbye and managed to get our bags to the backdoor.  My
arm was throbbing again and Tris looked a bit tired.  But, there were
sounds of merriment as Tris opened the backdoor.  "Better see you in first
before I get tackled by Mum.  We can bring the bags in later."

     I preceded him through the lobby and the noise got louder as I
approached the kitchen door.  Gales of laughter, male and female, and the
rattle of mugs, cups and plates.  I pushed the door open and the pair of us
surveyed the scene.

     There might have been gales of laughter but what was most evident on
this quite warm June day was the immediate smell of hot, sweaty, males.
Almost gales of it.  There was an immediate hush as we stood there.  Yes,
it was quite evident the source, or sources of the aroma.  By the kitchen
dresser was Pugsy showing off his incredible physique, even more incredible
now, I thought, as a rather small, dirty, very off-white tee-shirt barely
covered his chest and top of his six-pack.  His blue denim cut-offs had
seen better days, too, and looking down I could see his brawny, hairy legs
ended in a pair of woollen socks encased in very sturdy workman's boots.
OK, one source. Two others were immediately visible.  Frankie was arrayed
almost identically as Pugsy, except I recognised his cutoffs as the
remnants of a pair of my shorts from one of Unc's older collections.  He
was standing next to someone who put even Pugsy in the shade.  Peggy
Coombs's husband, Martin, might be thirty or so, but years in the building
trade and rugger training meant he had, as the cliche goes, muscles on
muscles.  He also had a mat of black chest hair which even made fluffy
Herbert Bear look a bit wanting.  Before I could take in the other two,
almost like twins, who sat side by side laughing at something Martin had
just said, Mum screeched and almost dropped the teapot she was holding and
Auntie Dil just about capped it with a treble fortissimo 'Tristan!'.

     I had to fend off Mum who tried to hug me, sling and all.  Tris was
brought to his knees as Auntie Dil jumped up and hung round his neck.
There was a quiet "Where did they pop up from?" uttered by a seemingly
unfazed Mrs Coombs who continued to slice the cake on the board in front of
her.

     "Mum!" I managed to croak, "My arm.  Watch it, please." I think my
emotions just hit me then.  Delayed shock, perhaps.  I sagged.  Immediately
Pugsy was by my side and Martin came across and, very gently supported my
wounded side while Frankie slid a kitchen chair across under me and I sat.
I made out dimly that the other pair I didn't know had Tris between them
while Frankie got a chair for him.

     "Tea!" announced Mrs Coombs and mugs of that British elixir were given
to us.  One thing I always missed when abroad was good strong English tea.
This was bliss.  I suppose Mrs Coombs had obeyed some long-forgotten First
Aid Manual for shock victims.  I never drank tea with sugar usually but
this had been sugared to such an extent one could probably stand a spoon up
in it.  I needed it and drank it down thirstily.  I looked at Tris.  He had
finished his, too, and was sitting back with his eyes closed.

     "Is he OK?" Auntie Dil asked me with quiet concern.

     "As ever," I said.  That sugar-laden fluid was quick acting.  I felt
much better.  "I'd love a piece of that cake," I said, "And then we'll tell
you things."  Mrs Coombs was there with a plate like a shot.  But there was
something else.  The other pair.  I looked over at Frankie who was
wrinkling his nose.

     "Wondered when you'd ask," he said.  He looked at Tris.  "Wake up,
Tris, and I'll introduce our new friends."  Hearing that command Tris had
opened his eyes and was staring past Frankie at the pair who came and stood
either side of Frankie.  Tall and slim, they were also displaying quite a
bit of top body muscle which was shown off by their now very grubby
Matteoli tops which had had the arms unpicked.  Not cutoffs, but Unc's best
cargoes.  My best spare cargoes!  Now unredeemable.  Their workboots were
like Frankie's.  What was different was that their dark suntan was natural.
They could have been twins, their sharp features, aquiline noses and dark
brown glittering eyes and the smiles which then opened up gave me the clue.
I waited for Frankie.

     He held out his hands to the side and grasped the left hand of one and
the right hand of the other.  "This is Wasim the Wonderful," He raised the
hand of the one on his left.  "And this is his cousin, Kasim the
Incomparable." He raised the hand the other side.  There was an audible
groan from Pugsy.  They must have got used to Frankie very quickly as both
looked resigned to his raillery as he lowered their hands.  "Not easy to
tell them apart but Kasim had an encounter with a barrow load of sludge
today so his legs are dirtier."

     I stood up to shake hands and was surprised at the very strong grip of
both of them.  Kasim was the spokesman.  "We have heard much about you both
and we are very pleased to meet you.  I hope you are not badly injured.  Do
you need to rest?"

     Kind words and even Frankie looked concerned.  Mum was still holding
on to me and Auntie Dil had an arm round her son.  Mrs Coombs had it all
sussed.  She pointed at the grubby four.  "Go and have showers and make
yourselves look presentable.  Martin, you phone Peggy and say you've got
another assignment this evening.  She won't mind as she's got her
girlfriends coming round later.  You can clean yourself over the road and
then help me to bring that lamb casserole across.  We'll be back at seven
so get the table laid..." Here she pointed at Pugsy and Frankie.  "...And
you two can make sure all this is tidied away."  This to Wasim and Kasim
who both gave her a thumb's up.  If what Charles had said of their lineage
was correct I wondered who had precedence in terms of protocol, Mrs C, or
princely Sheikhs' sons?

     There was a general dispersal and we were left alone with our Mums.
"Are you two really alright?" Mum asked, after she suggested we moved to
the front room to give the orderlies stroke slaves a chance to get on with
their allotted tasks once they were clean.  Tris said we thought we were
and we would tell all but it would take quite a while.

     "We thought you'd be more interested in your great-nephew," I said to
Mum.

     She smiled.  "I've talked to Sophie, and Ivo and 'Tory have phoned
us. We're all flying over for the Christening.  He looks lovely and
Frankie's printed off the photos. "  She pointed to my arm and to Tris's
head.  "But what about all this?"

     Tris was straight to the point.  "Unfortunately we were ambushed but
it's only minor damage.  Ivo was with us and he's OK" He leaned over and
kissed his Mum.  "We've learned a lot and I think we're different now.
We've made some new, good friends and, without boasting, we've helped to
rid Rothenia of some enemies."

     Mum gripped my hand.  "And all this was a trip to talk about Maths and
get some herbs..."

     "...And to deliver something precious." I said.

     Tris kissed his Mum again when she congratulated him on passing his
Law Society exam.  "Sorry I opened the envelope but I had to know," she
confessed, "Your Dad says he expects some work put his way to repay all the
money he's lavished on you, but take no notice!"  She got a third kiss.

     We told them a little about the ambush, just enough to allay fears we
hoped.  I asked where Dad was.  He had a concert tonight but had kept
tomorrow free.  We had a good laugh when they said it had been Frankie's
idea to get Mr Coombs to give the pair jobs on the building site.  "They're
loving it.  They're working with Martin most of the time and he says they
never stop.  Anyway, they're not restricted here," Mum said, "But get them
to tell you."

     There were phone calls to make; to College via the Porter's Lodge to
make sure I was on the list for Senate House; to James Tanner who said he'd
see us tomorrow anyway; to Charles to let him know we would be there and we
had news for him; to Fiona and Dina to check they would be there; and
finally, to Curt via Logan to say we had news for him, too.

     Auntie Dil had gone off to fetch Tris's Dad whose first words when
confronted by his wounded son were "Bloody hell, I know that place attracts
our drunken riff-raff, all I hope is the other bloke came off worse!"  He
burst out laughing and hugged his gobsmacked son.

     "I think the three who did this won't be out of jail for a pretty long
time!" Tris managed to say once the hug was over.

     Yep.  The P-W Lexus and our Volvo Estate would be available to ferry
quite a batch of onlookers for the ceremony, including Pugsy, Wasim and
Kasim.  No Shelley.  Too busy showing off her horse-riding skills.  Mum
went off and came back with an old fashioned carrier bag. Granddad's BA
hood.  Real rabbit fur and it didn't look even a bit moth-eaten as it was
accompanied by a strong smell of camphor.  "Wear that with pride," she said
and hugged me and tears from both of us flowed.

     Of course, only even an abbreviated part of our tale was possible
during that meal.  We said it would have to be continued another time.  Dad
came in just after eleven.  It was OK he held up a hand and said he'd hear
all sometime.  I think he was as tired as us because by eleven thirty I'd
had enough and he said he needed his bed if he was driving to Cambridge in
the morning.  There was another pill to take and quite naturally Tris
joined me in that so familiar bed.  "You know Pugsy's been sleeping in here
while we've been away and now he's having to share with Frankie, poor
thing!" Tris murmured as we snuggled down.  "And the others have got your
spare room.  Bet it's a bit different from the Dorchester or their own
palatial abodes."

     "And I bet they've never had someone like Mum, or your Mum, or Mrs
Coombs to look after them."

     "The way they all look at each other there's almost another family in
the making," I said.  "I know Mrs C told Mum she was so sorry they never
had a son and Martin's become a son as well as a son-in-law and I have the
feeling she's about to adopt Wasim and Kasim."


                                                               Saturday

     As I was wounded on the left and Tris on the right we slept facing
each other.  Whatever the pills contained they were very effective and
another sound, dreamless sleep gave me a good feeling when I woke in the
morning.  I was still in the same position so was able to gaze at Tris.  My
Tris.  Such adventures and we were safe.

     My reverie was interrupted by a slight tap on the door.  The door
opened and in came Frankie, in tee-shirt and boxers bearing a tray.  He saw
I was awake and put the tray on the bedside table.  I was unprepared for
what came next.  He bent over and kissed me.  "From what you said last
night there was a chance you wouldn't have got out alive, is that right?"

     I said we were safe because of someone who protected us.

     "Like Piers?"

     "Like Piers, but even more so."

     Frankie nodded.  "We're taking Waz and Kaz to Ulvescott again the
weekend after we come back from the Christening.  You know the Sheikh's
their Great-Great-Uncle and they have to pay homage or something.  You'll
come won't you?"

     "Of course we will," Tris said, having woken up as well.  "We need to
report back to the Colonel anyway as he really started most of this off.
He'll like it.  'A trusted source' we were told."

     Frankie passed us our mugs of morning tea and sat on the edge of the
bed while Tris told him more about the de-briefing session.  He turned to
me when Tris had finished.  "And that recital you gave.  I only heard a bit
of the last chord as Mum wouldn't hand over the phone.  Will you play there
again?"

     "I think I'll be invited.  If I am you can play, too."  I knew that
pleased him.

     "And the Cardinal and the treasure?"

     "Once that's been sorted out I think there'll be a big exhibition and
I know Charles as well will be invited to that."

     He laughed.  "Forgot to say.  Charles just phoned to say we weren't to
worry about lunch as a suitable repast would be furnished in your rooms.
Waz and Kaz are dying to meet him again."

     "And are they suitably equipped with student gear?"

     He laughed.  "Perfect.  Even Kaz's Dad approved and he's a bit of a
stickler.  He thinks he might sponsor an outlet for Unc in this huge mall
he owns over there.  I think I got on quite well with him when I explained
things."  He looked at Tris.  "You'd better step in fast with the legal
bits.  They say something and it's done!  Pronto!  No messing!  And I need
my share of the profits! "

     "No messing!" said Tris getting out of bed and stretching, "I'm having
a shower and getting up."  He scratched a rather hairy left armpit as
Frankie scanned up and down his nude figure.  "I suppose we leave here by
half nine?"

     "Yes and Mum's put your clean shirts in the airing cupboard on the
landing.  She and your Mum have been up since six washing and ironing just
to make you both look presentable.  Huh!  All I get most of the time is
stuff straight out of the dryer."

     Toad baiting time!  "But with the job you're doing no-one looks at you
once, let alone twice!"

     "That's different.  I mean when I'm going out to meet my pals.  I
prefer an ironed shirt!  And there's none of yours left now!"  He looked at
Tris who wasn't actually laughing but had a grin.  "And you need to get
some of that fat off.  I bet you've been pigging it over there.  You need a
proper job.  Look at Pugsy.  He's up and down with hods of bricks all day
and some of those joists he shifts would need two of you to lift..."

     "...I thought I could hear him."  It was Pugsy, also in tee-shirt and
boxers. He winked at us and flexed several muscle groups I didn't know
could look as rigid and conformed as that.  Stepan, I thought, you've
probably met your match!  "Come on, your Mum has ironed our shirts and she
wants you downstairs now!  Kaz wants porridge and Waz wants his usual
cereals before the scrambled eggs you're supposed to be doing."

     Toads can be subdued.  He waggled his head and half-pouted then picked
up the tray and went out first.  Pugsy turned and winked again.  He looked
over at Tris.  Cast his eyes down, then up.  Looked at me.  Smiled, pursed
his lips and gave me a thumbs-up sign.  Thus, he had both my little brother
and my Tris sussed!  As the door closed all I got from Tris was a slight
raising of two fingers!  "And I bet all the girls wolf-whistle him!  I know
I would," he said with feeling.  I concurred with that sentiment.

     "I think I'll travel neat but tidy and change into my best suit when
we get there," I said as I looked for suitable things to wear in my
wardrobe after showering.  Good, Toad hadn't decided all mine was his,
though things looked a bit depleted.  Pugsy had used a bit of space for
sundry items including a batch of physique mags.  I was commanded sternly
by Tris that I had no time to sit and look at pictures of muscular males as
we were on a tight time schedule which did not leave gaps for multiple
wanks!  "But all those lads!  Never seen such muscles on some of them
before.  Even a bit more than Pugsy."

     "All got little willies though if legends are true."

     "Well I hope Pugsy's not taking any pills."

     "I'll leave you to check, but, from what was on display before, I
guess he's well-formed.  And as for Microbe, the way some of his muscles
were twitching last night he's about to pupate!"

     "Change his name to Madama Butterfly?" I asked.

     "More likely Horsebot!"  He winced.  "No that's nasty.  Shelley had a
bite from one and it turned septic.  I know, he'd become a Demoiselle, a
petite ephemeral Dragonfly!"

     "Too much to hope for," I said, "Macho-man is his model.  Just hopes
he finds a nice girl to keep him in check."

     We both wondered if 'nice' was the right adjective but left it at that
and went downstairs for breakfast.  It was nice to see Toad being polite
and helpful as he scooped up piles of lovely- looking scrambled egg onto
Kaz and Waz's plates.  "Want some?" he asked, "I'll do another load."

     Dad was last up but at least looked rested.  He said he'd never been
so busy.  Not only leading the orchestra but auditioning new players as
they were getting new engagements which needed sometimes quite large
ensembles or sub-groups.

     "Doing two Summer Schools at your place in July and August.  Safar has
some contacts in the States and we're having quite a few American amateur
players attending.  The lure of Cambridge, too.  Your Mum's coming as
secretary so we shall be pseudo-Pennefather students as Charles says we can
use your set because you vacate in July and Laddo doesn't get it until
October.  I think Charles has plans for a little refurbishment later."

     "Well, I suppose the money's rolling in with the cellars," I said.

     He nodded.  "I was there last week giving a couple of lessons and the
queues were continuous.  That burly chap who does the gardens when he's not
on crowd duty said every Japanese who visits Cambridge goes down the
cellars.  Apparently they buy stacks of postcards, especially of
you-know-who, as that sort of thing is air-brushed out in their magazines.
Actually he was most complimentary when I said you and Frankie were my
sons..." He laughed.  "...No, he didn't mean that, just the extra money he
was earning was very useful and he was hoping to use it to get more
experience in a nursery somewhere."

     Oh, that must be the doughty Wayne.  I wondered if I should put him in
touch with Fraser?  Might be OK.  I knew from one of Charles' open-mouth
sessions that the boyfriend's, Christopher Lascelles-Wright's, family
farmed in Essex.  Big county, but...

     Anyway, we were all lined up well before nine-thirty.  All the males
suited except for me.  I doubted if even Uncle Nick's suit cost as much as
the ones Waz and Kaz were wearing.  Toad had it all sorted.  He, Pugsy, Mum
and Auntie Dil would travel in the Lexus with Uncle Nick.  Dad would drive
Tris, me, Waz and Kaz in the Estate.  "They've got to learn to slum it and
you can tell them all the things I've left out of your life stories.  They
know all the nasty bits." Thank you Mum for pinching his arm.

     "Put your brother's and Tris's bags in the boot and you can have a
sleep on the way.  Only way we'll get any peace."

     "I'm the youngest here and I have to organise everything as usual," he
complained.

     "Good boy," said Uncle Nick, with just that hint of irony which the
Toad missed but was recognised by all the rest.

     The trip wasn't too bad for a Saturday morning as Dad skirted London
and we got from the M25 onto the M11.  No holdups.  Tris sat with Dad as he
drove and I heard him telling the tale once again.  I sat in the back with
Kaz and Waz.  They turned out to be a most delightful pair.  No flummery.
No side.  I found they'd been at an International School in Switzerland
from quite an early age, then went to a Scottish School for the equivalent
of A Levels.  Both fathers wanted them to join their companies in their own
country but they felt rather alienated and had spent the last year rather
listlessly - "wasting time" as Kaz put it.  It was Charles visiting with
Mother that set the ball rolling.  Their problems solved.  Kaz was to read
French and Waz Economics.  Both had learned to play Hockey at school in
Scotland and I explained about Freshers' Week.  Male, Female, or Mixed
Hockey was available and, of course Frankie played Hockey, too.

     It was obvious they had Frankie sussed.  They had all become great
friends with Pugsy as the anchorman.  I asked about working on the building
site.  They just laughed.  "We love it," said Waz.  "We've made good
friends there, too.  We mainly work with Martin on interior work.
Boarding, ceilings and so on."

     "Tony does a lot of heavy work and Fiveman drives the dumper," Kaz
added.

     "Fiveman?" I asked.

     Great giggles.  "Bonzo, one of the brickies, called him that first.
Said he was one up on the foreman and it's stuck."

     "Are you coming to Rothenia next weekend?" I asked

     They both nodded vigorously.  "We got our visas delivered yesterday.
Mr Al-Quereshi at Ulvescott arranged them for us."  Oh, that was Ibrahim.
"We have to go and visit them all the next weekend.  His Excellency was a
bit awesome we found the first time we met him.  The others put us at our
ease.  He's so revered in our country."

     I said every time I'd met him he was so, so friendly and my cousin
Adam was editing his and the Colonel's memoirs.  I then had to tell them
more about our experiences at Ulvescott.  They said Frankie had said much
the same and they had thought it was such a peaceful place.

     Dad's careful driving brought us round the Backs.  We'd been told
there were two parking places reserved in the Fellows Car Park.  Well, Dad
was an Honorary Fellow for one.  Charles must have wangled the other for
Uncle Nick.  Some legal advice needed, no doubt.

     As expected, there were crowds milling around the College.  Most of
the soon-to-be graduates were arrayed in white furry hoods and black gowns,
with a few with brightly coloured silky hoods, medics and such-like, and
our little crowd were acknowledged and joined the throng with the others'
parents and friends.  I beetled off into my set and found it was being
prepared for a 'suitable repast' by Sean by himself.

     "No help?" I asked as I looked around at the neat layout he'd already
completed.

     "All too busy, and there's a Hurray Henry luncheon in the new Dining
Room.  Cheffie's going mad.  Sixteen of them and they've ordered four whole
salmon.  He says it's enough to feed the five thousand, though he did add
another word before the 'five'.  It's that Chatterton and his pal
Bushfield-Colne and their cronies..."

     "...Trouble?"

     Sean laughed.  "Big Steve's on the door.  First sign and out.  Anyway,
better go, they start at twelve and I'm serving.  Only champagne, of
course!  They'll be well-pissed by the ceremony time."  He looked and
smiled.  "Glad you're back!"

     Oh Hell, I didn't even have time to ask if Curt was around.  Plenty of
time later.

     I was soon ready, changed, all spruced up, dark suit, white tie,
degree bands, black shoes brightly shined and staring in the mirror at
myself.  I heard family and friends entering the main room.  Charles was
there.  "I will have to ask you to help yourselves," he was announcing,
"Staffing is rather over-stretched with the main luncheon in Hall as well.
Oliver and his family will be here shortly to join you.  I saw Gabriel and
Joshua outside a moment ago."

     I put Granddad's hood over my head and adjusted it on the shoulders of
my old undergraduate gown.  The thought struck.  Today I would truly be
'Mark Henry Foster BA (Cantab) FRCO ARCM'.  Three years of work, worry and
wonderment at all the things I'd achieved on the way.

     I joined the family and Frankie led a round of applause.  Yes, little
brothers were OK.  Sometimes.  Dad was pouring glasses of wine and we had
our first drinks and wonderful nibbles just after twelve.  At five past
twelve a huge invasion.  Oliver, also gowned and hooded, entered with
father, grandad and grandma and a laughing Eddie who rushed straight to do
a high-five with Frankie.  A radiant Fiona in a black pants suit was next
with her family, with Zack and Brandon carrying her hood and gown.  Dina
and her parents and brother were led in by Louie and Toby, still ardent
boyfriends of the pair of girls.  I was hugged and kissed and, of course,
Tris was asked why he had a plaster on the side of his head.  Toad's
comment that to become a lawyer you had to have your brains removed was
rewarded, I was glad to see, by a swift ankle- kick from Uncle Nick.  'Evil
child!' was said once again.  Wasim and Kasim took all in their stride and
I noted Frankie had supplied them with glasses of fruit juice.  So, not
always evil.

     We were then joined by Gabe and Josh, voluminously clad, being the
only description possible.  They were followed in by Raph, Hary and two
small boys, one of whom looked suspiciously like Oliver.  Oh!  His
half-brother.  I must say Mr Jensen smiled at him and walked over and spoke
to him and the kid smiled back.  Not the kid's fault, I thought, and Mr J
was a gentleman through and through.  Mum and the other ladies filled
plates with Coronation Chicken, rice and other goodies and handed them
round.  Plenty for all.  As more food was consumed so the popping of
champagne corks was also heard in the land.  Eating, drinking, chatting and
feeling so happy filled the time.

     All too soon it seemed we had to get ready for the march through the
College gate and up the passage to the short stretch of Trinity Street
before King's Parade and the Senate House.  Somehow the contingent of
soon-to-be-graduates coalesced and the parade was on.  Two of the
non-graduate Hurray Henrys had motor horns and wandered rather drunkenly
along the pavement honking them and missing any rhythm of the marching
feet.  I saw the Baronet and his also graduating pals rather tipsily
clinging together just behind us.  One left the ranks and sat on the
pavement.  At least the honks stopped as his pals had to hoist him up and
help him join the throng again.

     The ceremony, not too long.  All in Latin, and as I hadn't been to the
rehearsal made even more unreal as I had to watch carefully so I didn't
err.  We went forward in small groups, depending on the seniority of our
degree subject, to be presented by the Praelector, our Physics don, to the
Vice-Chancellor.  We had to hold on to the fingers of his right hand as he
went through some Latin gabble and then kneel in front of the
Vice-Chancellor who doesn't quite shake your hand.  Poor soul, I thought,
all those sweaty fingers!  With that I was now a BA.  We were guided to
something I'd heard was the Doctors' Door, given a piece of paper when we
said our names and were out in the sunshine on the Senate House lawn.  Yep,
my piece of paper said I'd been done, I was now a BA of the University of
Cambridge.  It was quite a scrum, many taking photos and milling around the
giant urn-thing in the centre of the garden.  More hugs, more tears, more
handshakes.  I just wondered how many of this band of brothers and sisters
I would remember or recall in days, or even years to come.

     We had to wait until all had been dealt with, then the audience of
families and friends streamed out and round and joined us.  I wasn't
expecting to see him then but James Tanner strode up, resplendent in
scarlet gown, a colourful ScD.  I'd never seen him so arrayed before and
before I could say anything he was hugged and kissed by both Fiona and Dina
and, I bet, he appeared on innumerable photos as digi cameras were in use
all over.  I did shake hands with him at last and he posed, grinning, with
us three, before chatting to all of us and the family of the PhD graduate
who had been his student.

     "Lots to tell you," I said in the end, "Are you around on Monday?"
Oh, dear 'me Batman, you Robin'.

     He handed me an envelope.  "I'm the messenger today.  Invite from the
Master for lunch tomorrow.  Sooner he hears things the better.  We've had
notification of bales of stuff arriving in August and he's had Customs and
Excise to quell." He looked at Tris.  "I'll see you there.  Twelve
forty-five."  He looked back at me.  "We can arrange Monday, then.  I think
you'll have Mr Luffman on your trail, too.  He's hopping around like a dog
with two tails."

     I was left with that delightful image which kept surfacing as we spoke
to as many as possible, whether graduates, other families' members, or
dons.  Frankie, with Waz and Kaz, were talking with Raphael and Hary.
Pugsy had ben gathered up by Gabe and Josh.  I wondered if Waz and Kaz
would be introduced to the Club on Freshers' Night?  I assumed they were
straight.  Still, so was Frankie and I guessed Pugsy would like the
atmosphere there.  A 'Cut-offs and Work-boots' competition sprang to mind!
We would just have to wait and see.

     Gradually the gathering broke up as another College contingent came
filing through.  Back to the set where sandwiches and cakes were laid out.
Sean was there with Stevie's nephew helping.  Sean said that tomorrow's
lunch in Hall was salmon as most of Chatterton's lot had been more
interested in getting pissed on the champagne than eating.

     At that point Charles appeared and must have heard that.  He laughed
"Cheffie's confiscated the lot and he's charging them double for all the
trouble he had preparing it."

     "They were all at the ceremony, weren't they?" I asked.  "All bills
paid?"  A rule was you couldn't be granted your degree if you were in debt
to the College.

     "My dear, too right!  The Brigadier had written to all the families
earlier pointing out that City jobs these days required a deal of probity
and no recommendations would be written without the College being able to
tell the truth about indebtedness.  I'm not too sure if probity in some
City matters is the correct term but it worked."

     I thanked him for all the trouble he'd taken for us.  He smiled and
waved a hand in a familiar circular movement of 'no problem'.  "Trouble!
You and your family have contributed so much to the College over the past
years.  I see Kasim and Wasim looking so healthy and happy as well."  He
winked.  A new gesture.  I don't think Charles had used that before.
"Mother has had such positive feedback from their fathers not only on their
account but also on the ideas she has put forward for their houses.  We
thought they were pleased but ecstatic would not be too pretentious a word
to use for their praise.  Mother managed to talk to the wives and their
input was invaluable in the final plans.  Behind the scenes as you might
say."

     Our lot decided to get back home around half six.  Dad had a concert
in Winchester the next day so would have to make a reasonable start for the
afternoon rehearsal.  He said he'd heard it was a sell-out already.  Mum
handed me an envelope.  "From your Uncle and Aldo.  A graduation present.
Open it later.  He said he didn't want you to starve and there's something
in there, too, from your Grandmother.  Too mean to buy a stamp I guess!"
She laughed and hugged and kissed me.  Then, great hugs and kisses all
round.  Even Kaz and Waz were excellent huggers.  We said we'd meet up with
everyone in Strelzen on Friday.  So that was what Ivo was asking Ignasz the
hotel owner about!  As the Carr and Machin parents would be staying with
Ivo and 'Tory, so the rest of the families and guests would be at the
hotel.  At least there wouldn't be psychedelic shirts and shorts, or broken
beds.  Oh dear, just Priapic Frankie pursuing 'Tory's younger sisters, no
doubt.  No, he'd insisted Pugsy be invited as well so he would keep him in
check and he was also responsible for Waz and Kaz.  Tris and I in bed that
night contemplated his introduction to the Rothenian lads and the free and
easy atmosphere of the place.  Oohoo!  We supposed the Spa would be
visited.

     Oh, and my graduation present from Unc and Aldo was a cheque for
fifteen thousand euros, please send to his bank in London for account 'M H
Foster'.  There was also an included fifty euro note from Gran.  Both gifts
I knew were from the heart.  She had scribbled a note as well.  'Angel
phoned me about your recital.  Maestro would have been so proud of you.'
Yes, her signature was a little blurred.  A tear I guessed.

     And I hadn't seen hide nor hair of either Logan or Curt!


To be continued: