Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:36:28 +0000
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@hotmail.com>
Subject: Mystery and Mayhem at St Mark's:  Sequel 29

		      Mystery and Mayhem At St Mark's
				 A Sequel

				    by

				   Joel


Seq:  29:

             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/Microbe   Mark's younger brother
Adam Benjamin Carr               Mark's cousin: History Fellow
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
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
Yniold Schreiber                      A student at the Gymno [Strelzen]
Pyotor Borisov                         Yniold's friend.  A promising singer
Margaret zu Glottenberh          Andrei's mother: Related to Mark's family
Andrei zu Glottenberh              Rothenian Army Officer [Special Services]
Klaus & Bastian zu G..            His brothers
Lucasz Voynovich                    Rothenian Army Officer [Signals Division]
David Vinodosj                        Secret police



    "And the badge?" Tris asked.

     Andrei pulled down the top of his tee-shirt.  He drew up a thin chain
and a small polished badge was on it.  "I wear it all the time.  It's my
talisman."]

     He held it up to us as we went round the table.  Spontaneously we both
held it and kissed it.  Andrei smiled and held out his hands and grasped
ours.  "Lucasz did exactly the same thing.  I knew we were destined then to
be together.  You are part of our destiny as well."

     As we sat and finished breakfast Tris said he would also experience
something at Ulvescott.  Some of our destiny had been foretold there.

     No, we weren't sombre, because as the others gradually joined us plans
for the morning were made.  Yes, Wendel was an interesting town as we
strolled around having the old buildings pointed out to us.  Yes, Waclav
was a very interesting boy.  He was reasonably fluent in English and told
Bastian off when we said he'd soaked us.  Yes, perhaps his strong character
might be a match for Bastian.  I didn't know at the time what Tris said to
Waclav in a quiet moment away from the rest of us, but, yes, the happy look
on Bastian's face later was enough to give everyone a clue about future
developments.

     All too soon we were in the SUV again with an extra passenger.  He sat
beside Tris and asked him all sorts of questions as we journeyed along.  In
a stage whisper he said Waclav had asked him to go hiking when he had
finished his duty at the Palace and he only had a small tent which they
would have to share.  Tris asked him who would be sleeping on top and he
did blush, or it may have been the reflection of the sunset.  'Red sky at
night: Shepherd's delight!'

     At the hotel we introduced Bastian to Tomas and Igor.  They said the
Americans had enjoyed the Spa so much they were going tomorrow and they
were joining them.  Well, we had a morning free as the plane wasn't until
four in the afternoon and Lucasz was going to drive us to the airport, so
Bastian could be introduced to the delights and we could see....  But that
was for the morrow!

     Needless to say that Bastian had been sized up by the pair.  Here was
another playmate!  But first we had to eat.  As Tris and I still had quite
a few krone and euros and Adam was still solvent we took Andrei, Bastian
and Lucasz out for a meal and Nate paid for a bottle of champagne -
certainly not the 80 euros kind the ugly bird had cost Yoggers Stags.  We
said goodnight to the older pair as they dropped us at the hotel and met
the American crowd just returning from their night out.  Free of US
alcoholic restrictions they seemed more than slightly inebriated without
being aggressive as so many UK drinkers become.  They welcomed us,
literally, with open arms and inhibitions were definitely loosened.  Adam
was hugged by a tipsy Ethan and he and Nate helped another couple up the
stairs - I wondered if beds might be shared and virginities lost?  Freddie
the Hunk, however, was quite sober.  I said we would be going to the Spa in
the morning.  After a shit-eating grin in acknowledgement he nudged me and
pointed to the last two who were well over the top and clutching each other
as they went up the stairs.  "If only their Daddies could see them now," he
whispered, "We baptised them like Adam said.  You watch tomorrow!"

     Bastian had been watching them as they dispersed to their much-needed
beds.  "Fancy any of them?" I asked.

     The cheeky smile was there.  "All of them.  But one at a time!"

     We checked with Tomas who was on duty if there were any messages.  He
shook his head.  "Only for one American boy but he too drunk to take.  I
wrote.  His girl say she missed."  Tris asked if she said 'she missed him'?
Tomas shook his head.  "She just say she missed and she was crying.  Why
she upset?"  Oh, a little surprise in a few month's time!

     We had that little tidbit to savour and explain to an initially
puzzled Tomas and an intrigued Bastian.  However both were quite conversant
with the birds and the bees and giggled at the explanation, then we were
ready for bed, too.  We said our goodnights as Adam and Nate had returned
downstairs to a couple of innuendos about their loss of probable bedmates.
Two fingers from each and we left them looking at the Zenda brochure.
Outside our room Bastian said he wanted a goodnight kiss like his Mother
used to give him.  Tris was first and the kiss was rather protracted.  My
turn and Krote pressed a substantial young erection against me as he tried
to tongue-fuck me.  I slapped his clothed bum again.  He pouted.  "Only
trying what I saw..."  He stopped.

     "...On the Internet?" I asked.  He nodded.  We lip-locked again and
two very sturdy erections pressed against each other.

     Tris separated us.  "Bed, Bastian, and we're going for breakfast at
seven thirty."

     I got told off when he shut our door.  I was not to lead Bastian
astray.  Leave that to Waclav.  Huh!  Given what Bastian had tried just now
I think Waclav might be in for a few surprises.  I said I was repentant.  I
was forgiven as my still erect prick was expertly dealt with.  Oh, Bastian,
I hope Waclav is the one for you!!


                                                            Thursday

     Rooting around I found that Frankie had left behind a bundle of even
more complimentary tickets Ivo had given him for the Spa.  Impecunious
Americans would be having a free outing.  In fact there were about sixteen
so we should all be OK.

     Bastian was already waiting in the Reception Lobby.  He was chatting
to Ignasz who seemed quite captivated with the polite young man.  He bowed
as usual when he saw us.  Yes, he said, he was hungry.  We went along to
the cafe where he proceeded to make short work of a plate of ham and cheese
with about half a long baguette.  "I like this place," he said after
downing a glass of fruit juice and two brimming cups of coffee, "I was
asking Mr Zedener what the hotel rates were for students."  He wrinkled his
nose.  "I do not want to live in a concrete block and if Waclav shares it
should be quite cheap."  He would be doing a five-year course to qualify as
a doctor and it would quite expensive anyway.

     As we left the cafe the Americans were just emerging en masse from the
hotel looking not too worse for wear - young frames must have metabolized
the alcohol most efficiently!  More greetings and whoops of joy when I
handed out the tickets.  We said we would be ready to go by nine.  There
was a note for us from Adam.  'Going to Zenda.  See you at Airport.'
Cutting it fine with the distance!

     Anyway, the morning was a real hoot.  Bastian was a good swimmer - not
up to the standard of the team though - but he joined in and was treated
like the team mascot.  He had worked out who needed a bit of livening up.
That is, livening up to his standard.  I'd noted the way a couple of the
lads had kept back and were a bit hesitant in displaying themselves - the
Strict ones I assumed.  The team let them alone but Bastian made it his
mission to get them thoroughly sorted.  He got them to teach him various
tricks of the trade in water polo and soon they were being harried by a
very fast learner - or someone who was already in the know.  After they'd
had their lanky cocks tweaked underwater, not certain who was doing it,
they just succumbed to whatever was going to happen and the action got
quite fast and furious.

     Ethan swam over to us at one point and said very confidentially that
pair of tight- assed fuckers had surprised them all.  Not only had they
taken to the demon drink the night before but had slept the night away in
the same bed and he wasn't sure it was because they were drunk and now they
were showing off their peckers which were usually kept strictly out of
view.  Out of view?  He then added that they were all praising Cornell for
getting his pecker wet with Sheryll Parker.  He'd have to get married but
his Daddy owned the biggest store in his town and he was going to work for
him anyway.  Yep, having Cornell pointed out we knew why Sheryll fancied
him!  Cut, thick and sturdy attached to a muscular swimmer's body!

     After the pool we all went up to the grassy knoll.  Here more energy
was expended as the two frisbees had been handed over by Adam and were
hurled from one to the other in a glorious melee of boy flesh.  Two less
than Strict Baptists were kept on the run and could do nothing about the
mounting erections they were showing before long.  In fact, all ten of the
group, including young Bastian, were rather rampant.

     Tris and I were quietly watching and savouring the sight of so much
unclothed beauty when up came five more.  Our Irregulars, each carrying a
plastic bag as well as their small bag of personal possessions.  We were
greeted formally until Yniold couldn't contain himself.  He bowed to Tris
and then gave him a hug which meant we both were half- strangled by all of
them having a go which only helped our half-hard cocks to get fully erect.
This stopped the frisbee game and the team gathered round until all were
introduced.  They had already seen Tomas and Igor but here were three more
charming young buddies.  But before play resumed the contents of the bags
were distributed.  Tomas had had the bright idea, knowing the Americans
were a bit short of cash, to get their mothers to supply sandwiches, buns
and cakes, enough to make any hungry lad happy.  As soon as we were a
little more decently flaccid Tris and I went off and ordered enough fruit
juices for the lot.

     Ethan had come over to sit between Tris and me when the food and drink
was being distributed.  His nicely-toned body was sweaty but his scent was
quite arousing.  I noticed Tris had to shift slightly as his instincts also
took over as mine had and there had been mutual stirrings in our groins.
Not to worry, dear Ethan's prong was semi-hard anyway and he casually
batted it as he flopped down on the grass.  "Fucker's got a mind of its
own," he said and smiled.  The stirrings increased and his eyes flicked
between the two of us.  "This place," he said, "Seems to have an effect on
us all."  He nodded towards his pal Freddie who was chatting to Yniold and
both were sporting a good six inches of hard gristle.  "Wouldn't dare to be
seen like this at home.  Even Freddie's a bit shy there.  We've had a
coupla circle-jerks but not with those two."  He nodded to his left.

     I noted Bastian had the taller of his Baptists by his side and he was
quite openly stroking the hairy thigh stretched alongside his while talking
to him.  The lad was just about panting with barely suppressed lust and I
wondered if he might have a spontaneous emission as his slim dick was
stretched taut up his flat muscular belly.  No one was taking any notice
except the lad's friend who looked as if he wouldn't mind a bit of the same
action.

     "Those fuckers' dicks ain't seen the light of day for years," Ethan
continued, "Not since their Mammies last changed their diapers, I guess."
Although quite tanned both had dead white middles where their Speedos had
covered their nakedness.  "Ain't seen neither of them nekkid before."  He
did nod approvingly as he surveyed them.

     "Did you meet Freddie at College?" asked Tris, I think as much to
divert his thoughts from observing the second Baptist whose erection now
matched his pal's having moved up to sit on Bastian's other side.

     "Yah," he said, "We both have the same classes.  I sat next to him and
then I changed dorms so we room together."  He smiled.  "Same bed," he said
quietly.

     Ouch!  The imagery was getting to me.  "Adam told us he'd helped some
football players who were in trouble," I said to stop my own unruly member
from showing off my seven inches of French/Italian/English heritage, "And
he got them through an exam."

     Ethan's smile was even more dazzling.  "That is one hunky kind dude,"
he murmured, his head shaking back and forth.  "Jed's balls were on line
and that sweet guy just gave up his time to help.  Jed 'fessed up he jerked
off every night thinking of him after he came and visited." He gave a
throaty chuckle.  "I did, too."

     "You and Jed seem very close," I said without 'fessing up' I'd also
wanked to images of my hunky cousins many times.

     Ethan nodded.  "We've always shared a room.  And...."  He stopped and
looked down shyly.

     "...Brotherly confidences?" said Tris.  "Don't worry, it's common in
England, too."

     Ethan looked up at Tris and the smile was back.  "All over the world,
I guess!"

     "Has Jed got anyone yet?" I asked.

     Ethan shook his head.  "Naw, but he's pretty much friendly with one of
the wide receivers, but he'll have better chance at grad school next year.
He's going to do Law and no football."

     I wondered what a wide receiver was.  Sounded interesting but American
Football was a complete mystery to me.  I didn't get a chance to enquire
further.

     "Not going to look after the farm?" Tris asked.

     Ethan shook his head again.  "Nor me.  Leaving that to Jethro.  He's
our young brother," he said in explanation.  "He's sixteen and he and Daddy
talk about the farm all the time."  He grinned.  "He's the straight one.
Caught him fucking Lindy Maggs in the barn on Easter Sunday.  At least he
had a rubber on not like Cornell!"

     Freddie sauntered over, a sandwich in one hand, a bottle of juice in
the other and his four inches of softness now drooping over his young
plums.  Tris patted the grass beside him.  In a very limber move Freddie
lowered himself and sat cross-legged without moving his arms.

     "What's he been telling you?" he asked and grinned at his lover.

     "All your guilty secrets," whispered Tris.  "How you spent your first
night bouncing up and down and broke the bed and then you made him so sore
he had to..." His fabrications stopped because Freddie looked so startled.

     "You told them that?" he said to an equally startled Ethan who was
shaking his head vigorously.

     Tris was merciless and was laughing.  "Sorry Ethan, I made it up, but
it's true isn't it?"

     The two lads looked at each other.  Ethan luckily saw the funny side
and laughed.  "Too fuckin' true, eh Freddie?  You tell 'em!"

     We hadn't noticed Tomas who had walked up behind us and must have
heard the interchange.  He held his bag of goodies towards Freddie.  "We
had fat German lady who had fuck and broke bed."  Freddie extracted a
rather nice looking, slightly larger than his own, plum from the bag.  I
was glad for him his were not deeply purple as was the fruit!  Tomas also
did a graceful descent and sat legs stretched out. "Fat man with her fuck
off from hospital.  No pay for bed!  My Uncle say he needs swanze cut off
and he do it if he sees him again."  Tomas chuckled.  "I think her man do
it first!"

     The two stories had to be told.  The boys had essayed their first
major sexual encounter in Ethan's bed in the dorm.  Unfortunately the bed
had a defective leg and before passion could be fully spent there had been
an almighty crash.  "Hell!" said Freddie, now fully relaxed and with purple
juice running down his chin.  I had an urge, sadly unfilled, to lick those
drops and wondered why I was so fatefully attracted to blonds.  My Tris.
Definitely both Freddie and Ethan.  I had to shift again.  The serpent had
stirred.  "Lucky the dorm was empty that night as all were celebrating some
team winning.  Made up for it, though, didn't we, Ethan?"

     The ball was in his court and he took the lob as well as a rather
nicely filled sandwich from Tomas's bag.  "Never laughed so much.  Two
horny jerkers and horns were down."  Ethan indicated the droop with his
fingers.  He took a bite and swallowed.  "Not for long."  He looked at
Tris.  "You guessed correct.  I was sore."  There were grins all round.

     I had a bite, too.  The sandwich I had was filled with the most
delectable smoked meat.  I looked at Tomas ready to ask him what it was but
he was intent in telling his own tale.  "I sore as well.  That Igor not
tell when he push hard.  I no let him do again.  Just make handwork."

     Freddie and Tris were from the same mould.  Freddie was first.  "We
say 'handjob' but that sounds good, too."

     Tomas looked at him and nodded.  "I remember that.  I tell him tonight
I want handjob only, no push, push."

     Heaving chests all round as we all savoured the thought and the food.

     "What is this?" I asked Tomas, opening the sandwich.

     Tomas smiled.  "You like?"  I nodded fervently.  "Good pig in forest.
Franzi's father go hunt.  Bang, bang.  All cut up and hang in cabin with
special smoke."

     I said it was the best I'd ever tasted.  It certainly was better than
the usual smoked meats I'd had in the past.  Tomas nodded.  "No more here.
I give you piece for England.  You take home."  I murmured thanks and
finished off the sandwich.  Tomas got up, bowed and walked off over to his
pals.

     Ethan watched his trim body as he walked away.  "He's some character.
They all are.  This place is so different," he mused, "I wouldna told you
all that at home.  Or about Jed and me.  I'll tell you something else.  If
your cousin had said anything to Jed he would have been there."

     "Can I tell Adam that?" I asked.

     "Of course.  And if he and his friend want to visit they'll be very
welcome.  My Daddy liked Adam.  Said he was very English."

     "English and gay.  What would your father say?"

     "He said he was very English and reminded him of his brother Edgar."
He giggled.

     I got the message.  "And Uncle Edgar?"  He nodded.  "And what does
your father say about you and Jed?"

     Freddie was listening with quite a grin on his face.  He butted in.
"His Daddy says as long as young Jethro provides him with grandchildren
it's OK!"

     "And young Jethro is practising already?"

     "Too fucking right!"

     Grins all round again.  But it was time for fun anew.  One of the lads
stood up and thanked the Irregulars and said now that food had gone down he
was ready for another match.  So said he threw the frisbee high in the air
and there was a concerted scramble to catch it.  They were off again.
"Better join in," said Ethan and he and Freddie were soon in the thick of
it.

     Tris and I said nothing but moved up closer to each other.  We were
both watching the interaction between Bastian and the second Baptist during
the start of the fairly uncoordinated game.

     Bastian was at his side constantly giving him encouraging pats on his
butt and in the end that lad disappeared in the direction of the pissoir
and I don't think it was to empty a too- full bladder.  Boys don't take
three and a half minutes to drain the snake!  And he came back via the
shrubbery so hadn't been to the obvious place.  No erection, either.  At
least for the next ten minutes.


     Just before twelve we gathered up a rather sweaty Bastian, said our au
revoirs to the Irregulars and our, no doubt, goodbyes to the team and went
back to the pool area to shower and dress and to get back to the hotel to
collect our bags ready for our transport.  Tris went to the cafe‚ and
stocked up with a couple of filled rolls each for the plane.  I said we
would eat much later in Cambridge and texted Charles to invite him, too, as
he was collecting us from Stansted.

     No problems.  There was a parcel addressed to me on the Reception
desk.  'Much thankyous Love Tomas' on the note attached.  He wasn't in
sight but hadn't forgotten.  I opened my case quickly and stuffed it in.
If there were sniffer dogs at the airport I wondered what would happen.
But then a car turned up with Andrei and we were whisked off to Hofbau.
Even Adam and Nate were in time to catch the plane and were full of the
description of what they'd seen.  It was difficult on a crowded plane to
shout out about the sights revealed to us, including the lad who had been
so worked up he had to go for a wank in the woods and that Adam had been
correctly diagnosed or whatever by Jed's Daddy.  That would all have to
wait until we got the pair on their own.  We said cheerio to them as they
were going straight to Ulvescott and had to hurry to catch the train to
London first.

     Charles was waiting for us and as usual, full of bonhomie.  Andrei and
Bastian were greeted effusively and somehow we and the luggage fitted in
the car with me in prime position in the seat next to the driver.  I heard
that the Bursar was away playing golf somewhere exotic so Charles had free
rein.  Contractors were in dealing with the upper stories of the sets. The
footings were in for the new accommodation to be built at Hampton House.
Unfortunately, Sean had decided he preferred working his way up the
catering ladder rather than be in the office.  Jak and Max were so good and
were causing so little upheaval, etc., etc..  Luckily he didn't take his
hands off the wheel as he described all this as gestures ordinarily would
have accompanied every sentence.  And how had we got on?  That would have
to wait until we were feeding said I, please join us later.  I asked if
Curt and Logan were around.  He thought they were working this evening.  I
assumed he meant at the Club.  So, we arrived at St Mark's in good time and
hefted our bags to the two sets.

     We deposited Andrei and Bastian first in the set opposite mine - the
Servant of the Chapel's set.  It had been prepared for them and Liam was
there to greet us all.  Both goggled when he brought them to my set.  I
said all would be revealed in the morning but now we needed to eat.  The
Greek restaurant near St Benet's was agreed by Charles to be a good choice
and Jak and Max who were in a room on the next stairway joined us. We
promised Bastian we would take him punting in the morning but we would have
a quick tour to see King's, Trinity and St John's at least first and then
he could see the cellars in the afternoon, Andrei included, of course.


                                                                 Friday

     Cambridge was crowded with tourists and shoppers but the peace of the
Chapels at King's and the other two Colleges was welcome.  The usual 'Wow'
was forthcoming from Bastian as he gazed at the unbelievable ceiling in
King's.  He more or less had to be dragged away as one of his passions was
stained glass and he said he would have to return to take in all that
beauty.  The statue of Newton in Trinity drew a respectful Rothenian bow
from him and he giggled when I showed him Tennyson's pipe craftily depicted
in the statue of him.  Both had seen the film 'Chariots of Fire' so were
very taken with the courtyard of Trinity until we told them the episode of
the race had been filmed elsewhere.  Bastian shook his head in wonderment
as we stood looking into the huge Chapel at John's.  "Even in Strelzen we
have nothing like this," he whispered.

     We hurried along then to find a punt at Magdalene Bridge.  Tris was
going to propel us.  Both Andrei and Bastian were in their element.  Tris
took us along the Backs as far as Mill Lane.  The languorous warmth was so
soporific and enervating I found it difficult to keep up my description of
what we were seeing.  No problem, just looking and watching the other punts
and the antics of the occupants was sufficient.  We took them back to
College to let them savour a lunch in Hall.  Dusty and young Steve were
serving and the food wasn't bad.  At least up to Rodolfer standards!

     After lunch Tris left us to pop to the office so leaving us three to
have coffee in my set where Bastian opened the secret door.  It was then
time for his tour of the cellars which Andrei had already seen but wanted
another look.  Wayne was in charge of the cellar input and slowed the human
traffic to allow us almost a private viewing.  The look on Bastian's face
when confronted with the large-scale depiction of Frankie and the Twins in
full glory was quite priceless.  "The King was right!" he murmured.  We
didn't have to ask.  Yes, Frankie was depicted as 'well-hung'.  Both he and
Andrei knelt when they were faced with the replica of the St Guthlac relic.
"When you have more time you must come back and see the real one," I said
as they reverentially crossed themselves.

     Upstairs they wanted to see our Chapel and to hear me play.  Sean was
there industriously polishing the plenteous brass.  They came up to the
organ loft and in that quiet atmosphere I played them my favourite, that
Alain piece which had so much become my own.  When we went down two others
were there.  Curt and Logan.  'Baron' was introduced to two 'Counts'!  I
left them to it and went across to my set to get things ready for the
weekend.  I was making a pot of tea when Jak and Max appeared.  They were
ready to set off, whenever, but tea and biscuits first.

     "Another week and we should have the system so tuned even Adam won't
be able to crash it!"  Apparently he had caused more than slight discomfort
to the pair when he'd accidentally discovered a loophole in their set-up at
Ulvescott and the system went down.  Actually, they said, he'd done them a
good turn as he'd highlighted a possible flaw in coding which they'd
altered at some point without realising the consequences.

     What a welcome when we got to Ulvescott.  Our bit of the family were
already there with Francis talking to the elder Dr Thomson in what sounded
quite reasonable French.  The Arab lads were locked away somewhere with the
Sheikh.  Dad, Mum and Pugsy were sitting round talking to the younger Dr
Thomson and Ibrahim and the remains of tea was being cleared away by no one
other than Barry Hall.  He said he'd joined the household earlier than
planned as there were several functions scheduled for the summer but he was
being allowed time off for his trip to Skye.  Jak's brother Saf was there
with his wife and the two young boys.  Bastian was scrutinised carefully by
the two kids.  The room was reduced to hilarity when a clear young voice
announced, "Yes, you could be in the family from your face but we won't
know properly until you take your trousers off!"  That was to come later!

     After a round of introductions, Andrei, Tris and I were led away to a
study by the Colonel so he could hear our tale.  First though, he told us
some things about his work during the Cold War especially and that Mr X as
a very young man had come to their attention as being quite ruthless.  "His
unit almost managed to infiltrate our group in East Berlin, in fact, one of
our agents was shot trying to get over the Wall but we managed to cover up
his activities."  He shook his head.  "Unfortunately in a war there are
always casualties.  Then, after the Wall came down, we found he'd been
compromised by X who, luckily for us, hadn't realised the implications as
Gunther had full plans of their set-up.  We had got those safely from
another agent almost immediately." He snorted.  "After the Wall was down X
tried his hand at being a double agent but he had too much of a record.  He
was arrested but wriggled his way out and disappeared.  I was one of the
interrogators.  At least I sat in as my German is scanty.  He gave us names
and we knew they were correct, then he tried lying about others.  I have
the feeling one of his ex-STASI pals arranged the escape but it was covered
up so as not to cause waves.  He surfaced now and again but the world, or
Europe at least, had moved on."  He waved a dismissive hand.  "By that time
I'd moved on, too, and was interested in other things."  He grinned.
"You'll have to buy the book to find out more!  And then he turns up in
Cambridge, but that's your story!"

     Andrei had been looking at him with such fascination and before we
could start our tale he leaned forward.  "Sir, I am very honoured to meet
you and to hear you and we have much to tell you.  But first, I think you
know Brigadier Presilev.  He sends his best wishes but I did not dare to
ask more."

     The Colonel's face lit up.  "Young Karl!  He was attached to us for
about three years when I was dealing with matters in West Germany.  Yes!
He's risen in the ranks.  A Brigadier now?  Is he your Commanding Officer?"
Andrei nodded and said the officer had just been promoted.  "Then you
couldn't have a better man."  He grinned.  "I still keep in touch
occasionally even though his English is quite rudimentary!"

     Interesting!  The connection with the 'reliable source' was now clear!

     After that we didn't emerge until pre-dinner drinks were announced and
we hadn't finished even then!  Frankie had Bastian in tow with the
'labourers' and the younger of Saf's sons was holding Bastian's hand.
"He's my cousin," he announced as we emerged from the study.  "Are you his
big brother?" he asked Andrei who knelt down beside him.  "You can help
read my story tonight!"  The elder boy came across.  "They can all take in
turns.  It's nice to have new people."

     His father came up behind him.  "Do you mean you're fed up with the
rest of us?"

     His inheritance must have been the imperious part of the gene.  "No,
but if they are part of my family everyone must share."

     Andrei leaned over and took hold of a hand.  "I am very proud to be in
your family and you must visit all the others who have found they are now
part."

     "Yes," the young lad said, looking straight at Andrei, "I know you are
in our family.  The boy said I would meet a brave soldier and that's you!"

     Piers had spoken!  Andrei's face broke into a happy smile.  "I am only
brave because I have to be.  It's difficult to be brave."  I hadn't noticed
he wore a signet ring but he took one off the little finger of his left
hand.  "This is for you.  I think you will be brave, too.  A soldier too,
perhaps, but you must keep this and wear it when you are bigger."

     I think we were all either open-mouthed or overawed by this little
interchange.  Andrei sounded so sure and the lad wasn't fazed .  He took
the silver ring and turned it.  I spotted that word again - FIDENTIA.  "I
will keep it safe."  He leaned up and gave Andrei a kiss on the cheek.
There was nothing more to be said.  His younger brother didn't ask why he
hadn't been given anything.  He bestowed a gift though.  He reached up and
planted a kiss on Andrei's other cheek.  "For you," he said.

     Bastian had been watching this quietly.  He reached down and hugged
the younger boy.  Then he held his arms open for the other one.  "You will
be good and clever," Jeremy announced as Bastian hugged him tight.  Out of
the mouths of babes and sucklings!  But we all knew that messages had been
exchanged even if we didn't understand the whole realm of the sources.

     Down to business now!  Dinner was ready.  "You can sit with us," young
Jeremy announced and as we went into the dining-room led Bastian and Andrei
in either side of him.  I know I love succulent lamb but the cutlets
tonight were superb with some special sauce I hadn't experienced before.
Although we'd had a large bowl of soup with crusty bread to start all
plates were clean when the table was cleared after the main course.  Dr
Thomson said as there were so many youngsters present, and it was also a
favourite of his, we could have trifle, or...  He didn't finish as there
was an almost unanimous murmur of 'Trifle!'. The 'or' was then brought in,
too.  A stupendous fruit compote.  All corners were filled but a selection
of cheeses followed, with port for the hardened drinkers, as Jak said.  The
Chef was called for and Barry emerged.  It was his first big evening.  He
ushered in three under-chefs and explained the sauce was one he had been
taught by his Rothenian friend, Jerzy zum Adamszberh, and was produced
tonight in honour of the special guests.

     Full to the brim we just lounged around and talk between groups just
flowed.  The little'uns had to go to bed as they had been allowed to stay
up for the grand meal.  Andrei and Wasim went off with one and Bastian and
Kasim with the other.  They weren't away long.  Small boys full of food and
happy fall asleep very quickly.

     For the ninetieth time, it seemed, we had to fill in some of our
story.  Our medals, and Andrei's were appraised.  The elder Dr Thomson was
told to show his recent honour - a French one awarded for his scholarship
and contribution to the understanding of French literature.  As usual the
subject of the birthmarks was raised and we said we'd promised the
young'uns another display would be put on in the morning.  All too soon it
was time for bed.  There was no argument.  Andrei and Bastian would share
Piers' room; somehow Francis, Pugsy, Waz and Kaz would all be sleeping in
the Horsebox.  But first, the picture gallery and family tree on the wall
in Piers' room had to be seen.  Again, I had that feeling of great peace as
the younger Dr Thomson explained it all to the newcomers.

     "Andrei and Bastian," he said pointing to the large branching tree,
"You and your family will appear here soon.  On behalf of us all we welcome
you with open hearts and you still have more to meet."

     More to meet!  Yes, we'd heard that Jak and Saf's parents would be
arriving in the morning.  "My brother James says all the merrier," Dr
Thomson said, "More places to spend holidays!"

                                                                 Saturday

     Tris and I were in the African Room and, as usual, I slept well
knowing our unseen friends were there.  At breakfast it was all the younger
end present to begin with.  Naturally, Tris and I were down first dying for
the first cup of coffee for the day.  Barry was supervising the preparation
in the kitchen and said he couldn't think of being anywhere else.  He'd
been in situ for a fortnight so far and was being given more and more
responsibility as the usual head chef was thinking of retiring.  "Monsieur
Pierre is teaching me so much and the other lads are excellent.  I just
hope I'm up to the standard they know."  All we could say was how good
everything was the night before.  That standard was the tops!

     I asked if the household he'd just left were coping OK without him.
He laughed and said he thought a combination of Jacob's cooking and Marks
and Spencers' ready meals was just about keeping them going.  Tris said if
they were really desperate they could see if Curt would be a useful lodger.
"Never thought of that," Barry said, "Seriously, though, he's a very good
cook.  Cheffie used to let him loose while I was in the kitchen and he
never made any mistakes."  He grinned.  "He'd certainly liven the place up.
I'll phone Jacob later and suggest it."

     "They'd get Logan, too," I said, "He keeps the tyke in order!"

     Barry nodded.  "I think the pair of them would make a very good team."
He laughed.  "And if Logan's doing Engineering there's plenty of jobs to be
done.  The central heating needs a good seeing to and there's masses of
electrical stuff plugged in all over the place.  Paul's got a workshop at
the back of the big garage and loves making things so someone to help would
be ideal."  He nodded again.  "Yep, they keep saying they want to extend
and have a couple more bedrooms so another couple in the bungalow would
probably get them working on it.  I know they've had Charles in to see if
the College architects would do some designing.  Let's get breakfast over
and I'll get on to it!"

     While we were eating and talking I texted Curt.  It was a rather long
message and I had to do it in two bits.  I said we'd spoken to Barry, would
it be a good idea? etc.  etc.  Tris said to add that Logan would be
included in the package as his gravy and custard were ideal.

     Gradually the others filtered in.  Waz and Kaz looking even more
relaxed than they had been after being closeted with the Sheikh.  They said
they were having another session with him today and he was helping them to
understand what their role in the future of their country might be.  They
said they knew now they had been singled out.  They exchanged looks at that
but didn't elaborate.

     Tris asked if they liked being back at work.  Wasim laughed.
"Frankie's in charge again.  He told Martin that he didn't think the new
footings were quite right because his dumper was taking fewer loads.
Martin measured again and Frankie was right.  The sub- contractor had
marked them out wrongly.  Martin says he'd do much better in the building
trade than fiddling about with organs."

     Kasim said he was enjoying the actual physical labour.  "We've had
everything done for us in the past and I feel so much better for doing
something active.  His Excellency says we can stay here in vacations if we
wish and he's got plenty for us to do here.  We'd better see if Frankie and
Tony want to come here as well."

     Our chat was interrupted then by that pair.  Frankie was instructing
Pugsy about some excursion round the estate he was planning for them for
the morning.  "I promised Jeremy you would take him and little Andrew and
the dog to see the stone in the churchyard.  You can take Waz and Kaz as
well and then you can all have a swim later..."  He saw us sitting there.
"...Hi, folks.  Just getting organised for the morning.  Dr Thomson wants
to hear me play and I can't have you all sitting around idle."  He
grimaced.  "I've forgotten Andrei and Bastian.  Haven't heard a sound from
their room.  You can see to them."  This last directed at Tris and me.  "We
need breakfast, don't we Pugs?"

     He gave me and Tris the usual 'I'm resigned to the gab-fest' look and
sat next to me.  "What a place," he said quietly, "That room we're in is a
bit strange but I feel so at home here, it's uncanny."  He shook his head.
"Dad's not important in my life anymore.  I know I'm OK and I've never got
to think of him again.  It's almost as if I've shed a skin." He put a hand
out - a quite rough and calloused hand now - and grasped mine.  "I've so
much to thank you and Tris and the rest of your families for.  I don't
think I would have survived otherwise.  I would have probably ended up
harming the bugger even more.  At least he got away with just a bloody nose
and bruised ribs!"  He squeezed my hand.  "I know I've been forgiven.  I've
been told.  Yes, I must not waver just like you were told somewhere else."

     Frankie and the other two had been listening.  Frankie put an arm
round his friend's shoulder.  "Pugs, you'll never waver," he said very
sincerely, "I'm proud to have you as a friend.  Just make sure I don't make
any mistakes."

     Wasim smiled at Pugsy.  "We would be proud to have you as a friend,
too.  I think we are.  I will make you blush but His Excellency told us
yesterday that you remind him of his friend the Colonel though you are so
much bigger!  He meant, I am sure, his strength of character.  I think we
will be friends for a long time and you must guide us, too.  We know, we
have been told."

     Poor Pugsy.  He looked rather bewildered.  Yes, I knew what the Sheikh
meant.  There was something solid, reliable, trustworthy in Antony Pugsley.
A certain shyness to overcome but someone who could lead and be honest in
their dealings.

     "You know, Tony," said Kasim, "We've had to deal with who we are and
you will have to deal with who you will be.  It may be hard but with your
friends you'll succeed.  I will be a friend if you will let me."

     A real hush seemed to be around us.  Not an embarrassed sort of hush
but a sense of quiet and of things said and, perhaps, only partially
understood.  Pugsy sat back and nodded and looked at his three main
buddies, one he'd known for some time, the other two just a matter of
weeks.  Yes, there was a feeling of a true comradeship being fostered.  It
would be interesting to find out more about Wasim and Kasim.

     But to breakfast and any other plans for the day.  Andrei and Bastian
hadn't surfaced by the time Tris and I had finished so we wandered up and
went through from the Horsebox to the intervening bathroom and listened at
the door which was ajar.  We could hear the pair talking together softly.
Tris knocked and opened the door.

     "May we come in?" he asked.

     Two rather solemn faces broke into smiles.  Andrei beckoned us in.
They were dressed and sitting on the window-seat side by side.  They stood
as we entered and we got hugs of greeting.

     "Please," Andrei said, "We have much to tell and you might be able to
explain some things.  Please sit with us."

     Yes.  Quite separately they had had similar dreams.  The golden-haired
boy was there.  We explained this was the Colonel's younger brother, known
as Flea.

     "He was a very brave pilot," said Tris, "He died quite young.  Not
flying or anything like that, he was ill.  Anyone else?"

     Andrei looked startled.  "You know?"

     "Piers would have been there, too.  Perhaps with Miles in the
background."  Tris stood up and went over to the desk in the corner of the
room and opened the drawer containing the diaries.  He picked out the last
two and handed one to Andrei, the other to Bastian.

     "These are his," said Andrei, "I know.  I can feel it."

     "He told me how brave my brother was and will be and I must be
studious as I have my way mapped for me," said Bastian, softly.  "Andrei
may have seen St Fenice but I have heard your Piers."

     "Tonight," said Andrei, "You must join us in here.  We heard of others
who have slept here and have made their vows of friendship.  Many have and
we must, too."

     Yes, Jak and Max had told us of the influence of the room and its
inhabitants on them and on others going back to at least three generations.

     "We will be bonded in the family," Andrei added.  "My brothers and
families must come here as well.  Dr Thomson said last night all are
welcome."  He smiled.  "I must phone my mother this morning."

     We said breakfast was still being served and surely they were hungry?
We would then explore the house, have a swim and talk to the live
inhabitants.  "No Baptists to tweak in the pool," I said.  Bastian had to
confess to Andrei about his persecution of the pair.  He'd also noted the
disappearance and leaned over and whispered something to Andrei in
Rothenian.

     "You must say that out loud, in English.  You naughty boy!" said
Andrei winking at us over Bastian's bowed head.

     Bastian sat up straight, lightly red about the gills.  "I just said
the boy had to relieve himself."

     Tris, the ever pedantic - no, just didactic! - said that 'to relieve
oneself' meant 'to pass water', but the boy took much longer and was not in
the pissoir so...

     "...He had a wank!" said Bastian loudly and his brother playfully
swatted his back.

     "Where did you learn such words?" his brother quizzed him.

     He did go bright red then.  "I have read stories.  In English."  The
imp or Krote surfaced.  The blush disappeared.  "To improve my English!" he
said looking directly at his brother.  "You did not clear your History one
time at home."  It was Andrei's turn to blush but he just laughed.

     "And what else did you learn?"

     The nose wrinkled.  "Some boys are bigger than you!"  He giggled.  "I
think they alter the photographs.  Do not worry, you are big enough!"

     He got another swat and then a hug.  "You must not tease Klaus like
you tease me."

     The nose twitched again.  "I tease him anyway.  He is quiet and I do
not think he looks at rude things.  He may but he has passwords to enter."
He looked at me.  "I must ask the big one. Max.  He can tell me how to find
a way.  I expect Klaus looks at other things."  He made rapid gestures of
voluptuous shapes.  "He is not gay I know."

     Andrei looked heavenwards.  "Family secrets."  He shook his head.  "He
has talked to me.  He has had to make up his mind.  A long time thinking
but he is very fond of Madeleine.  I think he will ask her soon."

     "Good," said Bastian, "He can get married in the Palace Chapel.  I
will be a page-boy with Marek."  He laughed.  "Frankie can be one, too.
There are plenty of uniforms.  I will ask Marek to tell his father..."

     Andrei put up a hand.  "...Hold it," he said, "He hasn't asked her
yet."

     Bastian smirked.  "I think he will ask today.  You wait.  There will
be a message!"

     We went down and we waited while they ate.  My mobile pinged.  Message
back from Curt.  'It would be a privilege to be considered'.  My, my, a
very serious Curt and thinking of his future.  A second ping and it was
Logan.  'He will talk to the Master this morning.'  Yes, his Godfather for
advice.  I think that would be 'Take it if offered!'.

     After they had finished we spent time wandering upstairs, looking at
the Horsebox and Piers' room more closely and going further up into the
attics and just talking to each other.  We didn't find time for a swim as
at eleven there was coffee served and the younger Dr Thomson showed Andrei
and Bastian a copy of the illustrated book.  Bastian's eyes nearly popped
when the frontispiece was displayed just as the elder Dr Thomson came into
the study with Frankie and said it was him in younger days.  There was
laughter then as the illustrations with bits of Dr Francis Thomson and his
brother were shown.  "You met Nicholas Good at Burns Night," Francis
Thomson said and pointed at a very well appointed set of tackle, "He is
very proud of that page!"

     "Anyone would be," breathed Tris, "I didn't know that was him when I
was shown the book before.  If I'd known I might have asked for a
demonstration..."

     He stopped, realising the older Dr Thomson was still present.  No
worry.  Both roared.  "I think Andrew might have objected," Francis Thomson
said, "Nick belongs to him!"

     We were invaded then by the return of the younger ones all looking
slightly damp but glowing.  Young Jeremy saw his great-uncle Francis
closing the book.  "I suppose you have been laughing again?" he said, "I
think the pictures are very good."

     "When have you seen them?" his great-uncle asked.

     "Several times," he said, "I always come in here when I am here with
Flea and I look at that book as well."  He pointed at a copy of 'Paul's
Odyssey' also on the desk.  "I can read most of the words now."

     Francis Thomson turned and looked at his father.  The elder Dr Thomson
bent down to the boy.  "Who told you his name is Flea?"

     "He did, Grandpa.  A long time ago.  When I was very small.  I always
wait for him when I go to sleep."

     The two older men exchanged looks.  Bastian reached out and held the
little boy's hand.  "I have met Flea as well.  He must love us very much to
come and tell us things."

     The boy's smile was heavenly.  "He loves all of us.  He tells this
Francis things, too, doesn't he?"  This directed at my brother.

     Frankie dropped to his knees by the boy.  "Yes," he said, "And we must
listen carefully to what he says, mustn't we?"

     "Me too," said the smaller boy, young Andrew.  "He has my name, too."
He looked slightly puzzled.  "Or do I have his name?"

     The elder Dr Thomson smiled.  "He was named Andrew as well, just like
you.  We called him Flea because he was small and very lively.  But you
share the name with Uncle Andrew as well.  Andrew is a family name now,
like Francis.  You are all part of the family."

     Bastian looked across at his brother Andrei.  "Andrei, Andrew!  It is
the same," he said.  He shook his head and looked at the elderly man.  "It
is so strange.  You must explain everything, please?  We need to know."  He
looked even more puzzled than the small boy.

     Dr Thomson smiled.  "I can't explain.  It is something within our
family.  You are part of us and you have been accepted.  You have been
told?"  Both Andrei and Bastian nodded.  "Then take it as a gift.  A gift
that does not have to be repaid except in acts of love and friendship."  He
pointed at Pugsy standing at the back.  "I think you have been told as
well."  A silent, observing Pugsy nodded slowly.  "What we experience here
is a force for good.  I have more than benefited over the years.  I feel
that force as strongly now, if not stronger, than I did on my early visits
to this house.  Then it was Piers and Miles but now they have been joined
by my lovely friend, my Flea.  I know some of you have also experienced
another great force, too.  We cannot explain.  Accept and be accepted."

     "I will," said Andrei putting his hand on his brother's shoulder.

     "I will," said Bastian, very firmly.  He reached out again, this time
with both hands and put them on the small boys' shoulders.

     "I will," they said simultaneously.

     It was strange that sense of timelessness seemed to be with us again.
A silence broken only by the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner
of the room.  The clock whirred and struck the half-hour.  Time happened
again!  I think we had all mentally, or under our breath, repeated 'I
will'.

     Jeremy looked up at Bastian.  "You can come with me to see the stone.
We will take some flowers.  We forgot to take them earlier."  He smiled.
"And Andrei can bring Andrew."

     Time flew then.  Mum and Dad had already gone off to see a church with
wall- paintings with Adam and Nate and said they would be back in time for
lunch. The boys went off leaving the elder Dr Thomson with Frankie, Tris
and me.  He wanted to hear more about our adventures and especially about
my recital and wanted to hear me play, too.  Even with just the dozen or so
stops on the two-manual organ I was able to give a good performance of the
Alain.  I played several other pieces from the substantial cabinet of books
by the side of the organ.  While I was playing the last piece the Sheikh
and the two lads came into the room.

     "Don't stop," he said, leaning heavily on his stick, "When Jacko plays
I find my memories flood back." He smiled, his eyes twinkling behind his
spectacles.  "My happy memories."  He looked at Wasim and Kasim.  "I have
written as much as I can remember.  You must promise me you will read and
learn."  Both bowed their heads and put their hands together.  Two others
whose destinies were mapped , I thought.

     We sat and talked a bit more.  The Sheikh explained a bit about how
Safar and Khaled, his sons, had been kidnapped.  It was fascinating hearing
his side of the story.  How he had to cope with the knowledge that his sons
might be killed if he did not agree to the threats of the man who wanted to
be ruler but had plotted his own destruction. He said his friendship with
Lachlan was even deeper after the rescue and they had worked together on
numerous other occasions.

     On the return of the group looking at the memorial stone Jeremy said
it was time for Andrei and Bastian to be photographed for the picture
gallery in Piers' room.  A line-up of that pair with young Andrew, plus
Frankie and me, all in short shorts was supervised by Jeremy.  I could see
he was a younger version of the Toad as he loved organising.  All was done
and Tris promised he would print off photos or send jpegs to all and
sundry.

     After another superb lunch Tris and I managed to corner Frankie while
Pugsy and the Arab lads were going off to look at the craft shops on the
edge of the estate..

     "Just as a matter of interest..." Tris began as the trio disappeared.

     "...I know what you're going to ask," said Frankie, "You've been
itching to ask ever since you first met them, eh?"

     We both managed wan smiles.  Francis was certainly on the ball.

     "All I'll say...," he continued, "...Is that they enjoy each other's
company.  They sleep together and have done so since they went to the
school in Switzerland when they were thirteen.  Pugs and I have had lots of
conversations with them about all sorts of things and they admit they have
tried things out together but they are not gay." He smiled.  "They say all
young Arabs are quite uninhibited about showing friendship by holding
hands.  You should see Pugsy when he's holding forth and Waz or Kaz is
holding his hand, he's getting quite Arabian!"  Frankie shook his head.
"It's as if we've all been friends for yonks.  We took them up to see the
Lion King with Bozo and Harpo and the four of them sat in a row all holding
hands and enjoying just being together.  What we did find out is they have
to get married and that quite soon.  Their society is quite closed in many
ways and it was the Sheikh who told their fathers to send them to
Switzerland.  I get the impression he has more than one finger in a rather
complicated pie!  Sorry, but there's no other way to say it!"

     We both nodded.  "And you and them?" probed Tris.

     "Not telling!"  That remark told it all, though.  All, not gay,
but....

     That night Tris and I followed Andrei and Bastian into Piers' room
after another long evening of convivial chat.  Nothing more than holding
and caressing each other with Andrei and I in the most loving embrace.  He
whispered that he hoped he might be able to bring Lucasz here.  Somewhere
where he knew they could renew their vows of love and friendship.  As we
held each other I could feel the warmth of his body and then the almost
simultaneous outflow of our love sealing us as members of this so-wide
family.  Tris and Bastian beside us were experiencing the same intensity of
feeling.  I heard them whispering together but couldn't make out what they
were saying.  They were silent for a few moments, then there were gasps as
their juices flowed.  I think we all slept a while before partners were
exchanged.

     As I stroked his back Bastian was feverishly whispering how much he
wanted to tell Tris and me of his love for us.  He needed our love as well
as that of his brothers.  "That little boy said he loved me as well when I
read to him last night.  I hope I can love someone like Waclav, too.  Real
love, like this."  We were silent then, just two bodies, or souls perhaps,
united.  My, my, for a seventeen-year-old Bastian was well-developed
because as two engorged, wanton cocks rubbed together, he just about
matched mine if not in length but in girth.  He then beat me as what
erupted from his young monster squirted up between us and coated my chest
hair with quite a copious amount.  My effusion joined his and we fell
asleep holding each other tightly, first sharing our mingled offerings from
fingers which had mixed those streams.  "We've shared our love," he
whispered as we kissed and fell contentedly asleep.

                                                                 Sunday

     We were awake early.  The four of us were so happy.  Andrei said the
past two nights had released him from any residual shock he had felt after
the shooting.  He confessed he'd had some sleepless nights reliving the
drama as he had felt so responsible for our safety.  When he'd been back to
see the doctor at the hospital for a check-up he'd said he must expect to
get flashbacks from such a traumatic occurrence.  "I'm prepared now for
whatever might happen in the future.  I think I will have to cope with a
lot more quite soon.  But, I have been told..."

     A big group of us went for a long walk during the morning exploring
the estate and the surrounding country lanes.  Tris and I walked for a
while with James Thomson, the solicitor, and his wife.  He said he had many
tales to tell about the place and never tired making the journey to visit.
"You still have many more to meet," he said to me, "Diane and I are going
to the States in August to see my second cousin, Truscott, and his wife.
He's larger than life and that's a real understatement!  I leave you to
work out your relationship to him!  His brother lives in France so that's
another place to visit for you.  A big villa which belonged to Uncle Tony."
He laughed.  "Now with the others joined to the family Dad's going to have
his work cut out enlarging the tree."

     I said that there was a possibility of another link between my line
and Andrei's.

     "Yes, Adam's asked me about that," he said.  "I'm asking our
researcher to explore it.  It shouldn't take long and we know the
connection is Scottish.  Charteris and Foster.  Shouldn't be difficult."

     This family web seemed formidable!

     That walk set us up very nicely for lunch and a rather comatose
afternoon.  It was while most people were snoozing or just chatting that
Andrei said he'd just looked at his flight ticket again and their flight
back wasn't until Tuesday afternoon, he'd given Bastian the wrong date when
he was on the computer booking it.  Not to worry as long as Bastian was
back in time for the levee on Thursday.  That meant we could visit the
Guthlac Relic on Monday.  But, as Nate pointed out, the Fitzwilliam Museum
was closed on a Monday.  Nothing ventured, he phoned Dr Masterton who said
no problem, she would be in her office there at two o'clock and Andrei and
Bastian could have a private viewing.  It would also mean we could fill her
in with all the details of what had been found in Strelzen.  A quick call
to the hotel booked Bastian a room for Tuesday and Wednesday instead as he
said if he stayed there the lads could take him to the Spa, but, if he
stayed with Marek and his parents, he wouldn't be allowed to go.  Andrei
gave him a look.  "I will behave," he said and butter wouldn't melt!

     Departures came all too soon.  After a substantial tea we said cheerio
to Mum, Dad and the lads who all managed to squeeze into the roomy estate
car.  "Work tomorrow," said Pugsy as he prodded Kasim in the back as he got
into the car, "Work off some of that good food.  Must say they live well."

     Kasim turned to his friend.  "So will you.  Now, get in the front with
Uncle Gordon because you'll take up too much room in the back!"

     Oh, so Dad was Uncle Gordon!

     As I said cheerio to Dad he was nodding towards the interior of the
laden car.  "Thought when you went off to St Mark's I'd only have your
little brother to contend with but look what I'm landed with now!"

     A quiet voice from the back.  "But we all love you!" It was Wasim,
egged on by Mum, no doubt.


                                                                Monday

     That night more love was shed.  We four slept together again and our
powerful friendship and kinship was consolidated twice more.  We all woke
early and decided to have a quick shower then a swim before breakfast.  No
swimming costumes as no one else was around.  After being assaulted twice
by an underwater monster I grabbed him as he surfaced for air. As both Tris
and Andrei had also received his attentions we told him about how we had
tickled for trout with Stepan.  That lithe young trout squawked and
squirmed as we demonstrated methods, joined by his brother as well.  Poor
lad then demonstrated something we had witnessed at other times, that
teenagers cannot contain themselves even if they had shed at least two
loads the night before!  Luckily the coagulating strands were sucked away
by the filtering equipment.  We quickly showered off and rushed upstairs to
dress ready for breakfast.  Of course, Jak and Max were already eating.

     "Of course, young boys can't be relied on to vacate warm beds," said
Max airily waving a piece of toast and marmalade with a look of mock
disdain on his face.

     "Four in a bed, disgusting," added Jak dipping a toast soldier into a
boiled egg.

     "Could have been six if you had joined us," said Tris, pouring four
cups of steaming coffee as the others of us chose our cereals.  "Though
you'd've probably snored after all that cold meat and pickle you had for
supper, Max.  Good appetite to keep your strength up?  Or anything else
up?"

     "Don't you start again, young sir.  You'll give our guests the wrong
impression of us," he said holding out an empty cup to be filled as well.

     Andrei looked over to him as he put two large spoons of sugar in the
cup.  "You like your coffee hot, strong and sweet.  Just like him?" He
indicated Jak.

     "Bugger me," said Max softly, grinning, "Got the bloody foreign lot at
it now.  I get enough from Adam especially after he pooped on our system."

     Jak laughed.  "Saved us a good few quid though if a client had had the
misfortune to do the same."  He turned to Andrei who had sat beside him.
He put a hand down and squeezed his thigh just above the knee.  Andrei
winced and almost dropped the spoonful of Rice Krispies he was about to put
in his mouth.  "Wow, you've got a nice bit of muscle there."  He winked at
him.  "Thanks for the compliment.  But you're hot, you're strong." He
leaned over and gave Andrei a pursed-lip little kiss on the cheek.  "And
you're tho werry thweet yourthelf!" he said in a good imitation of Violet
Elizabeth Bott.

     Breakfast was punctuated then by giggles as Jak and Max told us
several rather stupid jokes.  "All off the Internet," said Jak asking
Bastian "What's the difference between pink and purple?"  He shook his
head.  "The grip!"  Groans from the rest of us as Jak held up two clenched
fists one on top of the other!  After "Why do squirrels swim on their
backs?" and a chorused "To keep their nuts dry!" from Tris and me they were
told to shut up, much, I think, to Bastian's disappointment.


To be continued: