Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 10:19:02 +0100 From: Al Peres <al.peres@hotmail.com> Subject: The White Druid Part 1 This is a sweet and tender story of love, entirely a product of my imagination, in which four brave boys of different origins helped Julio Caesar to conquer the Gauls, (current France). Some of the characters and events are historical ones that really existed and happened in those times, though their real history, in some of them, have nothing to do with what I show in this work. It depicts sexual contacts, mostly amongst minors, and a few times between minor and man. These behaviours were normally accepted in those times and were not subjected of any criticism or considered abnormal. Please, do not read it if such conducts offend you. English is not my mother language, therefore, please, be acquiescent with the syntax. Comments will be welcomed to: "al.peres@hotmail.com" THE WHITE DRUID ================= by Al Peres Part 1 CHAPTER 1 Marcelo was 26 y/o and in de last year of his obliged service to the Roman Republic. He belonged to one of the oldest families of Rome; his family's tree had its roots in the ancient founders of Rome. Those families had strong prerogatives and obligations; in every generation one male member had to devote his life to the army and politic, and another to the medicine that normally later became into politic as a senator. Traditionally his family had been neutral in the Senate assembly, and well respected by the other parties. Marcelo was a good physician as his father had been, too; however, he still was single. He was taller than the average men of his time and had large intense blue eyes; not very common amongst Romans; so he had good success within aristocratic women society, helped by being a good medicine specialist. The General Lucio Cornelius was commanding the forces established in the north of Iberia (today Spain and Portugal) and Marcelo was serving under his orders. Rome had a great interest on conquering The Gauls, though until now they had partially succeeded in small strip of land in the South, separated from the Italian peninsula by high mountains. Cornelius had called Marcelo to his quarters and they were amicably enjoying a cup of red wine. After a few minutes talking about miscellaneous things, the general said: "Marcelo, I have an important mission for you, I'm sorry because you are in your last year and you are very valuable as a physician here; but I need a good and efficient officer for this task." He paused, waiting for the young man commentaries; though as usual, Marcelo kept silence until his superior ended. "You know Rome had a great interest on conquering The Gauls that are separate from us for this high mountain chain, The Pyrenees. We need to find a pass thru here in the West to help our forces entering from the East; that would basically be your job, not a military action." Then Marcelo argued: "I understand what you mean, but those mountains, besides high, are covered by snow, and I suppose guarded by the tribes on the other side..." The general interrupted him. "We know it and that's why I want to send you. We have here expert guides who know very well those peaks; they say it is difficult, but not impossible to cross the Pyrenees in this time of the year; they are ready to help us." Marcelo kept silence for a couple of minutes considering all pros and cons. "When shall I depart?" Marcelo asked. The General grinned obviously pleased with the young man's words. In fact he could not force him to carry out this risky mission. His family had a great influence in Rome's high spheres and had already lost some of his members fighting for the Republic in Germania. "First of all, we need to establish the strategy to follow. We aren't going into an offensive; therefore, we need a small group of brave men to protect our two geographers who'll carry out the task of raising a map, showing the trails and the works we might need to perform, in order to pass a fair army, if necessary, to the other side of the Pyrenees. I leave you to organize the group that must be ready in a week time. Choose the men, material, supplies, etc that you may need; this assignment has first priority. I believe three weeks could be more than enough time to do this work, unless you find unexpected difficulties. In this case your criteria would be the base of our success." Marcelo pondered the situation. "Alright, sir. I think four good soldiers armed with light weapons, plus the guide and geographers, would be sufficient. As you say, we aren't going into a war, so a small group could be undetected if we are well equipped." "Thanks son for your cooperation. I promise you that upon your return, you will be commissioned to Rome with the end of your service to our Republic; I hope to see you married and with children when I return home, I'll need a good physician to look after my family." "It is a little far away yet, sir. My father is looking forward to my return; then he thinks to retire to one of his villas to grow vineyards." The two men shook hands and Marcelo left to prepare the team to carry out the job that would have a great significance for his family and Rome. It was the beginning of May when the team started climbing the high still snowed peaks. Eight persons: 4 soldiers, 2 geographers 1 guide and Marcelo. The guide had expressed his preferences for walking rather than riding a mule out of the two loaded with supplies, but as Marcelo had insisted, the man obeyed; the rest were riding good and strong horses. They found many little brooks and streams descending from the high peaks carrying the melted snow. Some times with luck and others bearing heavy rains they were doing their secret work. Two days before reaching the final of the trail, they were passing thru a narrow cornice. To their right they had a high near vertical wall covered by snow, and at their feet, a very deep steep cliff. Suddenly, a snow hare jumped from one of mule's feet. The mule, ridden by the inexpert guide, moved back scared; the man pulled back the reins instead of leaving the animals to adjust themselves to the situation; this made the mule to step back on a false rock causing the fall of the mule and one horse with a soldier into the deep cliff. In seconds they animals and men were dead about three hundred metres down, at the bottom of the cliff. Marcelo shouted an order and the disciplined men dismounted the horses, taking them by the reins. "Stupid man!" He murmured, but added: "He warned us he preferred walking." Addressing to his men he continued. "We have lost very valuable supplies and two friends, however, we must continue until we complete our task; fortunately we are not very far from the end of our objective. Far away we can see there is not snow. As soon as we are in the other side o this terrible mountain chain we'll hide our weapons and try to get the Gaul people's cooperation, so let's go; we'll adjust to our supplies." ******************** On the other side of the Pyrenees there was a large valley where a few tribes lived from agriculture and most from cattle, especially sheep, goats, some cows and donkeys that were pastured by boys and girls. Kurt was a hot 12 years-old boy; his father had died years back in a fight and now he was under the care of the village's Great Druid. Two years ago, the old man scanned the boy's mind and he found he was especially gifted; he could be a great man. In that moment he told to the boy: "Kurt, you are a special boy, your father would have been very proud of you..." The boy interrupted the man. "He's dead, and I haven't mother; so you and Karla are the only ones who care about and love me." "What would you like to be in the future, Kurt?" The old man asked to at the time ten- years-old boy. The child did not hesitate to answer: "I'll be a horse breeder. We need horses to keep us safe from our enemies." The man did not say anything, he ruffled the little boy silky brown hair; he knew the potential mind of the boy, especially with animals, though he was not aware o this yet. "By now you'll breed sheep, goats and donkeys; we cannot afford horses, they are very expensive and rare in our land; only a few tribe leaders have some. I suppose you were surprised when the last year Vercingetorix's father took you on his horse for a ride during our visit to the Great Man." "Yes, it was great and so fast... I could go to the mountains and come back in a few hours; yet now I need more than a whole day on foot walking." The man caressed the gifted boy's face. During his mind scanning he had found something in the boy that now still was sleeping into him; only one or two years more and his needs would explode: he will be very fond of other boys, even teenagers in his sexual life, but now it was quiet. "From next week you'll take the empties goats and sheep to the outskirts of the mountains, there are good pastures this year, and you know better than any boy or girl of the tribe all caves and shelters for the cattle." "Yes sir, I'll do my best to carry out well my job." The boy thought on his friend Vercingetorix; Vercin, as he called him. Well, his long name was Vercingetorix but they agreed to shorten it. He did not belong to his tribe but they had never been enemies. Kurt did not know how their Goddess had gifted him; he had to find out by himself. He started taking care of his flock of sheep and goats. The first week he felt a little bit alone and bored, but soon he found something that had interested him: he discovered where the bushes of hard wood to make bows and arrows grew. This was a well kept secret from his tribe's men. He did not need to cut any branch because he found a spoiled dry piece, probably discarded since it was not long enough to make a good bow for an adult. He kept it in his cave and the following week he brought the string. With some efforts and his knife, he made the bow and three arrows. He was anxious to test it. He tried against an old tree, and step by step improved his skill, to such an extent, that could easily hunt hares, rabbits and other small pieces, even ducks; but these were more difficult because he had to swim to recover the arrow and the dead bird. From that time he did not need to carry with food from the village, except bread, though he had a small donkey with him. One of those days that he was searching for a rabbit and the arrow, he heard a whim coming from a deep hole. He knew most of the beasts living in those mountains, and did not dare to enter into that hole that seemed a wolf's den. That day he discovered he could read animal minds; at least dogs. The whims were as if the little animal was calling him. With some difficulty he entered to the bottom of the den and found a strange little wolf with a rare white stain between its eyes. It was hungry. Near it, the boy found dead what seemed to be the puppy's brother; probably the mother had been killed by other animals. He thought about how to feed the little wolf; then he remembered the new powers that he had discovered. The boy fetched one of the goats that was not dry, laid it on the floor and placed the puppy to suck her big teat. The goat smelled the wolf and instinctively tried to stand and run; but the boy fixed his mind on the animal telling: "Don't be scared, it's our friend, not an enemy." The goat understood its shepherd and master and remained quiet while the little puppy sucked eagerly its large breast. After being satisfied the poor animal got asleep. That had happened two years ago, since then, the boy hunted little and tender animals to feed his dog, as he called it. In fact it was half breed of wolf/dog. Kurt guessed the dog's father, "Rusty", which had died due to injures, probably caused fighting against a flock of wolves. He named the little puppy as "Mixer". Soon the dog/wolf grew stronger than any of other wolves or dog and provided the boy with fresh meat when they were in need. The animal was very popular in the village, especially amongst the children, though it did not allow anyone to touch him, except his master. The goats and sheep adopted "Mixer" as their protector and the little ones played with him. Kurt had found that he was strongly attracted to boys of his age, though he also liked girls; but during his solitary life in the mountains, he had taught "Mixer" to lick his dick; most of the times he squealed when the half-wolf licked his dickhead covered by his juices. Normally it ended with a strong orgasm spilling his little load of semen that "Mixer" drank happily. Some other times Kurt masturbated the wolf and that was real fun for him and the dog. In the tribe it was normal to see two boys having sex together or a boy and a girl; they were totally inhibited about sex. It was not an offense that a man borrowed other man's wife whenever she was not forced to do it. In summary it was a free tribe in what sex was concerned; besides, their old and wise druid appreciated and encouraged these relationships. One of these happy mornings, he observed how the Pass' guardians climbed to the tall trees near the trail that descended from the high peaks; they were not from his tribe's group but friends. He was told to go away with his cattle and not to interfere in their watching. He drove quickly his cattle from there, wondering why he was ordered to do so. A couple of hours later, he was playing with "mixer" and two little goat kids in a large and fresh meadow near a little stream. All of the sudden, he heard a familiar noise of horses galloping; he couldn't believe that, but in that moment he saw a white horse followed up by three others running fast to where he was. They passed near him as the wind. He noticed the white stallion was carrying a man which was bent leaning on the horse's neck; his heels were out of the stirrups; approximately two hundreds yards away he fell from the horse. He could not believe what he was watching as the horses disappeared from his sight in the middle of the nearby forest. He guessed what could have happened. He ran to where the man had fallen and found him unconscious or dead, lying on the soft grass; he had a broken arrow going thru his right shoulder. He recognized the weapon and knew the man was a soldier, a Roman soldier, probably an officer. He did not care about him, but ordered Mixer to take care of the cattle as he started running to where he had seen the men climbed on the trees. He arrived to the place and found the outcome of what had happened: five men were dead with abundant blood staining the clean green grass, besides two horses and a mule. The men had searched the corpses taking every weapon, clothes or money from the dead persons; the bodies were naked, had been stabbed and left as carrion for the vultures; also some scrolls were scattered on the green. He knew the warriors did not know anything about horses or mules. He took the three saddles and all the scrolls and hided them into a nearby cave. He thought the horses could not be far away; that could be his dream coming true and becoming a horse breeder. He ran as fast as he could and found Mixer taking care of the flock; he caressed the dog's head and continued running; now followed up by the animal. Immediately he thought could not approach the horses with Mixer near him, even himself was stinking to wolf. Half a mile a way he found the four horses peacefully pasturing; they were one stallion and three mares; it seemed not scared about him. The boy went into the little stream and cleaned himself carefully. Now clean and naked, he approached them as the stallion neighed a little but did not run away. He remembered about the man, but above all, he wanted to fix the horses; later would take care of him; after all, he was an enemy and probably was dead. Slowly the boy approached the horses until he fixed his eyes on the white stallion; exercising his recently discovered powers. After a while, the white horse walked to him and rubbed his head against the boy's chest; Kurt then caressed the horse, lapping his beautiful and soft neck. He then murmured: "Don't be scared, we are friends." Slowly and rubbing his tummy against the soft weed, Mixer also approached until the horse was confident that he has nothing to fear from him. At that point the boy and the animals developed a strong friendship. "Now let's see how your old master is." The naked boy did not know how to call the horse, especially the stallion: he decided to name him "Wind". He took the reins and approached the other three; he did the same with them and soon he was walking with all the reins in his hand. He tied up the horses to an old tree and kneeled near the man. As he presumed, the soldier was seriously wounded and a lot of blood had spread staining his light leather armour. He was a handsome young man, probably round twenty five years old and had not much hair. He thought about what his master and adopting father had always told him: "A wounded being is not an enemy anymore." Kurt thought what to do; he had to care about the man. He could ride the white horse and in a few hours he could be in the village asking for help, but it was too late and the night would fall within a few hours, then the defenceless man would be the supper for the night predators. He took a decision: gathered the flock into the cave, with some difficulty he placed the wounded man on top of one of the mares, fixing him with the cords he had built with weeping-willow's bark. He ordered the dog to take care of the flock, mounted the stallion and proceeded slowly to ride bound the village; he knew he would be walking the whole night since he could not trot if wanted to save that man's life. He knew all trails and shortcuts to the village, even he could go with his eyes blinded. CHAPTER 2 Kurt was very happy, he could not remember a happier night; now his dream could come true and would demonstrate to Karla how brave and efficient he was. The boy sighed and his dick started getting hard at the thought about the girl. She was his master's grand daughter; her father had been a prince that died fighting for their people. In such a way she was his sister, and he was her little brother, since she was five years older than he was. From the time he started squirting the white stuff from his dick, and was sucking other boy's dick, always thought he had one of her nipples in his mouth; his friend Vercin told him how good he did sucking his large cock, though he did not tell him why he did so well his blowjobs. During that night he missed Mixer; he was not scared but always preferred his wolf/dog's company, just in case. The sun had risen in the east when he entered in the village; many boys and girls surrounded him as he proudly dragged the horses and the man to the druid's home. "They are horses and all of them are mine!" He proudly shouted to all the persons he met. A crowd of people followed him and the horses. Karla heard the children shouts and comments from adults. Never had happened a thing like this in their lives; most of them even ignored the horses' existence. When she saw Kurt approaching dragging the horses, she entered into shed/cave and called her grandfather. "Grandpa, Kurt is dragging four horses and apparently a wounded man!" "Four horses! Goddess, I knew he was great and now has demonstrated his bright intelligence." Kurt could not be more excited, he was the village's great hero, everybody, even adults, were watching him astonished and with envy. He stopped at the Druid's shed and dismounted. "I think he is grave. In spite of the protection provided by his armour, one of our arrows went into his flesh." The old man called two strong young men's help; they were with their mouth dropped watching the scene. Some minutes later Marcelo was laying on what seemed a sanitary large rock table. "Kurt, my son, later you will explain everything; now take those animals and place them together with the donkeys." That seemed an offence to the horses, so the boy protected. "But master, they are not donkeys, but beautiful good horses." The man patiently answered the stubborn boy. "I know the difference, but after all, they are cousins." Kurt did not answer because he knew the druid always was right, besides, Karla stared at him as thanking for his good action; he sighed and took the four horses from reins. Women, men and children surrounded him as he proceeded to the place where the donkeys were, in order the animals could pasture and drink water. As he walked he felt an arm round his shoulders, he was his best friend in the village: Jan. The blond beautiful boy murmured on his ears: "I know many people envy you for your success, but I admire you and am very glad you did it." Kurt smiled because he knew Jan was sincere and in such a way he loved that beautiful and intelligent blond boy. He also was an orphan and lived with his uncle's family that treated him as a genuine son. He told him all the gossips going thru the village, though nobody knew the truth. Once they left the horses, both boys ran to the nearby stream, got naked and jumped into the fresh water; after some minutes they got out and laid their young bodies on the grass drying under the sun, their faces near touching as Kurt started explaining what had happened. "Please, don't tell anybody until I explain it to my master and Karla." The boy did not answer but pressed Kurt's hand as he fixed his blue eyes on Kurt's face. "You well know your secrets are mine and never tell anyone." He paused and then added: "I miss you a lot Kurt, I would like to be with you all the time in the mountains; you are very lucky." Kurt extended his hand and rubbed the boy's soft tanned face skin. "Jan, I must tell you something. You know I like girls too, but you make me mad. I always think you are the greatest boy of our tribe, even better than Vercin; besides you are prettier than any other boy or girl I have seen." The blond boy sighed as his blue eyes blurred. "I like you, too, Kurt. My heart beat stronger when I see you, but I can't tell anybody because they may think I would not be a good warrior in the future, because I love boys instead of girls; especially you. I wonder why two boys cannot love each other as a boy and a girl. They are wrong, and I promise I will demonstrate it." "I am sure you will. Tomorrow I must go back to the mountains, the goats and sheep are under Mixer's watch, but tonight I am anxious to sleep with you in our hidden shed; we will have some fun and a good time." Jan looked around and checking no one was in sight, he kissed Kurt softly on the lips. They smiled happily, stood and jumped into the little river. That night Jan told his aunty he will stay with Kurt, and Kurt informed Karla where he would be, just in case they needed him. He then told Jan: "We will go to the forest cavern." Jan opened wide his lovely blue eyes in surprise. "But that is too far and..." Kurt grinned slyly. "Not for two lovers; we will ride "Wind", the stallion; in the grotto there is enough space to accommodate us and the horse." Jan could not but to hug his lover. They ran to where the horses were, Kurt put on the saddle and mounted, he gave his hand to Jan and the boy jumped on the horse wide back behind his friend, placing his arms round his friend's waist. Kurt touched the animal sides with his heels and the horse understood the order; it started running as the wind under the full moon clear night. Some time later Kurt stopped the horse and the two riders dismounted. Jan seemed to be into a lovely dream as he hugged from behind his friend. In seconds they discarded their clothes and naked entered into the wide and tall cavern. There was a straw bed made by them months ago during a time they spent together with the cattle. Soon they were caressing each other laying on the soft rustically bed. Jan then said: "Thanks Kurt." The strong boy watched carefully his friend as if had discovered something special on his beautiful face. He sighed and then attracted Jan to him and their lips met in a long and passionate kiss. Their dicks were hard and wanting some action, so as Jan broke the kiss he turned to Kurt's engorged penis, now leaking precum, and without any hesitation he put it into his mouth, starting to suck it. Kurt was astonished because this was even better than when "Mixer" licked it, but he also wanted to please his friend; instinctively he dragged Jan's white and fine legs and took his cock into his mouth. This was the first time they were doing what today we call 69. They needed only a few minutes to reach the tender moment of their orgasms. After the bliss of their sexual release, Jan recovered his original position facing his friend and lover; suddenly they hugged very tight as murmured "I'll love you forever." They kept silence lying on the straw bed. Kurt then said: "Jan, I am going to reveal you something that I haven't said to any one, only my master is aware of it, though I wonder if he knows the strength." "Whatever it is must be good, because you are the best boy of the tribe." Kurt grinned as he fixed his eyes on Jan's. "I can read minds, even I can talk without words, especially to animals; they understand and obey me, that's why I don't have any problem with the horses and even with Mixer." Jan's opened wide his lovely mouth. "Can you read in my mind, too? Because it doesn't matter, since I have not any secret with you." "I never tried with human beings, because it could be dangerous to find out things that people hide very deep into their hearts. No, I will never try." "Why not?" "Because now I know what you are thinking without scanning your mind." They laughed loudly and started wrestling with their hard young cocks rubbing against each other belly. Again they made truly love to each other until they were exhausted, and then drifted to sleep. At dawn they returned home. Kurt went back to the mountains riding Wind, and Jan to his duties, though both had a surprise waiting for them. As Kurt arrived to the place he heard a strange neigh not far from him, it was responded by his horse; he stopped and could see how a mule followed them hobbling, apparently wounded on one of its legs. Kurt dismounted and approached the animal with soothing words, it remained quiet as he examined the wound; it was not grave but disturbing. "I'll take care of you, we are going to be very good friends." Jan also arrived home as his aunty watched the beautiful boy's face reflecting the happiness he felt in his heart; she knew why and grinned slyly. "You look happy, Jan. Did you have a good time last night?" Jan for an answer placed his arm round the woman neck and kissed her on her pink cheek. "Very good indeed, aunty; I love Kurt and he loves me." "Boy, be careful with that young heart of yours; you are the most intelligent and beautiful creature of the tribe here. You are the living copy of my late sister." The woman dried her blurring eyes as one of her children was approaching and she did not like to raise jalousies amongst her children. Then suddenly said: "Jan, the druid has sent a message for you, he wants to talk you today once you end with your duties." "Thanks aunty, I'll go before the sunset." The old druid and his granddaughter got the soldier nude and examined the wounds carefully; the old man moved the head as her grandchild asked him with her eyes. "He has been very fortunate, only a little bit lower and his lung would have been affected; nevertheless, he has lost too much blood and is very weak. Kurt did a good job bringing him as soon as he could, then he may have a chance to survive if Mother Nature helps. He is very young; I would say he is not more than twenty five or twenty six years old." The girl then pointed out: "He seems an officer not a simple soldier. Look at his hands; they are dirty but fine and well cared." In that moment a servant girl came in with a large pot of hot water. "Both of you, please, clean him from top to toe while I prepare the medicine; by now he cannot eat, but we must force him to drink, even if he is unconscious. As soon as I come back, we will proceed to extract the arrow; fortunately for him the weapon had not a hook, which is why it went thru his armour." Some time later the druid took off the arrow and only a little blood leak came out from the wound. "I'll call Jan's aunt to care about this man." Karla stared at the young girl and then to her grandfather. "Please, don't call anyone; I'll look after him. You always said I am near a professional surgeon." "And I confirm it right now, but this has nothing to do with this business. He is a strong a heavy man; you may need some help when he moves." "Daisy and I are enough, grandpa; please trust on us." "Ok, it is up to you." Marcelo, though unconscious, his breathing was regular, however, early in the morning he shouted giving orders. Karla placed her white hand on the man's forehead and noted he had high fever; she woke up Daisy and they uncovered the man. The girl brought some cold water from the river and started covering the man's forehead with a wet cloth trying to reduce his temperature. The Druid examined the wound carefully and changed the bandage. "The wound look ok, now our enemy is the fever; if we get rid of it, this man will save his life." Night and day, helped by the young Daisy, Karla looked after Marcelo. From time to time the man opened his pale blue eyes, but seemed he did not see anything. After three days the fever began going down. The fifth day Marcelo opened the eyes as Karla was watching him. "Am I in the heaven? Mother, you look as beautiful as when you were alive. Don't worry I'll be with you forever. I love you!" He closed the eyes and Karla could observe his large eye lashes; her eyes blurred with emotion and she placed a tender kiss on the man's forehead. She touched him and noted he had normal temperature; happily she went where her grandfather was and informed about this circumstance. To the old man's mind came the traditional legend about the Great Man who would unite the whole Gaul's tribes; he mentally rejected the stupid prophecy. "Those are good news, my daughter; now that he is better you should leave his care to somebody else..." She unusually interrupted her grandfather. "No grandpa, I'll stay near him until he is fully recovered. My heart is telling me that he is not a stranger. Did you see his eyes, his forehead...?" The man trembled with the girl's words. "He is just a soldier, an enemy that we care because we are human beings; that's all." Karla stared directly into her grandfather's eyes, she knew the man was trying to persuade her to continue taking care of the officer; she smiled because she saw on her grandpa hidden worries about something she ignored. "You are a bad liar, grandpa; in fact you always were. I'll wait until you decide to tell me the truth." The girl said tenderly. The man murmured some unintelligible words and left the room. He thought why the girl was so intelligent, or was he getting too old to deal with her?" The following morning Marcelo opened his eyes, he has not fever at all, but he felt very weak, he could not even raise his chest from the pillow. He stretched out his arms under the light covers and noted he was absolutely naked; a large cloth covered his privates as a nappy, and a bandage covered his right shoulder. He turned the head and saw a young girl laying on what seemed a campaign bed; she had pink cheeks and large eye lashes. Now he could remember her image in a foggy memory; it was not clear and he was terribly perplexed. He closed the eyes and as he tried to move he felt a sharp ache on his upper chest. He involuntarily moaned with the pain; this made the girl to wake up as he wanted to express his worries for wakening her. She approached to the bed and said in a correct Latin: "Thanks to our goddesses, it seems you are better, at least the fever has gone, though you are still very weak." Marcelo did not know what to say; he ignored where he was and who this beautiful girl was. "Sorry, where am I? I am Marcelo, the physician from the second Legion staying in Iberia and..." Karla raised her hand and Marcelo stopped speaking. "Don't speak or make any move. You were seriously injured and have lost too much blood, you need to recover your strength; fortunately we got rid of the high fever after five days of unconsciousness. You need to feed your body." Remembering his nakedness Marcelo blushed, though he guessed it was not the first human being that the girl had seen naked. He thought on the girl's words; he was a physician and knew what she was talking about. She then continued. "I am going to bring you a good broth now and tonight we will start with solid food." Marcelo moved his head accepting the girl's orders, though he wanted to make hundreds questions. "Good boy!" The man smiled tenderly and she sighed. Some minutes later Daisy arrived with a hot pot containing a white broth. Karla began feeding the man that obeyed her. When finished and the younger girl was not there, Marcelo pointed with his forefinger to his dick, blushing as a little boy. "Pee." Karla chuckled with the man embarrassment. "Don't worry; you can pee in the nappy." "No. Please!" "Alright." We'll remove the cloth and provide you with a pot. Call us and we will help you." He smiled back and closed the eyes. Minutes later he was hard asleep. CHAPTER 3 After six days Kurt returned from the mountains with the cattle, horses and mule following him as Mixer did, as if they were pets; he brought the saddles and the scrolls he found near the dead men; he gave everything to the old druid. The man studied carefully what the warriors had depreciated as rubbish. He understood the importance of Marcelo's mission; in such a way he was happy, because he knew the legend had started to become true. Jan hugged tenderly his friend when they met after freeing the animals. He told him about being chosen to be the future druid of the tribe, though he could not say it yet to anybody until the old man speaks to his uncle. Karla's grandfather called for a meeting to Jan's uncle, currently head of their tribe in the village, as usual in those times, an illiterate man. "I have two important matters to discuss with you; first, I have scanned all twelve-years- old boys of our tribe group, including Kurt." "Which is the result, master?" The strong man asked. "Kurt is very intelligent and is especially gifted to deal with animals, they follow him as pets; therefore, I think he is the best to carry out with the horse breeding; besides the animals are his property. We will place another boy or girl to look after the empties goats and sheep." "Once we have horses and mules, our tribe will be strongly respected by everyone, so we must keep this as a secret for many years." The tribe chief said. "It won't be any problem; we live far away from any other tribe group, although we must tell our people to keep this secret; I'll tell it to young Diviciaco, the Great Druid, during the next month meeting." He paused. "If you agreed, my successor will be your nephew Jan; he is not only intelligent, he is bright and will be a good physician and druid, even better than I am. I would commence teaching and training him after the Great Day. "That's an honour for my family, master." "I know it, but I chose him based on facts, not because he is your nephew." The druid grinned. "When I start training him and with the time, he would be able to read your mind, even to know your most intimate thoughts, including those you have already forgotten." The man opened his mouth in disbelief. "It is a great gift from our Goddess; I'll keep a way from him." They laughed. "On reference to our guest, see these, please." The druid extended over the table the scrolls. "He is a physician, but he came to raise a map of our mountains trails, this means the Romans are considering the possibility to invade us in the future." The man gripped his fists. "We will be waiting for them, no one would trespass our mountains; be sure of this." The druid smiled before the man's innocent reaction. "I think it is not a matter of months, but years, and then, even we might be friends of Rome." Then the man near shouted. "Are you mad? Never!" The druid grinned. "Remember: Never say Never." He paused. "He is getting better; I'll try to gather the maximum information from him." The man stood, and with respect left the place; as he arrived home he hugged Jan with affection and tenderness. "Jan, we are very proud of you!" All his cousins and aunty stared at the man, and then he added: "Yes, Jan will be our future druid and physician; he knows about it but could not say anything until I was informed by the Master. From the next Great Day on, he will start living in the Master's home for the rest of his life, unless he rejects this honour." "No uncle, I will never reject it. I'll put all my interest and intelligence to do a good job, learning everything in order you continue being proud of me." Cousins, older and younger than he was and his aunt hugged him. That night was a feast in their home. Two days later, with Karla's help, Marcelo left the bed and sat down outside, watching the beauty of the place and the landscape; far away he could see the horses freely pasturing together with a large wolf that played with them; he could not believe what he was watching. He felt the old man approaching as he stood with respect, though the druid beckoned him to remain sat; he was not yet fully recovered. "It is a beautiful place to spend a life out of wars and civilization. You are very lucky." The soldier said with resentment. "Yes. But all of this is apparent; not far from here, other tribes fight themselves to get what others have conquered with many efforts. You and your people had suffered the consequences of this." The druid paused waiting for any comment from Marcelo, while Karla had her sight on the men. "All of them died in the encounter with our people. A shepherd boy saved your life and our horses; he spent the whole night walking to here with you loaded on one of the animals; had not been for his brave action, you would have passed away. When he arrived here you had lost too much blood; fortunately your fate was to live." "I must thank him personally when I meet him." "By the scrolls that we found in the horses' saddles, we know who you are and what you were doing here; however, our warriors' motto is: strike first and ask afterwards. They took all what thought were of value as robbery." "I do not blame them; our soldiers do the same during our campaigns." Marcelo wanted to know many things about his real situation, but he thought there would be time enough as he recovers; in any case his family was very rich and would be glad paying a rescue and compensation for his care. Time elapsed quickly and the man felt everyday stronger, he did not miss or mention his previous life; he assumed that paradise should be kept as it was. He was astonished how Kurt looked after the horses; now their hair shone under the sun, especially one mare which was pregnant. One day he whistled to the stallion that was near Kurt; the horse heard his old master signal but ignored it, on contrary the animal rubbed its nose against Kurt chest. Marcelo sadly recognized before Karla his disappointment. "I think I lost my horse in all the senses." She pressed his strong hand understanding the young man's frustration. They after day, Marcelo had talked to Karla and to her grandpa; he had devoted his life to the tribe, healing and taking care of everybody that needed him, exchanging experiences with the old druid. He had become one more member of the tribe; even he was learning their language. However, the most important was that he had fallen in love with Karla. That day, after visiting one little child, they walked and sat on an old trunk in the middle of the forest; they looked into each other's eyes as he said: "Karla, you know I love you and I want to do something more than kiss you." He knew sex was not a problem in the tribe and before she could say anything, he added: "I don't refer to sex; I know this people's inhibition on this subject. I, I want to marry you legally according to your customs and mine, and live and have children of our own..." She did not allow him to continue and kissed him softly as two tears dribbled along her beautiful white cheeks. "Marcelo, I have told you part of my history, but not all of it and you must know everything." She paused as Marcelo kept a respectful silence. "I am a high rank princess, and probably destined to marry a man of my society, though this has not yet taken place because I am under eighteen. I will be that age only within a few weeks; then many will come to ask my grandpa. But I prefer to go into the fire during the Great Day than to marry anyone, except you. I knew eventually you would ask me; I am very happy because we have only a few weeks to solve this problem. If we get married I must abandon this place with you, and I wonder how I will be received by your family and your people." Marcelo dragged the girl to his chest and kissed her on the hair gently. "We don't need to leave this paradise if you don't want it. I'll work here as up to now and will be one of yours, though I must be sincere with you: My parents and sisters will receive you with open arms, especially my father. He is the greatest man and physician of Rome. Surely my family is now in mourning. Can you imagine their reaction when they receive a letter telling I am safe and married with a beautiful princess?" She kissed back her man and he continued. "I'll talk tonight to your grandpa." Hand in hand they returned slowly walking home. After dinner Marcelo asked the old druid if he could speak to him; they agreed and, since it was a lovely May evening, they decided to walk thru the green meadows, now in blossom. Marcelo exposed his idea of marrying Karla and asked his permission to carry it out, since the girl eagerly agreed to it. "If we were in Rome, probably my father and my uncle would have done this, but currently they even ignore that I am alive." The druid kept silence for a few moments, and then stared into the young man eyes. "I guess Karla has informed you about her special situation; I must make a consultation with the Great Druid that is coming for a visit to the neighbour town; this is the normal procedure to follow for her social rank. To start with, you have all my blessing; she is my only family, therefore I want for her what she has chosen. She is more mature than her near eighteen years show, and believe me, I know she will be a great woman." He paused. "I'm going to ask you for a favour Marcelo: regardless what the Great Druid says, please take her with you to Rome. She loves you as much as you love her." "It will be a pleasure, Master." "In that case everything is settled; once I come back we will fix the wedding date, though you both can plan it as you wish; after all, you are the couple, not the Great Druid and I." Marcelo grinned as he could not believe what he was hearing; instinctively he hugged the old man. The following day at dawn, the old druid and his future successor, Jan, started their trip to the large town; both were riding two donkeys. More than once the old physician had to stop in the villages they went thru to attend sick persons; he was well known and had a high reputation in the South of The Gauls. Jan was amazed how the people respected his master and more when they arrived to the big town. The Great Druid was waiting for him to arrive, since mentally they had sent messages to meet. Jan was greatly surprised when he saw the famous man; he was very young. It might be believed the Great Druid was an old and experienced man, but he was all contrary; yes, he had a large knowledge and much power, but he was a man of about twenty five years old with black and curly bear. He stood when they entered and advanced to receive them. "You are very welcome here Master. Is this pretty boy your future successor?" Jan flushed since he did not expect the great man knew about him; both men sat and Jan remain near his master. "Yes, he is; and this is the main reason for coming, since otherwise we could have agreed about my questions in our normal ways." He then addressed to the boy. "Jan, Diviciaco, the Great Master, will talk to you privately later, but now I need to discuss some business with him. In that room there are also other boys, you can talk or even play with them meanwhile I talk to master Diviciaco. "Yes master. I'll be there waiting for your orders." He left for a place where other boys were talking and playing, most of them had come with the Great Druid. Jan entered in the room and found four lovely boys of about his age, yet two seemed even younger than he was, most likely eleven. The two older ones were giving a blowjob to the younger that were moaning with pleasure, their hands placed round the other boys' heads; Jan could see they were not precisely masters on it. He approached to a couple. "Why are you jacking off yourself?" The brown haired boy stopped sucking his younger partner that protested for the stop. "Obviously I want to enjoy the nice feeling while I suck Thierry's dick; he was close to it." Jan grinned as he said: "He should suck you at the same time you suck him." The boys seemed surprised, and then Jan took Thierry's legs in front of the elder boy face; he found in front of himself the older boy's hard cock. Thierry took seconds to understand the idea and immediately his mouth was full of boy's cock. He was reluctant to take part in the orgy, but one of the boys said: "Don't worry, the Great Druid some times helps us, so get naked and teach us more things; it seems you have more experience than we have." Jan did not doubt a moment, he closed the door and started sharing dicks with the other boys. In the meantime the two adults were sat in a solitary bench in the middle of a large garden in the back of the house. "I think you have chosen the right boy as your successor, master. While he was standing near you, I had a quick scan to his mind and I am astonished what I have found. I'll tell you all about when I talk to him." He paused. "Now let's talk about our business." "I suppose you have received my message and..." "Yes; you don't need to explain anything. Certainly, she is the princess of the prophecy; she will marry the man and go to Rome. With the time she will give birth to one of the greatest Druid ever existed in the whole Gaul and Britannia, including the sacred island. He will have an important role in converting The Gauls in one only powerful Nation from the Great River in the North to your Mountains chain in the South; and from the large Sea on the West to the other high Mountains in the East. He will also be designed to be the holder of the Sacred Sword. This great nation will last for thousands years. The Romans will mix up with our people and a new language will be established spoken by all. "And he will be the son of my granddaughter!" The old man paused and then asked: "What will happen to the hundreds tribes living in this vast territory?" "They will fight bravely against their fate, but all of them will be defeated by an intelligent Roman soldier and his legions; he is already a young man. Our Goddess told me during one of my ecstasies, his name: "Julio Caesar". The Great Druid was sad as the old man said: "This means, that in the befit of our people, the Eduos nation must help this Caesar getting his goal, or at least not opposing to his mission." "You are right; the end will be the same, which is what our Great Mother has disposed. We can or cannot help him, but there is not any possibility to change our destiny; fortunately you will not live enough to see this change, but my heart bleeds because I know I will take decisions that will cause many pains." He paused and both men hugged. We better come back; I suppose you will return immediately." "Yes, tomorrow at dawn we'll depart. I'll send Jan to you." The Druid grinned. "Not yet; he's engaged now with the other boys and all are having grand time. Leave them to enjoy their young lives now that they can." The two men returned to the house and could hear the yells of happiness in the boys' room. Some time later, the boys and the adults had dinner together, forgetting for a moment all the approaching problems. When they ended, the Great Druid sat in front of Jan in the presence of the other boys; he mentally contacted Jan: "Jan, are you happy now? Please don't express any words as I'm doing; just answer my question with your mind. The blond boy was open-mouthed though he did not say anything, but he answered the man. "Yes very happy; I didn't know I could do this with persons as my friend Kurt does with animals." "Yes I know him very well, our Great Mother gifted him to a great extent, he can order to animals and they will obey him; on contrary men rarely obeys other men if they are not forced to. Both of you together, have a great future, therefore you must continue being good friends and never fight one another. You must always take decisions in common, discussing the pros and cons; don't forget this and never allow anyone to separate on interfere in your families." The young man placed his large hand on the boy's head and ruffled his silky blond hair. All the boys and the old man knew what has happened, as they envied Jan. That night the boy could not stop thinking on his new friends and the Great Druid; he eagerly wanted to return to tell his best friend and lover all about this trip. At dawn they started their trip back to their homeland, but this time travelling thru different trails in order they could not be stopped; the old man had many things to think about. Jan thought that maybe he could know about his master's worries, but he appreciated him too much; in some ways he loved the old man. He knew Karla would marry the Roman physician and would leave the village because his master had told him, but he should keep the secret until his master speaks to his uncle. Once the girl leaves, he would live with the old man and Daisy; and what was the best, with Kurt. Perhaps he likes girls besides boys... Why not? Kurt does. He thought. CHAPTER 4 Some days later they arrived home. Karla and Marcelo could not be happier as the news spread thru their village and to the neighbour towns. Marcelo wrote a long letter to his General and other one to be forwarded to his parents and family in Rome. Two unarmed men who spoke Latin were instructed to act as messengers, not only to convey the letters, but also to talk to the Roman General in behalf of the tribe's Chief and the old druid. Marcelo gave then a password that was recognized by the General. He had already written a letter of condolence to Marcelo's family and had to write another one, hoping the new messenger would catch the first that had left three days before. The General was so happy that invited to a special drink not only the officers, but also to the rest of the garrison. They were excellent news since it meant Marcelo had opened a friendship way with the tribes on the other side of the Pyrenees and without costing additional lives. The weeding would take place in the Great Day, the summer Solstice; in that day all sexual acts were allowed and carry out by any person whenever it was not forced to do it. After the Great fire in the evening near the sacred tree, children and adults would masturbate to offer their seeds or pleasure to the Great Mother goddess. Many years back in this day, some people were used to be sacrificed; now that practice had been abandoned even for prisoners. Karla explained all these details to her future husband, in order he could warn the Roman guests. The General and his assistant were the only persons invited to the ceremony; the two messengers would guide them to the place. This rose the second in command Officer's suspicions about a possible danger. "It doesn't matter Castor, I am too old and Rome can continue without my person. Marcelo's letter does not contain any warning to this respect and I have always trusted him. We'll be back as soon as the ceremony ends. "Ok sir; I'll take care of the garrison during your absence; fortunately there is nothing to disturb us in this moment." The officer was an efficient man who in two years would command those troops, and it was essential that Marcelo had a good impression about him upon his return to Rome. The following day the General departed for the high mountain, just a week before the event to take place. He went thru the small passages and trails asking questions to the guides that never rejected to answer. Two days before the weeding, groups of people started to arrive, planting their tents along the soft valley and near the river. Everyone was welcomed personally by the old druid and the couple; near the sunset Marcelo's General arrived and the two men hugged effusively. After the introduction to Karla and her grandfather, they settled down in a cottage they have prepared for them. At dinner the two officers offered their presents. "You deserve many things of more value than these, but I'll give you my personal present in Rome." He then addressed to the old man and continued: "Master this is for you." He presented a box containing sanitary instruments made of silver which could serve to the old man in his daily tasks. The druid thanked the present; then he went into a room and brought a leather box containing all the scrolls that Kurt had found in the encounter place. In correct Latin the druid said: "We want to be friends of Rome, and have peace with the great nation. We have regretted the final fight General, but they were armed men and we always fight them, no matter where they come from; a friend comes unarmed, he won't need it here. However the works made by Marcelo and his men have been preserved; here you are all the scrolls that the boy who saved Marcelo found in the place." The General did not expect this proof of friendship and loyalty. He was impressed. "Master, be sure that the Senate of Rome will hear about this proof of friendship; Rome never pay traitors but is generous with true friends and allies. Thank you very much." Once the protocol was completed they chatted about miscellaneous and personal things. The General then added; "We knew by Marcelo letter the braveness and common sense of Kurt and his will to breed horses; therefore, we have brought with us three horses, all of them young mares; they are for him. The following day would be a busy one for everybody, getting ready for the ceremony and the celebration of the Great Day, devoted to the Grand Mother. After the sunset, everybody started coming out from their tents dressed with a silky or cotton white tunic that covered the body from shoulders to feet, without anything underneath as underwear. It seemed a meadow covered by white snow. Soon Karla and Marcelo, hand in hand, started a procession from the village to a stone altar near the forest, followed by children, adults and babies in the arms of their mothers; everybody wanting to participate in the offer to the Great Mother and her son, "The sacred tree." Kurt and Jan knowing what was approaching, their cocks were hard and tenting their white gown. When the head of the long row reached the altar, the two boys ran to help the druid in the marriage ceremony. This ended quickly after the traditional questions and the signature of two scrolls, witnessed by Jan's parents and the two military officers. Strong applauses came from all the people in the meadow assisting to the event; even the cooks that were roasting meats made sound with their tools. Karla and Marcelo kissed as they became a married couple. It was already near night though the moon was shining in all its splendour. Jan's uncle set fire to a pile of wood, soon the flames illuminated the meadow and the ceremony of offering their seeds to the Great Mother started. The first ones were Karla and Marcelo; she kneeled in front of her husband and started masturbating him until he tensed and started spurting his semen near the sacred tree; a hard applause followed. Then couples of all ages, males and female, surrounded in perfect order in turn to offer their seeds to the goddess if they were into puberty; and their lust if they were not. Needless to say that Kurt and Jan opened their gowns and happily jerked off each other in front of everybody. The General and his assistant were astonished, though not surprised since they had been warned to this respect; however, two young girls came and dragged the officers to the place. They sucked and jerked off the officers until they shot their semen to the base of the tree. When they were leaving from the line slyly greening, the General said: "This is "top secret, Octavio." They laughed loudly and went to take some roasted meat and wine to celebrate the great success of their mission; they knew the night had just started. Kurt and Jan did the same after releasing their small load; they took their wooden plates and one of the cooks served them a large portion of roasted lamb and boiling vegetables. They approached the edge of the forest and sat on the soft lawn; took off their gowns and watched each other penis, now near soft, because they were hungry. "It was good, wasn't it Jan? With all people jerking in front of the tree..." He was interrupted by a voice behind them. "It can be better tonight." They turned the head and watched as two twin girls came and sat near them; they were the eleven-years-old Daisy's twin sisters. Kurt chuckled before the perspective of fucking a girl for the first time in his short life. Jan felt a little bit annoyed with the girls' presence, because he had planned differently with Kurt; he fixed his eyes on one of them and immediately changed his thoughts. "Jan, we know you like boys better than girls, but have you ever tried a pussy like mine?" She dragged the boy's hand and placed it between her soft and warm thighs. Jan squirmed as Kurt slyly grinned. "You better sit down, and after dinner we'll discuss what we are going to do tonight." Kurt said. The four enthusiastically started dinning as the evil boys stared at each other. For the first time, Jan tried to talk mentally to Kurt and stunned he found out he could talk to his friend. "Let's fuck the girl, I never did before, perhaps it is good, after all; on the other hand, we will have time to do it ourselves." Kurt grinned accepting without expressing a single word. It was great the communication. Some minutes later they washed the plates and returned them to the cook's place. The four belched satisfactorily and laughed as disappeared into the forest to spend a night of sex... or love. Who knows? Karla, Marcelo, her grandfather and the two Roman military, still wearing the long tunics, were watching how most of the persons, after having a copious dinner, moved out into the trees to spend a night of love-making or sex. Karla and Marcelo stood and vanished with the same intention; the druid stared at the Roman officers and grinned. "You may think this is a barbarian custom as most of women and men are making intercourse with others, rather than with their husbands or wives. We do not have any prejudice with this behaviour; in fact it is beneficial since we are mixing our blood with other groups of our tribes, and at the same time they are receiving our seeds. Possibly many boys and girls will be conceived tonight and nobody will object having a son or daughter different from the ones they already have" He paused as the General said: "Thought we are intelligent beings, we do the same with horse breeding, mixing different origins and races. From the scientific point of view and forgetting religious objections, it is a good practice. I cannot see any disable child in this crowd, which demonstrates this theory. In Rome, most of the ancient families marry their off-springs with others within the family; Marcelo can say what the results are: mostly weak and sometimes sick children." The two girls that had been with them in the ceremony approached from behind, as one of them said: "Let's know the certainty of your opinion or theory, General." Gladly the men stood and minutes later they also were gone, leaving the old druid with a light and happy grimace on his wrinkled face, as he murmured: "You are right Great Mother, men and women are the same everywhere, only circumstances change. Two days later the valley was as if nothing had happened. Everyone had returned to their homes happily, and Karla, Marcelo and the military persons were now on their way to Iberia. No one wanted to ride the donkeys as the horses had joined Kurt's flock. With comfortable clothes, they all walked thru the high mountains, admiring and enjoying the beauty of the high peaks and the water falls descending from the upper mountains. Advanced watchmen transmitted with signals the arriving of the little caravan, and when they arrived to the town all garrison forces were duly formed on the large field outside the fort. Congratulations and hugs came from everywhere for Marcelo and his beautiful wife. One week later the couple left by boat via the great river accompanied by a squadron of soldiers commanded by the General's assistant. At the river delta, they took a larger ship, that after two weeks of sailing disembarked not far from Rome, where Marcelo's family had a large farm, and his father and other parents were waiting for them. Hugs, tears and kisses came from everywhere and Karla felt she was at home, the home she had dreamt about. Marcelo and Karla started their new life, they stayed for long periods in the city of Rome, but this was too large town with many interests and too much visiting and banquets until late in the nights. She was used to a quieter life, though Marcelo had his rich patients in there and was reputed as one of the best physician of Rome, therefore she preferred the large farm near the sea. She spent long hours contemplating the move of the waves so new to her, as well as walking along the beach accompanied by a little slave to whom she thought would grant liberty as soon as he had sufficient age. After the wedding night, Jan and Kurt continued being in contact with the twin girls, spending many nights in the forests, especially when the good weather arrived; and in the druid's house when he was not there. Daisy married a couple of years later, and the twin girls replaced her sister, looking after the druid, the two boys, and the house. Just when Karla had her third girl, the boys married the twins; making only one family before the old druid, who died some time later. Jan taught Kurt and the girls how to read and write. He became a good physician and had to look after his tribe and the neighbour ones. Kurt and Jan were very united and shared everything, even their wives. With the time, their children had two fathers and two mothers; they knew who the mother was, but it was difficult to determine who the real father was. The time elapsed quickly, and in four years Marcelo and Karla had three girls, as usual, all different, yet she tried to educate them as members of the high aristocracy which they belonged to. She missed a baby boy, the boy who should carry out the prophecy that she had kept so secret. Seven years later, from the time she had her last daughter, came the expected boy that fulfilled all her expectations, even more; they named him Marco Tulio. Marco, as everybody started calling him, was a bright little boy. At three his mother began teaching him to read and write. Karla did not want any strange person to teach the boy, and Marcelo was very pleased with her decision; she took the heavy burden to educate their son. Soon the intelligent boy talked fluently both languages: Latin and his mother's. When he was five years old started school with other boys, who nicknamed him "the rare", because he did things that they could not do; for example, to count backward quickly or to make math calculations. At seven he asked his father to allow him being in his accompany when visiting his local patients. One of these days, he asked his father: "Why we don't visit the slaves? they are persons, too." His father considered the question before answering his son. Certainly he did not go to see the slaves, except in exceptional circumstances, when the normal physician could not help. He answered his son. "Marco Tulio, I like your question. Yes, you are right; I rarely have visited the slaves' premises because they have their own physician and hardly they call me; but if you feel happy, we can go now." The little boy openly grinned and hugged his father's waist. "I think I have the best mother and father of the entire world." Marcelo raised the child to his chest and kissed him repeatedly on the face. His large blue eyes shone as two diamonds as the boy said: "Father, do you know? In the school near all boys nickname me as the "rare", except the little Flavio." "Why? You are a pretty boy and, as far as I know, you are not rare, but more intelligent than the normal boys, and Flavio, though short, he is also a smart little lad." "I don't know father. Last week a taller and older boy was bulling Flavio, I told him to stop and since he did not, we fought hard; my fist went to his freckled nose and he fell on the floor, starting to bleed. In that moment I felt something strange, forcing me to touch his nose; I did and in seconds the bleeding stopped. I could not understand why." Marcelo did not know what to answer his son. Later the boy told his mother the same story, Karla hugged her special son. "Marco Tulio, can you keep a secret? Even you can't release it to your father, at least by now." "Of course, I can; even I will not tell to Flavio that is my best friend." "Alright" You are not rare, as your classmates are telling you, but you are a special boy. What you did stopping the bleeding is a gift from the Great Mother. With the time, you will start discovering many similar things that nobody can do." Like what, mom?" "For example, releasing a hard pain from someone... or guessing something that nobody could guess." The boy grinned, kissed his mother's cheek and went to play with his sisters. Strangely the girls were not jealousy about their smart brother; mostly because he could answer questions that they ignored, in spite they were older than he was. Marco discovered that he deeply loved the short Flavio, his large eyelashes, his soft and silky brown hair, and especially his baby face skin. He did not know why his penis got hard when he rubbed his face with the back of his hand, feeling a need to kiss his pale lips. He thought to ask this to his mother, she always had answers for his questions, but it was too intimate; he thought would say it to Flavio, after all, they were best friends and his parents had a close relationship with his; he decided to ask his friend next time he came. Some weeks later Flavio and his parents came for a few days visit. For Marco was like to see the sunshine for the first time, they hugged and went to play outside of the large house, while Flavio's parents talked to Marcelo and Karla. The boys dismissed the girl slave who looked after them, advising her not to disturb while they were talking, unless their parents called them for something. Flavio's father was telling Marcelo. "Marcelo, we are sincerely worried about Flavio; he doesn't grow up like your son or other boys of his age. Certainly he is intelligent and never complaint about anything. He adores Marco Tulio, even too much for a child of eight." "That's normal Elision, children at their age are always exploring the world round them; everyday knowing new things, and it is part of growing up. Marco reciprocates Flavio and we are not worried for that. I think we have a bad idea of what a child's relationship should be. In Karla's country, boys and girls live free together and nobody interferes or cares in what they do, as far as they are committed to their obligations." "And what about the headaches that he feels from time to time lately? He doesn't complaint much, but we know he is suffering and this made things even worst." "I'll explore him while you are here these three days, meanwhile I'll give you some herbs in order your wife boils them and he drinks the substance; in fact it s a light drug to calm down the pains." While the adults were talking in relaxed moments, the children went to play under some big trees not far from the gardens, always under the watch of Karla's favourite slave, now a strong boy of sixteen. The older boy kept a fair distance, so he could see the children but not hearing their conversation. Marco and Flavio sat behind a large bush and Marco decided to tell his best friends about his worries, so he told him all what he had in his mind and happened to his dick. Flavio grinned softly and impulsively dragged Marco's face and kissed him on the lips a tender and soft kiss of love. Marco did not retract as he closed his eyes; he liked the new warm sensation that crept from his loins to his dick. However, at the same time their lips were sealed, a black figure filled his mind and he felt a terrible shock of fears. He woke up as he heard his best friend telling him: "Sorry Marc for what I have done, but I couldn't stop doing it." Marco grinned as he said: "I feel the same as you." He raised his silk short tunic and showed Marco his erect penis. Marco smiled satisfied as he took off his dress displaying his larger genitals to his friend. Then Marco extended his hands, took Flavio's in his arms and kissed him softly, but this time he did not break the kiss quicker as he had done before; though he watched again in his mind the black figure. Then he asked to his friend: "Flavio, didn't you see any thing?" The beautiful short boy grinned and sighed before he answered. "Yes, I have seen an explosion of beautiful stars of all colours and you were in the middle of all of them Marco, I like you very much." That was not the answer that Marco was expecting, so he hugged his friend and whispered into his ear: "Yes, I like you heaps, too, Flavio. I'll never love anyone as I do to you." He understood what he had seen in his mind that had nothing to do with what he felt in his groins. He would ask his mother later, and he did. Karla knew that what her son had seen in his mind was part of that gift from the Great Mother, but unfortunately she could not explain. She took her son and sat on her lap rocking him as he liked. "Sorry Marco I can't tell you a rational explanation; you will discover the meaning by yourself." The boy got down from his mother's lap and went to play outside with Flavio. The weeks passed and the short boy's crisis increased, to de point of no attending to school. Marco missed his company and the mischief that they made together, especially kissing and touching their genitals hidden in the little forest with the complicity of their guardian. One day Marcelo received an urgent message from Flavio's parents and immediately he went to visit him. He had had a similar experience with a girl of six, but she had passed away. When he arrived the boy's parents received him crying in silence. "Please Marcelo, can't you do anything? He's suffering too much." "Only to increase the drug dose, unfortunately we aren't able to help him. As I told you last week, the problem is into his head and in his brains, and there is nothing we can do to heal it. The Egyptians used to perform the trepanation with scarce results and always in adults." The mother could not stand and started crying on Marcelo's chest. "I'll see him just now." He entered into the large and luxury room where Flavio was on bed. He noted the man's presence and turned over to better see him; then he asked. "Has Marco come with you, Marcelo?" "No. He is in the school, but you will get better and soon you will resume your pranks together." The little boy stared at the man and sighed. "From time to time my head seems going to explode; please tell Marco to come, I want to tell him something." "I'll do as soon as he returns home, and as the daylight remains longer now, perhaps we have time enough to come; if not, he will come tomorrow; I promise. Now my boy drinks this, it will help you a lot. He raised a little and drank from a large vase; minutes later he was hard asleep. The boy's parents had been present and knew there was nothing they could do. The following day Marco did not go to the school and thanked his father for taking him to see Flavio. As soon as they entered in the house Marcelo understood that the boy's situation was extremely grave; his little heart was beating hard and he was near unconscious. Marco entered into his best friend's room, stared at him and could not stop his tears dribbling along his smooth face. Deep into him something told what was happening to his loved boy, he then asked the adults: "Please, leave me alone with Flavio, I... I want to tell him something important." His voice disappeared as he felt a lump in his throat and could not continue. Marcelo understood and pushed softly Flavio's parents outside the room, closing the door behind; the boy made a great effort to keep his tears back. Flavio opened the eyes as a little smile illuminated his striking face. "You have come, Marco! Thanks for coming; you look beautiful this lovely morning. I would like to get up and run with you, hand in hand till the river, then jump into the deep waters and disappear forever together. But... but I have lost my strength and besides my headache and sickness would not allow me to go." Marco, with the back of his hand, touched Flavio's silky hair and his face, kissing him on the forehead; then making a great effort, the little boy dragged Marco's hand to his chest as he said. "Marco, my heart is yours forever." "I love you Flavio, I love you very much. I cannot bear watching you unwell." Marco knew he has only an option to help his best friend. After a pause he continued. "Flavio, do you remember what I did to that bully in the school? I stopped him bleeding; well now I am going to stop your headache." Flavio opened wide his large eyes. "I know you can do it; at least I'll die happily and thinking on us." "Please, Flavio, they are behind the door and could hear you, thus discovering that we love each other." The short boy grinned in complicity; but before he could realise, he felt Marco's hands gripping his as their lips sealed his mouth. As the first time that they kissed under the big tree, the sick boy closed his eyes. Marco then took off his sandals and placed his bare feet on the fresh marble floor. A strong current of energy flowed from the sick boy to him and to the floor as a potent lighting conductor. For seconds, his face contorted with a grimace of pain that dragged Flavio's. He retrieved his face from the lying boy that recovered his pink colour, and still holding his hands, he said. "You did it! You did it! Marco; I love you." Marco could not retain his tears anymore, kissed a peck on his friend's lips and with all the tenderness he could muster said: "I must go, Flavio. I like you heaps." And before the sick boy could argue, he stood and went to the door; his eyes were pouring tears as he crossed the hall where his father and Flavio's parents were talking. He only could say: "He won't feel pain anymore!" He stomped thru the main door and started running to his house as fast as his legs allowed him. He entered into his room and close the door blaming it, then dropped on the bed as his little body convulsed as a river of tears showed the great pain he felt. He clearly knew Flavio would pass away in hours, but without feeling any pain. Marco would never forget his first best friend. CHAPTER 5 Flavio's sickness and death encouraged Marco to study harder than ever before, and never missed the opportunity to accompany his father to see sick persons, especially the slaves. In fact their slaves were considered very fortunate because Marcelo had prohibited punishing anyone, except in rare occasions; those who committed a grave fault were sold out in the market; this was the worst punishment. When his tenth birthday was approaching his father told him: Marco, you have behaved wonderfully, especially since Flavio passed away, you have many friends but none similar to a best friend, why?" Karla and her husband had discussed this point and never arrived to a firm conclusion. Marco did not answer immediately. "I don't have any close friend because they do not deserve my friendship; I want an honest and human friend not a simple mate with whom to play. Do you know that most of our friends do not approve the treatment that we give to our slaves?" "I know this point, but your mother and I are not ready to change our opinion; they are human beings and not just objects, as the Law consider them." "That's great dad! This is why I admire you so much." Saying this he hugged his parents as he added. "May I choose my present for my tenth birthday?" "Of course, whenever it is something reasonable." "It will. I want a slave boy for my private use, but I'll choose him myself." "Alright. Socrates, our administrator, will go to the market tomorrow; he had suggested purchasing a man who may help him; as he is getting old. That's not true, but he is a free man since we emancipated him. I'll tell him to have a look just in case he finds something suitable for you; of course you can accept or reject it." "Thanks dad; this is a good idea. He knows us better than ourselves." The following day Socrates went to the slave high market in the city of Rome. There were men, women, boys and girls of all ages and colour; however, Marcelo always told him never separate families making a tragedy for them. The slave traders knew him as the man that never discussed a cost and paid honestly without taking any advantage. A tall Jews placed his strong arm on his shoulder. "Hi Socrates, what are you looking for?" "I'm looking for something probably expensive. What do you have?" The trader grinned; he liked to make business with Socrates. "It depends. Please enter inside; I have just received a group from a ship that was seized by pirates; they are not in good conditions, but seem good merchandise." "I suppose you know we don't want to separate families, so we always buy groups, unless they are singles." "Yes, it is good policy, your master knows the human beings, and slaves after all, are persons. I have something that perhaps could suit you; I won't discuss with you." They entered into a dirty room; in the corner there was a group formed by a strong man, a woman, a girl of about nine and a tall boy of about eleven. The man stared at them; they seemed had been important persons before they were caught, yet Socrates kept for himself his guessing. "I leave you by now; there is another client outside." Socrates observed that the woman looked ashamed of her situation; they were not white but also no dark; Egyptian most likely, so he addressed them in this language. The man got surprised and the woman bent her head. "He cannot hear us; you are Egyptians, aren't you? No one answered but clearly they understood the question. Socrates continued. "My master treats slaves as persons and, besides being a good physician; he is the best person of Rome. I used to be a slave myself and he freed me many years ago." The man reacted as he was treated with education. "Yes we are high rank persons, but now we are nothing; I don't mind for myself but if you buy me I'll get mad. Please, buy all of us, you will never regret it; I promise." Socrates was leaving as the Jew entered. "They are too many and you know my master..." "They are a bargain Socrates." He told the price for whole group, and the man thought he was joking. They were really cheap. Socrates rubbed his beard and then said: "Please, prepare the documents while I get something for them." The man left and bought some cheap clothes for the group. He returned to the place and paid to the slave trader. He took the clothes and motioned them to wear as he said to the Jew: "Unchain them, my cart is outside." In silence they climbed on the cart and left. When they were out of sight he smiled to the family and could see the woman was weeping. The man then said: "Thank you for the favour. My family speaks and writes Latin too; however, we did not show it in order not to spoil the purchasing." For the first time he watched the woman smiling. "How old is the boy? My master has an intelligent boy of ten and he wanted a real friend, not a slave for his birthday. If your son is able to conquer Marco's heart he will never regret it." The boy though dirty, was strong and tall, he answered to Socrates. "I have just turned eleven, sir. If the boy that you are talking about is clever, I promise we will be best friends immediately. We all know how to read, write and make calculations." Socrates could not be happier as he thought had made a good deal buying the family. It was dark when they arrived home. After providing the family with a place to sleep and cleaning their bodies, he ordered to a boy to bring abundant food for the four newcomers. He immediately went to report to Marcelo the unexpected success of his purchasing. Marcelo, Karla and the children were having dinner as Socrates sat down invited by the family to share their table. "It seems they used to be educated persons of high rank, but were unlucky and got slaved. They will explain you in detail. They look smart and the boy is a pretty lad, and the little girl, too. They helped me in the purchasing by not speaking or telling the Jew they were not illiterate persons." Marco was more than interested in the conversation, so when Socrates left, he raised the hand and asked: "Dad, may I interview the boy tomorrow?" Had not he finished when his second sister also raised the hand. "Mom, Olivia has her own slave girl; can we take the little girl for us as our maid?" We'll teach her how to behave in case she does not know..." Marcelo stopped the girl and then pointed out. "You must never forget that slaves are not toys, but persons who had a disgrace, some times undeserved. Yes Marco, you can interview him. And you, girls, is your mother to decide. Socrates will take care of the man and your mother about the little girl and her mother; if they are as Socrates presumes, they will be very helpful in the house, we are very short of this kind of slaves." Once the slave family had rested, cleaned and eaten properly, though dressed poorly, they looked differently; a surprise was waiting for Karla. In the morning she sent her slave boy to fetch the family; except the man that Socrates has ordered to make some hard works. The woman and children met Karla; the girls immediately dragged the nine-years-old child to their room. Karla rang a little silver bell and a slave young man beckoned the boy to accompany him. The two women stared at each other, and when they were alone the slave woman kneeled in front of Karla as she said: "It is a great pleasure to meet you again, my princess Karla; it is a long time since I saw you. Don't you recognize me? Am I so spoiled that you cannot identify me?" The woman started to cry and continued. "I would recognize you amongst thousands." Karla could not believe what she was hearing, she was amazed. She went to the woman and pulled her up tenderly; the woman then said: "I'm your old friend Daisy!" "Daisy!" Karla opened wide her eyes in disbelief. "Daisy, are you Daisy? Oh goddesses! You are so changed...! You used to be a pretty girl. What has happened to you and your family?" Karla dragged Daisy from her arm as both women sat on a large sofa holding their hands, as they used to do when they were in their country. "It is a long story with many happy moments and a few sad ones. Near one year later after your marriage, an Egyptian trader came and we fell in love, we married and travelled thru many countries buying and selling goods as respectable persons. We had these two children and my husband spent a lot of money in their education. Last year, the Pharaoh requested him to travel to Greece to buy special products for his favourite woman. He saw an opportunity to take us to show things, especially to our son, in order he started learning about trade business. In high seas, we were assaulted by pirates; sized the ship and sold all passengers as slaves." "It is a sad story, Daisy; but fortunately you are here with us and soon that bad experience will be forgotten." She paused. "What news do you have in respect our place? I have something in general, but nothing in respect to our tribe group." "I know many things since my husband has been in contact with someone in there. Your grandfather appointed Jan as his successor, since Kurt wanted to breed horses and he is getting his goal. If you can remember, Kurt and Jan were best friends; they lived with your grandpa who adopted them as his own sons. My father placed my twin sisters to look after the three males; in fact the boys and girls loved each other since they were children. A few years later Jan married Julia and Kurt married Ann." Thinking in those times, Karla sighed. "I loved Kurt as if he was my real brother; he was a brave and lovely boy." "I know he missed you. He would be the head of the tribe with the time; he was a brave and intelligent boy. Both boys learnt to read, write and make calculations and, at the same time, they taught my sisters, too. Your grandpa passed away four years later, two years after the boys officially married the twins. The couples had a little baby each that your grandpa loved dearly." "Finally my grandpa had what I could not provide him. We'll have time to talk about everything; for the time being you will help me to run this house, until the Law lets us to emancipate you; I hope your son hit off with mine." "I have not any doubt about it! He's a great and brave boy." Marco was sat in his desk engrossed trying to solve a math problem that he had brought from the school the previous day; he did not note the brown skinned boy's presence, until the slave called his attention: "Master, this is the boy you were waiting for." Marco turned and the boys' eyes met. "Thanks." He advanced and took the new slave boy's hand. "Come on, I want to talk to you." He walked away followed up by the new boy. Not far from the house, and under two large trees, he sat down on the floor with his legs crossed Indian style. As infants that they were, they wore a tunic that covered until the middle of the thigh, tied on the waist with a belt, normally without any underwear. Later, after they were declared adults, would wear the long one to the feet. The brown boy sat in front of Marco and watched the beautiful boy's white thighs that made his young dick start to get hard. The voice from Marco broke the enchantment and both grinned knowing what had happened. Contrary to the rules, since he was a slave, the new boy said: "Sorry master, but you have so beautiful thighs..." Instead of scolding the slave boy, Marco felt a warm sensation as he examined the new boy. He was a little taller than he was, had strong legs and a very smooth brown skin; yet his legs were thinner than his, probably due to the lack of food; but looked strong and showing marked pectorals. Marco thought he liked what he was watching. "It is alright... but which is your name?" The boy pronounced a long sentence in Egyptian language, and then he added: "More or less it means "Horus the wise God". Marco grinned because he thought it was a strange and long name for a boy, but he did not say anything about it. "It is a long name. What's about if I call you differently? I don't want you to be my slave, but my friend, a real friend to whom I can trust and he trusts me; a friend I can exchange confidence with; in summary, a best friend." The brown skinned boy did not expect this proposal and sighed. Then Marco added: "Don't you like to be my friend?" "I would love it, but I guess you have already a best friend. All rich boys have one." "I had a real one, but he... he passed away two years ago and I don't want to talk about him; at least by now." Marco bent his head as his eyes blurred. The slave boy felt sorry for him and dared to touch his trembling and beautiful chin. "I promise you, I'll surpass that boy. I wanted to be your friend right from the moment I watched your white thighs." The slave blushed because he had disclosed his most intimate feelings; Marco knew this, stood and hugged the slave. The boy hugged back his new friend; he had not felt so good since a long time. "Still we have not solved the problem of your name; mine is Marco Tulio." "I'll call you Marco; you can name me as you please." They got silence for some seconds, and then Marco said: "Do you mind if I call you Orus?" The boy grinned. "Why not? It is a funny name and for me it means nothing, just a name." "Alright Orus. Remember that for me you are not a slave anymore, but my friend; I hope you will become my real best friend forever." "In that case, let's play. I dare you to mislead the teenager who is guarding you." Marco chuckled, and before Orus could react he ran to the forest, followed up by his new friend. When they had advanced into the woods climbed onto a large tree before the young slave-man could reach them. They heard him cursing as he passed close to the tall tree; Orus murmured on the rich boy ear. "Your father may punish him for losing you." "Don't worry; I'll take care of that. My father is very reluctant to punish anyone." The two boys played as normal children do in the forest, and when they were tired, especially Orus, they returned to where the young man was upset, before he could report he had lost track of the boys. He sighed and blamed the new slave for the mischief. "You got my master out of sight and he may get hurt." Marco stopped the teenager: "First, from now on, and for me, Orus is my best friend and not a slave; therefore you should respect him as you respect me. He was the first to warm me that you might be get punished for losing me; but I am ten years old and not a baby; so I can take care of myself. I'll tell my father in order Socrates gives you a better task than looking after a little boy." "Thanks master, you have been so good to me..." Marco then hugged tenderly the teenager." "Don't worry; if you ever need something, you know I will help you and your lovely blond!" The young man sighed and the boys started running to the main house. They were dirty and hungry and needed to satisfy both needs. Ten days elapsed and both boys were even more attached to each other; in fact they had become best and inseparable pals. Orus family had been lodged in Socrates' house, separated from the rest of the slaves; as if they were special guests. Daisy and Karla renewed their old friendship, and Marcelo was happy that, after all, his wife had found someone to whom she could trust. Daisy and her little daughter had been a blessing for Marco's sisters, because she had many things to tell them that they did not dare to ask her mother. On his birthday, as usual, the boys came running from the fields sweated and dirty. Karla watched them and stopped their run. "Where are you going to, with those dirty tunics?" Before Marco or Orus could reply, Karla hugged both boys and ruffled their hair. Using their old language spoken in The Gauls, she added: "Little one, you will never be again a slave; on contrary, when the time fixed by Law elapses, we will proceed to the manumission of your family." She said this in their Gaul language; Marco could not believe what his mother was telling them, this was his best birthday present, though in his heart he had already done it. "Mom, how happen that you speak in our secret language and Orus understands it?" "It is a long story Marco; his mother and I used to be close friend in The Gauls, she is not Egyptian, though she married a good and handsome Egyptian man; now we are reunited again, and this time forever. His mother is Daisy the..." Marco stopped her. "Ah! Is she the girl that used to work for your grandpa?" "Yes. I see you don't forget my stories." The boy grinned happily as he watched the satisfaction on his mother's face. "Mom, since he had a very long name, we have agreed to shorten it, I'll name him Orus, and he'll call me Marco instead of Marco Tulio." "It is alright; now go to the bath house, I will send someone with fresh and clean tunics for both of you. You should not forget today is your birthday." Happily, Marco ran to the adjacent bathhouse, followed up by Orus. They started getting naked when a young girl placed the clean clothes on a marble bench, closing the door behind. The boys got nude and Orus fixed his eyes on the beautiful cherub in front of him. Marco observed his new friend, he was strong but his chest and legs still showed the consequences of his hard and starving past life. Marco grinned as he could see the boy's dick was getting erected. This was the first time they would bath together. "Do you like what you see?" Marco slyly asked. Orus stammered a little and said: "You are beautiful, Marco; the most beautiful boy I have ever met!" Instinctively the brown boy approached and took Marco's hands in his; he looked at them, kissed his dirty palms and placed them on his own face cheeks. The contact made Marco's penis to harden. Marco hardly could say: "We better get washed, I prefer firstly to be clean." They entered into a little pool with warm water and Orus started rubbing his friend's body; then he took some herbs that produced the same effect of today's soap, and began to clean the boy. He rubbed the back, legs and between the boy's legs; that made Marco to gasp since no one had ever touched him there, except his mother, and Flavio once. When he ended his task Marco said: "Let me do it to you." Orus left the herbs and Marco proceeded to clean his new friend. He missed the boy's privates, but then Orus said: "If you don't mind, my privates are also part of my body. I did it to you." Both boys grinned in complicity. When they were done, dried with the large cotton cloth and sat on the marble bench naked; it was relaxing the contact of their warm bodies with the fresh marble. Both were sporting a hard-on their dicks. "You have your dick hard." He looked at his own penis and added: "Mine too. Why? I have seen many boys' dicks during my visits with my father, but all of them were flaccid, except... except Flavio's." Again those thoughts made him sad. Orus knew there was something behind that name that impacted on his friend; he promised himself to get rid of that sadness. "My penis is hard because... because... I like you heaps, Marco. I never felt anything like this for anyone." The brown boy bent his head ashamed. "I like you, too." Marco confirmed. "But has this anything to do with our penises?" "Yes. Did you ever experience the nice great feeling touching your cock?" "I suppose you refer to my dick, as you call it. I touched it from time to time and it feels funny, but nothing extraordinary." His new experienced friend grinned. "May I make you feel something special, like many flies into your body or flying into the clouds?" Marco smiled, though he did not know what his friend was talking about, but he liked to learn new things and he trusted Orus. "Please, do it." Orus smiled cunningly; he thought would send Marco into orbit. "Please stand near me." Marco did and Orus started lapping his soft and smooth chest; then took one of his little nipples into his mouth and sucked it. Marco gasped, he did not know why he felt so good in his loins and his dick was harder than ever before, jerking with every heartbeat. His friend kneeled and continued lapping down and at the same time kneading Marco's smooth and rounded butt cheeks. All the sudden, Orus sat down on the marble bench in front of him and put the little boy's package into his mouth, starting to suck it. Marco did not expect this and was tempted to stop his friend; but it felt fantastic and besides his voice had disappeared and his throat was dried. He felt a warm sensations creeping from his legs up to his loins and dick as Orus' tongue sucked the little head of his penis. He could not stand; he was breathing hard and felt his knees buckled as that sensation was reaching his whole body. Orus knew what was coming and pushed his friend's butt cheeks to him in order to prevent him falling with the impact of his orgasm. Marco then felt something new thru him. His body tensed and he stopped breathing; he thought he would die but he did not mind. An explosion of stars and colours came into his mind as he experienced his first real orgasm. He fell near unconscious on top of his friend's shoulder. Orus took him in his strong arms and placed the boy on the marble bench; he had his eyes closed, but with a beautiful smile on his lips. Soon he recovered his breath and opened his beautiful blue eyes; he found his best friend covering his body and face with soft kisses. He made a little effort and his powers went into his friend mind; he found there were only tenderness and love, a lot of love, heaps of marvellous affection. That was absolutely new for his young soul; impulsively he extended his white arms and dragged Orus' face to him as their lips joined in a tender kiss. He then murmured: "I love you, Orus; I love you heaps. Thanks for these great moments. It has been the best birthday present I ever received." The brown boy dragged Marco to him as his eyes poured tears of happiness. "I love you, too; my dear Marco. We'll always be like brothers or whatever you like me to be." End of Part 1