Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 10:19:02 +0100 From: Al Peres <al.peres@hotmail.com> Subject: The White Druid Part 2 THE WHITE DRUID ================= Part 2 CHAPTER 6 Marco was not silly, he knew his friend had not reached the great feeling and above all he wanted to be fair right from the beginning with him. "What's about your nice feeling? I see your dick is still hard and mine is getting a little flaccid. It has been marvellous Orus, and I want you to enjoy it as I did, though I wonder if I can do what you have done to me." "You can, but now I think we must go and have something to eat, I am starving." Marco grinned. "Tonight we can do whatever we like, Orus; we have the whole night for it." "Well... I don't know. What about my parents and my sister?" "You said we are like brothers, therefore we must share the same room as my sisters do. I'll ask my mother about this point." They got dressed and went to a room near the kitchen. Karla watched her son and his new friend; she has observed her son had substantially changed only in a few days. She had been really worried about her boy since Flavio passed away two years ago; now his eyes were bluer than before with a special bright. She sighed. Once they had satisfied their needs went to play outside. The night came and the children went to bed. Karla and Orus' mother agreed about the boys staying together and share the large comfortable bed. Marco could not stop thinking on what they had done during the bath and now eagerly wanted to repeat it again and again; so they locked the door and in seconds the boys were naked on the bed. It was warm outside and the perfume of the trees in the garden filled the air in the room. They laid their young bodies on the white sheets staring to each other in silence. Orus extended his left hand and rubbed softly Marco's smooth face. "You are even prettier during the night, as the torch illuminates your blue eyes." "You underestimate yourself, Orus. Do you know that I fell in love with you at the first sight that morning while we were in the forest? I got dirty on purpose in order I could see you naked and have a bath together. My mom did not say anything when she saw me so dirty; but it was not normal since my father always is saying how clean I am." They laughed softly as Marco even got closer to Orus, their nose near touching. "Let's do it again Orus, please; I want to do it to you." The brown boy showed his white teeth as he smiled. "Alright Marco, I want to send you to the sixth cloud again where we can meet." Again they laughed loudly. Then Orus dragged Marco's face to him and their lips sealed; but this time Orus did something extra, he pushed his tongue against Marco's teeth, the boy did not know what to do, but again he was feeling so comfortable that allowed the intruder into his mouth. He opened wide his eyes as their tongues swirled inside; he did not expect it was so good. He felt how his penis was very hard touching Orus'. Suddenly the brown boy broke the kiss when Marco was enjoying it very much, then turned, so that he had Marco's dick rubbing his nose. He did not doubt a second and took the hard penis into his mouth. Marco learnt the lesson, and for the first time in his short life he also took the boy's meat into his waiting mouth. He felt fantastic and followed his master on sucking each other. After a few minutes he noticed how Orus pushed his butt cheeks to his face in an attempt to get the maximum into it. He did the same. The two boys were very close to orgasm, and some instants later their bodies tensed as boards, stopped breathing and their minds went further into the stars and galaxies. Both opened their mouths to breathe and penises came out still jerking trying to spurt what their immature bodies had not. After some time, Orus recovered his original position, kissed his new lover and with their arms entwined they drifted to sleep. Marco had not slept so well since three years ago, when Flavio shared his bed and they kissed a few times and touched each other bodies. The sun was high in the sky when they woke up; the boys did not need to care about since that was a feast day for them and the school was closed. Marco opened the eyes and watched Orus coming back from making a pee; he thought the brown boy would be a very handsome boy as soon he recovered his lost weight. Then he sat on the bed's edge, his bare feet on the white marble floor. "Please Orus, sit near me; I want to do something this lovely morning." Orus did not know what to do or say, but he guessed his friend had something important in his mind. The images of that sad day near Flavio's bed came into Marco's mind; he stood as his blue eyes blurred and two tears dribbled along his smooth cheeks. Orus got worried watching his friend's tears; he stood too, and hugged Marco very tight; their naked bodies were only one as he could feel his heart regularly beating inside his friend's chest. After near a minute united, Marco separated and stared at his new friend's face; he was not crying and his lovely blue eyes had a special bright. Orus was concerned and asked: "Are you alright, my friend? I was worried that something happened to you." "Yes, something has happened to me Orus; but now is over forever." "Yesterday I guessed something was within your mind, but I did not dare to ask you, yet I was worried." They sat again as Marco said: "Orus you are now my best friend and I want to share with you my worries as you did, telling me your past life and being a slave." Orus was to tell him something but he continued: "Inner in me there is something that I still cannot control, it is like a force that tries to tell me something. It doesn't come when I want it but when I really need it." Impulsively Orus took his friend's hand in his, but kept silence. "The first time I was aware of it was when Flavio and I were in the school; a bigger boy older than we were, had started bulling Flavio, so I intervened and we ended down on the floor fighting. I punched on his stomach and nose and he began bleeding abundantly thru his nostrils; instinctively I placed my fingers on his nose and immediately the blood stopped coming out, as if nothing had happened. Flavio and I got even more surprised that the boy himself; he stood and left us astonished and scared. However, the real moment came some months later when my father and I went to pay a visit to Flavio's home, because he was seriously ill. He had terrible headaches and my father said there was nothing he could do, except give him large doses of drugs in order to keep him sleeping until he passed away." Marco paused as he tried to keep his tears back; Orus was also involved as if he received his friend's sensations. Then Orus dragged his friend to his chest and rubbed tenderly his naked back. "I guess it was hard to watch your friend in that situation and thought you could do nothing to stop his sufferings." "That was the problem. In that moment when I held his hands in mine I felt that I could help him. I placed my bare feet on the floor as I felt a strong current flowing from his body to mine and then to the floor. Instantly I knew he would not suffer anymore but would die very soon without any pain. He stared at me and without any word I heard into me how he thanked me; he smiled and closed his beautiful large brown eyes. I could not resist anymore and left the room, and then I ran as fast as I could to here. Some time later he passed away." "Now everything is over, Marco. Our Great Mother gifted you with those powers and you used them properly, that's what matters. Yes. Marco had overcome the first manifestations of his powers ignoring when and how to use them; the Great Mother would decide for him. Two years elapsed since he had his experiences with Orus. This boy now had become a handsome teenager for whom the girls sighed, especially Marco's youngest sister, but his only love was his best friend. Marco continued assisting to the medicine school always accompanied by Orus, though he received the best training from his father. Orus wanted to be an army officer, so he spent most of his time making physical exercises and learning how to use war weapons, though he learnt about healing when visiting sick persons. Of course the boys were wakening up sexually and they took any opportunity to practice it, especially every night; that even got them closer. Two men, friends of Marcelo, used to come home and the boys admired them. In spite of their youth, both were reputed politicians and military: Julio Caesar and Pompey; later they would become strong opponents, but not enemies, but by now everybody enjoyed their friendship. Julio had a health problem that needed Marcelo's presence from time to time: he suffered from epilepsy attacks. One day Orus and Marco were in the bedroom having a great time sucking each other penises; when they were close to orgasm, a slave girl knocked on the door. Marco, a little annoyed for the interruption, asked: "We are busy studying, why do you interrupt us?" "Young master, a messenger from Master Caesar has arrived requesting your father's urgent presence, it seems he is suffering an attack, but neither of your parents is here." Marco knew the urgency, he detached from Orus and jumped from the bed; in seconds he wore his tunic and the belt round his waist; Orus followed him. "Come on, we can't lose a minute!" He took a little bag, checked the tools it contains and went out running as fast as he could, followed up by Orus and the messenger girl. Orus was an athlete, but running Marco was faster than he was. A few minutes later Marco was arriving to the main entrance of Julio's house, guarded by two armed soldiers. He could not lose a second and instinctively knew he could overpass them; so just a few yards from the men he jumped and flew smoothly some feet over their heads, landing softly on the other side of the iron fence. The soldiers could not believe what they had watched. Astonished one of them commented to his pal: "Have you seen what I have seen, or did we drink too much last night?" "Either of them; we better keep our fucking mouths shut, the sergeant would not believe us, anyway." In that moment Orus and the girl arrived and they stopped the boy. The girl motioned them to allow him to enter. "He is the physician's assistant." They entered into the large house as the soldiers said: "Assistant? Did you see the physician? Definitely, I think we drank too much last night." Marco knew the room and entered without caring about anyone. A woman was there and Julio was naked on the bed his whole body convulsing with a strange grimaces on his face. The boy pulled the man down on the floor as the woman said: "Who are you and what are you doing to him?" Marco did not answer her, he could not lose a second answering a stupid woman; probably at the time Julio's favourite young concubine. He extracted from the bag a little stick and asked Orus to keep the man's mouth open; he then introduced the wood between the teeth and asked: "Woman, has he ejaculated?" She thought that was too intimated and did not answer, Marco stared at her coldly and near shouted: "Has he ejaculated!" The woman felt as if those blue eyes were swords; scared she immediately answered blushing: "No! We were very close..." Marco did not hear the rest of the sentence. He placed his right hand round the large erected engorged penis and started masturbating the man. The trembling and convulsions increased, and after a minute of the boy moving his hand up and down round the man's cock, they observed how the whole body got rigid and in seconds his dick started spurting semen like a volcano. Marco continued rubbing the big meat as the spurting decreased and Julio's grimace and the rigidity disappeared. The man relaxed and drifted to sleep. The attack was over. "Let's place him on the bed, Orus." The messenger girl also helped as the woman scolded her for touching the man, since she was a slave. Marco stared at her again and she trembled. She knew that boy was the son of the physician, one of the noblest men in Rome; just a word from him would signify her return to be a slave. "I think we arrived in time." Orus said. "Yes, just a few minutes later and surely he would have damaged his tongue forever." Then, addressing to the girl and disregarding the woman, Marco added with a smile that comforted the girl and enraged the woman: "Please clean all this mess, since this woman only knows how to..." Orus completed the sentence. "...to fuck!" They smiled. "Yes. When he wake up you should say him that my father was in Rome assisting to the Senate sessions; so I came to help him." They abandoned the house joking referring to the enormous dick that Julio had. Three days later Julio Caesar personally went to see the boys; he referred to Marcelo y Karla his epilepsy attack and how Marco dealt to stop it so quickly. "You are doing great with your son and his friend." Julio said. "It was a long time since I had suffered a similar one and never was stopped so fast." He grinned, thinking in the probable embarrassment of the boys doing their job. "I must thank them for what they did. I suppose they felt embarrassed masturbating me, though of course I was unconscious." Marcelo had known about his son and Orus action, but he ignored the therapy they had used. He then placed his hand on his friend's shoulder and said: "Julio, I must be honest to you and to the boys; I never taught this therapy to my son, even I ignored that it existed; my son is doing things lately that really puzzled me. I'm sure he will be a great physician." The images of the boy running out of Flavio's house came into Marcelo's mind. In that moment the boys arrived laughing and joking, as usually dirty with sweat. When they saw their hero they thought about the masturbation and both got as red as a beetroot. Julio understood the boys' situation, extended his large arms and patted them on the shoulders; that relaxed the boys that grinned. "How... how are you sir?" Marco stammering asked. "Thanks to you my tongue has not suffered and Rome will bear me for a long time." He changed the subject in order the boys could feel more comfortable. "Your father has told me about your intentions to join the army when you get the age, at least during the six year of obligation. If I am still alive don't forget to contact me thru your father, it will be a pleasure to have near me two honest and efficient officers as a physician and a soldier." The boys could not stand with the happiness they felt. Orus would have hugged Julio, but he knew he had to behave. "Thank you very much for your words, sir. We did nothing than any honest person would have done to you." Julio and Marcelo laughed as his father said. "You both better have a large bath, you are stinking." The boys left and the men started talking about the Republic political situation and the plans about The Gauls. ******************** Two important events were taking place far away in The Gauls. The Great druid Diviciaco was talking with one of the most important chiefs of his tribe: the Eduos. He was a great druid and physician, but still he had not any children to who teach and leave his wisdom. The man called Kudus was arguing: "Master, I am sure we will have many problems in the short future, among them your descendant; one boy who could inherit your knowledge and powers. I positively know that you love women, in spite of being surrounded by beautiful boys and girls all the time. The Eduos on this area need an heir." It was near the sunset and they were comfortably sat in the porch of the large house near the forest. The great druid needed not to explore the man's mind to know about his loyalty to him and to his tribe. The druid sighed, and after a couple of minutes in silence, he said: "Kudus, I must tell you something very important. We have known each other for a long time and we have done many things together. You are right, I have many powers unknown for the rest of the people, but in exchange the Great Mother punished me: I am cursed!" He paused and sighed. "I can have children, but they would never be able to enjoy their mother; she would die after the birth of her baby. Do you think that I am so selfish as to condemn a girl to die in order I can have an heir? Never!!!" Diviciaco near shouted as he said this. The Eduo General patted the Great Druid's back. "Are you hundred percent sure that this would happen?" The druid raised his sad face as he thought for a moment in the General's question. Was he sure? Some times his premonitions had failed and he strongly believed they were certain. For the first time, the doubt had been introduced in his soul and opened a light of hope. "No, Kudus. I cannot be absolutely sure that this would happen. You well know that sometimes I have failed in my premonitions; I am not the Great Mother, but a simple being that would suffer, enjoy and finally die; like everything in this World." The General thought for a moment he had gain a little battle against the wise druid; but now came the hardest point. "You know that Sera, my sixteen-years-old daughter loves you dearly since she was a little girl. She would be more than happy being your wife and..." The druid raised his hand and stopped the man. "Are you suggesting sending your own beautiful daughter to die in the interest of our people and mine? What kind of father are you, Kudus? I can't believe your words!" The man then argued. "Firstly you are not sure that the premonition would occur; and secondly we would explain the eventual outcome of her if she marries you. A couple of months ago, Quero asked me to accept him as my child's husband; I don't like him at all, especially since he joined Vercingetorix's forces, notwithstanding, I asked her and she and her mother near killed me. She then said there is only one man in this world she would marry: you!" "It is normal for a girl of her age; she's just an adolescent and..." "She is not a girl anymore!" The man answered the druid a little bit enrage. "She is a beautiful woman, Diviciaco!" The druid was to argue, thinking that all were mad, when Kudus added: "Why don't you explain your/her problem and leave her to decide?" "Why?" The druid seemed going to explode. "I love your daughter, Kudus; that's the reason!" He paused as the general grinned. "In spite I could be her father, I don't want to risk losing her angel presence in this house. Now you know why. Are you happy?" "Yes, very happy, my dear son." The General left the house before the Great Druid could argue about this. Yes, he still considered himself young and nothing would please him more than having a grandchild on his lap. The girl was more than happy when she knew about their decision. She left what she was doing at home and ran to the druid's home; she did not give time to the man to explain. She jumped on his arms and kissed passionately the man on the lips. "I love you Diviciaco and I won't mind to die if I make you happy, even for a short period of one year. After all, we must die some time." "Oh my angel, my beautiful angel...! He could not continue as his eyes blurred. The wedding took place only a few days later without any fuss, only the town's people assisted and enjoyed that early summer day. Though the political situation was worsening, the couple enjoyed one year of real happiness. The druid was not wrong; the young woman had two beautiful twin boys, but unfortunately the bleeding that followed the birth ended with her life; they named the boys Dart and Doro. Nothing to be added about the Druid; we will meet them later in this story. CHAPTER 7 Kurt was examining some carts that they had built, they were in the large meadows that surrounded the village when he watched a group of armed men approaching riding poor exhausted horses; he felt pity for the animals. As they approached he recognized his old friend Vercingetorix and one of the men; the rest were unknown to him. Vercin, as he called him, dismounted and both old friends hugged. "Welcome to the land of the Eduos, Vercin, I cannot say the same about Quero; had he not come under your protection I would have placed him as a target for the children's arrow training; besides a traitor to his tribe, he is a criminal deserving the worst." The alluded man placed his hand on his sword hilt as Vercingetorix said: "I wonder what you have against him, but whatever it is, please forget it by these moments and invite me to a jug of beer." In that moment they heard the pitchy yells of children as they approached riding young horses at a mad speed, standing on the saddle stirrups and guiding the horses with their little thighs. The men were amazed watching how in seconds they shot their arrows against fixed targets placed some yards away. The first two ones, boy and girl reached the centre of the target, two boys the follow, their arrows got very near of them. Proudly Kurt commented to his old friend: "The first boy is my son, and the girl Jan's daughter; the other two are their friends." Quero that had remained on his horse trembled as Kurt glanced at him. "It is not strange that everybody in The Gauls talk about your men, women and horses." They entered into a large hut where a boy served them large pots of beer. A few moments later Jan joined the group. The druid and physician said: "We suppose you have come to something else than to watch the children's exhibition shooting their bows." "Yes, you are right, Jan." He paused to drink the beer and cleaned his lips with the back of his hand. "I have two items to discuss. You well know that the Romans have started to invade The Gauls, now they have occupied a small portion of land in the south, near the great river that they claimed as theirs, but sooner or later they will continue getting the land or our ancestors; we need to stop them. If we are united no one will be able step on our sacred land." Jan then asked. "Have you met Diviciaco? He is the head of all the Eduos, besides the Great Druid. We have nothing against Rome and they treat us with respect and as equals. They helped us when we needed them, therefore we will not fight against any tribe or against Rome." "That's clear Jan; thanks for your sincerity; nevertheless, if you change your mind your people will always be welcomed." Kurt then placed his arm round his old friend's shoulder. "Vercin, be careful with that Quero; he is not a good man and may cause you serious problems." "Up to now I don't have any complaints about him. I knew he was an Eduo, but he is not the first that has changed of tribe." "I know, but only a criminal would come, abduct and try to penetrate a girl of nine without her consent. She was seriously hurt; fortunately we had Jan that saved her. This crime in our Law carries the death penalty." "I'll keep this in my memory. Now I have also come to talk about business." Kurt and Jan remained in apparent silence, though they were in communication with their minds. The great warrior then continued: "We will need horses for our troops and our people are ready to pay them generously." Kurt answered his friend. "Vercin, we breed horses for our men, for the Eduos. We do not sell our animals, as some breeders in the North do, so we cannot help you in this regards. However, you are my friend and, remembering the old times, I want to make you a present before you leave. Come with me!" They went out to a large yard where some men were taming horses. The man was surprised with the view. "They are beautiful animals, Kurt; all of them!" Kurt grinned as he said: "Choose the one you think is the best. You always were good at it." Vercin opened wide his mouth as he said: "I cannot accept your offer, Kurt. We have always been good and honest friends since we were children and..." "You can and you will, Vercin." The man smiled and pointed out to a white and black stallion. Kurt beckoned to the man in charge and he dragged the lovely horse from the reins. "It is yours, Vercin." The man then said: "Kurt, this animal is not yet ready to be ridden. Still we need to work on it." They smiled. "Don't worry; Vercin knows how to complete the training. Please, change the saddle." The man changed the saddle and Vercin rode the horse that protested during a few minutes, but finally accepted his new master. "Thanks Kurt, I leave mine here for the children; it deserves a good retirement." They said good bye and the little group left for the North. ******************** A couple of years later Julio Caesar began to conquer The Gauls; many of the great and influencing people in the Senate criticised him as ambitious, since he had not any military experience; among then was his former son in law Pompey and his friends; he did not want blood, as a good politician he preferred negotiations at the view of his legions. Julio had excellent Generals that knew how to deal with his project, and the friendship of the Eduos and some other small tribes. A few years later, in spite of the opposition of some senators, who would have wanted Pompey for this task, he started a military campaign in the Gauls. Marco and Orus joined his forces as soon as they were eighteen years old. Orus soon demonstrated his abilities, braveness and common sense in the fight. Julio, thru his General, was aware of his performance, so he was considered and granted new grades, being the youngest commander under Julio's forces. Marco was something different from his friend. When he entered in The Gauls he felt as his heart started bleeding, though equally as Orus he was a brave young man and fought hard. But what surprised to the high rank officers after the battles, was his entire dedication to heal and cure the wounded soldiers, no matter whether they were Romans or enemies. He got a decree from Julio Caesar ordering his troops never kill a druid and/or destroy the medicine deposits that they found. He wanted to talk to them and learn about essential recipes. Once a battle was over, he wore a white tunic on top of his armour and started his mission as a physician. He was tender and efficient gaining the soldiers of both sides' cooperation as he spoke them in their own language. He was young and strong and spent many hours until his body was near exhausted. His actions were known not only by Julio Caesar, but also by the tribes' chiefs. After some time, even Vercingetorix heard about him; they nicknamed him "the Roman white Druid", or just the "White Druid." When he was twenty two years old, Julio appointed him as his personal physician as the war against The Gauls' people was in the algid moments, and the great tribes of Secuanos and Helvetians had joined their forces under the command of Vercingetorix to fight Julio's forces. That year Roman forces retreated from the North as the tribes men followed up Julio's legions, but without a serious confrontation, as Orus said: "Only a miracle would save us, unless we receive fresh legions from Rome and fight this damned Vercingetorix back to the North. We'll have serious logistical problems next spring if we do not receive help from Rome, but it seems that Pompey's friends are doing a good job in the Senate preparing obstacles to this decision." "You must have faith in Julio and his Generals, they know their jobs, especially Labieno; until now we have not received a serious setback or defeat." "I trust blindly on my bosses, all of them are capable men, but we are ten to one some times; that's why I say we'll need a miracle." The miracle had happened months before the two friends were talking in their quarters. Both groups were in their respective places to spend the wet winter. Marco grinned as he hugged his friend. "Where are you going now?" Orus asked Marco. "Don't forget to wear your armour." "I don't need it to go to the market, but I'll ask my friend the Sergeant Alexander to accompany me. I am short of some essential herbs and need to refill my bag." He left his friend and joined the sergeant and a group of five armed soldiers, entering into the crowded alleys. He bought the herbs and some creams prepared for him by the herbarium man. Without any purpose they continued wondering thru the market, watching everything, but without any fixed idea. People stayed aside to give them free entry, not only because he was a Roman officer, but also because of the respect that the "White Druid" transmitted. All the sudden they stopped in front of a slave trader; he had exposed two dirty young boys, an old man and a woman. The boys looked at him bluntly as the trader whipped them, but the boys did not move. Marco felt pity for them; he could not bear to see someone punishing a child, especially if he was a boy, even if he was right. In a quick move he took the whip from the man's hand and threw it away. The sergeant then said: "Kneel in front of a Roman officer, bastard!" The man started murmuring as he obeyed the command. Marco looked at the boys as the trader said justifying their punishing. "Sir, they are insolent and never speak, and I know they can because they hear." The sergeant pushed the man as he said: "Perhaps they had their tongue cut off. Did you check this? The man did not know what to say because he had not done anything. Marco could not take his eyes from the apparent lame boys, as he heard into his mind: "Please sir, buy us, we need you. We have come to fetch you. Please!" Marco looked around believing that maybe a woman was talking to him, but there was nobody near him, except the sergeant and his men. Again he heard: "We are Eduos carrying an important message for you, not for anybody else." Marco got white as he said in his mind, staring to the boys: "Don't worry, I'll see to this, right now." He could watch how the boys sighed as a slight smile appeared in their dirty faces. Then he spoke something to the sergeant and he grinned: "Hey, you! Where did you obtain this merchandise? Aren't they Eduos? I suppose you know the decree of our Caesar." "Oh yes, I know it; I am a faithful observant of Roman law. They are simple beggars that I bought in the land of the Carnuts; their father was a blind man that passed away the following day. I am ruined with them." Marco then spoke for the first time. "Sergeant, search into the premises and check what this man is arguing." The men grinned slyly because if they found illegal persons as slaves they would obtain good money from the trader, and possibly he would go into prison for Law violation. The trader got white. After a few minutes, they came back with two wounded strong men and a young couple of about fifteen years old. They also dragged out a young woman, apparently the trader's daughter. The sergeant shouted at him: "You bastard are a liar! Except this young woman, the boys, this couple and the wounded men, all are Eduos." Marco started speaking to them in their own language and all confirmed what the military were saying. They also seized a bulge pouch containing a large amount of golden coins. "Please sergeant, take these persons to the fort; that somebody take care of them. Give the money to the treasurer. Ah!" He added. "Buy decent clothes for the couple to wear after they bath; they seem high rank persons." "What about the wounded men?" Marco examined the wounds and then said: "They are war injures; that means they are soldiers, and a soldier is always welcome to Rome's army, if he wants it, of course." One of the men bent the head; he had blurred eyes. Marco then continued: "The trader must be delivery to the fort authority in order he is prosecuted and judged; the girl is free, she should not pay her father's sins. I'll take these little lads with me." Then the sergeant gave Marco a small pouch with money as he said: "I suppose these boys will also need a bath and clothes, and these should be paid by who caused the damage. "Yes, you are right. I think I must recommend you to be appointed as a Judge." They separated and the boys stared at the man smiling; they had not spoken until now. One of them said: "You are exactly as our father told us and we imagined." Marco grinned, but before they could continue he said: "Let's talk later on. Now we need to fill those flat bellies. You will have a good and large warm bath and decent clothes to wear. Am I right?" "Yes sir, you are absolutely right. We have not got a decent meal since..." The other boy jabbed him. The smell of roasted lamb came to the boys' nostrils; one of them took Marco's hand and dragged him to where a man was pouring hot gravy on the meat as he was roasting it. The man grinned before the boys' grimace. "Wash your hands and face before you start eating." The man taking care of the meat glanced at the officer; he immediately knew the boys and the officer were not common people. "If you prefer, I'll arrange you a table near the fire inside, it is not cold but the weather is getting very wet." "Thank you for your kindness; my nephews get dirty very seldom playing and need a bath, but by now..." The man smiled as the two boys looked at Marco, and thru their minds the children thanked him for calling them nephews, but they were sure the man did not believe him. Some minutes later they were devouring the lovely roasted meat until they turned their little dirty head to belch. Marco paid for the food and gave a good tip to the man who thanked him. They visited a large stand where there were clothes of all sizes and kind. Marco allowed the children to choose their garments, though Marco helped them with some ideas. Then they entered into a bath house and asked for a private place where the boys could bath without being disturbed. The boys and man got naked and jumped into a little pool with warm water. They seemed accustomed to places like this one, and immediately started rubbing each other, then to Marco's back. After some minutes the water was near brown, so they allowed the drain to empty and refill it a gain. Marco then sat down near the bottom and watched the beautiful cherubs now that they were clean. As he sat down relaxed, the boys then sat on each knee and leaning their heads and wet brown hair on his shoulders, one of them said: "You have not asked our names or who we are; however, you have behaved as our father used to do." Marco grinned as he noticed the erected little penises rubbing against his belly sides; he could not stop and placed his large arms round the angels starting caressing their smooth backs; they moaned in pain as he touched the injures produced by the trader whip. Marco grunted something not nice for the trader. "Your names?" He thought for a moment, and then said: "You are Good and Better." The boys laughed loudly, and then the one sat on his right knee, said: "My name is Dart, and my brother is Doro." Doro then gripped Marco's hand, selected his forefinger and dragged it to the top of the start of his crevice upper his anus, touching something hard. "It is a wart that Dart doesn't have; only my father and now you know this difference." Instinctively the boys started moving up and down rubbing his dicks against Marco's body. They closed the eyes with their arms round Marco's neck; their mouths were open on the man's shoulders as their breathings increased. Marco liked this, even he was excited himself, but he knew these moments were a consequence of the lack of affection suffered by the boys from the moment their father died. He cooperated in the boys' lust cuddling them even more to his chest. Some moments later, their bodies tensed and a loud moan signalled the peak of their dry orgasms. Marco kissed the boys heads and remained quiet; he then realised the boys were asleep. After some time as the water was getting cold, he moved the boys; they opened their large blue eyes and planted tender kisses on the man's cheeks. "We better get dressed and go to the fort. I have some obligations to comply." "We like you heaps." Dart said; then his brother asked: "Marco, can we stay with you? We need to talk long because we are carrying very important sad news; even for your Julio Caesar." "How do you know that my name is Marco?" The boys grinned slyly. Doro then stared at him in the eyes. "Your mind is like a spread scroll for us; you must learn to stop anyone trying to get into your brain. What we have done, you did many times with other boys of your age, especially with one called Orus; he called you Marco." The man's mouth was agape when he realised they were able to know anything he could think about. Dart kissed a peck to Marco that he felt as glory. "Don't worry Marco." Dart said. "Your mind is very powerful, but you have to learn how to control and use it, as our father taught us." Marco could not believe what he was hearing. "By the way, who is your father?" Both boys stared at him sadly with their eyes blurred. "He was Diviciaco, the Great Druid. He was murdered some weeks ago, that's why we have come, though we have been delayed four weeks as we got slaved." CHAPTER 8 Marco immediately assumed the importance of the news; that could change the course of the war for good or bad; fortunately the forces of both sides were billeted in their winter quarters, but he thought it was not too late. They ended dressing and he hugged both boys tenderly. "Boys, from now on, your mouths must be shut, until I talk to Julio Caesar; I am his personal physician. If you ever have anything to tell me, please use your minds. Now, while we walk to the fort, please relate me what and how it happened. Sorry because this probably will bring you sad recollections, but we need to know everything." The boys started explaining the events that had occurred four weeks ago. The town where the Great Druid lived was a safe place for the Eduos, while the warriors were in there; however as things were changing, from time to time the local groups of the tribe and neighbours met to make military exercises and to set up a common strategy in case they needed to intervene in the war, or were attacked. In that date only a few warriors were in town, plus two as guardians of the Great Druid's house and security. It was a dark night and a group of ten warriors of Vercingetorix's forces, led by the eduo Quero, slid into the walled town, their objective: to murder the Great Druid. Quero was not executing an order, since Vercingetorix was far away in the North, but acting by his own initiative. He thought it was a good idea to kill the man who was the Commander of the neutral Eduos, thus most warriors of this tribe would obey the druid's younger brother Dunmorix, who hated the Romans. He had another two objectives. A few days before the warriors left for the military exercises, he had asked for wife a beautiful fifteen-years- old girl, her father laughed at him and called traitor to his people; now he wanted to kidnap her. The second objective: once Vercingetorix knew his action surely would award him, promoting for a higher command as he had done with some of his old pals, to whom he hated. Those were his stupid thoughts that his colleagues ignored. That evening Diviciaco preventing a possible action like this, thru their minds, he explained to his intelligent twins sons all the implications that his dead could bring, especially regarding their uncle Dunmorix, so they must fly away quickly before they could slave them, and find the White Druid telling him all about. Stella, the girl pretended by Quero; Rhode, her boy friend; and the twins, were playing in a next room; she liked the twelve-years-old beautiful brothers, and more than once she had had sex with them, since there was not any danger of getting pregnant, and Rhode approved it. "Hey twins! You can fuck Stella if she likes. I don't mind at all, however, you must suck my cock afterwards." Rhode said. "It is alright." Dart said. In seconds the four were naked; Stella dragged Dart to the large bed and lay on the white sheet; the boy immediately jumped of top of her and she guided his medium size penis into her vagina. She loved these moments as she was a very hot girl and liked the twins. Rhode then said: "Doro, meanwhile you should suck my dick." "You are wrong, we agreed after fucking Stella and I haven't done it yet." The fifteen- years-old boy grinned slyly, since he answered what he was looking for: to suck the twins. "In that case, let me suck your lovely cock." Doro chuckled and offered his hard cock to him. The teenager eagerly took the younger boy's pack into his wet mouth as he masturbated himself. After some minutes the four were engaged in their sex play, and some time later yelled in pleasure as they were reaching their climaxes. The boys were in the bliss of their sexual action when heard noise in the next room. Ten men had entered into the town thru a secret door that Quero knew. Carefully and using the dark corners, they got into the Druid's house forcing the main door. The two warriors guarding the house met the group in the large hall. Immediately they knew the old man was in danger and tried to warn him about the intruders, but they were overpowered and soon were defeated; then two men entered in the Druid's room and a third from a behind door. As the druid stood he extended his hands telling arcane words and two blue rays appeared from his fingers killing the two men. At the same time the third man, Quero, stabbed the old man from behind; the large knife went into the old man back near ending with his life. In that moment entered the boys and girl, bravely Dart tried to help his father pushing Quero and avoiding that the traitor stabbed again his father. With the last bit of energy the old man shot his spell against Quero reaching him on the forehead, just near the eyes. Quero yelled in pain as his men entered. He then shouted: "Get the boys and men; we must fly away before someone notice our presence; I cannot see." One of the men helped him; the others tied and gagged the wounded guards and children, dropping them into an old cart that had been placed there by a supporter. Days later the group was sold to the slave trader that has been mentioned above. The boys ended their story as they were entering in the fort. Marco was aware of the importance of the news. He then with his voice asked the boys: "Would you recognize the man who murdered your father?" "No." Doro said, but he added: "Anyone can recognize him; this type of wounds takes a long time to heal and need special care from a physician; so it will be easy to find him if he is in this town." Marco brains were working fast. After a while they entered into the officers' area and in his large room. It had a wide bed covered by a red canopy and a fireplace near it. The boys jumped on top of the bed and grinned to Marco. Dart then said: "Come on, Marco, let's have some fun." The young man smiled. "Not now, my boys. Get ready and under the covers and drift to sleep. You must be tired with all the emotions and events that have occurred to you. You need to rest, because I am sure tomorrow you will see Julio Caesar." The boys were with their lovely mouths agape. "You aren't joking, are you?" "No, I am not." The boys cuddled into each other arms, though they missed his father. A few minutes later they were rock asleep. Marco locked the door and went outside. He knocked on one door and a man voice shouted. "Come in, it is open." He entered and found his friend Flavio Cornelius sat down behind a large thick wooden desk, the surface covered with many scrolls that he was examining. "Oh you are... the important White Druid!" Marco smiled; he really appreciated his friend because both were fanatic supporters of Julio Caesar. He also was a military officer that carried out the nasty but important task of what today we call a Sheriff. "I wouldn't have come, but Rome needs your help." Cornelius grinned; was Marco preparing a joke? But he seemed serious." "Spit out, dear friend!" Marco sighed and thought that his friend never seemed to be serious. "I have picked up in the market two twelve-years-old twin children, though they seem eleven, especially one of them. They are Eduos and were being sold as slaves; the trader is now in one of your dungeons." The physician paused and watched as his friend said: "I cannot see what these, I suppose beautiful boys, have to do with Rome, besides the trader is already jailed and..." Marcos interrupted him. "They are beautiful, that's true; but the trader is part of a group that has murdered an important political person; unfortunately I cannot explain you further details until I speak to our Caesar." The name of Julio Caesar made Cornelius to jump from his seat. "Then, why did you come to me first?" "Because there is not time to lose; the rest of the gang could fly away if we do not act quickly and with efficiency, as you normally do." "Do you have any details that could help us?" "Yes. The man who murdered the boys' father has a recent large scar on his forehead forming an increasing new moon. The others eight aren't Eduos, probably Secuanos. We might think they are spying us, too." Cornelius tapped the table with his fingers, a clear signal that he was worried. "What shall I do with them, if we are lucky and catch these people? I don't understand a single word of their language." "Just keep them isolated until you receive strict orders from..." Marco pointed up his finger." "Alright White Druid. I suppose you will come later..." "I'll try." Without further words Marco stood and left. As he closed the door he heard Flavio Cornelius ringing his silver bell calling his men. He walked quickly, and a few moments later he entered into a large house where two tall soldiers saluted him at the entrance; he was one of the few men who could go in without explaining the reason. As usual he found many other soldiers standing guarding doors. As he approached Julio Caesar's rooms he watched a short and fat man near running to him: he was Julio Caesar's personal servant. "Oh almighty gods Marco! You have just come in the right moment, the boss needs you; I was to send someone to fetch you." "Has Julio any attack?" "Oh no, but he said his head is going to explode." Marco entered into the large room and found Julio Caesar sat and reading messages received from Rome." He stood and hugged Marco, he normally did this whenever they were in private. "My little Marco, please, cut my head in order I can get rid of this terrible headache." Marco grinned, went to one wardrobe and extracted a little pot, then put a small portion of the white substance and some water; he removed it with a wooden little stick. "Please take this, but as usual, don't abuse of it." The man drank the potion and one minute later the pain had disappeared. Marco started massaging Julio's temples, then his strong shoulders, and when he was right behind said: "Sir I have some news that could be grave or otherwise. Julio understood, and addressing to the servant said: "Fatty, go for a while and relax while Marco entertain me; you deserve the evening." The man bowed and thanked his boss, leaving the large room. "Now Marco, tell me about the news". As Marco started speaking, Julio stopped him moving and said: "You better sit near me, my son." Marco ended his relation saying: "I have told Cornelius to trap those persons before they can fly away; however I have not mentioned anything that could..." "As usual you did very well Marco. Now, where are Diviciaco's children?" "They are hard asleep in my room; I gave them something to sleep, though I am sure they knew what I was doing. They are extremely intelligent boys. "Poor souls... From now on, Marco you are their legal tutor. I'll see this legally tomorrow. I think you have assumed the grave situation. With Diviciaco the Eduos were our friends, but if the bastard of his brother knows his death he may argue that we have killed him; it is absurd but in politic there is nothing strange whenever the goal is obtained; in this instance we may have difficulties on winning this war, and many Romans and innocent Eduos would die. We must inform them quickly." He stood and wrote a short note, then rang the silver bell and a strong sergeant entered: "Sir, what do you order?" "In this list there are six Generals' names. You must advise them they must be here without excuse at dawn. Do it yourself Sax, and let me know the result." The centurion military saluted and left. Marco was ready to leave and asked. "Sir, may I tell it to Cornelius?" "Yes, he is discrete and an efficient man, but he has to keep it for himself. Nobody, I repeat Marco, nobody must know anything until we decide the course of action. About the two men, the lad and the girl, tell him to look after them providing what they might need. For their own security, they mustn't talk to anybody and have to remain in their lodgements. It is essential that those who have committed the crime be arrested as soon as possible. Please tell Cornelius this. Tomorrow, round midmorning, bring my friend's children here; I want to know those brave boys. "Yes sir, I'll see to it." Marco left and he met Fatty on his way out. The man stared at him questioning about Julio temper. "Don't worry, my friend; he is much better." The short man grinned and sighed. He met Cornelius in his office, some one was informing him; so Marco stayed out until the man left. Cornelius gazed at Marco. "I am as a fillet on tenterhooks." Marco grinned. "The boss has authorised me to tell you, but you must keep for yourself until new orders come. The killed man and father of the children was Diviciaco." Flavio near jumped from his seat; Marco continued. "The two men were Diviciaco's guardians. The girl and the lad are the local tribe chiefs' sons. I think the warriors must now being returning from the military exercises. You can imagine the fuss that this may cause. Fortunately we are near in winter and the news has difficult to travel." Cornelius opened wide his mouth in disbelief. "We were ready to torture the slave trader, but we did not need to do anything; he confirmed that the man with the large scar belong to Vercingetorix's forces. We have already traced them and it seems the murderer is seriously ill with fever due to an infected burn. My men are ready to arrest them but I prefer to catch, not only the gang, but also those who helped them. We are receiving full cooperation from the inn's owner who discretely is providing what they need, including physician care and women." Then Marco told him about the situation of the two men and the young couple. Marco arrived to his room and could check the boys were hard sleep; he looked carefully at them and sighed; they seemed angels with their light brown and scrambled long hair spread over the white pillow. He kissed them and thought that Julio's decision, about himself being their tutor, filled his heart with pride. Cornelius scarcely slept that night; he was aware of the importance of that operation; which could give The Gauls to Rome, avoiding the loss of many Roman lives. He was a professional and did not enter into the question whether Rome had or not the right to occupy the large country; that was a political point that he never discussed. Near dawn one of his men woke him up. "Sir, apparently there are not any more persons involved in the plot, so I think we should not delay their arrest anymore; later on, we can find out." "I think you are right; it is better a bird in hand that three on the bush. Let's start the operation, but we must try no to make much fuss. They must have friends or supporters here." "Yes, sir." The man grinned; he liked his boss because he always took into account a good advice. They surrounded the house, and guided by the inn's owner, they released two young women from the men's arms that were drunk and snoring. The officer raised the finger to the lips motioning the women to keep silence; he extracted some coins and paid them for their service. Gladly the women abandoned the house, since they had received double payment, believing the new men were friends of their clients. Before they could realise the seven men were tied and gagged; the eighth and the man with the scar were in another room awoken chatting near in silence. Two strong soldiers entered with the swords in hands; the one with the scar did not move, but the other one tried to get his weapons out, and that was the last move of his life; the soldier did not give him any chance and stabbed him thru his heart. The operation had been successfully carried out in silence. Cornelius paid the inn's owner as his men piled up all the men into a cart, including the corpse. After securing the criminals into a deep dungeon, they went to sleep. The interrogation on the next day may show a different perspective; if not, they had complied with their jobs. CHAPTER 9 Julio Caesar was holding a meeting with his high staff, Generals and Sub-Generals. Their assistants were exchanging opinions in an adjacent room, though nobody had a single idea of what was going on, but presumed it was something important. Julio started exposing the events as some Generals seemed worried. He ended the exposition. "Gentlemen, it seems the gang had not time to inform Vercingetorix, if he has ordered this crime..." One of the Generals raised his hand and Julio gave him word. "I have fought hard against this man, he can send thousands of warriors to a certain death, but I don't think he has committed such a crime; from the political point of view it could be a grave mistake." "That's my opinion, too; but we must take advantage of the situation and get ready. Do we have a good system to inform all our allied groups? They should know the events thru us and not by someone else who could change the events at his own benefice." Another man intervened. "We have established an excellent system with carrier pigeons; this off course to the first Eduo commanders, they will forward the message to their people. We have tested the net a few times and it works fine." "Alright. As soon as you return to your unit you must send a short message with the information." In that moment a soldier entered and gave a little scroll to Julio. He unsealed it and read the message. "All the men who have participated in the conspiracy have been arrested; it seems that the man commanding the group has been identified; he is an Eduo named Quero." Another General said: "Dunmorix, Diviciaco's brother, apparently is hunting on the horse area; most probably he is spying for our enemies. I think we must arrest him and keep in a safe place until we decide what to do with him. He may take the opportunity to blame Rome of this homicide; however we can suggest that he may have instigated his brother's killing." "That is a good idea." Another General said. "My assistant is Jan and Kurt's nephew, though they do not know him personally." Julio then said: Jan, and especially Kurt, both are doing an excellent job with the horses, especially since Rome provided them with the fifty especial units. Their small disciplined cavalry army would be one of our best weapons. In the message, please suggest we can send..." "Orus, Sir." Julio smiled and he continued. "Orus will help them on organizing the special cavalry Legion. I suppose you trust Orus for this job." "He is my best assistant; I will miss his efficiency and intelligence; besides he speaks fluently the language of these lands." "Well... I think it is enough by now about this problem. If Kurt accepts his nephew we have to promote him accordingly to his task, let's say to Chief of Cohort." That morning the boys woke up happily after many hours of sleeping; they jumped out of bed and looked at each other dick, they were hard with pee; so they emptied the bladders and came back to the large bed. Marco had had a busy night and was tired, but his cock was also hard. "I am glad we met him, Doro; I think I am starting to love this man and will regret to separate from him." "Me too; but why shall we separated from him? We have not parents; therefore I suppose we are entitled to choose our new father. I wouldn't be under our uncle's custody. I hate him; besides we are twelve... "Forget that by now; we can ask Julio Caesar about this problem. Now, what about if we have some fun? My dick is hard and wants some action." "We could enjoy and make happy Marco, too." "But he is hard asleep and seems tired." Dart grinned. "Let's suck him; I want his large dickhead in my mouth; yours is not so big." Doro agreed and with care he dragged the bed covers down as Marco's medium size meat popped up in all its glory. Dart dragged a little bit the foreskin with two fingers, and then bent his head and took the man's cock into his mouth. Marco in his dream moaned as the boy slurped his penis. Doro would have liked to kiss Marco while his brother was sucking his hard cock, but he was asleep and he wanted to please his brother. Soon he raised his brother's leg and swallowed his entire pack in his mouth, placing his right hand on his own hard penis starting to masturbate himself. Dart moaned as he felt his brother actions. Some minutes later the three were close to orgasm. Dart noticed how the man's body tensed and he could not continue sucking the large penis as he reached the peak of his nice feeling. Still breathing hard Dart watched how Marco's dick spurted wad after wad of white semen. He turned around in a quick move and took his brother's into his mouth only for seconds, because he also moaned in pleasure in his dry orgasm. Marco opened his eyes and watched the boys recovering in their bliss and the mess on the sheets. He grinned, extended his large white arms and the boys cuddled one in each side; he dragged up the covers and the three drifted to sleep again as he murmured: "You shouldn't do this to your tutor." The boys even snuggled more near him, as both at the unison said: "I love you Marco. Nothing pleases us more than being under your tutorship." They kissed the man and Marco felt something great into his heart. Yes he had a special love for these two orphans." As the pigeons arrived to its destinations, the news caused a real commotion amongst the Eduos. High rage and sorrow filled their hearts, wanting a severe punishment for those who had instigated the crime. Many blamed Vercingetorix, though a large percentage held responsible to Dumnorix, Diviciaco's brother; so when he was arrested and confined into a fortress, told Kurt: "I can't negate I hate Rome, but not to the point of killing my brother Diviciaco." Kurt felt a strange sympathy for the man as he said: "I believe you, Dumnorix; but you should not expect that the rest of the Eduos' people do the same; therefore, if you remain within this fortress walls, Rome and I personally, guarantee your life; at least until things get settled." "I understand. You will not have any complaint from me; only I would be grateful if you can bring my family to this place; I am not used to be separated from them for a long time." "Tomorrow you will have them with you." We will come back to Kurt and his people later on. Now we must go to the large town where Julio Caesar and his Legions were spending the winter and getting ready for the next military campaign. As Julio Caesar has ordered, Marco, after a huge breakfast, took the boys for the audience with the great boss. Before he approached Caesar's premises, he met Orus in the large yard. The two men embraced tenderly; when they disentangled, Orus kneeled in front of the two boys and took their right hand into his large one. Marco grinned for himself, as he knew his best friend had committed a great mistake taking the boys' hands in his: sure they would explore the man's mind. "I am sorry boys for your father, but Marco is a good replacement, though he will never be as your real father." "Thanks Orus for your words of condolence." Dart said. The boys understood the man was as good hearted as Marco was, and they loved persons like this one. Doro then added: "We wish you a great success in your new task; you deserve it." Orus opened wide his mouth in disbelief as Marco said. "Orus, we have an audience with the great boss, and besides, don't forget Dart and Doro are Diviciaco's sons." He patted his friend on the back and left him without words. He thought how difficult would be to confront that trio. He had been a special witness watching how Marco acted since they were children and knew some of his powers, yet he never talked to anyone about this subject. Julio received Marco and the children in a special audience with nobody present; he did not committed Orus' mistake but ruffled the boys brown large hair as their blue eyes sparked as diamonds. The four walked up to an adjacent annex and then to a garden with many plants and animals. Once there, he addressed to the boys. "Boys Rome is grateful to you and especially to your father; he was a man of peace and wanted his people to live and enjoy the life. You must be very, very proud of him; I felt the pride of being his friend when we met; yet, I have to recognize we were very different." He paused as the boys' eyes blurred. Doro then approached Julio and their eyes met. "Sir, we want to ask you for a great favour." Julio then extended his hands and took Doro's. "If I can, it is granted beforehand." He paused without losing the boy's hands. Doro then spoke. "We have not a father; my grandfather is always busy besides being illiterate, though we love him. Dart wants to follow our father's steps, but I want to be a real good physician and..." Julio grinned as he interrupted the boy. "...You want Marco as your new father, or at least, the man who has to educate you. Am I right?" "Yes sir. That is the favour!" Julio then extracted a small scroll duly sealed. "Since Marco is here, and you can perfectly read, unseal this scroll." Doro took the roll and his beautiful face illuminated as he hugged Julio round the waist. "Thank you very much." He gave the scroll to Dart that read it together with Marco. Both hugged. The document officially confirmed Marco Tulio as their legal tutor until they reached the age of eighteen. Julio then added: "Your grandfather has just returned home and the whole area is under a mourning time. A cohort and the related officers will escort you to your town to render honours to your father. At the same time, the criminal who committed the murder will be carried in a special cart, in order he is judged by your people. Marco will explain this to you." Julio stood and then they returned to the main building. After a few minutes of protocol and small presents for the boys, the audience ended and they came back home. The boys could not be happier showing the golden officer's daggers and the precious leather belts, with brilliant stones, to carry the weapons. When they entered into the large room, the boys pushed Marco to the bed, covering his shaved face with tender kisses. "Can we call you dad when we are alone?" Dart asked. "Any time my beautiful sons, however you have to realise that you are considered princes by the Rome's people, it is a very high position in Rome society. Your father is a General, therefore you have to behave as such; don't ever forget it." Then Doro asked: "Julio has said that a cohort will escort us. How many soldiers is it?" "It is round five hundred legionaries, including the officers." The boys opened wide their large eyes in disbelief. Doro extracted his dagger as he said sadly. "If I have the opportunity, I'll kill the man with the scar." Marco dragged the boy to him and seriously said staring at the beautiful twelve-years-old boy's eyes. "I understand your wrath, my boys; but after all, he is an Eduo and has to be judged by our People. Probably your grandfather will head the tribunal and pronounce the sentence, most likely death penalty as the other seven." "Where are they now?" asked Doro. "They are locked in a dark dungeon in the fort. Tomorrow they will be judged. Besides your father, they also tried to kill two of our men; almost certainly they will be condemned to death or to row into a Rome's ship for the rest of their lives, which is most horrible than to die. In any case, they will never return to The Gauls." Then the boys stared at each other; they had done something and did not know how to tell Marco. Doro sat on Marco's lap and placed his arms round his neck. "Dad, we wonder if you have noticed it or not, but we have done something bad that Julio does not deserve." Marco extended his free arm and dragged Dart to him, so both brothers were on his lap. Dart then added: "I noticed how Doro entered into Julio's mind and..." His brother interrupted him as he even snuggled closer to Marco. "I did it because I felt as if he wanted me to do it, to inform me, asking for help! I never felt a sensation like this." Marco caressed the boys tenderly. "Boys, from now on, you must try to reject similar situations. Can you imagine if he knew you are interfering in his most inner thoughts and secrets?" The boys felt ashamed but Marco added: "Perhaps we can use this information to help him; it could be a way of his soul to ask for help." "I won't do it again, even if it refers to his son." Marco near jumped. He then took the boys to the large sofa and said: "Julio has not any son; he has a daughter who married Pompey, his old friend and now enemy." Doro near shouted as he argued. "He is really worried about the boy because he is seriously sick, and nobody can identify his sickness." "If he has a son it is a high secret. Did he think about the nature of the boy's disease?" "Yes. August, this is the boy's name, doesn't grow as the rest of the boys; he is almost all the time sad and suffers frequent seasickness. Julio is blaming himself for not being in Rome looking after his son." Marco thought for a moment as the boys asked him. "Dad, do you know what the boy has?" "I think that I do. Simple: he is being slowly poisoned; whoever is doing the job is an expert. The boy would never recover his lost growth. I could write my father describing the illness, but this is not the solution since this boy does not exist as Julio's son. We would need to find out the apparent boy's name and the family to which he belongs to. If your father were alive he could have spoken to Julio, but we cannot do it." "Why not? His son is in danger and probably will die if nobody stops the poisoning. And this is very serious. We will tell him all about." Marco hugged very hard the boys. "To interfere in the life of a high person like Julio could mean the death. Don't forget he had been part of the Triumviri and has been governing the Republic, plus senator and Tribune of the People." Doro sadly responded: "I wonder what all those titles mean; and if I have to die I'll be happy because I have saved an important boy and I have to pass away some time. Dart would replace me, if necessary." Marco dragged the brave boy to him and kissed him on the head, as he murmured. "Dart, Doro; I love you too much to risk your precious lives, besides The Gauls need you. I'll think all about and try to find a solution; though it must be soon." The two boys leaned their heads on Marco shoulders thinking about the problem. Then Dart said: "Dad, I think we can say it to Julio and would not be any consequence." Marco stared at the intelligent boy. "How can we do it?" "The prophecy! My father told us you were the man of the prophecy, and this says you will carry out many things helped by us, therefore we cannot die now without complying it." Marco grinned about the innocence of these beautiful boys. "Perhaps you are right Dart." They laughed as the boys started making ticklish to their new father. They stopped and Marco continued: "You must gather all of your things because we must depart for your land as soon as the soldiers are ready. I must see the General to whom the Cohort belongs to, in order to establish all the procedures to follow. Orus will help us. "Why don't you invite him to dine with us tonight? We like him very much." "Alright, I'll see to that; but you have to promise me you will be fair with him. He is the greatest boy and now man that I ever met; we are best friends since we were your age." Doro chuckled as he asked: "Dad, did you suck his cock any time?" Marco slyly grinned as his recollections came into his mind. Yes, many times, as much as he did to me; especially until we were fifteen. After this, Orus went to the army school and started being interested in girls, though we did it from time to time. Are you satisfied, boys?" Both grinned cunningly. "Yes, we are." The replied at unison. There was a large garden within the large fort, and while Marco went to see some ill persons and pay a visit to Cornelius, the boys changed their beautiful clothes and went to play to the garden. There was a big cage full of birds; a few eagles called the boys' attention. The man looking after the animals entered into the spacious cage trying to feed them. He was noticeably upset because he could not make the eagles to eat the fresh meat. The boys observed the man as Doro fixed his eyes on one of the eagles. He asked the man. "Why are you so upset with the birds?" The man turned around, he was used to children questions. "I am not really upset, but if they do not eat, most likely they will die and I would be severely punished for my negligence. It is a present of an Iberian General to the Great Boss and he appreciates it. These animals used to fly over the high snowed peaks and now are in this cage. I feel pity for them but it is not my fault. If they were mine, I would grant them the freedom to live in the mountains or wherever they want; but they aren't." Doro smiled to the man and said: "Show them again the meat, please?" The man reluctantly offered again a piece of chicken to the eagle, this time the three birds launched to eat the meat. The man could not believe what he was watching, he turned around to thank the boys but they were not there. After some time playing they came back home and Dart asked his brother. "What did you do to the hawks?" "They are not hawks, but eagles. It was an old female and the other two her young sons, but they are missing his father who used to bring them the meat, not this man. I ordered them to eat telling that the man was not responsible of their capture; I promised them if they were good boys we would free them as soon as we can." Dart pushed his brother hard, not believing Doro's tale starting to run to the building followed by him trying to catch his brother. Orus came to dine and the children spent a lovely evening. When they were ending the dinner Orus asked the boys. "Who told you about my new appointment? I did not tell anybody." Marco answered him. "You told them!" He stared to them with amazement. "I did not tell them anything!" They grinned deviously as Marco said: "I told you before that you are forgetting they are Diviciaco's son." Orus then understood; he then went where they boys were sat, and took each one under his strong arms and dropped them on the large bed starting making ticklish to the boys that laughed loudly asking for mercy. "You little brats spied my mind, the same as your tutor jumped over the soldiers years back! Finally they stopped and Orus had to explain them the event occurred twelve years back. "Orus, we like you heaps." The boys hugged the tall and strong man. CHAPTER 10 Marco got up early and went out to pay his first medical visit to Julio Caesar, while the children were hard asleep after a great evening playing and joking with Orus. Marco was determined to talk to Julio about what the boys had found out thru his mind. The great man loved him and would understand that he and the boys only wanted to help him, without making any fuss. The soldiers saluted him and the Centurion said good morning as he entered in Julio private rooms. He had already woken up and was reading some reports recently arrived from Rome. "Good morning sir. How do you feel this morning?" The man stared to the young man; for him still a boy and answered. "Bad, Marco. I won't be honest if I tell you otherwise; especially after reading the news from Rome." He sat on a large chair as Marco rubbed his temples making circles with his fingers. "Is it Pompey again?" My father says that your former friend is only expressing hate and envy." "No. He has nothing to do this time, my child." The man sighed and Marco thought this was the moment to talk about his secret son; but he was afraid of his reaction. In that moment his old servant went out. "Is it the problem about your... son, Sir?" Julio Caesar stopped Marco's hands and remained quiet for one minute. Then slowly he said: "Marco Tulio, you are a great physician and a better boy; but you must know that interfering in my private life with gossips is a serious crime." Marco expected this reaction but not told so quiet, therefore he turned around and kneeled in front of the Great Man. "Sir, I have made a great effort telling you this because I know my responsibility; but it is not any gossip since no one had said it to me. I'll explain you in detail if you allow me, sir." Julio Caesar got as serious as never before Marco could remember. "Please, stand up. You are not a slave." They sat on a small couch. "How do you know the boy's existence?" "I know his existence, and what is most important, his problem." Before the great man could argue, Marco continued. "Sir, you are too vital for Rome to be distracted, and August is even more important to you than anything in the world." The man sighed and Marco knew he could talk without any problem; in front of him was a father, not a politician. "We need you fit and well and the boy growing up healthy, as any other children of his age." "Marco my son, how do you know all this? It is true; he's not well but..." "You told us, Sir." He grinned sadly. "I did not, and you know that. Only a few persons know his existence as my son." "You did not express it in words, but probably you "alter ego" pleaded us for help. Yesterday when you took Dart's hands, innocently the boy read your mind and transmitted to me. At home we discussed whether to tell you or not, and he decided would tell you alone, even if you ordered to execute him. In his words: "August must be a great person as his father is, and we must save him." "Marco, I have always been a practical man and I don't believe on gods or goddesses; therefore how could you or the boys enter in my mind?" "Sir, I don't eve know. We are gifted with this as Diviciaco was too. Only expert persons can stop us reading their thoughts; this is not taught, but learned. Thru my mother I descend from druids; she had not this faculty but in me is very strong." "We'll talk about this later in detail. Now what can we do?" Marco then grinned; the battle had been won because Julio, above al, was a father. "By the symptoms, he is expertly been poisoned; not letting him to grow as the rest of his friends, and what is graver, he won't be able to recover what he has lost. As soon as you can, you must separate the child from all the persons currently looking after him. Above all, we must stop his poisoning before it is too late." "That would kill his mother that loves him dearly, besides a scandal; you can imagine why." "Yes, I know. But I can see a solution, unless you trust the woman..." "Is there any possibility to find out who is committing the crime? In any case, tomorrow, a personal courier will depart with strict instructions to follow, and to separate the child from the people round him." "It is a good option whenever he has the power to carry out this separation. Referring to the first part of your question, do you mean from here?" "Yes. Yes, it is possible; but very dangerous. We may risk the life of one of my children; nevertheless Dart and Doro are very responsible boys, therefore; I'll ask them. "How is it performed?" "I have watched it only once, and nothing happened; but all participants were adults. You or any other person who knows the house, must act as medium. Dart would access to your mind and follow your thoughts until he finds what he is looking for. You would be, let's say, as the bridge. If you stop in your mind the images in which his is involved it may happen that he fells into the empty whole... and he might never return from it. His body would grow and carry out all the physical functions, but his mind would be absent for the rest of his physical life." Julio then negated moving his hands. "Don't ask the boys. I'll never allow anyone to carry out with this. They are too precious even to attempt it. Forget all about it." "Sir, perhaps they have watched their father doing it. Please let me ask them. "No. I can't risk your or the children lives Marco Tulio; it is too dangerous. I am thinking in a better idea. At what time do you think are they poisoning the child?" "Apparently they are doing it with little doses in order it appears the boy has some unknown illness. In this case, I suspect, whoever is poisoning the child must use the late glass of milk when the boy is put into his bed, otherwise the poison would be diluted along the day with his meals causing nil effects." "This is a very valuable data. The key thing is that you have discovered the problem. Now my task will be to eliminate what is causing it; and believe me, I have the tools to do it without risking the children's lives." Julio appreciated Marco's cooperation and hugged him very tight. They said good bye as Julio called the Centurion on guard. "Please, send someone to tell Kayo to come immediately at my presence." "Yes Sir." He left. Kayo was Julio's personal courier and one of the best member of the Security Service; an important person in the Caesar's life. Physically he was a light man, seeming an ape with long and muscular arms; he was a terrible warrior, however. Due to his light weight he could stay riding a horse at maximum speed for a long time without tiring the animal; besides he had free and preference access to any stable and horse he might need. From the time the military campaign started, he organized the mail posts as a Secret Service, only known by Julio and a few high rank persons, amongst them Cornelius. He and his men were ready at any moment to convey an urgent message and had horses ready in every place he had designed as mail posts. Julio was sat down on his desk writing the instructions for Kayo's mission. He read the scroll carefully and signed it. In that moment he heard knockings on the large door. The Centurion said: "Sir, Kayo is here." Before Julio said anything the ape-man, as he called him, entered, closing the door behind. "Sit down Kayo." He paused. "I have a mission to be carried out personally by you. Please read this document." The short man read the scroll as a grimace of wrath showed on his face. "Whoever is doing this will pay with his or her life. My little and tender August!!!. Who is the evil to attempt against an innocent child?" The man loved the boy and August always launched into his large arms because he knew was fighting near his father. "Do you need any help Kayo? Don't trust on anyone, except your own men. Should you need any medical assistance, request Marco's father. Besides an old friend of mine, he is a great physician and would be of great help." "No sir. My men in Rome would if I need it. I know Marcelo since he was in Iberia; if I were not in hurry I would pay a visit to him, just to tell about his great son. You don't mention here how you have found out this entire plot, but I am sure Marco has a lot to do." Julio grinned as he asked. "When will you depart?" "I'll be on my horse tomorrow at dawn. Two of my best men will accompany me." "Alright. Once you have solved the problem, please send me your report with all the information; you can stay in Rome, let's say as for a little holidays." They grinned; Kayo stood as he heard: "Good luck, my friend." Kayo and his men left the following morning with ideas very clear about their objective. They could not make much fuss in order to avoid a possible scandal. Some days later the three riders arrived to the skirt of Rome, and stopped in an apparent prosperous farm; it was round midday and Kayo wanted to act before the criminals could be alerted. They bathed, had some lunch and slept for few hours. At the sunset, smuggled as traders, they entered into the walled large city. Soon they arrived to the house and covered the three exits. As soon as the ape-man entered was detected by the little August who ran to his arms; he caressed the boy's back as he asked. "How is my little prince?" The innocent black eyes stared at the man. "I don't feel well, Uncle Kayo; I am tired and I have to go to bed early. How is my father?" "He is very well and sends you this." The man kissed the little boy's smooth cheek and sighed. "Thank you Uncle Kayo. But I would like he could come to see me. I have not seen him since a long time." The boy's mother interrupted the tender conversation; Kayo was one o the few men who knew the boy's existence as a real son of Julio Caesar. "Come on August, you must go to bed!" Kayo extracted from his handbag a message for the woman. "Please read it while I accompany the boy to bed." A brown coloured fat woman approached the group as she said. "I have your milk ready August, you need to drink it." Kayo blinked to one of his men who were standing near the door. Kayo took the boy in his arms as he even helped the woman. "Yes my boy; you must drink your milk and be a good child." The little boy whined looking at the ape-man. "I don't like milk, Uncle Kayo; it tastes bad." The man accompanying them also entered into the room closing the door behind them. When the woman approached the vase of milk to the boy's lips, Kayo took it with his left hand and with the other gripped the woman's wrist as an eagle paw. She tried to yell as Kayo smelled the milk; then in a quick move, the other man gagged the woman. The boy did not understand what was happening. "Don't worry little August; you won't drink milk anymore, at least from this woman." Kayo whistled and a second man entered. "Search the woman, I bet she is carrying the poison with her." The woman got white as she then understood had been discovered and trapped. He did and found a little pot between her big breasts. The boy's mother had heard some strange noise and entered when the second man extracted the poison. "What's going on here, Kayo? Without expressing a single word, he extracted the second document and gave it to the woman to read. "Your son is being poisoned since this woman is here. I must question you and the rest of personnel serving in this house; especially those who have direct access to the boy. We'll carry this out as soon as August get asleep." The woman who had poisoned the boy was silently taken outside by the men and transported to their headquarters. He then examined the little vase containing the poison. The boy's mother said stammering: "We did not know... she was recommended..." Kayo then put the boy into bed and kissed him good nights. "This man will guard you, August; and maybe he will tell you some amusing stories; he's very good at it." The boy grinned as he asked. "Will Scandia come back? I don't like her." Kayo ruffled the boy's black curly hair." "No. She would never come back; I'll bring a nurse to look after you while your mom gets better. Maybe she is a little tired needing some rest. You are a rascal boy and give her a lot of work." The boy knew Kayo was joking; he smiled and drifted to sleep. When they were in one large room, the woman started to cry. "My little angel... I would die if you take him from me." "It depends on you Lady. You have read Julio Caesar orders, and I am authorised even to take the boy with me to The Gauls. As you will understand that would produce a scandal and no one wants this. But you should be more efficient looking after your son. Meanwhile I'll provide you with qualified staff that will look after the boy's security. Don't tell anyone about this event; just find something to justify the woman absence while we catch her co-operators, if any." After hard questioning, even threatening her in front of torture tools; they arrived to the conclusion se had acted alone and was a poison specialist. She said: "I grew in Egypt's desert and a monk taught me all what I know about poisons that I extracted from snakes. I recognize am a bigot against Rome and I have guessed that this boy, once he is an adult, would produce a lot of pain, not only to Rome, but also to many other peoples round the world; especially to those living in my country: Egypt. So I decided he had to die. It was not difficult to enter into the house's service, that stupid woman even pleaded me to stay. I cannot understand why Rome is so powerful with women like this one." The woman died two weeks later from a heart attack, and Julio was duly informed about all. Kayo sent his report to Julio Caesar and he remained for two months in Rome. He paid a visit to Marco's family and had interviews with his father. He knew him and was amazed of the great wisdom of this man, but he did not know Karla and Daisy. As he was introduced to the women, they made him many questions regarding their sons. He was aware of the great military career of Orus and about the wisdom of Marco who everybody, friends and enemies, called the White Druid.