Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2001 02:25:27 -0500
From: David Presents <dwpresents@hotmail.com>
Subject: The Plight of Strolin Chapter 2

Do Not Read If:
*You are not legally old enough for the laws where you live
*You have objections to gay/bi sex, and at one point incest between
two generations
*You are just looking for an email address for hate mail
*Or if you know you shouldn't be reading it for any other reason


*This chapter has a vivid scene that you might want to avoid if
you have a weak stomach.  For your convenience, I have placed a
"**" at the beginning and end of the worst part, please avoid if
you need to.

*I'd also like to apologize for using rapped/rapping, instead of
raped/rapping in the first chapter.  I have nothing against rap music,
and it was an innocent mistake, that and other typos have been
pointed out to me, and will not be repeated in the future.


*Legal Notice:  This work is total fiction, and other then being
from the author's imagination, has no basis in reality.  And
reference to anyone living, or dead, is pure coincidence, and
unintended.  The author holds all rights and privileges to this
work, and any that may follow.  Any redistributing, and other
uses of this work with the author's consent are strictly
prohibited.  Any violations of the author's rights for this work
will be challenged legally.



The Plight of Strolin
Chapter 2


	After Scott had left, it had taken over two hours for Wil to free
himself.  He took Scott's hint, and started by moving close to the bedpost,
and untying the knots there first.  Then he moved to the knots at his hands,
and finally the ones at his feet.  Wil fumed to himself, and vowed that he
would make Scott pay for strapping a prince to his own bed.  After a few
minutes of anger, Wil began to think of his appearance while he was
detained.  He laughed hysterically for what seemed like ages, but were only
minutes before he finally calmed down, and went to sleep.  His dreams were
vague, and had little meaning, but he awoke with a strange feeling.
Somehow he knew that Scott was in pain, he was alive, but in pain.  Wil
wondered about this, but decided that it must be his imagination, and went
back to sleep for what little of the night that was left.

	It was two days before Scott could do more then drink the water
that was provided for him.  He finally gathered enough strength to rise,
and then slowly got dressed.  Each movement caused him pain, and the simple
act of getting dressed was almost too much for him.  When he had finally
gotten his clothing on, and rested for a few minutes to regain his
composure, he buckled his sword belt, grabbed his bracer of knives, and
checked the dirk in his boot.  Once all of his weapons were in place, he
set about looking for something to eat, but in a very slow manner.

	He exited from the guild's many tunnels to the streets above, and
looked for a vender.  On his way to the market, he drew a large amount of
glances and stares, but he paid them no attention, and went towards his
goal.  Finally he found a stall that had been set up for a merchant of
fowl.  He selected a roast chicken for his meal, and after paying the man,
devoured the food as if he had never eaten in his life.  He felt better,
for now he only had the constant pain from his beating, but no longer was
he suffering from hunger pangs as well.  He bought another chicken, this
one wrapped to last for later, and then headed for his next stop.  Scott
had enough money hidden away for any normal man's yearly wage, so he wasn't
worried about funding his recovery.

	His next stop was the bakery, where he bought two loaves of bread,
and a sweet cake for a treat.  He then went to his favorite winery, and
bought a flask of wine for his drink.  After he had gathered all of his
food, he headed back to his room in the guildhall.  Once there, he decided
to take off the next couple of days, and recover, then he could make up for
his down time.  He also wanted to seek his revenge on Mentas, but he knew
that would have to wait for later, as his wounds and hunger gained priority
over everything else.  He set his food atop his table, and then he took off
his sword belt and bracer, and went to rest on his mat.  His sleep was
fitful at best, but between his meager rest, his food, and his youth, he
would be fine in a few days.

				*	*	*

	Meanwhile, in his private chambers Mentas was brooding over his
next act.  He knew that he couldn't make another attempt at Prince Wil's
kidnapping, because the guards would be alerted to his schemes.  Mentas
decided that once his son had recovered from his injuries, he would ask
Scott about his encounter with the prince.  If Scott could become friends
with the prince, then perhaps he could lure the boy into the Guild Master's
hands.  Mentas had no problem with using his only son to get what he
desired; he would do it to anyone.  Yes, Mentas had made his choice, Scott
would be his spy.  With this decision made, Mentas relaxed, and leaned back
in his chair for a nap.

				*	*	*

	Piffin and Griffin had been making good progress, and were almost
out of the Bewitched Forest.  There horses were barley affected by their
riders, because the twin mages used their arts to strengthen the stallions.
Other then a few curious goblins, and a few trolls, the brothers had
encountered nothing but the normal wildlife, and this trip was almost a
pleasant outing for them.

	Piffin looked at his brother, and noticed his dark mood, so he
decided to address him.  "Griffin, what are you thinking about?"

	"I was wondering if we can really save Strolin, or if Krylous just
wanted to give us the confidence that we would require to attempt such a
feat.  I know that he was holding back information from us; I saw it in his
expressions.  Either we have no idea what we will truly be facing, or we
have no chance to succeed.  Now, did you really want to know what I was
thinking?"

	Always the more optimistic of the two, Piffin laughed at his
brother's worries.  "If we really had no chance to win, Krylous would not
have sent us on this mission.  I trust that man, and he was like a father
to us both.  I have faith in his decision, and if he thinks the two of us
will be able to do what is needed, then I must also believe that.  Now,
shall we continue on?  At our current pace, we should reach Dugron in four
days."  The duo continued on, each lost in his own thoughts, and the woods
were eerily quiet.

			*	*	*

	Four days of travel brought them within sight of Dugron.  When they
passed through the gates of the city, the guards gave them a few strange
looks, but didn't oppose them.  Their journey through the city took about
three hours, because of the size of the city, and the amount of people in
their way.  When they reached the palace gates, the guards halted them.
The guard that approached, and seemed to be in charge gave them a good look
over, before he addressed them.

	The captain of the guards was a large man, about six feet in height,
and very bulky.  He had a beard that was dark brown, and he wore his armor
with pride.  He couldn't tell which mage was the leader, so he spoke to them
both.  "And what do you two lads think you be doing here?  I suppose you
expect for me to let you waltz into the palace, and make the acquaintance of
the Prince?  Now be good lads, and be on your way before you annoy me."

	Piffin and Griffin looked at each other, and Piffin gave a slight nod
towards Griffin.  Having his brother's approval, Griffin spoke on behalf of
the twins.  "Captain, we have come here for that very purpose.  We seek
council with his highness, and need to speak with him as soon as possible.
My brother and I wish to make this as easy on you as possible, so if you and
your guards will kindly step aside, we will be on our way."  The mages
urged their horses forward, but soon another score of guards came from
inside the gate to block their path.  The duo shared yet another glance, and
this time they decided that Piffin would speak.  "We WILL be getting inside
to speak with the prince.  We do not wish for trouble, but I will give you
only one warning.  We are both mages, and will be forced to use our powers
if you do not step aside.  That was your final warning."

	The guards looked at each other, and then they all started
laughing, and would have continued to mock the mages, but their captain put
a stop to it.  "Well lads, not that we aren't terrified of your powers, but
we can't let you in.  But, if you tell the Master of Ceremonies that you
are mages, perhaps he can arrange for an appearance before the Prince's
Court.  Otherwise, I doubt you'll be seeing the Prince, for any reason.
Now, Leave these premises at once."  The guards formed a wall of bodies
between the mages and the gate.

	Piffin and Griffin dismounted, and their horses each took a few
steps back, and waited as they had been trained to do.  Piffin and Griffin
each gathered their power, and Griffin was the first to make a move.  With
a throw of his arm, a dazzling blue bolt at the gates.  The instant the
bolt touched the gates, the iron and wood gates were reduced to splinters.
Then Piffin threw both of his arms towards the guards, and the entire score
and a half of guards were thrown over fifty feet to either side of the
mages.  None of the guards were injured, just stunned.  Then twins
remounted, and rode through what was left of the gates.

				*	*	*

	When all of the commotion outside started, Wil grabbed his rapier,
and located his father Thrin.  Prince Thrin, had his favorite broadsword
with him, and motioned for his son to follow him.  Thrin knew his son was a
champion swordsman, and trusted him to hold his own in a battle.  When they
reached the courtyard with the rest of the palace guards, they were both
surprised by what they found.  They saw two men, about Wil's age, sitting
on their horses staring straight at Thrin.

	The two youths dropped off of their horses, with very graceful
movements.  The stallions moved off towards the stable on their own, and
were soon being carefully handled by the stable boys.  The black and white
clad men stepped towards Thrin, and the guards parted to allow them
passage.  When the two mages reached the steps directly below Prince Thrin,
they bowed, and spoke to the Prince in very formal tones.  "Your Highness,
we have come to speak with you, and apologize at the manner that we were
forced to enter your palace.  The guards didn't believe that we were mages
and needed to speak with you, so we had to prove it."  When Thrin heard
this, he looked towards the captain in charge of the gate guards, and when
Thrin saw the captain's face, the prince had to try very hard to contain his
laughter.  The captain had a very sheepish look on his face; he was staring
towards the ground, and was dry rubbing his hands.

	Thrin smiled in amusement, he knew what he planned wasn't nice, but
it would be fun.  "Captain, please approach."  The captain took a quick
look around, and seeing nowhere to run, slowly stepped forward.  "Captain,
what is your name?"  The captain kept his face towards the ground.  "Your
Highness, my name is Neil."  Thrin grinned evilly.  "I would hope that in
the future you will send a page to ask my opinion on an issue of who is to
enter, and who is to be denied.  I have decided on your punishment for this
disturbance."  "Your Highness, I will do anything you command, and I
apologize for this, but please do not hold my men responsible."  "Neil, you
will personally oversee the reconstruction of the west gate, and I expect
no further annoyances, do you understand?"

	Captain Neil was so overcome with relief that he had to work hard
to remain standing.  "Thank you for your mercy your Highness, I will see to
it at once."  For the first time throughout the conversation, Neil looked
towards the prince's face, when he saw the prince give a small nod, he
stood up, and the guards departed.

	Thrin motioned for a page to come forward.  "Prepare two of our
finest rooms for our honored guests, and notify the cook that I want a
special banquet prepared."  The page ran off, and Thrin, Wil, Piffin, and
Griffin walked up the steps into the palace.  Two pages quickly came
forward to lead the mages to their rooms, and soon they were settling down
for a quick bath before the meal.  Although neither mage was really dirty,
compared to any other traveler that had gone for weeks without a proper
bath, the simple luxury was not something they would pass up.  Once they
had both bathed, and redressed, Griffin sent Piffin a message.

	Since the twins had been born, they have been able to communicate
telepathically, and Griffin believed this the safest approach.  "Piffin?"
"Yes Griffin, what do you need?"  "I wonder, can we trust Prince Thrin to
help us?  And I wanted to ask you if you felt any strange feelings when you
were close to Wil?"  "Yes, Wil is one of the ones that we must gain their
help.  I don't know what his role is, but I know that somehow, we will need
his help to save Strolin.  I'm going to rest now, since it is still a few
hours before we will feast, so if you have anything else to say, please be
quick about it."  "No Piffin, my mind can rest at ease now, I will see you
before we dine."

	While the mages were cleaning up, Wil had returned to his room, and
decided to nap.  The day was warm, and he was bored, so it served his
purpose to sleep.  As soon as he had drifted off, he was assaulted with
horrible images.  He saw gigantic dragons, coming straight towards him, and
no matter how fast he ran, they were almost upon him.  Then when he thought
he was to be eaten, the dragons surrounded him, and changed to shadows that
had the shape of men.  Wil couldn't see their faces, but their eyes glowed
blue.  He awoke with a start.  He was panting with the excursion as if he
had actually been running.  But he knew where he had seen those eyes, the
two mages that were visiting, there was something strange about them.

	Since he couldn't grasp what was so strange about them, he tried to
go to sleep again, and this time his dreams were not frightening, just
troubling.  He dreamed that he was back in his room, and that Scott was
there with him.  But this time Scott was the one tied to the bed.  Scott
was lying there, with nothing on, and smiling at Wil.

	This time when the young prince woke up, his cock was hard from his
dreams.  He was worried, because the only thing he could remember about his
dream was Scott being naked.  Wil had never really been interested in
girls, most were either to flighty for his tastes, or two stuck up to talk
to.  But to be attracted to another boy?  Wil finally decided to just wait
and see what became of this issue, since he couldn't do anything about it
now.  He would ask Scott about it the next time he saw him.

				*	*	*

	For the last four days, Scott had laid in his room, only leaving
when he needed to get food or drink.  Every time he slept, he was
confronted by the same dream over and over.  The two serpents always showed
him the same vision, and never hurt him, but because of the frequency of
these dreams, Scott hadn't slept more then he had to.  He was thinking a
lot of Wil lately, wondering what he was doing, how he was feeling, if he
was mad for being tied up.

	Scott decided it was time to pay his friend a visit, but he would
make a quick boost before hand, just to make up for what he had spent in
recovery.  Scott strapped on his weapons, and once again became the
phantom.

	His target was one of the local men.  Not the wealthiest boost he
had ever made, but this was a personal vendetta.  It had taken years to
track this man down.  After hearing from several people, Scott had to sift
the truth from the gossip.  The man who was his target was well known on
the streets, but no one liked him.  He was known for beating prostitutes,
raping women and children, and being a mean drunkard.

	From this man, he didn't care if he stole a single coin, but the
man would pay for his deeds.  Scott had reached the man's house quickly
enough, and since neither of the two moons was out yet, the phantom had
plenty of cover.  Scott slipped into the house through an open window.
Scott was inside the main room, and the bedroom was through a doorway to
his right.  Scott crept up to the door, and looked through a crack in the
rotting wood.

	Inside the bedroom, his target was standing over the bed.  Lying on
the bed in a spread-eagle was a little girl, probably no older then 10.
She was tied to the bedposts, and no matter how hard she struggled, she
couldn't break free.  The man had torn off all of the girl's clothing, and
had even used rags of her cloths to tie her up with.  The man was busy
liking the girl between her breasts, and fondling between her legs.  The
rapist had locked his door, and this was his own house, so he felt very
secure.

	Earlier the girl had been screaming for help, and pleading for him
to let her go, but she had long since lost her voice, and now was just
sobbing silently.  She had struggled for as long as she could, and now all
she could do was lye still, because she had no strength left, and had given
up hope of a rescue.  She turned her head as far away from the Man's face
as she could, and closed her eyes.

	Scott had finally picked the rusted lock on the door, and with a
bit of oil on the hinges, was able to make a stealthy entry.  His target
was climbing onto the bed, and getting into position for raping the girl.
Just as the man lined up for his first thrust, he was suddenly being pulled
backwards.  He flew through the air, and after hitting a wall; he slowly
came to his feet.  When he turned and saw Scott, he gave the thief a
questioning look.  "What do you want boy?  And how did you get in here?"
Scott smiled.  "Do you remember 10 years ago?  If not, let me refresh your
memory.  You wanted a little fun, so went and found a street whore.  You
went into the whore's house, and after you had sex with her, you beat her
senseless.  Then, when a little boy tried to pull you off of the woman, you
hit the boy, and threw him across the room.  Then you took a rusty knife,
and killed the woman.  Does that ring a bell?"

	The man who killed Scott's mother took a minute to think things
through, and then it finally occurred to him.  "So, you are that little boy
that I forgot to kill so many years ago?  Well, after I finish with this
little girly, I'll make sure to wear out your tight ass too.  Then I'll
finish the job I left undone."  Scott pulled his rapier from its sheath,
and slowly advanced on his prey.  "Tonight you will die, and never again
will you harm anything.  I only regret that I took so long to find you, or
I would have finished you years ago."  Scott moved so fast his target
didn't even have a chance to move.  The phantom slashed the muscles along
the insides of the man's legs, making it difficult for the man to move.
"Well, I don't want death to be simply a release for you, and I have
something I think you will hate."  Scott then slashed the man's arms,
making the rapist practically immobile.  Then Scott cleaned his rapier, and
re-sheathed it.  "Don't think you're off yet, I simple need to find if you
still have that old rusty knife."  When Scott searched the pants that were
lying on the floor, he found what he wanted, a knife that had a jagged, yet
dull edge, and was covered in rust.

				    **

	Scott walked towards the man, very slowly, and waved the knife
menacingly before the man's face.  Then, with a quick swipe of his hand,
Scott cut off the man's genitals, and then set them on his chest, so the
man could see them.  Scott's victim howled in pain, but because of his
injuries, couldn't move.  Scott then took the rusty knife, and with a quick
stab, Scott shoved the knife up his target's ass.  "That, was for all of
the people you have raped over the years, and for all of the pain you have
caused them."  Scott again pulled out his rapier.  "I will now finish you
off, because I will grant you your release.  Meet your maker."  With that
Scott ran the rapist through with a quick thrust of his rapier.  With his
revenge finished, Scott went to take care of the girl.

				    **

	Scott quickly cut the girl loose from the bedposts.  The girl was
so drained from her struggle that she didn't even move from her position,
she merely looked at her rescuer, and closed her eyes.  Scott looked around
the room, and found a sturdy robe that was in good condition, and then did
a quick survey of the house.  He found a small bag of coins, some gems,
that he guessed were stolen, and small golden rose, that was a decorative
pin.  If Scott had been able to form tears, this would have been the time,
because the pin had been his mother's.  He stuffed the pin in his pouch,
and then tied the small bag of gems and coins to the inside of his tunic.

	Being as gentle as possible, Scott carefully and slowly picked up
the girl and wrapped her in the robe he had found.  The girl had finally
managed to produce more tears, and now was the time she started to use
them.  Although he wasn't quite sure what to do, he pulled the girl to him,
and Scott cradled her, and tried to speak soothingly to her.  "You'll be
fine, don't cry.  That bad man won't hurt you or anyone else ever again.  I
won't hurt you either, and I'll even help get you back to wherever you
live.  Can you tell me about yourself, or should we leave here first?"  The
girl looked at him, but managed to keep her head down while doing it.  "Can
we leave this place please?"  Scott grinned.  "No problem, I'll carry you,
so just trust me, and you'll be fine."  With that, Scott picked the girl
up, and because she was tiny, it was a light burden for him.

	The girl closed her eyes, and let her head rest on Scott's
shoulder.  Scott left the house, and took the girl to a stable where he
knew the owner, and laid her down in the hayloft to rest.  He went to a
couple of local stores, and with his food, went to wake her.  Although she
was resting very peacefully, he knew she would be hungry, so he woke her
anyway.  The girl looked around, and began to get scarred until she saw
Scott looking at her.  "I brought you some food, it may not be the best,
but it will make you feel better.  Here, eat some."  Scott handed her some
bread, white cheese, and a flagon of wine.

	After she had eaten her fill, Scott wanted to know more about her.
"What is your name?"  The girl had come to trust Scott, so answered without
a second thought.  "My name is Shannon."  "Well Shannon, would you mind
telling me about yourself?  By the way, my name is Scott."  Shannon told
Scott her life's story in a summary.  "I'm ten years old, and my father is
the brother to the queen.  I don't know if that gives me any special title,
but I get to stay in the palace, and get to wear pretty cloths.  My nurse
doesn't like it, but I prefer to wear boy's pants so I can play with the
other kids, and not just sit around learning to be a lady.  All ladies do
is sit around and gossip about people, and I don't want to be like that.
Scott, why were you in that man's house, and why did you kill him?  Don't
get me wrong, I'm very grateful, you saved my life, I was just wondering."

	"To be honest Shannon, I'm a thief.  I normally only steal from
those who deserve it, like slave dealers, and wife and child beaters, but I
had a special grudge against that man.  That man that kidnapped you was the
man who killed my mother.  When I was six years old, he came into her
house, killed her, and almost killed me.  In the years between, I have been
trying to track him down, and he has been continuing in his sadistic acts.
He raped and beat many women and children, and stole from many honest
people, I'm only sorry that I hadn't gotten there sooner."  Scott had been
staring off into space, and when he turned towards Shannon, he noticed she
had been crying.  "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry, what is
wrong?"  Shannon quickly dried her tears.  "I'm sorry, I just felt so sorry
for you to lose your mother, and for all of those other people.  I couldn't
help crying."

	Shannon quickly leaned over towards Scott, pulled him into a hug,
and gave him a kiss on the cheek.  Although Scott was a bit resistant at
first, he soon let her have her way.  After she had finished, and pulled
away, he decided it was time to get moving.  "Shannon, now that you are
safe, I need to get you back to your family, where should I take you?"
"Oh, if you will take me, I need to get back to the castle, I'm sure my
family is very worried, you will probably be rewarded."  Scott grinned, a
reward sounded nice to him.  "Well, for the first time in my life, I am
going to do something just because it is right, and not to help myself.  I
will take you home, and once you are safely there, I'll slip off before
your family can even ask my name."  When Scott saw she was about to
protest, he raised his hand, and spoke before she could.  "I know that you
are just trying to thank me, but I will be happy just knowing I helped you.
I may live to regret passing up an offer like this, but I don't think I
will.  So, let's get moving, all right?"

	Shannon and Scott stood up, and then Shannon did something Scott
was not expecting.  She reached her arms around his neck, pulled him down
to her height, and then kissed him on the lips.  When she pulled back, and
saw the look of shock on Scott's face, she started to giggle.  "Haven't you
ever kissed a girl before?"  Scott closed his mouth that had previously
been left gaping.  "Well, I actually haven't.  I was always afraid that I
would get stabbed, so never let anyone that close to me before."  Shannon
threw her hands up, and gave him her best-disgusted look.  "Do you have to
be so negative about everything?  You have a talent for ruining the mood."
With that she hooked her arm into Scott's elbow.  "Lead on my brave sir."

				*	*	*

	Back at the palace, Shannon's parents had finally gotten a private
audience with the Price, and were explaining their situation.  Thrin was
speaking with his brother, and his niece was the topic.  "Highness, my
daughter has been missing for an entire day now.  I have gotten the
servants to search the entire castle, and all of the grounds surrounding
your most beautiful home.  The servants, and her mother and I have found no
sign of her.  She went to the garden; the one with the low wall, and her
nurse was watching her from a ways back.  Shannon had climbed up onto the
wall, and was sitting looking off towards the sunset.  A tall ugly man
jumped onto the wall, grabbed Shannon, and ran away before her nurse could
reach her.  Her nurse ran to me, and now I'm asking for your help."

	As the prince opened his mouth to speak, a page ran into the
prince's study, and was bowing and speaking before the prince had even
reached his feet.  "Your Highness, the guards at the gate report seeing
your niece walking towards the palace, in the escort of a dark haired male.
I was sent at once to summon you, and I am sorry for the interruption."
Thrin had finally managed to reach his feet, and the page's words finally
sunk in.  "Lead me to the gate at once, I wish to see this for myself."
Motioning for the page to lead on, Thrin, and Shannon's father followed the
page at a brisk pace.

	When they reached the gate, they saw Scott and Shannon standing
about 100 yards away.  Shannon's father waved, and Shannon smiled and
returned the gesture.  Wil had happened to be on his way in from getting
some fresh air, and seeing his father had followed.  Now that he saw the
man beside his cousin, he waved to Scott, and smiled.  Scott saw Wil's
wave, and returned it, but with a little less enthusiasm then his young
friend.  When Thrin saw Wil wave, he leaned towards his son.  "Wil, who is
that you are waving at?  He doesn't look like the description I got from
the nurse about Shannon's kidnapper, but I want to know anything you can
tell me.

	Wil sighed, and knew that he would have to withhold some of the
truth from his father, but then again, he knew nothing bad would happen
because of it.  "That man with Shannon is my friend Scott.  I don't know
what he's doing with her, but I know he isn't the one who took her."  Then
with a slight chuckle, he continued.  "I mean, can you call him a big ugly
man?  I certainly can't."  Then when he realized what he had just said, he
blushed, and glanced sheepishly towards his father.  Thankfully for Wil,
Thrin had not been paying to much attention to what his son had said, and
didn't think anything special had been said.

	After a few tense minutes, Thrin took action.  "All right, open the
gates, and I want all of the guards dispersed, we don't want to scare them
off."  When he noticed the guards were hesitant to leave their posts, he
clapped his hands together.  "That was not a request, move it now before I
get angry."  The guards, wishing to stay away from Thrin's temper, quickly
disappeared.

	Scott was not convinced, and was going to remain still, until he
was suddenly pulled forward by Shannon. She dragged him across the last gap
before the gate so fast, Scott could swear his head was spinning.  Shannon
let go of Scott's arm, and jumped into her father's awaiting embrace.  When
Scott saw he was alone, in a hostile land, he quickly yelled fair well, and
turned to make his exit.  As he was running towards the gate, the guards
moved to intercept him.  He weaved, zigged, zagged, and dodged the guards,
and was soon in the clear, and almost to the gate.  While Scott had been
evading the other guards, the one left near the gate controls released the
gate, and soon there was a grid of metal between Scott and safety.  Scott
didn't hesitate, and quickly began to climb the gate.

	About halfway up the gate, suddenly Scott was falling backwards.
To avoid injury, Scott rolled when he landed, and seeing he couldn't run,
prepared to fight his enemy.  Faster then an eye could follow, Scott had
taken his rapier, and turned on his opponent.  He had almost run Wil
through, but stopped short.  Wil stood with his eyes closed, waiting for
his end.  When he opened them, he saw Scott standing there shaking his
head.  "Hi Scott, stay a while, I missed you."  Scott looked at his friend.
"You're not still mad at me are you?"  Wil made it seem that he was
thinking it over.  "No, I'll forgive you, as long as you will stay my
friend.  Deal?"  Scott grinned, and quickly put up his sword.  "Deal!"
With that Wil pulled his friend in, and slapped him on the back.

	As Scott and Wil had been talking, two guards had finally reached
them.  When Scott saw them, he drew his rapier, and his parrying dirk, and
moved between the guards and Wil.  "Stay behind me Wil, if you see a
chance, run, if not, I'll protect you."  Wil started laughing, and soon the
guards had joined in.  As a bewildered Scott tried to figure out what
happened, Thrin and the other guards, along with Shannon and her father had
also reached them.  Soon everyone except Scott was having a hearty laugh.
As Scott looked around, he could still not see what was so funny.  "Would
someone mind telling me what is so funny?"  Wil pushed Scott's sword arm
down.  "Stay your hand my brave protector, but these are my own guards."
Scott sheathed his weapons, and after a quick laugh, it was Wil's father
who spoke.  "I would like to invite you to join my family and friends for a
feast we are having, after that I would like to discuss what has been
happening.  Would you do me the honor of being my guest?"  Scott made a
quick bow.  "You do me the honor of not having me killed for trespassing,
Highness."

	A few of the guards started to chuckle, and then Shannon stepped
forward.  "See, I told you he has a talent for ruining the mood."  At this
the remaining guards, and everyone else also began to laugh.  Wil looked
towards his father.  "Can I show Scott around, and get him cleaned up for
the meal?  We still have over 2 hours before the meal."  Before Thrin had
even finished nodding his head, Wil had dragged a startled Scott off
towards the castle.

	Wil had given his companion a quick tour.  All Scott saw was a
blur.  He could tell his guide was excited about something.  When Wil
finally stopped walking, he started talking a mile per minute.  "Well, this
is my room, although you already know that don't you?  Yes you do, you've
were here not to long ago.  Please come in.  Can I have anything brought in
for you?"  By this time, Wil was bouncing off the walls.  He was as giddy
as a little boy.  "I thought you wouldn't come back, after leaving me all
tied up, but I hoped you would."

	Scott didn't know what to say or do, but he was getting dizzy
watching Wil.  Scott grabbed hold of Wil's shoulders, and tried to calm the
younger boy.  "Wil, please calm down, please."  Wil was still hyper, and
not paying attention to Scott, so Scott shook him gently.  When his shaking
had no effect, Scott pushed Wil over, and made him fall onto the bed.  "You
can be a royal pain Wil.  Oh, that's right, you are a prince."  Scott
winked at Wil, and then started laughing.  Wil was not the least bit
amused.  "For a thief you can be a ugh, oh well, you can be an ass."  Wil
stuck out his bottom lip, crossed his arms, and made a show of pouting.
Both boys ended up on the floor from their laughter.

	When the boys had recovered, they got up, and Wil noticed how dirty
Scott was.  "You better clean up, before we eat.  Sorry that I had to pull
you off the gate, and made you fall into all of that dirt."  Scott started
to brush off his cloths, but Wil held up his hand.  "Scott, those cloths
might be good for sneaking around, but for an appearance before the Prince,
you need something better.  Since we are about the same height, I will loan
you an outfit to wear, and have your cloths cleaned up while we eat."
Scott didn't look at his friend, and continued to dust off his tunic.  "I'm
sorry Wil, I appreciate the offer, but I just can't accept.  I don't want
to make the appearance anyway, and I don't intend to be in the castle when
the feast starts.  As I told Shannon, this is my good dead, and so far the
only one I have ever done, and I will accept no rewards.  I don't want a
feast in my honor, and I don't want to make the prince mad, so I will leave
secretly."

	"Well, if it helps at all, this feast is for the honor of a couple
of visiting mages, and not for you.  I'm sure my father will thank you
somehow, but the feast would go on one-way or the other.  And Scott, you
will be accepting my offer, this time I will not take no for an answer."
Scott smiled, then mumbled, "You didn't take no for an answer last time,
remember?"  Both boys laughed at the image of Wil tied to his bed in the
nude.

	Wil walked over to his closet, and pulled out a tunic that was
light blue, with gold embroidery, and trousers to match.  He brought them
back, and sat them on the bed.  "All right Scott, these cloths will do
nicely, now get out of your blacks."  Wil sat on his bed, and was anxious
for his personal strip show.  "Go ahead Scott, you have already seen me
naked so what's the problem?"  Scott shrugged and started to take off his
cloths.  He removed all of his weapons, except for the dirk in his boot,
then, laid them on the floor.  Then Scott noticed how close Wil was
watching.  Just for fun, he started to grind his hips, and slowly removed
his tunic.  He then pulled off his boots, and started to pull off his
leggings.  When he was standing in only his small cloths, he stood directly
in front of his friend.

	After teasing Wil for a while, Scott finally stood with no clothing
on.  "Well, what do you think?  And I thought you royal people had
manners."  Wil smiled, then looked confused.  "First off, the body is
great, but what did you mean about my manners?"  Scott began to chuckle.
"I thought it was impolite to drool."  Wil blushed, and turned away from
his friend.  Scott moved until he was sitting right next to his friend, and
staring him in the face.  "I didn't mean to make you blush, I was just
teasing.  Now, if you can do me a favor, I need to clean up a bit before I
get dressed."

	Wil showed Scott where the washbasin was, and then handed him a
towel.  Scott washed his face, arms, and a few other areas that were more
interesting to his friend.  He took every opportunity to but on a show for
Wil, and this did not go unnoticed by the prince.

	Once Scott was clean, he got dressed.  He then went over to the
mirror behind the door, and looked at himself.  "Hey Wil, how do I look?"
Wil walked over, and Scott turned around a couple times to give his friend
a good look.  Wil smiled, and applauded for the show.  "You look good.  I
like you in those colors, although I also liked you without cloths."  Wil
blushed.  "That is the third time in a few minutes that I have said
something I shouldn't have.  Can we talk about something?"  As they were
talking, the boys had moved back to sitting on the bed.  "Sure Wil, what
about?"  Wil looked down at the floor, then, snuck a glance at his friend.
"I think I like you Scott."  "So, what's the problem with that?  You've
been really nice to me, I like you too Wil."

	Seeing that Scott had no idea quite what he meant, Wil dropped the
subject.  "Yeah, I'm glad we're friends."  Then he remembered something
that had slipped his mind when staring at Scott in the buff.  "I noticed a
lot of scares on you, what happened?"

	Since Scott wasn't ready to tell his friend about the rape, he left
that out of his explanation.  "I told you before that I would be beaten for
not kidnapping you.  I was given the choice to either leave the guild, or
take the beating.  I chose to take the beating."  Seeing that Scott didn't
want to say anything more, Wil decided to change the topic.  "At dinner
tonight you'll get to meet Piffin and Griffin.  Those are the two mages I
told you were visiting.  And speaking of dinner, it's time for us to go."
The boys walked side by side, and were soon close to the dinning hall.

				*	*	*

	The twin mages had met in Griffin's room, and were about to leave
for the meal.  "Piffin, I have a strange feeling."  Piffin looked at his
brother and nodded.  "I do too.  I feel like I did when we were near Prince
Wil, but somehow stronger."  Griffin looked at his brother, and without a
word, they both knew that they would soon find out what they were feeling.

***********************************************************************

	If you enjoyed reading Chapter 2 of The Plight of Strolin, please
feel free to contact me at dwpresents@hotmail.com
	Please send only comments that are 'constructive'.
	For those comments that you know I don't want to see, don't bother
typing them.

* I wish to apologize about my email address for the comments I didn't want
that I posted on Chapter 1, because it was only after the chapter was
posted, that I realized there is a biteme.com.