New Horizons

All rights reserved. Other than downloading one copy for personal enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author. As in real life, the sexual themes unfold gradually. . If you are looking for sex on every page, then this is not the story for you. Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author, Dwight Wilson, at adm2780@yahoo.com

This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between males, adult and minor. However, if you have gotten this far in the story, any additional warnings are most likely for naught.

As an author it is a pleasure to both write and to share. I have shared this story for almost four years. In return, I have received many emails expressing the pleasure the story has brought readers. Thank you to all who have sent those messages. However, as with all things, an end must come. What follows is the final chapter.

Chapter One-Hundred Seventeen: New Horizons

"Daniel, can we speak with you a moment?" Mark asked as he approached Daniel in the hall; Elizabeth was with him.

"Sure," Daniel responded. "I was just on my way to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. The governor called a brief recess to our meeting."

"Is everything going like you wanted?"

"Not everything, but I'll have to admit it's going better than I really expected. There's a lot to be worked out, but no one's threatening to leave . . . . yet."

"We've received a number of calls from different news groups wanting to know what's going on, Daniel," Elizabeth interjected, directing the conversation back to the original reason she and Mark needed to speak with Daniel.

Daniel responded with a questioning look and waited for Elizabeth to elaborate.

"Look out front. News vans are parking out front. Reporters are at the driveway wanting in. The only reason they aren't in here now is because of the US Marshals. Whenever you have a group of powerful politicians gathered, news people will show up; add on top of that the dignitaries and federal officials. There's no way this is going to stay quiet."

Daniel took a deep breath and let it out slowly as he stared at the floor.

"Mark, I believe there's an empty room on the other side of the building. Check it out; see if it can be used as a temporary press room. Elizabeth, these people will know you. Suppose you and I walk out front and talk to them. We'll just tell them the governor is here on state business and will give them a press release later."

As they walked towards the front of the property, Daniel asked Elizabeth how things were going with her gathering of the wives.

"Interesting might be a good description at the moment," Elizabeth answered with a smile. "These ladies have really surprised me. They definitely have their own opinions and not all of them agree with their husbands."

"Mmmm. Have they just been playing the role of the dutiful wife?"

"In public, apparently. They don't seem to mind telling one another just exactly what they feel about political issues, and each other, sometimes."

"Sounds entertaining," Daniel responded, laughing.

"Actually, that's a good description, except when I think they may be ready to come to blows. Seriously, though, there is something I wanted to talk to you about. I spoke with your father and he suggested I just lay it out for you."

"Uh-oh, sounds serious. Can it wait until we've talked with these reporters? We can find a quiet place to talk on the way back."

As Daniel and Elizabeth approached the line of marshals blocking entry to the facilities, the members of the press spotted them and rushed forward. Before Daniel and Elizabeth could address them, so many questions were thrown at them at one time that no one question could be understood. Daniel held his hands up as a signal for the people to quiet down so he could speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please," Daniel announced and waited for everyone to be quiet.

"I am Daniel Thompson, head of New Horizons. The lady accompanying me is Elizabeth Risler; I believe most of you are familiar with her as a newscaster in Orlando. At this time we can give you a statement, but we will not take any questions."

"Is it true the governor's here?" a voice called out, either not hearing or ignoring Daniel's statement around not taking questions.

"As I said, we can give you a statement, but no questions at this time. We can confirm for you that the governor and a few members of his cabinet are here. Also with us are representatives of the local, state and federal governments. In addition, we have present representatives from South America. During the raids that were made by the authorities a few days ago it was discovered that some boys that had been kidnapped in South America were being held at one of the facilities. We cannot give you any more details until the data is released by the officials. However, we can . . ."

"Mr. Thompson, why is Elizabeth allowed in and we're not?"

"Ms. Risler is here by special invitation. The invitation was extended prior to the discovery of the events I just mentioned. Out of respect for your profession, and the people that are here, we are asking Ms. Risler to assume the role of press liaison."

Elizabeth, initially surprised but showing a good reporters ability to adjust quickly, placed a hand on Daniel's arm as a signal for him to let her step in.

"At the moment we are setting up a room for the press. Understand that there is limited space, but it should be more comfortable than having to stand out here. If several of you are from the same station or organization, we may have to ask you to choose a representative. Once inside, there are rules that you must follow."

Elizabeth smiled as she turned to look at Daniel. Daniel again stepped forward.

"All of you know that we have a number of boys here taken during the raids. These boys are free, they are not slaves. However, they have been through a lot. No one is to talk with them or even try to approach them. The families of some of the politicians and dignitaries are also here. Do not approach them or attempt to speak with them. If anyone fails to respect these rules, that person will be summarily escorted from the premises and not allowed back in."

"Excuse me, Mr. Thompson," an attractive lady who appeared to be a little older than Daniel spoke up. Because she was polite, Daniel acknowledged her.

"If we cannot approach or interview anyone, how are we supposed to get a story? Can you tell us why all these people are here?"

"To be honest with you, we did not anticipate a large news media presence. That's why we are trying to set up facilities for you now. When I have had the opportunity to speak with the governor and other people, we will make arrangements for a news conference and take questions. When that occurs, I'm sure you will have more than enough information for your stories. In the interim, Elizabeth will try to keep you posted as best she can.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Daniel turned to the full gathering, "thank you for your patience and understanding. You will be escorted to the press room in a few minutes."

Some of the news people still tried to call out their questions as Daniel and Elizabeth walked away. Daniel ignored them and kept walking back toward the offices.

"We should be far enough away from the news hounds that they won't be picking up on our conversation," Daniel commented. "Still like to talk?"

"Yes and no," Elizabeth answered. "I'd like for you to talk, but not to me. A few of the ladies have been sharing their thoughts and experiences with the others. There's one person in particular that I'd like for you to talk with."

"Are you going to tell me why? I know you well enough to know there's more to it."

"She's said enough to convince me that she's Calvin's former mistress. She hasn't told anyone the boy's name, but she doesn't need to. Her story comes too close to Calvin's for her not to be his former mistress. Daniel, all I can tell you is that you'll have to hear and see the emotion in her voice. She cares about that boy and feels guilty that he could be out there somewhere with a cruel master.

"By the way, I haven't said anything to your father yet. I know that he's staying in a room with Calvin right now. He told me that the boy's former master is here and that Calvin has spotted him and is frightened. After the story I heard, I understand why. Your father didn't tell me who the master was, but I think I know now."

"Who do you think is the former mistress or master?" Daniel asked.

"The Karringtons," Elizabeth responded and waited for confirmation.

"Well, since you've guessed that part, I'll also assume you know Karrington's stand on slavery."

"I know his stand by reputation. After listening to Terri, I don't think that's necessarily his personal position. What is he saying in the meeting?"

"I don't know yet," Daniel offered. "He's been pretty quiet, which, when I think about it, could be saying a lot. He's not offering much support, but he's not really opposing anything, either. That could suggest something."

"Daniel, do you think the governor will be able to get something worked out? After all, the ceremony will be tomorrow afternoon and then everyone will be ready to leave. The press will need to be told something or speculation will run rampant."

"They worked late into the night. The governor just told me it was going better than anticipated. Maybe it's time for me to rejoin them. Let's check on the news room first. Then, I'll talk with Terri Karrington."

"Calvin. Son, I want you to listen to me and hear what I'm saying to you. No one will force you to do anything you don't want to do. Understand?"

Calvin looked at Dr. Thompson. The boy trusted the man, but he was still scared.

"Son, you can't go through life being afraid of everything. I know it's been rough, but you can't keep hiding. Mrs. Karrington has told Elizabeth, Daniel and me about the slave boy who became friends with her son. The tone of her voice and the look in her eyes tells us she's honestly worried about you. She was told by the people who ran that place where we found you that you had been sold. They wouldn't tell her to whom and where you were taken."

"It's not my mistress that I'm scared of, sir," Calvin replied. "It's Master. He beat me. He beat me hard and he was so mad at me and all. You weren't there and didn't hear 'im. He said he was gonna beat bad so I'd wish I was dead."

"Calvin," Elizabeth interjected. "I've talked with Mrs. Karrington. I get the feeling that when you were with the Karrington family she didn't treat you like we hear a lot of slaves are treated. Actually, I think she may have treated you more like a member of the family; at least, as much as she could."

Calvin didn't deny what Elizabeth said. Of course, he really didn't know how other slave boys were treated by other families. His reaction was to look at her and give her a nervous smile. Elizabeth continued.

"Calvin, when you were with the Karringtons, other than the last time that Mr. Karrington beat you, did he treat you badly at other times?"

Calvin looked at Dr. Thompson, who immediately understood the problem.

"Calvin, you're free now. You don't have to be afraid to say anything about your former master."

Calvin looked at Dr. Thompson, then Daniel and Elizabeth. It was obvious that he was trying to decide how much he should say.

"Actually, I didn't know it then, 'cause I never talked to another slave boy, but from what the other boys said at that place I guess I got treated pretty good. I mean, Master, he never used me like some of the other boys told me they got used. Sometimes, when he was outside with Mathew, he'd let me come outside and throw a ball with 'em or even play some basketball."

"Calvin, did Mr. Karrington ever say anything to you or do anything, other than to tell you what to do around the house?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes'm, but I didn't always understand what he was talkin' 'bout. I remember one time when I got sick he called a doctor. When the doctor got there, I heard some arguin'. Mathew told me later the doctor said he didn't treat slaves and master told the doctor that I might be a slave, but I was still a sick boy and needed medicine."

"Sounds as though the Karringtons at least tried to be civil to you. Of course, not knowing any other slave boys you wouldn't have known that at the time."

"No, ma'm. But, at the slave place the other boys told me what got done to them sometimes. It sounded bad, real bad sometimes. Still, it wasn't no fun bein' a slave."

"Tell me," Elizabeth continued, "do you miss seeing Mathew or the Karringtons sometimes?'

"Yes, ma'm; specially Mathew. Me and him got to where we were more like friends; until that night anyway."

"Calvin, the Karringtons, including Mathew, are here. I think Mrs. Karrington would enjoy seeing you, knowing that you are alright."

"Do I hafta see Master?"

"No, you don't. By the way, he's not Master anymore. He's Mr. Karrington and you don't have to see him. Would you like to see Mrs. Karrington? We can bring her in here."

"Will you stay with me?" Calvin asked, looking up to Dr. Thompson.

"If you want me to. Yes."

Elizabeth left and returned about ten minutes later with Terri Karrington. As they entered the room, Terri spotted Calvin. She stopped for a moment to look at him. Calvin turned to face her, but held on to Dr. Thompson's hand. Terri approached the boy slowly.

"Calvin, we've missed you," Elizabeth said with tears forming in her eyes.

Calvin looked up at his former mistress. He, too, had tears forming in his eyes. Suddenly, he released Dr. Thompson's hand, wrapped his arms around Terri's waist and began to cry. Terri held the naked boy, gently stroking his back, and let him cry as the others left the room to give them privacy.

"Daniel," Elizabeth spoke after they were out of the room. "There's something that I didn't say in there that may help you and the governor. Terri Karrington told me that after she took Calvin to the facility, Jerry had nightmares for several nights. They were caused by his mistreatment of the boy. She also said that Jerry told her he would never again raise a hand in anger against another boy. When they went to get Calvin and bring him home, and discovered that he was gone, she said Jerry was devastated."

"Sounds as though there was a lot more there than a master-slave relationship," Dr. Thompson commented.

"I agree," Daniel added. "Maybe he's not the ogre personified that his reputation leads us to expect. Elizabeth, why don't you and Dad go out and find Mathew. Maybe he would like to join Calvin and his mother. I think I'm going to drop in on our politician friends and see what's happening."

"Jerry, you seem to be quiet for someone that lead the opposition to New Horizons," Gary Daniels, a representative from the Lauderdale area commented.

Jerry Karrington looked at his fellow career politician and, for the moment, said nothing. He slowly looked around the room at the rest of the men; all of them seemed to be waiting for him to say something. Daniel entered the room quietly and took a seat.

"Well, Gary," Jerry began. "I'm afraid I'll have to acknowledge that you're right. I did lead the opposition to New Horizons just about a year ago. Right now I think . . . no, make that I know, that I'm glad that I failed. I believe Daniel Thompson is to be commended not only for having saved so many boys, but for the campaign he has run to win permanent approval for his program."

Jerry paused, enjoying the look of surprise on many of the men's faces. With the timing of a veteran politician who knows when he has milked all the effect he can from a surprise statement, he continued.

"We had a slave boy in our house. Notice that I said 'had', not 'have'. His name was Calvin. Did any of you know that was the most common name assigned to a slave boy? Records show that almost half the boys came out of training with that name. The boy was placed into slavery and sold to pay his parents' debts. He was a good boy, a good slave . . . . never gave us cause to be concerned. One day I came home and caught him doing something that I thought was just completely horrific. It doesn't really matter what he was doing, only that I disapproved to the extent that I lost my temper. I lost all sensibility and reason. If he'd been a free boy I might have even considered having him enslaved just to get him out of our lives permanently. I hung him by his wrists in the garage and beat him with a leather strap. If he'd been a free boy, I could have been arrested for abuse and imprisoned for a very long time."

"But, that was your right as a master," one man interjected.

Jerry stared at the man for a moment. While his expression remained neutral, inside he was filled with pure contempt.

"By law, you are correct. But, remember who wrote those laws . . . who passed those laws . . . and why. I'll admit that I never thought about it much until that night. When I did think about it, I realized that I wasn't mad at the boy so much for what he had done, but how others might perceive me or members of my family because of it. I had sold out. I sold out not only myself, but my family. I wanted us to be what others thought we should be; which is not always what we really are. As politicians, each of you knows what I'm talking about.

"As candidates, we started out espousing a particular set of values. I bet none of us spared any rhetoric condemning our predecessors for having sold out to the establishment. When re-election time came around we said what we thought the voters wanted to hear. In time, we changed. Who in here can honestly say that they haven't stretched things just a little, if not more, to please a fat pocket contributor? We all know that to hold office we need votes. To win votes takes money. To get the money we make compromises. We became what the big money contributors wanted us to be."

"So what, Jerry?" Gary Daniels interrupted. "We've all done it; had to. So, what's your point?"

"My point?" Jerry replied. "My point is that we all became what we originally opposed. We sold out just like our predecessors sold out. One day there's going to be some young buck step up to the plate and accuse us of the very thing we accused our original political opponents of doing; selling out to the big bucks. There's not one of us in this room that can deny that it's been big business that's driven the slave laws to where they are today. There's not one person in this room that can deny having supported those laws because that's what the big money in our respective districts wanted. If one of you can deny it, speak now."

Daniel eased his way out of the room while Jerry waited for someone to deny the accusations.

"That's what I thought," Jerry continued. "Our silence screams the truth. Every one of us has prostituted ourselves to the big money. Gentlemen, almost every person in this room is a family man. Some of us have grown children and grandchildren. Should something happen to you, and your family find itself in a financial hardship, would you want your child or grandchild sold into slavery to pay the debts? Sounds like a foolish question, doesn't it? But, is it? Isn't that exactly what we have done to other families with these laws?

"We have been presented with the perfect opportunity to correct our sins. Under the New Horizons program the cost of caring for the children will not totally rest with the taxpayers and voters. Daniel Thompson has big business backing him. He has made numerous appearances, in person and on the media, and created a ground swell of support. Those people supporting his program are the very people that will vote in the next elections to keep us or throw us out for not staying in touch with our constituents' feelings."

Karrington again paused, knowing that no politician liked the idea of losing.

"I said the cost would not rest totally with the taxpayers. The taxpayers will have to take on part of the cost; but, is that really so bad? We are one of the few states without an income tax. We have some of the lowest property taxes in the nation. I haven't thought this through enough to suggest how to provide funds to the program. All I know is that we need to do this."

"Are you advocating total abolition?" a voice called out.

"Senator, right now the only thing I'm advocating is that we need to fix a system that we have allowed to get completely out of control. No, I'm not suggesting that we totally abolish slavery. I see nothing wrong with taking adults that refuse to abide by the laws of society and turning them into slaves. However, that's a far cry from taking innocent children and enslaving them because of someone else's mistakes.

"If the governor will forgive me being so presumptuous, I have a suggestion. Let's take a brief recess. Go outside and look at the children. While you are looking at them, maybe recognizing a few since many of us brought our own sons with us and they are with the other boys, playing, think about what you want to do. Think about what you want to do not from your big money supporters' perspective, but from the perspective of a parent.

"When we come back in here, I propose . . . .."

Jerry noticed that everyone had focused on something behind him. He turned around to see what had distracted his fellow politicians.

"Dad?" Mathew said, almost sheepishly.

Terri stood in front of Daniel. On her right, she held Mathew's hand. On her left, she held Calvin's hand. Jerry approached them, slowly, gently. He reached over and lovingly rubbed Mathew's head. He smiled at his wife and, then, turned to face Calvin. Calvin looked down at the floor as his slave training required.

"Calvin," Jerry whispered almost as a question.

"Master," Calvin replied.

"No, Calvin. You are free and I'm not your master."

Calvin remained standing, looking at the floor, shaking and keeping almost a death grip on Terri's hand. Jerry slowly knelt to look at the boy. He placed a gentle hand on either side of the Calvin's hips.

"Calvin, please look at me so I can tell you that I'm sorry. I am, son. I am sooo, sooo sorry; I was wrong."

Calvin looked up. He looked into Jerry's eyes. Both man and boy had trouble seeing through the tears that welled in their eyes. The boy understood what he was being told.

"Governor, is it true? Are you here with members of your cabinet to draw a bill to abolish slavery?"

The governor smiled and waited for the news people to calm down. The smile was because he never ceased to be amazed at how the press managed to find out, or guess, what might be happening behind closed doors.

"What about the people from South America, governor? Who are they? Why are they here?"

"Ladies and gentlemen," the governor tried to settle the people down so he could talk. "Please. Please quiet down and be patient. I have a brief statement to make and then, when I'm done, I will take a few questions."

The governor then paused as the news people began to try to quiet down their own.

"First of all, the officials from South America are here to escort, and return to their home, some young men who were kidnapped and brought here illegally. The federal officials are here to assure their safety and their privacy. I am not at liberty to give you any details until we have consulted further with the South American representatives.

"Secondly, I will confirm to you that I am here with a few members of my cabinet, notably Amos Crawford and Ron Wilson. Since you are aware of the raids that recently took place, I'm sure you can understand why they are here.

"Third, I made a promise to the members of the news media when I first took office. I promised to be as open and honest with you as possible, whether the news be bad or good. Therefore, I will confirm for you that certain elected officials are here meeting with us. We are not discussing the abolition of slavery.

"The people of this state have stated on more than one occasion that they will not tolerate a country club atmosphere in our penal institutions. Modern slavery was originally based on the premise that if a citizen refused to get a job and become a contributing member of society, then the rest of society would not support them, but provide a means for them to work and make a valuable contribution to society. There is general agreement that that should not change without the consent of a majority of the people.

"However, there is also agreement that, perhaps, the slavery system has been pushed a little too far. We moved from merely enslaving those unwilling to assume proper responsibility for their actions, to making innocents pay for the sins of others. I am not at liberty to disclose the content of the current talks beyond what I have said. However, I believe I have said enough for you to come to your own conclusions. We will attempt to keep you informed as matters progress."

"Governor! Governor!" a reporter called out. "A question. Please."

One young reporter attempted to gain the governor's attention by asking to be acknowledged while all the others attempted to scream louder than their contemporaries. The governor acknowledged the young reporter.

"Governor, I've been here since yesterday afternoon. I believe that I have seen Mssrs. Karrington, Baker, Daniels, and others who are outspoken supporters of the current system. Are you telling us they are agreeing to modify the current system?"

The governor looked at the young reporter and smiled. He was young, and obviously, inexperienced in politics.

"Sometimes an elected official will say what he or she believes is expected. Sometimes, an elected official will say what he or she feels in their heart. When this is over, I'll let you decide where these officials are speaking from."

The governor heard a sound, turned and looked over his shoulder as Karrington and Baker entered the room. Behind them was Dr. Thompson with Terri, Michael and Calvin.

"Senator Karrington," a reported called out. "Senator Karrington! Are you here to support the governor's program?"

"Senator," another reported called out. "Isn't that naked boy back there your son?"

Jerry looked at the second reporter and then back to his son. He held his hand up as a sign for the people to be quiet. When the reporters were quiet he silently looked around the room and then spoke to the group.

"I have always found it interesting that people who rely upon both the written and spoken word can sometimes abuse it so badly. I'm talking about people from all walks of life. Politicians, to be sure; salesmen, teachers, and even reporters."

Jerry paused, turned to the two boys and signaled for them to step up next to him. They stepped around the podium to be in full view of the reporters.

"The boy standing to my right is my son, Michael. The boy standing to my left will soon be my son, if he is willing. I will tell you now, because I know you won't stop digging until you can find out something to use to write another story, the boy standing to my left was formerly our slave boy, Calvin. Know now, and print this, Calvin is no more. His name is to be changed to Christopher Thomas Karrington.

"You asked me about the naked boys. With the boys' permission, I will ask you to look at them. The boys are not naked, they are nude. There's a big difference. Look in the dictionary and you will find that naked is not only being without covering. It is to be stripped, destitute, defenseless and unprotected. In law, it is to be unsupported and hollow. No, these boys are anything but naked. They are nude, which merely means they are without covering. Why should they have covering? Years ago we recognized that children are born with an innocence and purity, and a beauty, that is to be admired. I can also assure you that neither of these boys is destitute, unloved or unprotected. As far as I'm concerned these boys may, no, let's make that I prefer that they go nude for so long as that innocence and purity prevails. To see them in all their natural beauty is something that all of us should appreciate and remember. In return, my wife and I will do our best to protect them and smother them with love. We will protect them and guide them. They are our future."

Daniel stood to the right of the ceremonial altar, the position of honor reserved for the immediate family members of the honorees. Standing with him were Michael, Dr. Thompson and Grandpa Smith. Several of the boys, including Danny, were dressed as Cherubs. Only this time, they were not Cherubs, but boys dressed in the traditional garb of ceremonial assistants. On the left side of the altar stood the governor and his cabinet, the politicians and other government officials. The South American ambassador stood with the governor's group acting as interpreter.

The boys had made it through the test of the ceremonial hut. Each had experienced a vision and the priest was interpreting that vision for the people. Evan was a visionary; TJ a healer. Brian and Josh were strong of spirit; they would lead and protect.

Daniel had initially been reluctant to consent to a portion of the ceremony. It was only when he had been assured, more than once, that the boys would not be hurt, or feel any pain, that he agreed for them to let themselves be marked. A salve was rubbed into the skin covering the left pectoral, just above the heart. The salve numbed the nerve endings. At the end of the ceremony the boys would be marked with a sunburst symbol about the size of a nickel coin, forever marking them as members of the Maya.

"Daniel," Dr. Thompson spoke softly. "I think all of us were more than a little surprised this morning when the chief and ambassador told us about the reward for the two sets of twins. That money will go a long way for the other boys."

"I know," Daniel replied. "Five million dollars will help a lot, but first, we need those laws changed."

"Oh, I don't think there will be much problem with that now. As I understand it several of the politicians have voiced plans that go well beyond anything you had hoped for."

"I hope so, Dad, I really do. When Senator Karrington stood before that room of reporters and admonished them for saying the boys were naked, I just wanted to jump up and shout. I relive those words in my head several times each day."

"I understand. It was quite a surprise; a pleasant one, though."

"Daniel," Grandpa Smith was now next to Daniel. "Have you heard about the annual stipend for the four boys? You know the tribe will deposit funds to New Horizons accounts annually to pay for the boys' care and educations."

"It was mentioned to us, Grandpa. However, no one has given us a figure; it didn't seem appropriate for me to ask."

"Well, why don't we just say that the tribe expects you to take very good care of the boys and understand that it can be very expensive. The tribe expects nothing less than first class."

Daniel watched as the salve was rubbed onto the four boys' chests. One by one the priest extended his right hand, placing it over the boy's left pectoral. Daniel noticed the boys seemed to tense a little, but there was no other reaction.

"Relax, Daniel," Michael almost whispered to his partner. "I checked on what they were using. There's no threat of harm to the boys. It feels like a mosquito bite to them. When the salve wears off, we have an ointment to use to prevent infection and any discomfort. Those boys will be going around showing their marks off to everyone."

Daniel smiled, knowing Michael was right, at least about the showing off part.

Near the end of the ceremony, Daniel was surprised when he was called to the altar. Dr. Thompson was asked to accompany him. For what he had done for the boys, Daniel was also adopted into the tribe as a protector and advisor to the boys. Daniel was a little surprised when he was asked to remove his shirt. The salve was rubbed in and the mark made. At the end, Daniel was presented with the feathered robe of a noble.

Daniel and his group watched as the last of the official vehicles pulled away. As the cars departed, two large busses pulled into the parking lot. The busses would take the boys to Fort Ogden and a new life.

Danny had removed his loincloth and again ran around in all his natural beauty; Danny being Danny. As the adults watched and talked amongst themselves, Danny stood quietly. Like most small children, Danny knew when to be quiet for just a few minutes, but that didn't keep him from fidgeting as he repeatedly poked the fingertips on his right hand into the palm of his left hand. The little boy didn't fully understand what had been happening, but he was okay with that. He was with Daniel and the others who mattered to him.

Daniel knelt down to talk to Danny.

"Hey, Little Man, you ready to go home?"

Danny stopped fidgeting and with the irresistible charm and smile of a small child, he tilted his head to one side and said, "I'm hungry."

Daniel laughed, as did the rest of the group.

"I think someone is getting ready to do a lot of growing, given how much he's been eating lately. How about we find you a snack and then we'll get on a bus with the rest of the boys and go home?"

Danny's response was to smile some more and jump at Daniel, wrapping his arms around the man's neck.

As Daniel stood, Danny held on to his neck. Daniel took a good grip on Danny's thighs and helped the boy climb up on his shoulders for the walk down to the mess hall. Daniel had taken only a few steps when he had to quickly turn his head to avoid a sharp little knee in the face.

"Sean!" Danny turned and cried out. "Sean! C'mon! We're goin' home."

The End

Epilogue

Daniel and Michael sat together in the dignitaries box. The box was a slightly elevated platform in the middle of the large meeting hall. Surrounding them were many guests. Daniel considered the most important to be the boys of New Horizons. Boys? Daniel assumed they wouldn't object to him referring to them as such; now, most of them were grown men. Some had married and had families of their own; some remained single. Some were professionals, some were still in school; all were a credit to society.

It was hard to believe that eight years had flown by since that fateful raid in South Florida. Six boys were returned to their homes. Four other boys were adopted into the Mayan culture. Another boy was returned to his former master who became his adopted father. An ardent supporter of civil enslavement became an outspoken advocate for children's rights. The fight to repeal laws that allowed children to be enslaved wasn't easy. When big business learned of the proposal, they mounted a strong, well-financed campaign to stop the legislation. Politicians from both sides of the aisle and powerful members of society joined together to fight the big money. Daniel remembered the times the polls showed they were losing the battle. Those polls served to push his team harder. The turning point came when Daniel's group decided to reveal who held the stock in some of the larger businesses that profited from child enslavement. There were some who really didn't understand that their investment counselors had invested retirement accounts in the enslavement of children. When the names became public, some turned their loyalties, others adamantly denied the allegations, a few lost their positions in the next election.

The deciding factor was when the governor issued his proclamation freeing all child slaves. Many declared that he had exceeded his limits of authority. The governor declared that if Abraham Lincoln could do it for the nation two hundred years earlier, he could do it for his state. The governor forced a vote not only in the legislature, but at the polls. A prohibition of civil enslavement became part of the state constitution.

Michael nudged Daniel in the ribs. Daniel had been daydreaming while Governor Karrington sang the praises of New Horizons and its leader. He also lauded the man known to all simply as Grandpa. Grandpa died less than two years after civil slavery ended, but he got to see the dream come true. He also helped to guaranty that New Horizons would survive for many years to come.

Grandpa, as it turned out, was an extremely wealthy individual. Everyone knew that he had many contacts and was comfortable, but no one expected the level of wealth he actually possessed. He was an unassuming man who appreciated the simpler things life offered him. He thought the sun rose and set around two of New Horizon's boys. On his death bed, he asked only to be able to see them one more time.

Daniel remembered the then fifteen and sixteen year old TJ and Evan, and that time. A tear came to his eye. Grandpa had long since assured the two boys of a college education and a good start in life. All he asked was a few minutes of their company once in a while. Everyone knew that the boys engaged in physical satisfaction with the old man, but the boys seemed to enjoy it as much as he did. Grandpa was just that to the boys, their grandpa. When informed of Grandpa's wish, the two boys didn't hesitate to go to him. Both boys, freshly showered and nude, lay on the bed next to the dying man. Lying on their sides, each boy lay a head on a bony shoulder and cocked a leg over the man's legs. Daniel cleared the room, leaving the two boys crying, hurting from the loss they would have to endure. They lay unmoving as the man they lovingly called Grandpa took his last breath.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I could stand here all night and tell you of the good that Daniel Thompson and New Horizons have done for this state. As a politician, I have colleagues, and some who are not necessarily colleagues, that can vouch for my ability to rattle on. However, we are here to dedicate this new youth ranch, and this magnificent residence hall, Smith Hall. No one can do that better than the young man who worked his way into all of our hearts more than eight years ago with his smile and special way he looked at us. It is my pleasure to introduce, along with a few friends, Daniel Thompson III."

As the curtains opened, there were many oohs and aahs as the boys stepped forward. Dressed as cherubs, they stepped fort slowly, deliberately. Each of the older boys held the hand of a little brother. Daniel looked at their leader who had grown into a boy who was more beautiful and loving with each passing year; of course, those were the observations of a proud father. Daniel wiped a tear from his cheek as Danny began.

"Hi, my name is Danny and me and my friends are here to visit with you."

Danny smiled and cocked his head over in his own inimitable way. The crowd stood and applauded. As the crowd applauded Danny looked directly at Daniel. Was that a twinkle in his eye, or a tear? His expression conveyed the deep love of a boy for the man he had chosen on that first day to be his dad.

Thank you for reading my story. I hope you derived as much pleasure reading it has I did in writing it.

Dwight Wilson